Umair Gaines
Acupuncture is a widely practiced form of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that involves inserting fine-tipped needles into specific body sites, known as acupoints, to activate electrical activity. The pathways through which acupuncture modifies physiological function to relieve pain are not fully understood, but it is thought that acupuncture may trigger an endorphin release. The concepts of meridians and acupoints are critical to TCM but are met with skepticism in Western medicine. However, several devices can measure the electrical resistance or conductance in specific skin areas related to acupuncture points. This includes the use of the Prognos Ohmmeter, which has been used to study the reliability of acupoint activity measurements. Other methods include the use of a Scanning Kelvin Probe, which measures electrical potential without requiring skin contact.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Devices | Prognos Ohmmeter, Scanning Kelvin Probe, Hans electrical stimulation unit, Acu-TENS |
| Sample size | 21, 12, 27 |
| Number of measurements | 5 |
| Results | Lower electrical resistance at acupuncture points, reduced blood pressure, stable mean arterial pressure, increased nitric oxide concentration, reduced hypertension |
| Limitations | Poor quality of research, difficulty in distinguishing acupuncture point activity, noise from power lines, voltage differentials, polarizing effects |
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What You'll Learn
The use of a non-contact scanning Kelvin Probe
In a study by Gow in 2012, the Scanning Kelvin Probe was utilised to evaluate the electrical potential profiles of acupuncture points LI-4 and PC-6 and their adjacent control points. Twelve healthy individuals participated in the study, and the probe tip was positioned at a predetermined skin site, maintaining a tip-to-sample distance of 1.0 mm with an oscillation frequency of 62.4 Hz. This non-contact method eliminates the need for an active skin electrode, avoiding issues such as variable ion accumulation, microscopic irregularities on the electrode surface, and the influence of stratum corneum moisture.
The Kelvin Probe operates by positioning its tip close to the skin, creating a capacitor with the skin acting as the contralateral plate. The potential difference between the probe tip and the skin generates a charge on the probe, and by varying the distance through oscillation, the capacitance and charge are altered. This allows for the measurement of electrical potential without direct contact, making it a valuable tool for studying acupuncture points.
The use of the Scanning Kelvin Probe in acupuncture research has provided valuable insights into the electrical properties of acupuncture points. The hypothesis that acupuncture points exhibit increased variability in electrical potential compared to adjacent control sites has been explored, and results have indicated significant increases in variability at certain acupuncture points. This non-contact method has contributed to a better understanding of the electrophysiological distinctions between acupuncture points and their adjoining skin, enhancing our knowledge of the unique electrical characteristics associated with these points.
In conclusion, the non-contact scanning Kelvin Probe is a groundbreaking device that has revolutionised the study of acupuncture points by providing a direct and accurate means of measuring electrical potential without the limitations of traditional electrodermal methods. By bypassing the need for skin-to-electrode contact, researchers can now explore the electrical characteristics of acupuncture points with greater precision and reliability, advancing our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture therapy.
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The importance of electrode arrangement
The active and reference electrodes must be placed at an optimal distance from each other. If placed too close, it may fail to distinguish the activities of the acupuncture point, and if placed too far, it may lead to unwanted noise from the intervening spaces. The ground electrode should also be placed on a relatively inactive area to minimize undesired noise.
The electrode arrangement is particularly crucial for DC potential applications. DC potential devices require a reference electrode to provide meaningful values, and a third ground electrode is also needed due to the use of differential amplifiers. The reference electrode is placed at an adjacent non-acupuncture control point, while the active electrode is placed at the acupuncture point.
The size of the electrodes is another important consideration. Larger electrodes can bypass the area of interest, and the current density is highest at the tip for needle electrodes. Polarization at the electrode surface is a significant issue, and it can be minimized by using non-polarizable electrodes, larger-sized electrodes, or high electrical frequencies.
Overall, the arrangement of electrodes plays a vital role in accurately measuring acupuncture points' electrical activity, ensuring the distinction of activities at the acupuncture point, minimizing noise, and achieving the desired measuring depth.
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The impact of acupuncture on blood pressure
Acupuncture has been proven to have an impact on blood pressure. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and acupuncture-like TENS are used to facilitate heart rate recovery after exercise and restore hemodynamic stability after open-heart surgery. Acupuncture points LI 4 (Hegu) and LI 11 (Quchi) are used to treat blood pressure. A study found that after 5 weeks of Hans electrical stimulation on acupuncture points, the systolic blood pressure decreased significantly in the experimental group with active treatment.
Another study found that abdominal electro-acupuncture for 6 weeks reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Auricular acupuncture had a short-term adverse effect on both SBP and DBP. In the auricular intervention group, a significant increase in the level of SBP was detected. However, no statistically significant changes were found in the corresponding sham groups.
In a pilot study, 16 healthy volunteers were subjected to a −10º head-down tilt from the supine position on 3 separate occasions and received in random order the following 3 intervention protocols for 40 minutes before the postural change: Acu-TENS (over bilateral acupuncture points, PC6), sham-TENS (TENS applied to the skin over the patellae), and control (no electrical output from the TENS device applied at PC6). Mean arterial pressure, large artery elasticity index, cardiac output, and heart rate were recorded and compared at different stimulation protocols in the supine and −10º head-down tilt positions. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability was used to determine any modulation by the autonomic nervous system.
