Electrical Potential At Acupuncture Points: Using A Novel Biokelvin Probe
Andrew C Ahn, Assistant Professor
Harvard University (medical School)
Grant 1R21AT005249-01 from National Center For Complementary & Alternative Medicine IRG: ZAT1
Abstract: According to conventional wisdom within the acupuncture community, acupuncture points are distinguishable by their electrical properties - specifically, decreased electrical impedance, increased capacitance, and elevated electrical potential compared to non-acupuncture points. The enthusiasm for this view, however, is tempered by the multiple confounders arising from the skin-to-electrode contact required by standard electrodermal devices. As long as the electrode touches the skin, confounders such as electrode pressure and skin moisture are unavoidable and lend to doubts about any conclusion drawn from electrical readings at acupuncture points. The recent development of the Scanning Kelvin Probe allows researchers, for the first time, to bypass these limitations and to help resolve this fifty year old debate. The Scanning Kelvin Probe measures surface electrical potential without actually touching the skin and relies on capacitive coupling between the probe and the sample. Our team has extensive experience with the Scanning Kelvin Probe and have performed preliminary studies in metal, air-water interface, and in vivo human skin. Our long-term objective is to use the Scanning Kelvin Probe to characterize the surface potential of acupuncture points and to apply it to clinical settings. We hypothesize that the Scanning Kelvin Probe will be capable of localizing acupuncture points and providing diagnostic information. This proposal proposes three specific aims to help address this hypothesis (1) Physiology - to determine the effects of sweat gland density, stratum corneum thickness, and moisture on skin surface potential; and (2) Acupuncture Points - to measure surface potential at select acupuncture points; and (3) Clinical Applications - to assess effects of needling on the electrical potential of acupuncture points. These aims will be addressed by early device modifications and three pilot human studies. To undertake this task, we have assembled a world-class team of multidisciplinary experts that span the fields of physics, biological engineering, computer science, medicine, biology, epidemiology, and East Asian Medicine. This project forms the basis for a subsequent, more definitive study and greatly facilitates the application of this state-of-the-art technology to clinical acupuncture and medicine. This project provides information on the electrical properties of acupuncture points. It may offer important insights into how acupuncture points function and thus provide ways to optimize acupuncture treatments. In addition, it may provide additional insights into the electrophysiological characteristics of the skin, specifically, the epidermis
Project start date: 2009-08-01
Project end date: 2012-02-28
Sponsored Links Excellgen http://Excellgen.com
Grants awarded to Andrew C Ahn
Biophysics Of Acupuncture:Electrical Properties Of Loose CT
Andrew C Ahn, Assistant Professor
Medicineharvard University (medical School)
Grant 5K23AT003238-05 from National Center For Complementary & Alternative Medicine IRG: ZAT1
Abstract: Despite hundreds of clinical and mechanistic studies in acupuncture, the fundamental tenets of acupuncture - the point and meridian - are poorly understood. According to conventional wisdom within the acupuncture community, these structures are special conduits for electrical signals. This claim is supported by studies that report higher electrical conductivity (lower resistance/impedance) at acupuncture points compared to non-acupuncture points. However, the absence of an anatomic and physiologic explanation has undermined the credibility of this view. Now, robust evidence linking connective tissue to acupuncture structures has changed the research landscape and offers a new testable hypothesis Electrical conduction through loose connective tissue is responsible for communication through the acupuncture network. This application proposes three goals to test this hypothesis; to examine the electrical properties of loose connective tissue, to study acupuncture´s effect on these electrical properties, and to study the underlying biophysics to identify any clinically relevant mechanisms. A pilot study conducted by the candidate indicates that electrical impedance of connective tissue associated with Pericardium Meridian is significantly lower compared to parallel muscle-control tissue. To further test the hypothesis, this K-23 application has 3 specific aims (1) to determine whether electrical impedances of three other meridian-associated connective tissue are lower compared to parallel controls; (2) to examine how needling an acupuncture point affects the electrical impedance of the corresponding meridian; (3) to study the in-vivo dielectric properties of loose connective tissue. The first 2 aims will be addressed by utilizing an impedance meter and testing subjects within the general clinical research center of a large, referral hospital. Aim 3 will use sophisticated machinery within a large academic university (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The goal of these studies is to elucidate the physiologic functions of acupuncture points and meridians to help understand acupuncture´s clinical effects and thereby promote treatment optimization. Completion of this research is supported by three essential components (1) A core of highly skilled mentors in connective tissue, biomechanical engineering, East Asian medicines, and clinical research methodology; (2) coursework at MIT to expand the candidate´s knowledge in connective tissue and biophysics; (3) a rich research environment offered by the combined resources of MIT and Harvard Medical School that will promote the candidate´s present and .future investigations. This K-23 application will provide the candidate with specific training in biophysics, connective tissue, and clinical trials. Each of these skills will be critical to the candidate´s long-term goal of becoming an independent clinical investigator with a focus on the biophysics of acupuncture
