Theoretical basis, application, reliability, and sample size estimates of a Meridian Energy Analysis Device for Traditional Chinese Medicine Research

Abstract

Objectives:: The Meridian Energy Analysis Device is currently a popular tool in the scientific research of meridian electrophysiology. In this field, it is generally believed that measuring the electrical conductivity of meridians provides information about the balance of bioenergy or Qi-blood in the body.

Methods and results:: PubMed database based on some original articles from 1956 to 2014 and the authoŕs clinical experience. In this short communication, we provide clinical examples of Meridian Energy Analysis Device application, especially in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, discuss the reliability of the measurements, and put the values obtained into context by considering items of considerable variability and by estimating sample size.

Conclusion:: The Meridian Energy Analysis Device is making a valuable contribution to the diagnosis of Qi-blood dysfunction. It can be assessed from short-term and long-term meridian bioenergy recordings. It is one of the few methods that allow outpatient traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis, monitoring the progress, therapeutic effect and evaluation of patient prognosis. The holistic approaches underlying the practice of traditional Chinese medicine and new trends in modern medicine toward the use of objective instruments require in-depth knowledge of the mechanisms of meridian energy, and the Meridian Energy Analysis Device can feasibly be used for understanding and interpreting traditional Chinese medicine theory, especially in view of its expansion in Western countries.

Figure 1

Diagram of the schematic meridian energy analysis device (MEAD). Figures 1A and 1B: The experimental setup of the MEAD Instrument and electric current measurement around the acupoints. Figure 1C: A simple way to confirm the accuracy of MEAD using automatic digital calibration systems.

Figure 2

The 24 MEAD measuring points on the hands and feet according to traditional Chinese medicine theory. (LU: Lung; PC Pericardium; HT: Heart; SI: Small Intestine; TE: Triple Energizer; LI: Large Intestine; SP: Spleen; LR: Liver; KI: Kidney; BL: Urinary Bladder; GB: gallbladder; ST: Stomach).