ACUPUNCTURE INHIBITS VAGAL GASTRIC-ACID SECRETION STIMULATED BY SHAM-FEEDING IN HEALTHY-SUBJECTS

In a prospective randomised study, the effect of acupuncture on sham f eeding stimulated gastric acid secretion was investigated. In eight he althy volunteers (five men, three women, mean (SEM) age 26.3 (4.7) yea rs) various methods of acupuncture were performed. Apart from the sham procedure, the acupuncture was performed at the classic acupuncture p oints. Electroacupuncture reduced gastric acid secretion expressed as median (range) significantly during the first 30 minute period to 1.6 (0-5.2) mmol compared with 3.8 (2.3-14.5) mmol (p < 0.05) during contr ol period (sham feeding without acupuncture). Inhibition of gastric ac id secretion by electroacupuncture was also significant during the sec ond 30 minute period (0.2 (0-5.6) v 3.6 (0.3-9.1) mmol; p < 0.05) and for peak acid output (0.8 (0.2-5.1) v 7.6 (3.4-12.1) mmol; p < 0.05). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation also resulted in significa nt reduction of gastric acid secretion during the first 30 minute peri od (1.0 (0-3.6) mmol v 3.8 (2.3-14.5) mmol; p < 0.05), and peak acid o utput (3.6 (1.2-12.0) v 7.6 (3.4-12.1) mmol; p < 0.05). The classic ne edle acupuncture, laser acupuncture, and sham acupuncture had no signi ficant effect on gastric acid secretion. This study shows firstly that in healthy volunteers, only the versions of acupuncture using more pr onounced stimulation (electroacupuncture, transcutaneous electrical ne rve stimulation), but not those with only mild stimulation of the nerv es (classic needle acupuncture, laser acupuncture), and secondly only acupuncture performed at defined points lead to significant reduction in gastric acid secretion.