Abstract
The di-zhen (DZ) is an ancient type of acupuncture needle with a history dating back more than 2000 years. Unlike modern acupuncture needles, the DZ is not inserted subcutaneously, and is safely and commonly used at the bedside. The mechanisms underlying its effects are not known. In this study, we measured sublingual and cutaneous body temperature, pulse rate, oxygen pressure (PO2), oxygen saturation (sO2) and carbon dioxide pressure (PCO2) before and after DZ application in 25 healthy male volunteers. Serum levels of catecholamines (adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine) and white blood cells (WBCs; ratio and number) were traced for one week. Soon after DZ application, pulse rate, body temperature, PO2 and sO2 all decreased. The serum levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline increased, indicating sympathetic dominance, and the number of granulocytes was elevated. One week after DZ application, the number of lymphocyte increased. We therefore suggest that DZ affects body temperature, pulse rate, catecholamine secretion and immune function by inducing transient sympathetic dominance via actions on the autonomic nervous system. These effects are similar to the effects observed with modern needles, which are inserted subcutaneously. Therefore, we consider DZ treatment to be advantageous and safe in modern clinical practice, especially in post-surgical and terminal care, as it avoids the issues with infection and tissue damage sometimes seen with modern acupuncture needles.
Highlights
Findings from the Tyrolean Iceman, who had tattoos at acupuncture points along the Bladder Meridian, have been suggested to possibly reflect the ancient origin of acupuncture [1]
The pulse rate showed a prominent decrease after DZ application, but the body temperature did not change significantly (36.8 ± 0.3 versus 36.6 ̊C ± 0.4 ̊C, P > 0.05)
Because adrenaline and noradrenaline are known to be elevated under conditions of sympathetic dominance [11,12], it is likely that the observed elevation in catecholamines reflect an increase in sympathetic activity induced by DZ application
Summary
Findings from the Tyrolean Iceman, who had tattoos at acupuncture points along the Bladder Meridian, have been suggested to possibly reflect the ancient origin of acupuncture [1]. Acupuncture is still widely practiced in East Asia, but the detailed mechanisms underlying its effects are poorly characterized. One of the earliest forms of acupuncture needle was the “bian-shi” (a piece of edged stone) in the Neolithic age, and this developed into the metal “Nine kinds of needles” as described in the “Huangdi Neijing” (Yellow Emperor’s classic of internal medicine) of the Western Han dynasty about 2 BC [2]. We tested the effects of DZ application on body temperature, immune function and the autonomic nerve system. The DZ is a non-invasive needle, which minimizes the possibility of infection or tissue damage.
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