OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF BIRD-PECKING MOXIBUSTION OF SPECIFIC ACUPOINTS IN THE TREATMENT OF FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of moxibustion of some specific acupoints for treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD, qi-distension type). Methods:A total of 50 cases of FD patients were randomly divided into treatment group (n=26) and medication group (n=24). In treatment group, bird-pecking moxibustion was applied to Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Neiguan (PC 6) and Gongsun (SP 4) 5～6 times in every treatment till the local skin got flush. The treatment was given once daily, continuously for 10 days. In control group, the patients were ordered to take Motilium 10 mg/time, 3 times daily. Following 10 days’ treatment the therapeutic effect was assessed.Results:After treatment, of the 26 cases in treatment group, 11 (42.3%) were cured, 7 (26.92%) had remarkable improvement in their symptoms, 6 (23.07%) had improvement and 2 (7.69%) failed, with a total effective rate of 92.31%. Of the 24 cases in medication group, 9 (37.50%) were cured, 6 (25.00%) experienced remarkable improvement in their symptoms, 6 (25.00%) were improved and 3 (12.50%) failed, with a total effective rate of 87.50%. Comparison between two groups showed that the therapeutic effect of moxibustion was significantly superior to that of medication (P<0.05). In addition, the difference value of the therapeutic effect index (TEI) between post-and pre-treatment in treatment group was also significantly higher than that of medication group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Bird-pecking moxibustion of specific acupoints can effectively improve clinical symptoms of FD patients.

PRESENT SITUATION OF STUDY AND VIEW ON FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA TREATED WITH SPECIFIC ACUPOINTS IN ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture plays a dominant role in treating functional dyspepsia （FD）. By reviewing and e- valuating clinical ROT and fundamental research with high quality in the past 17 years, it is found that specific acupoints are the chief in the treatment of FD; additionally, there are differences between specific acupoints and non-specific acupoints in therapeutic effect, explaining that the specificity of meridian points plays an im- portant role in treatment. However, because of inadequate high-quality researches in clinics, the specificity of acupoints can＇t be proved until the researches of clinical effect and mechanism of therapeutic difference are intensified.

Editor's Choice—Specificity of acupuncture acupoints:observation by functional magnetic resonance imaging

Acupuncture at certain acupoints （specific sites for needle insertion） can induce the activation of specific regions of the brain. This activated brain region influences the target organ or tissue in order to treat the disease. Acupoint specificity is the basis of acupuncture therapy.

A study of acupoint specificity and mechanism of electroacupuncture intervention on chronic colitis in rats based on PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Objective:This study aimed to elucidate the differences in effects and mechanisms of action of electric-needle therapy at Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)and Shang Ju Xu(ST37)acupoints on chronic experimental colitis in rats through the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.Methods:Sixty pathogen-free SD rats were randomly assigned to six groups:the normal,model,Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)and Shang Ju Xu(ST37)groups,each with 10 rats.Chronic colitis was induced in rats by combining immunization and local stimulation.After model establishment,electrical needle intervention combined with dispersing wave of 2 Hz/50 Hz with a current intensity of 2 mA once daily for 20 min was applied on acupoints of each group.Subsequently,the inflammation of colonic mucosa and serum levels of inflammatory factors(IL-23,IL-17,IL-10)were observed;ELISA was used to detect mRNA expressions of PI3K,Akt and mTOR in colitic tissues by RT-PCR as well as protein content of p-PI3k/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,and p-mTOR/mTOR in colitic tissues by Western blotting.Result:Compared with the normal group,the model rats showed a poor general condition,serious damage to the colonic mucosa with a large number of inflammatory cells infiltration.The serum IL-23 and IL-17 expressions were significantly increased(P<0.01),while the serum IL-10 expression was significantly decreased(P<0.01);the mRNA and protein expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR and p-PI3K,p-Akt and p-mTOR were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the pathological slices of rats in each acupoints intervention group showed obvious improvement of colitis inflammatory reaction and tissue damage;the serological levels of IL-23 and IL-17 were significantly reduced(P<0.01),while the serology level of IL-10 was significantly increased(P<0.01);the expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR mRNA and p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)groups,the recovery degree of mucosa layers in Shang Ju Xu(ST37)group was closer to that of normal group,and the curative effect was relatively the best;in terms of serological levels of IL-23 and IL-17,the Shang Ju Xu(ST37)group was significantly lower(P<0.05),while the level of IL-10 was significantly higher(P<0.01);the expressions of PI3K,Akt,mTOR mRNA and p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR proteins were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion:Results indicate that electrical acupuncture at Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25),Zu San Li(ST36)and Shang Ju Xu(ST37)show similar effects in relieving the colitis-induced damage in the mucosa of chronic colitis rats,as well as inflammatory response.Among them,Shang Ju Xu(ST25)has a superior overall effect in treating chronic colitis compared to Tian Shu(ST25),Da Chang Shu(BL25)and Zu San Li(ST36).The mechanism may be related to inhibition of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Specific cerebral activation following true and sham Waiguan(SJ 5) needling Functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence

