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Bioelectrical properties of human body
Impedance analysis of acupuncture points
Michal Teplan
Marek Kukučka
Alena Ondrejkovičová
Institute of Measurement Science, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava
Department of radio electronics, Slovak Technical University, Bratislava
Center for Advanced Human Studies, Bratislava
Liming Acupuncture Center, Bratislava
2Department of Animal Physiology and Ethology, Faculty of Natural Sciences,
Comenius University Bratislava
Bioelectrical properties of human body
Impedance analysis of acupuncture points
Outline:
introduction
active properties: bio-oscillations
acupuncture
passive properties: impedance analysis, applied to acupuncture
conclusions
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Motivation
novel ways of measuring bioelectrical properties of human body with strong
diagnostic and therapeutic potential
unknown principles touching foundations of natural sciences and our -
human operation
gate to different paradigm-changing realms: information and energy
medicine, composition and nature of human beings, fundamental physics
(new electromagnetics)
prove or disprove electrical detection of acupuncture points while staying
independent from acupuncture theory
reveal principles of operation of variety of related devices (bioresonant,
zappers)
reveal principles of operation of variety of related devices (bioresonant,
zappers)
20th October 2012 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Bio-oscillations
living cells contain both free and bound electric charges in the form of ions and
polar molecules – there are sensitive to electric fields and currents
generation of endogenous EM fields has been observed in a wide frequency
range (0 - 10 15 Hz) [Cifra, 2010]
the intensity of these fields is usually extremely low, it makes sense to talk
rather about the transmission of information than energy
qualitative and quantitative characteristics of these fields may reflect the
condition of the organism and its various pathologies
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Bio-oscillations
Electrical biopotentials: In conventional medicine, the electrical
measurements of useful biopotentials are limited to frequency range not
exceeding 1 kHz.
ECG, EEG and EMG
Hunt developed in 1970’s a high frequency AuraMeter which recorded the
bioelectrical activity from the body’s surface with frequencies from 0 -
250,000 Hz [Hunt, '70s].
Reflecting health, emotional, and spiritual status:
healthy: diseased:
time time
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
frequency
frequency
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Bio-oscillations
A method for computerized recording and analysis of
high frequency biopotentials (oscillometry) [Mendanha, 2008], 0-45 kHz
low-cost solution: PC audio card + surface ECG electrodes for conductive
and inductive (contactless) signal pick up
alterations during yoga and meditation
observation of natural dynamics
information contend in spectral domain
spectral dynamics: wavelet analysis
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Therapeutic frequencies
Amplitude-modulated electromagnetic fields for the treatment of cancer:
Discovery of tumor-specific frequencies and assessment of a novel
therapeutic approach [Barbault, 2009]
"Law Energy Emission Therapy“
modulated EM frequencies ranged from 0 to 114 kHz with carrier frequency
lying in the RF band
contactless application through the mouth
biofeedback detection of tissue response: measurements of variations in
skin electrical resistance, pulse amplitude and blood pressure
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Therapeutic frequencies
160 patients with 15 types of tumors: 1500 frequencies were identified, of which
77% tumor-specific and 22% were common to two or more types of tumors
the treatment was applied with 10 to 300 frequencies simultaneousely
partial or complete response was observed in terms of long-term stabilization
of the state
the method is tailored to the individual patient and with the absence of side
effects
"Trigger Effect“: low energy but highly targeted stimulus may cause a trigger
effect on biological subsystems [Vorst, 2006]. Impact not just on local
destination but on the whole organism
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Acupuncture
There is an invisible dissipative structure of EM field which in mainly
composed of an interference patterns of standing waves in the resonance
cavity of human body under the condition of permanent support of energy
in an open system. To some extent the invisible structure is corresponding
to the mysterious acupuncture system and is closely related to different
modalities of energetic medicine [Zhang, 2003].
