[Study on display of acupuncture meridian based on electric signal transfer characteristics].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the real-time effects of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation by means of multiport network theory and measurement of the electric signals transfer coefficient, so as to explore a way for determining the running course of acupuncture meridian and for characterizing its physiological activities in the living body. METHODS: The body was modeled as a complex inhomogeneous 3-dimensions multi-port network, and the meridians were assumed to be "the most smoothly channels for signal transmission". Experiments were performed in 12 beheaded toads whose forelimbs and hindlimbs were divided into proportional coordinates. A concentric electrode with a conical tip was inserted into the toad leg for electrical stimulation of the local muscle, and another electrode alike was inserted into different spots of the limbs to detect the spreading signals in a 3-dimensional scanning mode. Following detecting the response electric voltage values of various spots and calculating their transfer coefficients, the spots which acquired a maximum signal value were considered to be the "acupoints". The imaginary connective lines passing the "acupoints" were regarded as the running courses of acupuncture meridians. RESULTS: A total of twelve 3-dimensional curves were detected based on the connected lines of electric signal transfer function extremum spots 2 mm beneath the skin of the ipsilateral fore- and hind-limbs of 12 spinal toads. CONCLUSION: The present study initially validates the feasibility of electric signal transfer coefficient measurement for displaying the running course of acupuncture meridian in the toad fore- and hindlimbs.

[Study on signal transmission characteristics of meridian based on electrical network theory and experiments].

Study on features of acupoints with resistance test in the past half century is reviewed in this article. Mechanism and technology of the method are introduced as well as its shortcomings. The determination method of signal transmission along meridians with the combination of electrical network theories and practice is advanced. And the result of a series experiments on one meridian at the superficial part of the body are given as well. Thus, it is concluded that the signals of the point-in/point-out and the signals along a non-meridian path with the same distance are significantly different, which gives a verification of the feasibility of the method by using electrical network theories to set out characteristics of signal transmission along meridians dynamically.