Glycative Stress Research
Online edition : ISSN 2188-3610
Print edition : ISSN 2188-3602
Received : October 8, 2019
Accepted : January 31, 2020
Published online : March 31, 2020
doi:10.24659/gsr.7.1_50

Original article

Meridian thermal stimulation diagnostic device.
Tian Zheng 1), 2), Masayuki Yagi 2), Wakako Takabe 2), Yoshikazu Yonei 2)
1) Seishin-dou, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
2) Anti-Aging Medical Research Center and Glycative Stress Research Center,
Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, Kyoto, Japan

Abstract

The true nature of illness is interpreted by the theories of Yin-Yang Five Elements, meridians, acupuncture points,
vital energy and blood and 5 viscera and 6 bowels of "Huangdi Neijing" in China. There are 12 main meridians and 8 extra
meridians. The main meridians are classified into yin and yang meridians. A yin meridian is divided into three, greater yin,lesser yin and faint yin, and yang is also divided into three, greater yang, yang bright and lesser yang. The 12 main meridians
belong to the three yang and three yin meridians in each of the hands and feet. In Chinese medicine, the trueness of the bodyis determined by measuring the 12 main meridians. In the thermal sensitivity measurement method, diagnosis is performed
by applying a thermal stimulus to the body surface of subjects corresponding to the meridians. In this paper, we are reporting
the development of a meridian thermal stimulation diagnostic device that assists in the measurement and analysis using
the thermal sensitivity measurement method. This method was used to measure the heat sensitivity in 31 Japanese subjects(13 males, 18 females, 65 to 90 years old), and 200 Chinese subjects (62 males, 138 females), and the association between
glycative stress index and Skin AGEs Fluorescence (SAF) was analyzed. As a result, The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang
and The Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin were found to have a significant association with SAF. When the measured values
for bladder meridian and kidney meridian were within the standard range, SAF tended to be low. We plan to verify whether it
is possible to predict the risk of disease in the pre-symptomatic stage by collecting measurement data on thermal sensitivity.

KEY WORDS: thermal sensitivity measurement method, meridian thermal stimulation diagnostic device,    meridian, advanced glycation end products (AGEs)

Introduction

Background of Oriental Medicine
In the Chinese medical text of "Huangdi Neijing," thetrue nature of illness is explained by the theories of YinYang Five Elements, meridians, acupuncture points, vitalenergy and blood and 5 viscera and 6 bowels 1-4). According
to the Yin-Yang concept, all creations in the universe can beclassified into two categories, namely, Yin and Yang.
One of the interpretations according to the Yin-Yang
theory in "Huangdi Neijing" is " 气血同源 , 气为血之帅 , "which when interpreted in Japanese implies that "vitalenergy and blood have the same source, and vital energy canregulate the blood". Rather than the literal meaning, " Q i "(vital energy) here is considered to be the energy of the whole
body, and "Ketsu" (blood) implies various substances in the

body. Therefore, the meaning of " 气血同源 ， 气为血之帅 " is,"Energy and various substances are produced in the body at
the same time and if there is a disorder in the body’s energy,
then subsequently, disorder is created in various substances
as well" (Fig. 1 ) 1- 4).
Meridians are conceived as paths in ancient Chinese
medicine through which nutrients and defenses in the humanbody (necessities for survival, such as vital energy, blood
and water, or the metabolites in the modern sense) flow.
In "keiraku" (meridian), "kei" represents "Keimyaku" orvertical channels, and "raku" represents "rakumyaku" orhorizontal channels. There are 12 main meridians and 8 extra
meridians. The yin meridians belong to the viscera (heart,
liver, spleen, lungs, and kidney), and yang meridians belong
to the gut (colon, San Jiao (three digestive organs), small
intestine, stomach, gallbladder, and bladder).

Corresponding to: Professor Yoshikazu Yonei, MD, PhD
Anti-Aging Medical Research Center / Glycative Stress Research Center,
Graduate School of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University
1-3, Tatara Miyakodani, Kyotanabe, Kyoto, 610 -0394 Japan
TEL/ Fax: +81-774-65-6394  Email: yyonei@mail.doshisha.ac.jp

Co-authors: Zheng T, tomtomtom1990@hotmail.com ;Yagi M, myagi@mail.doshisha.ac.jp ; TakabeW, wtakabe@mail.doshisha.ac.jp_ 50 _

Glycative Stress Research 2020; 7 (1) : 50-69(c) Society for Glycative Stress ResearchGlycative Stress Research

Among the eight extra meridians, only the conception
vessel and governor vessel have acupuncture points (Fig. 2)
5-8). There is an explanation about the function of each organ,"诸风掉眩 , 皆属于肝；诸寒收引 , 皆属于肾；诸气膹郁 , 皆属
于肺；诸湿肿满 , 皆属于脾；诸热瞀瘛 , 皆属于火（心）；诸痛
痒疮 , 皆属于心 ".
According to a concept in Chinese medicine, themeridians are channels of Qi "Energy" in the human body,and it is said that, " 经络可处百病 , 决生死 , 不可不通 ".
" 经络可处百病 , 决生死 , 不可不通 " means that "various
diseases can be diagnosed based on the condition of a

meridian, and free flow in the meridians is a matter of lifeand death. Therefore free flow is a must". For this reason,
we established a hypothesis that "using a method that candigitize or visualize the condition of meridians, the condition
can be compared with the amount of various substances
and aging-related factors, and diseases can be diagnosed
during the pre-symptomatic stage". The topic dealing withthe medical mechanism that links the meridians with theglycative stress is particularly interesting. Figure 3 shows thetypes and locations of the meridians, and Fig. 4 and Table 1
show the acupuncture points in the hand and legs 9).