The results of this pilot study showed that the change in large artery elasticity index was observed only in the Acu-TENS group (P < .05) and mean arterial pressure appeared most stable during Acu-TENS. Autonomic nervous system modulation was not apparent with spectral analysis, irrespective of the intervention.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Neiguan PC6 is the most commonly selected acupoint for managing cardiovascular problems. In patients with hypertension, stimulation of PC6 for 30 minutes reportedly reduced systolic blood pressure by 11%. Acupuncture reportedly maintains body homeostasis, and its effect may not be measurable if the homeostatic disturbance is small.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is a non-pharmaceutical therapy option to control high-normal blood pressure. TEAS is a combination of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and acupuncture. It is considered an alternative to electrical acupuncture and manual acupuncture.
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The role of acupuncture in pain relief
Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese practice that involves inserting thin, hair-like needles into specific points in the body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues. The goal is to alleviate pain, tension, and stress. It is believed that acupuncture stimulates the body's meridians, or energy-carrying channels, to correct imbalances and restore health. Acupuncturists believe there are over 2,000 acupuncture points in the human body, connected by various meridians.
The concept of acupuncture is based on the idea that the body's vital energy, called "qi" (pronounced "chi"), flows through these meridians. When qi is balanced, a person is believed to have spiritual, emotional, and physical health. However, when qi is blocked or imbalanced, disease may occur, leading to an unbalance between yin and yang. Acupuncture is one of the approaches used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to restore the correct flow of energy through the meridians.
The exact mechanisms by which acupuncture modifies physiological function to relieve pain are not yet fully understood. One suggested mechanism is that acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins and other endogenous opiates, such as dynorphin, encephalin, and corticosteroids, which help relieve pain and enhance the healing process. Acupuncture has been found effective in treating various types of pain, including arthritis, low back pain, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. It has also been shown to be effective in treating idiopathic headaches and shoulder pain.
While acupuncture has gained popularity in Western culture, it is still disputed due to a lack of understanding of its underlying principles within the framework of Western medicine. There are challenges in measuring the electrical activity at acupuncture points, and the evidence that acupuncture points and meridians are electrically distinguishable is not conclusive. However, preliminary findings are consistent and support further research. Rigorous testing of devices against standardized and calibrated measures is necessary to improve the quality of research in this area.
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The relationship between acupuncture and therapeutics
Acupuncture is a system of medical treatment and ideology that is based on the principle of applying small needles or pressure to specific points in the body. The origins of this treatment system are grounded in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with underlying philosophical principles associated with Confucianism and Taoism. The concepts of meridians and acupoints are critical to TCM but are met with skepticism in Western medicine.
Acupuncture has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including nausea, pain, allergies, hot flashes, breathing difficulties, mood disorders, dyspepsia, and even tobacco use. It is most commonly used for treating chronic, non-cancer pain in adults, such as back, joint, or neck pain. Acupuncture is generally safe, with local side effects that typically resolve quickly after removing the needle. However, incorrect needle placement can cause pain during treatment, and acupuncture may not be suitable for individuals with pacemakers, those at risk for infection, or those with chronic skin problems, among other contraindications.
The pathways through which acupuncture modifies physiological function to relieve pain and provide symptom relief are not fully understood. A suggested mechanism is that acupuncture triggers an endorphin release, which may affect the nervous system and other body tissues. Acupuncture may also have nonspecific effects, such as the patient's belief in the treatment or the relationship between the practitioner and patient, which contribute to the beneficial effects.
Several devices can measure the electrical resistance or conductance in specific skin areas associated with acupuncture points. Bioelectrical impedance analysis, for example, has been used to estimate the acupoint composition according to its physiological state. The evaluation of the endogenous electrical potential of acupoints and the changes caused by external stimuli might contribute to understanding the concepts, mechanisms, and effects of associated therapeutics in TCM. For instance, a study by Lee et al. (2005a, 2005b) explored the effects of acupuncture on the potential along the stomach conduit of healthy and unhealthy patients with gastritis. They found that a diagnosis could be made by comparing the potential differences in the conduit.
In conclusion, while the relationship between acupuncture and therapeutics is still being explored, there is growing evidence that measuring the electrical activity of acupuncture points can provide valuable insights into the understanding and application of acupuncture in healthcare.
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Frequently asked questions
The Scanning Kelvin Probe (SKP) is a state-of-the-art device that can measure the electrical potential of acupuncture points without the need for skin contact, thus avoiding the confounders of traditional electrodermal methods.
Other methods include the use of active and reference electrodes, such as the Prognos Ohmmeter, which measures electrical resistance at specific skin areas related to acupuncture points. The Apparatus for Meridian Identification (AMI) may also be used to measure electrical activity by relying on the instantaneous "before polarizing" current.
Measuring acupuncture points electrical activity can help to validate the concepts of meridians and acupoints, which are critical to traditional Chinese medicine but met with skepticism in Western medicine. It can also support further research on the outcomes of acupuncture and potentially lead to a better understanding of the mechanisms behind its effectiveness.
One challenge is the placement of the electrodes. If placed too close together, it may be difficult to distinguish the activities of the acupuncture point, while placing them too far apart can result in unwanted noise from intervening spaces. Another challenge is the polarization at the electrode surface, which can be minimized by using non-polarizable electrodes or larger-sized electrodes.