Keywords: acupuncture /acupressure, biophysics, connective tissue, electrical property dielectric property, electrical impedance, electrophysiology clinical research, electrical measurement, human subject, statistics /biometry
Project start date: 2005-09-30
Project end date: 2010-09-29
Biophysics Of Acupuncture:Electrical Properties Of Loose Connective Tissue
Andrew C Ahn, Assistant Professor
Medicineharvard University (medical School)
medical School Campus
boston, Ma 02115
Grant 5K23AT003238-04 from National Center For Complementary & Alternative Medicine IRG: ZAT1
Abstract: Despite hundreds of clinical and mechanistic studies in acupuncture, the fundamental tenets of acupuncture - the point and meridian - are poorly understood. According to conventional wisdom within the acupuncture community, these structures are special conduits for electrical signals. This claim is supported by studies that report higher electrical conductivity (lower resistance/impedance) at acupuncture points compared to non-acupuncture points. However, the absence of an anatomic and physiologic explanation has undermined the credibility of this view. Now, robust evidence linking connective tissue to acupuncture structures has changed the research landscape and offers a new testable hypothesis Electrical conduction through loose connective tissue is responsible for communication through the acupuncture network. This application proposes three goals to test this hypothesis; to examine the electrical properties of loose connective tissue, to study acupuncture´s effect on these electrical properties, and to study the underlying biophysics to identify any clinically relevant mechanisms. A pilot study conducted by the candidate indicates that electrical impedance of connective tissue associated with Pericardium Meridian is significantly lower compared to parallel muscle-control tissue. To further test the hypothesis, this K-23 application has 3 specific aims (1) to determine whether electrical impedances of three other meridian-associated connective tissue are lower compared to parallel controls; (2) to examine how needling an acupuncture point affects the electrical impedance of the corresponding meridian; (3) to study the in-vivo dielectric properties of loose connective tissue. The first 2 aims will be addressed by utilizing an impedance meter and testing subjects within the general clinical research center of a large, referral hospital. Aim 3 will use sophisticated machinery within a large academic university (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The goal of these studies is to elucidate the physiologic functions of acupuncture points and meridians to help understand acupuncture´s clinical effects and thereby promote treatment optimization. Completion of this research is supported by three essential components (1) A core of highly skilled mentors in connective tissue, biomechanical engineering, East Asian medicines, and clinical research methodology; (2) coursework at MIT to expand the candidate´s knowledge in connective tissue and biophysics; (3) a rich research environment offered by the combined resources of MIT and Harvard Medical School that will promote the candidate´s present and .future investigations. This K-23 application will provide the candidate with specific training in biophysics, connective tissue, and clinical trials. Each of these skills will be critical to the candidate´s long-term goal of becoming an independent clinical investigator with a focus on the biophysics of acupuncture
Keywords: acupuncture /acupressure, biophysics, connective tissue, electrical property dielectric property, electrical impedance, electrophysiology clinical research, electrical measurement, human subject, statistics /biometry
Project start date: 2005-09-30
Project end date: 2010-09-29
5K23AT003238-04 (2008): $129951
Biophysics Of Acupuncture:Electrical Properties Of Loose CT
Andrew C Ahn, Assistant Professor
Medicineharvard University (medical School)
medical School Campus
boston, Ma 02115
Grant 5K23AT003238-03 from National Center For Complementary & Alternative Medicine IRG: ZAT1
Abstract: Despite hundreds of clinical and mechanistic studies in acupuncture, the fundamental tenets of acupuncture - the point and meridian - are poorly understood. According to conventional wisdom within the acupuncture community, these structures are special conduits for electrical signals. This claim is supported by studies that report higher electrical conductivity (lower resistance/impedance) at acupuncture points compared to non-acupuncture points. However, the absence of an anatomic and physiologic explanation has undermined the credibility of this view. Now, robust evidence linking connective tissue to acupuncture structures has changed the research landscape and offers a new testable hypothesis Electrical conduction through loose connective tissue is responsible for communication through the acupuncture network. This application proposes three goals to test this hypothesis; to