Positive activation and negative activation of glucose metabolism can be detected in different brain regions under acupuncture conditions using functional magnetic resonance imaging （fMRI） which reveals acupoint function and location-acupoint specificity. This study observed the regional cerebral activation of the Waiguan （SJ 5） acupoint following true needling at the true Waiguan acupoint, sham needling at the true Waiguan acupoint and true needling at a sham point using fMRI. The fMRI results demonstrated that compared with sham needling, true needling at Waiguan activated the BA8 area and left cerebellum. Compared with needling at the sham point, needling at Waiguan activated the BA2 area, the left cerebellum and the right inferior semilunar lobule. Thus the activated brain areas caused by needling Waiguan may be the basis for treatment of certain diseases.

Cerebral functional imaging of Waiguan (SJ 5) acupoint specificity using single-photon emission computed tomography

The action of needling in acupoint therapy has to first be regulated and integrated by the brain, and then it affects the target organ and manifests its therapeutic effects, which is dependent on the specificity of the acupoints. The authors put forward the hypothesis of the ＂acupoint-related brain＂. Single-photon emission computed tomography was used to explore the activation of brain regions following true needling in true acupoint Waiguan （SJ 5）, sham needling in true acupoint Waiguan, true needling in a sham point, and sham needling in a sham point. The relative specificity of Waiguan in normal persons was analyzed by observing changes in regional cerebral blood flow. Compared with the sham needling in true acupoint group and sham needling in the sham point group, acupuncture at Waiguan can activate brain regions controlling movement. Compared with true needling in the sham point group, acupuncture at Waiguan can also activate brain regions controlling movement. The results suggest that the specificity of needling at an acupoint is related to certain activated cerebral functional regions, which are associated with the clinical application of the acupoint.

Positron emission tomography study of the specificity of Waiguan (SJ 5) acupoint

Functional brain imaging studies of the specificity of acupoint stimulation have revealed that needling at particular acupoints can induce activation of corresponding brain areas, examined in physiological and pathological states. The present study examined Waiguan （SJ 5） as the acupoint of interest. We tested five conditions： a true needling at true acupoint group, a sham needling at true acupoint group, a true needling at sham acupoint group, a sham needling at sham acupoint group, and a healthy control group. We examined changes in glucose metabolism in different functional cortical regions to determine the specific brain activation elicited by acupuncture at Waiguan. The results revealed that true and sham acupuncture at the same acupoint activated different brain regions. In addition, applying acupuncture at a genuine acupoint and a neighboring sham acupoint activated different brain regions. These findings suggest that acupuncture at Waiguan causes activation in some brain regions.

Acupuncture at the Taixi(KI3) acupoint activates cerebral neurons in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment

Our previous ifndings have demonstrated that acupuncture at the Taixi （KI3） acupoint in healthy youths can activate neurons in cognitive-related cerebral cortex. Here, we investigated whether acupuncture at this acupoint in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment can also activate neurons in these regions. Resting state and task-related functional magnetic resonance imaging showed that the pinprick senstation of acupuncture at the Taixi acupoint differed signiifcantly between elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment and healthy elderly controls. Results showed that 20 brain regions were activated in both groups of participants, including the bi-lateral anterior cingulate gyrus （Brodmann areas [BA] 32, 24）, left medial frontal cortex （BA 9, 10, 11）, left cuneus （BA 19）, left middle frontal gyrus （BA 11）, left lingual gyrus （BA 18）, right medial frontal gyrus （BA 11）, bilateral inferior frontal gyrus （BA 47）, left superior frontal gyrus （BA11）, right cuneus （BA 19, 18）, right superior temporal gyrus （BA 38）, left subcallosal gyrus （BA 47）, bilateral precuneus （BA 19）, right medial frontal gyrus （BA 10）, right superior frontal （BA 11）, left cingulate gyrus （BA 32）, left precentral gyrus （BA 6）, and right fusiform gyrus （BA 19）. These results suggest that acupuncture at the Taixi acupoint in elderly patients with mild cogni-tive impairment can also activate some brain regions.

