Part 1: Acupuncture meridians — myth or reality?

Abstract 

The phenomenon of the acupuncture meridians remains one of the most frequently challenged concepts in acupuncture yet forms the very foundation of its practice. Due to their alleged intimate involvement in health, progression of disease and treatment, no component of acupuncture theory could be more vital than the points and meridians themselves, and hence they have been subjected to a long history of speculation and research. Enquiry has focused not only on the possible material basis of the meridians (such as the nerve and blood vessels themselves) but also on their less material electromagnetic characteristics. The evidence indicates that acupuncture points and their connecting channels may be definable electrically.

This first paper deals with the research evidence. The second paper, to be published in the Spring issue of Complementary Therapies in Medicine, will contain the discussion of the findings.

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