High-velocity insertion of acupuncture needle is related to lower level of pain.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to explore the effects of different acupuncture insertion velocities.

DESIGN

This study was performed as a within-subject design to control for individual differences. The biomechanical properties of needle insertion and accompanying subjective acupuncture perception was compared between different insertion velocities.

SETTING

The setting for this study was the laboratory of acupuncture meridian and functional neurology, Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University.

SUBJECTS

Sixteen (16) healthy volunteers participated in the study.

INTERVENTION

An acupuncture needle was inserted to the acupoint LI4 by an acupuncture needle insertion device (ANI-KY) at high or low speed of needle insertion.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Biomechanical properties such as force and depth were measured online by sensors equipped with the ANI-KY device. Participants filled out a questionnaire about acupuncture sensation or perception.

RESULTS

Acupuncture needle insertion at a higher velocity was linked with higher maximum power, lower level of pain, and de qi-like perceptions such as "compressing" and "heavy" (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that needle insertion velocity might be a factor for controlling inadvertent pain during the acupuncture needling process and that biomechanical properties of needling may be related to acupuncture perception or sensation.