examine the electrical properties of loose connective tissue, to study acupuncture´s effect on these electrical properties, and to study the underlying biophysics to identify any clinically relevant mechanisms. A pilot study conducted by the candidate indicates that electrical impedance of connective tissue associated with Pericardium Meridian is significantly lower compared to parallel muscle-control tissue. To further test the hypothesis, this K-23 application has 3 specific aims (1) to determine whether electrical impedances of three other meridian-associated connective tissue are lower compared to parallel controls; (2) to examine how needling an acupuncture point affects the electrical impedance of the corresponding meridian; (3) to study the in-vivo dielectric properties of loose connective tissue. The first 2 aims will be addressed by utilizing an impedance meter and testing subjects within the general clinical research center of a large, referral hospital. Aim 3 will use sophisticated machinery within a large academic university (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The goal of these studies is to elucidate the physiologic functions of acupuncture points and meridians to help understand acupuncture´s clinical effects and thereby promote treatment optimization. Completion of this research is supported by three essential components (1) A core of highly skilled mentors in connective tissue, biomechanical engineering, East Asian medicines, and clinical research methodology; (2) coursework at MIT to expand the candidate´s knowledge in connective tissue and biophysics; (3) a rich research environment offered by the combined resources of MIT and Harvard Medical School that will promote the candidate´s present and .future investigations. This K-23 application will provide the candidate with specific training in biophysics, connective tissue, and clinical trials. Each of these skills will be critical to the candidate´s long-term goal of becoming an independent clinical investigator with a focus on the biophysics of acupuncture
Keywords: acupuncture /acupressure, biophysics, connective tissue, electrical property dielectric property, electrical impedance, electrophysiology clinical research, electrical measurement, human subject, statistics /biometry
Project start date: 2005-09-30
Project end date: 2010-09-29
5K23AT003238-03 (2007): $129951
5K23AT003238-02 (2006): $129951
Acupuncture Biophysics--Electrical Properties Of CT
Andrew C Ahn, Assistant Professor
Harvard University (medical School) Medical School Campus Boston, Ma 02115
Grant 1K23AT003238-01 from National Center For Complementary And Alternative Medicine IRG: ZAT1
Abstract: Despite hundreds of clinical and mechanistic studies in acupuncture, the fundamental tenets of acupuncture - the point and meridian - are poorly understood. According to conventional wisdom within the acupuncture community, these structures are special conduits for electrical signals. This claim is supported by studies that report higher electrical conductivity (lower resistance/impedance) at acupuncture points compared to non-acupuncture points. However, the absence of an anatomic and physiologic explanation has undermined the credibility of this view. Now, robust evidence linking connective tissue to acupuncture structures has changed the research landscape and offers a new testable hypothesis Electrical conduction through loose connective tissue is responsible for communication through the acupuncture network. This application proposes three goals to test this hypothesis; to examine the electrical properties of loose connective tissue, to study acupuncture s effect on these electrical properties, and to study the underlying biophysics to identify any clinically relevant mechanisms. A pilot study conducted by the candidate indicates that electrical impedance of connective tissue associated with Pericardium Meridian is significantly lower compared to parallel muscle-control tissue. To further test the hypothesis, this K-23 application has 3 specific aims (1) to determine whether electrical impedances of three other meridian-associated connective tissue are lower compared to parallel controls; (2) to examine how needling an acupuncture point affects the electrical impedance of the corresponding meridian; (3) to study the in-vivo dielectric properties of loose connective tissue. The first 2 aims will be addressed by utilizing an impedance meter and testing subjects within the general clinical research center of a large, referral hospital. Aim 3 will use sophisticated machinery within a large academic university (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). The goal of these studies is to elucidate the physiologic functions of acupuncture points and meridians to help understand acupuncture s clinical effects and thereby promote treatment optimization. Completion of this research is supported by three essential components (1) A core of highly skilled mentors in connective tissue, biomechanical engineering, East Asian medicines, and clinical research methodology; (2) coursework at MIT to expand the candidate s knowledge in connective tissue and biophysics; (3) a rich research environment offered by the combined resources of MIT and Harvard Medical School that will promote the candidate s present and .future investigations. This K-23 application will provide the candidate with specific training in biophysics, connective tissue, and clinical trials. Each of these skills will be critical to the candidate s long-term goal of becoming an independent clinical investigator with a focus on the biophysics of acupuncture.
