-
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Apr 2017In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture points (APs) have been emphasized as key elements that generate the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. At the spinal cord... (Review)
Review
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture points (APs) have been emphasized as key elements that generate the therapeutic effects of acupuncture. At the spinal cord or supraspinal level, sensory neurons located in the dorsal horn receive an extensive supply of sensory information from skin and muscle receptors through peripheral afferent nerves. The stimulated skin area that influences the activity of a spinal sensory neuron is known as the peripheral receptive field (RF) of that neuron. By considering that a particular AP location involves the activation of one or various RFs, it can be assumed that several sensory central neurons are the site of convergence of the peripheral input generated by acupuncture stimulation. However, stimulation on nonacupoint sites could also activate skin areas with RFs that have been sensitized, and they could be involved in the generation of nonspecific effects of acupuncture, as seen in clinical practice. From the latter, it is suggested that effective APs, and even nonacupoints, are associated with a particular arrangement of RFs, and their study will be useful for understanding the intrinsic mechanisms of acupuncture and for the development and identification of more efficient sites and modes of acupuncture stimulation to evoke optimal therapeutic actions.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Animals; Humans; Sensory Receptor Cells; Skin
PubMed: 28483189
DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2017.01.006 -
Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.) Oct 2015According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, acupoints are specifically chosen sites of acupuncture manipulation, and also the basis for studying the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, acupoints are specifically chosen sites of acupuncture manipulation, and also the basis for studying the mechanism of acupuncture. Stimulating different acupoints on the body surface could provide various therapeutic benefits. However, what is the acupoint? This question is not clear.
REVIEW SUMMARY
We focuse on examining the function of acupoints from different perspectives, including the local and the systemic effects of stimulating acupoints. For example, acupoints may release certain substances or incur some changes, which could adjust the function of organs, maintain homeostasis. Furthermore, the therapeutic effects of verum acupoints versus sham acupoints were discussed. However, due to insufficience in evidence and in current methodologies, research into mechanisms of acupuncture is still incomplete.
CONCLUSION
This review might explain, to some extent, what an acupoint is. Further research into the identity of acupoints is warranted, and multidisciplinary methods using novel technologies may yield significant advances over existing knowledge.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Homeostasis; Humans; Models, Biological; Physical Stimulation; Skin Physiological Phenomena; Viscera
PubMed: 25975413
DOI: 10.1111/pme.12761 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Jun 2024Acupuncture is a typical example of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used in China for hundreds of years to treat a wide range of illnesses. However, in the... (Review)
Review
Acupuncture is a typical example of Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used in China for hundreds of years to treat a wide range of illnesses. However, in the clinic, issues and deficiencies were primarily seen in four areas: loss of accuracy in the operation process; difficulty understanding the depth of acupuncture; difficulty using reinforcing and reducing techniques; and lack of a clear dynamic effect of acupuncture points following acupuncture. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography may quantitatively evaluate the acupuncture location and display the distribution of small nerves near and within the fascia of the acupuncture point in real time. The subjects were asked how they felt about receiving when the needle body reached different depths and different tissues. The obtained from an acupuncture point and the connective tissue of the fascia can be further understood by combining the physiological response of the acupuncture point with the anatomical structure, which offers a new method for defining the nature of the acupuncture point and standardizing the acupuncture point.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Ultrasonography; Acupuncture Points; Musculoskeletal System
PubMed: 38767648
DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20240322.001 -
Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine Jan 2020Modern clinical trials have produced controversial data interpretation which refutes conventional standard teachings and practices. Acupuncture scholars and...
Modern clinical trials have produced controversial data interpretation which refutes conventional standard teachings and practices. Acupuncture scholars and practitioners have been stimulated to scrutinize these trials and analyze conventional practices. This paper presents two acupuncture models which address these issues. One rationalizes the clinical trial results with newer understanding of acupuncture points and techniques, while the other reconciles these results with rediscovered techniques of palpating points and performing needling. These two models indicate that acupuncture is in transition from classical model to evidence-based models.
Topics: Acupuncture; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans
PubMed: 31705449
DOI: 10.1007/s11655-019-3177-5 -
Zhonghua Yi Shi Za Zhi (Beijing, China... Sep 2023Based on the features of the Chinese constellation Kuixiu() as seen in archaeological and documentary historical materials and the fact that it is also known as Quepen...
