Acupressure at the Meridian Acupoint Xiyangguan (GB33) Influences Near-Infrared Spectroscopic Parameters (Regional Oxygen Saturation) in Deeper Tissue of the Knee in Healthy Volunteers

Gerhard Litscher, Michael Ofner, Wei He, Lu Wang, Ingrid Gaischek, Gerhard Litscher, Michael Ofner, Wei He, Lu Wang, Ingrid Gaischek

Abstract

Up to now, it is still unknown whether microcirculation of deeper peripheral tissue (knee) can be modulated by acupuncture or acupressure on a meridian acupoint. The goal of this pilot study was to investigate possible effects of acupressure at the Xiyangguan acupoint (GB33) on the regional oxygen saturation of the deeper knee tissues by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Twelve healthy volunteers with a mean age of 23.8 ± 1.6 years were investigated. Acupressure stimulation was performed for 5 minutes at the Xiyangguan acupoint. The results of the controlled study showed a significant increase of the values of regional oxygen saturation on the stimulated side of the knee (P = 0.033), whereas the opposite side on the same knee showed insignificant changes. These results may serve as a valuable basis for monitoring a possible therapeutic effect (e.g., after Khalifa therapy) in patients with knee problems.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Measurement site with applied sensors during acupressure stimulation.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Measurement profile of the volunteer study. The measurement points are indicated (a–c).
Figure 3
Figure 3
(a) Box plot presentation of changes of regional oxygen saturation values in 12 healthy volunteers before, during, and after acupressure (comp. Figure 2) on the stimulated side (acupressure side). Note the significant increase immediately after the 5-minute acupressure phase; the median of the rSO2 was increased by 2.5% compared to baseline values. The ends of the boxes define the 25th and 75th percentiles with a line at the median, and error bars defining the 10th and 90th percentiles. (b) Box plot presentation of changes of regional oxygen saturation values in 12 healthy volunteers before, during, and after acupressure (comp. Figure 2) on the opposite (control) side. For further explanations, see Figure 3(a).

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