Advantages and disadvantages of acupoint observation by imaging device
Imaging Device | Advantage | Disadvantage |
---|---|---|
MRI | -Can observe internal structures of acupoint layer by layer | -Cannot observe actual stimulation targets during needling -Requires high skill in using the imaging device |
CT | -Can observe internal structures of acupoint layer by layer with needle | -Cannot observe actual stimulation targets during needling -Radiation exposure risk -Requires high skill in using the imaging device |
US | -Can observe actual stimulation targets during needling- Convenient to use the imaging device and low risk to the body | -Large gap in the quality of observation results depending on practitioners’ skill level -Blurry sight of screen results |
CT : computed tomography, MRI : magnetic resonance imaging, US : ultrasonography.