Development and Evaluation of the Multi-frequency Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis Analyzer for Estimating Acupoint Composition

The purpose of this study was to suggest a new method of estimating acupoint compositions using a multi-frequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) method at 5 kHz, 50 kHz and 200 kHz within 2 cm of acupoints divided into local segments. To verify the system developed, we confirmed the stable occurrence of a constant current at every frequency, regardless of the impedance connected to the electrodes. Moreover, we found left and right distal biceps brachii aponeurosis to be identical using ultrasound imaging and analyzed the repeatability of these findings after measuring the system developed in 10 consecutive sets (p >0.05). To evaluate the practical use of the acupoint composition, we used the MF-BIA analyzer to measure the left and right LU3, LU4, and LU9 at the lung meridian. We confirmed that the potentials generated were equal to the changes of the cell membrane function, which was caused by the applied frequency (p < 0.01). We also verified that the MF-BIA analyzer measurements corresponded to the acupoint components by comparing the left and right potentials generated (p > 0.05). Hence, we concluded that the MF-BIA analyzer could estimate the acupoint composition based on the acupoint state.