Acupuncture Needle Sensations Associated with <i>De Qi</i> : A Classification Based on Experts' Ratings

Abstract

Data from experienced acupuncturists have been analyzed to provide two separate clusters of sensations associated with acupuncture needling: a de qi cluster and an acute pain cluster. In the design of experimental trials involving acupuncture needling, researchers will find these two clusters of sensations useful for monitoring and controlling for variation in needle sensation.