ABSTRACT
We previously reported the possibility that acupuncture stimulation to the Guangming (GB37) increased retinal blood-flow volume. In this study, we examined whether this reaction was peculiar to GB37 by measuring the blood-flow velocity and pulsatility index (PI) of the central retinal artery (CRA) with Color Doppler imaging. The points to be stimulated were the Waiqiu (GB36), GB37, the Yangfu (GB38) or the non-meridian point on the outside of the crus. Acupuncture stimulus was applied to one point on the right side with a needle for 15min. Seven measurements were made at intervals of 7.5min during a 45-minute period while the subject (control group n=35, stimulus group n=89) was in the sitting position. Patterns of the change in blood-flow velocity and PI with time differed significantly between the five groups. An increase in retinal blood-flow volume occurred in the GB37 group only suggesting there was a peculiarity related to the meridian point. The reaction patterns of the right and left eyes were not significantly different. Blood pressure and heart rate exhibited no significant differences either. These results suggest the relevance of choosing GB37 for improving or maintaining the retinal blood-flow volume.
ABSTRACT
This study was conducted on 82 nonsmoking healthy young volunteers divided into two groups. The GB37 group consisted of 39 people who were subjected to stimulation of the Guangming (GB37), and the control group consisted of 43 people who were not so stimulated. Blood-flow velocity and pulsatility index (PI) in the central retinal artery (CRA) of the right eye were measured using Color Doppler imaging. Blood pressure and heart rate were also measured at the same time. The type of stimulus was acupuncture applied on the right GB37 with the needle retained for 15min. Seven measurements were made at intervals of 7.5min during a 45-minute period while the subject was in the sitting position. The GB37 group was first measured just before stimulation and observed for 30 min after the needle was removed. There were significant differences in blood-flow velocity and PI between the two groups. In the GB37 group, blood-flow velocity in the CRA increased remarkably and PI decreased remarkably. These values scarcely changed in the control group. There were no significant differences in blood pressure or heart rate between the two groups. These results suggest that acupuncture stimulus on GB37 changes the circulation of CRA by a mechanism other than blood pressure, resulting in an increase in retinal blood-flow volume.
