A Study on the Relationship with Acupuncture Stimulation and Stress Using Heart Rate Variability

심박변이도를 통한 침자극과 스트레스의 상관관계 연구

Objectives : The purpose of this case-control research was to investigate the effects of acupuncture stimulation on autonomic nervous system for patients with HRV and to find out relationship with anti-stress effects. Methods : The study group consists of 24 patients with self-recognition of stress as the case group, and 20 normal person as the control group by similar age. We measured HRV of case and control groups before acupuncture stimulation, prick acupuncture in Hegu(LI4), Taichong(Liv3), Shenme(H7), Neiguan(P6), Zusanli(S36). After treating for 20 minutes, measurement values of HRV and PSV were compared for pre-acupuncture and post-acupuncture. Results : 1. LF norm, HF norm, LF/HF between the case and control groups were significant different in HRV before acupuncture stimulation in the 1st experiment. 2. HRT, SDNN, SDSD, LF norm, HF norm, and LF/HF of the case group were significant different in HRV after acupuncture stimulation in the 1st experiment. HRT of the case group was significantly different in HRV after acupuncture stimulation in the 1st experiment. 3. LF norm, HF norm, LF/HF of the case group were significant different between the 1st and 2nd experiment in HRV before acupuncture stimulation. 4. LF norm, HF norm, and LF/HF were significant different between the 1st and 2nd experiment in HRV of patients whose symptoms improved. But HRV of patients whose symptoms unimproved didn't show significant difference. Conclusion : The results suggest that acupuncture stimulation is associated with changed activity in the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Measurement values of HRV is suitable to estimate the activity of automatic nervous system.