Effects of Acupuncture on Potential Along Meridians of Healthy Subjects and Patients with Gastric Disease

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in bio-potential in the stomach meridians of 20 normal healthy control subjects (NHC) and 20 patients with gastric disease (PGD). We measured changes in potential between ST-39 and ST-37 on the stomach meridian in response to invasive insertion of a needle at ST-36. The response patterns of NHC were regular in both the left and right meridians, whereas the response patterns of PGD were irregular. The potential of the NHC was significantly higher than that of the PGD group. The potential values in the left and right meridians of NHC were the same. However, the potential in the right meridian was significantly higher than that in the left meridian of PGD (p < 0.001). This study indicates that there may be changes in Qi or in the electrical properties of meridians according to health status, reflected in the regularity of the response to acupuncture or in the level of potential along meridians. Therefore, it may be possible to make a diagnosis from the state of a meridian by comparing levels of potential difference and its regularity.

Enhanced expression of epidermal growth factor receptor gene in gastric mucosal cells by the serum derived from rats treated with electroacupuncture at stomach meridian acupoints

“…However, it is still unknown how the acupuncture regulates the functional activities of the organism, and what is essential for the relationship between meridian acupoints and viscera. The present study proved that the acupuncture at the stomach meridian acupoints could improve gastric mucosal protection mechanism and that it is a ver y effective cure for gastrointestinal diseases [15,16] . Acupuncture at acupoints of Sibai (ST2), Liangmen (ST21), and Zusanli (ST36), could produce certain ameliorative effect through the following mechanisms: augmentation of the gastric antr um, reinforcement of pressure on gastric pyloric sphincter, stimulation or inhibition of related gastrointestinal peptide secretion [17,18] .…”

Shoulder Tip Pain After Laparoscopic Surgery Analgesia by Collateral Meridian Acupressure (Shiatsu) Therapy: A Report of 2 Cases

“…According to traditional Chinese medicine, pain originates from an obstruction of the energy flow, called Qi, in the body. 18 Unlike conventional acupuncture, CMAT offers advantage of being noninvasive, thereby increasing patient acceptance and eliminating needle-related complications such as pneumothorax, infection, bleeding, or tissue injuries. 17 Although the traditional acupressure therapy uses acupoints on the meridian corresponding to the affected area, 8 the CMAT makes use of several collateral meridians to facilitate the movement of energy (Qi) resulting in notable improvement in analgesia.…”

Successful Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea by Collateral Meridian Acupressure Therapy

“…28 According to traditional Chinese medicine, pain results from an obstruction of the energy flow, called Qi, in the body. 29 To be "smooth of Qi" was to be "without pain; otherwise, pain comes." 30 Collateral meridian acupressure therapy could make the diseased meridian more physiologic by using the C-point to connect and guide the evil Qi in the diseased meridian and manipulate the F-point to dissipate the evil Qi and pain.…”