Mild stimulation of stomach 36 acupuncture point by organic nanoscale SP6 patch improves cellular physiologic functional status of different organs

Abstract

Acupuncture works by stimulating peripheral sensory nerves and their endings causing an increase in cutaneous blood flow and microcirculation, as well as release of neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and hormones. SP6 Patch is a nanoscale nontransdermal device that mildly stimulates Stomach 36 (zusanli) and other acupuncture points. As stimulation of these points has been indicated to have an effect on hypothalamic function, it is of great research interest to investigate the effect of SP6 Patch on the physiology of organs that are affected by hypothalamic regulation. Bioelectrical tissue impedance data indicative of cellular physiologic organ function, using an Electro Interstitial Scan (EIS) system, were acquired from hypothalamus, pancreas, liver, intestines, kidneys, thyroid and adrenal glands in 10 (1 male, 9 females) volunteers while wearing the SP6 Patch daily for 1 week. EIS testing was performed at baseline with no patch, 30 min after wearing the patch, and after wearing the patch 12 h/day for 1 week. Subjects were instructed to keep well hydrated during the study period. All subjects served as their own control. The hypothesis was: The SP6 Patch worn 12 h/day on the Stomach 36 acupuncture point for 1 week, may significantly improve cellular physiologic functional status of different organs measured by EIS. All tested organs achieved significant improvement in their functional physiologic status after wearing the SP6 Pach 12 h/day for 1 week compared to baseline with an overall average statistical power > 89%. Based upon these results the hypothesis was accepted as true.