Acupuncture increases blood flow to the male testes

Eighty healthy male volunteers were randomly allocated to three groups in stage one and to a single group in stage two.

In the first stage of the study, the abdominal acupuncture points ST-29 (guilai) were stimulated using simple needle insertion, 2 Hz burst electric-acupuncture or 10 Hz electric-acupuncture, in three different groups.

In the second stage of the study, abdominal acupuncture points ST-25 (tianshu) were stimulated with the frequency found to be more effective in stage one. Stimulation was for 5 minutes in each group.

Electroacupuncture and Doppler flowmeter. Main Outcome Measure(s): Four groups were compared for volume flow and other related parameters of testical blood flow.

The 10-Hz electric-acupuncture stimulation of ST-29 (guilai) increased testical blood flow, but simple needle insertion and 2-Hz burst stimulation did not. The 10-Hz electric-acupuncture stimulation of ST-25 (tianshu) did not result in significant changes in testical blood flow.

For the first time point and frequency-specific effects of abdominal electric-acupuncture on testical blood flow are shown in humans. Further investigation is required to ascertain whether these findings may be helpful in the clinical treatment of infertile men.

Reference

Cakmak, et al. (2008) Point- and frequency-specific response of the testicular artery to abdominal electroacupuncture in humans. Fertil Steril; 90: 1732–8