穴位刺激调控自主神经系统的区域异质性

Acupoints on the different parts of the body surface vary in regulating the autonomic nervous system(ANS),exhibiting differences in the acupoint specificity in terms of the distributing directions of sympathetic and parasympathetic branches.The paper introduces the rules of acupoints on the corresponding body surfaces in modulating ANS based on their location at four limbs,abdomen,sacrum,head and face,suboccipital and lateral cervical region and auricle(concha).The fundamental rule of acupoint heterogeneity in ANS regulation is that:all acupoints can induce somatic-sympathetic reflex.The regional heterogeneity of acupoints in ANS is shown:by the fact that stimulation beyond a certain intensity can induce systemic autonomic effects.The acupoints on the abdomen act on the sympathetic nervous system,those at concha on the vagal system and those on the sacral region on the sacral parasymathetic system.The heterogeneity of acupoints in regulating ANS refers to co-effects of acupoints specific effect(within segments) and its systemic effect(whole body),which embodies the specificity of acupoints structure.The acupoints on the same body surface regions display the homogeneity of modulation.Mastering the heterogeneous characteristics of acupoints in modulating ANS is particularly conductive to constructing the theoretical basis of acupoints in clinical acupuncture treatment for systemic diseases.

针灸治疗功能性消化不良的穴位组方随机对照试验数据挖掘

Background:The aim of the study was to explore the regularity of acupoints combination in the treatment of functional dyspepsia(FD)by means of data mining technology.Methods:We conducted a systematic search of nine databases from their inception to December 2022 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials(RCTs).The acupoints prescriptions in the treatment of FD were extracted and analyzed based on association rule mining and network analysis.Furthermore,the acupoints prescribed for irritability symptom of FD were quantified by forward inference,reverse inference and Bayes factor(BF)correction.Results:A total of 45 RCTs on 30 acupoints were included,involving 172 times the total application frequency.Analysis of acupoints prescriptions covered 29 meridian acupoints and one extra-ordinary point,disturbing in 10 meridians.The top three acupoints in application frequency were Zusanli(ST36,19.77%),Neiguan(PC6,16.86%),Zhongwan(CV12,12.21%).The most involved meridian was the foot yangming stomach meridian(34 times).The most frequently used acupoints combinations were PC6 and ST36.The core prescriptions were ST36,PC6,Tianshu(ST25),CV12.The specificities of acupoints selection for FD with dysphoria as follows:using the forward inference,PC6,Taichong(LR3),Qimen(LR14),CV12,Danzhong(CV17),ST25,ST36 were selected.Using the reverse inference and BF correction,PC6,CV12,CV17,Sanyinjiao(SP6),ST25,ST36 were selected.

An infrared thermographic analysis of the sensitization acupoints of women with primary dysmenorrhea

OBJECTIVE:To explore the sensitization acupoints of women with primary dysmenorrhea(PD)by comparing infrared radiation temperatures between acupoints and non-acupoints.METHODS:We tested 10 acupoints of every woman with PD and healthy subjects on premenstrual,menstrual,and postmenstrual days using an infrared imaging device.The primary outcome was the absolute value of body surface temperature difference(AVTD)between the left and right sides of the same testing point.RESULTS:A total of 58 PD patients and 57 healthy volunteers completed the test from May 2016 to May 2017.Compared with the healthy group,we observed a significant reduction and increase in the AVTD in Taichong(LR3)and Sanyinjiao(SP6),respectively,during menstrual days in the PD group(P=0.01;P=0.04);while during postmenstrual days,all AVTDs of Shuiquan(KI5),Diji(SP8),and Xuehai(SP10)were diminished in the PD group(P=0.01;P=0.03;P=0.01,respectively).No significant differences in AVTD were detected at any other points or testing times.CONCLUSIONS:Compared with the healthy group,the AVTDs of Taichong(LR3),Sanyinjiao(SP6),Shuiquan(KI5),Diji(SP8),and Xuehai(SP10)at menstruationrelevant points of PD patients were sensitized,providing a reference for the selection of acupoints in the treatment of PD.

