Heterogeneity of skin surface oxygen level of wrist in relation to acupuncture point.

The distribution of partial oxygen pressure (pO(2)) is analyzed for the anterior aspect of the left wrist with an amperometric oxygen microsensor composed of a small planar Pt disk-sensing area (diameter = 25 μm). The pO(2) levels vary depending on the measurement location over the wrist skin, and they are systematically monitored in the analysis for both one-dimensional single line (along the wrist transverse crease) and two-dimensional square area of the wrist region. Relatively higher pO(2) values are observed at certain area in close proximity to the position of acupuncture points with statistical significance, indicating strong relationship between oxygen and acupuncture point. The used oxygen microsensor is sensitive enough to detect the pO(2) variation depending on the location. This study may provide information helpful to understand possible physiological roles of the acupuncture points.