Objective: To test Kangwei electric meridian diagnosing apparatus in clinic for diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: From Nov, 1998 to Jul, l999, Kangwei electfic meridian diagnosing apparatus was used to test the patients' 24 source points of the l2 meridians of hand and foot in clinic of Beijing University of TCM. 45 cases were observed. The majority of the diseases were osteoarthropathy, Including rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic arthritis, lumbar vertebrae related diseases and some common assorted diseases. In the testing process, the peripheral line of the apparatus was attached to the patient's right forearm. The 12 source points were moistened with normal saline for testing. Then the testing stick was applied to these points in sequence to make the test. In order for good contact between the testing stick and the skin, the pressure exerted evenly and perpendicularly.

When the curve concerning the meridian appeared on the screen, the testing stick was removed to another source point.The process was repeated until all the points tested.

Results: (1) The graph appearing on this apparatus is closely associated with illness in viscera and meridians, which were determined by TCM differentiation of syndromes. The graphs appearing on this apparatus in 71.1% conformity with il1ness in viscera and meridians. So the resu1ts can be taken as objective index for diagnosing visceral disease. It brings remarkable reference value to diagnosis; (2) The graphs appearing on this apparatus in combination with differentiation of syndromes according to states of viscera can be taken as basis for selecting acupoints in clinic. It has the value of directing clinical treatment; (3) Statistical analysis of curative effect of acupuncture after a treatment course shows that the remarkably effective rate is 32%, the effective rate is 56% and the total effective rate is 88%. The effective rate appears more evident according to change in graphs after a acupuncture treatment course. This suggests that the improvement showing in graph is more obvious than that of symptoms. The mechanism remains to be studied.

By Zhang Ji, Zhang Ruoruo, Zhang Jun & Wang Li.