Meridians and collaterals

VisceraDisorder transmission via meridians

Qi-stagnancy
and blood stasis

Each situation of acu-points

Pain

Swelling

SunkenFig. 1. The relationship between qi andblood.

Qi and blood are of the same origin.
Q i can control and adjust the blood. Q imeans energy, blood means quality.

Body surface

The five elements

Fig. 1

Gall bladder
Wood

Liver

KidneyBladderFire

Small intestine

Heart

Water

Fig. 2. The concept of Yin Yang
Five Elements theory.

Earth

Lung
Metal

Large
intestine

Generation
Restriction

SpleenStomach_ 51 _In Chinese traditional medicine
science system has Ying-Yang
Five Elements Theory, eachorgan has their own property, it
can be divided to: liver (wood),
heart (fire), spleen (soil), lung(metal), kidney (water).

Meridian Thermal Stimulation Diagnostic Device

Figure 3-aClassification of meridians
Twelveregularregularmeridian
meridianss
Meridiansandcollaterals

Three yang meridians of handThree yang meridians of footdivergent
Divergent
meridians
meridians

Three yin meridians of hand

Skin zones

Three yin meridians of footMusculature
zones

Conception vessel
Governor vessel
Thoroughfare vessel
Belt vessel
Yin heel vessel
Yang heel vessel
Yin link vessel
Yang link vessel

The eight
extra
meridians

Figure 3-b

Fig. 3-aConception
vesselGovernorvessel

The law of Circulation and Distributionof the Twelve Main Meridians
Lung meridian of handtaiyinStomach meridian of footyangming

Spleen meridian of foottaiyinLarge intestine meridian ofhand yangming

Heart meridian of handshaoyin

Small intestine meridian ofhand taiyang

Kidney meridian of footshaoyinBladder meridian of foottaiyang

Pericardium meridian ofhand jueyin

Sanjiao meridian of handshaoyang

Liver Meridian of FootJueyin

Gallbladder Channel of Foot
Shaoyang,

Fig. 3. The concepts of meridians.

Fig. 3-ba) The classification. b) The flow. Meridian can be divided into twelve regular meridians, divergent meridian, skin zones,
musculature zones, the eight extra meridians. And the law of circulation and distribution of the twelve main meridians isfrom lung meridian if hand taiyin go through the entire body and end at the liver meridian of foot jueyin and back from thegovernor vessel to conception vessel, then back to the lung meridian of hand taiyin again.

_ 52 _Glycative Stress Research

Figure 4-a

Figure 4-a_ 53 _

Figure 5-b

Meridian Thermal Stimulation Diagnostic Device

Figure 4- b

Fig. 4. Meridians and Acu-points chart.

a) Front of the body. b) Back of the body.
Quoted from the website: https://wenku.baidu.com/view/b358f106eff9aef8941e066a.html_ 54 _Glycative Stress Research

Table 1. Names of meridians and acu-points.

_ 55 _

Meridian Thermal Stimulation Diagnostic Device

There are 12 main meridians and 8 extra meridians. The
main meridians are classified into yin and yang meridians.
The yin meridian is divided into three, namely, greater yin,lesser yin and faint yin, and yang is divided into three yang
meridians, namely, greater yang, yang bright and lesser yang.
The 12 main meridians belong to the three yang and threeyin meridians in each of the hands and feet. The trueness ofthe body is determined by measuring the 12 main meridians.
As a conventional evaluation method, the thermal sensitivity
measurement method is widely used in clinics practicing
Chinese medicine.
The five elements in the theory of Yin-Yang Five
Elements, are the five concepts that have been abstracted byobserving the natural phenomena associated with seasonalchanges, which explain natural phenomena, characteristics
that form the background of various fields such as medical
treatment, cycles, and interactions10-12). They can be perceived
not just as five basic elements but also as five states,
movements and processes that change.
According to the Five Elements theory, the normal
range of meridians also changes cyclically with seasonalchanges. Also, the normal range is the same for all 12 main
meridians in the body 10).
Apart from seasons, the condition of the meridians is
said to change in relation to the examination room, room
temperature, sea level and orderly changes in the temperate
climate 13).

It is expected that using the measurement of themeridians may enable predicting the effect of the meridian
condition on aging factors for various diseases. In thisstudy, we attempted to analyze the association between
measurement results of thermal sensitivity and glycative
stress index.

