Infrared radiation spectrum of acupuncture point on patients with coronary heart disease

The objective of this study was to compare the acupoint infrared radiation spectrums of patients and healthy volunteers to show whether those of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients carry distinctive pathological information. PHE201, using a highly sensitive infrared spectrum detection device applied to the acupoint Neiguan (PC6) and to a control point on 50 CHD patients and 47 healthy adults. A total of 73 wavelength spots were detected. The scanned wavelengths ranged from 1.5 microm to 16 microm, and the scanning spacing was 0.2 microm. The data were automatically recorded in the database of the device for statistical analysis. Infrared radiation intensities of 23 in the 73 detected wavelength spots significantly differed in the CHD patients' Neiguan as compared to those of the healthy subjects (from p=0.048 to p=0.002), while only 12 wavelength spots at a non-acupuncture control point showed significant differences. By the chi(2) test, these differences between Neiguan and the non-acupuncture control point are statistically significant (p=0.033). At 2-2.5 microm, which is related to energy metabolism, the intensity at the CHD patients' Neiguan was significantly lower than that of the healthy adults (from p=0.026 to p=0.017). No difference was observed at the non-acupuncture control point (from p=0.094 to p=0.052). The data suggest that the changes of infrared spectrum at Neiguan in coronary heart disease patients may reflect the distinct pathological changes. This may be the result of hypoactive energy metabolism in the area of the acupoint.