Acupuncture and heart rate variability: A systems level approach to understanding mechanism

Belinda Anderson, Arya Nielsen, Diane McKee, Anne Jeffres, Ben Kligler

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

42 Scopus citations

Abstract

Recent research has elucidated several different mechanisms for acupuncture. However, the interrelationship between these mechanisms and how acupuncture affects complex physiological systems is still not understood. Heart rate Variability (HRV), the beat-to-beat fluctuations in the rhythm of the heart, results from the regulation of the heart by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Low HRV is associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality and is a marker for a wide range of diseases. Coherent HRV patterns are associated with increased synchronization between the two branches of the ANS, and when sustained for long periods of time result in increased synchronization and entrainment between multiple body systems. There is strong evidence from randomized placebo controlled trials that acupuncture modulates HRV. This may represent a mechanistic pathway for global physiological regulation, which is congruent with East Asian medical theory. The ability of acupuncture to improve HRV could be used as a tool in acupuncture research and practice to monitor treatment effectiveness and the impact on quality of life.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)99-106
Number of pages8
JournalExplore: The Journal of Science and Healing
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2012

Keywords

  • Heart rate variability
  • acupuncture
  • acupuncture mechanism
  • global physiological regulation
  • translational research

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Nursing
  • Analysis
  • Chiropractics
  • Complementary and alternative medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Acupuncture and heart rate variability: A systems level approach to understanding mechanism'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this