Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have concluded that acupuncture strengthens and protects the heart and heart functions. Electroacupuncture is a form of acupuncture where a gentle electrical stimulation is applied at an acupuncture point. In the study, electroacupuncture was applied to two acupuncture points, PC6 and PC5, in anesthetized rabbits with coronary artery blockage. The testing showed that the rabbits who received acupuncture had less blockage and less irregular heart beat (arrhythmias).
Electroacupuncture was also shown to decreased heart infarct size. This means that electroacupuncture protected the heart from tissue death due to obstruction of blood and oxygen supply. The researchers also showed that electroacupuncture stimulation to these points caused a decrease in left ventricle dysfunction.
The Study: Acupuncture for the Heart
In a detailed scientific investigation published in the American Journal of Physiology, Heart and Circulatory Physiology, researchers compared a non-treatment group, an electroacupuncture group, a sham acupuncture group (acupuncture at non- acupuncture points), and two additional experimental electroacupuncture groups.
The two experimental electroacupuncture groups combined acupuncture with chemical blocking agents specifically designed to block the regulation of the cardiac nervous system. Electroacupuncture did not induce cardioprotective effects when these blocking agents were used. As a result, the researchers concluded that electroacupuncture protects the heart through regulation of the cardiac nervous system. The group using only electroacupuncture, without interference from chemical blocking agents, showed the cardiac improvements while all of the other study groups did not.
About The Acupuncture Points
Acupuncture points PC5 (Jianshi) and PC6 (Neiguan) are located on the forearm, approximately 2 to 3 inches proximal to the anterior portion of the wrist. PC5 regulates the Stomach and menstruation and calms the Heart. It is traditionally used for heart pain, palpitations and emotional upset. It is also beneficial in the treatment of irregular menstruation, leukorrhea,
and excessive clotting of the menstrual flow.
PC6 benefits the Stomach, relieves nausea, regulates the Heart and calms the spirit. It is used for the treatment of heart pain, palpitations, heart rate dysfunction, anxiety, vomiting and insomnia. Traditionally, PC5 is referred to as a Jing-River and Metal point of the Pericardium channel. PC6 is classified as a Luo-Connecting point of the Pericardium channel and is the Confluent point of the Yin linking vessel.
At Raleigh Acupuncture Associates we use these points when treating patients with heart-related conditions. They are safe and effective. This research supports Chinese medicine’s claims that PC5 and PC6 nourish the Heart.
Next Steps
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To learn more about all the conditions we treat with acupuncture click ALL CONDITIONS WE TREAT.
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