Analgesic effects of different acupoint stimulation frequencies in humans.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) provides a convenient and standardized technique for pain treatment. The cold-pressor test is a simple and reliable model in humans for the induction of tonic pain. In this controlled study, the effects of TEAS on cold pressor-induced pain were evaluated in 22 healthy human subjects. Electrical stimulation at 4 Hz and 32 Hz was applied to He-Gu (LI 4) and Nui-Guan (P 6) acupoints for 15 minutes. Pain score ratings were evaluated at four time points from 30-170 seconds during the cold-pressor test. We observed an analgesic effect at both 4 Hz and 32 Hz of stimulation, and pain score rating reductions were statistically significant compared to control (p < 0.01). Our data support the efficacy of TEAS analgesia. However, there was no significant difference between pain scores at 4 Hz and 32 Hz stimulation.
Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research, Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care The University of Chicago, Chicago IL 60637, USA.
Anoja S
AS
Attele
Sangeeta
S
Mehendale
Xiongfei
X
Guan
Lucy
L
Dey
Chun-Su
CS
Yuan
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003080:Cold Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015671:Electroacupuncture / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000379:methods; D017288:Pain Threshold; D013997:Time Factors