Key result
Xuehai acupuncture is linked to reversible local increases in deoxy-hemoglobin and blood volume.
Why the study?
The black-box feedback loop model of traditional acupuncture has limited its proper evaluation and use by unskilled practitioners.
Does acupuncture on the 'Xuehai' acupoint alter local hemodynamic signals in healthy subjects?
Observational (n=17)
Does acupuncture on the 'Xuehai' acupoint alter local hemodynamic signals in healthy subjects?
Real-time near-infrared spectroscopy monitoring demonstrates that acupuncture induces local tissue vasodilation and enhances oxygen consumption.
Supports local hemodynamic effects in healthy subjects; hypothesis-generating, should not change practice.
Traditional acupuncture, a popular traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) technique, has demonstrated potential in relieving various ailments' symptoms. However, its black-box feedback loop model has limited proper evaluation and use by unskilled practitioners. This study aimed to analyze hemodynamic signals around acupoints during acupuncture to identify significant parameter changes. We designed hollow near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) probes for real-time measurements during acupuncture at acupoints, monitoring oxy-hemoglobin (HbO), deoxy-hemoglobin (Hb), and blood volume (HbT) changes. Acupuncture was performed on the "Xuehai" acupoint in 17 healthy subjects, with NIRS measuring hemodynamic alterations. Results showed significant and consistent increases in Hb and HbT around the acupoint, returning to baseline values after needle removal. One case of fainting revealed a significant Hb increase and HbO decrease. Acupuncture may induce tissue vasodilation and enhance oxygen consumption. This research provides a potential explanation for acupuncture's mechanism and emphasizes NIRS's potential in TCM.
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Gao et al. (2023) conducted an observational in Healthy subjects (n=17). Acupuncture on the Xuehai acupoint vs. Baseline was evaluated on Hemodynamic alterations (oxy-hemoglobin, deoxy-hemoglobin, and blood volume changes). Acupuncture on the Xuehai acupoint induced significant and consistent increases in deoxy-hemoglobin and blood volume around the acupoint, returning to baseline after needle removal.
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