A Sense of Proportion 5/5 (37)

Posted on Author Dr. Adrian Larsen 8

Question: What’s the difference between the two graphs below?

graph1

The answer may be a little more complicated than it first appears.

As you can see, both of these graphs have exactly the same values for every meridian. In fact, both of these graphs were produced from the same exam. But one shows all meridians in the normal range, and the other shows a deficient Small Intestine and a split Large Intestine. What gives?

The answer is proportion.

graph2

The graph above is set for what we call “fixed” interpretation values. This means the normal range is set for 15 points above or below the mean, and a 25-point difference makes a split. These values of 15 and 25 work well when your mean is around 100.

But when your mean is low, as in this example, you’ll almost never see anything but green if you use fixed values. In this case, the mean is 29–and therefore the lower end of the normal range is 14. You’re simply not going to see many values below 14, so there’s almost no chance of seeing any deficiency. Similarly, a split of 25 is extremely unlikely.

This is why we developed the proportional measurement system. Under this system, the normal range and split value are both dependent on the mean. If the mean is low, the normal range and split value are smaller. In a case like the one above, the proportional interpretation brings out the true findings. We recommend you use proportional values for all your graphs.

How To Select Proportional Interpretation

To activate this feature, go to the preferences section of AcuGraph by selecting “Preferences” under the AcuGraph menu, or selecting the hammer/wrench icon in the top right of the AcuGraph window. Next, select “Measurement” and choose the exam type you are adjusting–Source, Tsing, or Ryodoraku. Then simply select “Proportional” under the “Calculations” section and hit “Save.”

Repeat this procedure for each of the exam types, and you’ll be all set to get all the information each exam has to offer.

Need a little more help with that? Click on the picture below to watch a video tutorial about proportional interpretation and how to set your AcuGraph.

Please don’t forget to add your comments and questions!

Until next week,

–Dr. Larsen

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Dr. Adrian Larsen

Adrian P. Larsen, D.C., F.A.S.A., C.Ac. Dr. Larsen is President of Miridia Technology Inc., and one of the developers of the AcuGraph Digital Meridian Imaging system. He currently divides his time between research, product development, and teaching. Dr. Larsen also holds certifications in Applied Kinesiology and CPK, and has specialized training in SOT and craniopathy. He, his wife, and 7 children reside in Meridian, Idaho.

8 Replies to “A Sense of Proportion”

  1. sir, i have doubt about the unit that measurement. what is the unit. as per manual it says that the reading can go maximum 200. what is the unit of 200. for example: if we are measuring Blood pressure we have unit “mmHg” like wise what is unit of measuring Qi energy?

    Reply

    1. Historically, Ryodoraku measurement was performed using a current of 200 uA (microamps). The scale originally developed by Dr. Nakatani showed a scale of 0-200 uA conductance. However, 200uA is quite a strong current to use for point measurement and can be uncomfortable for the patient. So modern AcuGraph equipment uses much less current (max of 20uA.) But we retained the traditional scale because it is the standard in this type of work. So the units, though historically uA, now are more for reference than actual units. Technically speaking, the units are tenths of a microamp.

      Just remember that a higher number means higher conductivity and lower resistance.

      -Dr. Larsen

      Reply

  4. Hi Adrian,

    I have come across this once in a while. The balance between the twelve meridians does not necessarilly mark the lack of flow from the eight extraordinary vessels….so the body has compensated the flow of Qi peripherally but the core of Qi is deficient or blocked. These patients are usually Yin deficient withYang expressing degeneration, inflammation and chronic disease or dysfunction. TCM would have the doctor provoke Yang through GV20 to invoke guardian Qi and reveal the level of Yin deficiency. That’s my expereince….hope it helps!

    Dr. Stan

    Reply

  5. hi adrian,

    thanks on the explanation i really learn a lot from you,pls. continue sharing your knowledge with us…

    Reply

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