Inter-operator Variability of Electrodermal Measure at Jing Well Points using AcuGraph 3

Abstract

Recent studies have found that many factors, both biological and operator induced, influence electrodermal measurements. Here, we report on operator variability for a series of measurements made by four operators at Jing-Well points on 132 individuals of both sexes (68 males and 64 females) by using the AcuGraph 3 'Digital Meridian Imaging Tool': Operator 1 (16 males, 12 females), Operator 2 (18 males, 13 females), Operator 3 (15 males, 21 females), and Operator 4 (19 males, 18 females). The individuals studied were attending a yoga therapy program for type 2 diabetes mellitus and were assessed on the 1st day of treatment. Large inter-operator variations in overall acumeridian energy readings were observed. For individual meridians, the AcuGraph 3 measure differed by up to 42 points for minimum values and 67 points for maximum values. After normalization, the data showed similar patterns between different acumeridians. This suggested that variations were caused by operators applying different pressures when making measurements. Thus, inter-operator variability should be considered when interpreting electrodermal measurements made by several different operators. Unless inter-operator variability is taken into account, actual values may not have meaning; only then can readings for the same population taken by different operators be evaluated correctly.

Effect of lotus posture on acupuncture meridian energies: A controlled trial

“…He assessed each subject between 06:00 and 07:30 am on 3 successive days at the Jing-Well acupuncture points on the fingers and toes, related to main organs: Lung (LU), pericardium (PC), heart (HT), small intestine (SI), triple energizer (TE), large intestine (LI), spleen (SP), liver (LR), kidney (KI), bladder (BL), gallbladder (GB), and stomach (ST). Instrument probe pressure, location, and position were kept uniform[27] using a single operator.…”

“…[26] A study of similar subjects by four operators concluded that values of AcuGraph measurements depend on the style of use of the probe by individual operators; when this is accounted for, overall patterns of acumeridian energies remain the same. [27] A study of a 5-day Yoga program for business executives concluded that overwork systematically lowered their meridian energies and was probably injurious to health, and the 5-day integrated Yoga therapy program restored only half the deficit. [28] A study of those attending Vedic ceremonies found that attendees were energized preferentially in lower meridians,[29] a valuable observation since most patients are deficient in lower meridian energies, which are otherwise difficult to remedy.…”

“…[28] A study of those attending Vedic ceremonies found that attendees were energized preferentially in lower meridians,[29] a valuable observation since most patients are deficient in lower meridian energies, which are otherwise difficult to remedy. [27]…”

“…While AcuGraph studies of groups attending health improvement courses,[925] either simply being characterized through acumeasurements,[2627] or undergoing Yoga treatments,[2829] are of interest, the logical next step is a study of a single Yoga posture. Would significant changes be seen pre- and post-performance of a single Asana for various periods of time?…”

Investigation of yoga pranayama and vedic mathematics on mindfulness, aggression and emotion regulation

“…[ 8 ] It enlivens prana, or “subtle energy” in the tissues, now measured electrically at acupuncture points. [ 19 ] Its settling influence has been confirmed by such observations as test anxiety reduction, improved test performance,[ 20 ] and perceived stress reduction and improvement in cardiovascular parameters;[ 21 22 ] it also reduces aggression. [ 23 ] These results suggest that application of pranayama methods to decrease effects of stress in society might prove valuable.…”