MethodBackground Technology of Meridian Thermal
Stimulation Diagnostic Device

In "kei" and "raku," "kei" represents "Keimyaku" orvertical channels, and "raku" represents "rakumyaku" orhorizontal channels. However, even at present, there is only
one traditional method of taking the pulse with the fingers
to medically examine the 12 main meridians. At present,
it is not possible to perform a medical examination while
distinguishing the 12 main meridians and identifying each ofthem.
We have obtained a patent for the meridian thermal
stimulation diagnostic device used in our research. In thepatent, we have described the usefulness of the meridian
test when used as a method of clinical examination andevaluation 14). We showed that the meridian test could be used
to detect physical disorders even before one becomes aware_ 56 _Glycative Stress Researchof them and to show physical changes in the body after thetreatment that is minor to the extent of not noticing, using
indicators such as the number of positive meridian tests.
Also, the usefulness of acupuncture meridian treatment
for medical diseases is described 15). When there is a disorderin an organ, the meridians associated with the organ undergochanges (for example, deterioration in the flow of vital energy
and blood). Therefore, we described that by stimulating theacupuncture points on the body surface corresponding to
the meridians using needles and moxibustion, changes in themeridians (for example, flow of vital energy and blood) areregulated, which might enable maintaining homeostasis in
the body, restoring the balance among the bodily functions
and keeping the viscera in good health.

Principle of Meridian Thermal Stimulation
Diagnostic Device

examination technique is as follows. A thermal stimulation
terminal for applying thermal stimulus is brought close to
the body of the subject, and the time (in seconds) taken by
the subject to sense the thermal stimulus is measured andrecorded. Since this is a non-contact method, the distance
between the surface of the skin and terminal is kept at about
5 mm. A total of 24 measurement points are consideredon the body surface of the subjects that correspond to themeridians, ten on each side. The measured time is defined as
normal if the subject takes between 8 to 12 seconds to sense
the simulation. The finding is considered to be abnormal if
the measured time is more or less than the range.

Structure of the Meridian Thermal Stimulation
Diagnostic Device

First, we will describe the diagnosis using meridian
thermal stimulation. The device used in this study wasdeveloped for diagnosis by applying a thermal stimulus to thebody surface of subjects corresponding to the meridians. The

The structure and function of the device are explainedusing Fig. 5 and Fig. 6.
The meridian thermal stimulation diagnostic device 10
consists of a thermal stimulator 1, action potential measuring
unit 2, power switch 3, SD card insertion slot 4, information
display screen 5, body judgment unit 6, cooling fan 7, andFigure 5-a

Figure 5-b
Zhongchong
Zhongchong(PC 9) (PC 9)

Guanchong
Guanchong(SJ 1) (SJ 1)

Shangyang
Shangyang(LI 1) (LI 1)

Shaoze Shaoze(SI 1) (SI 1)
Shaochong
Shaochong(HT 9) (HT 9)

Yongquan
Yongquan(KI 1) (KI 1)

Shaoshang
Shaoshang(LU 11) (LU 11)

Zuqiaoyin（Gb 44 ）Lidui （St44）

Figure 5- c

Zhiyin Zhiyin(BL 67) (BL 67)

Dadun Dadun(LR 1) (LR 1)

Zuqiaoyin
Zuqiaoyin(GB 44(GB) 44 )

Yinbai Yinbai(SP 1) (SP 1)

Zuqiaoyin（Gb 44 ）Lidui Lidui(ST 44) (ST 44)

Lidui （St44）

Figure 5- dFig. Fig.
5-a 5-aFig. Fig.
5-b 5-b

Fig. 5. The first Acu-point of each meridian on the hand and foot.

Fig. 5-ca) Hand. b) Foot. c) Forearm. d) Leg.

_ 57 _

Fig. 5-dMeridian Thermal Stimulation Diagnostic Device

a)

b)

b)

a)

Fig. 6. Design of the equipment for meridian check.
a) The outlook. b) The structure.

Fig.
6 unit 8. The action potential measuring unit 2
timemeasuringconsists of an action potential calculator 21, signal magnifying
unit 22 and measurement section for affixing 23.
Thermal stimulator 1 has a rod-like structure, and thetemperature of the heater at the tip can be adjusted in therange 50°C to 80 °C.
The time measuring unit 8 has a timer function andmeasures the time from when the subject is given a thermal
stimulus until they sense the stimulus. If the subject is unable
to provide a proper signal of feeling the thermal stimulus(such as infants or the elderly), the action potential of thesubject is calculated with the action potential calculator 21 andthe response time is measured by affixing the measurement
section for affixing 23 to the arms and legs, and the action
potential produced by the thermal stimulation is detected andmagnified using the signal magnifying unit 22.
The 12 meridians consist of The Lung Meridian of HandTaiyin, The Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming,
The Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming, The Spleen
Meridian of Foot-Taiyin, The Heart Meridian of HandShaoyin, The Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang, The
Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, The Kidney Meridian ofFoot-Shaoyin, The Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueyin,
The San Jiao Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang, The Gallbladder
Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang, and The Liver Meridian ofFoot-Jueyin. The examination is conducted by applying
thermal stimulator 1 of the meridian thermal stimulation
diagnostic device 50 to the body surface of the subject
corresponding to all 12 meridians. For example, the subject
can be examined by applying thermal stimulator 1 to thebody surface, as shown in Fig. 2.
Vital energy and blood flow sequentially (Fig. 3-a )through different types of the 12 meridians (Fig.3-b), startingwith The Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin, then flowing

