Chorioretinal blood flow changes following acupuncture between thumb and forefinger

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of acupuncture stimuli on general circulation and chorioretinal blood flow changes, and to determine the duration of effect and the learning effect. OBJECTS AND METHODS: Twelve healthy young volunteers were divided into two groups. One had no experience of acupuncture (Non-Experience group); the other had experience of acupuncture (Experience group). Hegu (LI 4) between thumb and forefinger was acupunctured. Chorioretinal blood flow was measured via Heidelberg retina flowmeter before, during, and after acupuncture stimuli. RESULTS: In both groups, chorioretinal blood flow increased significantly during stimuli, with continuous bradycardia. The Experience group showed greater changes than the Non-Experience group. CONCLUSIONS: Chorioretinal blood flow was increased through relative parasympathetic reaction by stimulating an acupuncture point. Acupuncture is a promising adjunctive therapy for ischemic ocular diseases.