New research finds acupuncture lowers fatigue and boosts athletic endurance. We don’t usually site lab research, but this study was so interesting we wanted to post it. Scientists studied the impact of three acupuncture points on the swimming ability and liver function of laboratory rats.
The study was performed in a highly controlled investigation. Results showed that the control group fatigued much sooner than the acupuncture group. The acupuncture group also displayed improved liver mitochondrial-respiratory function with significant lower oxygen consumption rates than the control groups.
Acupuncture Lowers Fatigue
The researchers compared two acupuncture point treatments. Group 1 received electroacupuncture at the points CV4 (Guanyuan) and ST36 (Zusanli) plus manual acupuncture stimulation at GV20 (Baihui). Group 2 received electroacupuncture at CV3 (Zhongji) and SP9 (Yinlinquan) and manual acupuncture stimulation at Yintang (EX-HN3).
These points are close to each other in location, but have different effects on the body. Group 1 showed much higher scores than group 2, demonstrating that the CV4, ST36, GV20 acupuncture point prescription had significantly better anti-fatigue benefits.
Results and Explanation
The treatment using CV4, ST36 and GV20 strengthened the congenital foundation (which is inherited in DNA at birth) and the acquired constitution (what you get from the food you eat and the air you breathe). In Chinese medicine terms, this is the ideal form of strengthening.
The researchers concluded, “Electroacupuncture of CV4 and ST36 plus manual acupuncture stimulation of GV20 can improve the anti-fatigue capability in aging rats with yang-deficiency, which may be related to its effects in reducing liver mitochondrial oxygen consumption and increasing liver mitochondrial RCR and ratio of P/O.” In other words, acupuncture lowers fatigue.
Another Powerful Acupuncture Point
Another study examined whether acupuncture had beneficial effects on body strength and endurance. Researchers from the International Society for Autonomic Neuroscience concluded that acupuncture impacts heart rate and increases the strength of cardiac autonomic function. The research demonstrated that particular acupuncture points helped prevent heart attack and arrhythmia.
This research looked at acupuncture points CV17 (Shanzhong) and CV16 (Zhongting). These points are both located on the sternum. Needling CV17 decreased the heart rate and increased the body’s ability to maintain control of the heart beat rate and rhythm through vagus nerve activity. CV16 did not show the same beneficial effects on the heart rate as CV17.
In addition, CV17 activated the autonomic nervous system to control heart rate by increasing vagal activity. This makes CV17 an important acupuncture point for patients recovering from heart attack.
Conclusions
This research investigating how acupuncture lowers fatigue is interesting in two ways. First, it supported the benefits of a specific acupuncture treatment (CV4, ST36, GV20) to reduce fatigue and boost energy. We use these points all the time at Raleigh Acupuncture. Our own clinical experience agrees with these findings.
Secondly, research identified CV17 as a powerful point for improving heart function. Again, this is our experience at Raleigh Acupuncture.
Next Steps
If you are struggling with low energy, come in and give acupuncture a try. Acupuncture lowers fatigue safely, with long lasting results.
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References
Wang, H., J. Liu, J. M. Liu, J. F. Lü, M. Y. Chen, and J. Z. Wang. “Effect of electroacupuncture stimulation of” Guanyuan”(CV 4), bilateral” Housanli”(ST 36), etc. on anti-fatigue ability and liver mitochondrial respiratory function in ageing rats with Yang-deficiency.” Zhen ci yan jiu= Acupuncture research/[Zhongguo yi xue ke xue yuan Yi xue qing bao yan jiu suo bian ji] 38, no. 4 (2013): 259.
Kurono Y, Minagawa M, Ishigami T, Yamada A, Kakamu T, Hayano J. Auton Neurosci. Acupuncture to Danzhong but not to Zhongting increases the cardiac vagal component of heart rate variability. 2011 Apr 26;161(1-2):116-20. Epub 2011 Jan 7.
Acupuncture lowers fatigue – new research. For more information about acupuncture and fatigue just type in the word “fatigue” in the search box on the top of this page.
What our Clients are Saying
About six months ago I starting getting debilitating fatigue, to the point where I could not exercise and had to drag myself through the day at work. The doctors said it must be stress, because there was nothing wrong with me. But when I went to Raleigh Acupuncture, they said that my digestion was weak. They said I was not getting proper energy from the food I was eating, so they treated my digestive system. I was amazed to see my energy increase after the treatments. Within 10 treatments I was back to my old self, exercising again and working through the day no problem. And as a side benefit, I started losing weight. They said this was related to my improved digestive function. Now my friends want to go because they see my energy back and see me losing weight!
I am a long term patient of Raleigh Acupuncture. Prior to being under their care, I was disabled with terrible fatigue and pain all over my body. I was unable to drive, could only walk less than a block, and had numerous symptoms that mystified doctors. After countless lab work, x-rays, and MRI’s, several doctors including my primary physician told me that there was nothing that could be done. According to them, it was either an illness that was undiagnosable or it was all in my head. When I came to Raleigh Acupuncture, it was a breath of fresh air. They took me very seriously and were not mystified by my condition. They assured me that my condition was treatable and manageable. They treat me with respect, dignity and care; something that I didn’t receive at my primary care doctor. Thanks to their treatments I am now living a normal life. They have restored my health and taught me how to manage my condition. My family and friends can’t believe how much improvement I have made. My son is grateful to have his mommy back! And I am eternally grateful to Raleigh Acupuncture! They truly have the gift of healing!
I still am forever in your debt for helping me through the Lymes recovery. My body pain and fatigue were overwhelming before getting acupuncture. I still tell everyone today that I am 100% positive that my recovery was a direct result of your expert care. Truly. I have very little residual effects from the disease that I can easily live with. So again,thank you not only for your amazing skills, but for the compassion and kindness that you showed me during that time.