Exploratory Study of Biomechanical Properties and Pain Sensitivity at Back-Shu Points

Hypersensitive acupoints in specific body areas are associated with corresponding internal or visceral disorders. Back-shu points are clinically significant for the diagnosis of visceral organ disease, according to the biomechanical characteristics of the acupoints. In this study, we assessed the bi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain sciences 2024-08, Vol.14 (8), p.823
Main Authors: Moon, Heeyoung, Lee, Seoyoung, Yoon, Da-Eun, Lee, In-Seon, Chae, Younbyoung
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Acupuncture
back-shu points
Biomechanics
Diagnosis
Mechanical properties
Medical research
Medicine
muscle stiffness
muscle tone
Pain
pain sensitivity
Sensors
Skin
Spinal cord
Vertebrae
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Summary:Hypersensitive acupoints in specific body areas are associated with corresponding internal or visceral disorders. Back-shu points are clinically significant for the diagnosis of visceral organ disease, according to the biomechanical characteristics of the acupoints. In this study, we assessed the biomechanical characteristics and pain sensitivities of five back-shu points linked to five visceral organs in healthy participants. The study included 48 volunteer participants. A myotonometry was used to assess muscle tone and muscle stiffness at five back-shu points associated with visceral organs. Pressure was monitored using a microcontroller and a force sensor. Pain sensitivity was assessed in response to deep pressure pain produced by a constant force. Substantial differences in muscle tone and stiffness were observed at the five back-shu points; muscle tone was highest at BL15, whereas muscle tone and muscle stiffness were lowest at BL23. Moreover, pain sensitivity was significantly different among the acupoints; pain sensitivity was highest at BL23. There was a significant negative correlation between muscle tone and pain sensitivity. We found significant differences in muscle tone, muscle stiffness, and pain sensitivity among five back-shu points associated with visceral organs, which may be attributable to anatomical variations at each point. Our findings suggest that differences at back-shu points should be considered to ensure the accurate diagnosis of visceral disease.
ISSN:2076-3425
2076-3425
DOI:10.3390/brainsci14080823