Influence of acupuncture on Doppler ultrasound in pregnant women

Abstract

Our study indicates a positive influence of acupuncture treatment on umbilical artery waveforms when using a combination of SP-6 (Sanyinjiao) and LI-4 (Hegu) acupuncture points. Acupuncture performed at these sites either individually or in combination does not seem to affect blood flow in the fetal aorta or uterine artery.

Application of dynamic indocyanine green perfusion imaging for evaluation of vasoactive effect of acupuncture: a preliminary follow-up study on normal healthy volunteers

“…The three trials of acupuncture increased the baseline blood perfusion up to 2.5-fold in the female; there was no significant difference in baseline perfusion in the male subject. The acute and chronic effects of acupuncture are in good concordance with the previous studies using other conventional methods 2,11,12. These results might indicate the beneficial effect of acupuncture on peripheral vascular function.…”

“…It increases blood perfusion 2. Also, there was a positive influence of acupuncture treatment in pregnant women when using a combination of SP-6 (Sanyinjiao) and LI-4 (Hegu) acupuncture points 11. Houxi (SI-3) is believed to soothe hand numbness (Figure 1A).…”

“…Houxi (SI-3) is believed to soothe hand numbness (Figure 1A). Those two acupoints are generally used, and have an effect to increase blood perfusion 2,11,12…”

Effects of Acupressure on Lower Limb Blood Flow for the Treatment of Peripheral Arterial Occlusive Diseases

“…15 Zeisler et al demonstrated a positive infl uence of acupuncture treatment on the umbilical artery waveforms when used in combination with Sanyinjiao (SP6) and Hegu (Li6) acupoints. 16 Yinlingquan (SP9) was also added because it has been demonstrated to relieve pain of the knee.…”

Acupuncture in obstetrics

“…Zeisler et al [33] belegten ebenfalls signifikante Effekte der Akupunktur auf die Durchblutung der A. umbilicalis sowie auf die fetale Herzfrequenz.…”