Progress of reseach on specificity of meridian acupoint efficacy

The status quo of study on specificity of meridian acupoints is summarized in this article through retrieval of relative literatures published in the recent 10 years in databases such as CNKI and SCI. The result indicates that specificity, which is brought into play through the inner biological mechanism, can be found in meridian acupoint efficacy. However, problems still remain since studies at present are still not systematic, comprehensive and scientific. In the future, relative studies should be carried out on extensive diseases and disease models with modern scientific technologies and equipments, strict as well as scientific experimental designation and evaluation methods.

Cluster Analysis for Acupoint Specificity of Acupuncture Effect Based on Cerebral Infarction Rat Model

Objectives： To study the acupoint specificity through the comprehensive evaluation of the acupuncture effect on rat model with the middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. Methods： Duplicated MCAO model by Zea-longa＇s thread ligation was assessed by Zausinger＇s six-point method, and rats with 1-3 scores were chosen to be grouped. According to the randomized and controlled principle, rats were divided into 6 basic control groups （including normal group, sham group, model control group, model group without intervention, Nimodipine group, lateral-to-Renzhong group） and 6 acupuncture groups [including Neiguan （PC6） group, Weizhong （BL40） group, Chize （LU5） group, Sanyinjiao （SP6） group, Renzhong （DU6） group and non-acupoint group]; in each acupoint or non-acupoint 9 different parameter combinations were respectively set by orthogonal intersection method. There were in total 60 groups, and each group had 12 rats. The rats were treated by acupuncture with the lifting-thrusting manipulation every 12 h, in total 6 times. Indices of neurobehavioral scores, cerebral blood flow, infarction rate, microcirculation, and light microscope, etc. were measured. In order to comprehensively evaluate the acupuncture effect to research the specificity of acupoint, a cluster analysis was made with SPSS17.0 for the comprehensive effect scores of the samples computed according to the comprehensive evaluation models, and then sorting and classification were made for the comprehensive effect scores. Results： In the acupuncture groups every acupoint had different therapeutic effect due to different acupuncture parameter combinations; among the acupuncture groups the orders of curative effect were as followings： Neiguan group was of exceptional result, Weizhong group and Sanyinjiao group were of valid results in upper level, Chize group and Renzhong group were of valid results in lower level, and non-acupoint group was of invalid result; the therapeutic result of acupoint group was superior to non-acupoint group; and the curative effect of acupuncture group was also superior to basic control group. Conclusion： The acupoint has the specificity of acupuncture effect, and the acupoint specificity is relative.

Study of the thermal pain threshold latency of acupoints based on Fei Teng Ba Fa

Objective： By applying moxibustion to the eight confluent points in different periods of time, to observe the changes in thermal pain threshold latency of acupoints based on Fei Teng Ba Fa. Methods： A total of 468 healthy college student volunteers received moxibustion at the eight confluent points in three different periods of time, i.e. Chen （7：00-9：00）, Wu （11：00-13：00） and Xu （19：00-21：00）. The thermal pain threshold latency was adopted to measure the changes in pain threshold of the eight confluent points under different conditions （different periods of time, different genders, different acupoints and different states of the acupoints） based on Fei Teng Ba Fa. Results： Finally, thirty subjects dropped out and 438 subjects were included. The comparison of thermal pain threshold latencies of the eight confluent points in the same opening or closing state based on Fei Teng Ba Fa： latencies of the closing points and adjunct points were significantly different in different periods of time （P〈0.05）, the latencies of the males were significantly longer than those of the females （P〈0.05）; there was no significant difference in the latency between the left and right sides （P〉0.05）; in the female group, there was a significant difference in the latency between the lower-limb points and the upper-limb points （P〈0.05）. The comparison of thermal point threshold latencies of the eight confluent points in different opening or closing state： in the period of Wu （11：00-13：00）, the latencies of the opening points were significantly longer than those of the closing points and adjunct points （P〈0.05）; for men, their opening and closing points had significantly longer thermal pain threshold latencies than their adjunct points （P〈0.05）; despite the gender, the latencies of the upper limb opening and closing points were significantly longer than the latency of the adjunct points （P〈0.05）; in the female group, the latencies of the lower-limb opening points were significantly shorter than those of the lower-limb closing and adjunct points （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Based on Fei Teng Ba Fa, the pain thresholds of the eight confluent points vary in different periods of time, gender, acupoint location and opening/closing state, which can be taken as the evidence of making time-based acu puncture-moxibustion prescriptions.

