| |
|
|
Abstracts
Of Current Literature
Compiled by Russell J. Erickson, MD
1999 Acupuncture Literature Review
Part
I - veterinary
1. Kudo T, Motojima M, Kitazawa K. Depression of gastric contraction
by stimulation of BL 19 (Weiyu) acupoint in dogs. Am J Acupuncture.
1991;19:241-246.
Five dogs had electrogastromyogram electrodes implanted in gastric serosa.
Electroacupuncture was applied to ST 36, BL 19, and LI 10 at 2 Hz for
20 minutes, 2 hours after feeding. The frequencies of basic electrical
rhythm (BER) were about 4 cycles/min before electroacupuncture. Stimulation
of BL 19, but not LI 10, decreased the BER statistically more rapidly
than in controls. The duration of action potential burst, representing
gastric contraction, was shortened by BL 19 (decreased peristole and
vomiting poten-tial), but lengthened by LI 10. This suggests that LI
10 stimulation enhances gastric contractions; ST 36 caused no significant
change from the control.
Part
II - PAIN
1. Wang Z, Wang D. Scalp acupuncture with movement in treatment of
headache: an observation of 181 cases. World J Acupuncture Moxibustion.
2000;10:17-20.
Ninety-seven men and 84 women ranging in age from 17 to 61 years were
included. All had headache from varied causes; 32 had recurrences in
less than 1 month, the rest from 1 month to 8 years. Needling was down
1 cun from GV 24, 0.25 cun to each side of the meridian plus a line
0.5 cun to each side of GV 20 to 21 and 0.5 cun to both sides of the
line from GV 20 to 17. Lift and thrust with small amplitude is used.
Some additions are made dependent on headache location, and an assistant
presses on any Ashi points. The patient relaxes and concentrates on
Dantian. After 1 to 3 courses (assume 10 treatments per course), 135
(74%) had no recurrence for 1 year. The instant therapeutic effect was
also good, with headache cessation in 164 patients. Active and passive
movement of the Ashi ("suffering") area enhances the effect.
Inhaling and exhaling toward Dantian by the patient, and local massage
and tapping by the assistant is involved.
2. Li M. Clinical observation on postherpetic neuralgia of HIV carriers
treated with arranged electro-acupuncture. World J Acupuncture Moxibustion.
2000;10:51-53.
Herpes zoster in HIV carriers tends to cause large, dense blisters and
ulcers, often followed by prolonged neuralgia. Sixty such patients in
Zambia were treated with acupuncture and compared to 30 treated with
medications. Neuralgia symptoms were present 1 week to 1 year. Three
needles were placed along the rib above, and the rib below, the actual
painful area. Continued wave electroacupuncture was used. Two courses
of 10 daily treatments (30 minutes) were given. Controls were given
a pain medication. A 6-point rating scale was used, from 1 for no pain,
to grade 6 with pain so severe all activity is discontinued. Pain prior
to therapy had been from level 3 to 5 in both groups. Pain dropped to
grade 1 in 77% of the acupuncture group and 20% of the medication group.
Of 10 acupuncture patients followed up for 1 month, only 1 experienced
herpes outbreak recurrence. Of 5 medicated patients, 2 had herpes outbreak
recurrence.
3. Wu C. Cervical spondylosis treated by puncturing triple neck points.
Int J Clin Acupuncture. 2000;11:43-46.
Ninety intervention patients were treated over a 5-year period and their
outcomes were compared to the results of 48 control patients. Symptoms
were present from 1 month to 16 years. Neck muscles were stiff with
limited movement and pain radiating to the affected arm. GV 14 and bilateral
Bailao (EX-HN 15) were the main points. Others as indicated included
SI 11, 3, LI 4, 11, 14, and/or SJ 5. For the control group, paravertebral
Jiaji were needled. Electroacupuncture at 120-160 Hz was used, followed
by cupping at the neck. Two courses of 10 daily treatments were given
with a 3-day rest. Fifty-seven percent of the treated group had symptom
resolution and returned to work vs 40% of the Jiaji group, with an additional
41% and 48%, respectively, effectively better.
