Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 1997; 2: 199
It has been suggested that one way in which acupuncture may act is through an effect on the sympathetic nervous system. This can be measured by changes in skin blood flow. This study was undertaken to examine the effect of both electrical and manual acupuncture on skin blood flow.
Three interventions were performed on 7 healthy adult volunteers, at least a week apart. After fasting and avoiding both smoking and vigorous exercise for two hours, subjects lay supine for 20 minutes to equilibrate to room temperature. For the first intervention, acupuncture needles were inserted into LI4 and LI10 of the left side and agitated until needle sensation (Deqi) was felt. Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation was given for 20 minutes at 2 Hz with sufficient intensity to cause contraction of local muscles. The subsequent 2 procedures were identical except for that subjects were randomised to receive either manual acupuncture at the above points, or sham acupuncture at nearby non-points, for 20 minutes. Subjects then rested quietly for a further 20 minutes after the intervention. The outcome measure was the skin blood flow in the left thenar eminence, measured by Laser Doppler Flowmeter continuously for one hour. Results, analysis and conclusions will be presented to the symposium.