Based on the features of the Chinese constellation Kuixiu() as seen in archaeological and documentary historical materials and the fact that it is also known as Quepen (), the reason why the pelvis was named Quepen was discussed. To verify the relationship between Jian gu (,Clavicle and shoulder blades) and Quepen on the basis of Kui in qinjian rishu corresponds to the term Jian shang () on the Divination Birth Chart() in bamboo strips of Former Han Dynasty collected byPeking University.Taking the Huangdi Neijing and other relevant documents as clues, the reason of "quepen" may refer to the jugular notch is clarifid.Taking the two acupoints of "quepen" and "Tianshu" as examples, it reveals the habit of the ancients to use the names of human body parts and transfer them to the names of acupoints.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Points
PubMed: 37935515
DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.cn112155-20200902-00135 -
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu = Chinese Acupuncture... Jan 2017We retrieve and analyze the articles on body surface temperature of acupoints in the recent 50 years. Surface temperatures have been compared between acupoints and... (Review)
Review
We retrieve and analyze the articles on body surface temperature of acupoints in the recent 50 years. Surface temperatures have been compared between acupoints and nonacupoints, and among acupoints in different states. The impacts of interventions for acupoint temperature are explored, including acupuncture,moxibustion and cupping, etc. We summarize the features and the rules of acupoint skin temperature. It is considered that there exists distribution rule for healthy people's acupoint skin temperature. That means acupoints have higher surface temperature than nonacupoints. In the same meridian the nearer acupoints close to the head and trunk, the higher the temperature is. The difference in symmetrical acupoints temperatures between the left and right side is about 0.5℃. In the different meridians the skin temperatures of adjacent acpoints are similar. The changes of acupoint's skin temperature in illness can be used as the auxiliary diagnosis. Acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping can produce acupoints stimulating, metabolism improving, balance, acupoint temperature regulating. Thus,diseases are relieved. The specificity and regularity that acupoint's skin temperature presents may be one of the manifestations of the acupoint specificity, also it is an important starting point of the research on acupoint sensitization. The further studies should consider different diseases and modern biological engineering techniques, so that more rules of acupoints temperature can be found by more sensitive and objective temperature measurements as well as experimental and the mathematical models.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Humans; Meridians; Moxibustion; Skin Temperature
PubMed: 29231335
DOI: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.2017.01.029 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Apr 2019A number of studies have examined the accuracy and precision of acupuncture point location across various point location methods. Accuracy of point location is essential...
A number of studies have examined the accuracy and precision of acupuncture point location across various point location methods. Accuracy of point location is essential for safe, efficacious and reliable treatments and valid reproducible research outcomes. This review aims to identify, summarize, compare and critically appraise available empirical studies relating to the accuracy and precision of acupuncture point location. A comprehensive search of five electronic databases, World Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Google scholar was performed for studies investigating accuracy and precision in acupuncture point location. 771 studies were screened of which 14 studies were identified, including 9 studies that investigated the localization of acupoints and 5 studies that examined the cun measurement system. Considerable variation in localization of acupoints was reported among qualified medical acupuncturists. Variation in point location among qualified non-medical acupuncturists is unknown due to lack of any identified study. The directional method was found to be significantly inaccurate and imprecise in all studies that evaluated the method. Suitability of other methods for clinical and research purposes and influencing factors such as education, training and experience were identified as topics for future studies.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Humans
PubMed: 30396004
DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.10.009 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Jun 2017This study aims to explore the potential use of ultrasound in locating the second posterior sacral foramen acupuncture point, quantifying depth of insertion and...
This study aims to explore the potential use of ultrasound in locating the second posterior sacral foramen acupuncture point, quantifying depth of insertion and describing surrounding anatomical structures. We performed acupuncture needle insertion on a study team member. There were four steps in our experiment. First, the acupuncturist located the acupuncture point by palpation. Second, we used an ultrasound machine to visualize the structures surrounding the location of the acupuncture point and measure the depth required for needle insertion. Third, the acupuncturist inserted the acupuncture needle into the acupuncture point at an angle of 30°. Fourth, we performed another ultrasound scan to ensure that the needle was in the desired location. Results suggested that ultrasound could be used to locate the acupuncture point and estimate the depth of needle insertion. The needle was inserted to a depth of 4.0 cm to reach the surface of the sacral foramen. Based on Pythagoras theorem, taking a needle insertion angle of 30° and a needle insertion depth of 4.0 cm, the estimated perpendicular depth is 1.8 cm. An ultrasound scan corroborated the depth of 1.85 cm. The use of an ultrasound-guided technique for needle insertion in acupuncture practice could help standardize the treatment. Clinicians and students would be able to visualize and measure the depth of the sacral foramen acupuncture point, to guide the depth of needle insertion. This methodological guide could also be used to create a standard treatment protocol for research. A similar mathematical guide could also be created for other acupuncture points in future.
