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Dr. Motoyama was not the first person to measure energy flow in the body beyond the electrical energies of the
heart and brain. In the 1950s, a German physician named Reinhold Voll merged his understanding of acupuncture
and electricity to create an electroacupuncture system. His original instrument was later modified and simplified
by his student Helmut Schimmel. The system was called the "EAV." [1] Later generations were called "VEGA." Since
then dozens of variations from many companies have appeared. A more generic term has been adopted, electrodermal
testing. Sometimes you will find another label applied: MSA or Meridian Stress Assessment. [2]
All these devices, like Dr. Motoyama's AMI, measure the galvanic response of the skin. Skeptics believe that,
since these devices are just simple galvanometers that measure the resistivity of the skin surface, they have
no diagnostic value. Proponents argue that the body's meridians are low resistance pathways along which Chi
(i.e., electromagnetic fields) flow. When a pathway is no longer showing low resistance, the meridian has
become blocked and the Chi is no longer flowing properly.
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These concerns include variations in results depending upon the operator and variations in interpretation by
operators who have different levels of experience. In the EAV and VEGA devices, the degree of pressure being
applied to the probe affects the strength of the signal received. If one operator pushes a little harder than
another operator, the results will be very different. The Prognos avoids this problem by incorporating a
feedback sound indicating when the right amount of pressure has been applied. The probe's spring-loaded tip
ensures that a constant pressure is applied. [3]
The Prognos software also interprets the readings directly, rather than leaving it up to the operator.
Within its database the Prognos stores standard meridian readings that are used to calibrate the results
and determine if the subject is being stressed due to a wide variety of causes: bacterial infection,
parasite infection, toxicity due to metals, hormone or vitamin deficiencies, etc.
[4]
The whole area of measuring energy along meridians has engendered strong opinions by both proponents and
skeptics. The interested reader may wish to investigate both sides of this debate further. For the skeptics'
view, visit Quackwatch, which has compiled a good report on Quack Electrodiagnostic Devices. [5] From the other
side, the CIHS has presented research it has been involved with and other's findings that support the case
for these devices. [6]
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1 -- Electro-Acupuncture, according to Voll.
2 -- More history on the EVA and Dr. Voll can be found at the VeraDyne Corporation at
www.veradyne.com/electrodermal_analysis.html.
3 -- This question of variability and reliability of the Prognos was the subject of a
study in 2004 by the University of Portland's
Kaiser-Permanente Center for Health Research. The first objective of the study was "to characterize and calibrate
an electrodermal screening device." The team concluded "Prognos performs accurately, against known resistors over
the reported range of electrical skin resistance."
4 -- Further details about the Prognos can be found at
www.medprevent.com. The most detail can be found at www.Prognos.info. Unlike the AMI the Prognos is being offered to anyone so there is a
good chance that the reader may be able to find a naturopath who uses the Prognos. The earlier VEGA devices are even
more widely used but do suffer from the dual drawbacks of variability in results and interpretation.
5 --
www.quackwatch.org/01QuackeryRelatedTopics/electro.html.
6 -- At
www.cihs.edu/whatsnew/research.asp.
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Our exploration of the energy body, the second kosha, has revealed benefits of the Yin Yoga practice
beyond those we discovered in the physical body. The Eastern understanding of energy was developed through
centuries of experience: trials and errors. The maps written by the ancient yogis show within the body pathways
of communication along which healing energies spread out and help maintain or heal the body. We discovered that
recent investigations in the West have uncovered similar pathways for communication, and multiple energetic media
that also nurture the body. The exercises and massages incorporated into our yoga practice stimulate these
energies and open the pathways, allowing healing information to flow unimpeded throughout our systems. With
this understanding in mind, our journey now takes us to the deeper koshas, where we will discover how Yin
Yoga can assist in promoting our mental and emotional health.
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