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Meridian-like networks of internal organs, corresponding to traditional Chinese 12 main meridians and their acupuncture points as detected by the "Bi-Digital O-Ring Test imaging method": search for the corresponding internal organ of Western medicine for each meridian--Part I.

The "Bi-Digital O-Ring Test" imaging method has been successfully used not only to outline the internal organs but also malignant tumors as long as identical reference control tissue is available, regardless of whether it comes from the same individual or others, without exposing the patient to undesirable radiation from X-Rays, strong magnetic field or ultra-sound. While imaging the outline of the internal organs the author found that, from the surface of each organ, lines or networks of lines extend to other parts of the body. Such a line closely resembles well-known lines of meridians of major internal organs in Oriental medicine. This meridian-like network of each internal organ can be imaged using a microscopic slide, dessicated tissue or raw tissue of the same internal organ as reference control substance in "Bi-Digital O-Ring Test" imaging method. In previous papers, among meridians of 12 main internal organs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the author was able to find which meridian corresponds to which internal organ of Western Medicine as in 10 meridians by "Bi-Digital O-Ring Test" imaging with corresponding internal organs as reference control substances, with the exception of "Pericardium Meridian", and "Triple Burner Meridian". In this study we were able to confirm that the "Pericardium Meridian" can be imaged mainly using adrenal gland as a reference control substance and "Triple Burner Meridian" can be imaged by the ovary or adrenal gland in the female and also can be imaged by the testes or adrenal gland in the male. Thus, the author was able to confirm, for the first time, the corresponding internal organ of Western Medicine for each one of the 12 main meridians. During this study, when actively imaging the meridian-like network, the author found bulging areas of the meridian-like network at specific locations, and found that these bulging areas correspond to specific acupuncture points. The area or average diameter of these acupuncture points often increased in the abnormal area and returned relatively small normal diameter by acupuncture given on certain acupuncture points of the same meridian. Thus, one can find the exact location of the meridian-like network and specific acupuncture points along the network. Therefore, it is now possible to re-evaluate true effects of giving acupuncture on these specific points as well as some of the other classical concepts of acupuncture.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

Connections found between each meridian (heart, stomach, triple burner, etc.) & organ representation area of corresponding internal organs in each side of the cerebral cortex; release of common neurotransmitters and hormones unique to each meridian and corresponding acupuncture point & internal organ after acupuncture, electrical stimulation, mechanical stimulation (including shiatsu), soft laser stimulation or QI Gong.

Using the "Bi-Digital O-Ring Test Imaging Technique", the author has been able to accurately localize meridians and acupuncture points that correspond to specific internal organs and has found that most general patterns of meridians and the number of acupuncture points on each of the meridians of specific internal organs of the 12 main internal organs described in the literature of ancient Chinese medicine, are more or less correct, with the exception of some variations and inaccuracies. Each meridian of specific internal organs was found to be connected to the organ representation area in the cerebral cortex of specific internal organs. The acupuncture point has an area and occupies 3-dimensional space. It has a circular or slightly oval boundary with diameter in the range of 3 mm to 2.7 cm, although 6-12 mm are the most common diameters in human adults, with the exception of the area outside the corners of the nailbeds of the fingers and toes. Using the "Bi-Digital O-Ring Test Molecular Identification Method", the author also found that within the boundary of most acupuncture points and meridian lines (including Heart, Stomach, and Triple Burner) were high concentrations of neurotransmitters and hormones, including Acetylcholine, Methionine-Enkephalin, Beta-Endorphin, ACTH, Secretin, Cholecystokinin, Norepinephrine, Serotonin, and GABA. On all these meridian lines, in addition to the above neurotransmitters and hormones, Dopamine, Dynorphin 1-13, Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) and VIP were found, but the latter do not usually exist within the boundary of the acupuncture point with the exception of the center midline of the acupuncture point where the meridian line is situated. Serotonin, Norepinephrine, and Cholecystokinin appeared in either one of the above 2 patterns, depending on the individual. Usually, no significant amounts of these neurotransmitters and hormones were found at the surrounding area outside of meridian and acupuncture points. However, the essential amino acid L-Tryptophan (which is a precursor of Serotonin), was usually found outside of the boundary of the acupuncture point and the meridian but not within the boundary of the acupuncture point and the meridian. Wherever Serotonin appeared, L-Tryptophan disappeared significantly and when the Serotonin disappeared, L-Tryptophan reappeared. In addition to the above common neurotransmitters and hormones, the Heart meridian had additional Atrial Natriuretic Peptide in both the meridian and its acupuncture points. Similarly, the Stomach meridian had additional Gastrin in both the meridian and its acupuncture points. Likewise,the Triple Burner meridian had additional Testosterone (in the male) and Estrogen (especially Estriol and Estradiol in the female.

