MENTAL MODEL · M0464

Propagated Sensation along Channels

Learn & MetacognitionHigh supportCognitive Science

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Version 1.0.0 · Updated 2026-07-30

CORE DEFINITION

During acupuncture, the patient experiences a sensation of soreness, numbness, distension, and pain that propagates along the channel pathway. "When Qi arrives, there is efficacy."

SCAFFOLDING EFFECT

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Connection confirmation (Ping). How do you know the needle is placed correctly? Not by looking at the scale, but by the "Deqi" sensation. This is an immediate biofeedback confirming that you have connected to the body's energy network.

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Propagated sensation along channels (PSAC) is the phenomenon where, after acupuncture elicits Deqi, sensations such as soreness, numbness, distension, and heaviness propagate along the channel pathway. It is regarded as an objective indicator of "Qi arrival and efficacy." Its mechanism may be related to neural transmission, connective tissue continuity, and the fascial network, representing the body's spatial encoding feedback to stimulation. It serves as a "connection confirmation," indicating that the needle has accessed the target channel pathway.

MINIMUM ACTION

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Practice this model in one real situation:

After needle insertion, apply lifting, thrusting, twisting, and rotating to promote Qi arrival, and ask the patient about the direction of the sensation
judge whether "Deqi" has occurred and the segment reached based on the propagation route
adjust needle depth and technique according to the sensation to achieve "Qi reaching the affected area"
use the sensation as immediate feedback for therapeutic effect and localization.

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Source support: Explicit

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baike.baidu.comhttps://baike.baidu.com/item/%E5%BE%AA%E7%BB%8F%E6%84%9F%E4%BC%A0/5998012ZH · Explicit
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