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Table 2 Comparison of frequency of sensations between acupuncture and tactile stimulation, all acupoints pooled

From: Characterization of the "deqi" response in acupuncture

 

Acupuncture

Tactile stimulation

Fisher's

Sensations

N

%

SE

N

%

SE

p

Aching

28

62.2

7.5

3

6.7

3.8

0.0001

Soreness

25

55.6

7.7

5

11.1

4.8

0.0001

Pressure

23

51.1

7.7

8

16.9

5.8

0.0001

Heaviness

12

26.7

6.8

3

6.7

3.8

0.01

Fullness

7

15.6

5.6

1

2.2

2.3

0.03

Warm

10

22.2

6.4

1

2.2

2.3

0.004

Cool

7

15.6

5.6

4

8.9

4.4

0.30

Numbness

18

40.0

7.6

5

11.1

4.8

0.002

Tingling

26

57.8

7.6

11

24.4

6.6

0.001

Dull Pain

14

31.1

7.1

1

2.2

2.3

0.0002

  1. When grouped across all acupoints (N = 45), virtually every sensation demonstrated a significant difference in frequency of experience between acupuncture and tactile stimulation control. In acupuncture, aching was the most frequent sensation followed by soreness, pressure, tingling, numbness and dull pain. Tingling and pressure were the two most common sensations in tactile stimulation control. SE = Standard Error.