Morley Acupuncture Clinic
and Complementary Therapy Centre
1 Queen Street, Morley, Leeds LS27 8EG, UK
tel/ fax 0113 2380208
 John P. Heptonstall, M.D. (M.A.), B.Sc. (Hons.), D.Ac., M.I.Ac.S., M.B.Ac.C., M.C.M.A., M.A.A.O.M
Traditional Chinese Medicine - Acupuncture & Moxibustion Specialist

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Research and General Information on TCM

 

 

1. Infrared radiant tracer study

The picture below is of results of a research project carried out by HU Xianglong, WU Bao-hua and WANG Pei-qing of the Fujian Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350003, CHINA, which 'displayed meridian courses traveling over the human body surface under natural conditions'. They used infra-red radiant tracer, which was connected to accurate infra-red photographic equipment and a computerized graphics process. It was the first type of 'non-invasive' procedure which appears to have captured certain meridians. Other than the non-invasive electrical detection experiments which utilized the acupuncture point phenomenon of low impedance to detect acupoints, and then extrapolated the information to chart 'meridian pathways' by connecting those points other research projects designed to capture meridians have tended to involve invasive activities such as the introduction of radio-isotopes or other chemical means through which to try identify the elusive pathways.

One can clearly identify part of the Stomach Meridian on the face and neck, the Triple Energizer Meridian on the head behind the ear, acupoint Small Intestine18 (SI18) on the cheekbone and aspects of the Urinary Bladder Meridian on the back of the person on the right. 

The photo on the left shows the Arm Large Intestine Meridian beautifully, and even details the Collateral adjoining the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians as predicted accurately by Traditional Chinese Medical theory. The right hand photo exhibits both the Lung and Heart Meridians.

It is this kind of innovative research that is 'bringing to life' ancient knowledge through the use of modern technology. Not only will the knowledge improve the response of modern medical scientists to the concepts of TCM, but it also paves the way for safer medical intervention as to ignore such a valuable and important aspect of physiology ensures the meridian pathways will be damaged through the use of drugs and surgery as their effects on meridian integrity go unnoticed other than by TCM practitioners. Once the surgeon realizes that cuts or scarring to meridians can be dangerous to health, as one expects cuts to blood vessels or nervous pathways can be, patients will be relieved of the potential dangers associated with such damage

The TCM system of Meridians, and the concept of Life Energy, QI, which flows through these channels to attend and activate every part and aspect of bodily function will require more medical thought through the application of modern physics in medicine. It will find its rightful place alongside chemistry which has dominated Western medical thought for generations. The intercellular communication, QI Flow, can then be analyzed and utilized to bring ever greater health benefits; the knowledge gained may eventually supercede current modalities as quantum mechanics and electronics develop 'medical interventionist techniques' to rebalance the body electric so that disease disappears. The relationship between our chemical and electromagnetic environment and ill health will be more easier to define, leading to innovative ways to combat diseases caused by these damaging environments.

At the moment TCM-based knowledge allows for a deep appreciation of the deleterious effects of lifestyle and environment on our health, information obtained and validated over the millennia by objective observation by generations of TCM practitioners who must practice careful and consistent epidemiology in order to strive for the cures which can only be gained after the identification and elimination of the 'cause' of a disorder. When this knowledge and experience is coupled with TCM intervention such as 'acupuncture & moxibustion' one has a very powerful tool available to fight and defeat disease and disease processes.

The matrix of Channels and Collaterals (Meridian system) which forms the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment with connections to all organ and sensory systems is analogous to the household electricity system. Through conduits and wiring circuitry electrical energy runs to empower all household equipment from heating and cooling devices (heater/air-conditioning) to nutritional (cooker/fridge) and intellectual and emotional stimulatory (TV/radio/hi fi) systems. Our bodies have systems with similar responsibilities - the endocrine, nervous and circulatory systems that monitor and adjust our emotional and physical responses and maintain our nutritional and immune state. According to TCM the meridian system provides a relatively simple means to access the complexities of the other three systems as although it is a unique and independent 'equilibrium' it interconnects and interacts with the other three equilibria in ways only understood through knowledge of the TCM model. Gradually this role is being uncovered in modern scientific terms as more and more research is performed to reveal its 'secrets'. The TCM practitioner, often called an 'acupuncturist' or a 'herbalist' dependent on the modality through which TCM is practiced, learns to adjust the meridian circuitry (as would an electrical engineer adjust the house wiring and equipment) to optimize each aspect of its being and to counter any extraneous effects that may interfere with the correct performance of the essential circuitry of life.

