Electromeridian imaging is a viable diagnostic tool for your chiropractic office
Since the early 1950s, acupuncture diagnosis has taken on a new dimension with the discovery of Ryodoraku by Dr. Yoshio Nakatani of Japan. When Nakatani first developed electronic evaluation by measuring skin conductance at the yuan (source) point of the wrist and ankle, he created one of the most significant acupuncture diagnostic methods yet to be seen in either contemporary or traditional acupuncture. Although Chinese pulse diagnosis is classic and traditional, its explanation is scientifically unproven and questionable at best because the findings are subjective. Since there are as many different diagnoses as there are evaluators, this ancient diagnosis comes into question.
Figure 1: Meridian values graph.
The Age of Ryodoraku
The training of Asian acupuncturists in evaluating disease by pulse diagnosis is more rigorous and exacting when compared with the contemporary training and standards received by Western acupuncture students and practitioners.
Electronic evaluation of the yuan points does not determine the specific 28 pulse characteristics that must be ascertained in pulse diagnosis. However, it does determine if an individual meridian is in excess or deficient compared to the entire system of the 12 primary meridians. Unfortunately, the majority of contemporary pulse practitioners recognize and concern themselves only with less than six pulse qualities as opposed to the historic 28.
Figure 2: Meridian values range.
When an elevated or deficient meridian is found by Ryodoraku, the treatment approach is tonification or sedation to specific acupuncture points to replenish or deplete biomagnetic energy, thereby creating balance in the meridians. Electronic measurements are ascertained by examining the 24 specific yuan points of the wrist and ankles for only 3 seconds per point.
One of the most significant discoveries of Ryodoraku was split meridians. For example, in pulse diagnosis, the pulse of the spleen meridian is always in the right wrist, whereas the gallbladder, kidney, and liver is always in the left wrist. After diagnosis, pulse qualities can reveal a multitude of factors, but they do not reveal what Ryodoraku does—that meridians, especially in severe cases, exhibit a split between the left and right sides of the body, which cannot be determined with pulse diagnosis.
Figure 3: Meridian values using an EMI software program.
When Ryodoraku measures the yuan points of both sides of the body, it is able to detect a diagnostic situation that was virtually unknown until its invention. By using the LUO point, a correction can be made in a split (left to right) meridian. LUO points are traditionally used to link a coupled meridian, such as lung/large Intestine. In auriculotherapy, this correction between splits can be treated by the master oscillation point.
In 1982, I renamed Ryodoraku to electromeridian imaging (EMI), which gives the procedure a scientifically acceptable contemporary term. As traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) relies on the ancient principles and proper evaluation of the 28 pulse characteristics, EMI may be referred to as contemporary Asian medicine, which is a technologically advanced electronic diagnosis and treatment.
Traditionally, the practitioner had to add the measured values of the meridian examination points, divide the sum by 24 (representing the 12 bilateral meridians) and ascertain a base average to then determine the status of the meridians by electrical conductivity. However, in the mid-80s, EMI incorporated computer-enhanced evaluation, which allows a trained technician or doctor to conduct the diagnosis in less than 2 minutes.
Yuan points are examined to specifically determine main meridian channels, whereas examination of the tsing (akabane) points is specific to the musculotendinous meridians of the body. These are two separate and distinct examinations. Ryodoraku uses yuan points and is generally more accepted as an overall determination of the meridian system.
Let EMI Be Your Guide For an accurate EMI result, it is vital to hold the test probe on the point for only 3 seconds. The examiner should not palpate the point prior to the examination. The examination should always be conducted prior to the administration of any treatment, include chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, auriculotherapy, massage, reiki, or any modality that may alter bioenergetics.  Figure S1: Yuan points of the hand.
1. Press the power button on, then depress the null or meter button to ensure the meter reads 200 milliamps; or place the metal ground and the metal probe together. If the meter reads less, turn the calibrate knob until the reading is 200. This adjustment must be made with the null button depressed or the two metal probes in direct contact. If the instrument is constantly in need of calibration to maintain a 200 reading, it is time to change batteries.  Electromeridian imaging machine.
2. Have the patient hold the metal ground with firm contact—not too firm or loose because this can affect general readings—about the same when grasping a child’s hand. The ground can be held in either hand or if unable to grasp due to arthritis, hold with contact to the elbow or knee. Jewelry that is in contact with the probe or ground can interfere with readings and should be removed.  Figure S2: Yuan points of the foot (side view).
