Using OCT image to distinguish human acupoint from non-acupoint tissues after irradiation with laser in vivo:a pilot study

Using the optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, the optical attenuation coefficients (\mu t) of human Laogong acupoint and non-acupoint tissues are measured after empty irradiation and 808-nm 100-mW irradiation for 10 min in vivo non-invasively. The results show that there is no significant difference of \mu t of Laogong acupoint and non-acupoint tissues after empty irradiation. However, there are significant differences of \mu t between Laogong acupoint and non-acupoint tissues after laser irradiation at the power of 100 mW (statistical definition of probability p < 0.01). The results of the pilot study indicate that the OCT could distinguish the acupoint from the surrounding tissues after irradiation with laser in vivo non-invasively.