In the present paper

the authors review recent development of researches on eff ects of acupuncture and moxibustion in bettering the microcirculation and hemorh eology i n patients with stroke. 1) Using nail fold microcirculation and bulbar conju nctiva microcirculation as indexes

some researchers observed that after acupuncture t reatment

the loops of capillaries became clearer and longer

the number and cal ibers of capillaries and the blood flow velocity increased

the accumulation of red blood cells was relieved

and the ratio of arterioles and venules was raised ; in addition

the deformed blood vessels were also ameliorated; suggesting impr ovement of microcirculation of the whole body and the brain tissues. 2) Followi ng acupuncture

whole blood viscosity (decrease)

plasma viscosity (decrease)

r ed blood cell aggregation index (decrease)

hematocrit (decrease)

erythrocyte e lectrophoresis time

erythrocyte sedimentation rate

etc.

indexes of hemorheolo gy were improved significantly

meaning decline of blood viscocity

acceleration of blood flow and increase of blood supply of the brain tissues.