Can the electrical potential of acupoints be used to assess the functional state of meridians and the effects of therapeutics? An exploratory data analysis
Acupoints have bioelectrical properties distinct from common skin. Besides the higher electrical conductivity and lower resistance, acupoints show capacitor-like properties, which can be related to their endogenous electrical potential. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) postulates that meridians are physiological structures connecting acupoints and working as a conduit for the flow of two essential substances known as qi and xue. Objectives: This pilot study was focused in evaluating whether the electrical potential of acupoints can be correlated objectively to the functional properties as described by ancient Chinese medical theories, such as the theories of coupled meridians of the same phase ('elements'), and the principle of coupled points.
Source: Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies - Category: Physiotherapy Authors: Lu ís Carlos Matos, Lara Teixeira Lopes, Virginie Abreu Freire, Jorge Pereira Machado, Fernando Jorge Monteiro, Henry Johannes Greten Tags: Diagnostic Methods Source Type: research