Background: In China, Jin's three-needle acupuncture therapy has been widely used for stroke treatment. However, its mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Jin's three-needle acupuncture therapy on stroke patients using multi-channel EEGs.
Materials and methods: Fifty stroke patients participated and their EEG signals were recorded before, during, and after acupuncture.
Results: Comparing with baseline before acupuncture, the alpha rhythm was significantly increased during the acupuncture needle retention stage and became stronger after removing the needles. The increase of alpha rhythm occurred when inserting and removing the needles, with its high amplitude remaining during retention and after removal of the needles. As the alpha rhythm was significantly correlated with patients' movement and daily-living abilities, the alteration of alpha rhythm during and after acupuncture suggests a possible electrophysiological mechanism of the curative effect of acupuncture for stroke rehabilitation.
Conclusion: From the electrophysiological study, Jin's three-needle acupuncture therapy is efficient in stroke patients.
Keywords: EEG; Jin’s three-needle acupuncture; alpha rhythm; stroke.