Acupuncture Effect on the Heart

Acupuncture Effect on Acute Myocardial Ischemia in Rabbit

Dr. Na Zhai's clinical work is built on a foundation of laboratory research. For over a decade, she studied the mechanisms of acupuncture at the cellular and molecular level—first in China, then in Japan. Her research focused on one question:

Can acupuncture actually change the body's physiology? Or, merely psychological?

Acupuncture Effect on Acute Myocardial Ischemia

In 1986, Dr. Na Zhai joined a research team at the Beijing Acupuncture Institute, led by Professor Wen Shen—one of the most renowned acupuncture researchers in China.

The team conducted a bold experiment: they completely severed the left ventricular artery in rabbits, creating a clearly defined ischemic area on the surface of the heart. They then compared the physiological changes between an acupuncture-treated group and a non-acupuncture group.

What they found:

Compensatory blood flow entered the ischemic area—not from the original blood flow, but reversely, from a capillary network consisting of the ends of all major arteries.

This "second blood supply" to the heart was significantly stronger in the acupuncture group than in the non-acupuncture group.

Histochemical analysis confirmed that acupuncture significantly prevented heart tissue from dying.

As Professor Wen Shen later published: "Electroacupuncture at the Nei-guan acupoint exerts a protective effect on experimental animals subjected to ligation of the left coronary artery's ventricular branch."

Myocardial glycogen is depleted in the ischemic zone. Cross-sectional view of myocardium under a surgical microscope.

Microscopy images showing the depletion of myocardial glycogen in the ischemic zone (left) and the effects of electroacupuncture. The experiment demonstrates that electroacupuncture can effectively prevent the loss of myocardial energy reserves.

Microscopic images show the depletion of myocardial 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the ischemic region (left) and the effect of electroacupuncture. The experiment demonstrates that electroacupuncture can effectively prevent the loss of a portion of this enzyme.

Microscopy images showing the depletion of RNA (pink color) in the ischemic myocardial zone (right) and the effects of electroacupuncture. The experiment demonstrates that electroacupuncture can effectively prevent the loss of RNA caused by acute ischemia.

Cardiac muscle fibers and the mitochondria clustered within them (right). The changes in the ischemic area (middle) and the effect of acupuncture (left).

Normal Cardiomyocyte nucleus(right), The changes in the ischemic area(middle) and the effect of acupuncture(left).

Myocardial microvessels normal (right). The changes in the ischemic area(middle) and the effect of acupuncture(left).

What This Research Means

This research demonstrated that acupuncture is not merely a sensory experience. It triggers measurable physiological responses:

It activates a compensatory blood supply to ischemic tissue.
It mobilizes the whole body to fight—stimulating healthy arteries and the whole bodies' skeletal muscles to support circulation.
It protects cells from dying during acute ischemia.

This is the scientific foundation of Dr. Na's clinical protocol. It is why her treatment works—not just for pain, but for the root causes of chronic disease.

Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. It shares Dr. Na Zhai's research history and is not a promise of specific results for any patient.

On the streets of Japan

After the International Medical Congress in Japan

At the doctoral degree celebration with my supervisor Professor Shi Xuemin

With Professor Xu Ping

The State Journal-Register featured Dr. Na Zhai and Dr. Claude Fortin's collaboration.Our patient John Landers The newspaper headline read: "Acupuncture goes mainstream." China Health reports on the research findings of Dr. Zhai Na.