Review Article

Is Deqi an Indicator of Clinical Efficacy of Acupuncture? A Systematic Review

Table 3

A summary of mechanism studies on needling intensity and Deqi.

Study IDAcupointsInstrumentResults

Deng and Zhou
2010 [59]
ST36PowerLab 4/25A marked difference was observed in muscular contractility at Deqi depth compared with that at two non-Deqi depths.
Choi et al. 2012 [60]SP6, SP9, ST36, GB39SASSPressure pain threshold and Deqi sensation increased as acupuncture simulation intensified (needling with rotation > deep needling > superficial needling).
Park et al. 2011 [61]NAUltrasound imaging Pricking and sharp sensations appeared more frequently when shallower tissues were needled, whereas deep, dull, heavy, spreading, and electric feelings predominated in deeper tissue levels. The introduction of needle rotation in addition to oscillation intensified deep, dull, and heavy rather than pricking and sharp sensations.

Abbreviations: NA: not available; SASS: subjective acupuncture sensation scale.