4. Long W. Acupuncture treatment of acute lumbar sprain: a controlled
study of 238 patients. Int J Clin Acupuncture. 2000; 11:61-64.
Patients had sudden and excruciating low back pain. If inadequately
treated, many might go on to have chronic pain and disability. A treatment
group of 112 was randomly chosen (method not noted), and SI 6 needled
rapidly with twisting and the needle left in 20 minutes while the patient
moved. The Ashi point was then needled after the acute pain had been
dispersed (usual), then moxibustion given over the Ashi. A control group
of 126 patients had lumbar acupoints, usually L2-4 area, needled on
the pain side and
Ashi needled. Moxibustion was used after withdrawal. Alternate lower
extremity points were also used. The control group responded faster
(67%) in 1 treatment, 21%
more in the 2nd), with the SI 6 treatment peaking in response at the
3rd treatment (61%). All in both groups who sought treatment within
a few days responded within 5 treatments, but those who delayed often
required more intervention.
Comment: This is a rarity in Chinese acupuncture articles, with
the control more effective than the appointed treatment.
5. Berman BM, Ezzo J, Hadhazy V, Swyers JP. Is acupuncture effective
in the treatment of fibromyalgia? J Fam Pract. 1999;48:213-218. Reviewed
by K. Linde in: FACT. 2000;5:14-15.
MEDLINE, MANTIS, EMBASE, CISCOM, and Cochrane databases were searched
as well as conference proceedings and citations for acupuncture and
fibromyalgia. RCTs and "quasi" RCTs were sought. Seven studies
were found, only 1 of high quality methodologically. The high-quality
study suggested that acupuncture was more effective than sham treatment.
Duration of benefit is uncertain. A few studies reported exacerbations.
The other studies tended to support these data. Booster acupuncture
treatments have been suggested, without objective data. The reviewer
thought inclusion of non- or poorly-formulated RCTs in such a small
study group was advisable as it indicated trends.
Comment: Fibromyalgia treatment is difficult. My limited involvement
indicated that monthly to quarterly booster sessions were needed to
maintain the improvement. Those more astute in the art might have more
clear-cut results. Addition of magnet therapy appeared beneficial in
more than half my patients.
6. Wang X-S. Postoperative pain: clinical study on the use of the
second metacarpal holographic points for wound pain following surgery.
Am J Acupuncture. 1992;
20:119-122.
These points along the dorsoradial aspect of the second metacarpal were
identified by Yingqing Zhang and have been used in more than 40,000
patients. Other long bones have similar systems with the same pattern.
A figure demonstrates the points from head distally to foot proximally
with organs centrally. One hundred patients who had epidural anesthesia
for abdominal surgery were divided to receive analgesics (narcotic and
promethazine) and acupuncture at holographic point ST or GB for surgery
on the accompanying organs. All patients in the medicated group experienced
relief; 41 of 50 in the acupuncture group did, likewise, in a few minutes.
Five had pain relief but required
promethazine to sleep, and 4 had no relief. De Qi had to be felt for
good relief.
Comment: A Western study should be done. If similar results are
achieved, much in the way of adverse effects could be saved, and ST
36 could be added later to boost postoperative immune response. I had
1 patient with acute low back spasm unable to walk or stand up straight.
After 3 tries of points from the Helm's course of good possible points
had no effect, I added these points and most pain and the spasm resolved.
7. Chen A. Effective acupuncture therapy for cervical spondylopathy:
review of recent studies and prescriptions with recommendations for
improved results. Am J Acupuncture. 1991;19:205-228.
