[Experimental observation on the relation between pericardium meridian and cardiac function]

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Cardiology
• Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Background:

• TCM theory posits meridians connect internal organs with superficial body tissues.
• Research indicates phenomena like propagated sensation along meridians (PSM) align with classical meridian pathways.
• The relationship between the pericardium meridian and cardiac function requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the connection between the pericardium meridian and cardiac function.
• To assess the effects of acupuncture on specific pericardium meridian acupoints and non-acupoint spots in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients.
• To compare the efficacy of pericardium meridian acupuncture with control points.

Main Methods:

• 100 CHD patients (with or without PSM) were observed.
• Acupuncture was performed on four acupoints (PC6, PC4, PC3, PC2) and two non-acupoint spots on the Pericardium Meridian.
• Control points included spots adjacent to acupoints and GB37 on the Gall-Bladder Meridian.
• Cardiac function was assessed using electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiophonogram, and rheocardiogram, analyzing indexes like PEP, LVET, P/L, HI, SV, CO, ST segment, and T wave.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture on the Pericardium Meridian acupoints and non-acupoint spots led to significant changes in all 8 cardiac function indexes.
• Control points showed only slight changes in the same indexes.
• Observations included 737 instances, demonstrating consistent effects of Pericardium Meridian acupuncture.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture on the Pericardium Meridian demonstrably influences cardiac function in CHD patients.
• The findings support the TCM concept of meridians and their connection to visceral organs, specifically the heart.
• Pericardium Meridian acupuncture shows therapeutic potential for managing cardiac conditions.