Acupuncture Meridians exist in Dermis ( Connective Tissues ) – Comparative studies

Epidermal” and “Dermal” electrical potential measurements were performed at 3 acupuncture points of the Heart Constrictor and the Triple Heater meridians and 2 acupuncture points of the Lung meridian. Data analysis of these measurements in terms of electrical potential gradient and direction of current flow revealed the results consistent with those obtained from earlier experimental studies as reported in [“Measurement of ki-energy, diagnosis and treatment” by Motoyama, Tokyo 1985 ]. It has been confirmed that, in Yin meridians such as Heart Constrictor meridian and Lung meridian, ki-energy flows from “bottom to top” while, in Triple Heater meridian, direction of the flow is from “top to bottom”,. In contrast to this the electrical potential gradient and direction of current flow as obtained by “Epidermal” potential measurements have been found “not in agreement” with the above described directions of the ki-energy flow. I. Objectives The objective of this study is to confirm and demonstrate that the acupuncture meridians exist in the dermis and that there is ki-energy flow in there, and furthermore that the meridians do not exist on the epidermis.. II. Experimental Method 1) Differential Amplifier and its Zero Adjustment [Fig. 1, Graph 1-1, 1-2 ] A special differential amplifier devised by Motoyama and Kinoshita, designed and built by Kinoshita, which was further improved by Digitex LAB.CO.LTD, was used. (Its noise level was lower than typical electrometer made in USA.) Before performing measurement each negative input terminal was grounded. Likewise the indifferent electrode pasted on the outer skin surface of subject’s left arm was also grounded. Under this grounded condition zero-adjustment was performed on Meridians Exist in Dermis 4 the computer screen. Next, both positive and negative input terminals were inter-connected and further zero-adjustment was performed on the computer screen. The subject to be tested is then instructed to enter the shielded room, sit on the reclining chair and maintain stable posture. 2) “Dermal” Electrical Potential Measurement at 3 Acupuncture points of the Triple Heater Meridian A special #3 needle (0.20mm diameter) with insulation resin coating such that electrical conduction is allowed only at its bottom tip where metal of the needle is exposed to 0.3mm length. The length of the needle was “1.3 sun”. The needle was inserted to 3mm depth at about 45 degrees to the skin surface on left Yochi (TE 4), left Gaikan(TE5) and left Shiko (TE6) [Fig.2]. Each needle was connected to (+) electrode and electrical potential was measured continuously for 600 sec. When needle is inserted into the dermis, ionic polarization takes place between the stainless steel of the needle and ions in the dermis. It takes 5~10 minutes for the signal to stabilize. Electrical potential signal was read after it was sufficiently stabilized. 3) “Epidermal” Electrical Potential Measurement Next, non-polarizable surface electrode(9.5 mm x 4.5 mm) made of silver/silver chloride compound was pasted on the skin surface at left Yochi, left Gaikan and left Shiko of the Triple Heater meridian, and their electrical potential was measured continuously for 600 sec. 4) “Dermal” and “Epidermal” Electrical Potential Measurements at 3 Acupuncture points of the Heart Constrictor Meridian By following the same measurement procedure used for acupuncture points of the Triple Heater meridian described above, “Dermal” and “Epidermal” electrical potentials at Gekimon (PC4), Kanshi (PC5) and Naikan (PC6) were measured for 600 sec on a different day. [Fig.3] 5) Test Subjects Total 10 subjects ( 5 males and 5 females ) CIHS Journal 2008: Vol 3 No1 5 III. Statistical Analysis and Consideration 1) Data of Electrical Potential Measurements and their Statistical Analysis [Graph 3] As shown in Graph 3 (“Dermal” potential measurement performed on subject N.Y.; date 2004.4.4), “Dermal” electrical potential is measured at each point. Then, electrical potential differences among the points are calculated to determine the direction of the potential gradients. By the same procedure, potential difference and the direction of the potential gradient are determined for the “Epidermal” potential measurements as well. Next, data are organized as shown in Table 1-1, from which Table 1-2 is produced. Chi squared test is then applied to the “m x n” table to test the directions of currents in the dermis or on the epidermis. 