Actively Recruiting
fMRI Evaluation of Auricular Acupuncture Targets: An Exploratory Clinical Study
Led by Jiangsu Taizhou People's Hospital · Updated on 2026-01-12
32
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
5 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study employs resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) to examine whether auricular press needles acupuncture modulates functional connectivity between the insula and medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC), in a manner comparable to transcranial vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), and to assess its association with interoceptive improvement. By establishing a neurophysiological baseline for auricular vagus nerve stimulation (aVNS) in the healthy brain, the research aims to clarify its regulatory mechanisms in cognition and emotion. The findings provide a key theoretical and evaluative framework for translating aVNS into clinical applications for insomnia and depression.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
fMRI Evaluation of Auricular Acupuncture Targets: An Exploratory Clinical Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age between 18 and 30 years
- Basically normal diet and sleep
- No history of mental illness
- No contraindications for MRI such as metal implants, pacemakers, or claustrophobia
- Willing to participate and able to sign informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Presence of skin lesions on the ear or allergy to adhesive ear patches
- Currently receiving regular acupuncture treatment
- History of bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulants
- Previous history of fainting during acupuncture
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Taizhou People's Hospital affiliated to Nanjing Medical University
Taizhou, Jiangsu, China, 225300
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Number of Arms
2
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