The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that acupuncture at P 6, LR 3 and LI 4 has a generalised depressor effect. A total of 38 healthy humans performed a handgrip exercise (n = 20) or the cold pressor test (n = 18) before and after acupuncture. To control for repeated interventions, subjects underwent an identical protocol on a different day, during which acupuncture was replaced by quiet rest. Blood pressure and heart rate increased similarly during the first and repeat intervention (handgrip or cold pressor test). Acupuncture did not attenuate the increase in blood pressure or the increase in heart rate during handgrip exercise or cold pressor test.