The authors studied 39 surgical patients suffering from abdominal illnesses. The patients were divided into acupuncture and control groups. In the acupuncture group

needles were inserted at acupuncture points Zusanli (St 36) and Sanyinjiao (Sp 6) during the second 12 hours following the operation. The patients were then observed to mark the time of the first passing of flatus. Sero-enzyme activity of glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT)

glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) andγ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT) was determined before the operation

and measured at two day intervals from the 1st to 7th days after the operation. The results show the time of passing flatus in the acupuncture group (58.78±23.94 h) was obviously faster than that in the control group (86.14±20.43 h)

P<0.001. This suggests acupuncture can promote intestinal activity. After operation

sero-enzyme activity was raised 200%–300% over the average pre-operation activity. This is evidence of trauma to the cells caused by the surgical procedure. This trauma caused the cells

directly or indirectly

to release enzymes into the blood. However

in those patients who received acupuncture therapy

sero-enzyme activity reduced to a normal level much faster. There is a possibility that acupuncture may be used to regulate reactivity of organisms experiencing trauma

and to promote repair of the damaged cells.