Electro-Meridian Imaging (EMI) Assessment

In 1950, Yoshito Nakatani, M.D., Ph.D. discovered that in patients with nephritis, kidney meridian had an increased electrical conductivity. However, he was not able to find the same phenomenon in healthy patients. Further research showed that this is true for other organ groups and corresponding acupuncture meridians. He named these lines ryodoraku (ryo-good, do-electro conductive, raku-line) and, depending on where they started, called them, either H1-H6 (hands) or F1-F6 (feet). These names are used interchangeably with the classical meridian names. E.g. H1 is the lung meridian, H2 is the pericardium, etc.

Later it was also discovered, that in other cases the meridians had poor conductivity. These values showed a correlation with symptoms, displayed by the patient. This resulted in a variety of data charts.

This method has been developed further and improved significantly since the 1950s. Currently, acupuncture practitioners, using Nakatani’s technique, can draw detailed conclusions about the patient’s diagnosis and the best course of treatment.

Margo’s Clinic offers a Nakatani diagnostic procedure (Electro-Meridian Imaging) with every free consultation:

How Electro-Meridian Imaging Works

Electro-Meridian Imaging (EMI), based on Nakatani’s Ryodoraku method, is a painless diagnostic tool that measures the electrical conductivity of acupuncture points on your hands and feet. The procedure takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes and involves placing a small probe on 24 specific acupuncture points — 12 on each side of the body.

The measurements are displayed as a graph that reveals which meridians (energy pathways) are overactive, underactive, or balanced. This provides Margo with an objective, data-driven picture of your body’s energetic state, which complements the traditional pulse and tongue diagnosis used in acupuncture.

What the Results Tell Us

The Ryodoraku graph maps your body’s 12 primary meridians, each corresponding to an organ system. Values that fall outside the normal range indicate areas of imbalance:

• High readings may indicate inflammation, excess energy, or acute conditions in the associated organ system
• Low readings may suggest deficiency, chronic weakness, or reduced function
• Left-right imbalances can point to one-sided tension, nerve compression, or localized issues

By identifying these imbalances before symptoms fully develop, we can design a targeted acupuncture treatment plan that addresses the root cause of your health concerns — not just the symptoms.

Benefits of EMI Diagnosis

• Completely painless and non-invasive
• Provides objective measurements to track treatment progress over time
• Helps identify health imbalances before they become symptomatic
• Guides personalized acupuncture treatment planning
• Takes only 15 to 20 minutes

Who Can Benefit from EMI?

Electro-Meridian Imaging is suitable for virtually all patients. It is especially valuable for:

• New patients seeking a comprehensive initial assessment
• Patients with complex or multiple health concerns
• Those who want to track their treatment progress objectively
• Anyone curious about their body’s energetic balance

EMI at Margo’s Clinic in Toronto

Margaryta Goncharenko has been using Electro-Meridian Imaging as a cornerstone of her diagnostic practice for over two decades. Having trained as a physician in Western medicine before studying traditional Chinese medicine, Margo combines the objective data from EMI readings with her clinical expertise in pulse diagnosis, tongue analysis, and patient history to form a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s health.

At our Toronto clinic, EMI is included as part of every free consultation. This means you can experience the benefits of this advanced diagnostic tool at no cost during your first visit. For returning patients, periodic EMI assessments allow us to track treatment progress and adjust your plan as your health improves. In the weight loss program, for example, the first EMI assessment helps identify whether digestion, fluid balance or the stress response needs the most support.

The Science Behind Ryodoraku

Since Nakatani’s original discovery, the Ryodoraku method has been studied in clinical research in Japan, China, and across the Western world. Some studies suggest that the electrical measurements may correlate with autonomic nervous system activity, offering a possible link between traditional meridian theory and modern biomedical understanding. This research may give practitioners and patients additional context for the diagnostic information that EMI provides.

The data collected during an EMI session is stored electronically, creating a health record that can be referenced over time. This allows Margo to compare your current readings with previous assessments, which may help inform decisions about the frequency and type of future sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the EMI procedure hurt?
Not at all. The probe delivers a very mild electrical current that most patients cannot even feel. The entire procedure is completely painless, non-invasive, and requires no special preparation.

How long does an EMI assessment take?
The measurement process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Margo will then spend additional time reviewing the results with you and explaining what the readings mean for your health and treatment plan.

Can children or elderly patients have EMI?
Yes. Electro-Meridian Imaging is safe for patients of all ages. The gentle nature of the procedure makes it suitable for children, seniors, and patients with sensitive health conditions. It is also safe for pregnant women, making it a versatile diagnostic tool for our entire patient community.

Book a free consultation to experience Electro-Meridian Imaging and discover how this advanced diagnostic tool can benefit your health journey.