Although TCM is 'ages old', this does not preclude a practitioner from moving with the times. During the passed few decades the introduction of modern technology into the TCM framework of treatment and diagnosis has helped tremendously. No longer is it necessary for needles to be regularly hand-twirled to ensure continued stimulation of acupoints, one can attach electrodes to the needles and a battery-driven electro-acupuncture machine will deliver a small current to keep the points stimulated. Soft lasers are used to stimulate acupoints, these are usually Helium Neon (visible red wavelength), as are electrical pointer 'pens'. Despite all the modern gadgetry many acupuncture & moxibustion specialists will recognize that the original method of hand twirling needles with or without moxa, according to disorder requirements, ensures a well tried and tested mode of intervention.

2. Research developments in China from the 70s to the late 90s.

Detractors of acupuncture and the fundamental theories underpinning the various Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices claim there is no evidence or scientific support for the theoretical bases.  Having researched such comments and debated in medical media, such as the British Medical Journal, with some of the "regulars" it is my opinion that invariably they have strong pharmaceutical interests which may be expected to 'cloud their judgement' at least.

I have provided below but a tiny example of some of the hundreds of thousands of research papers emanating from centres of academic and medical excellence in China that destroy the myth detractors generate amongst an oft unsuspecting public which, in the main, relies on the media for information of valued treatments of all kinds little realising the powerful influence exerted through the media by commercial interests. 

These briefs are from the 1970s to illustrate the kind of science that is already decades old that is available to educate us on the mechanisms and values inherent in techniques that have proven their value over millennia. What makes acupuncture unique is that it is underpinned by the theory of meridians. The powerful evidence available for the presence of meridians, and therefore acupoints along these meridians, is in part fuelled by studies such as those below.

If you are informed there is no scientific evidence for acupuncture please ask whether that emenates from one who has read ANY of the many hundreds of thousands of scientific papers produced by eminent scientists of Chinese academic institutions that scientifically evidence techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  

MENG Zhaowei (Anhui College of TCM) had already postulated the existence of 4 equilibria from ancient charts - the 1^st being somatic nerves (100m/s conduction, quick postural equlibrium), 2^nd autonomic nerves (1 m/s conduction, visceral equilibrium), 3rd meridians (0.1m/s propagated sensation – PSM, somatovisceral equilibrium) and 4^th internal secretion glands (in minutes, dispersion, slow equilibrium of the body); supported by the triune concept of the brain and behaviour of McLean denoting 3 portions in the higher brain, the cerebral cortex, the limbic system, and the complex body in the pallidum from which a 3^rd factor for the nervous system arises, a 3^rd equilibrium.

MENG Zhaowei et al (in 1977 a group from 4 provinces) studied the ancient charts using PSM (propagated sensation along the meridians when acupoints are stimulated; proven through various technical means, and believed after many and varied trials to be a manifestation of movement of Qi having characteristics long described as those of Qi and exclusion of any other known measurable origin) of 100 individuals and modified/revised the ancient charts finding limb portions, except LIV meridian, same as old after repetitive mapping; thoraco-abdominal part having greater upwards branching; head part widespread branching; all lines showing natural curves not abrupt zigzagging; all Yin meridians track to head.

