We present the first investigation of electrical corrosion in acupuncture needles after electrical stimulation. Using scanning electron microscopy, we observed the occurrence of electrochemical corrosion on the surface of stainless steel 304 acupuncture needles after electrical stimulation in the tibial muscles of rats. Biphasic pulse electrical stimuli with 10-Hz frequency, 1-mA intensity and ...

Isozymes of glutathione reductase (GR) have been purified from red spruce (Picea rubens Sarg.) needles. Two isozymes could be separated by anion-exchange chromatography from both nonhardened or cold-hardened tissue. Based on chromatographic elution profiles, the isozymes were designated GR-1NH and GR-2NH in preparations from nonhardened needles, and GR-1H and GR-2H in preparations from hardened...

Acupuncture is a therapy based on sensory stimulation of the human body by means of metal needles. The exact underlying mechanisms of acupuncture have not been clarified so far. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become an important tool in acupuncture research. Standard acupuncture needles, which are made of ferromagnetic steel, however, are problematic in acupuncture-fMRI studie...