Acupuncture Points↗

[Observation on the distribution of LSIPs along three yang meridians as well as ren and du meridians].

The results of our previous works demonstrated that the low skin impedance points (LSIPs) basically distributed along the meridian courses. In order to further clarify what extent LSIPs distributed along the meridians and the feature of distribution of LSIPs in different part of the body, the Three Yang Meridians of Foot as well as Ren and Du Meridians were studied in this work once again. Twenty five volunteers were under observation. As known to all, the Three Yang Meridians of Foot, which travel over several body regions, are the longest three with most complicated courses, among the Twelve Normal Meridians. Ren and Du meridians, which travel along the anterior and posterior median line of the trunk respectively, are the representative of the Eight Extra Meridians. Regardless of their particular travelling courses, the overwhelming majority of LSIPs located right on or within 5 mm bilaterally to their courses. It could be found in non-meridian area only in a few cases. The results of observation on the back is especially to be noticed. Evidently, LSIPs appeared randomly when the exploring electrode moved forward from one side of the back, crossed 5 meridians in succession, to another side. Even so, viewing the situation as a whole, LSIPs still concentrated along 5 bands, basically coincided with the course of Du Meridian and Three Yang Meridians of Foot. The results further confirmed that LSIPs really distributed along the meridian courses in the main.

Adult↗

[Comparison of the thermal conductivity of the related tissues along the meridian and the non-meridian].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the thermal conductivity of the related tissues along meridian line and non-meridian area. METHODS: Forty healthy volunteers were observed with a infrared thermal imaging system. RESULTS: During heating the acupoint or the non-acupoint along the meridian line, the velocity of spreading of the temperature-increasing response along the meridian line was more easy and rapid, with a definite direction. However, during heating the non-meridian spots, the change of temperature was confined to the local area, with no definite direction. The spreading of skin temperature response along the meridian line was more rapid than the non-meridian area during both the two were heated simultaneously, and finally, 3 infrared radiant tracks along the meridian courses conformed basically with that of the classical three yin- meridians of the hand appeared. CONCLUSION: The thermal conductivity of the related tissues along the meridian line is better than that of non-meridian area and has definite direction, with differences in physical characteristics between them.

Acupuncture Points↗

Re-evaluation of the classical acupuncture concept of meridians in Oriental medicine by the new method of detecting meridian-like network connected to internal organs using "Bi-Digital O-Ring Test".

"Bi-Digital O-Ring Test" has been successfully applied clinically as one of the simplest non-invasive, safe early diagnostic methods as well as localizing specific substances and neuro transmitters and tissues by the " 'Bi-Digital O-Ring Test' Molecular Identification and Localization Method". Using the method most of the internal organs it becomes possible to image the outline of most of the internal organs on most of the body surface without exposing the patient to undesirable radiation of X-Ray or strong magnetic field. While imaging outline of the internal organs the author found that from the surface of each organ, lines or networks of lines extending to the other parts of the body. Such a line closely resembled classically well known lines of meridians of major internal organs in Oriental medicine which author named meridian-like network of each internal organ. Each internal organ's meridian-like network usually can be imaged using microscopic slide of tissue or tissue itself. However, entire part of the small intestine meridian in the arm can also be imaged by heart tissue. For example "spleen meridian" has been considered to represent mainly pancreas of the western medical concept and this was also confirmed by the fact that using microscopic slide of pancreas or dessicated tissue of the pancreas well-known spleen meridian-like network can be imaged. The author also confirmed some of the description of the direction of the meridian and direction of the in reference to the direction of the insertion of the acupuncture needle. The width of the line of this meridian-like network was usually within one or two millimeters and one millimeter outside of the line do not have the same characteristics. This meridian-like network seems to be specialized channel which can propagate some type of information in electro-magnetic field to regulate some of the body functions throughout the body which is difficult to explain in current western medical anatomical concept.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

Neurobiological mechanisms of the meridian and the propagation of needle feeling along the meridian pathway.