ZHONG Jin et al (Harbin) in 1979 measured PSM and QiRA QiRA (Qi Reaching Affected organs – an aspect of PSM reaching the target/affected organ) in 281 cases showing that PSM can be excited and blocked mechanically (type of needle stimulation and pressure etc.). In 49,032 meridian observations the course of PS showed distinct variations specially affected by pathotaxis (more later); 2197 cases of dominant PS (more later) or 82.2% with +ve rate of PSM 78-93% in 39,537 meridian observations. After extensive observations, the team concluded that PSM characteristics could be described, moving along meridians, as having universality, potentiality, pathotaxis (4086 cases after excitation of PSM reached 96.3% plus effective reactions at internal organs 50-90% of time, suggesting a physiological basis for further study), effectiveness, controllability, excitability and variability.

LU Chongyau (Anhui College of TCM) made comparative studies between dominant and recessive PSM – for some meridians 2 incomplete coincident lines of PSM may be drawn by different experimental methods, dominant and recessive lines of PSM (ZHONG Jin and LI Yangguang first advanced concept of recessive PSM in 1976) by electrical resistance, tetra electrode technique in 100 persons showing significantly that dominant and recessive methods play an important part in PSM. He used H and L meridians, finding significant differences in characteristics comparing meridian and non-meridian tissue, and between meridian lines eg. mean values for L, 16.1 ohms, 16.9, 19.6 but for H, 17.4 ohms, 17.8 and 19.9.

ZHONG Ruxin (Beijing Hospital of TCM) working in Guinea found African nationals exhibited dominant and recessive PSM also with the former at higher levels than Chinese nationals similar to LI Bonings’ findings in Mozambique, suggestive of higher temperature in tropics, or racial differences, or natural environment, or living habits etc. He also found that curative actions were better in ‘dominant PSM’ patients than recessive evidencing active significance in the action of treatment.

ZHONG, LI and Qu showed from the 1950s that PSM can be controlled by blocking and reversing flow; they identified different blocking techniques for numbness, soreness, distension, needle techniques, depth, manipulation, pressures between 100gm/cm2 to 600gm/cm2. Also that recessive PSM can be transformed into dominant PSM, needling manipulation is a very important external factor in promoting such transformation, the universality of dominant PSM verified, reliability of transformation verified by blocking technique and that ‘Qi reaching affected area/QiRA’ is justified by results observed.

LI Yangguang et al showed that PSM is related to diseases by observing 854 cases and 1000 cases in 1975; 2107 cases summarised concluded that relationship bears universality in patients, affected areas and affected meridians such that they named the phenomenon pathotaxis; they also analysed PS in another 2861 patients over 5 year showing PS +ves 63.2% of time in 39,537 meridian observations; and found PSM in more than 150 kinds of diseases – common diseases of viscera, heart 67.2% of, Liver 67.6% of, Sp/S 71.8% of, Lung 73.6% of, Kidney 59.8% of. He observed 227 cases for occurrence rate of PS in single meridian and found great uniformity with the kind of disease 71.8% of time for meridian belonging to the viscera. Observing 515 meridian times in 45 cases for 14 meridians for QiRA rate such that he could conclude that the relationship between PSM and a disease provides a basis for diagnosis and treatment of disease – reinforcing the ancient concept of Qi reaching the effected area, or arrival of QI at the affected area.

Developing the theme studies were carried out observing PSM in various guises, treatments and diseases. For example

GAO et al (Shanghai College of TCM and Beijing Academy of TCM) by means of impedance cardiography measured alterations in child cardiac pump function one-week pre, and post, operations as PSM reached the affected area. PSM induced favourable changes for recovery (Chi squared=3.4018, p=0.05). ZHAO et al (Shaanxi College of TCM) showed PSM desirability using acupoint P6 in 12 cases of cardiovascular disease including immediacy of effect when QiRA; CHENG Lianhu et al (Baoding District Hospital of TCM) found influence of QiRA on the functional state of the cardiovascular system – cardiac constriction index raised after acupuncture (14.57+/-1.89 to 17.6 +/- 3.1), pre-ejection period shortened (90 +/- 9.4 secs to 82.5 +/- 11.7 secs), peripheral resistance reduced (2253 +/- 803 dyne. Sec. Cm –5 to 1796 +/- 644 dyne.sec.cm –5), vasoanterograde raised (1.31 +/- 0.25 ml/mm Hg to 1.54 +/- 0.37 ml/mm Hg), and cardiac output increased (3.62 +/- 0.41 lit/min to 4.28 +/- 0.67 lit/min) showing that cardio muscular constriction strengthened etc. after QiRA.