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Acupuncture
acupuncture is one of the oldest healing practices of the world and is one of
the key components of traditional Chinese medicine
google scholar finds the keyword acupuncture in 260 000 items and
Pubmed in 17 000 items
in Germany, every year has been recorded several million records of patients
who use the method derived from acupuncture and in the country operates
30 000 doctors organized in medical acupuncture societies
it is fully accepted by medical establishment, also by academic medicine,
health insurance companies reimburse the selected tasks
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Acupuncture
In acupuncture and related fields it is assumed that there are special
pathways in the body called meridians which are connected to main body
systems, such as cardio-vascular, respiratory, digestive, etc. In this concept
the pathways are exposed to the surface of human body in so called
acupuncture points localized on skin surface.
Specific anatomic points are stimulated by various techniques, mostly by
injecting thin metal needles for the purpose of therapeutic action. These
points may be seen as poly-modal structures positioned on the skin in areas
with higher density of neuro-vascular structures. Tracks create their
interconnection and should be composed of liquid systems, respectively by
sparse connective tissue unrelated by blood or lymph vessels.
Although use of acupuncture is relatively well established in Western
medicine as a complementary diagnostic and therapeutic tool, its physical
and medical characterization is still largely unknown.
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Acupuncture
general mechanisms of action include stimulation of
the nervous, immune, lymphatic and endocrine
system
biological response is local and distant - guided by
sensory neurons in the CNS
excretion of endogenous opioids during acupuncture
analgesia in the CNS
activation of the hypothalamus
secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones,
regulation of blood flow, changes in immune
function
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Acupuncture evidence
fMRI and PET studies
Ultrasonic Acupuncture and the Correlation Between Acupuncture
Stimulation and the Activation of Associated Brain Cortices Using Functional
Magnetic Resonance Imaging [Jones, 2002]
visual cortex activation by ultrasound stimulation applied to acupuncture
point on the foot, which is known as a therapeutic point for visual
impairment
visual input test control
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Acupuncture
Governing biophysical principles: hypothesized existence of dissipative
structure of electromagnetic field interference patterns formed by standing
waves in resonant cavities of the human body under conditions of constant
supply of energy in the physical open system [Zhang, 2003].
Acupuncture points and pathways can be imagined as structures with
different physical and physiological properties that are created in 3D space
by multiple interference of standing electromagnetic waves [Han, 2011].
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Acupuncture
needle have to be insert into a point with the highest body conductivity,
the highest conductivity point is on some peak of standing wave,
a needle has biggest influence there in order to destroy the ill-standing
wave as introducing a new boundary condition [Zhang, 2012].
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Acupuncture
acupuncture system as well as the electromagnetic phenomenon can be
seen through network approach
meridians are dynamic systems based on scale-free fractal structures [Szasz,
2008]
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Electrical properties of acupuncture points
Electrophysiological correlates of acupuncture points and meridians
[Becker, 1976]:
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Electrical properties of acupuncture points
Electrical properties of acupuncture points and meridians, a systematic
review: some preliminary evidence; however it is still impossible to
determine whether acupuncture structures possess distinct electrical
characteristics until better quality studies are performed [Ahn, 2008].
acupuncture points have not lower impedance [Pearson, 2007].
63% not electrically distinct, 26% lower while 11% higher electrical skin
resistance [Kramer, 2009].
call to precisely replicate Becker study from 1976 [Colbert, 2009].
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Electrical properties of acupuncture points
some experimental evidence: DC - lower resistance, AC - lower impedance
while higher capacity
controversial outcomes: some studies found no distinction from surrounding
tissues
results are heavily dependant on measurement characteristics: skin surface,
presence of sweat glands, electrode geometry and polarizability, contact
pressure, etc.
fluctuation of electrical properties in time (and 24 h cycles)
AC frequency of measurement determines depth of penetration into the
skin: majority of research deals only with low-frequency or direct current –
hence only the epidermis dominated by the dead stratum corneum is
covered
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Aim of the study
localization of acupuncture points
Impedance analysis:
in acoustic frequency range
in radiofrequency range
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Secret life of acupuncture points
space: localized not in singularities, typically oval sized 10 x 7 mm
time: drifting spots
mind: determined/influenced by state of the person, variety of
psychophysiological, emotional and other factors
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
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Methods
choice of biologically active points: LI-4, TW-3, HT-7, PC-6, LU-7, HT-3,
PC-3, LU-5, LI-11, TW-8,TW-9
Large intestine meridian
Lung meridian
Heart meridian
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Methods
grid of 8 x 8 telescopic needle electrodes –constant pressure guaranteed
monopolar arrangement with clamp reference electrode on the opposite
arm (~6 cm2)
frequency: 1 kHz
covered area: 17.5 mm x 17.5 mm
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Can it be measured and observed?