The author combines 32 years of practice with a review of 14 studies
and recommendations from texts. Symptoms for the syndrome include neck
pain or immobility, radiating to the shoulder and arm, and tingling
or numbness of the fingers. Routines mentioned include use of GV, LI,
BL, SJ and Huato-Jiaji points. Less often, LR or ST is added. The author
advocates especially GV 14 (not too deeply and minimal stimulation),
and LI 11, 15 for arm and shoulder pain with SJ 5 and LI 4 for tingling
fingers. The cervical Huato-Jiaji are highly effective as is BL 10,
a classic point. Jingbi, 1 cun above the junction of the medial 1/3
clavicle at the posterior sternocleidomastoid muscle, is often tender
and gentle needling might help (Erb's point used to stimulate the brachial
plexus is near it). It is good for brachial neuralgia or paralysis.
Needle slow and straight 0.3 to 0.5 cun deep and not downward toward
the lung. LI 17 and ST 12 can also be good points (ST 12 pressure can
also be immediately effective in acute asthma). Stellate ganglion needling
can be effective for severe radiating pain. The technique needed is
outlined. If cervical vertigo is present, GV 14, BL 10, GB 30, 12, GV
20, 23, and Taiyang can be effective. Forty-six references are given.
Part
III - GASTROINTESTINAL / GENITOURINARY
1. Raut C. The treatment of hemorrhoids by acupuncture. Am J Acupuncture.
1991;19:17-20.
Hemorrhoids indicate an excess of Yin, and the author believes a disruption
in the passage between CV 1 and GV 1. Usually the entry point to Yin
Qiao Mai, LU 7 and KI 6, are tender with added fullness and sensitivity
at BL 56, 57. Sedate KI 6, BL 56, 57 for 1-3 minutes. Stimulate CV 1
slightly to the left and GV 1 to the right. If tender, sedate LU 6 and
BL 25. At the end, sedate LU 7; PC 6 and SP 4 are sometimes treated
if tender. In 10 of 12 patients, pain decreased within 20 minutes; in
2, it returned in a few hours. Half had no pain after the second treatment.
Pain, pruritus, and vein congestion vanished in 8 after an unstated
number of sessions.
2. Wang HH, Chang Y-H, Liu D-M. A study of the effectiveness of acupuncture
analgesia for colonoscopic examination compared with conventional pre-medication.
Am J Acupuncture. 1992;20:217-221.
Two hundred patients were divided randomly into age- and sex-matched
study and control groups. ST 36 and 37 of the right leg were needled
with raising and thrusting for 15 seconds, and the needles left in place
during the procedure. Ear Shenmen points were treated with press tacks.
The control patients had buscopan and meperidine hydrochloride. Colonoscopy
was deemed successful in 96 of 100 medicated, and 88 of 100 with acupuncture.
However, 31 acupuncture patients rated analgesia as excellent vs 13
controls, but overall discomfort appeared statistically similar for
the 2 groups. Examination was completed in 18 minutes for acupuncture
patients vs 16 for those medicated (not statistically significant).
Intestinal motility was normal in a lower percentage of acupuncture
patients, but not significantly. There was no difference in nausea,
but more patients were dizzy with medication.
2. Wang HH, Chang Y-H, Liu D-M. A study of the effectiveness of acupuncture
analgesia for colonoscopic examination compared with conventional pre-medication.
Am J Acupuncture. 1992;20:217-221.
Two hundred patients were divided randomly into age- and sex-matched
study and control groups. ST 36 and 37 of the right leg were needled
with raising and thrusting for 15 seconds, and the needles left in place
during the procedure. Ear Shenmen points were treated with press tacks.
The control patients had buscopan and meperidine hydrochloride. Colonoscopy
was deemed successful in 96 of 100 medicated, and 88 of 100 with acupuncture.
However, 31 acupuncture patients rated analgesia as excellent vs 13
controls, but overall discomfort appeared statistically similar for
the 2 groups. Examination was completed in 18 minutes for acupuncture
patients vs 16 for those medicated (not statistically significant).
Intestinal motility was normal in a lower percentage of acupuncture
patients, but not significantly. There was no difference in nausea,
but more patients were dizzy with medication.
3. Dale RA. Selection from the Acupuncture Comprehensive Prescription
Index: treatment of kidney disorders. Am J Acupuncture. 1991;19:267-272.