Topics: Acupuncture; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Humans; Sacrum; Spinal Cord; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 28712482
DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2017.03.001 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Dec 2017Autism is considered as a complex developmental disability that appears during the first two years of life. It is considered as a neurological disorder that affects... (Review)
Review
Autism is considered as a complex developmental disability that appears during the first two years of life. It is considered as a neurological disorder that affects brain function leading to impaired development in social interaction and communication skills. Some clinical trials demonstrated that certain acupuncture points play relatively significant role in improving both signs and symptoms of this disease. Owing to limited information available about acupuncture point's combination and protocols, the present study aimed to explore the most frequently used acupuncture points and their channels for children with autism. Thirteen articles about autism enhancement were selected from 2007 to 2015. Acupoints and their channels used in these articles were analyzed according to usage frequencies. The present study identified the following main channels that contribute to autism symptoms enhancement along with the corresponding points' frequencies: Governing Vessel channel (12), Gall bladder channel (9), Kidney channel (8), Pericardium channel (7), Extra points channel (7), Liver channel (7), Heart channel (6), Conception vessel channel (6), and Bladder channel (6). On the other hand, the frequency of each corresponding acupuncture points are EX-HN1 (5), GV-17 (4), PC-6 (4), LR-3 (3), KI-3 (3), HT-7 (3), Lu-9 (3), GV-20 (2), GV-24 (2), GV-24.5 (2), GB-13(2), GB-19 (2), KI-4 (2), LR-4 (2), ST-36 (2), SP-3 (2), SP-6 (2). In conclusion, the consensus is that both channels and points may have an important role in autism symptoms enhancement. Based on the present study, the specific channels and points selection and stimulation types need further investigation through clinical trials.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Autistic Disorder; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Meridians
PubMed: 29275793
DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2017.09.001 -
Journal of Integrative Medicine Jan 2019Acupuncture guidelines have advised caution when treating women during pregnancy, because historical "forbidden" acupuncture points are believed to stimulate miscarriage...
OBJECTIVE
Acupuncture guidelines have advised caution when treating women during pregnancy, because historical "forbidden" acupuncture points are believed to stimulate miscarriage or early labor. Despite recent research demonstrating that acupuncture is a useful and safe treatment tool for pregnancy-related low-back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP), it is postulated that fear of miscarriage and subsequent blame by association, restricts its provision. More recently, an increase in dry needling (DN) courses for physiotherapists has potentiated the rapid growth in DN practice in New Zealand (NZ). Many dry needlers do not consider DN to be a form of acupuncture; it is unknown if they have similar safety concerns.
METHODS
NZ registered physiotherapists practicing acupuncture and/or DN were invited to participate in an electronic survey to examine their practice and level of understanding in regard to safe needling during pregnancy.
RESULTS
Of 124 respondents, only 60 (48%) would needle pregnant women, with a further 66% of those still expressing safety concerns. NZ physiotherapists practicing DN only, were more likely to needle areas related to "forbidden" points in all trimesters. However, overall, NZ physiotherapists were less likely to needle "forbidden" points than their UK peers.
CONCLUSION
Conflicting literature and a "fear of blame" influences NZ physiotherapists' decisions to offer needling (both acupuncture and DN) during pregnancy. Further training in this field is recommended to ensure safe practice and adequate provision of acupuncture treatment options for pregnant women suffering musculoskeletal pain, such as LBP and PGP. Further research, particularly into DN, for women during pregnancy, is warranted.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Adult; Aged; Attitude; Dry Needling; Fear; Female; Humans; Low Back Pain; Middle Aged; New Zealand; Pelvic Pain; Physical Therapists; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Young Adult
PubMed: 30528519
DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2018.11.006