OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of forearms devascularization on the volt-ampere (V-A) characteristics of Neiguan (PC 6) and Taiyuan (LU 9) so as to investigate the relationship among functions of acupoints, qi and blood in human body and V-A characteristics of acupoints.

METHODSEither forearms of 23 healthy volunteers were devascularized and the changes of V-A characteristics in ipsilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and Taiyuan (LU 9) in normal and devascularization statuses were detected by home-made intelligent V-A detecting system.

RESULTSCompared with the normal status, both range-increasing and range-decreasing V-A areas of Neiguan (PC 6) and Taiyuan (LU 9) were significantly increased in devascularization status (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the change rates of these two V-A areas of Neiguan (PC 6) were larger than those of Taiyuan (LU 9) (both P < 0.05). The inertia areas of Neiguan (PC 6) but not Taiyuan (LU 9) became significantly larger after devascularization (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe changes in V-A characteristics of Neiguan (PC 6) and Taiyuan (LU 9) can reflect the alteration of local blood supply, and Neiguan (PC 6) is more sensitive to changes of blood flow than Taiyuan (LU 9).