A05. Surface Anatomical Positioning of the 2nd and 3rd Shoulder Signal Points of Court-type Thai Massage in Male Humans

Abstract

Introduction: The 2^nd and 3^rd shoulder signal points are on the neck region of the human body which are essential for the examining and massaging of symptoms in Thai traditional medicine.

Objective: This research aimed to identify the 2^nd and 3^rd shoulder signal points on the x and y - coordination of male human body.

Methods: The thirty healthy male volunteers (18-22 years, 65-75 kg. weight, 170-179 cm. height and BMI = 18.5-24.9) were included in this research. They were divided into groups A B C and matched with the reference persons A B C consecutively. After the 2^nd and 3^rd shoulder signal points were identified by the reference persons, the lateral aspect of the mastoid process was tagged as the surface anatomical landmark. Then the photograph was recorded. The 2^nd and 3^rd shoulder signal points were measured with the ImageJ software.

Results: The lateral aspect of mastoid process was the origin of the x and y coordination. The average distance of 2^nd shoulder signal point was at x = 0.7±0.6 cm.; y = -8.2±0.9 cm. in group A, x = 0.0±1.2 cm.; y = -8.7±0.9 cm. in group B, and x = 2.6±1.4 cm.; y = -14.5±1.1 cm. in group C. The distance of 3^rd shoulder signal point was x = 0.8±0.3 cm.; y = -9.2±1.0 cm. in group A, x = 0.8±0.9 cm.; y = -11.5±1.3 cm. in group B, and x = 2.3±1.4 cm.; y = -15.2±1.1 cm. in group C. The average of intersection of 2^nd and 3^rd shoulder signal points were at x = 1.1±1.6 cm; y = -10.5±3.0 cm. and x = 1.3±1.2 cm.;
y = -11.9±2.7 cm. consecutively.

Conclusion: The signal points of court-type Thai massage could be manifested into the universal form and the surface anatomical landmark should be considered for identifying accurately.