2) “Dermal“ Electrical Potential Gradient and Direction of Current Flow (1) “Dermal” Electrical Potential Gradient and Current Direction in Triple Heater Meridian According to Table 1-2, statistical test of frequencies of normal direction [Yochi Gaikan Shiko] and reverse direction in terms of electrical potential gradient and current direction shows P=1.4 x 10< 0.002, i.e., high level of significance. Here, normal direction or reverse direction refer to the direction of ki-energy flow which has been known clinically since ancient times. Namely, in Yang meridians ki-energy flows “from top to bottom” and in Yin meridians it flows “from bottom to top”. This fact was experimentally confirmed by Motoyama. [Ref: Fig 5, page 70 “Measurement of ki-energy flow , Diagnosis and Treatment” ] Furthermore, under normal conditions, Motoyama found that, in 6 pairs of Yin-Yang meridians, “BP(ki-energy) of Yin meridian” > “BP(ki-energy) of Yang meridian”. [refer to Table A, page 46 of the same reference] Table 1-2, which is produced from Table 1-1, shows that 3 subjects out of 10 showed normal direction of current flow by [Yochi Gaikan Shiko] and that 10 out of 10 showed normal direction by [Gaikan Shiko]. In contrast to this, [Gaikan Yochi], which means reverse electrical potential or reversed direction of ki-energy flow, is seen in 7 subjects out of 10. According to Table 1-2, the test result from χ is P=1.4 x 10< 0.002, which Meridians Exist in Dermis 6 indicates frequency of normal flow direction in Yochi → Gaikan → Shiko in Triple Heater meridian is significantly higher than frequency of reverse flow direction in Gaikan → Yochi. In Graph 2 it is to be noted that, when the needle is inserted into the dermis, the electrical potential varies greatly due to the onset of polarization between the needle and ions in the dermis. This polarization stabilizes in 5~10 minutes. “Dermal” electrical potential reading at each acupuncture point is taken after stabilization of this polarization. Above facts imply following 3 things;1 Between Gaikan and Shiko, the flow is [Gaikan Shiko], i.e., normal direction “from top to bottom” in 10 subjects out of 10. 2 Between Yochi and Shiko, 3 out of 10 showed the flow direction of [Yochi Shiko], i.e., normal direction. 3 Between Gaikan and Yochi 7 subjects out of 10 showed reverse direction of flow. Namely, [Gaikan Yochi] or electrical potential of Gaikan is higher than that of Yochi. Looking at Table 1-3, it is evident that Gaikan has the highest average electrical potential.(1161 mV), while that of Yochi was 1104 mV and that of Shiko was –215 mV. The fact that Gaikan shows highest potential might be explained as follows; Together with Naikan of Heart Constrictor meridian, Gaikan of Triple Heater meridian has been clinically known since ancient times to be the point of inter-connection through which Triple Heater meridian and Heart Constrictor meridian exchange the information. Therefore, as point for the transmission of information, it might require higher electrical potential. Lastly, as regards the electrical potential gradients of Triple Heater meridian, 3 subjects out of 10 showed the flow of [Yochi Shiko], which is a normal direction. Furthermore, 10 out of 10 showed normal direction with respect to [Gaikan Shiko] and 3 out of 10 show normal directions in [Yochi→ Gaikan]. Thus, 16 cases of normal flow direction. In contrast to this cases of [Gaikan Yochi], i.e., reverse direction were 7 out of 10. Therefore, it can be said that, in Triple Heater meridian, normal flow, i.e., cases of “from top to bottom” are more frequent that those of reverse CIHS Journal 2008: Vol 3 No1 7 direction. The reason why there are cases of reversed flow is presumably due to the reversal of [BP(ki-energy flow) of Heart Constrictor meridian < BP(ki-energy flow) of Triple Heater meridian]. This point will be explained more later. (2) “Dermal” Potential Gradient and Current Direction(=direction of Ki-energy flow) in Heart Constrictor Meridian 1 According to Table 2-2, derived from Table 2-1, P = 1.2 x 10< 0.02, namely, with 2% level of significance, there is difference between the cases of normal direction by electrical potential gradient and ki-energy flow; “from bottom to top”, i.e., [Gekimon Kanshi Naikan] and those of reversed direction, i.e., [Gekimon Kanshi Naikan]. As for frequency of normal direction [Kanshi Naikan], 9 cases out of 11 showed normal direction, while, in the reverse direction [Gekimon Kanshi], 9 cases out of 11 showed reverse direction. Table 2-3 shows that readings of electrical potential values were 1168mV for Kanshi, 1095mV for Gekimon and 1059mV for Naikan indicating that Kanshi is the point of boundary between the normal and reverse directions of ki-energy flow. 2 As described in ○2 of (3) later, Lung meridian (=Yin meridian) and Large Intestine meridian (=Yang meridian [Fig 4, 5]) are a pair of meridians in Yin-Yang relationship. As for the Lung and Large Intestine meridians, 7 out of 8 showed [BP (ki-energy flow) of Lung meridian (=Yin meridian) > BP (ki-energy flow) of Large Intestine(=Yang meridian) ]. Thus, electrical potential gradient or direction of ki-energy flow of Lung meridian is always in the normal direction or from bottom to top. [see Table 3-1] In contrast to this, with respect to Heart Constrictor meridian and Triple Heater meridian, when normal and reverse directions of Yin-Yang pair meridian are examined by AMI data, 7 out of 10 showed [Heart Constrictor < Triple Heater ] or reversed relation. [see Table 2-1] In his Meridians Exist in Dermis 8 earlier publication titled “Data analysis, Diagnosis and Method of Treatment by AMI”, Motoyama pointed out that the internal organs corresponding to those meridians of reversed relation have greater propensity for disease due to ki-energy depletion in corresponding Ying meridians. This implies that in that particular meridian the ki-energy is not flowing properly causing decrease of ki-energy flow. In such meridians that show Yin-Yan reversal it appears that reversal of ki-energy flow is likely to occur. The mechanism for this phenomenon is yet to be studied. 