Effect of Auricular Acupuncture for Mental Stress on Heart Rate Variability(HRV)

이침 요법이 정신적 스트레스를 가한 성인의 심박변이도에 미치는 영향

Objectives : The purpose of this study was to assess the effect auricular acupuncture for acute mental stress using power spectrum analysis of the heart rate variability(HRV). Methods : 10 healthy volunteers participated in this study. After 5 minute rest, the first mental stress was provided for 5 minute. And then subjects rested for 15 minute. The second mental stress was provided for 5 minute. The acupoint, Shin-Mun point of the ear was stimulated for 15 minute. HRV was recorded before and after the first and second mental stress, and after auricular acupuncture stimulation. Results : After mental stress, normalized LF and LF/HF ratio is significantly increased. Before and after simple rest, normalized LF and normalized HF is significantly changed, but LF and LF/HF ratio is not significantly changed. On the other hand, before and after auricular acupuncture treatment, normalized LF, normalized HF is significantly changed, and also LF and LF/HF ratio is significantly decreased. Conclusion : The result suggest that auricular acupuncture can decrease more significantly in cardiac sympathetic activity due to mental stress than simple rest.