Multicenter study on ultrasound characteristics of acupoints in the Hand Yangming Meridian and related factors

The study examined ultrasound characteristics of three acupuncture points on the Hand Yangming meridian (Hegu, Xialian, and Shousanli) in 110 healthy volunteers from multiple centers. Using ultrasound imaging, skin depth, distance from bones, tissue composition, and elastic properties at these points were measured. Results showed that median skin depth was 1.72 cm for Hegu, 1.64 cm for Xialian, and 1.75 cm for Shousanli. All three points were closely associated with fascia and showed higher elasticity than surrounding tissues. The study provides ultrasound evidence for the meridian-connective tissue hypothesis and offers a practical method for exploring acupuncture mechanisms.