CHANGE OF ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES IN THE SKIN OF THE BIG TOE DURING ACUTE ASTHMA

Abstract

Background: Meridian function during acute asthma has not been studied. Materials and Methods: Electrical properties at 14 Well points (most peripheral acupoints) of patients with acute asthma were studied bilaterally before and after treatment in 22 moderate and 5 severe acute episodes. Square wave pulses (3VÅ~256μsec) were sequentially applied via each active electrode (4mm square) on Well points and the indifferent electrode (2 cmÅ~3 cm) on the extensor surface of each forearm about 5 cm above the wrist through an external electric resistance of 100 Ω. The electrical current flowing as a result is characterized by 3 parameters: BP [Before Polarization] current, AP [After Polarization] current, and IQ [Integrated Qoulomb]. Mean and right-to-left difference values of these 3 parameters were calculated for the 14 Well points. These parameters in groups of patients with acute moderate or acute severe asthma were compared with non-asthmatic controls. Results: No significant changes of mean BP, AP or IQ values related to acute asthma were seen at any Well point. On the other hand, the right-to-left IQ difference at the LV (Liver) Well point (IQ(LR)LV) before treatment was significantly greater than after treatment in both acute moderate and acute severe asthma. This difference at the LV Well point (⊿IQ(L-R)LV) before and after treatment was greater in acute severe than in acute moderate asthma. The right-to-left BP difference at the LV Well point (BP(L-R)LV) before treatment was also significantly lower after treatment in acute severe asthma.

Conclusions: A meridian reaction occurs during acute asthma in the LV but not in Lung (LU) meridian. Severity of acute asthma associates with increased prominence of the LV meridian reaction.