Keywords: acupuncture /acupressure, biophysics, connective tissue, electrical property, dielectric property, electrical impedance, electrophysiology, clinical research, electrical measurement, human subject, statistics /biometry
Project start date: 2005-09-30
Project end date: 2010-09-29
1K23AT003238-01 (2005): $129951
ELECTRICAL POTENTIAL AT ACUPUNCTURE POINTS: USING A NOVEL BIOKELVIN PROBE
Andrew C Ahn
Harvard University (medical School), Medical School Campus, Boston, Ma 02115
Grant 5R21AT005249-02 from National Center For Complementary & Alternative Medicine
Abstract: According to conventional wisdom within the acupuncture community, acupuncture points are distinguishable by their electrical properties - specifically, decreased electrical impedance, increased capacitance, and elevated electrical potential compared to non-acupuncture points. The enthusiasm for this view, however, is tempered by the multiple confounders arising from the skin-to-electrode contact required by standard electrodermal devices. As long as the electrode touches the skin, confounders such as electrode pressure and skin moisture are unavoidable and lend to doubts about any conclusion drawn from electrical readings at acupuncture points. The recent development of the Scanning Kelvin Probe allows researchers, for the first time, to bypass these limitations and to help resolve this fifty year old debate. The Scanning Kelvin Probe measures surface electrical potential without actually touching the skin and relies on capacitive coupling between the probe and the sample. Our team has extensive experience with the Scanning Kelvin Probe and have performed preliminary studies in metal, air-water interface, and in vivo human skin. Our long-term objective is to use the Scanning Kelvin Probe to characterize the surface potential of acupuncture points and to apply it to clinical settings. We hypothesize that the Scanning Kelvin Probe will be capable of localizing acupuncture points and providing diagnostic information. This proposal proposes three specific aims to help address this hypothesis (1) Physiology - to determine the effects of sweat gland density, stratum corneum thickness, and moisture on skin surface potential; and (2) Acupuncture Points - to measure surface potential at select acupuncture points; and (3) Clinical Applications - to assess effects of needling on the electrical potential of acupuncture points. These aims will be addressed by early device modifications and three pilot human studies. To undertake this task, we have assembled a world-class team of multidisciplinary experts that span the fields of physics, biological engineering, computer science, medicine, biology, epidemiology, and East Asian Medicine. This project forms the basis for a subsequent, more definitive study and greatly facilitates the application of this state-of-the-art technology to clinical acupuncture and medicine. This project provides information on the electrical properties of acupuncture points. It may offer important insights into how acupuncture points function and thus provide ways to optimize acupuncture treatments. In addition, it may provide additional insights into the electrophysiological characteristics of the skin, specifically, the epidermis
Keywords: Acupoints; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture procedure; Address; Affect; Agar; Air; Animal Model; Animal Models and Related Studies; Area; Arts; Asians; Award; Back; Basic Research; Basic Science; Biological; Biology; Biophysics; Body Tissues; Botanicals; Bypass; Capacitance, Electrical; Characteristics; Ching Lo; Clinical; Clinical Research; Clinical Study; Colloids; Communities; Complement; Complement Proteins; Corrosion; Corrosions; Coupling; Data; Development; Devices; Diagnostic; Dorsum; Electric Capacitance; Electric Stimulation; Electrical Impedance; Electrical Stimulation; Electrodes; Engineering; Engineerings; Epidemiology; Epidermis; Frequencies (time pattern); Frequency; Grant; Hand; Heart; Horny Layer; Human; Human, General; Hydrogen Oxide; Impedance; Intervention; Intervention Strategies; Investigators; Jing Luo; Jingluo; Liquid substance; Man (Taxonomy); Man, Modern; Maps; Measures; Medicine; Meridians; Metals; Methods; Methods and Techniques; Methods, Other; Modification; Needles; Physics; Physiologic; Physiological; Physiology; Pressure; Pressure- physical agent; Principal Investigator; Reading; Research; Research Personnel; Researchers; Resistance; Resolution; Sampling; Scanning; Science; Science of Medicine; Site; Skin; Stratum corneum; Surface; Sweat Glands; Techniques; Technology; Thick; Thickness; Time; Tissues; Touch; Touch sensation; Translating; Translatings; Uncertainty; Water; acupuncture; base; capacitance; career; clinical applicability; clinical application; clinical practice; computer science; density; doubt; electric impedance; electrical potential; electrical property; experience; fluid; in vivo; insight; interventional strategy; language translation; liquid; meetings; model organism; multidisciplinary; novel; oriental; pressure; public health relevance; quality assurance; resistant; sudiferous gland
Relevance: NARRATIVE This project provides information on the electrical properties of acupuncture points. It may offer important insights into how acupuncture points function and thus provide ways to optimize acupuncture treatments. In addition, it may provide additional insights into the electrophysiological characteristics of the skin, specifically, the epidermis
Project start date: 2009-08-01
Project end date: 2012-02-28
Budget start date: 1-MAR-2010
Budget end date: 28-FEB-2011
PFA/PA: PAR-08-135
5R21AT005249-02 (2010): $212778