Abstract
To investigate possible functions of acupuncture, oxygen (O2) levels were measured at two different acupuncture points (APs) [Hegu and Laogong] and at the corresponding non-APs (3-5 cm away from the APs) in real time using a high sensitive electrochemical O2 microsensor. The sensor had a small planar sensing platinum disk (diameter = 25 μm) and therefore was able to monitor the O2 levels at the localized APs. Significantly higher O2 levels (p < 0.05) were observed at both APs (n = 5, without exceptions) in comparison with the non-APs. Sufficient sensor sensitivity to distinguish the O2 level differences between APs and non-APs was achieved. This research provides useful information on possible functions of APs and meridians.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 269-272 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | JAMS Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies |
Volume | 2 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Dec 2009 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This research was supported by the Ewha Womans University Research Grant of 2007 and a “Systems Biology Infrastructure Establishment Grant” from the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology in 2009.
Keywords
- acupuncture point
- meridian
- microsensor
- oxygen