A Study of the Meridian Route Impedance Measurement with Use of a Standardized Electrode Device / 日本東洋医学雑誌

ABSTRACT

Background : A system for measuring electrical resistance along meridian routes, using a built-in, standardized electrode mechanism with fixed-load, 10 mA (JIS allowance value) current generating IC circuit was newly devised, and the route impedance of 12 meridians (Rm kΩ) were obtained at each source acupoint in situ. These values were clinically investigated in 259 ambulant patients with a background of eastern sho (symptoms), and statistical analysis.Measurement and Result:Rm ranged from 156 to 1520 kΩ in 6 6males (age : 3 ∼ 48 years) and 99 females (age : 10 ∼ 87 years).1) Rm over 300 kΩ, denoted as qi deficiency, was recognized in the LR, GB, ST, SP, HT, BL and KI meridians of the males, and additionally in the SI meridians of the females older than 50 years, and only in the GB meridians of those younger than 50 years.2) A positive correlation with age was only recognized in the Lu, L1and S1meridian flow of those younger than 50 years in the male patient group, while in females younger than 50 years, this correlation was recognized in ST, SP, HT and BL meridians, while in those over 50 years, it was only recognized in ST meridians.3) Among the 54 cases of qi deficiency, a positive correlation between age and Rm was recognized only in 10 meridians of the females and in 52 “blood-emptiness” cases, 4 meridians of the males, and 2 meridians of the females and in 51 cases of “blood stasis” group, 8 meridians of the males and 2 meridians of the females.Conclusion : The Rm values found with the newly-devised meridian route impedance measurement system were significant in an eastern medicine way with qi rather, than “Blood” in sho pathogenesis.