A group of researchers have shown that manual acupuncture reduces liver toxicity, protects liver function and liver tissue, and normalises immune activity in CCl4-intoxicated rats.

To induce liver injury the rats were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 (1 mL/kg) solution in olive oil and then treated with acupuncture Acupuncture Single Point Yanglingquan, (GB34), 3 times a week for 10 weeks using reinforcing manipulation techniques.

The acupoint GB34 is located on the Gall Bladder meridian and this meridian affects the Gall Bladder organ. The Gall Bladder organ through an interior-exterior relationship connects with the Liver. GB34 is indicated for jaundice and is reportedly used clinically for conditions such as hepatitis, acute biliary tract diseases and cirrhosis of the liver.

For the sham point a non-acupoint was used located in the left gluteal region.

To assess the hepatoprotection effect measurement of liver index, biochemical assays including serum ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol, histological analysis and blood cell counts were used.

The study found that the manual acupuncture at GB34 reduced the liver index, serum ALT, AST, ALP and total cholesterol levels as compared with the control group and the sham acupuncture group. It was also noted that the populations of WBC and lymphocytes had increased and normalized .

The researchers in the study stated that "The hepatoprotective effect of manual acupuncture at GB34 may be related to the immune reinforcing effect of acupuncture or neuro-immune interaction on the pathway of the transmission of acupuncture stimulation".