Contemporary Acupuncture Diagnosis

    CONTEMPORARY ACUPUNCTURE DIAGNOSIS Through Graphic ELECTRO-MERIDIAN IMAGING (EMI)   Acupuncture is an oriental medical treatment based upon the flow of energy through pathways in the body called Meridians.  While this form of healthcare is best known for the use of tiny needles to stimulate nerve centers in the body, many other types of stimulation have proven to be extremely effective.  Instead of needles, we frequently use acupressure pellets and magnets as well as painless low- level laser stimulation.  One of the unique properties of acupuncture points discovered by modern scientists is that acupuncture points are more electrically conductive than the surrounding tissue.  This led Yoshio Nakatani, MD, PhD to develop “ryodoraku,” a method of examining the meridian system of the body through electronic measurements.  The graphic representation of these findings is called Electro-Meridian Imaging or EMI.  This technique has made acupuncture diagnosis much more accurate and reproducible.   Through the use of a specialized electronic instrument, the electrical sensitivity of specific acupuncture points can be measured.  This information is then fed into a computer program that produces a graphic representation of the energy flow throughout the 12 primary acupuncture meridians.  From this graph (EMI), information about the function of the major organ systems of the body and the person’s overall health can be derived.  These findings are described as “tendencies” since they are not meant to diagnose disease or replace such diagnostic tests as EKG’s, MRI’s, or blood tests.  However, imbalances in meridians are strong indicators that the conditions are right for pathology to develop.    The real strength of EMI and acupuncture treatment is in identifying underlying factors affecting chronic conditions such as migraine headaches, fatigue, depression, digestive problems, fibromyalgia, and hormone imbalances.  Balancing the electro-magnetic energy in the meridians helps to treat the underlying cause of many conditions; and, is a valuable tool in maintaining wellness.  This can all be achieved without the use of needles by using acupressure pellets and magnets, precise electrical stimulation, or low level laser stimulation.  The proper use of herbs and nutritional supplements in conjunction with acupoint meridian balancing helps enhance overall health and well-being. 

 William R. Johnson, D.C., F.A.C.O. Board Certified Chiropractic Orthopedist 

Fellow, International Academy of Clinical Acupuncture