The present experiments attempt to find the meridian phenomenon and how the needle feeling propagates along the given meridian channels. The neurobiological mechanisms of the meridian were studied with neuroelectrical recording from the motor neurons and CB-HRP retrograde histochemistry technique in both rats and cats. The results demonstrated that most, but not all, of alpha motor neurons supplying a muscle group of a given meridian were selectively activated by afferent inputs originating not only from homonymous or heterogeneous, but synergistic muscle, but also from the skin nerve overlying the muscle group of the homonymous meridian. However, the afferent inputs from the heterogeneous meridian have very weak or no effect. On the other hand, the labeled motor neurons supplying a given meridian muscles from a discrete longitudinal column with a definite bound in the lateral ventral horn. There are oriented dendro-dendristes projections between the labeled motor neurons. The characteristics of both selective responses of the motor neurons to afferent inputs and their neuro-anatomical arrangements in spinal cord offer neurobiological evidence for the meridian phenomenon.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

Differences in electrical conduction properties between meridians and non-meridians.

Therapy using the acupuncture meridian system is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine. The purpose of this study was to investigate the electrical conduction properties of the meridians. The current conduction and potential profiles were compared after switching the current direction in the Hegu (LI-4) and Quchi (LI- 11) meridians and over a non-acupuncture point 1 cm from Quchi (LI-11) in 20 healthy subjects. Both meridians demonstrated significantly higher conductivity between Hegu (LI-4) and Quchi (LI-11) than between Hegu (LI-4) and the non-acupuncture point. The direction of current, peak frequency and absolute potential values in the direction Hegu (LI-4) to Quchi (LI-11) differed significantly from those in the direction Quchi (LI-11) to Hegu (LI-4). These results suggest that the conducting pathways are stronger in the meridians than in the non-meridians and that preferential conduction directions exist between two acupuncture points. These results are consistent with the theories of Qi-circulation and traditional Chinese medicine.

Acupuncture Points↗

Hydrodynamic analysis of waveforms induced by vibrational stimuli at meridian and non-meridian points.

Meridian theory is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Although acupuncture has been accepted in many countries, the nature of the meridian theory and the principles of acupuncture are still unclear in the modern scientific view. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in wave propagation of mechanical vibrations (optimal stimulator frequency of 40 Hz) through the pericardium meridian [EH-4 (Chieh-Men) and EH-5 (Chien-Shih)] and adjacent control regions in 20 subjects using hydrodynamic analysis. The mean transfer speed was significantly lower in the meridian (4 m/s) than in the adjacent control region (8.5 m/s, P < 0.001). There were also significant differences between the meridian and control points in the attenuation rate (P < 0.001) and peak amplitude (P < 0.001). In conclusion, these results imply that the substance of the meridian differs from that of the adjacent control regions.

Acupuncture Points↗

Birdcage model for the Chinese meridian system: part VI. meridians as the primary regulatory system.

It is imperative to define the fundamental concepts of Qi, channels, and the meridian system of Chinese medicine in terms of scientific terminology before any meaningful and mutually beneficial dialog can begin between Chinese and Western medicine. In the Chinese theory, the meridian system as a whole is the system of the body. We propose the existence of a meridian regulatory system that governs interactions between and adjusts functions of internal organs, connects them to the body surface through a network of pathways (channels) and displays their status on the skin. The meridian systems is analyzed as a 28-leg, uniform, low pass birdcage coil, where each leg represents a channel. The channel is analyzed as a transmission line and Qi is the standing wave riding on it. Each segment in the channel is represented as a section of the transmission line and it is in natural oscillation, with its second lowest resonant frequency being the 50-round circulation frequency f50, 0.578 x 10(-3) Hz.

