A Transcontinental Pilot Study for Acupuncture Lifting-Thrusting and Twisting-Rotating Manipulations

The goal of this study was to observe possible changes of the skin microvascular perfusion on the acupoints and related areas and to quantify influences of acupuncture stimulation on the volunteers' blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV). During the measurement, the needling sensations of volunteers were enquired and recorded. Ten healthy volunteers with a mean age +/- SD of 25.4 +/- 2.6 years were enrolled, and acupuncture stimulation was performed on ST36 (Zusanli, right side), in pure lifting-thrusting or twisting-rotating manipulation. During needling, we observed the changing of microvascular perfusion on ST36, 37, 38, and a control point using MOOR speckle laser blood flow scanning. Electrocardiogram and blood pressure were registered before, during, and after needling. Both lifting-thrusting and twisting-rotating needle manipulations could decrease blood pressure and heart rate while improving HRV significantly. There were significant differences in microvascular perfusion on acupoints ST36, 37, 38, and the control point following these two kinds of needle manipulation. The needling sensation caused by lifting-thrusting is stronger than that of twisting-rotating manipulation. Significant differences between lifting-thrusting and twisting-rotating acupuncture stimulation methods show that the mechanisms may be different and need to be researched thoroughly in the future.