sequentially to The Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin in orderand again flowing back to The Lung Meridian of HandTaiyin. However, there are no particular restrictions on
the order in which the 12 meridians are to be examined.
The Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin belongs to the lungs
and connects with the large intestine, while The Large
Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming belongs to the large
intestine and connects with the lungs. The Pericardium
Meridian of Hand-Jueyin belongs to the pericardium andconnects with San Jiao (three digestive organs), while The
San Jiao Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang belongs to San Jiao
and connects with the pericardium. The Heart Meridian ofHand-Shaoyin belongs to the heart and connects with thesmall intestine, while The Small Intestine Meridian of HandTaiyang belongs to the small intestine and connects with theheart. The Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin belongs to thespleen and connects with the stomach, while The Stomach
Meridian of Foot-Yangming belongs to the stomach andconnects with the spleen. The Liver Meridian of FootJueyin belongs to the liver and connects with the gallbladder,while The Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang belongs
to the gallbladder and connects with the liver. The Kidney
Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin belongs to the kidney andconnects with the bladder, while The Bladder Meridian ofFoot-Taiyang belongs to the small intestine and connectswith the kidney. That is, the lung meridian and large intestine
meridian, pericardium meridian and San Jiao meridian, heart
meridian and small intestine meridian, spleen meridian andstomach meridian, liver meridian and gallbladder meridian,
and kidney meridian and bladder meridian are said to have amutual internal-external relationship with each other.
Table 2 9) shows the recommended measurement points(points to which the terminal is applied), and Table3 16) shows
the diseases that are assumed from the measurement results.

_ 58 _Glycative Stress Research

Table 3. Estimated pathological conditions by the pain threshold test.
Hypertension

For abnormal of lung meridians and heart meridians

Headache or Encephalatrophy

For abnormal of lung meridians and large intestine meridians

Leukemia

All the meridians are below 8 seconds

Colon cancer

Large intestine meridians and small intestine meridians are below 8 seconds

Diabetes or Pancreatic cancer

For abnormal of stomach meridians and spleen meridians and liver meridians

Gallstone

For abnormal of gallbladder meridians and liver meridians

Insomnia

For abnormal of heart meridians and gallbladder meridians

GliomaLung meridians, large intestine meridians, pericardium meridians,
Sanjiao meridians and heart meridians are below 8 seconds

ALS

For abnormal of lung meridians and large intestine meridians and pericardium meridians

Diabetes

For abnormal of stomach meridians and spleen meridians and liver meridians

Each disease is estimated by the pain threshold test. ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The table is quoted from Reference 16).

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Meridian Thermal Stimulation Diagnostic Device

Subjects
The subjects were 31 participants of "Kempou Juku"(13 men and 18 women aged 65 to 90 years old) leading an
independent life in Kyoto, and 200 people (62 men and 138
women) who visited the Seishin-Dou acupuncture clinic in
Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, China. "Kempou Juku" is ahealth promotion activity sponsored by our laboratory for
self-dependent elderly people living in the Yurin district of
Shimogyo ward, where they are encouraged to walk, and ananti-aging medical examination is conducted once a year 17-20).
The subjects underwent meridian thermal stimulation diagnosis
and glycative stress evaluation up to December 2018.

Glycative Stress Index
Glycative stress was evaluated using AGE Reader™
( DiagnOptics, Groningen, Netherlands) in Japan and
TruAge scanner mini (Morinda, UT, USA) in China. SAF(skin autofluorescence) value, which is integral data of the
autofluorescence value derived from advanced glycation end
products (AGEs), was measured during ultraviolet irradiation
21-23). The measurement was carried out on the backside of
the upper right arm at a point 10 cm from the elbow, withthe arm horizontal to the ground and elbow bent at a rightangle. A positive correlation was observed between themeasurement value (x) of AGE Reader and the measurement
value (y) of the TruAge scanner mini (y = 66.782x + 49.118,
r = 0.813, n = 53, p < 0.01) 23).

Measurement of Thermal Sensitivity
An incense stick made of carbon (approximately 7 mm
in diameter) was lit, the tip of the incense stick was kept at
a distance of about 5 mm from the 24 acupuncture points atthe tips of fingers and toes of the left and right hands of thesubject, and the time (seconds) taken by the subject to sense
the heat was measured, and the trueness of the Yin-Yang
meridian flow was inferred 24, 25).

