BACKGROUND: Pressure on the acupoints St.7 and SJ.22 can lead to significant, reversible increases in intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with elevated ICP. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated whether changes in cerebral parameters in healthy volunteers can also be registered, when the mentioned acupoints associated with ICP, are stimulated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We investigated a total of 34 volunteers (24 females, 10 males) and a 15-year-old intensive care patient after severe head injury. The mean age of volunteers was 25.2 +/- 3.4 years (range 20-35). Stimulation was performed using acupressure techniques, manual needle and laser needle methods. We evaluated the main parameter of mean blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (left and right) as well as the pulsatility index. In addition, near infrared spectroscopy and blood pressure parameters were registered. RESULTS: Acupressure, manual needle acupuncture and laser needle acupuncture partially led to significant changes in the main goal values. CONCLUSION: Acupressure as well as acupuncture (needle and laser needle) can evoke reproducible functional changes in the brain. These accompanying effects are not to be ignored, in particular in patients with increased ICP.
BACKGROUND: Pressure on the acupoints St.7 and SJ.22 can lead to significant, reversible increases in intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients with elevated ICP. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we investigated whether changes in cerebral parameters in healthy volunteers can also be registered, when the mentioned acupoints associated with ICP, are stimulated. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We investigated a total of 34 volunteers (24 females, 10 males) and a 15-year-old intensive care patient after severe head injury. The mean age of volunteers was 25.2 +/- 3.4 years (range 20-35). Stimulation was performed using acupressure techniques, manual needle and laser needle methods. We evaluated the main parameter of mean blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery (left and right) as well as the pulsatility index. In addition, near infrared spectroscopy and blood pressure parameters were registered. RESULTS: Acupressure, manual needle acupuncture and laser needle acupuncture partially led to significant changes in the main goal values. CONCLUSION: Acupressure as well as acupuncture (needle and laser needle) can evoke reproducible functional changes in the brain. These accompanying effects are not to be ignored, in particular in patients with increased ICP.