Are acupuncture points tender? A blinded study of Spleen 6.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the methodology for investigating the tenderness of acupuncture points, with particular reference to the hypothesis that the point Spleen 6 (SP6) is more tender in women than in men.


METHODS
Single-blind, observational study with volunteers.


METHODS
University of Exeter, U.K.


METHODS
Student volunteers, 13 male and 13 female.


METHODS
Pressure thresholds at SP6, a control acupuncture point Stomach 36, and two nonacupuncture control sites in each leg were measured weekly for 4 weeks.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences were found between the pressure thresholds of SP6 in women and those in men.


CONCLUSIONS
The present study provides no strong evidence to support the hypothesis that the acupuncture point SP6 is more tender in women and in men. Recommendations for further investigations are discussed.
Janovsky
B
B
Department of Complementary Medicine, School of Postgraduate Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, United Kingdom.
White
A R
AR
Filshie
J
J
Hart
A
A
Ernst
E
E
D015669:Acupuncture Points; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain; D012016:Reference Values; D012737:Sex Factors; D016037:Single-Blind Method