Evaluating Training Programs for Electroacupuncture Techniques with Skin Temperature as a New Index

Abstract

Training in acupuncture techniques has a long history of thousands of years. It has been individually handed down from person (teacher) to person (student). However, techniques and training have not been scientifically evaluated because individual differences may exist among evaluators. In animal studies, some researchers have reported that acupuncture stimulation dilates blood vessels of the skin and skeletal muscles. These studies also reveal an association between skin temperature (ST) and blood circulation volume on the skin. Our previous studies have reported that acupuncture stimulation, especially that of electroacupuncture (EA), can elevate ST. Therefore, we monitored the instructive effects and level of EA techniques with ST and propose that we can bring monitoring ST into training/education of EA as a new index of technical assessment. Moreover, ratio of changes might be used as new criteria for retraining. Healthy students (n = 14) were given with 10 minutes of EA stimulation on the tibialis anterior: Zusanli (ST36) and Tiaokou (ST38). Their ST was monitored before and during stimulation as well as for 30 minutes after stimulation. All subjects showed a nominal increase in ST. At the time, ratios of changes were also calculated. Two subjects did not reach the average of 1.3%. This suggests that the technical level of the therapist was inadequate. Thus, observation of ST elevation and calculation of the average ratio of ST change (elevation) could be applied to a new scientific index of technical assessment in acupuncture treatment training. However, further research (e.g., larger-scale studies, adjustment for gender differences, or other age subjects) is required to support these findings.