In a preceeding report, we studied the blood pressure response to electro-acupuncture, to situ stiumlation, and to spotted skin electrical stimulation. In this paper we report the effects of various acupuncture techniques on instantaneous heart rate and finger pulse wave height.
METHOD
Each of the ten healthy adults was seated in a chair. The following six techniques were separately applied to right VF₂₀ Fengchi with a hard silver no. 3 needle for one minute.
1) To touch the skin with the needle tip lightly (Needle contact).
2) To tap in and take out the needle twenty times (Gentle tapping).
3) To insert the needle and leave it there (In situ).
4) To insert the needle and give it quick vertical motion (Sparrow pecking).
Heart rate tachogram and finger pulse wave height were recorded with a polygraph. In addtion to the four techniques, the responses to “Hand pressure” and to “No stimulation” were recorded and analysed.
RESULT
I. The common tendency of the responses to all the techniques is as follows:
a) The heart rate showed no marked change during stimulation, and then a significant decrease after stimulation.
b) The pulse wave height showed a significant decrease during stimulation, and then a significant increase after stimulation.
II. However, there are some differences in the response between the techniques:
1) Hand pressure: The heart rate showed a significant decrease during and after stimulation. The pulse wave height showed no marked change.
2) Needle contact: The heart rate showed no significant increase after the stimulation.
3) Gentle tapping: The heart rate showed a significant increase during stimulation, and then returned after stimulation.
4) In situ: The pulse wave height showed a significant increase shortly after stimulation through till the end.
5) Sparrow pecking: This technique evoked a typical response as described above (I-a, b).

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