Magnetic acupuncture achieved by plastering is a particular type of acupuncture whose “pressure stimulation effect” deriving from a needle type minor process produces a synergetic effect due to “magnetic stimulation effect” originating in the magnetism concentrated on and discharged from the process. This magnetic acupuncture charged with low frequency is called “low frequency magnetic acupuncture.” The major factors in effective non-needle electro-stimulus anesthesia (T. N. S.) are the shape and condition of electrodes in their contact with the skin. Since the electrode utilizing a magnetic needle fully meets these conditions, “acupuncture sensation, ” which is clinically considered important, can be adequately expected. The following are the results obtained from our studies on the objective evaluation of a stimulation property and therapeutic effects of low frequency magnetic acupuncture.
The subjects involved in the study were 15 healthy adults and 5 patients with various symptoms at Naka Izu Rehabilitation Center. The method adopted was the measure of MV as an index of a comfortable sense of stimulation. An MV pick-up was attached to the subject's thum ball —if right-handed, attached to left thumb, if left-handed, attached to right thumb— with cellophane tape and was recorded by 13ch multi-purpose electro-encephalograph and DTR manufactured by Sanei Sokki K. K. before the results were analyzed by a signal processor.
Results:
1) In 10 healthy adults whose MV bands before and after T. N. S. of a general type were compared, a decrease of theta band and an increase of alpha band were recognized. When stimulation effects noted in 5 healthy adults given T. N. S. of a general type and low frequency magnetic acupuncture were compared in terms of MV pattern, a generally increasing trend of alpha band was observed in magnetic acupuncture electrodes.
2) MV patterns noted in 5 patients with various symptoms who were given low frequency magnetic acupuncture showed a decrease of theta and beta bands as well as an increase of alpha band, while MV amplitude showed a decrease depending on the patient. From the above results, the magnetic acupuncture electrode was found to have a more comfortable sense of stimulation than that of an electrode of an ordinary type.