ABSTRACT
In a preceeding report, we studied the blood pressure response to electro-acupuncture, to situ stiumlation, and to spotted skin electrical stimulation. In this paper we report the effects of various acupuncture techniques on instantaneous heart rate and finger pulse wave height.<br>METHOD<br>Each of the ten healthy adults was seated in a chair. The following six techniques were separately applied to right VF<sub>20</sub> Fengchi with a hard silver no. 3 needle for one minute.<br>1) To touch the skin with the needle tip lightly (Needle contact).<br>2) To tap in and take out the needle twenty times (Gentle tapping).<br>3) To insert the needle and leave it there (In situ).<br>4) To insert the needle and give it quick vertical motion (Sparrow pecking).<br>Heart rate tachogram and finger pulse wave height were recorded with a polygraph. In addtion to the four techniques, the responses to “Hand pressure” and to “No stimulation” were recorded and analysed.<br>RESULT<br>I. The common tendency of the responses to all the techniques is as follows:<br>a) The heart rate showed no marked change during stimulation, and then a significant decrease after stimulation.<br>b) The pulse wave height showed a significant decrease during stimulation, and then a significant increase after stimulation.<br>II. However, there are some differences in the response between the techniques:<br>1) Hand pressure: The heart rate showed a significant decrease during and after stimulation. The pulse wave height showed no marked change.<br>2) Needle contact: The heart rate showed no significant increase after the stimulation.<br>3) Gentle tapping: The heart rate showed a significant increase during stimulation, and then returned after stimulation.<br>4) In situ: The pulse wave height showed a significant increase shortly after stimulation through till the end.<br>5) Sparrow pecking: This technique evoked a typical response as described above (I-a, b).
