Objective To observe the blood perfusion levels in different facial acupoint regions and changes after acupuncture stimulation of Hegu(LI 4).Methods Thirty healthy volunteer subjects were equally divided into control group and acupuncture group.Blood perfusion levels of different facial acupoint areas were detected using a Laser Doppler Imager.Acupuncture stimulation was applied to bilateral Hegu(LI 4) by using two filiform needles which were manipulated for a while till "Deqi"

followed by keeping them in position for 30 min.The needles were then manipulated once again every 10 min.Results The blood perfusion levels of facial acupoint regions were from 0.73 to 1.17 PU in healthy volunteers

with relatively higher levels being in Juliao(ST 3)

Kouheliao(LI 19)

Sibai(ST 2) and Chengqi(ST 1) regions and relatively lower levels in Xiaguan(ST 7)

Qianzheng(Ex-HN) and Sizhukong(TE 23) regions

but without significant difference between the isonym acupoint areas of the bilateral face in the control group.Following acupuncture stimulation of bilateral Hegu(LI 4)

the blood perfusion volumes were remarkably increased in the acupoint regions on bilateral sides of the face(P<0.05

P<0.01).Conclusion Acupuncture of Hegu(LI 4) can effectively increase blood perfusion volume of the acupoint areas of the bilateral face in healthy volunteers.