Noninvasive Blood Flow Measurement over Acupuncture Points (Gb21): A Pilot Study

Bürklein, Meike; Banzer, Winfried

doi:10.1089/acm.2006.9149

Cited by 11 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…Nevertheless, it has been shown that the blood fl ow under an AP can be higher than under reference points. 25 An association between APs, trigger points 26 27 and fascial structures 28 has been shown. Given the fi nding that ESR is altered on the skin over a trigger point, 29 it is possible that there might be a connection between specifi c anatomical characteristics and observed changes in ESR.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Impact of Surgical Intervention and Postoperative Pain on Electrical Skin Resistance at Acupuncture Points: An Exploratory Study

Krämer¹,

Zaps²,

Kutz

et al. 2012

Acupunct Med

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Objectives One theory about acupuncture suggests that pathological processes can cause measurable changes in electrical skin resistance (ESR) at acupuncture points (APs). Although the theory has yet to be proven, ESR measurements (ESRMs) form a frequently used part of contemporary acupuncture. The aim of this study was to test the so-called 'electrical responsiveness' of APs in the setting of a defi ned operative trauma. Methods ESRMs (n=424) were performed at the APs and surrounding skin of GB34 and ST38 in 163 participants using an impedance meter array developed for the purpose of ESRMs. For each group the percentage of measurements with a signifi cantly different ESR between the APs and the surrounding skin was calculated and compared with each other. Measurements of four groups were compared: healthy control subjects (n=30) and patients after ophthalmic (n=29), hip (n=42) and shoulder (n=30) surgery. The infl uence of postoperative pain intensity was also assessed. Results Group comparison showed no signifi cant differences for ST38. The ESRMs at GB34 had a signifi cantly higher percentage of measurements with an increased ESR after ophthalmic (23.2%) and hip (22.2%) surgery, but not after shoulder surgery (7.5%). Subgroup analysis showed that an increase in pain intensity tended to lead to a decrease in the number of APs with ESR changes. Conclusion These results suggest that reactive changes in ESR at APs might exist. Pain and alertness seem to have an impact on ESR at APs. However, the current data do not allow for conclusions to be drawn concerning the clinical use of ESRMs. INTRODUCTIONAcupuncture treatment is gaining in importance with a variety of studies confi rming its effi cacy in the treatment of various disorders. However, while evidence for the clinical efficacy of acupuncture is growing, questions are being raised concerning the specifi city of acupuncture points (APs).3 4 In order to increase the general acceptance of acupuncture, a better understanding of how APs and meridians function is needed.One theory about the specifi c nature of APs suggests that electrical skin resistance (ESR) is different from the surrounding area, [5][6][7] and that a change in the ESR at an AP can be the refl ection of a pathophysiological condition of the patient.8 9 Based on this assumption of an 'electrical responsiveness' of APs, commercially available devices for electrodermal testing have been developed for acupuncture point location as well as for use as diagnostic and therapeutic tools.10 11 Electrical skin resistance measurements (ESRMs) have been established as an integral part of contemporary acupuncture.5 However, the scientifi c support for an electrodermal distinctiveness of APs is controversial, 12 and there is even less evidence for the electrical responsiveness of APs. 5 13-15 ESRMs have proved diffi cult to verify due to their rapid variability and variations in measurement techniques. 16 In this investigation we used a method that minimises the infl uence of typical disturbances.17 I...

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Impact of Surgical Intervention and Postoperative Pain on Electrical Skin Resistance at Acupuncture Points: An Exploratory Study

Krämer¹,

Zaps²,

Kutz

et al. 2012

Acupunct Med

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“…The tender points are known to be located at traditional acupuncture points, “ ah si ” point, and also to conform with trigger points and criterion sites for fibromyalgia [1, 18, 19]. Tender points are supposed to be the site where there are nociceptors and polymodal receptors, which have been sensitized by various factors.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Comparative Effects of Acupressure at Local and Distal Acupuncture Points on Pain Conditions and Autonomic Function in Females with Chronic Neck Pain

Matsubara

Arai

Shiro

et al. 2010

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine

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Acupressure on local and distal acupuncture points might result in sedation and relaxation, thereby reducing chronic neck pain. The aim was to investigate the effect of acupressure at local (LP) and distal acupuncture points (DP) in females with chronic neck pain. Thirty-three females were assigned to three groups: the control group did not receive any stimuli, the LP group received acupressure at local acupuncture points, GB 21, SI 14 and SI 15, and the DP group received acupressure at distal acupuncture points, LI 4, LI 10 and LI 11. Verbal rating scale (VRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), muscle hardness (MH), salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) values and satisfaction due to acupressure were assessed. VRS, NDI, STAI and MH values decreased after acupressure in the LP and the DP group. HR decreased and the power of high frequency (HF) component of HRV increased after acupressure in only the LP group. Although acupressure on not only the LP but also the DP significantly improved pain conditions, acupressure on only the LP affected the autonomic nervous system while acupuncture points per se have different physical effects according to location.

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“…The ancient Chinese believed that Qi flows through a network of channels called meridians and collaterals, which bring Qi from the internal organs to the skin surface. Along these meridians, there are acupoints that can be stimulated to correct the imbalance, restore the body to normal health and promote the blood flow ( blood ) . Therefore, acupoints are also defined as the particular parts of the body surface for infusing or diffusing “Qi” and blood of viscera and meridian, the body lesions reflex points as well as the important stimulus points for acupuncture.…”

Section: The Systemic Effects When Stimulating Acupointsmentioning

confidence: 99%

What is the Acupoint? A preliminary review of Acupoints

Li¹,

et al. 2015

Pain Med

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Noninvasive Blood Flow Measurement over Acupuncture Points (Gb21): A Pilot Study

Cited by 11 publications

References 15 publications

Impact of Surgical Intervention and Postoperative Pain on Electrical Skin Resistance at Acupuncture Points: An Exploratory Study

Impact of Surgical Intervention and Postoperative Pain on Electrical Skin Resistance at Acupuncture Points: An Exploratory Study

Comparative Effects of Acupressure at Local and Distal Acupuncture Points on Pain Conditions and Autonomic Function in Females with Chronic Neck Pain

What is the Acupoint? A preliminary review of Acupoints

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