Effect of acupuncture stimulation on the finger or toe flexion reflex induced by vibration to the human skin.

VernacularTitle:皮膚の振動刺激で誘発される指屈曲反射に対するはり刺激効果
Author: Hiroshi ASADA ; Yoshihiko IWASE
Publication Type:Journal Article
From:Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 1985;34(3-4):175-185
CountryJapan
Language:Japanese
Abstract: Vibration applied to the human palm or sole skin induces the tonic finger or toe flexion reflex. This reflex occured merely in 30per cent of the subjects, however the toe flexion reflex was induced in almost all subjects by increase of voluntary flexion of the toe or upward rotation of the ancle joint. This reflex was used as an indicator of the effectiveness of acupuncture stimulation (AS). Electroacupuncture stimulation was mainly applied to the skin with the intensity of perception threshold. AS sites used were Ho-ku, Wai-kuan, etc As a rule, this reflex was inhibited strongly and the inhibitory effect continued for 30min or more. AS applied simultaneously to the acupuncture point and its neighboring area showed summation of the inhibitory effect on the reflex. There was no difference between the effects of AS applied to the same or neighboring dermatome. AS to periphery of limbs was effective but AS to the body was almost ineffective. These results suggest that there is no specificity of the acupuncture point and there are both segmental and nonsegmental mechanisms participate in this inhibitory of AS on vibration-induced flexion reflex.