ABSTRACT
Objective: Very few studies have been reported on the specific functions of individual meridians and acupuncture points. We examined the functional relations between “the gallbladder Meredian and gallbladder” using the gallbladder's form as an index, in older to identify the specific functions of individual meridians and acupuncture points.<br>Subjects and Methods: This study was made on five healthy male adult volunteers who fasted during the experiment day.<br>The gallbladder was selected as the target organ and its form was measured with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (Toshiba SSA-90A). The images of the gallbladder form were taken at the pointwhen the major axis of the cross-sectional area of the gallbladder was maxium. The cross-sectional area of the gallbladder was measured with an image analyzer. The gallbladder form was measured 15 minutes after the subject had lied on his back. Images were taken at intervals of 2 to 5 minutes 10 minutes before stimulation and for 30 minutes during and after stimulation. Acupuncture stimulation was given at the points of C34. Dannang, G36, G37, G40, and G44 on the right side of the body. After getting the degi, 1 minute of sparrow picking needle technique and 1 minute of leaving needle technique were repeated three times.<br>Results: 1) Stimulation of the G34, G36, G37, and G44 gave no effects on the gallbladder form. 2) Stimulation of the Dannang (EX) produced contraction of the gallbladder. 3) Stimulation of the G40 produced distension of the gallbladder. From the above results, we found that there two types of acupuncture points; one causes contraction of the gallbladder, and the other, distension of the gallbladder. This suggests that individual acupuncture points have specific functions.