The Apparatus for Measuring the Functioning of the Meridians (AMI) was developed by myself at the Institute for Religious Psychology. This monitors the polarization which occurs at the epidermal barrier membrane against externally applied potential (DC square wave pulses applied between two skin points). It has been clarified in our research that a very rapid propagation current flows before the onset of polarization in the water-rich phase of the dermal connective tissue. Analysing further research results, the Before Polarization (BP) current in the Yin meridian was always higher than that of the Yang partner in each meridian pair. (This pairing is according to the traditional concept of Yin-Yang relationships.) This suggests that the BP current is a parameter of the meridian functioning.
From our research results it can be said that: (1) the BP current flows in the water-rich phase of the dermal connective tissue; (2) the BP current value is a parameter of the meridian functioning; and (3) the physical location of the meridians is in the water-rich phase of the dermal connective tissue.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to describe the status of alcohol consumption and drug use among young adults as well as their determinants. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 356 young adults (aged 18 to 24 years) living in Palau in 2013. The prevalence of self-reported alcohol and marijuana usage were compared within and between sexes, age groups, ethnicities, and education levels. RESULTS: The proportion of current drinking was higher in people aged 21-24 than in those aged 18-20 (73.2% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.09 in men and 48.3% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.02 in women), while that of marijuana use did not differ between the age groups. The proportions of current drinking and marijuana use were higher in Palauan than in other ethnicities (current drinking: 70.6% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.005 in men and 38.8% vs. 16.6%, p = 0.04 in women; lifetime marijuana use: 80.0% vs. 52.9%, p = 0.02 in men and 56.1% vs. 30.6%, p = 0.09 in women). The proportion of frequent (3 times or more) marijuana users was higher for the lower educated than for the higher educated (62.5% vs. 32.1%, p < 0.001 in men and 33.9% vs. 24.4%, p = 0.12 in women). CONCLUSIONS Sex, age, ethnicity, and education were significant determinants of alcohol and marijuana use.
Age Factors ; Alcohol Drinking/ethnology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Educational Status ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Marijuana Use/ethnology* ; Palau/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Sex Factors ; Young Adult