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Acupuncture’s Role in Cardiovascular Homeostasis

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Book cover Current Research in Acupuncture

Abstract

This chapter summarizes data from more than 50 years of experimental and clinical studies describing the clinical effects and mechanisms of manual and electroacupuncture (EA) in cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and hypotension. These studies are based on concepts of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and neuroscience, utilizing many techniques, including electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, and confocal microscopy, pharmacology, and molecular methods. We now understand the concept of meridians, acupoint specificity, stimulation parameters required to evoke optimal responses, factors influencing the action of EA, and many of its mechanisms of action. As a result of many experiments incorporating a number of animal models (dogs, rabbits, rats, cats), we now can describe the neural pathways and neurotransmitters involved in EA that inhibit sympathetic outflow to reduce hypertension and arrhythmias. We also have begun to evaluate mechanisms underlying the long-lasting inhibition of elevated blood pressure by EA. Recent preliminary studies have shown that the same acupoints and stimulation parameters that lower elevated BP also have the potential to reverse hypotension. Although EA is not effective in all subjects, we have preliminary clues about how to improve responsiveness so that nonresponders can be converted to responders. Finally, we provide suggestions for continued research in this potentially important area of treatment.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Science fund of the Chinese Ministry of Health, and National Educational Commission of China, as well as the IBRO Foundation for international collaboration. Over that last decade research has been supported by several continuing grants from the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, including HL-36527, HL-51428, HL-63313 and HL-72125.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA

    Peng Li, Stephanie C. Tjen-A-Looi & John C. Longhurst

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  1. Peng Li
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  2. Stephanie C. Tjen-A-Looi
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  3. John C. Longhurst
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Correspondence to Peng Li .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Texas Medical School a, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, 77030, Texas, USA

    Ying Xia

  2. , Shanghai Research Center for Acupuncture, Fudan University, Guoshoujing Road 199, Shanghai, 201203, China, People's Republic

    Guanghong Ding

  3. Shanghai Medical School, Inst. Acupuncture Research, Fudan University, Yi Xue Yuan Road 138, Shanghai, 200032, China, People's Republic

    Gen-Cheng Wu

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© 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York

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Li, P., Tjen-A-Looi, S.C., Longhurst, J.C. (2013). Acupuncture’s Role in Cardiovascular Homeostasis. In: Xia, Y., Ding, G., Wu, GC. (eds) Current Research in Acupuncture. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3357-6_15

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