Study on the body surface temperature variation patterns of the meridian acupoints related to the physiological status of the uterus

Objective:By observing the body surface temperature changes of different meridian acupoints located at the same or adjacent spinal segments of the uterus during the whole storing and releasing process of the uterus under normal physiological condition by the infrared thermal imaging technology,to explore the specific patterns that the functions of Zang-fu organs are reflected on the biophysical characteristics of acupoints,and to enrich the functional specificity theory of the meridian acupoints,thus to provide a reference for discussing the biophysical characteristics of meridian acupoints associated with the menstrual cycle in healthy female college students.Methods:Ninety healthy subjects were included.Infrared thermal imaging device was used to detect the body surface temperature of the Yuan-Primary points,the Xi-Cleft points,the crossing points,the non-specific points,the unrelated meridian acupoints and the non-meridian non-acupoint points of the three yin meridians of foot located at the same or adjacent spinal cord segment with uterus,during the menstrual phase,the follicular phase,the ovulation phase and the luteal phase.The absolute skin temperature difference between the left and right acupoints with the same name was used as the main outcome indicator.Results:The temperature difference between left and right Diji(SP 8,the Xi-Cleft point of the Spleen Meridian)during the ovulation phase was significantly higher than that during the other 3 phases(all P<0.05).There was no statistically significant difference in the temperature difference between the other meridian acupoints and non-meridian non-acupoint points during the 4 phases(all P>0.05);the absolute temperature difference value of each meridian acupoint was not statistically different from each other in the same phase(all P>0.05).Conclusion:The temperature of Diji(SP 8)specifically reflected the onset of ovulation,and the thermal characteristics of Diji(SP 8)specifically reflected the physiological changes of uterus.The meridian acupoints reflecting the performance of Zang-fu function is not only associated with the spinal cord segment innervating the acupoints,but also associated with the characteristics of the acupoints and the meridians to which the acupoints belong.

Progress of Research on Specificity of Meridian Acupoint Efficacy

Acupuncture point specificity is the theoretical basis for meridian and acupuncture theory. Also it is the key factor for the efficacy of acupuncture treatment. Studies on acupoint specificity have aroused wide interest in scholars both at home and abroad. Some researchers abroad do not support acupoint specificity. Chinese scholars have, after years of research, preliminarily confirmed the existence of acupoint specificity. However, there is still no conclusive evidence to support acupoint specificity in terms of its specific physiological foundation, underlying mechanism and laws. This paper summarizes and analyzes basic and clinical researches on acupoint specificity in biological structure, physiology and acupoint effect, provides clues for further studies and develops the theoretical basis for acupont specificity.

Analysis of Similarities and Differences of the Twelve Jing-Well Acupoints for Emergency

The twelve Jing-Well acupoints are located at the tips of the limbs,with strong stimulation andintense needling sensation,and play important roles in the treatment of various critical diseases.The twelve Jing-Well acupoints share similarities and have specificities in the treatment of critical and severe diseases.The similarities of the twelve Jing-Well acupoints are supposed to open the orifices and remove blockage,clear away heat,resolve swelling,dissolve toxin and remove blood stasis.The Jing-Well acupoints locate at the different positions also have their specific effects for emergencies.Shaoshang(LU 11)is supposed to clean and benefit the throat.Shangyang(LI 1)is supposed to clear away heat and purge Fu organs.Lidui(ST 45)is supposed to expel fire and stop fear.Yinbai(SP 1)is supposed to stop bleeding and correct collapse.Shaochong(HT 9)is supposed to clear away heat from the heart and get rid of vexation.Shaoze(SI 1)is supposed to dredge the breast collateral.Zhiyin(BL 67)is supposed to promote birth and smoothen delivery.Yongquan(KI 1)is supposed to nourish yin and suppress yang.Zhongchong(PC 9)is supposed to benefit the orifice and brighten the eyes.Guanchong(TE 1)is supposed to clean and promote the triple energizer.Zuqiaoyin(GB 44)is supposed to induce menstruation and stop pain.Dadun(LR 1)is supposed to clear away the liver fire and relieve hernia.It is advisable to identify the similarities and differences and apply different stimulating modes in order to guide the clinical practice and enhance the emergency effect.

