New research from Germany has found that acupuncture can help improve the ability to exercise for chronic heart failure patients.

Chronic weakness of the heart muscles is one of the main causes of disease and death in Europe and the problem reduces a person’s ability to be active. Signs of heart disease include shortness and breath and chronic fatigue after physical exercise.

Scientists have discovered that while acupuncture doesn’t increase the pump function of the heart, it can influence muscle strength and help increase the distance a heart patient can walk.

The study, which was conducted by the Department of Internal Medicine III (Cardiology, Angiology, and Pneumology of Heidelberg University Hospital, involved patients with heart failure who were treated with conventional medicine and in a stable condition.

The patients were given ten sessions of acupuncture whereby needles were inserted into points known to Traditional Chinese Medicine as being able to boost general strength and influence the nervous system. A control placebo group were treated with simulation needles that do not break the skin’s surface.

Results from the study found that patients given acupuncture could walk greater distances in an allotted time than those in the placebo group. They also recovered quicker and felt less exhaustion.

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