Effects of BL 23 (Shenshu) acupuncture on serum cytokine levels in healthy adults: A randomized double-blind sham-controlled phase 1 study

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of BL 23 (Shenshu) acupuncture on serum cytokine levels. Sixteen healthy adults were randomized into the BL 23 acupuncture group or pseudoacupuncture group and changes of serum cytokines were analyzed. The changes in IL-13, TNF-a, and GM-CSF levels were different between the BL 23 acupuncture group and pseudo-acupuncture group (P < 0.05). No adverse events associated with acupuncture were observed. In conclusion, BL 23 acupuncture can suppress immune responses via decreases in TNF-a and suppression of increases in IL-13 and GM-CSF. This study elucidated some of the mechanisms of the acupuncture effect.