Although Qi had not yet been defined other than as ‘vital energy’, its long recognised characteristics were being demonstrated through the PSM/QiRA phenomenon that was validated by the 1980s in hundreds of trials; PSM had become one outward measurable manifestation of Qi. The presence of meridians and acupoints had similarly been demonstrated by various experimental means. PSM lines/meridian lines and acupoints were shown to have low impedance character.

YU Shuhuang et al showed that latent PSM lines and low resistance lines corresponded with classical meridian lines. ZHU Zongxiang et al showed that the latent PSM phenomenon is universal on all peoples. A biophysics approach demonstrated PSM lines had low impedance, high potential, high luminescence and high percussion sound, compared to adjacent areas. Excised limbs after amputation (Beijing Institute of Biophysics, Institute of Aeronautics, Hospital of TCM, Jisutan Hospital) before amputation found 279 of 293 LIPs (low impedance points) coincided with LPSM 95.2%. After amputation excised limbs had 498 of 507 LIPs remaining at original LPSM 98% and the low impedance remained in skin, high percussion sound remained +ve as long as deep fossa was intact, indicating that low impedance and high percussion are independent of the functioning of known nervous and circulatory systems and the specific material basis must exist on body surface along line of LPSM and meridian.  ZHU Zongxiang et al showed the LIPs exist in animals and humans (rat and rabbit), ZHONG Longshan showed them in sheep.

YANG Zhiquang measured Cold Luminescence of meridian of human body surface precisely on 144 subjects and 144 meridian lines, intensity of luminescence of 10,512 points of skin both at and outside 12 meridians, intensity of luminescence of points at meridians were 1.5 times higher than those 0.5cm apart from meridians (t-test at alpha=0.01 diff sig), and lines of luminescence were coincident with classical meridians. 5256 acupoints skin resistance 40-60% lower than control points 0.5 cm apart from meridians. 5256 acupoints percussion of LPSM closely coincident with meridians – providing more evidence of the meridian system.

GUO Wuying et al measured EMG signals during acupuncture induced muscle contraction finding there may be electrical signals produced at the needle electrode with frequency spectrum of EMG signals lying within 0-1000 Hz, mainly under 500Hz; during needle sensation frequency spectrum of signals, concentrated in low frequency section to greater extent around 55Hz and 165 Hz, without needle reaction saw no irregularity in EMG. Measuring along same meridian during needle reaction the 165Hz was picked up, illustrating relative specificity; at control meridians only scattered frequencies were identified – suggesting a physiological basis for existence of meridians and needle reaction.

SONG et al (General Hospital of PLA, Beijing) 1979-82 studied effect of 110 acupoints stimulations on 21 patients using I/R thermographic system. 5/21 had hot sensation along meridian showing as bright zone on thermograph, 2/21 had cold sensation along meridian shown as dark zone or double dark bands. Provided more evidence about meridians lines under temperature rises and eliminated suggestion that ‘superficial veins may be meridians’ as they manifested differently on thermograph.

ZHU Zongxiang et al, WANG Pinshan et al, HU Rongdu et al, SUN Pingshen et al studied the phenomenon of sound information along meridians (PSIM) by LPSM and acoustic techniques in health subjects, paraplegics, animals, proving a material basis for generation of sound information during PSM; after animal deaths the rate of occurrence of sound information drops markedly from 56.3% to 18.8% showing the sound not to be a purely physical signal but a biological signal closely related to activities of meridians. XU Guansun et al analysing acoustic emission signals (AES) found they had 3 main properties, propagation along meridians, bipolarity and capacity of repeat. CHEN Moxun et al studying AES showed dominant and recessive types of PSM when meridian system active, that frequencies and amplitudes of wave patterns of human AES along meridians are different with corresponding parameters EMG, EDG, EEG and ECG and display each specificities. PSM speed was measured as 6.5 – 9.9 cm/sec, faster as leaves acupoint/location of propagation and slower further away. A magnetic material of 3000Gs held above point Wenliu blocked PSM.

