Korean Journal of Acupuncture

Society for Meridian and Acupoint (경락경혈학회)
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Research Trends on the Human Anatomy Structure of Acupoints Using Imaging Devices in China

영상기기를 활용한 경혈의 인체 해부구조에 대한 중국 내 연구 동향

  • Soyoung Kim (KM Data Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM)) ;
  • Purumea Jun (KM Data Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM)) ;
  • Sanghun Lee (KM Data Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM))
  • 김소영 (한국한의학연구원 한의약데이터부) ;
  • 전푸르메 (한국한의학연구원 한의약데이터부) ;
  • 이상훈 (한국한의학연구원 한의약데이터부)
  • Received : 2024.06.17
  • Accepted : 2024.08.08
  • Published : 2024.09.27
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Abstract

Objectives : Acupuncture is recognized as a significant therapeutic method in traditional medicine, underscoring the importance of precise understanding of acupoint locations and anatomical structures. The aim of this study is to investigate trends in anatomical studies of acupoint using imaging devices in China through literature search. Methods : This study utilized Chinese databases CNKI, WANFANG, and WEIPU to search for articles. The analysis focused on the publication status of articles by year, types of imaging devices, research subjects and methods, and criteria for acupoint locations. Results : A total of 15 articles were selected in this study. The first article was published in 1996. Articles were published at a rate of less than one per year until 2020, but rapidly increased to three and six in 2021 and beyond. Studies using ultrasonography were the most prevalent, followed by Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI) and Computed Tomography(CT) scans. There were eight studies conducted on healthy volunteers, six studies observing both healthy volunteers and cadavers, and also studies involving patients with specific medical conditions. Various criteria were employed to determine acupoint locations, including the WHO standard, national administration of traditional Chinese medicine nomenclature and location of acupoints, as well as references from literature. Conclusions : In China, researches are actively being conducted to observe the anatomical structure of acupoints using various imaging devices. Recent trends indicate an increase in studies utilizing ultrasound and there is a growing focus on exploring the locations that elicit the sensation of "obtaining qi" rather than just the anatomical locations of acupoints. Through this study, it is hoped that the appropriate utilization of imaging devices will lead to various studies aimed at elucidating the characteristics of the anatomical tissues actually stimulated during acupuncture, thereby increasing the safety and efficacy of acupuncture treatments.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

본 연구는 한국한의학연구원 'AI 한의사 개발을 위한 임상 빅데이터 수집 및 서비스 플랫폼 구축(KSN1922110)' 및 한국연구재단 '난치성 통증 치료를 위한 마이크로니들 기반의 무선 전자약 및 원격의료 핵심기술 개발(NSN2213080)' 사업지원으로 수행되었다.

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