Effect of acupuncture at Shaofu acupoint on the cardiovascular system of healthy individuals

Abstract Background: Clinical and experimental observations show that acupuncture has been utilized as adjuvant therapy for a number of conditions, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, dysrhythmia, and myocardial infarction. Objective: To determine the cardiovascular (CV) reactivity in terms of blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and left ventricular ejection time (LVET) in response to acupuncture stimulation of the Shaofu (HT8) acupoint Methods: Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, PWV, and LVET were recorded in 8 healthy subjects (age 20 years) in a supine position after 10 minutes of rest, 20 minutes after needle stimulation of Shaofu acupoint, and 10 minutes after removal of the acupuncture needle. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: SBP, DBP, HR, PWV, and LVET all remained on the same levels during acupuncture intervention and after the removal of the acupuncture needle relative to baseline values. Conclusion: Acupuncture at Shaofu acupoint has no CV effects.