The Acupuncture Comprehensive Prescription Index is a text covering
treatment for
10,000 disorders. It derives from a number of ancient and modern texts
plus the author's
experience. Here, he provides an example of the work with pages of formulations
for varied aspects of renal disorders.
Part
IV - pediatric
2. Shima M. Shonishen: Japanese pediatric acupuncture. Am J Acupuncture.
1992; 20:327-336.
Shonishen originated in the southwest of the main island of Japan several
hundred years ago, with the oldest literature written by Shumo Fujii
in 1736 ("Shimpo Benwaku"). It was a family secret until after
World War II when Dr Mori of Osaka Acupuncture College began teaching
it publicly. It is not used for critical diseases. A good practitioner-child
rapport is crucial, as is lack of discomfort during therapy. Treatment
is usually 2-3 times weekly for 3 months. History must include the child's
emotional makeup. Facial diagnosis includes color (red-HT wind-heat,
blue-Kyo syndrome of LR hyperactivity, white-LU cold, yellow-Kan syndrome
of emotional hyperactivity from SP deficiency, dark-weak KI). Veins
of an index finger are studied for venous congestion (pulse diagnosis
being unreliable in children). Sessohoku-shin (tapping needles) are
used to tap points and along meridians painlessly. Masatsu-shin or rubbing
instruments are used to brush meridians. Enri-shin or press needles
are used to press points without penetration of the skin. Very fine
needles are also used by some to briefly and shallowly enter points,
tapping in, and then withdrawing quickly. The whole body is treated
before centering on a problem. Tapping or rubbing in the direction of
meridian Ki (Qi) flow tonifies and against it sedates. The BL meridian
is tapped superior to inferior, then rubbed to slight reddening. This
is repeated for ST and GB, then for KI, SP, and LR. The abdomen is then
tapped and brushed clockwise, then the chest. The arm Yang, then Yin
meridians follow, with the head then tapped gently clockwise. Shonishen
promotes a nurturing and healing relationship between child and practitioner.
A treatment can be done safely in 10 minutes. Most patients return for
periodic maintenance. Dr Shima advises on herbs for each of the denoted
conditions.
Part
V - miscellaneous
1. Stoyanov P, Iliev E. Recurrent herpes simplex infection from Western
and Traditional Chinese Medicine viewpoints. Acupuncture Med. 1999;17:89-92.
A patient with 15 herpes outbreak recurrences per year was successfully
treated. A table of herpes simplex TCM syndromes and their treatment
is given, including acupuncture to immunomodulating points (GV 20, LI
4, 11, ST 36, SP 6, GV 14). Direct He-Ne laser to the herpetic lesions
with density power 150 mW/cm2 for 5-minute therapies is added. Aloe
vera extract, 1 mL/d, is given for 30 days. The study diet eliminated
preserved foods, carbonated drinks, fatty foods, and seasonings. The
authors claim an 83% response with no recurrence in 1 year. The number
of patients is not given. Serum IgG and C3 levels were increased. Other
TCM approaches to herpes are outlined in a table.
2. Panf J, Li Y, Huang B, Zhou Y, Han Z, Richardson F. Clinical applications
of the Zulingi acupuncture point. Acupuncture Med. 1999;17:93-96.
GB 41 has many uses. Cases presented include metatarsal fracture, bruised
finger, headache in the gallbladder meridian pattern, pain in the chest
and abdomen, and herpes zoster.
3. Jongbae P, White A, Lee H, Ernst E. Development of a new sham
needle. Acupuncture Med. 1999;17:110-112.
The apparatus described is a blunt needle with a shaft that telescopes
into the handle when tapped. It appears to be inserted but does not
enter the skin. A guide tube enfolds it with a basal ring secured to
the skin with double-sided tape. In this study, 22% of volunteers experienced
a dull sensation vs 57% with a real needle. The initial trial found
that all subjects believed they received real acupuncture.
