Differences in Electrical Conduction Properties Between Meridians and Non-meridians

Abstract

Therapy using the acupuncture meridian system is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the electrical conduction properties of the meridians. The current conduction and potential profiles were compared after switching the current direction in the Hegu (LI-4) and Quchi (LI- 11) meridians and over a non-acupuncture point 1 cm from Quchi (LI-11) in 20 healthy subjects. Both meridians demonstrated significantly higher conductivity between Hegu (LI-4) and Quchi (LI-11) than between Hegu (LI-4) and the non-acupuncture point. The direction of current, peak frequency and absolute potential values in the direction Hegu (LI-4) to Quchi (LI-11) differed significantly from those in the direction Quchi (LI-11) to Hegu (LI-4). These results suggest that the conducting pathways are stronger in the meridians than in the non-meridians and that preferential conduction directions exist between two acupuncture points. These results are consistent with the theories of Qi-circulation and traditional Chinese medicine.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Acupuncture

“…Evidence for meridians is not convincing although physiologic correlates have been reported, including electrical conductive properties [152,153] and intermuscular or intramuscular connective tissue planes [154]. Associations between acupuncture points and trigger points [155] and tendinomuscular and tendinofascial structures are tantalizing [156,157].…”

A Neurovascular Blood-Flow Modulation Model via Acupuncture Induced Nitric Oxide

“…Previous studies have provided a variety of information regarding the physiological effects of acupuncture on animal and human bodies. Most of them have indicated that acupuncture is able to increase blood flow [1], and at the acupuncture points and meridians have a high electrical conductance [2,3]. A relationship has also been suggested that among those acupuncture points and meridians with connective tissue planes [4] and the perivascular space [5].…”

Increased Temperature at Acupuncture Points Induced by Weight Reduction in Obese Patients: A Preliminary Study

“…Several studies have reported the existence of electrical properties associated with the meridians and have proposed hypotheses to explain this phenomenon (Ahn et al, 2005;Chen, 1996;Lee et al, 2005;Lu et al, 1999). Recently, Schlebusch et al (2005) reported evidence of the acupuncture meridian structure in the human body obtained from the application of a standard method of infrared thermography.…”