AJTCVM

American Journal of
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

0

Decoding Bioelectric Signals at Acupuncture Points in Horses and Humans Using the Electroacugram Device

Mariana Muñoz Alba; Mathew Rathbun; Xiaolin Deng; Kaixuan Zou; Renata Miller; Deng-Shan Shiau; Mushtaq Memon; Huisheng Xie; Jianliang Zhang

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the bioelectrical properties of acupuncture points in horses and humans. A modular platform (electroacugram) was designed for high-fidelity capture and analysis of bioelectric signals over the frequency range of 220 Hz to 310 Hz generated at acupoints. The electroacugram (EAG) system was tested on Heart (HT) Meridian equine and human acupoints. In the horse (n=8), effects of external stimulation of bioelectric activity were analyzed for HT-7+HT-9 and HT-7+HT-4. In humans (n=8), bioelectric activity was recorded between HT-9 and each of the following acupoints: HT-8, HT-7, HT-6, HT-5, HT-4, HT-3, HT-2. Study findings demonstrated that these acupoints generate distinct bioelectric signals when compared to sham points, with observable differences in amplitude and unique waveforms. It was also observed that external stimuli, such as gentle forehead touches on horses and cold stimuli for humans, significantly influenced these signals. By demonstrating consistent and measurable bioelectric activity at specific acupoints, and the ability to capture the bioelectric changes consistent with physiological stimuli (touch or cold) in the study population; the EAG system was able to non-invasively explore some of the physiological responses underlying acupuncture. Additionally, the EAG system successfully recorded bioelectric activity using both needle electrodes and non-invasive pad electrodes in humans, underscoring suitability for clinical and research applications. These findings provide new insights into bioelectrical characteristics pertinent to acupoints and suggest that bioelectric signal profiling may play an important role in validating acupuncture’s therapeutic claims and open avenues for future research.

Keywords
Citation
Muñoz Alba M, Rathbun M, Deng X, Zou K, Miller R, Shiau D, Memon M, Xie H, Zhang J. Decoding bioelectric signals at acupuncture points in horses and humans using the electroacugram device. Am J Trad Chin Vet Med 2025; 20(2):23-34. https://doi.org/10.59565/001c.141732

Decoding Bioelectric Signals at Acupuncture Points in Horses and Humans Using the Electroacugram Device

Mariana Muñoz Alba; Mathew Rathbun; Xiaolin Deng; Kaixuan Zou; Renata Miller; Deng-Shan Shiau; Mushtaq Memon; Huisheng Xie; Jianliang Zhang

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