Electroacupuncture According to Voll (EAV)

EAV Testing Indirectly Measures the "Energetic System" of the Body

It does not measure the physiology, the biochemistry, or the pathology of the human body. However, the "energetic system" is related to these components from the standpoint of physics, not chemistry.

Acupuncture is a science that works with the energetic system of the body. The human body is biochemical (physical). It has an electrical component and also an energetic aspect. The acupuncture meridians are a communication and energetic flow network.

"Energetic," in this sense, is a somewhat elusive term. The meridians do possess some form of energy, but it is not electricity. There is a controversy about the validity of acupuncture because scientists cannot directly measure the energetic system of the body — they cannot prove that acupuncture meridians exist using conventional measurements. It is important to keep this in mind: EAV does not directly measure the acupuncture/energetic system. This is not scientifically possible at this time. However, there is a bio-physiological phenomenon that occurs when you run electricity through the acupuncture points. The electrical flow (conductance) gives us an indication of the energetic health status of the meridian being tested.

The "Universal Baseline" Makes EAV a Viable Testing Modality

The EAV/ohm meter provides conductance readings, and there is intrinsic value in this. However, the actual reason we can use EAV to evaluate the meridians is because, as Dr. Voll discovered, there is a universal baseline. Regardless of who is tested — no matter their age, weight, sex, nationality, or race — a reading of 50 with no change over time (no indicator drop) indicates an energetically healthy meridian. Readings significantly above 50 (65 and above) indicate inflammation, as inflamed tissue causes an increase in body fluid concentration, thereby increasing conductance. When a reading is significantly lower than 50 (below 30), it is believed that the meridian is low energy or possibly degenerative. When a reading steadily drops from its high point, this is known as an "indicator drop" (ID), and it can point to a weakness or disturbance in the meridian.

EAV Is a Valid Health Screening Modality Because the Test Readings Are Reproducible

If you take a patient and have three well-trained EAV practitioners test that same patient (points only, not different remedies), one practitioner following the other, you will get essentially the same results. There will be slight differences, but the overall test will be consistent. The operative factor here is "well trained." There is a specific technique to EAV testing, and it can be learned. The key is learning how to obtain a correct reading on a particular point.

The acupuncture points lie close to the bone in the fascia between the bone and the overlying tissue. To test a meridian point, you must position the point probe electrode close to the bone. The challenge is that the point has a specific location, and the skin covers that location. It is very easy to disturb the skin when taking a reading, causing the readings to elevate dramatically. It is also difficult to find the exact point location. The process of learning EAV involves basic techniques as well as developing a sense of feel. Learning EAV is similar to learning a musical instrument — anyone can tap a key and play a note on a piano, but it takes practice and feeling to turn those notes into music.

EAV Requires Both Art and Science

Every EAV device is a technical instrument, but without the intuitive feeling of the practitioner, it is insufficient for testing acupuncture points. This sensitivity and feeling is a fundamental component of medicine. Good acupuncturists feel where to place needles. Good chiropractors feel where and how to adjust. A good psychotherapist must go beyond the words a patient is saying and intuit what is being conveyed.

EAV Is Valuable Because It Provides Powerful, Energetic Insight

Keep in mind that EAV indirectly tests the energetic system — not the physiology, biochemistry, or pathology of the body. Any inference about the health of the body through EAV must remain within the domain of energetically related indications. EAV status is closely related to all of these other factors and can serve as an indicator or qualitative screening tool, but it is not testing the actual physiology, biochemistry, or pathology directly.