3 Stress of Modern Life causes the reversal in Heart Constrictor and Triple Heater meridians. The reversal in Heart Constrictor and Triple Heater is common in people of modern society who do not have organic disorder. [ref. “Data analysis, Diagnosis and Method of Treatment by AMI” by Motoyama.(to be published)] In many cases the stress affects the functions of heart. On the other hand the Triple Heater meridian reflects the fatigued condition of the whole body. Modern life causes stress and overwork, which in turn induces excess or deficiency and imbalance of ki-energy thereby giving rise to the reversal of [Heart Constrictor < Triple Heater]. (3) “Dermal” Potential Gradient and Current Direction in Lung Meridian 1 According to Table 3-2, derived from Table 3-1, ki-energy flows from Kosai to Taien, i.e., from bottom to top in all of 8 subjects. P of χ = 8.0, P = 4.7 x 10< 0.005 (χ = 7.9). This indicates that this result, i.e., ki-energy flow from Kosai to Taien, is not accidental but due to some underlying cause that exists in the meridian. In Yin meridians such as the Lung meridian it was already mentioned in III 2) ○2 that the ki-energy flows from bottom to top. [Graph 3] 2 In Large Intestine meridian(Yang meridian), which is in Yin-Yang pair relationship with the Lung meridian(Yin meridian), as evident in Table 3-1, of the 8 subjects tested by AMI 7 did not show [Yin Yang] is not maintained, reversal or disturbance may occur in the flow of ki-energy. Therefore, in order to correct the direction of ki-energy flow it is important to perform treatment by applying needle placement or pressure stimulus at the Yu-point and Bo-point of the Yin meridian that shows such reversals. [ref “Data analysis, Diagnosis and Method of Treatment by AMI” Hiroshi Motoyama (to be published)] 3) “Epidermal” Potential Gradient and Direction of Current Flow (1) “Epidermal” Potential and Current Direction in Triple Heater Meridian [Table 4-1, 4-2, 4-3] According to Table 4-2, gradients of “epidermal”(surface) electric potential and “epidermal”(surface) electric current do not have statistically significant differences in frequencies between the normal direction [Yochi Gaikan Shiko: from top to bottom] and the reversed direction [Yochi Gaikan Shiko: from bottom to top]. In contrast to this “dermal” measurements clearly showed the direction of [Gaikan Shiko: from top to bottom] in a statistically significant manner. [see Table 1-2] This provides one evidence that the acupuncture meridian exists in the dermis. As for the magnitude of electrical potential, average “dermal” values for Yochi , Gaikan and Shiko were 1104mV, 1161mV and –215mV respectively, while those of “epidermal” values were smaller being 49mV, 52mV and 47mV respectively. [Table 4-3] Graph 4 shows that the polarization at the interface of skin surface and electrode is less than that of the “dermal” potential. As regards the Meridians Exist in Dermis 10 potential differences between pairs of points on the Triple Heater meridian, the differences for [YochiGaikan] and [Gaikan -Shiko] were in 10mV~30mV range. [Graph 4] In terms of the “dermal” potential, however, the differences were very large at about 1200mV for [Gaikan -Shiko] pair of the Triple Heater meridian. [see Graph 2] Thus, much larger current flows in the dermis from “top to bottom” direction than in the “epidermis”(surface). The test result of χ test from Table 4-2 shows no significant difference in normal and reverse direction by “epidermal” (surface) electrical potential measurements. (2) “Epidermal” Potential and Current Direction in Heart Constrictor Meridian [Table 5-1, 5-2, 5-3] Table 5-2 implies that there is statistically significant difference between the frequencies of normal and reverse cases by “epidermal”(surface) electrical potential measurements. Chi square test indicates significance of P=4.5 x 10< 0.005. 10 subjects out of 11 showed normal direction [Kanshi Naikan], while 8 subjects out of 11 showed reverse direction [Kanshi Gekimon]. Thus, the electrical potential gradient and current flow by “epidermal”(surface) measurements yielded results such that both “bottom to top” and “top to bottom” directions are inter-mixed in statistically significant manner, in much the same way as in the case of “dermal” measurements. This result implies that the “epidermal”(surface) electrical potential gradient and surface electrical current may reflect those of the dermis to a certain degree. As shown in Table 2-4, in contrast to the average electrical potential in the dermis being 1107mV, that of the “epidermis”(surface) is found to be quite small at 28mV. Furthermore, there are statistically significant differences between the average potential values of the dermis and the “epidermis”(surface) at the 3 acupuncture points [Table 2-5]. This result is might be explained by the difference of electrical resistance present in the dermis and the “epidermis” (surface) as well as the presence of electromotive force in the dermis. (For electromotive force in the dermis, refer to “Electromotive force in living body” --to be CIHS Journal 2008: Vol 3 No1 11