top of page
Search

📌 The Deqi Sensation in Acupuncture: A Detailed Explanation


The Deqi (得氣, pronounced "duh-chee") sensation is a fundamental and often sought-after phenomenon in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) acupuncture, literally translating to "Arrival of Qi (Vital Energy)." It signifies that the acupuncture needle has successfully engaged the body's energetic system at the specific acupoint, which is considered a prerequisite for achieving the full therapeutic effect.


Patient's Subjective Experience


Deqi is primarily characterized by a complex cluster of subjective sensations felt by the patient immediately around the needle site, and sometimes radiating outward along the meridian pathway. This is distinct from sharp or superficial pain, which is considered an improper needling technique.

The four most common descriptors in TCM (known as 痠, 麻, 脹, and 重) are:

  • Aching/Soreness (痠): A deep, dull, heavy ache in the tissue.

  • Numbness/Tingling (麻): A sense of electrical tingling or mild numbness.

  • Distention/Fullness (脹): A feeling of pressure, swelling, or fullness in the area.

  • Heaviness (重): A palpable feeling of weight or sinking.

Other commonly reported sensations include warmth, spreading, radiating, or an internal throbbing. These sensations are generally tolerable, often described as "strange but good," and are a sign that the treatment is engaging the body's healing mechanisms.


Practitioner's Objective Perception


The Deqi phenomenon is also felt by the acupuncturist through the needle itself, a feeling often referred to as "Needle Grasp" or "Arrival of Qi."

  • Tugging/Resistance: The practitioner feels a distinct increase in resistance, tightness, or "tugging" on the needle, as if the tissue is grasping or grabbing the needle.

  • Fullness: They may sense a feeling of fullness or heaviness through the needle, indicating proper connection to the Qi.

A skilled practitioner will often manipulate the needle—using techniques like rotation, lifting, or thrusting—until this sensation is reliably elicited, confirming the activation of the point.


Significance for Therapeutic Efficacy


From the TCM perspective, achieving Deqi is paramount.

  • Activation of Meridians: It confirms that the needle is influencing the flow of Qi and Blood within the Meridian (Jing-Luo) system, which is believed to be essential for resolving blockages and restoring balance.

  • Prognosis Indicator: The prompt arrival and intensity of Deqi are often used as a clinical indicator of the patient's prognosis, suggesting the body has sufficient "antipathogenic Qi" to engage with the treatment.


Modern Physiological Understanding


Modern research, using tools like fMRI, is attempting to correlate the subjective Deqi experience with measurable physiological changes:

  • Nerve Fiber Activation: Deqi sensations appear to be associated with the activation of different types of sensory nerve fibers (A-delta and C fibers) in the deeper tissues, which transmit information like deep pressure and dull pain, distinct from the sharp pain carried by fast A-beta fibers.

  • Connective Tissue (Fascia): Research suggests that the "needle grasp" sensation is due to the mechanical coupling and winding of connective tissue (fascia) around the needle during manipulation, which transmits a mechanical signal into the deeper tissues.

  • Brain Response: Functional MRI studies have shown that Deqi stimulation at true acupoints elicits distinct and specific brain responses—particularly in areas related to sensation, pain, and emotion—compared to non-acupuncture points.


In summary, the Deqi sensation is the clinical confirmation that the acupuncture point has been properly stimulated, acting as a vital bridge between the ancient theory of Qi and the measurable biological response of the patient's nervous and connective tissue systems, all of which contributes to the healing outcome.


Experience the therapeutic sensation of Deqi for yourself at Nacha Clinic. Book your appointment now!

📍Location: Nacha Clinic 227 Sukhumvit 77 (Soi On Nut) Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana Bangkok 10110

🕒Hours: Open 10:00-20:00 Tuesday-Sunday: By appointment only

📱Contact: Call/Whatsapp: +66 85 593 6654

💬Line: @nachaclinic

Website: www.nachaclinic.com IG/Facebook : Nachaclinic

Directions:

🚈A 5-minute walk from BTS On Nut Station (Exit 1) Motorcycle taxi available from the station

🚗 Convenient parking available at Big-C Onnut or Onnut Market


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page