3. Moisten one end of a cotton swab with broken stem and place inside of the wand probe. Make sure the moist cotton swab is in contact with the metal of the probe. The cotton swab should be moist, but not too wet or dry, as this will also affect general readings. Dip the cotton swab during the examination in water to maintain moisture. Adding three drops of liquid ionic minerals to the dipping water is ideal, but not essential. Oils, lotions, or excessive perspiration can alter readings to higher than usual. Do not vigorously rub the examination site prior to testing with a towel if the skin is too moist. Instead, dab lightly without creating friction over the examination points. Skin that is extremely dry does not alter electronic readings.  Figure S3: Yuan points of the foot (top view).
4. With the patient seated or lying down, place the wand probe with the moistened cotton swab on the yuan points of the hand beginning with the LU followed by P(CX), HT, SI, TH, and LI (Figure S1). Continue to the yuan points of the foot—SP, LIV, KI, BL, GB, and ST (Figures S2–S3). Hold the testing probe on the point to be examined for 3 seconds with constant pressure. Use as much pressure when determining ripeness on a tomato. Test the points from left to right sides of each meridian. It is not necessary to change hands of the ground probe during the examination. Gently glide the examining probe over the test point without palpating, touching, or probing the point because this can affect readings by altering the electroconductivity of the area. The cotton swab is wide enough to examine the point, therefore pinpoint accuracy is not necessary. Pressure—too hard or light—over the point during the examination can alter accuracy. CP |
Figure 4: Recommended treatment of precise acupuncture points on EMI software program.
Three-second Rule
While the point is being examined according to proper protocol (see sidebar page 21), it is important to watch where the analog needle reaches and stabilizes during the 3 seconds. For example, assuming the needle reaches and stabilizes at 85 for a given side of a meridian, then this is the value assigned to that meridian. Under normal circumstances, the needle will have a steady rise to a specific reading where it stabilizes. If the examiner continues to hold on the point after 3 seconds, the meter will continue to rise as electrical conductivity of the skin will be broken down. Should the meter surge dramatically and then stabilize at a lower reading, take the reading where it stabilizes. This number is entered either in the computer or manually on the EMI evaluation form. The examination continues through each meridian in order of its position on the wrist and ankle of both sides of the body.
For the manual method of examination, it is necessary to determine the base average of the patient. Add together all the readings for each of the 24 meridians examined. In the example graph (Figure 1, page 21), the total for all meridian values is 2,230; divide by 24; and the result is 92.9. Round the number—93, add 15 to create the top range, and subtract 15 for the low range—108 and 78, respectively. The normal range for this patient’s graph is between 78 and 108.
Draw a horizontal line from left to right of the graph over 108 and 78. The meridians that bilaterally fall within the range are considered normal for biomagnetic resonance and electrical conductivity (Figure 2, page 21). Those outside the range must be treated for tonification or sedation. In the example, TH and LIV were both elevated. In this case, the sedation point of the meridian is used, namely TH 10 and LIV 2.
In the case of a meridian that shows extreme splits of 25 points or more, it is necessary to use the LUO point of the meridian. Note that the pericardium meridian (master of the heart/circulation/sex/heart constrictor) is split—the left side is within the range and the right side, below. This does not mean that only the right side is tonified to bring the low side into balance. In this application, the LUO point is used—P6 (nei guan). Split meridians are much more of a health factor than high or low meridians.
Figure 5: Specific treatment points.
Splits between right and left sides of individual meridians were unknown until the EMI. LUO points are also used in discrepancies of coupled meridians, such as ST/SP—where one is elevated and the other depressed—to treat the deficient side. In cases of coupled meridians, tonification and sedation can also be used.
Always remember that in addition to points used for balancing, treat additional acupoints and areas based on acupuncture protocol if the condition warrants. In many cases, balancing the meridians may be the only treatment.
Let Your Mouse Do the Work
EMI can be conducted with computers by entering the values of each meridian, which is graphically illustrated (Figure 3). Examination time is approximately 2 minutes. The software program automatically provides the averages to determine the proper placement of high and low extremes. In addition, the program illustrates which acupuncture points are recommended for treatment by naming the point, as well as illustrating the precise location (Figures 4–6).
Figure 6: Spleen tonification treatment points.
Other features include 30 charts that include the 12 meridians, alarm (mu) points, associated (shu) points, horary, hsi, five elements, source (yuan), tsing, tonification, sedation, LUO, 30 primary acupoints, auriculotherapy points, and Chinese herb recommendations. SOAP notes can be entered for each patient and graph, and the information is stored for referencing and comparison.
About the Author
John A. Amaro DC, FIAMA, FACC, Dipl Ac (NCCAOM), is the founder and executive director of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Amaro has been appointed by the governor of Arizona to serve as chairman on the Arizona Board of Acupuncture Examiners. He can be reached via email: phoenixdragon@fiestanet.com.
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