Acupuncture↗

[Relationship of meridians with human material and energy systems study on theory and clinical application of meridians (IV)].

OBJECTIVE: To expound the relationship between meridians and the human two information systems, material system and energy system. METHODS: Summarize and analyze the results of experimental and other studies. CONCLUSION: The carrier of the meridian is human material system. The nerve, body fluid, microcirculation and chemical factors take part in meridian circulation, and it must depend on the energy information system which works mainly at the form of electromagnetic and chemical oscillation with functions of physiological regulation and pathological repair. Oscillation parameters include various signals of regulating development and physiologic activities, and coordinate functions of organs and tissues. The meridians have the "quantum" characteristics, material particles coexist and exchange each other with electromagnetic and chemical oscillation characteristic.

Humans↗

A birdcage model for the Chinese meridian system: part II. The meridian system as a birdcage resonator.

We propose that the meridian system as a whole is one grand transmission line, excited periodically at a frequency of f50, the frequency of the 50-round circulation (0.578 x 10(-3) Hz). This grand transmission line is analyzed as a 28-leg, uniform, low pass (LP) electromagnetic (EM) birdcage coil, consisting of capacitors and inductors. The second lowest resonant frequency (mode 1) of the birdcage is f50. Each leg represents one channel and is analyzed as a lossless transmission line itself. The amplitude of the Qi standing wave on each channel is periodically amplified at f50. The average number of acupoints on the 28 channels involved in the 50-round circulation and the speed of Qi were used to calculate the resonant frequencies. A mechanical birdcage consisting of mass and spring may co-exist and exchange energy with the EM birdcage. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to map the diffusion coefficient, elastic modulus and electric conductivity of tissues in vivo, as an indirect evidence of the existence of the proposed EM and mechanical standing waves.

Equipment Design↗

Electrical impedance along connective tissue planes associated with acupuncture meridians.

BACKGROUND: Acupuncture points and meridians are commonly believed to possess unique electrical properties. The experimental support for this claim is limited given the technical and methodological shortcomings of prior studies. Recent studies indicate a correspondence between acupuncture meridians and connective tissue planes. We hypothesized that segments of acupuncture meridians that are associated with loose connective tissue planes (between muscles or between muscle and bone) visible by ultrasound have greater electrical conductance (less electrical impedance) than non-meridian, parallel control segments. METHODS: We used a four-electrode method to measure the electrical impedance along segments of the Pericardium and Spleen meridians and corresponding parallel control segments in 23 human subjects. Meridian segments were determined by palpation and proportional measurements. Connective tissue planes underlying those segments were imaged with an ultrasound scanner. Along each meridian segment, four gold-plated needles were inserted along a straight line and used as electrodes. A parallel series of four control needles were placed 0.8 cm medial to the meridian needles. For each set of four needles, a 3.3 kHz alternating (AC) constant amplitude current was introduced at three different amplitudes (20, 40, and 80 microAmps) to the outer two needles, while the voltage was measured between the inner two needles. Tissue impedance between the two inner needles was calculated based on Ohm's law (ratio of voltage to current intensity). RESULTS: At the Pericardium location, mean tissue impedance was significantly lower at meridian segments (70.4 +/- 5.7 Omega) compared with control segments (75.0 +/- 5.9 Omega) (p = 0.0003). At the Spleen location, mean impedance for meridian (67.8 +/- 6.8 Omega) and control segments (68.5 +/- 7.5 Omega) were not significantly different (p = 0.70). CONCLUSION: Tissue impedance was on average lower along the Pericardium meridian, but not along the Spleen meridian, compared with their respective controls. Ultrasound imaging of meridian and control segments suggested that contact of the needle with connective tissue may explain the decrease in electrical impedance noted at the Pericardium meridian. Further studies are needed to determine whether tissue impedance is lower in (1) connective tissue in general compared with muscle and (2) meridian-associated vs. non meridian-associated connective tissue.

Adult↗

Effect of electro-acupuncture at Foot-Yangming Meridian on somatostatin and expression of somatostatin receptor genes in rabbits with gastric ulcer.