Measurement of Anti-aging
Medical Examination Data

During the anti-aging medical examination, the Japanese
subjects were analyzed for the relationship with neural age,
vascular age, bone age, muscle age, and hormone age data 26).
The Wisconsin Card Sorting Task Test (WCST) 27) wasused to evaluate neural age. A fingertip photoplethysmogram(Dynapulse SDP-100; Fukuda Denshi, Bunkyo ward, Tokyo)
was used to evaluate the vascular age. An ultrasound bonedensitometer (A-1000; GE Yokogawa Medical Systems,
Hino City, Tokyo) was used to evaluate bone age, which
was calculated using the calcaneus stiffness value andyoung adult means (% YAM) as indices. A bioelectrical
impedance method (high precision muscle mass meterPhysion MD; Nippon Shooter Ltd, Tokyo) was used toevaluate the muscle age, and the weight-bearing index (WBI)
was measured 28). Hormone age was evaluated by measuringserum levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) anddehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) 29).
For the evaluation of functional age from all data, therelative functional age was calculated from the databaseusing Life Style Compas (Nippon Shooter Ltd, Tokyo) witha modified Age Management CheckR system (Ginga Kobo
Co., Ltd., Nagoya city, Aichi) 26).

Statistical Analysis
OriginPro 2016 (64-bit) b9 3.226 (OriginLab Northampton)
was used for statistical analysis. Since there was no genderdifference in the working of the meridians, the data wereanalyzed in this study by combining the data of men andwomen.

Ethical Review
When starting this study, subjects were allowed to decideto participate in the program freely, and signed informed
consent was obtained from the subjects after explainingthat they would not suffer any disadvantages even if they
withdraw from participation due to any circumstances. This
research has been approved by the Ethics Review Committee
for "Research on Human Subjects" of Doshisha University(Application Number: #14089, #16027).

Results
Example of measurement cases in China (cases 1 and 2).
Case 1: 69 years old female
The test was performed by applying a thermal stimulator
to the left and right surfaces of the body corresponding to the
12 meridians. As shown in Table 4, abnormality of timing
was observed in The Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming,
The Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin and The Liver Meridianof Foot-Jueyin. The findings suggested the possibility of
diabetes. A subsequent medical examination diagnosed thesubject as having diabetes.
Case 2: 45 years old female
As a result of meridian thermal simulation tests, as shownin Table 4, abnormal timing was observed in The Heart
Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin and The Gallbladder Meridian ofFoot-Shaoyang. The finding suggested the possibility of thepresence of gallstones. A subsequent medical examination
diagnosed the subject as having gallstones.
Next, examples in Japan are shown in Table 5. Though
the cases of Japan are the elderly with an average age of 79,
they were living independently and practiced walking with
the Kempou Juku program. Muscle and bone ages were wellmaintained.

Association with Glycative Stress Index
Next, age and SAF results of the cases examined at
the Seishin-Dou acupuncture clinic in Xi'an City, Shaanxi
Province, China, are shown in Fig. 7.
The relationship between measured values of thermal
sensitivity and glycative stress index was analyzed inJapanese people (Fig. 8 ). In the primary correlation analysis,a significant correlation was not observed between SAF and_ 60 _Glycative Stress Research

Table 5. Data of Anti-Aging Medical Checkups in the Japanese subjects.
Number31 (Male:13 Female:18)

95% C lAge (year)

77.9

2.2

55.3

2.4

Height (cm)

155.6

BMI

22.7

Weight (kg)Muscle age (year)

58.8

Hormone age (year)

72.7

Bone age (year)

68.1

Neurological age (year)

69.8

Blood vessel age (year)

64.4

3.4
0.8
0.6
4.7
3.2
4.1
1.4

BMI, body mass index; SAF, skin autofluorescence measured by AGE Reader.

a)

b)

AFR
AFR
AFR

Male
Male

AFR
AFR
AFR

FemaleFemaleAge
Age(year)(year)

Age(year)(year)
Age(year)a) in Chinese subjects.
Fig. 7. AFRa)
data

b)
b)

The relationship between age and AGEs in Chinese a) women (n = 94) and b) men (n = 65) is shown. Measuring equipment: Tru-age
scanner Mini. Measurement site: left forearm inside. AFR, index unit by autofluorescence reader indicating skin AGEs which correspondto SAF; SAF, skin autofluorescemce; AGEs, advanced glycation end products.

Fig.
Fig.77_ 61 _

Meridian Thermal Stimulation Diagnostic Device

measurement values of heat sensitivity for any of the items.
In the second correlation analysis, there was no
significant relationship with The Lung Meridian of HandTaiyin, The Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming,
The Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming, The Spleen
Meridian of Foot-Taiyin, The Heart Meridian of HandShaoyin, The Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang, The

Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, The Kidney Meridian ofFoot-Shaoyin, The Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueyin,
The San Jiao Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang, The Gallbladder
Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang, and The Liver Meridianof Foot-Jueyin. Figure 9 shows the results for The Heart
Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin and The Small Intestine Meridianof Hand -Taiyang.

b)

a)

Male
Male

SAF
SAF
SAF

SAF
SAF
SAF

FemaleFemaleAge(year)
AgeAge(year)(year)a) subjects.
Fig. 8. SAF data in a)
Japanese

b) b)

Age
(year)
AgeAge(year)(year)The relationship between age and AGEs in Japanese a) women (n = 25) and b) men (n = 18) is shown. Measuring equipment: AGE reader.
Measurement site: left forearm inside. SAF, skin autofluorescence; AGEs, advanced glycation end products.

a)

b)

AFR

AFR

Fig.
Fig.
8 8

Left Heart Meridian

AFR

d)

AFR

c)

Right Heart Meridian

Left Small Intestine Meridian

Right Small Intestine Meridian

Fig. 9. Meridian data of the heart and small intestine by the pain threshold test and AFR (skin AGE index).

