The effect of acupuncture using tonification and sedation manipulation at LI4(Hegu) and KI7(Fuliu) on the control of sweating

한조절(汗調節) 혈위(穴位) 합곡(合谷) 복류(復溜)의 보사(補瀉)에 따른 침자(鍼刺)가 지한(止汗)에 미치는 영향(影響)

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to exam the effectiveness of acupuncture using the tonification & sedation manipulation for LI4(Hegu) and KI7(Fuliu) which was known to promote sweating for lack sweating and inhibit for excessive sweating. Methods : The subject of this study was 60 people who agreed with participating. The participants were divided into 6 groups as control group without acupuncture, acupuncture group with needle inserted perpendicularly at LI4, KI7 without manipulation(AT-A), acupuncture group with needle inserted and twisted at LI4 using sedation technique and KI7 using tonificaton technique(AT-B), acupuncture group with needle inserted and twisted at LI4 using tonificaton technique and KI7 using sedation technique(AT-C), acupuncture group with needle inserted and twisted at LI4 and KI7 using tonificaton technique(AT-D) and acupuncture group with needle inserted and twisted at LI4 and KI7 using sedation technique(AT-E). We obtained baseline data at a stable condition with the temperature of $25^{\circ}C$. After having the participant stay at $40^{\circ}C$ for 10 minute and treated with acupuncture for 10 minute, we measured the parameters such as sweating rate, water content in subcutaneous, water content in skin surface, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation and body temperature. Results : After the tonification & sedation manipulation at LI4 and KI7, the sweating rate was significantly decreased in AT-B, AT-D and AT-E groups. The water contents in skin surface was significantly decreased in AT-B and AT-E groups. The water contents in subcutaneous was significantly decreased in AT-B, AT-C, AT-D and AT-E groups. However, there were no significant changes in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, oxygen saturation and body temperature. Conclusions : Acupuncture at LI4 and KI7 is effective in controling sweating, and the effect varies according to the tonification & sedation manipulation technique.