Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast X-ray CT imaging of acupuncture points

• DOI: 10.1007/s00216-011-4913-7
• Publication Date: 2011-04-08T22:47:01Z
• Authors: Dongming Zhang; Xiaohui Yan; Xinyi Zhang; Chenglin Liu; Ruishan Dang; Tiqiao Xiao; Peiping Zhu
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Microvessels; Animals; Rabbits; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Acupuncture Points; Synchrotrons

Three-dimensional (3D) topographic structures of acupuncture points were investigated by using synchrotron radiation in-line X-ray phase contrast computerized tomography. Two acupuncture points, named Zhongji (RN3) and Zusanli (ST36), were studied. We found an accumulation of microvessels at each acupuncture point region. Images of the tissues surrounding the acupuncture points do not show such kinds of structure. This is the first time that 3D images have revealed the specific structures of acupuncture points.