The AcuGraph is a commercially available instrument that measures electrodermal activity, also known as electrical conductance or galvanic skin response, on the skin. Largely used by acupuncturists and health practitioners as a diagnostic aid to monitor therapeutic effectiveness, the AcuGraph was the subject of recent research conducted on the nature of acupuncture meridians, or channels, in the body through which life energy flows and along which the acupuncture points (acupoints) are distributed. The 2011 study, published in Acupuncture in Medicine, determined that the AcuGraph 3 Digital Meridian Imaging System measures accurately and reliably.

The AcuGraph consists of computer software, an electronic control unit and a probe set. The operator holds the plastic probe while the patient holds a metal hand mass that provides a return path for the electrical current used for measurement. The software, which runs on a standard personal computer, illustrates the points where the operator should measure. Over a an examination period of four to six minutes, the software collects, calculates and reports the data from skin conductance at each of the measured acupoints located at the beginning or end of the meridians on the fingers, toes, wrists and ankles. The software also interprets the data by producing a series of charts, graphs and recommendations.

Local Resource: Scott J. Erickson, DC, AP. Location: 6714 Lone Oak Blvd. (in Andrea’s Organic Hair Studio & Day Spa), Naples. For more information, call 239-450-7073 or visit EricksonCare.com.