The Effects of Acupuncture on White Cell Counts

Abstract

The anticipation of acupuncture, simple insertion of needles or the electrical stimulation of needles at both classical acupuncture points and "false" points, all produce an increase in white blood cell count. Electrostimulation produced the greatest, expectation of needle insertion the least, increase in white cell count. Though needles remain to place, the white cell count returns to basal level within one hour. Preliminary data on peripheral skin temperature as affected by stimulation of acupuncture points and non-points, suggests a higher temperature on the side of stimulation. For acupuncture site stimulation, the temperature differential appears to be more persistent than is true when non-sites are stimulated. Subjects reported needle insertion at acupuncture points as less painful than at non-points. Feelings of numbness were produced by stimulation of both classical and false acupuncture points.