Skin: Difference between revisions

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Historically, skin color has also been, and often still is, a pretext for arbitrary distinctions between peoples, i.e. [[Race|racism]].
Historically, skin color has also been, and often still is, a pretext for arbitrary distinctions between peoples, i.e. [[Race|racism]].


According to oriental medicine, the skin is composed of acupoints regulating the interaction of the body with the universe, and of a complex network of meridians coordinating the flow of [[Chi]].  
According to oriental medicine, the skin is composed of acupoints regulating the interaction of the body with the universe, and of a complex network of meridians coordinating the flow of [[Qi|Ch'i]] ([[Qi]]).


==Physiology==
==Physiology==
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== In oriental medicine ==
== In oriental medicine ==
Oriental philosophy views the body as a [[microcosm]] interacting with the [[macrocosm]] (the "outer" universe). [[Meridian]]s and [[acupoints]] (acupuncture points) located in the skin are viewed as agents of this interaction. Modern attempts to verify to existence of acupoints on the skin, with the help of functional [[magnetic resonance imaging]] and [[positron emission tomography]] of the brain, suggest that at least some acupoints do exist, although their material substrate remains unkwown.<ref name="pmid16136210">"These studies show that specific and largely predictable areas of brain activation and deactivation occur when considering the traditional Chinese functions attributable to certain specific acupuncture points. For example, points associated with hearing and vision stimulates the visual and auditory cerebral areas respectively".{{cite journal |author=Lewith GT ''& al.'' |title=Investigating acupuncture using brain imaging techniques: the current state of play |journal=Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM |volume=2 |pages=315-9 |year=2005 |month=Sep |pmid=16136210 |url=http://ecam.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/2/3/315}}</ref>
Oriental philosophy views the body as a microcosm interacting with the macrocosm (the "outer" universe). Meridians and acupoints located in the skin are viewed as agents of this interaction. Although the scientific basis for acupuncture is unclear and its potential clinical uses are debated (see [[acupuncture]] for details), neuroimaging studies suggest that at least some points on the skin are distinct entities consistent with the oriental tradition (see [[acupuncture point]] for details).
 


== References ==
== References ==
{{reflist|2}}
{{reflist|2}}

Revision as of 15:50, 19 November 2008

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Skin, which is, surprisingly, the largest human body organ, is located on the outside of the body of humans and other animals. It is a protective, sensory, and endocrine organ. Accumulating evidence also suggest it has a critical role in the whole body's homeostasis.[1] Historically, skin color has also been, and often still is, a pretext for arbitrary distinctions between peoples, i.e. racism.

According to oriental medicine, the skin is composed of acupoints regulating the interaction of the body with the universe, and of a complex network of meridians coordinating the flow of Ch'i (Qi).

Physiology

By convention, the skin is divided into two subcomponents: the dermis and the epidermis.

Dermis

The protein content of the dermis is 90% collagen, or 75% of the total skin weight; the other major component is elastin, which provides elasticity to the skin.

Epidermis

(...) Drugs, physiologic molecules and pollutants can penetrate the body through the skin, in proportion to their lipophilicity (their affinity to fats).

In oriental medicine

Oriental philosophy views the body as a microcosm interacting with the macrocosm (the "outer" universe). Meridians and acupoints located in the skin are viewed as agents of this interaction. Although the scientific basis for acupuncture is unclear and its potential clinical uses are debated (see acupuncture for details), neuroimaging studies suggest that at least some points on the skin are distinct entities consistent with the oriental tradition (see acupuncture point for details).

References

  1. Tobin DJ (2006). "Biochemistry of human skin--our brain on the outside". Chem Soc Rev 35: 52–67. PMID 16365642.