The heart meridian of left (a) and right (b) Hand-Shao-Yin. The small intestine meridian of left (c) and right (d) Hand-Tai-Yang.
a) R 2 =0.01, b) R 2 =0.00, c) R 2 = 0.01, d) R 2 = 0.03; no correlation noted. Subjects: Chinese women (n = 94) and men (n = 65).
Measuring equipment: Tru-age scanner Mini. Measurement site: left forearm inside. AGE, advanced glycation end product; AFR,
index unit by autofluorescence reader indicating skin AGEs which correspond to SAF; SAF, skin autofluorescence.

_ 62 _Glycative Stress Research

The weakest correlation with SAF was observed in
The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang and The Kidney
Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin (Fig. 10 ). A significant secondary
correlation was observed between the thermal sensitivity of
the left kidney meridian and the skin AGEs index (p < 0.05).
When data of bladder meridian and kidney meridian were
within the normal range, the accumulation of skin AGEs
tended to be low.

Relationship between Measurement Values ofThermal Sensitivity and Functional Age

We analyzed the relationship between the results ofthermal sensitivity (bladder meridian and kidney meridian)and functional age (muscle age, hormone age, bone age,neural age and vascular age).
A significant secondary correlation was observed
between The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang and The

Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin, and the hormone age(Fig. 11). In other words, if the measurement values of heatsensitivity are within the appropriate range, the hormone age
will remain low. Since hormone age is calculated from theserum concentrations of DHEA-s and IGF-I, it suggests that
persons with proper thermal sensitivity have an appropriate
secretion of the hormones.
For muscle age, a significant secondary correlation
was observed with The Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang(Fig. 12). The subjects with a proper balance of The Bladder
Meridian of Foot-Taiyang tended to maintain their muscle
age. A significant correlation was not observed between The
Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin and muscle age.
A significant correlation was not observed between thevascular age (Fig. 13), bone age (Fig. 14 ) and neural age (Fig.
15 ) with the thermal sensitivity of bladder meridian andkidney meridian.

b)

AFR

AFR

a)

Left Bladder Meridian

Right Bladder Meridian

d)

AFR

AFR

c)

Left Kidney Meridian

Right Kidney Meridian

Fig. 10. Meridian data of the bladder and kidney from the pain threshold test and AFR (skin AGE index).

The bladder meridian of left (a) and right (b) Foot-Tai-Yang. The kidney meridian of left (c) and right (d) Foot-Shao-Yin. a) R 2 = 0.05,b) R 2 = 0.04, c) R 2 = 0.23, p < 0.05, d) R 2 = 0.02. Subjects: Chinese women (n = 94) and men (n = 65). Measuring equipment: Tru-age
scanner Mini. Measurement site: left forearm inside. AGE, advanced glycation end product; AFR, index unit by autofluorescence reader
indicating skin AGEs which correspond to SAF; SAF, skin autofluorescemce.

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Meridian Thermal Stimulation Diagnostic Deviceb)d)Right Bladder Meridian

Hormone age

Left Bladder Meridian

Hormone agec)Hormone age

Hormone age

a)Left Kidney Meridian

Right Kidney Meridian

Fig. 11. Meridian data from the pain threshold test and the hormone age.

The bladder meridian of left (a) and right (b) Foot-Tai-Yang. The kidney meridian of left (c) and right (d) Foot- Shao -Yin. a) R 2 = 0.46,
p < 0.05, b) R 2 = 0.17, c) R 2 = 0.26, p < 0.05, d) R 2 = 0.02. Subjects: Chinese women (n = 94) and men (n = 65).

b)Muscle age

Muscle age

a)Left Bladder Meridian

Right Bladder Meridiand)Muscle age

Muscle agec)Left Kidney Meridian

Right Kidney Meridian

Fig. 12. Meridian data from the pain threshold test and the muscle age.

The bladder meridian of left (a) and right (b) Foot-Tai-Yang. The kidney meridian of left (c) and right (d) Foot- Shao-Yin. a) R 2 = 0.20,
p < 0.05, b) R 2 = 0.24, p < 0.05, c) R 2 = 0.04, d) R 2 = 0.14. Subjects: Chinese women (n = 94) and men (n = 65).

_ 64 _Glycative Stress Researchb)d)Right Bladder Meridian

Vascular age

Left Bladder Meridian

Vascular age

c)Vascular age

Vascular age

a)Left Kidney Meridian

Right Kidney Meridian

Fig. 13. Meridian data from the pain threshold test and the vascular age.