AIM: To discuss the protective effect of electroacupuncture at the Foot-Yangming Meridian on gastric mucosal lesion, somatostatin (SS) and the expression of SS receptor genes (SSR(1)mRNA ) in rabbits with gastric ulcer and to further explore the relative specificity of meridians and viscera at gene expression level. METHODS: Forty rabbits were randomly divided into control group (A), gastric ulcer model group (B), Foot-Yangming Meridian group (C), Foot-Shaoyang Meridian group (D) and Foot-Taiyang Meridian group (E). The gastric ulcer model was prepared by infusing alcohol into stomach. Groups C-E were treated with electro-acupuncture at points along the above meridians using meridian stimulating instruments for 7 d respectively. By the end of treatment, the index of gastric ulcer was determined, the amount of epidermal growth factor(EGF) and somatostatin was measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). SS-R(1)mRNA expression in gastric mucosa was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The value of EGF in model group was obviously lower (73.6+/-14.8 vs 91.3+/-14.9 pg/mL, P<0.01) than that in control group. The index of gastric ulcer, content of SS and expression of SSR1mRNA in gastric mucosa were significantly higher than those in control group (24.88+/-6.29 vs 8.50+/-2.98 scores, P<0.01; 2978.6+/-587.6 vs 1852.4+/-361.7 mIU/mL, P<0.01; 2.56+/-0.25 vs 1.04+/-0.36, P<0.01). The value of EGF in Foot-Yangming Meridian group was higher than that in model group (92.2+/-6.7 vs 73.6+/-14.8 pg/mL, P<0.01). The index of gastric ulcer, content of SS and expression of SS-R(1)mRNA in gastric mucosa were significantly lower than those in control group (10.88+/-3.23 vs 24.88+/-6.29 scores, P<0.01; 1800.2+/-488 vs 2978.6+/-587.6 mIU/mL, P<0.01; 1.07+/-0.08 vs 2.56+/-0.25 mIU/mL, P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the content of SS and expression of SSR1mRNA in gastric mucosa in Foot-Shaoyang Meridian group decreased (2441.0+/-488.vs 2978.6+/-587.6 mIU/mL, P<0.05;1.73+/-0.16 vs 2.56+/-0.25 mIU/mL, P<0.01). But the above parameters in Foot-Taiyang Meridian group did not improve and were significantly different from those in Foot-Yangming Meridian group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture at Foot-Yangming Meridian can protect gastric mucosa against injury. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of brain-gut peptides and the expression of SSR(1)mRNA.

Acupuncture Points↗

Perivascular space: possible anatomical substrate for the meridian.

BACKGROUND: Despite the meridian system being an important concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), modern biology and Western medical systems have failed to find an anatomic substrate. Since the 1960s, a variety of phenomena along meridians have been reported, among which quite a few suggest that along meridians there is a fluid pathway (but not blood vessels or lymphatics). On the other hand, perivascular space (PVS) has been demonstrated to be a body fluid pathway in addition to blood vessels and lymphatics in some mammalian tissues, such as brain, thymus, and lung. OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to examine the relationship between PVS and the meridian. We studied characteristics of the tissues around the blood vessels along the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming and the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-shaoyang, with the goal of identifying anatomical structure corresponding to the meridian described in TCM. DESIGN AND RESULTS: Through perivascular dye injection and frozen section histology, we found that there is PVS around the blood vessels along the meridians, and it is a fluid pathway. Subsequent physiologic studies revealed that the PVS shows significantly greater electrical conductivity and significantly higher partial oxygen pressure (pO(2)) compared to medial and lateral tissues. CONCLUSIONS: The PVS along the meridians has properties offering good explanation for the meridian phenomena. The work sheds new light on the studies of meridians and may contribute to research on the mechanism of Chinese acupuncture.

Animals↗

Analysis of contractile vacuole pore morphogenesis in Tetrahymena pyriformis by 180 degree rotation of ciliary meridians.

