Means of bi-digital o-ring test: a study of the heart meridian

{Objective} We recently attempted to map the heart meridian on the skin of subjects, using the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (BDORT), and to compare the thus-obtained image with the classical meridian chart.

{Method} (1) The subjects were 7 healthy volunteers. (2) The subjects form a ring with their first and fourth fingers, while holding a normal myocardial preparation in the palm of the other hand. The skin of the subject’s arms is compressed slightly at various points by a rod made of insulating material. At the same time, the ring is pulled by the examiner, to determine whether the finger ring opens (a response which indicates that the compressed point is related to the myocardium) or does not open (a response which indicates that the compressed point is not related to the myocardium). Some other preparations of the normal heart were also used in this test. (3) The location of the acupoint Shaohai was examined using the BDORT. Each subject received this test 6 times during the 18 day study period.

{Result} (1) In all 5 of the subjects, regular circles and thin lines connecting these circles could be depicted on the anterior lunar surface of the upper limb. (2) In 4 cases, the location of the Shohai moved within an area of 8.9¥17.6mm on average. (3) A line identical to the heart meridian was depicted on the right brachium when the subjects held a preparation of the pulmonary valve, tricuspid valve, right atrium and coronary artery. The same line was depicted on the right forearm when the subjects held a preparation of the coronary artery and right ventricle. These lines were partially interrupted. {Discussion and Conclusion} Of the 9 acupoints, from HT1(Jiguan) to HT9(Schaochong), which were depicted as regular circles, only the terminal point had a diameter of 3mm and the other acupoints had a diameter of about 6mm. The area inside the circle showed no relationship to the myocardium (it resembled the frame of a pair of spectacles). The BDORT, which can be used to make an image of the invisible acupoints and meridians on the skin’s surface, will contribute to clarifying meridians.