Effects of non-invasive stimulation of acupoints on the cardiovascular system.

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of two non-invasive methods to stimulate acupoints on the cardiovascular system.

DESIGN

Blind randomized-controlled trial.

SETTING

An experimental setting in a university-affiliated hospital.

INTERVENTIONS

The subjects (24 healthy male volunteers) were randomized to receive either an active stimulation consisting of pressure on acupoints (P), an active stimulation consisting of stroking along the meridians (S) or a control stimulation (C).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Data on skin blood flow, arterial pressure, heart rate and EKG were recorded continuously from 20 min before stimulation to 30 min after.

RESULTS

In P group there was a decrease in systolic arterial pressure, diastolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure, heart rate and skin blood flow. These changes were significantly different from those in C group and, as regards diastolic pressure and mean pressure, also from those in S group. There were no significant differences between S and C groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Pressure on acupoints can significantly influence the cardiovascular system.