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Effect of Acupuncture on Human Brain Activity

Modulatory Effect of Acupuncture on Human Brain Activity

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00079898
Enrollment
Unknown
Registered
2004-03-19
Start date
2002-07-31
Completion date
2005-04-30
Last updated
2008-01-25

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Healthy

Brief summary

The purpose of this study is to use brain imaging technology to examine the way acupuncture affects brain function.

Detailed description

Acupuncture is emerging as an important procedure in complementary medicine. Its mechanism of action remains unclear, but research suggests that its effects are mediated through a widely connected network that is involved in the regulation of mood, behavior, and function of physiological systems. This study will use functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor the effects of manual acupuncture on the brain function of study participants. Participants in this study will undergo acupuncture one needle at a time. Researchers will then ask participants questions about how they feel and will compare the sensations reported by participants to their images of brain response.

Interventions

PROCEDUREAcupuncture

Sponsors

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
Lead SponsorNIH

Study design

Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* In good physical health

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026