Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 1978-8
The Effects of Electrical and Non-Electrical Acupuncture on Cardio-Vascular and Nervous Systems,and Pre- and Post-Acupuncture Evaluation of Patients,Including Valuable Visible Diagnostic Signs,Such as the “Abnormal Cardio-Vascular Sign of the Ear Lobules”
Representative acupuncture effects on cardio-vascular and nervous systems, as well as muscles, immunological systems, and blood chemistries were summarized, mainly based on the author's research. Electrophysiological bases and safety of manual and electro-acupuncture were discussed. The author hypothesized that the spinal cord may have pacemaker activity and a well-programmed memory system, in explaining the effectiveness of electrical stimulation for various lesions of the spinal cord, such as in multiple sclerosis or in some spinal cord injuries, in eliminating or reducing pain or in regaining sensory and motor function for different degrees and periods of time, depending upon the type of electrical stimulation, its pulse repetition rates, and pulse wave forms. As a part of pre- and post-acupuncture evaluation of patients, clinically valuable visible diagnostic signs, such as those appearing on the ear (“Abnormal Cardio-Vascular Sign of the Ear Lobule”) or signs in the eyes which have been medically well-established as being associated with certain abnormalities or diseases of the cardio-vascular or nervous systems, as well as morphine-derivative drug addictions, etc., were discussed. The author's “Abnormal Cardio-Vascular Sign of the Ear Lobule,” characterized by the appearance of a deep groove in the ear lobule, accompanied by decreased skin d.c. resistance or impedance, was found to be associated, in about 55% of the subjects, with cardio-vascular diseases or abnormalities. Among the abnormalities found were myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, hypertension, and W-P-W Syndrome. As a unique part of the author's pre- and postacupuncture evaluation of the patient, skin temperature was measured at certain parts of the supra-orbital area, at the infra-orbital foramen, and at the mandibular mental foramen. Repeated alternative measurement of grasping force of the right and left hand, with or without making oscilloscopic hand dynamonograms; eyeroll test; normal and extremely short distance convergence test of the eyes; examination of postural shift during eye closure; breathholding time; and pulse test when an allergy was suspected, were taken. The clinical significance of these tests, in addition to the standard complete physical examination and blood chemistries, were discussed.
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