Effects of Acupuncture at the Posterior Sacral Foramen II on the Circulation in the lower Limbs
10.3777/jjsam.31.163
- VernacularTitle:次〓穴刺鍼の下肢血液循環に及ぼす影響
- Author:
Tadasu Matsumoto
;
Shoji Shinohara
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- From:Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
1981;31(2):163-169
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
In the acupuncture-moxibustion clinic there are cases in which acupuncture insertion in the lumbar-sacral area on patients with coldness of the lower limbs results in a feeling of warmth in the legs.
We formerly reported that based on observations of the peripheral temperature, the fluctuation curve of the profound temperature and the hunting reaction we learned that acupuncture-moxibustion stimulation at LV-3 and SP-6 improved circulation in the lower limbs. This time we examined the influences of acupuncture insertion in the sacral area on the circulatory system. The insertion area was BL-32 (posterior sacral foramen II). After the patient had rested in a prone position for 30 minutes insertion of a stainless steel 1.6 TSUN 3 needle was administered to the depth at which the acupuncture sensation toward the lower limbs was felt. Pecking techniques were administered several times followed by 30 minutes of stationary insertion.
The objects of measurement were cutaneous temperature (Back of 1st toe, KI-1, BL-59) the subcutaneous (1cm) profound temperature (Center of bottom of foot, BL-56 at the center of the gastrocnemius muscle), pulse (2nd toe) and heartbeat. Also using a water plethysmograph the amount of blood circulating in the entie leg was measured. The cutaneous temperature was measured using a thermo-couple. the profound temperature using the KOATEMP by Thermo. A recorder was attached and temperature reading recorded continuously beginning 20 minutes before acupuncture insertion and continuing until 20-30 minutes after withdrawal. The number of subjects was 14.
The results of the experiment showed differeces in about half of the cases. A step style increase of 0.3-1°C in the temperature of the feet during stationary insertion was indicated. A tendency for bradycardia in the heartbeat 10 seconds-several minutes after acupuncture insertion was also indicated.
From the above results it was learned that acupuncture insertion and stationary insertion at BL-32 served to expand the peripheral blood vessels of the lower limbs and improve circulation in some cases.
