Am J Chin Med. 1975 Oct; 3(4): 359-68.

Acupuncture analgesia in China.

Spoerel WE.

A delegation of ten Canadian anaesthetists visited the People's Republic of China in April and May 1974 and observed 87 surgical and 19 dental operations under acupuncture analgesia. In 80% of the cases observed the analgesia appeared adequate for the conduct of the planned surgery. The utilization of acupuncture analgesia varied from hospital to hospital; surgeons and anaesthetists appeared to have confidence in using it in a limited number of planned surgical operations. The technique of induction varied from hospital to hospital, but a certain pattern became apparent; body needling was related to the site of operation and also based on ancient theories; using loci unrelated to the operative site, para-incisional needles were used to produce skin analgesia; ear needling alone was used in 19 cases and nose needling in one. No premedication was given for short cases and dental extractions. Most hospitals used electrical stimulation; in one institution needles were left in place during induction and throughout surgery without stimulation with equal results. A considerable degree of analgesia appeared to be present immediately post-operative and patients moved without concern for the operative site. It was felt that acupuncture analgesia represents n China an alternative to regional anaesthesia and that surgeons adapt their technique to the conscious patient in the operating room. It is essential that the patient cooperate and is prepared and motivated to withstand the emotional stress and unpleasant sensations associated with the surgery. Problems include inadequate suppression of visceral pain, lack of muscle relaxation and inadequate analgesia. In the author's opinion acupuncture analgesia has a very limited scope in our practice; it is time consuming and imposes considerable restrictions on the surgeon. However, the phenomenon is real and its investigation should contribute to a better understanding of the function of the nervous system.