'Prognoz' Among Other EPD Methods & Devices
There is currently a large number of diagnostic systems that may be referred to as systems of electropunctural diagnostics (EPD).
However, due to the lack of a clear classification, confusion often arises with ordinary users in perception of this diversity. In order to definitively show the position of ‘Prognoz’ EPD among other systems, NTK Integrative Systems proposes a classification based on following points:
- purpose of an EPD system, i.e. what task was originally supposed to be performed with the help of such diagnostics and, accordingly, what target group of subjects and manipulations the system was initially aimed at;
- type of electrophysical parameter registered from the skin;
- methodology for obtaining this electrophysical parameter with the focus on the degree of its intrusiveness, reproducibility, and subjective component;
- methods of analyzing the measurements obtained.
According to the second point of this classification, ‘Prognoz ‘ EPD operates with values of electrical resistance of the skin. In this subdomain of EPD, the rest of the systems are divided mainly into two large groups: those built according to the Y. Nakatani method, and according to the R. Voll method. Actually, these two methods deal with the concepts of ‘measured current’ / ‘measured voltage’, but they are obviously related to electrocutaneous resistance (ECR) by Ohm's law.
It is important to understand that the skin is a non-linear transient object of measurement i.e. the values obtained depend on the test signal applied. For example, if measuring the current passing through the skin under voltage of 12 V yields amperage value of 100 μA, this does not at all imply that at 1.2 V the value will be 10 μA. Therefore, the obtained ‘indicators’ of the state of the skin depend on the methodology for their registration (see point 3 in the classification). As a consequence, when the measurement methodology changes, the method of interpreting the data must also be adapted accordingly (point 4 of the classification). In this regard, when encountering statements such as 'we use a modified method of Y.Nakatani with a reduced value of the measuring voltage' the question arises about the legitimacy of using the classic variant of diagnostic interpretation. That is, the assertion that in this example the diagnosis can be performed according to Y. Nakatani is rather dubious.
The 'Prognoz' system differs from both groups mentioned above primarily in the methodology for obtaining data
the purpose of which is to ensure the required degree of non-invasiveness while achieving good reproducibility of the results. Therefore, the electric effect of measurements with ‘Prognoz’ EPD is much weaker than in the systems based on methods of Y. Nakatani and R. Voll. For example, a fairly large number of published works show that electric signals close in amperage to those used in the Y. Nakatani method have not only a testing, but also an uncontrolled stimulating effect on the skin of the subject, and potentially on the internal organ(s) reflectively associated with the place of measurement. This leads to a significant change in the electrophysical properties of the skin in the measurement area, and, as a result, makes it virtually impossible to perform adequate repeated measurements necessary for dynamic diagnostics. On the contrary, the measuring signal used in ‘Prognoz’ EPD was initially calculated based on the condition of non-invasive measurements, and practically does effect changes on the place of measurement.
Another distinguishing feature of registration of ECR according to the ‘Prognoz’ method is a high degree of automation of the measurements,
which significantly reduces the requirements for an operator and thus eliminates the ‘subjective error’.
As is known, in the systems built by method of R. Voll the methodology of skin measurements and the adopted design of measuring instruments are such that the stability and reproducibility of measurements largely depend on the operator’s training. Steps have been taken in the development of ‘Prognoz’ EPD to eliminate the negative impact when the device is used by a person without prolonged specialized training. These design features include limiting the time of a single measurement, calibrating the pressing force on the skin and maintaining constancy of the contact area between the measuring instruments and the measurement site.
The positioning of known EPD methods with respect to the factors considered above (the degree of intrusiveness, the degree of subjective error) is schematically presented in the illustrations.
The data analysis methods implemented in ‘Prognoz’ EPD are quite universal.
Both the so-called ‘archaic’ diagnostic model can be used, which is built on the bases of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as modern statistical models. In the latter case, the most promising is the diagnostic model based on the ‘individual relative norm’, which is formed on the basis of accumulated measurements of a particular person. It is also necessary to mention dynamic statistical models based on stress tests and response evaluation.
According to its purpose, ‘Prognoz’ is a testing EPD systembased on a high level of reproducibility of results with a non-invasive measurement process. As such, it performs best in dynamic studies due to a reasonable compromise between the non-invasiveness of the measuring process and the stability of results obtained.
This is also the reason why can be organically included in assorted original health improvement processes, including for the purpose of objectifying their results and further optimizing the therapeutic process.
