In traditional Chinese medicine, any disease arises from imbalance among zang-fu organs, yin-yang, and qi-blood.
Acupuncture treatment for arrhythmia generally follows the principle of selecting points along meridians. Through acupuncture stimulation, it regulates imbalances between yin and yang in the meridians and zang-fu organs, restoring relative balance to treat arrhythmia. Clinically, commonly selected points include those on the Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian, and Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian.
Commonly used acupuncture methods and points for treating arrhythmia:
(1) General prescription for arrhythmia
① Neiguan, Sanyinjiao, Tongli.
② Main points: Neiguan, Xinyu, Shenting. Auxiliary points: Jugu, Piyu, Geshu, Zusanli, Chize, Fenglong, Zhongfu, Feishu. Select 1–2 main points each time, and 2–3 auxiliary points based on symptoms. Use balanced tonification and drainage technique, once daily, retain needles for 30 minutes. One course lasts 7–10 days.
(2) Treatment for supraventricular tachycardia
Use Neiguan and Jian Shi. Insert obliquely 1–1.2 cun, apply moderate stimulation. Once needle sensation appears, tachycardia often stops within 10–90 seconds, returning to sinus rhythm.
(3) Treatment for atrial fibrillation
Use wrist-ankle acupuncture. Select left Neiguan and Shenting. Insert a 2–6 cun filiform needle at a 30° angle to the skin, quickly penetrate into subcutaneous layer, then advance parallel to the skin slowly. Aim for sensations of soreness, numbness, distention, and pain. Treat once daily or every other day, one course lasting 10 days, with a 10–15 day interval. Usually effective after 1–2 courses.
<Acupuncture and Arrhythmia>