On anybody at any acupuncture point, and without assistance of acupuncture
specialist?
choice of the most suitable points
skin and electrode preparation
limited reproducibility, sensitive biosystem, interference by measurement
avoiding disturbance of human organism
shifted impedance: decreased - inflammation, increased – attenuation
observing dynamics: how do they “live“ – long term biomesurements
time evolution of maps: points may drift, as they might not be strictly locked
to anatomical substrate, rather reflecting inner EM intereference patterns and
standing waves
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Impedance maps
in most of the cases distinctive minima surrounded by circular patterns
were not found
considerable variations within mm distance: up to the 1 order of magnitude
reproducibility only under restricted conditions
3D plot:
control:
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Visualization procedure
development of a new procedure for visualization of acupuncture points
sensibilization and contrast enhancement
protocol: measurement before, during, and after stimulation
subtraction into a form of differential maps
time windows: latency and fading of the stimulation effect
EM frequencies for stimulation: excitation with lower (>100 Hz) while
inhibition with higher (>10 kHz) frequencies
respecting hours of day activity for each meridian when organs are supposed
to be more active
utilizing of supposed natural resonance frequencies for each meridian and
acupuncture point
proper point localization and manipulation by experienced acupuncturists:
morphological distances + feedback sensations of subject = art of complex
task with combination of objective and CAM approaches
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Impedance maps
Successfully localized points:
Procedure for enhanced visualization:
3/7 2011 Michal Teplan EDALC 2011 Praha
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Impedance in acoustic frequency
range
TESLA impedance analyzer, 100 Hz – 20 kHz
needles and ECG electrodes
pseudo-4-wire method
control points: medial, lateral
sample result: lower impedance, higher capacity
large intestian meridian LI4-LI11:
impedance Z: reactance XC:
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Impedance in radio frequency range
Tomco RF Impedance analyzer, 200 kHz – 1 MHz
needles + cylinder reference electrode
electromagnetically shielded room
sample result: lower impedance, higher capacity
large intestian meridian LI4-LI11:
impedance Z: reactance XC:
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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Circuit models
Simple models [Reichmanis, 1977] and [Johng, 2002]:
elements based on skin layers: epidermis on surface with dry tissue of stratum
corneum – parallel R with C. Serial R: other skin compartments – dermis
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
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Implications and lessons learnt
caution is warranted when developing, using, and interpreting results from
electrodermal screening devices
acupuncture impedance pens: example of applied technology when solid
research is delayed - results in misleading simplifying truth
opinion correction: shift from naive believe from semi-popular literature
towards focus on original resources and first hand experiments
CAM electro-acupuncture: attributes of training, art and intuition
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
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Conclusions and visions
it is possible to measure electrical properties of acupuncture points
task is complex, with many factors involved
expected results are nonuniform
strong diagnostic and therapeutic potential of both approaches: impedance
and biopotential measurements
from neurofeedback to higher frequency biopotential and acupuncture
impedance biofeedback
bioelectrocity devices (bioresonance): hidden know-how open source
technology
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
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Thank you for your attention!
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
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www.auraphoto.com
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October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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[Johng, 2002]: Johng HM et al: Frequency dependence of impedances at the acupuncture point
Quze (PC3). Eng. Medicine and Biology Magazine IEEE 21: 33-36, 2002.
October 20 Michal Teplan SMN SSE meeting 2012 Termonfechin
Introduction Bio-oscillations Acupuncture Impedance analysis Conclusions
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