Functional neuroimaging: review of methods and applications to acupuncture research

Functional neuroimaging techniques represent an innovative technological advance in recent neuroscience research. The non-invasive nature of single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) have made it possible to visualize not only the structure but also the function of the brain. Pioneering researchers have begun to apply these methods to acupuncture research. As the sensitivity and resolution of functional imaging technology continues to advance, there will be increasing opportunities for researchers to explore neural correlates of acupuncture efficacy as well as acupuncture's biological mechanisms. This paper provides an overview of recent developments in neuroimaging methods, introduces basic assumptions, limitations and advantages of selected methods, and discusses applications to acupuncture research and study design issues.