Objective: To compare the influence on skin temperature caused by 3 different methods: acupuncturing Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6), electric stimulation on median nerve in wrist area, applying strong magnetic pulse stimulation to Dedui (GV l4). The index is skin temperature of the other upper limb.

Methods: Subjects: Seven healthy male people aged 33.5 ± 8.5; A laboratory Temperature: 25°C; no source of heat and light, no ventilation. The subjects took supine position for l5 min and remained in this position while the experiment began. In each process, observation of 2 kinds of stimulation was made, magnetic stimulation following electric stimulation and magnetic stimulation following acupuncture. Skin temperature of 11 points was taken, which were located on forearm, palm and fingers. The mean values were taken respectively for making comparison.

Results: Compared with electric stimulation and strong magnetic pulse stimulation, acupuncture caused a drop in skin temperature to a larger degree, and the effect lasted a longer time. In case of electric stimulation, individuals showed very different changes. In cases of acupuncture, electric Stimulation followed with a 40min interval and then strong magnetic pulse stimulation, the skin temperature dropped but returned to the previous level very soon.

Conclusion: Among the 3 kinds of stimulation, acupuncture causes strong and long effect on skin temperature. Electric or strong magnetic pulse stimulation also takes effect, but the skin temperature returns very soon at once the stimulation is withdrawn. The most uncomfortable stimulation to subject is electric stimulation. Acupuncture is bearable. Strong magnetic pulse stimulation is the most acceptable because it does not hurt, nor causes discomfort.

　　Zhou Yulin, Liu Hongen, Gao Ling & Feng Ziqiang.
　　Changchun College of TCM, Jilin 130021, China.