LI Baojiao in 14 subjects and HU Xianglong et al in 250 cases showed that strong suggestion could not induce PSM so PSM must be a physiological ability. ZHUANG Ding et al showed intravertebral anaesthesia had no effect on PSM, neither speed not nature. 

Numerous studies were performed using electron microscopy observation on the effects of acupuncture in ultrastructures by YANG Youmi et al (Beijing) , FU Zhiliang et al (Hebei) , ZHANG Shuqin et al (Guizhou), YUAN Dexin et al (Hebei), identifying activity of Substance P closely related to acupuncture analgesia, recovery of oxygen deficiency in mitochondria could be restored through acupuncture and synthesisation of ATP, positive changes to adrenocortical cells, using acupoint S36 positive changes in NE, ACP, ATPhatase, MAO and 5HT, mast cell changes, T lymphocyte, e Rosette, etc. requirement for intact hypothalamus, for P6 action, and stellate ganglion in cats.

LI Yongguang and ZHANG Wenjuan, Harbin, identified a magnetic phenomenon on meridians and acupoints through treating 4939 cases by magnetic therapy with effective rate 86.92%. They measured the greatest range of magnetic information at area 5cm from GV20 was 1.67 gauss; the largest change rate of information was 6.7 gauss/s.

MENG Jingbi et al, Beijing, used radionuclide scintigraphy measurements of meridians system in humans. Injecting radio tracer observed by digital gamma camera showed movement along meridians from 20 to 110 cm from injection site, speed 3.5 to 76 cm/min, speed correlating with whether yin or yang meridian, and differences observed according to different channels in terms of latency, pattern or location.

YANG Zhiqiang et al (multiple disciplinary including medical, biophysics, aeronautics, astrophysics) extended their previous few years measuring ultra cold luminescence along meridians, with upgraded apparatus were now able to detect more accurately and specifically the phenomenon of superficial bioluminescence of acupoints along the classical channels. In 158 subjects 158 times for regular channels and 11582 times for acupoints they found that for the 14 main channels the phenomenon of intense cold bioluminescence is universal and 1.5 times more intense than points selected 0.5 cm lateral to the channel points, correlating and verifying the 14 channels existence and strong luminescence.

Extracts recorded by me 30 years ago………According to Russian biophysicists the human cell is an emitter of electromagnetic radiation. Intracellular structures emit identified frequencies 1900A (A = angstrom)  2800A, 3300A, 6200A-6800A, radio waves, hydrodynamic plasma waves from excitron and electron-hole plasma, and visible and invisible light frequencies (as described). Nucleus emits invisible UV light between 1900-3300A, mitochondria (with their high ion densities) emit visible red light 6200-6800A so weak that special detection methods are required…………

…….A Russian theory of Bioplasma:- Plasma is the fourth state of matter, with higher energy than the others (solid, liquid, gas); when individual atoms are ionised – as electrons for example, are forced away from their nuclei at high temperatures – an ion gas or high temperature plasma is formed containing nuclei, electrons and neutral particles in addition to positive and negative groups of ions. Enormous temperatures are reached (millions of degrees) making it impossible for any conventional container to be used – so how could such a plasma exist in the human body with its temperature of a mere 37 degree C? The Soviet answer being:-

