基于电气信号传递特性的“经络”轨迹研究

Study on Display of Acupuncture Meridian Based on Electric Signal Transfer Characteristics

目的:根据多端口网络理论和电信号传递系数测量方法,观察电针作用的实时电学效果,为客观确定体内"经络"轨迹及其生理特性摸索途径。方法:将机体模型化为一个"非均匀立体多端口网络","经络"定义为"信号传递最畅通道"。以脊蟾蜍为动物模型,在其前后肢制定等身寸坐标,利用一根加工成锥状的同心圆电极刺入实验动物体内,模拟电针治疗施加特设电压信号进行刺激,另一根同样的同心圆电极三维扫描式刺入体内不同位点进行探测。测出各点响应电压并求得电压信号传递系数值后,选取极值点作为"穴位",将它们连线作为"经络"的轨迹。结果:在12只脊蟾蜍一侧前后肢皮内2mm深度上下测出了12条由电信号传递函数极值点连接起来的三维曲线。结论:在蟾蜍体内初步验证了从电信号传递特性出发研究电针作用效果和"经络"轨迹的方法的可行性。

Objective To analyze the real-time effects of electroacupuncture （EA） stimulation by means of multiport network theory and measurement of the electric signals transfer coefficient, so as to explore a way for determining the running course of acupuncture meridian and for characterizing its physiological activities in the living body. Methods The body was modeled as a complex inhomogeneous 3-dimensions multi-port network, and the meridians were assumed to be ＂the most smoothly channels for signal transmission＂. Experiments were performed in 12 beheaded toads whose forelimbs and hindlimbs were divided into proportional coordinates. A concentric electrode with a conical tip was inserted into the toad leg for electrical stimulation of the local muscle, and another electrode alike was inserted into different spots of the limbs to detect the spreading signals in a 3-di- mensional scanning mode. Following detecting the response electric voltage values of various spots and calculating their transfer coefficients, the spots which acquired a maximum signal value were considered to be the ＂acupoints＂. The imaginary connective lines passing the ＂acupoints＂ were regarded as the running courses of acupuncture meridians. Results A total of twelve 3-di- mensional curves were detected based on the connected lines of electric signal transfer function extremum spots 2 mm beneath the skin of the ipsilateral fore-and hind-limbs of 12 spinal toads. Conclusion The present study initially validates the feasibility of electric signal transfer coefficient measurement for displaying the running course of acupuncture meridian in the toad fore-and hind-limbs.