Do acupuncture meridians exist? Correlation with referred itch (mitempfindung) stimulus and referral points. 


Author: Silberstein M.

Affiliation: Faculty of Science and Engineering, Curtin University, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia; m.silberstein@curtin.edu.au. 
Conference/Journal: Acupunct Med. 
Date published: 2012 Mar
Other:
 Volume ID: 30   ,  Issue ID: 1   ,  Pages: 17-20   ,  Word Count: 147  
    OBJECTIVE:

To describe the relationship between referred itch (mitempfindung) stimulus and referral points and acupuncture meridians, noting that the neuroanatomical mechanism of mitempfindung has never previously been satisfactorily explained.

METHODS:

Analysis of clinical findings in the author as well as subjects in four previously described studies, comparing proportions in each of five groups.

RESULTS:

Ninety-two per cent (range 85-94%) of mitempfindung point pairs (stimulus and referral) aligned to a recognised acupuncture meridian with no statistical difference (p<0.05) between the five data sources.

CONCLUSION:

While previous authors have speculated on an association between mitempfindung and acupuncture, this is the first description of a relationship between stimulus and referral points and acupuncture meridians. The author suggests that the transmission of mitempfindung along acupuncture meridians may involve a series of C-fibre-Merkel cell relays, with the final referred itch sensation caused by substance P release triggering mast cell degranulation.

PMID: 22378582