Autonomic Response of Different 5 Element Acupuncture Points

I really enjoy these studies that show different autonomic response at different acupuncture points. For one, I’m thrilled that HRV is gaining traction as a means to differentiate different treatments. For two, as in this previous post, it shows that even points that are relatively close together can have different effects on the nervous system.  And three, it argues against the concept that random needling is as effective as traditional acupuncture points.  Warning: This is a pretty “technical” study, where knowledge of autonomic monitoring as well as detailed knowledge of the 5 element engendering cycle is useful.

J Altern Complement Med. 2012 Aug 23. [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”] [Epub ahead of print]
Differential Autonomic Response to Acupuncture at Wood and Metal of Five-Shu Acupoints.
Choi W, Lee S, Cho S, Park K.
1 Department of Neuropsychiatry, College of Oriental Medicine, Sangji University , Wonju, South Korea .
Abstract Objectives: The study examined differential autonomic nervous responses to acupuncture stimulation at the wood points ([Formula: see text]) and the metal points ([Formula: see text]) among the five-shu points of the Pericardium and Triple Energizer Meridian. Design: This was a crossover study of different acupuncture points with randomized order. Subjects: The study subjects were 30 healthy female volunteers (22.8±2.6 years old). Interventions: The acupuncture sessions were carried out over four sessions at 2-5-day intervals at the same time of day with one of the four acupoints: the wood distal point (Zhongchong, PC9), metal distal point (Zhongzhu, TE3), wood proximal point (Jianshi, PC5), and metal proximal point (Guanchong, TE1) on the left hand. After 5 minutes’ rest (Pre-Acup), acupuncture needles were inserted, manipulated promptly, and were retained for 20 minutes followed by 5 minutes’ rest (Post-Acup). Main outcome measures: Heart rate variability, skin conductance response, respiration rate, and peripheral skin temperature were measured. Results: For the normalized low-frequency band of heart rate variability, there was a statistically significant increase during Acup and Post-Acup at the PC9 and TE3 wood points compared with Pre-Acup. Statistically significant decreases for PC5 and TE1 were evident at the metal points. Skin conductance response and peripheral skin temperature, which are indicative of sympathetic activity and blood flow, respectively, were significantly induced at PC9 during Acup compared to Pre-Acup. Conclusions: The wood points PC9 and TE3 increase sympathetic activity; and the metal points TE1 and PC5 increase the parasympathetic activity. The effect of acupuncture on the autonomic nervous system differs between the wood and the metal points