Publication Type
Journal Article
Version
publishedVersion
Publication Date
6-2017
Abstract
This study aims to explore the potential use of ultrasound in locating the second posterior sacral foramen acupuncture point, quantifying depth of insertion and describing surrounding anatomical structures. We performed acupuncture needle insertion on a study team member. There were four steps in our experiment. First, the acupuncturist located the acupuncture point by palpation. Second, we used an ultrasound machine to visualize the structures surrounding the location of the acupuncture point and measure the depth required for needle insertion. Third, the acupuncturist inserted the acupuncture needle into the acupuncture point at an angle of 30°. Fourth, we performed another ultrasound scan to ensure that the needle was in the desired location. Results suggested that ultrasound could be used to locate the acupuncture point and estimate the depth of needle insertion. The needle was inserted to a depth of 4.0 cm to reach the surface of the sacral foramen. Based on Pythagoras theorem, taking a needle insertion angle of 30° and a needle insertion depth of 4.0 cm, the estimated perpendicular depth is 1.8 cm. An ultrasound scan corroborated the depth of 1.85 cm. The use of an ultrasound-guided technique for needle insertion in acupuncture practice could help standardize the treatment. Clinicians and students would be able to visualize and measure the depth of the sacral foramen acupuncture point, to guide the depth of needle insertion. This methodological guide could also be used to create a standard treatment protocol for research. A similar mathematical guide could also be created for other acupuncture points in future.
Keywords
Acupuncture, biomechanics, complementary medicine, movement, ultrasound
Discipline
Medicine and Health Sciences | Psychology
Research Areas
Psychology
Publication
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies
Volume
10
Issue
3
First Page
216
Last Page
219
ISSN
2005-2901
Identifier
10.1016/j.jams.2017.03.001
Publisher
Elsevier
Citation
LEOW, Mabel Qi He, CUI, Shu Li, MOHAMED SHAH, Mohammad Taufik Bin, CAO, Taige, TAY, Shian Chao, TAY, Peter Kay Chai, & OOI, Chin Chin.(2017). Ultrasonography in acupuncture: Uses in education and research. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 10(3), 216-219.
Available at: https://ink.library.smu.edu.sg/soss_research/2314
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Additional URL
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2017.03.001