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eCAM 2005 2(3):315-319; doi:10.1093/ecam/neh110
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© The Author (2005). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.
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Review

Investigating Acupuncture Using Brain Imaging Techniques: The Current State of Play

George T. Lewith1,*, Peter J. White2 and Jeremie Pariente3

1Primary Medical Care, School of Medicine, University of Southampton UK, 2School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Southampton UK, and 3Neurology Department, Purpan Hospital Toulouse, France

We have systematically researched and reviewed the literature looking at the effect of acupuncture on brain activation as measured by functional magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography. These studies show that specific and largely predictable areas of brain activation and deactivation occur when considering the traditional Chinese functions attributable to certain specific acupuncture points. For example, points associated with hearing and vision stimulates the visual and auditory cerebral areas respectively. Pain, however, is a complex matrix that is intimately intertwined with expectation. Acupuncture clearly affects this matrix in both specific and non-specific manner that is consistent with its specific clinical effects, as well as the effects of expectation on pain relief. This article summarizes the current imaging literature.

Keywords: acupuncture – imaging – review

*For reprints and all correspondence: Dr George Lewith, MA DM FRCP MRCGP, Complementary Medicine Research Unit, Primary Medical Care, Aldermoor Health Centre, Aldermoor Close, Southampton SO16 5ST, UK Tel: +44 (0)2380 241073; Fax: +44 (0)2380 701125; E-mail: gl3{at}soton.ac.uk


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