Myocardial Ischemia

Acupuncture Is Beneficial in Reducing Myocardial Ischemia in Animal Model

Recent publication reported in Reuters Health (13-6-00):- ‘Electroacupuncture improves blood pressure response and reduces myocardial ischemia during stimulation of abdominal organs in an animal model of coronary artery disease’.

'Rather than increasing blood flow, we found that electro-acupuncture reduces myocardial oxygen demand via opiate mechanisms,' Dr. John C. Longhurst, of the University of California at Irvine, reported during a presentation at the Workshop on Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Cardiovascular, Lung and Blood Research at the National Institutes of Health.

Dr. Longhurst and colleagues used an animal model with partial coronary artery occlusion to study the influence of electroacupuncture on myocardial ischemia.

After applying bradykinin to the animals' gallbladders, the acupuncture point called, Neiguan which is located over the median nerve on the wrist, was stimulated with electro-acupuncture to improve the 'imbalance between Oxygen supply and demand.'

Dr. Longhurst said, 'Stimulation of Neiguan directly affected fibres in the median nerve which subsequently activated opioid receptors in the brain (rostral ventrolateral medulla), inhibiting sympathetic outflow decreasing the pressor response induced by application of bradykinin on the gallbladder.'

'Our results suggest that both endorphins and enkephalins are the main neuromodulators, and that beta receptors are very important,' said Dr. Longhurst, 'the biggest challenge for researchers will be to identify specific acupuncture points that impact higher neurological and systemic influences.

We have seen from a number of studies that electro-acupuncture seems to be effective in reducing hypertension, arrhythmias and angina, but further studies are needed to pinpoint all of the acupuncture points.'

Inconjunction to HBOT directed for cardiac and related consulting patients; electro-acupuncture is applied to enhance the mechanisms and benefits of collective treatments.

Source: Spinal Rehabilitation Group, Hyperbaric Medicine, Floor 13, 15 Collins St, Melbourne 3001, Victoria, Australia.