The Historical Development ofDeqiConcept from Classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine to Modern Research: Exploitation of the Connotation ofDeqiin Chinese Medicine

Abstract

Although it is difficult in fully clarifying its mechanisms and effects,Deqistill can be considered as an instant “sign” of acupuncture response of the patient and acupuncturist, which has a significant value in clinic and research. This paper aims to take a history trace to the development ofDeqitheory, understand the connotation ofDeqibased on Chinese medicine theory, and establish an evaluation methodology accordingly. We believe thatDeqiis not only the needling sensation, but also the perception of changes ofqi'flowing of the patient elicited by needling on acupoints. The signs ofDeqiinclude the patient’s subjective perception (needling sensation), the objective physiological changes (common referred to the skin redness around the acupoints and the response of brain), and the acupuncturists' perception. AlthoughDeqiis essential for attaining the effect, it may not be the necessary sign of the ideal efficacy. It is found that the characteristics ofDeqisensations,Deqi’s intensity, time duration, and the propagation will all affect the efficacy. Thus, acupuncturists should pay attention to elicit and controlDeqistate, which is also the key point in modern research on the therapeutic implications ofDeqi.