The Study on the Relationship Among Meridian, Acupoint and Internal Visceral Organs

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The study on the relationship among meridian, acupoint and internal

Detailed Description
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Meridian system is the pathway of transporting qi and blood, and that distributes all the body. Meridian system connects to internal visceral organs interior, and also connects to joints (or acupoint) exterior. The relationship among meridian, acupoints and internal visceral organs is still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship among meridian, acupoints and internal visceral organs. Total 33 subjects randomly finished three sessional studies as follows: 1) sham electroacupuncture (EA) session: the stainless steels acupuncture needles inserted into the subcutaneous layer of Zusanli (cathode) and Shangjuxu acupints (anion) , and the needles connected to EA stimulator, but no electric discharge for 30 min; 2) Zusanli session: the acupuncture needles inserted into Zusanli (cathode) and Shangjuxu acupoints (anion), and twisting obtain qi, and the needles then connected to EA stimulator, the frequency was 2 Hz, the duration was 30 min, and the intensity was visual slightly muscle contraction; 3) Shaohai session: the methods were identical Zusanli group, but Shaohai acupoint (cathode), and 3 cm below Shaohai (anion) . The major outcome measure was the changes of the percentage of gastric slow wave and dysrhythmia in 30 min electrogastrogram recordings, and the changes of cardiac output and stroke volume in 30 min recordings. Secondary outcome measure was the changes of saliva, blood and urine metabolites. The investigators predict the results of the present study can test and verify meridian theory of traditional Chinese Medicine, meridian system connects internal visceral organ interior, and connects joint (or acupoint) exterior.

Official Title
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The Study on the Relationship Among Meridian, Acupoint and Internal Visceral Organs

Conditions
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Meridian

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: sham electroacupuncture (EA) session
* Other: Zusanli session
* Other: Shaohai session


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Gender：male or female. Age：from 20 years old (inclusive) to 50 years old (inclusive). After detailed description of the entire research purpose or process, voluntarily participate in the study and sign the consent form. Exclusion Criteria: Cancer, congestive hear failured NYHA class>II, COPD attack. History of esophagus and gastroduodenal surgery、Barrett's esophagus. Can not accept acupuncture points stimulators. Allergic to acupuncture needles. Has a mental illness or is unable to cooperate with the researcher.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 20 Years
Maximum Age: 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Placebo Comparator: sham electroacupuncture (EA) session<br>The stainless steels acupuncture needles inserted into the subcutaneous layer of Zusanli (cathode) and Shangjuxu acupints (anion) , and the needles connected to EA stimulator, but no electric discharge for 30 min. | Other: sham electroacupuncture (EA) session<br>* The stainless steels acupuncture needles inserted into the subcutaneous layer of Zusanli (cathode) and Shangjuxu acupints (anion) , and the needles connected to EA stimulator, but no electric discharge for 30 min.<br>|
| Experimental: Zusanli session<br>The acupuncture needles inserted into Zusanli (cathode) and Shangjuxu acupoints (anion), and twisting obtain qi, and the needles then connected to EA stimulator, the frequency was 2 Hz, the duration was 30 min, and the intensity was visual slightly muscle contraction. | Other: Zusanli session<br>* The acupuncture needles inserted into Zusanli (cathode) and Shangjuxu acupoints (anion), and twisting obtain qi, and the needles then connected to EA stimulator, the frequency was 2 Hz, the duration was 30 min, and the intensity was visual slightly muscle contraction.<br>|
| Experimental: Shaohai session<br>The methods were identical Zusanli group, but Shaohai acupoint (cathode), and 3 cm below Shaohai (anion). | Other: Shaohai session<br>* The methods were identical Zusanli group, but Shaohai acupoint (cathode), and 3 cm below Shaohai (anion).<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| electrogastrogram recordings | the changes of the percentage of gastric slow wave . | 30 minutes in duration. | 
| cardiac output | the changes of cardiac output . | 30 minutes in duration. | 
| cardiac output | the changes of stroke volume . | 30 minutes in duration. | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Meridian, Internal visceral organs, Zusanli, Shaohai, Acupoint