Acupuncture induced phantom limb and meridian phenomenon in acquired and congenital amputees. A suggestion of the use of acupuncture as a method for investigation of phantom limb
Xue, C.C.
Chinese Medical Journal 99(3): 247-252
1986
ISSN/ISBN: 0366-6999 PMID: 3095054 Document Number: 274126
Phantom limbs and phantom meridians were experienced by 25 acupunctured acquired and congenital amputees including those who failed by other methods. The phantom limbs elicited by acupuncture were complete, alive, bright, and nearly in the size of the actual limbs the patients should really possess. Acupuncture is a good method for researching phantoms and treating phantom and stump pains. The discovery of the phantom meridian favorably supports the genetic therory of body schema. Phantom meridians are thought to be a functional phenomenon of the cerebral cortex and formed phylogenetically. Therefore, a meridian center in the brain is suggested.