4. Campbell A. Acupuncture: where to place the needles and for how
long. Acupuncture Med. 1999;17:113-117.
Nothing yet shows that one method of acupuncture is assuredly better
than the rest. Most good-quality trials indicate a 70% response rate,
regardless of the approach.
The evidence for point specificity is still "thin," except
possibly PC (MH) 6. Segmental acupuncture is based on myotomes, sclerotomes,
and viscerotomes. The idea is appealing, but the segments have great
interpersonal variation. Gunn's radiculopathy approach, looking for
palpable muscle bands, is another method. Many TCM points correlate
with trigger points, helping to unite these views. The author proposes
a "theory-neutral" practice. Some people will respond no matter
where needled (DNIC phenomenon). There is a generalized stimulation
effect from acupuncture where general well-being feels enhanced. Certain
sites such as LR 3 are especially effective. The area of effective needling
can vary, being large (several centimeters) in some and very specific
in others. Good points are not always tender of TrP-like. Needling some
areas often radiates therapeutically to other sites. The author proposes
a new treatment terminology, the ATA (acupuncture treatment area). As
examples, he sites the infratemporal fossa for trigeminal neuralgia,
lower abdomen for gastrointestinal disorders, gluteal region behind
the greater trochanter for sciatica, and the cervical articular area
for many upper body disorders including carpal tunnel syndrome. The
author questions how long to needle, noting the commonly accepted 20-minute
treatment. Often 1 or 2 minutes is just as adequate, takes less time,
and saves secondary treatment expense and office space. The needles
must be manipulated for best effect, but prolonged installation runs
the risk of adverse reactions in strong reactors. Periosteal needling
should especially be measured in seconds unless the patient is accustomed
to acupuncture.
5. Ralt D. Qi, information and the net of life. Acupuncture Med.
1999;17:131-133.
A non-linear, fractal approach similar to chaos theory might help understand
Qi. Qi is intercellular information communication throughout the body.
Qi, some say, can be felt, but not measured. It enables all body functions
by communicating directions and regulating. The Western view of the
rational and mechanistic universe has been challenged by chaos theory.
Factors similar in Chinese philosophy and chaos theory include determination
by perspective and relationships instead of cause and effect, the fractal
nature (Yin-Yang, Five Phases) of the system instead of linear study
of parts, and systems sensitive to even a variety of minor inputs. A
quote from Lao Tse is given: "The world is ruled by letting things
take their course. It cannot be ruled by interfering."
Comment: References in this philosophical article are, interestingly,
all Internet sites.
6. Wei H,
Chung-long Huang L, Kong J. The substrate and properties of meridians:
a review of modern research. Acupuncture Med. 1999;17:134-139.
There might be no single answer to the concept of meridians; different
explanations are likely for different meridians. Propagated sensation
along meridians seems the most
useful exploratory tool to date. Physical transmission seems to occur
generally through the interstitial space along neurovascular bundles,
possibly involving ionic movement and neurotransmitters. Meridian structure
might be orderly arrangement of normal tissues along lines without special
histology. Findings pertinent to meridians include more cell gap junctions
along some meridian lines in rats; 323 of 324 acupoints involve either
spinal or cranial nerves. Innervation of chest and abdomen acupoints
arise from the same nerve roots as those innervating corresponding viscera.
In a study of 295 acu- points, autonomic nerves had a close relationship
to peripheral vessels. Sensitive subjects can trace a sensation traveling
up a meridian from a needled acupoint. Laser Doppler flow at LU 11 increased
60% after needling LU 5. Surface anatomy of lymphatics and meridians
is similar. Myoelectricity could be recorded at other sites on a meridian
when a point was needled or QiGong practiced. Fluid pressures in the
spaces underlying meridians is lower than in surrounding tissues. Radiotracer
technetium flows along meridians. Propagated sensation could be felt
by 50% of subjects when Jing points had both acupuncture and moxibustion.
