Modernization of Traditional Acupuncture Using Multimodal Computer-based High-tech Methods—Recent Results of Blue Laser and Teleacupuncture From the Medical University of Graz

High-tech multimodal biomedical methods for computer-based stimulation and quantification of peripheral and central effects of acupuncture used at the TCM Research Center Graz at the Medical University of Graz, Austria.

Multifunctional helmet constructions for acupuncture research. Left: Helmet containing computer-controlled ultrasound measuring devices for recording cerebral blood flow velocity in eight different depths, active electrodes for electroencephalographic recordings and sensors for near-infrared spectroscopy. Center: Multidirectional ultrasound probe holder construction for simultaneous measurement of blood flow velocity in different arteries in the brain. Right: Construction for the application of laser needles.

The non-invasive blue laser acupuncture stimulation and measurement procedure (measurement points a-f).

The first “blue laser acupuncture” using a wavelength of 405 nm. Note the significant increase in microcirculation (Flux1, F1; blue curve) 1 mm beside the blue laser needle at the acupoint Hegu (LI.4). Temperature at this location (T1, same as F1) was measured using thermal infrared imaging. Note also the increase of temperature from 33.9°C to 36.6°C in the region of interest (compare measurement points a-f in Figure 3). Flux2 (F2) and temperature (T2, location same as F2) were recorded at the index finger.

Changes in flux (= product of concentration and velocity of erythrocytes) and temperature 1 mm beside Hegu (LI.4; Flux1, Temp1) and at the tip of the index finger (Flux2, Temp2). Note the significant increase in microcirculation (Flux1) during acupuncture (compare ). The ends of the boxes define the 25th and 75th percentile, with a line at the median and error bars defining the 10^th and 90^th percentiles. The dots are single values outside the error bars.

The first teleacupuncture measurement between Europe (Graz) and Asia (Beijing). The graphic shows sympathetic and vagal activity and this can be used to indicate the patient's health and quality of sleep. The success of the manual needle acupuncture therapy can be quantified using modern technology. Acupuncture points: Xinshu (UB.15), Geshu (UB.17), Shenshu (UB.23) and Dachangshu (UB.25). Up to now (June 18^th, 2009), 12 teleacupuncture experiments have been successfully performed.