Prospective Tests on Biological Models of Acupuncture

Shang, Charles

doi:10.1093/ecam/nem122

Cited by 31 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 103 publications

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“…One theory states that ESR represents a residue of an early coordination system during embryogenesis, but there is little scientifi c evidence to support this theory. 31 Other fi ndings suggest that ESR can be infl uenced by sympathetic nervous system activation. [32][33][34][35] In addition, an association of ESR with pain intensity has been shown.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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: 99%

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

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…It regulates growth control related processes such as hyperplasia, hypertrophy, atrophy and apoptosis. The predictions from this model have been independently confirmed in multiple disciplines [23]:…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 67%

“…[51] Organizers are closely associated with the intrinsic stem cells [50][51][52] and are likely to have higher density of undifferentiated stem cells after embryogenesis. [23] Intrinsic stem cells are part of the organizers and growth control system. [15,[53][54][55] There is a hierarchy in the degree of cell differentiation in the growth control system.…”

Section: Organizers Gap Junctions and Stem Cellsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The growth control boundaries or folds between different structures are called separatrices in mathematics and often connect singular points. [23] According to the model, organizers and growth boundaries are likely the origins of acupuncture points and meridians respectively. This web originates from a network of organizers in embryogenesis, and develops into a postembryonic growth control system.…”

Section: The Singularity and The Utility Of The Organizer Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Since the 1980s, a model of postembryonic growth control system has been developed which suggests that a network of organizers partially retain their function after embryogenesis and throughout adulthood. [12,22,23] This growth control system is an important part of physiology and pathophysiology. It is embedded in other functional physiological systems such as nervous, circulatory and immune systems.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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