Thermovisual evaluation of acupuncture points

The aim of our study is to evaluate the temperature distributions around th e acupuncture points and channels by visualizing the infrared emissions ema nated from the human skin. Our thermal imaging system that is the most sens itive to 10um long infrared wavelength allows us to recognize the actual lo cation of acupuncture point and analyze its functional condition by examini ng the temperature gradient between the point and its surrounding skin area . The temperature perception of acupuncture point on extremities is especia lly important since its location and functional condition have a tendency t o be altered if one contract disease such as immunodeficiency, arterial hyp ertension, and dyskinesia of biliary ducts. Also, thermovisual examinations over the acupuncture points allow us to perform the objective medical trea tments by observing the transition of temperature gradients.