Am J Chin Med. 1975 Jan; 3(1): 47-60.

Telemetric ECG data (biorhythms) in operations with acupuncture analgesia in the People's Republic of China.

Thoma H, Benzer H, Mayrhofer O, Pauser G.

During seven operations with acupuncture analgesia in the People's Republic of China, recordings were made with a self-developed device for telemetric transmittance of the ECG. Among others, the amplitude of the QRS complex as well as the period of time between two cardiac cycles were electronically measured and registered for evaluation. Through comparison of the values from China with our own material, the following statements can be made: (1) All patients were in conditions ranging from restlessness and slight excitation to weariness and drowsiness. A condition similar to narcosis must be excluded. (2) In a large number of cases a preoperatively performed strong psychological sedation through pharmacological agents can be excluded with certainty. (3) The massive reaction to events such as the cleansing of the operative field refutes-at least partly-our concept of "Asiatic indifference". (4) Acupuncture cannot depress reflexes. (5) Finally, the hypothesis that acupuncture has a stabilizing effect on the circulation is invalid.