Application of Propensity Scores to Estimate the Association Between Cardiovascular Disease and Meridian Energy

Background: According to the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the physiological and pathological changes of the internal organs are presented on the external manifestation through meridian energy. But no documentation is available which shows the actual impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) on meridian energy.

Purpose: This paper reports a study to describe the physiological indicators and the meridian energy among adult people. Also, the study explored the net impact of CVD on yin, yang, and overall meridian energy.

Methods: A health examination data at a university hospital in Taipei from 1^st August 2005 through 31^stDecember 2011 was used for the present study. Adult participants who accepted physiological and meridian energy examination at the same day were enrolled. The physiological examination was the blood-test and diagnosis data from the medical charts. Meridian energy was examined using a meridian energy analysis device. Linear regression was calculated to compare the differences of meridian energy between with and without CVD group, giving adjusted the propensity score.

Results: The mean meridian energy of 2,875adult participants was 24.5 (SD =18.1). Eighty six participants (2.99%) had actual cardiovascular disease. The regression model showed current cardiovascular disease was negatively associated yin, yang, and overall meridian energy (overall: adjusted β = -6.03, 95% CI:-9.95 to -0.21; yin: adjusted β = -6.16, 95% CI:-10.35 to -1.97; yang: adjusted β = -5.89, 95% CI:-9.67 to -2.12).

Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that the cardiovascular disease was related to lower meridian energy. Whether enhancing meridian energy could improve cardiovascular function merits further studies.