The purpose of the present paper is to clarify the differences between two techniques, the sohri-kifu technique (i. e. to tap into the depth of 1-2mm) which is often used in meridian therapy and the jakutaku technique (i. e. sparrow pecking, to reciprocate a needle frequently) which is often used in modern acupuncture therapy. We also examined the effects of locations and of sticking pain.
METHODS
Subjects were 10 normal adults who were familiar with acupuncture therapy. They lay in the supine or prone position, and the sori-kifu technique and the jakutaku technique were separately perfomed for one minute on the following 8 points (one point a day): Zhongchong (PC9), Daling (PC7), Shanzhong (JM17), Jueyinshu (VU14), Yinbai (LP1), Taibai (LP3), Chongmen (LP12), Pishu (VU20). Instantaneous heart rate and pulse wave height of the finger were measured with a 4 channel polygraph. Amount of sticking pain was rated on a 4 grade (0-3) basis. Statistical analysis was done with the control data obtained during the control sessions, in which the two techniques were not performed, whereas other conditions were similar to those in the experimental sessions.
RESULT
(1) Both sohri-kifu and jakutaku technique caused decrease in heart rate and pulse wave height.
(2) The decrease in heart rate lasted even after needle withdrawal, whereas the decrease in pulse wave height stopped immediately after the needle withdrawal.
(3) In comparison between the sohri-kifu and jakutaku techniques, the former was more effective in reducing heart rate than the latter, and the latter in lowering pulse wave height.
(4) In the jakutaku technique, the more painfull it was, the less decrease in heart rate and the more decrease in pulse wave height.
(5) The difference between the two techniques, mentioned in (3), was less in the trunk and larger in the extremities.
(6) The change in heart rate with the grades of sticking pain, mentioned in (4), was less in the trunk and larger in the extremeties.
(7) No distinct differences were found between the Pericardium and Spleen groups, between the upper extermities and the lower ones, or between the back points and the accumulation points.