New understanding of using “heart adjusting acupuncture method” to prevent and treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Abstract

This article explores the foundational research, Chinese medicine theories, and clinical applications of the “heart adjusting acupuncture method” developed by Professor Guanhu Yang to prevent and treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Professor Yang established this method based on experimental studies involving electroacupuncture along the horizontal umbilical line, which demonstrated a reduction in infarct area in the myocardial infarction mice model. This method was formulated using acupoints on the horizontal umbilical line: Daimai (GB 26), Tianshu (ST 25), and Daheng (SP 15). Clinical application has shown that it could effectively improve cardiac function and manage various cardiovascular conditions and proposed a new hypothesis for the treatment of myocardial infarction. Further research is required to determine if electroacupuncture stimulation at the site of myocardial infarction or during transportation can extend the critical treatment window, preserve myocardial tissue, and enhance reperfusion therapy prognosis. Professor Yang advocates that, when combined with active Western medicine treatments, the “heart adjusting acupuncture method” offers an effective measure to prevent and treat ASCVD.

Keywords

• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease
• Nociceptor-induced conditioning
• Heart adjusting acupuncture method
• Clinical practice