The effects of application of an ancient type of acupuncture needle on body temperature, immune function and the autonomic nerve system

Abstract

The di-zhen (DZ) is an ancient type of acupuncture needle with a history dating back more than 2000 years. Unlike modern acupuncture needles, the DZ is not inserted subcutaneously, and is safely and commonly used at the bedside. The mechanisms underlying its effects are not known. In this study, we measured sublingual and cutaneous body temperature, pulse rate, oxygen pressure (PO 2 ), oxygen saturation (SO 2 ) and carbon dioxide pressure (PCO 2 ) before and after DZ application in 25 healthy male volunteers. Serum levels of catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine) and white blood cells (WBCs; ratio and number) were traced for one week. Soon after DZ application, pulse rate, body temperature, PO 2 and SO 2 all decreased. The serum levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline increased, indicating sympathetic dominance, and the number of granulocytes was elevated. One week after DZ application, the number of lymphocyte increased. We therefore suggest that DZ affects body temperature, pulse rate, catecholamine secretion and immune function by inducing transient sympathetic dominance via actions on the autonomic nervous system. These effects are similar to the effects observed with modern needles, which are inserted subcutaneously. Therefore, we consider DZ treatment to be advantageous and safe in modern clinical practice, especially in postsurgical and terminal care, as it avoids the issues with infection and tissue damage sometimes seen with modern acupuncture needles.

A Specific Pattern in the Basal Body Temperature Chart during the First Week of Pregnancy May Warn of a Miscarriage Crisis

“…The World Health Organization and researchers indicate the usefulness of acupuncture for fertility via modulating autonomic nervous balance [7]- [11]. We also report that acupuncture can suppress excess SN dominance [12].…”

“…Overview of the 33 patients and 3 study groups: a delivery group, a miscarriage group and a no-pregnancy group. acupuncture needles [12] [13].…”

“…An autoclaved DZ was softly pressed vertically onto the body surface for 5 minutes (diameter 5.0 mm, 37.3 g/mm 2 ), at approximately 120 points from the head to the feet on both sides of the spine as reported previously [12] [13]. The acupuncture points corresponded to the Conception Vessel, Governor Vessel and the Bladder Meridian as defined by the World Health Organization [14].…”

The Association between Self-Monitored Reproductive Parameters, Pregnancy Outcomes and Acupuncture Treatment

“…As DZ use is considered to be advantageous and safe in modern clinical practice, it can avoid the issues with infection and tissue damage sometimes seen with modern acupuncture needles [4] [5]. The acupuncture application points corresponded to the Conception Vessel, Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian as defined by the World Health Organization [6].…”

Physical and Psychological Effects of the Shiatsu Stimulation in the Sitting Position

“…The former is inserted subcutaneously while the latter just give soft pressure on a very small area of the skin (diameter 5.0 mm) [3] [4]. Moreover, shiatsu stimulation, which presses more area (finger diameter), might also be considered effective, though it has not been investigated.…”