Effect of Acupuncture at Tsu San Li (St-36) on the Pulse Spectrum

Abstract

Effect of acupuncture at Tsu San Li (St-36) was examined by investigating the pulse variation of the radial artery. Our results indicated that acupuncture at Tsu San Li has a specific effect on the Fourier components of the pulse. The harmonic proportions were redistributed (C2, C4 decreased, C5, C6, C8 and C9 increased), and the phase angle of the 5th and 8th harmonic waves were decreased (propagating faster). This specific frequency effect was not found when acupuncture needle was applied on a non-acupuncture point. These results can be explained by the resonance theory, which provides a scientific explanation of the acupuncture effect from the hemodynamic view point.