There has been little basic research done on the number of times it is possible to measure the presence or degree of tenderness at the same location, or on the variation in the degree of tenderness with the diameter of the pressure attachments.
Changes in the degree of tenderness resulting from alterations in the area of compression were evaluated using a highly-precise digital pressure algometer developed by the authors. The results of a basic study of the relationship between the number of times pressure was applied and the changes in the degree of tenderness are also reported.

Objective: Very few studies have been reported on the specific functions of individual meridians and acupuncture points. We examined the functional relations between “the gallbladder Meredian and gallbladder” using the gallbladder's form as an index, in older to identify the specific functions of individual meridians and acupuncture points.
Subjects and Methods: This study was made on five healthy male adult volunteers who fasted during the experiment day.
The gallbladder was selected as the target organ and its form was measured with an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus (Toshiba SSA-90A). The images of the gallbladder form were taken at the pointwhen the major axis of the cross-sectional area of the gallbladder was maxium. The cross-sectional area of the gallbladder was measured with an image analyzer. The gallbladder form was measured 15 minutes after the subject had lied on his back. Images were taken at intervals of 2 to 5 minutes 10 minutes before stimulation and for 30 minutes during and after stimulation. Acupuncture stimulation was given at the points of C34. Dannang, G36, G37, G40, and G44 on the right side of the body. After getting the degi, 1 minute of sparrow picking needle technique and 1 minute of leaving needle technique were repeated three times.
Results: 1) Stimulation of the G34, G36, G37, and G44 gave no effects on the gallbladder form. 2) Stimulation of the Dannang (EX) produced contraction of the gallbladder. 3) Stimulation of the G40 produced distension of the gallbladder. From the above results, we found that there two types of acupuncture points; one causes contraction of the gallbladder, and the other, distension of the gallbladder. This suggests that individual acupuncture points have specific functions.

In order to clarify the clinical significance of tenderness in the patients with low back pain, the tendernesses were measured on 32 points in 81 patients and 40 healthy volunteers.
The points which are well used in acupuncture and moxibustion treatments, were chosen as points for measurement, and are situated on the surface area in the low back and the lower limb.
In the measurements, the pressure of 5-6kg/cm² was given on each points by fingertip. The compression were made in turn from proximal points to distal points.
It was found that in the patients with low back pain, tendernesses appeared more significantly than in the healthy volunteers, and these points accorded with the tissues which were easy to accept the load in daily living and were along the nervetrunks. “Sharp tendernesses” appeared only in the patients.
It was suggested that tendernesses would be one of a consultation to know the condition of disease.

To study the efficacies of acupuncture (tapping technique) to the scalenus muscle (SC) used with acupuncture to the minor pectoralis muscle (MP) in patients with SC and MP syndromes, the plethysmograms (PTG) of the second finger during the Allen's and Wright's tests were measured with photo plethysmograph.
The neck was rotated 40 degrees to opposite direction, and then the acupuncture needle was inserted into the strained SC and tapping technque was perfomed.
As a result, this technique reduced markedly the decrease of PTG during two tests associated with improvements of symptoms such as dullnesses (numbness).
It was suggested thut this technique may releaf the muscle tension.

In order to clarify whether the difference in the appearance rate of tenderness exist between the patients with abnormal neurological findings and the patients without them, the tenderness were examined in 81 patients with low back pain.
In the measurements, the pressure of 5-6kg/cm² was given on each points by fingertip. The compression were made in turn from proximal points to distal points. The appearance of the tenderness were significantly greater in the group with abnormal neurological findings than in the group without them (P<0.01-0.05). The marked tenderness appeared along the posterior branches of lumbar and sacral nerves and sciatic nerve.
It was suggested that the tenderness would be one of the important index reflecting well the condition of the disease.

The osteoarthritis of knee joints in early stage were treated with acupuncture, SSP and therapeutic exercise. The clinical effect of this treatment was evaluated by the our original score methoed for osteoarthritis of knee joints, and the muscle strength of extensors of knee joint were measured. Symptoms of the osteoarthritis of knee joints were improved significantly and the power of the extensors increased by these treatments.

Effects of acupuncture on SHENSHU were examined in Gromerular Filtration Rate (GFR) by creatinine clearnce tests, urinary volume, urinary substancce (Na, K, Cl, Cre, BUN, UA) and plasma substance (the same substance as urines) on 7 normal examinees. The subjects were divided in two experimental groups (control and stimulation on SHENSHU).
Except for K level in plasma, there had not been found a significant change. However, urinary volume had a tendency to increase. Plasma K level at 90 minute in stimulation group showed a statitical increase. The results were as follows. Compared with control group, There was no significant change in GFR, urinary volume, urinary substance levels, plasma levels except for plasma K level.