Transmission could be blocked in most by pressure over a meridian, but
not by pressure on the skin near it. Significant cholinesterase is found
at acupoints and acetylcholine enhances propagated sensation. Ionic
calcium activity is higher at acupoints than in surrounding tissue,
and concentration changes after acupuncture. Sound, especially at 20-40
Hz, seemed to transmit better along meridians in 10,000 human and more
than 350 rabbit recordings. Tissue oxygen
pressure and carbon dioxide output was higher at acupoints in the deep
tissues. Except for PC (MH) points, electric potential at acupoints
was higher in 35 of 50 healthy
subjects in one study. There appears to be a heavy concentration of
nerves, vessels, and active substances along meridians, and metabolic
activity is higher.
7. Fu WB. Clinical study of the Siguan (four gate) points with case
studies. Am J Acupuncture. 1991;19:121-124.
Pain syndromes, both hot and cold, can be stopped by opening the Four
Gates (LR 3,
LI 4). An ancient text states Taichong (LR 3) can cure mania, epilepsy,
throat problems, walking difficulty, blurred vision, and lumbago. The
Four Gates work for hand and shoulder pain, nasal problems, hypertension,
headaches, hiccups, renal colic, stroke, and impotence, among other
things. Three cases are presented including a woman with severe vertigo,
hypertension, and shortness of breath. The Four Gates and PC 6 were
needled, producing immediate relief.
8. Auger N. Translated selections from Zhenjiu Dacheng: treatment of
women's diseases, treatment of children's diseases, and pediatric method
of examination of the facies and complexion. Am J Acupuncture. 1991;19:125-128.
A translation of the 1590 text is given, listing points for many specific
disorders as well as the recommended analysis of the pediatric patient.
9. Royal FF, Royal DF. A review of the history and scientific basis
of electrodiagnosis and its relationship to homeopathy and acupuncture.
Am J Acupuncture. 1991;19:137-152.
Descarte and Bacon (16th-17th centuries) began the subjective-objective
duality separating mind and body and dividing science into separate
compartmented fields without a uniting view. Since then, medicine has
tended to create a more ordered environment, increasingly reductionistic
and profit-oriented. Everything in nature is a unique transformation
of electromagnetic energy, and newer physical laws related to chaos
demand a more unified approach as simple systems cause complex behavior,
and complex systems simple behavior. Non-linear science supports a basis
for bioenergy medicine including acupuncture, homeopathy, and electrodiagnosis
including electroacupuncture, according to Reinhard Voll. Due to charlatan
practices, the Flexnor report in 1910 swept out good elements as well
as bad (22 homeopathy schools vanished). The oscilloclast of Abrams
and Emanometer of Boyd, 2 early
electrodiagnostic instruments, were deleted from medicine. These and
later instruments, with the possible exclusion of Motoyama's device,
use the operator in the loop. Jahn considered the intent of the operator
to be a primary variable. Nakatani used a 12-V DC device to test conductance
of "Ryodoraku" acupuncture-like points. Voll and Werner designed
the Dermatron (EAV) to verify and correlate acupoints with their organs
and systems. Voll found subtle changes in resistance when homeopathic
doses entered the circuit, allowing diagnosis and treatment of disorders
with its guidance. Shimmel developed the Vegatest in 1978 as a "bioenergy
regulatory technique." If proponents are correct, such bioenergetic
devices identify imbalances in body Em circuits and aid selection of
treatments. Some believe faster, cheaper, and more accurate diagnoses
are feasible. Skin resistance at acupoints is 4 to 40 times less than
that at other points. Solitons, non-linear waves, result from interactions
of sine waves in nature. A minute input such as a homeopathic dose can
give energy accumulation and "memory." Such waves transport
information in many systems and might prove to be the source of Qi or
Hahnemann's "Vital Force." Examples of research supporting
homeopathy are given with early researchers demonstrating positive results
given intense negative pressure from their peers. Co-evolution of micro
and macro scales (fractals) has emerged. Genes contain DNA able to use
information via electromuscular feedback loops with the environment
to allow an organism to change for survival from generation to generation.
