Objective To observe the dynamic changes of ultrosonographic images of Zusanli(ST 36)area during Deqi after inserting acupuncture needles

so as to provide objective evidence for clinical Deqi.Methods Sixty healthy volunteers(30 men and 30 women)were recruited in the present study.The subjects were asked to take a supine position on a test-bed

sterilized disposable filiform needles were perpendicularly inserted into bilateral ST 36 till Deqi(without lifting

thrusting and twirling)

when

high-resolution ultrasound scanning was conducted over the regional skeletal muscles by using a radio-frequency(5-12 MHz)coil probe(Philips IU Elite Ultrasound Diagnostic Instrument)after smearing a layer of gel at the skin of ST 36.Results Among these 120 points of the 60 volunteer subjects

a marked Deqi was obtained from 108 points(consisting of 90%)including52 points in men and 56 in women

and 53 at the left ST 36 and 56 at the right ST 36.Ultrosonographic scanning displayed that when a strongest Deqi feeling was obtained from bilateral ST 36 in these 60 volunteers

the acupuncture needle-tip was about(25.32±5.82)mm in the vertical depth

and was(5.45±0.55)mm lateral to the tibia

involving the anterior tibial muscle near the deep fascia in 46 acupoints

and the intersection fascia of anterior tibial muscle and extensor digitorum longus in 62 acupoints.Conclusion The anterior tibial muscle near the deep fascia and the intersection fascia of anterior tibial muscle and extensor digitorum longus around ST 36 are involved in strongest Deqi.There are no significant differences in the gender and location(left and right).