New research has discovered that oxygen levels are higher at acupuncture points. Using a 25 micron amperometric oxygen microsensor, researchers measured the partial oxygen pressure of the distal left 
Acupuncture pO2forearm of humans. Oxygen levels were significantly higher at the acupuncture points in the measured region: LU9 (Taiyuan), LU8 (Jingqu), PC7 (Daling), PC6 (Neiguan), HT7 (Shenmen), HT6 (Yinxi), HT5 (Tongli), and HT4 (Lingdao). The researchers note that this correlation provides information on the physiology of acupuncture points.
The researchers conducted this human study after a clinical investigation of rabbits measured higher partial oxygen pressure at acupuncture points ST36, ST37, CV16 and CV17 compared with the surrounding regions of the acupoints. The researchers note that their human study uses tiny oxygen sensors and is therefore noninvasive. In addition, they conclude that this research provides “clearer evidence on the strong pO2 (partial oxygen pressure)-acupuncture point correlation….” The researchers note that their investigation may “verify the physical existence of acupuncture points….”
Reference:
Minyoung Hong, Sarah S. Park, Yejin Ha, et al., “Heterogeneity of Skin Surface Oxygen Level of Wrist in Relation to Acupuncture Point,” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2012, Article ID 106762, 7 pages, 2012. doi:10.1155/2012/106762.
Author Information:
Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
Department of Chemistry and Nano Science, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Graduate Program for Health Science and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
