Infrared thermography fails to visualize stimulation-induced meridian-like structures

Abstract

BackgroundAccording to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) the vital energy flows through a system of channels also called meridians. Generally accepted proof for meridians cannot be considered as being given. Goal of this study was to examine whether possible stimulation-induced meridian-like structures, as recently described by other authors, can be visualized and objectified simultaneously at different infrared wavelength ranges.MethodsThe study analyses evidence for the existence of acupuncture-specific, meridian-like artifacts in 6 healthy volunteers (mean age ± SD 28.7 ± 3.7 years; range 25 – 35 years). Two infrared cameras at different wavelength ranges were used for thermographic control of possible stimulation effects (moxibustion-cigar, infrared warmth stimulation, needle and laserneedle stimulation). In addition to thermography, temperature and microcirculatory parameters were registered at a selected point using laser-Doppler flowmetry.Results and ConclusionAfter moxibustion (or infrared light stimulation) of the body at 2 – 5 μm and 7.5 – 13 μm ranges, different structures appear on thermographic images of the human body which are technical artifacts and which are not identical to what are known as meridians in all textbooks of TCM. Further scientific studies are required regarding the possible visualization of meridians.

Ten Years Evidence‐Based High‐Tech Acupuncture—A Short Review of Peripherally Measured Effects

“…The two acupoints Neiguan (Pe.6) and Quchi (LI.11) were used for this study. Thermography in combination with acupuncture and meridians has been described in several articles recently ( 2 , 15–22 ).

Figure 2.

…”

Manual khalifa therapy in patients with completely ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in the knee: First preliminary results from thermal imaging

“…IR is emitted by all objects at temperatures above absolute zero, and the amount of radiation increases with temperature. Thermography, which is also used in complementary and alternative medicine,[12] is accomplished with an IR camera calibrated to display temperature values across an object like the human body. Therefore, thermography allows noncontact measurements of the human body.…”

Temperature Measurements in Rehabilitation in Patients with Completely Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament before and after RegentK and Physiotherapy

“…When the temperature of an object is higher, the intensity of emitted infrared radiation is also higher. Infrared cameras produce pictures of invisible infrared- or heat radiation, thus enable exact temperature measurements [ 13 ].…”

“…However, the validity of the method must be considered critically and analyzed scientifically. The method is dependent upon many physical-technical aspects, e.g., thermic reflections [ 13 ]. Therefore, one should be very careful in analyzing thermographic images.…”