Cerebral FMRI Study On Electroacupunctur Shenmen(HT7) And Sanyinjiao(SP6) In Treating Insomnia

Objective To explore the cerebral function mechanism of insomnia treatment by electro-acupuncture on HT7 (Shenmen) and SP6 (Sanyinjiao) through the technology of fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging).Methods 13 dextromanual volunteers with average age 23.33-year-old (21-27) were enrolled, and divided into two groups. Insomnia group consisted of 7 insomniacs (3 males and 4 females), while normal group consisted of 6 healthy persons (3 males and 3 females). BOLD (blood oxygenation level dependent) scanning by fMRI were conducted under conditions of no stimulus, electroacupuncture on double side HT7 and SP6. The data were pretreated and analyzed by SPM software. During statistical analysis, one sample t text of SPM basic model was used to do analysis, and Reblocked method was used to do data reprocessing analysis.Results Normal group were observed encephalic region activation mainly in the left Cingulate Gyrus(BA31), the right Cingulate Gyrus(BA24), the right Uncus(BA34), etc. Insomnia group were observed different encephalic region activation mainly in the right thalamus(Ventral Anterior Nucleus), the left medial globus pallidus, the left head, the right caudate head, the right putamen, the left Precentral Gyrus(BA9). The Insula(BA13) was observed to be activated in both groups.Conclusion 1. Electroacupuncture on HT7 and SP6 stimulate encephalic regions and tissues which is related to insomnia closely.2. Insomnia treatment mechanism by electroacupuncture on HT7 and SP6 may because electroacupuncture stimulate cerebral sleep-regulating center, which integrates afferent and efferent message and regulates sleep.3. Electroacupuncture on HT7 and SP6 presented two-way regulation functions, through inhibiting thalamus hyperirritability caused by insomniac's arousal maintenance and strengthening the function of sleep-related system recession.4. Through stimulating different pathways, electroacupuncture on HT7 and SP6 could contribute to sleep by regulating the mood and relieving the pressure.