Study on the acupoints belonging to the three yin meridians of foot reflecting the variation pattern of uterine qi and blood in women with moderate constitution

Objective:To observe the blood perfusion volume variation pattern in the body surface microcirculation at the Yuan-Primary and the Xi-Cleft points during the menstrual cycle in female college students with moderate constitution under normal physiological state of the uterus;to explore the specific laws of the body surface microcirculation at the Yuan-Primary and Xi-Cleft points in response to the uterine qi and blood changes under normal physiological conditions,and to provide the experimental basis for the specificity of acupoints reflecting the uterine function.Methods:Forty-three healthy and moderate constitution female college students with regular menstrual cycles,without dysmenorrhea and not yet giving birth were recruited.Bilateral Yuan-Primary points[Taichong(LR 3),Taibai(SP 3)and Taixi(KI 3)]and Xi-Cleft points[Zhongdu(LR 6),Diji(SP 8)and Shuiquan(KI 5)],belonging to the three yin meridians of foot and adjacent to the spinal cord segment of the uterus,were selected as the detection acupoints;the crossing point of the three yin meridians of foot[Sanyinjiao(SP 6)],the uterus-related meridian acupoint[Xuehai(SP 10)],the uterus-non-related meridian acupoint[Xuanzhong(GB 39)],and the non-meridian non-acupoint point were selected as the control points.The laser speckle blood flow imaging technique was used to monitor the blood perfusion volume in skin microcirculation at the above points at the menstrual,follicular,ovulatory,and luteal phases of the subjects.Results:The blood perfusion volume in the body surface microcirculation at the right Zhongdu(LR 6)at the ovulatory phase was higher than that at the menstrual,follicular and luteal phases(all P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the microcirculation blood perfusion volume at the other points among different phases(all P>0.05).Conclusion:The blood perfusion volume in the body surface microcirculation at Zhongdu(LR 6),the Xi-Cleft point of the Liver Meridian,shows a specific response to qi and blood changes in the uterus of women with moderate constitution.

BASIC STUD Peculiar Phenomena During Resistance Detection of Acupoints

Studying on resistance specificity of human acupoints is one of the major subjects in the research on acupoint specificity. Even since a long time ago, many methods have been put forward in the detection of acupoint resistance specificity. From the vertical lengthways of the acupoint structure, the methods and means are put forward to detect the acupoint resistance in a series of studies. In the studies, some peculiar phenomena are found out in the detection of the acupoint resistance, and some phenomena are interrelated with the volume conductor characteristics of the human body, and some phenomena might be interrelated with the detecting methods and means. By the summary and analysis of those peculiar phenomena, references are offered to the relevant researchers engaged in the detection of the acupoint resistance.

Overview of researches on central action mechanism of needling Zusanli(ST 36)

The contents about the central action mechanisms of needling Zusanli（ST 36） were sorted by summarizing the relevant literatures published in the past 10 years, and it was found that： by comparing acupuncture at Zusanli（ST 36）, other acupoints or sham points, most studies showed that Zusanli（ST 36） had relatively specific characteristics in the brain function response; studies on the central action mechanisms of Zusanli（ST 36） were mainly focused on sequelae of cerebral apoplexy, pain, gastrointestinal diseases, weight loss and drug addiction withdrawal and so on; acupuncture manipulations, stimulation methods, individual differences, stimulation quantity, and stimulation duration, etc. could also induce different brain function responses; acupuncture at Zusanli（ST 36） had an after-working effect, also called long-term effect, but with poor repeatability. So, it was suggested that the future studies should focus on the factors that affect the clinical efficacies and experimental results, including the compatibility effects of the acupoints, reproducibility of research results, sample size, acupuncture methods, long-term effects and disease entities.