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Introduction To Ryodoraku Treatment
Introduction To Ryodoraku Treatment
Masayoshi Hyodo, M. D.
Department of Anesthesiology,
Takatsuki—city, Osaka
What is Rodoraku?
In 1950, Yoshio Nakatani found a line similar to the kidney meridian, that had a series of
points in which electroconductivity was higher than the surrounding area, when he was
trying to measure skin resistance in general for edematous kidney inflammation cases.
Then, he checked this phenomenon more carefully in ten kidney disease cases and observed
a similar pattern. Healthy subjects did not show this phenomenon. This was restricted to
kidey disease. Therefore, he named this line kidney Ryodoraku (ryo is good, do is [electro]
conductive, raku is line).
After this, he checked various visceral disorder cases in a simlar manner : he recognized a
Ryodoraku corresponding to the classical lung meridian appearing in lung disease, a Ryo-
doraku corresponding to the classical stomach meridian appearing in stomach disease, and so
on.
Since the meridan point is a good electroconductive point, and Ryodoraku which are quite
similar to classic meridians actually appear in various pathological conditions, Nakatani
concluded that the meridian is a Ryodoraku phenomenon.
Nakatani named meridian points by an easy-to-use method : for example, the merdian
(Ryodoraku) of the hand is represented as H, the foot as F. The meridians are numbered
consecutively—Hi, H2, H3, etc.
Namely, H1 Ryodoraku or lung Ryodoraku corresponds to classical lung meridian. H3
Rodoraku or Heart Ryodoraku corresponds to classical heart meridian. They are alike. But,
not completely same. Ryodoraku were discovered experimentally by the measuring of
electroconductivity on the skin. while classical meridians were drawn on the skin from the
idea of conception.
Recently, we re-examined this phenomena in the same way as Nakatani had investigated
30 years ago. This is a patient suffering from kidney disease (Fig. 1 ). The skin surface
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Fig. 1
Fig. 2
performed.
Fig. 3
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permeable points.
When adequate stimulation to a acupoint which has remarkable electroconductivity is
given, an impulse is induced afferently via the sympathetic nerve and autonomic nerve
regulation of the viscera occurs according Mackenzie's Counter-Concept. As a result of this,
electroconductivity at the acupoint is decreased; and the symptom is relieved.
As a matter of fact, Nakatani defines Ryodoraku therapy as measuring skin sympathetic
excitability by means of skin electroresistance and giving stimulation to approach to the
normal excitability renge through the pathway of nerve reflex.
a. A
2 5 7 p. A -"r 1 2 = 2JILA
HI Ryodoraku
Fig. 4
the Hi 3 electroconductive value and thus observe the average change of H1 elec-
troconductivity. This point was named the "representative measuring point (RMP)" on H1.
In this manner, each RMP was found on the 24 Ryodoraku. Intresting enough, most of these
points corresponded to the classical primary meridian point of each meridian.
Ryodoraku therapy
Ryodoraku therapy consists of 3 modalities of treatment.
The first one is General Rugulating Point (GRP), which stimntates Tonic Points and
Sedative Points.
On each Ryodoraku, there are two kinds of points. One is the point which has the tendency
to increase the excitability of the Ryodoraku and the other point has the tendency to decrease
it. The former is called the Excitation or Tonic Point and the later the Dispersion or Sedative
Point.
Nakatani noticed that the Tonic Point corresponds to the excitation point applied for the
emptiness symptoms and the Sedative Point corresponds to the despersion point applied for
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purpose of stimulation physical therapy is to elicit an effective body response against the
disease or disorder. In regard to this, the body has great tendency towards homeostasis; a
slightly inadequate stimulative dose can be adjusted by the body itself.
For the location of therapeutic acupoint, some oldfashioned clinicians insist that the point
should be strictly taken from the anatomical aspect by measuring the exact distance from
certain spot of the body.
Occasionally, the patient is asked to assume a specific position in order to identify exact
location.
However, even though the precise acupuncture point is taken as mentioned above, practical
difficulty is involved in hitting the true physiological or functional acupuncture point.
Therefore, in practice, the therapeutic point is taken with reference to tenderness or indura-
tion by digital palpation.
In Ryodoraku theory, physiologically true acupoint can be objectively found. According to
Nakatani's reactive electro-permeable point, a relatively higher meter reading on the skin
indicates the acupuncture points. Therefore, in Ryodoraku treatment, the anatomically exact
location of each meridian point does not have great significance.
This concept for finding acupuncture points can be applied to local treatment of the painful
area or trigger points. For instance, to find the local therapeutic point for upper back stiffness,
frozen shoulder, or lumbago, one need not necessarily look for the exact classical meridian
points. Good results can be ontained by treating only the reactive electr-permeable points.
The electro-permeable points, the spot of maximum conductance in the area, are located by
the detecting electrode with 21 volt current.
Conductivity at the electro-permeable point is related to sympathetic excitability. Con-
ductivity is much greater at this point than in the surrounding area. When there is some
abnormality underneath the skin or viscera, the sympathetic nerve excitability related to the
skin surface is higher. As a result, the electro-permeable point is clearly discerned.
Many points have relatively higher electro-conductivities when measured at 21 volts.
However, only those exhibiting a conductivity higer than the surrronding area measured at
12 volts are named reactive electroconductivity points (REPP, Hann() Ryodo point).
Electro-permeability is often influenced by perspiration on the skin. When using a metal
detecting electrode on even mildly perspired skin, electropermeability is delicately changed.
However, the electro-permeability is not changed significantly when using a moist electrode.
This phenomenon should be noted because the excitation of the sweat gland is the state of
cell depolarization. Therefore, heavy perspiration, by causing relatively higher elec-
troconductivity, interferes with the search for REPPs.
points" and relatively high electro-permeable points cannot be set, as it is similarly difficult
to distinguish clearly between healthy and sick people. As shown in figure 6, A to G points
are all REPPs. Of course, A to G can all be used as therapeutic points, but general A,C,E, and
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Fig. 6
Fig. 7
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Basedow's Disease
Hi8
Shaku-taku
Fig. 8
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However, it is REPP that counts.. REPP is the site, where electrical conduction is much
higher than surrounding area.
REPP is often influenced by extraneous conditions that sometimes cause misjudgments.
Perspiration changes electro-permeability as described before; scarring of the skin lessens
eleftro—permeability. In contrast, dermatitis, skin dressings, warming, or scabbing heightens
electroconductivity. Also, after needling the skin, the point shows considerably higher
electroconductivity as an artificial REPP.
Electro-permeability tends to rise when the searching electrode is pressed strongly on the
skin. Therefore, pressure applied by the searching electrode should be equal on every spot.
The illustrations show the therapeutic points specially allotted to each disease or symptom,
integrated by the author in reference to various ancient and recent literatures. One example
Main and secondary points are represented, so that even laymen can readily practice as
authorities.
All points shown for each disease are not meant to be therapeutic ponts for one session. The
most important meridian points are underlined. In the initial treatment, one should try only
those ; adding or changing to other therapeutic points after evaluating the results.
In order to locate the most important point, it is recommended to identify it with reference
of REPP. DC electro—therapy to that REPP gives satisfactory result, especially for painful
diseases.