9.2 Scientific Research According to Channelsneedling of L.I.-4was compared. Changes were measured by
using power spectral analysis and heart rate frequency analysis.
Only deeper needling at L.I.-4 led to a significant activation of the
sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system during and after
treatment as well as to a significant reduction of the heart rate fre-
quency. Haker et al, J Auton Nerv Syst 2000
A US prospective, randomised, sham-controlled, single-blinded
trial (n101) assessed the effect of varying intensities of trans-
cutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) at L.I.-4on the
postoperative patient-controlled analgesia(PCA) require-
ment for hydromorphine(HM), the incidence of opioid-related
side effects, and the recovery profile after lower abdominal sur-
gery in women. In the sham-TEAS group HM-requirement was
reduced by 23%, low-intensity TEAS produced a 34% decrease
in the HM requirement while the high-intensity TEAS reduced
requirement significantly by 65%, accompanied by a reduction
in the occurrence of dizziness, nausea and pruritus. Wang et al,
Anesth Analg 1997
A Chinese prospective, randomised, controlled trial (n110)
investigated the effect of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimu-
lation TEAS) at L.I.-4, Ex-HN-4 (yuyao)and G.B.-31during
enflurane anaesthesia in patients undergoing craniotomy. In
comparison to the control group (anaesthesia maintained with
enflurane only) the minimum alveolar concentration(MAC)
of enflurane decreased in the TEAS-supplemented group by
38–47%. If anaesthesia was supplemented by TEAS plus scalp
infiltration with procaine, there was an even higher reduction of
42–66%. The haemodynamic balance was also more stable dur-
ing the operation, and postoperative recovery was faster. Wang
et al, Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 1994
A German prospective, waitlist-controlled trial (n6) investi-
gated the effect of electro-acupuncture at L.I.-4, ST-25, LIV-3
and BL-25on stool frequency and colonic transit time in
chronic constipation. There were no significant differences in
all the parameters between the control group and the waitlist
group. Klauser et al, Z Gastroenterol 1993
A Japanese experimental trial researched the influence of L.I.-4
on vibration induced finger flexion reflex. Unilateral
acupuncture at L.I.-4 suppressed the reflex in both hands.
Takakura et al, Am J Chin Med 1992
A Chinese prospective, randomised, matched controlled trial
(n12) investigated the analgesic effect of aqueous acupunc-
ture (injection of glucose solution) at L.I.-4and G.B.-34in
postoperative pain control. In comparison to the control group,
the intensity of postoperative pain as well as the requirement for
analgesic medication were significantly lower in the study
group. Chen et al, Gaoxiong Yi Xue Ke Xue Za Zhi 1991
A German prospective, non-randomised, sham-controlled trial
(n36) investigated the analgesic effectof acupuncture at L.I.-4,
P-6, ST-36and SP-4prior to a colonoscopy. The pain experi-
enced by the acupuncture patients was significantly lower com-
pared to the group receiving sham acupuncture. The analgesics
and sedatives required were also significantly less. Li et al, Dtsch
Med Wochenschr 1991
A prospective, randomised, single-blinded experimental study
(n39) investigated the effect of acupuncture and laser
acupuncture at L.I.-4and Ex-UE jianqianon the pain thresh-
old. Compared to laser acupuncture, acupuncture significantly
increased the pain threshold. Brockhaus et al, Pain 1990
A British prospective, controlled experimental cross-over study
investigated the effectiveness of electro-acupuncture at L.I.-4on
experimental tooth pain. After 30 minutes of electric stimula-
tion the pain threshold increased by 27%. This increase could be
partially blocked by naloxone. Ernst et al, Acupunct Elec-
trother Res 1987
A British prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled study
(n51) investigated the effect of acupuncture at L.I.-4as an
analgesic for operative dentistry. There were no significant
differences between the treatment group and the placebo group.
Taub et al, Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol 1979
A prospective non-randomised, placebo-controlled experimen-
tal trial (n40) investigated the effect of acupuncture at L.I.-4
on the pain threshold of postoperative dental paincompared
to codeine. Both L.I.-4and codeine had a significantly better
effect than the placebo. The combination of both had the
strongest effect. Sung et al, Anesth Analg 1977
An Austrian prospective, sham-controlled, single-blinded exper-
imental trial (n12) measured the effect of L.I.-4and P-6on
pain threshold and pain tolerance. In contrast to sham
acupuncture, true acupuncture significantly raised the pain
threshold. Stacher et al, Am J Chin Med 1975
L.I.-5P-5
L.I.-6P-5
L.I.-7P-5L.I.- 10Anatomical snuffboxL.I.-5L.I.-112 CunExtensor carpi radialis longusL.I.-10L.I.-4; Du-12; ST-36
A Swedish prospective, randomised, controlled, double-blinded
trial (n49) investigated the effect of laser acupuncture on
L.I.-10, L.I.-11, L.I.-12, LU-5and T.B.-5on lateral humeral
epicondalgia (tennis elbow). No significant difference occurred
at a dose of 0.36 J/point. Haker et al, Pain 199090 °
L.I.-11Medial epicondyle Olecranon
L.I.-11L.I.-4; ST-36; LIV-3; L.I.-10; L.I.-15
A Taiwanese prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled, sin-
gle-blinded trial (n40) investigated the effect of acupuncture