What is meant by the term deqi?
Deqi in classical terms is a subjective sensation experienced when the acupuncture needle has reached a certain depth of tissue. Classical it was thought that deqi was an indication of the arrival of Qi and that the needle has been placed in the proper area that would enable the flow of energy (Qi) throughout its corresponding meridian. The contemporary approach looks at these sensations of numbness, soreness, heaviness, and distension to be caused by anatomical structures (nerve trunks, nerve branches, periosteum, oponeurosis, tendons, ligaments, and muscles). Deqi is thought to be a pre-requisite in the development of acupuncture analgesia. Research is suggesting that receptors are found in deep tissues, particularly those of muscles that are responsible for these sensations.
