Effects of Acupuncture on Heart Rate Variability in Beagles; Preliminary Results

Abstract

Evidence-based animal experimental research concerning the effects of acupuncture on autonomic function was performed by two research teams from China and Austria. This study describes measurements in beagles. Heart rate variability (HRV) recordings were performed under stable conditions in Beijing, China, and the data analysis and interpretation were completed in Graz, Austria. The electrocardiograms were recorded during bilateral body acupuncture (PC6, Neiguan). Power of the low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and the ratio (LF/HF) changed significantly during acupuncture stimulation in beagles after injection of atropine and β-blocker. However, there was no significant change in HF power after needling the Neiguan acupoint when a cervical vagotomy has been performed. Our findings show that acupuncture can mediate the HRV even after pharmaceutical blocking of autonomic function. Acupuncture effects on HRV should rely not only on autonomic nervous system but on complete central nervous system.

Validity and reliability properties of canine short-term heart rate variability measures—a pilot study

“…HRV as an indicator for the bidirectional relationship between autonomic activation and different pain conditions has also been studied in horses (Rietmann et al, 2004), calves (Stewart et al, 2010), and sheep (Stubsjøen et al, 2009). Research on canine autonomic function in relationship to different pathologic conditions (Pirintr et al, 2012;Rasmussen et al, 2012) and assessments on canine cardiac modulation during physical intervention is a matter of great interest because of the potential value as an outcome measure (Wang et al, 2013). As changes in cardiac activity are influenced by psychological and emotional states in dogs (Kuhne et al, 2014a) there are potential clinical applications for short-term HRV parameters as outcome measures for the relief of pain and stress.…”

“…As changes in cardiac activity are influenced by psychological and emotional states in dogs (Kuhne et al, 2014a) there are potential clinical applications for short-term HRV parameters as outcome measures for the relief of pain and stress. This concept has been used to study various interventions and exercise regimens for possible effects on the autonomic nervous system in humans (Haker et al, 2000;Anderson et al, 2012;Takamoto et al, 2009;Figueroa et al, 2008;Farinatti et al, 2011;Janse van Rensburg et al, 2012) and in dogs, but to a lesser extent (Wang et al, 2013).…”

Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation on Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome of Patients after Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…In fact, inflammation response is one of the common causes for postoperative pain. Studies showed that electrical stimulation of LI4 and PC6 acupoints inhibits sympathetic activation, enhances vagal activity, helps to maintain the hemodynamic stability, and reduces the stress response in vivo [ 23 , 24 ]. Therefore, BL23, SP9, LI4, and PC6 were selected as the target acupoints in the study.…”

Experiences of Living with Stress-Related Exhaustion Disorder and Participating in a Tailor-Made AntiStress Program in Primary Care

“…Qigong is known as an easily adaptable form of gentle mind-body exercise that can be practiced at any place and time without any special equipment, and it is a widely used self-care CAM method in promoting physical and mental well-being (Jahnke, Larkey, Rogers, Etnier, & Lin, 2010). Studies have shown that qigong training reduces stress and anxiety (Wang, Litscher, Shi, Jiang, & Wang, 2013).…”