In solid state electronics physicists speak of ‘electron gas’ within semiconductor elements at room temperatures; also about gases made up of electrons and holes (absence of electron) and of excitons (excited electrons) – such a hole + an electron. The density of electron-hole plasma in a semi conductor changes according to its temperature and the number of electrons per cm2 can be increased by up to one billion times.  The Soviets belief is that forced vibrations in such a plasma can approach those of visible or UV light, giving rise to plasma radiations. In a solid each electron belongs to only one atom at a time but in plasma each electron or hole has broken free of the crystal lattice of the solid body to manifest itself as the totality of its structure.  There are such ‘delocated’ electrons found in biological processes, and the evidence is strong for the existence of semiconductor properties in a variety of human components. Professor Sedlak of the Catholic University, Lublin, Poland was one of the first to produce a comprehensive model of the bioplasma body that he saw as the ultimate substratum of both chemical and electronic processes, and also as the carrier of all information within the system. He said that like is an electromagnetic wave generated in a medium of protein semiconductors; the biochemical processes familiar to traditional biochemistry take place within such a bioelectric medium. “One should think of metabolism in terms of transformation of energy rather than of matter, the problem of the nature of life can ultimately be reduced to the concepts of plasma and electromagnetic fields” he said.  Dr V M Inyushin, biophysicist at Kazakh State University in Alma Ata said that bioplasma is an organised system, and with engineer V S Grishenko first postulated the existence of bioplasma in 1967. It is he says no less than the matrix of the biological field or biofield, which he described as a ‘frozen-in-hologram’, every fragment of which possess the characteristic of the essential properties of the whole organism. Of particular interest is that bioplasma is a changeable structure in which several kinds of waves – electromagnetic, acoustic and perhaps gravitational – are distributed, its energy state depending on the breathing of the cosmos. Solid ice when heated becomes liquid water and eventually gaseous steam; when cooled returns to ice via water. So with plasma, it is formed by processes of ionisation and formation of locally charged particles, then reverses by mutual interaction of particles and their return to lower energy states by binding themselves to a lattice of atomic nuclei. Both these processes are accompanied by the emission or adsorption of radiation quanta.

In 1981 The World Health Organisation Provisional List of Diseases that Lend themselves to Acupuncture Treatment (over 40 disorders) including those of the upper respiratory tract; respiratory system; eye; mouth; gastrointestinal; neurological and musculoskeletal.

The Chinese journal Acupuncture Research published a paper in the mid 1990s “Progress in China over the past 4 years in acupuncture clinical study”.  It described successes and developments, treating with TCM modalities………..

1. Contagious & Infectious diseases (incl viral diseases and bacterial diseases, acute and chronic hepatitis, bacterial dysentery, epidemic haemorrhagic fever, mumps, influenza and anaemia due to septicaemia) 2. Respiratory and Circulatory system diseases (incl pulmonary oedema, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma 80% effective, coronary heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, hypertension) 3. Metabolic & Endocrine disorders (incl diabetes, obesity acupuncture 70% success) thyroidism 4. Urogenital system disorders (incl male sterility, chronic nephritis, prostatitis, enuresis, retention of urine) 5. Digestive system disorders (incl Gastroptosis, ulcerative colitis, intestinal ascariasis, infantile diarrhoea) 6. Articular disease (incl rheumatic arthritis, sciatica average acupuncture success rate 95%, spondylitis, 650 cases rheumatoid arthritis 96.7% success) 7. Neurophysiological disorders (incl headache, schizophrenia, neurasthenia, depression, epilepsy, sequellae of CVA) 8. Diseases of surgery, dermatosis & orthopaedics (incl scalp ringworm, psoriasis, herpes zoster) 9. Gynaecological, obstetric and paediatric disorders (incl dysmenorrhoea, pelvic inflammation, habitual miscarriage, infantile fever, infantile diarrhoea) 10. Eye, ear and nose disorders (incl. toothache, optic atrophy, myopia, hyperopia, deafness) 11. Emergency cases (incl. syncope high fever and acute abdomen problems) and other diseases illustrating TCM interventions successfully applied over a very wide range of disease.  

One of the most exciting theories that may hold answers to the existence of such long documented phenomena as Qi, zero point energy, energy in all known forms, is that developed by Dr John V. Milewski on SuperLight – magnetic light or magneto-electric as opposed to electro-magnetic radiation. (http://www.hbci.com/~wenonah/new/milewski.htm.)

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