Original Article
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World J Methodol. Sep 26, 2011; 1(1): 22-26
Published online Sep 26, 2011. doi: 10.5662/wjm.v1.i1.22
Electrodermal mapping: A new technology
Gerhard Litscher, Lu Wang, Xin-Yan Gao, Ingrid Gaischek
Gerhard Litscher, Lu Wang, Xin-Yan Gao, Ingrid Gaischek, TCM Research Center Graz and Research Unit of Biomedical Engineering in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
Xin-Yan Gao, Department of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
Author contributions: Litscher G and Wang L designed the study; Litscher G performed data acquisition; Wang L, Gao XY and Gaischek I participated in data analysis and interpretation; Litscher G and Wang L drafted the manuscript; Gao XY and Litscher I revised the manuscript critically for intellectual content; all authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Gerhard Litscher, Professor, MSc, PhD, MDsc, TCM Research Center GrazResearch Unit of Biomedical Engineering in Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 29, 8036 Graz, Austria. gerhard.litscher@medunigraz.at
Telephone: +43-316-38513907 Fax: +43-316-38513908
Received: May 17, 2011
Revised: September 5, 2011
Accepted: September 19, 2011
Published online: September 26, 2011
Abstract

AIM: To provide the first objective data to show that the electrical conditions of an acupuncture point and a non acupuncture point are different.

METHODS: A newly developed multi-channel skin resistance measuring system is used to characterize the variability in electrical resistance measurements in and around an acupoint, a non-acupoint and a scar. The system measures the electrical skin resistance at 48 points, both absolutely and continuously. The study was performed at the Medical University of Graz in 10 male volunteers, aged between 20 and 30 years and of eurocaucasian descent. With software developed along with the hardware, both a high-resolution measurement and a graphical presentation of possible changes in electrical resistance in the region of interest are possible.

RESULTS: Using the new electrodermal mapping system, differences in skin resistance of an acupoint, a non-acupoint and around a scar could be observed. The values varied within a range of up to 100-500 kOhm. Thermography measurements for control reasons in the same spot did not show these changes.

CONCLUSION: Electrodermal mapping is an innovative method for highly precise skin resistance measurements.

Keywords: Electrodermal mapping; Acupuncture point; Scar; Complementary medicine; Electrical skin resistance