The bladder meridian of left (a) and right (b) Foot-Tai-Yang. The kidney meridian of left (c) and right (d) Foot- Shao-Yin. a) R 2 = 0.11,b) R 2 = 0.04, c) R 2 = 0.02, d) R 2 = 0.09; no correlation noted. Subjects: Chinese women (n = 94) and men (n = 65).

b)

Bone age

Bone agea)Left Bladder Meridian

Right Bladder Meridiand)Bone age

Bone agec)

Left Kidney Meridian

Right Kidney Meridian

Fig. 14. Meridian data from the pain threshold test and the bone age.

The bladder meridian of left (a) and right (b) Foot-Tai-Yang. The kidney meridian of left (c) and right (d) Foot-Shao-Yin. a) R 2 = 0.10,b) R 2 = 0.03, c) R 2 = 0.01, d) R 2 = 0.08; no correlation noted. Subjects: Chinese women (n = 94) and men (n = 65).

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Meridian Thermal Stimulation Diagnostic Deviceb)

Left Bladder Meridian

Right Bladder Meridian

Neural aged)Neural agec)Neural age

Neural age

a)Left Kidney Meridian

Right Kidney Meridian

Fig. 15. Meridian data from the pain threshold test and the neural age.

The bladder meridian of left (a) and right (b) Foot-Tai-Yang. The kidney meridian of left (c) and right (d) Foot-Shao -Yin. a) R 2 = 0.01,b) R 2 = 0.01, c) R 2 = 0.16, d) R 2 = 0.14; no correlation noted. Subjects: Chinese women (n = 94) and men (n = 65).

Thermal Sensitivity Measurement Method
Kobe Akabane developed the thermal sensitivity
measurement method. Kobe Akabane is an acupuncturist
from Gunma who made a significant contribution to thedevelopment of acupuncture treatment in Japan 14, 15, 24, 25, 30-40).
Though there are not many results for thermal sensitivity
measurement method in Japan, we will introduce the method
to the extent we could investigate.
Manaka et al. have reported the results of the comparison
between the measurement results of the thermal sensitivity
measurement method and clinical findings 41). They showedthat an appropriate treatment improves the left-rightimbalance of thermal sensitivity measurement and the leftright ratio approaches 1, and this tendency is particularly
strong with the measured values of the acupuncture points
having the highest degree of imbalance.
Wang et al. have reported the result of the Ryodoraku
and measurement of thermal sensitivity performed on 50
students of the Kansai College of Acupuncture Medicine 42).
In the Ryodoraku measurement, heart, San Jiao (three digestiveorgans), spleen, stomach, liver, gallbladder, kidney and bladderwere found to have an internal-external relationship witheach other. Although there was a left-right difference in thethermal sensitivity, there were no noticeable changes. Theinternal-external relationship in the measurement of thermal
sensitivity showed a slight association between the heart andsmall intestine, and the spleen and stomach.
Takeuchi et al. have reported the results of cases where

the therapeutic effect when using intradermal and circularacupuncture for pain was evaluated by measurement ofthermal sensitivity 43). The subjects were (1) 43-year old
woman with restricted movement and pain in the rightshoulder joint, (2) 60-year old woman with backache, (3) 63year old man with a cervical contusion. When the insertion
sites of intradermal acupuncture and circular acupuncture
are appropriate, the pain is observed to have been mitigatedin the muscular diagnosis and therapy method, and also theleft-right difference vanishes with the thermal sensitivity
measurement method resulting in a restoration of balance.
Incidentally, the muscular diagnosis and therapy method
applies the "muscle strength test method", invented by Tadao
Kono, focusing on the fact that the abnormal tension in
specific muscles is closely associated with the abnormalitiesof particular meridians.
Kamewari et al. carried out an evaluation of thetherapeutic effects of intradermal acupuncture and Satoryu
Tai Chi therapy on ten acupuncture students with the thermal
sensitivity measurement method, and reported the results 44).
An incense stick was rubbed on the acupuncture points andthe number of thermal sensitive acupuncture points wasmeasured by the thermal sensitivity measurement method.
The side having a higher number of thermal sensitive
acupuncture points with a difference of two times or more
between the acupuncture points with the same name on
the left and right sides was considered to be deficient, andintradermal acupuncture needles were inserted at the backShu points along the meridian. Satoryu Tai Chi therapy_ 66 _Glycative Stress Research

