title: Hydrodynamic analysis of waveforms induced by vibrational stimuli at meridian and non-meridian points.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Professional Graduate School of Oriental Medicine and Center for Integrative Medicine, Institute of Medical Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan 570-749, South Korea.
authors.forename: Myeong Soo
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Yong-Chin
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Sun-Rock
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Moon
authors.forename: Byung-Chul
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Shin
authors.forename: Dong-Myong
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Jeong
mesh_terms: D015669:Acupuncture Points; D006185:Habituation, Psychophysiologic; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010812:Physical Stimulation / Q000379:methods; D012016:Reference Values; D014732:Vibration