The contractile vacuole pores (CVPs) in Tetrahymena pyriformis are usually found to the left of ciliary meridians (CVP meridians). When the CVP meridians are experimentally rotated 180 degrees ('inverted'), the CVPs are now found to the right of the rotated CVP meridians. In other words, the CVP is almost invariably found on the same side with respect to the CVP meridian. Thus, the 2 sides of the CVP meridian have different morphogenetic properties and such differences are determinative in the asymmetrical fine-positioning of the CVP. The number of CVPs per animal and their general placement on the animal (i.e. with which ciliary meridians the CVPs are associated) are known to be a function of the total number of ciliary meridians possessed by the animal. Rotation of the CVP meridians affects both the number of CVPs per animal and their general placement. The specificity of such effects appears to depend on whether both, or one, or which one, of the CVP meridians is rotated. Rotation of ciliary meridians may be used as a tool in analysing the mechanism determining the number of CVPs per animal and their general placement.

Animals↗

Effect of acupuncture at different meridian acupoints on changes of related factors for rabbit gastric mucosal injury.

AIM: To explore the regularity of multi-meridians controlling a same viscus (MMCSV). METHODS: The rabbit gastric ulcer model was established by ethanol intragastric instillation. Fifty-six rabbits were randomly divided into normal group, model group (MG), model plus acupuncture at Foot Yangming Meridian group (YMG), model plus acupuncture at Foot Taiyin Meridian group (TYG), model plus acupuncture at Foot Shaoyang Meridian group (SYG), model plus acupuncture at Foot Jueyin Meridian group (JYG), model plus acupuncture at Foot Taiyang Meridian group (TYMG), with eight rabbits in each group. Gastric mucosal nitric oxide (NO) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) were assayed by the nitric acid reductase method, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were measured by radioimmunoassay. The comprehensive effects were analyzed by weighing method. RESULTS: Compared to MG, SYG, JYG and TYMG, the rabbits gastric mucosal injury index (GMII) reduced very significantly in YMG (P<0.01). Compared to MG, the GMII also reduced significantly in TYG (P<0.05). NO, NOS, PGE2 and EGF increased very significantly in YMG (P<0.01). The EGF in YMG also increased significantly than that in TYG compared to those in MG, SYG, JYG and TYMG (P<0.05). The PGE2 and EGF also increased very significantly in TYG than those in MG, JYG and TYMG (P<0.01). While compared to SYG, the NOS increased significantly in TYG (P<0.05). NOS was the highest in YMG (P<0.01), and was higher in TYG than in MG (P<0.01). CONCLUSION: MMCSV is common. The Foot Yangming Meridian is most closely related to the stomach, followed by Foot Taiyin Meridian, Foot Shaoyang Meridian and Foot Jueyin Meridian. Foot Taiyang Meridian has no correlation with the stomach.

Acupuncture↗

[Localization of the meridian track over body surface by the method of blocking the acupuncture effect with mechanical pressure].

Plotting out the meridian course with objective methods is one of the important projects in the research of meridian at present. Therefore, selecting a proper indication to plot out the meridian track over the body surface during acupuncture is significant for elucidating the essence of meridian. The purpose of this paper was to plot out the Large Intestine Meridian track by blocking the acupuncture effect with mechanical pressure, when electroretinogram (ERG) was taken as a responsive indication. The plotting out the track was carried out on 5 subjects with marked propagated sensation along meridians (PSM) and 5 without PSM. The pressure was applied on Wenliu (LI 7), Shoushanli (LI 10), Quchi (LI 11), Binao (LI 14) and Jianyu (LI 15) respectively, when Hegu (LI 4) was punctured. Under such condition the variation of ERG amplitude decreased markedly or even disappeared. But the variation rate of ERG amplitude was still distinctly increased when the pressure was applied on both sides of any above points. The difference is highly significant (P < 0.01). The results revealed that the meridian track over the body surface during acupuncture could be plotted out not only in the subjects with marked PSM, but also in those without PSM, when the proper objective indication was used. Its course basically coincided with that of the meridian described in the books of traditional Chinese medicine. Now it is safe to say the meridian track over the body surface is existed in human in common. It provides a new approach to plot out the meridian course with objective methods and opens up broad prospects for further application.

Acupuncture Points↗