was also performed with an interval of 3 days or more. As
a result, the number of occurrences of thermal sensitive
acupuncture points decreased from 11.4 times before
treatment to 8.5 times after therapy for the intradermal
acupuncture method, and from 15.3 times to 12.7 times
for Tai Chi therapy. The difference between left and rightacupuncture points decreased from 6.3 times to 3 times
for the intradermal acupuncture method, and from 9.6
times to 5.1 times for Tai Chi therapy. In general, though
the intradermal acupuncture method and Tai Chi therapy
are expected to adjust the balance of the whole body, thefluctuations in the measurement results of the thermal
sensitivity measurement method are also towards restoring
the left-right balance and are thought to support the findingsof the above methods.
Sugita et al. measured the fluctuations in the meridian
using Akabane's thermal sensitivity measurement method
and reported the results 45). The subjects were divided into
the intradermal acupuncture method group (27 cases) andthe Satoryu Tai Chi therapy group (27 cases), and students ofboth groups were healthy. A difference of two times or more
was not observed between the meridians of the left and rightsides in both groups. In the intradermal acupuncture method
group, a fluctuation was observed in the numerical valuesof the meridians where the intradermal acupuncture needles
were not inserted directly into the back-Shu points. In thecases with improvement in the symptoms, the numericalvalues of thermal sensitivity became lower, and fluctuatedtowards restoring the balance of the entire meridian. Amongcases with poor therapeutic effect, there were cases in which
the left-right difference in thermal sensitivity could not becorrected after treatment, or the numerical values on theleft and right were reversed, and difference of two or moretimes was caused in the meridians that initially did not have
any left-right differences. In the case of the Tai Chi therapy
group, improvement of the main complaint was observed
when the numerical values of thermal sensitivity were low.
These results suggest that Akabane's thermal sensitivity
measurement method is useful as a basis for measuring theeffectiveness of the treatment.
To summarize, these reports agree on the points thata left-right imbalance arises in the values measured by thethermal sensitivity measurement method depending on theacupuncture points, and this imbalance is corrected if anappropriate treatment improves the physical findings. Thesefindings indicate that the thermal sensitivity measurement
method provides some information from the body, which
may even be useful in determining the therapeutic effect.
However, the reports so far do not appear to have obtained
the findings that indicate which acupuncture points
correspond to which symptoms.

Association with Glycative Stress Index
The relationship of many of the measurement resultsof thermal sensitivity was based on a quadratic curve rather
than a linear regression line. This relationship suggeststhat the balance in thermal sensitivity is important for
maintaining physical health.
When the association between thermal sensitivity dataand glycative stress index was analyzed, the skin AGEs
fluorescence intensity as the glycative stress index had asignificant association with the condition of the bladdermeridian and kidney meridian. When the data of the bladdermeridian and kidney meridian were distributed within thenormal range, the amount of accumulated skin AGEs tended
to be low. The function of the meridians other than the
bladder meridian and kidney meridian had no noticeable
effect on the accumulation of skin AGEs.
Glycative stress increases AGEs production and is said
to exacerbate degenerative diseases such as atherosclerosis,
chronic renal failure, and Alzheimer's dementia 46-48). AGEs
are also a cause of vascular complications of diabetes. Active
oxygen is said to accelerate cell damage causing changes in
the cell functions.
Skin AGEs fluorescence intensity has a significant
association with the condition of the bladder meridian andthe kidney meridian. Treatment of the bladder meridian
and the kidney meridian may help in the metabolism ofskin AGEs. The accumulation of AGEs is considered toincrease as the function of the bladder meridian and kidney
meridian gradually deteriorates with age. In traditional Asian
medicine, it is believed that the dysfunction of the bladdermeridian and kidney meridian causes accumulation of AGEs,
which is a risk factor for aging.
According to a theory of Western medicine, AGEs are
metabolized in the kidney, which is related to the kidney
meridian, and excreted in the urine. The results of this paper
are the findings that support this relationship. If we lookat the data of the liver meridian and AGEs, it appears thatthe function of the liver affects the accumulation of AGEs.
The results do not contradict the fact that the liver is a majororgan involved in gluconeogenesis and glycolytic reactions.

Relationship with Chinese Medicine
Diseases in humans are congenital and acquired.
Environmental factors and lifestyle are the leading causesof acquired diseases. These are the factors affecting themeridians in the body, causing deterioration in their function
and disorder in the condition of Qi (energy) flowing throughthe meridians, leading to the onset of various diseases. Thisis " 气滞 " and " 血瘀 " in Chinese medicine, which can beinterpreted as, a disorder in energy results in organ disorder.
Disorders in the meridians do not cause diseases
immediately, but when the " 气滞 " state continues over along time, it causes disorder in various substances in the
body and eventually results in the onset of a disease. Even
if diseases are not contracted, the body will age faster. Even
if the progression of aging of the body is not observed inparticular, the body may not necessarily be in a healthy
condition.
With the development of the thermal sensitivity
measurement device, in the future, it may become possible
to examine various medical diseases in advance. This
examination method is non-invasive, inexpensive, and canbe easily administered even in developing countries, forchildren and disabled people, at the asymptomatic and presymptomatic stages.
In the future, collecting more measurement data andphysical information will increase the accuracy of predicting
disease risks. Developing software that automatically
predicts potential diseases is the next challenge.

_ 67 _

Meridian Thermal Stimulation Diagnostic Device

Conclusion
We analyzed the association of glycative stress index
AGEs with the data of the thermal sensitivity method andthe types of diseases for 31 Japanese and 200 Chinese
subjects for whom thermal sensitivity was measured. As aresult, those with the right balance of the bladder meridianand kidney meridian were observed to maintain appropriate
glycative stress. If the analysis of measurement data ofthermal sensitivity progresses, it may be possible to predict
potential diseases in the pre-symptomatic stage and thefuture risk of developing diseases.

Conflict of interest statement
The authors claim no conflict of interest in this study.

Acknowledgements
This study was presented at the 18th Meeting of Society
for Glycative Stress Research on August 31, 2019, Kyoto.

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