Objectives Acupuncture has been shown to relieve pain and modulate biological function by stimulating the organ-specific meridians and enhances parasympathetic activity and suppresses sympathetic activity. The aim of this review is to summarize and understand the effects of acupuncture on autonomic nervous system.
Methods We reviewed a total of 29 studies published from 2000 to 2010 searched by PueMed and various domestic oriental medicine journals to obtain acupuncture studies related with ANS. Each article was classified by ANS measurement index and reviewed for study objectives, outcomes, acupuncture points, experimental and control interventions.
Results In the study of acupuncture about EEG, HRV, SCR, the experiment results are not the same by acupoints. Athough same acupoint the results differ by subject's condition. But the study showed some clear tendency. In brief, in normal states acupuncture enhanced either vagal or sympathetic tone depending on the stimulated acupuncture point sites. On the other hand, most of studies demonstrated that acupuncture restored the autonomic dysfunctions in various kinds of tired or stressful states.
Conclusions We reviewed studies that contributed to an understanding of the effects and mechanisms of acupuncture on autonomic nervous system. Although the relationship between acupuncture and ANS response is still uncertain, acupuncture could be a excellent treatment method for modulating autonomic dysfunction.