Resonance and harmony of DNA and messages are important. Homeopathy
likely works when the frequencies of the medicine harmonically resonate
with those in the cell. Large changes can result from minute inputs
if a substance is in Em resonance with body cells. Examples are given.
Studies with the Dermatron in diagnosis are noted. Treating and diagnosing
illness with bioelectric devices will only be accepted by the Food and
Drug Administration when they can be explained by rules determined by
the current scientific authorities' accepted paradigm. Experts are needed
with more training in newer biophysics, including quantum chaos theory.
10. Guillame G. Why Western protocols are unsuitable for assessing
the effects of acupuncture: the need for an evaluative methodology specific
to the investigation of acupuncture. Am J Acupuncture. 1999;19: 153-156.
Western-oriented research prefers to standardize protocols and points
used, rather
than individualize, leading to failures. Symptoms are the center rather
than the pattern of the patient's condition, again lessening the results.
External factors, such as
cold-damp, that play a role in the acupuncture approach are not often
considered by Western medicine. Cases are given to illustrate the author's
points. Different energetic pathogenic mechanisms can lead to the same
diagnosis in Western medicine, but
dictate different acupuncture approaches. This makes a standard research
approach difficult and liable to demonstrate falsely negative data.
An evaluation method is needed that can preserve the specificity of
established acupuncture theory.
11. Dale RA. Acupoint exercises for the sense of touch. Am J Acupuncture.
1991;19:157-172.
Smell and taste can be dulled by toxins in air and water. Intuition
is neglected in our society, but touch is the most abused and abusive
of the senses and the heart of humanity. Deprived of touching, infants
become neurotic, and our capacity for love and joy diminish. Repressed
touch is Yin pathology and hostile touch Yang pathology. Touch by parents
is too often with violence or threat. Even sexual touching can be coercive
rather than an act of love. Healthy touching generates compassion, sharing,
and empathy; it is a right brain function. Modern medicine does not
cultivate heartfelt sharing and touching the patient. Physician objectivity,
self-protection, and protection of the patient from personal physician
involvement appear to predominate. The relationship of acupoints for
touch, emotions, and Five Phases are given in tables. Touch is the only
sense related to all 5. All cultures have developed systems of therapeutic
touch and massage for healing. Nine exercises are outlined to enhance
ability to use touch.
Right brain engagement, Qi Gong aura opening and sealing, therapeutic
touch, meridian tracing moving the hands in the direction of energy
flow, massaging the scalp sensory line, the scalp point circle for release
of emotional armoring (GV14 to Yintang), and touching through the Five
Phases are included.
12. Van Benschoten MM. A critical investigation of electrodiagnostic
instrumentation using Omura's bidigital O-ring test. Am J Acupuncture.
1991; 19:237-240.
This article discusses Nakatani's Ryodoraku, Voll's Dermatron, Shimmel's
Vegatest, and several US electromeasure devices. The author's working
hypothesis is a projection of the patient's bioinformation via brain
waves into the frontal cortex of the examiner, and this interaction
can somehow affect the results from the instruments. He feels the DC
voltage levels of existing devices are too high and cause an interference
field. An instrument must be designed with DC input voltage below 180
mV to prevent distorting the patient's biofields.
Comment: The O-ring test as presented in many articles has a
large following, but the many uses and approaches boggle the Western-trained
mind. Attitudes vary from wondrous, simple, cheap testing of the bioelectromagnetic
energy fields telling us
all about disorders, to voodoo of the most uncommon sort.
REVIEWED
BY
Dr Russell Erickson is retired from private practice in Berkeley, California.
He is also retired from Kaiser-Permanente Hospital in Richmond, California
where he was Senior Consultant and former Chief of Pediatrics. Dr Erickson
is Secretary of the Board of the Medical Acupuncture Research Foundation
(MARF).
Russell J. Erickson, MD
10 Ridge Place
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Phone: 925-229-0889 o Fax: 925-228-4976
E-mail: Russpat@netvista.net
|
|
|
|