Research Trends on the Human Anatomy Structure of Acupoints Using Imaging Devices in China

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.