title: The transport of extremely low-frequency electrical signals through an acupuncture meridian compared to nonmeridian tissue.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study investigated the manner in which extremely low-frequency (ELF) electrical energy is transported through biologic tissues, focusing on the differences between an acupuncture meridian and nonmeridian tissues.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using inserted needles as the electrodes, the energy transport properties of the Large Intestine (LI) meridian were compared to a control channel that had the same length as the meridian channel and comprised similar soft tissue.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty (20) participants were tested at the University of New Hampshire, Durham, with ages ranging from 22 to 60 years old.
  
  
  METHODS
  A Gaussian pulse with spectral energy extending into the kilohertz range was launched using a low-impedance amplifier at the distal point on either the LI meridian or a nearby control channel. The signal launched was measured at the proximal point using a high-impedance instrumentation amplifier. The ground reference for both the launch and receiver locations was a needle inserted in the lower leg. After taking the Fast Fourier Transform, power spectral measurements were calculated, giving a single value representing power density of the measured potential in the 2-100-Hz range.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A paired, two-sided signed rank test was performed. For the data pairs in this study, p = 0.035, indicating that they are dissimilar with a statistical significance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The ELF electric energy is transported somewhat more efficiently through the LI meridian compared to a nonmeridian control. The results were not dramatic, with some participants giving greater values on the control channel, but they were statistically significant.
authors.affiliation: Research Department, New England School of Acupuncture, Newton, MA 02458, USA. kspaulding_acu@live.com
authors.forename: Keith
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Spaulding
authors.forename: Kent
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chamberlin
mesh_terms: D026881:Acupuncture; D015669:Acupuncture Points; D000328:Adult; D001692:Biological Transport; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004566:Electrodes; D055724:Electrophysiological Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg; D016740:Meridians; D008875:Middle Aged; D009339:Needles; D055815:Young Adult