Electro-Meridian Imaging

In 1950, Dr. Yoshito Nakatani, M.D., Ph.D. has 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 1950’s. 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 Dr. 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 Dr. 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 15–20 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

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

FREE CONSULTATION