Researchers have used advanced brain imaging to better understand how acupuncture affects the nervous system. A study published in NeuroImage (2001;14:60-66) used positron emission tomography (PET) scans to examine brain activity before and after acupuncture treatment. PET scans measure metabolic activity in tissues, allowing researchers to observe changes in brain function.
In the study, 13 healthy adults underwent PET scans before and approximately 25 minutes after acupuncture. The researchers observed changes in activity in several brain regions involved in pain processing, including the anterior cingulate cortex, insula, cerebellum, and frontal cortex. While this small study does not prove that acupuncture treats chronic pain, it provides evidence that acupuncture can influence brain activity in areas associated with pain perception.
