-
Frontiers in Immunology 2023The system physiology approaches that emerge in western countries in recent years echo the holistic view of ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices that... (Review)
Review
The system physiology approaches that emerge in western countries in recent years echo the holistic view of ancient Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices that deal with the root, rather than only the symptoms of diseases. Particularly, TCM practices, including acupuncture, emphasize the mobilization of self-healing mechanisms to bring back body homeostasis. Acupuncture has been practiced for over two thousand years to modulate body physiology stimulation at specific body regions (acupoints). With the development of various research on acupuncture therapy, its regulatory effect on the immune system has been gradually recognized, especially on immunological diseases, including infectious and allergic diseases. In this study, we reviewed the immunomodulatory mechanism of acupuncture and systematically integrates existing research to respectively elucidate the modulatory mechanisms of acupuncture on the innate immune system, adaptive immune system, and well-known neuroanatomical mechanisms, including intact somatosensory-autonomic reflex pathway. With the advances made in recent systems physiology studies, we now have a great opportunity to gain insight into how acupuncture modulates immunity, and subsequently improves its efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Therapy; Acupuncture; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Acupuncture Points; Hypersensitivity
PubMed: 37090714
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1147718 -
Cells Mar 2022Mast cells are widely distributed in various parts of the human body and play a vital role in the progression of many diseases. Recently, the close relationship between... (Review)
Review
Mast cells are widely distributed in various parts of the human body and play a vital role in the progression of many diseases. Recently, the close relationship between mast cells and acupoints was elucidated, and the role of mast cells in acupuncture analgesia has attracted the attention of researchers worldwide. Using mast cells, acupuncture analgesia and acupoint as key words to search CNKI, PubMed, Web of Science and other databases, combining the representative articles in these databases with the published research papers of our group, we summarized: The enrichment of mast cells and the dense arrangement of collagen fibers, microvessels, and nerves form the basis for acupoints as the reaction sites of acupuncture; acupuncture can cause the deformation of collagen fibers and activate TRPV channels on mast cells membrane, so as to stimulate mast cells to release bioactive substances and activate nerve receptors to generate analgesic effect; system biology models are set up to explain the quantitative process of information initiation and transmission at acupuncture points, and indicate that the acupuncture effect depends on the local mast cells density. In a conclusion, this review will give a scientific explanation of acupuncture analgesia from the material basis of acupoints, the local initiation, and afferent biological mechanism.
Topics: Acupuncture Analgesia; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Collagen; Humans; Mast Cells
PubMed: 35269483
DOI: 10.3390/cells11050860 -
Nature Oct 2021Somatosensory autonomic reflexes allow electroacupuncture stimulation (ES) to modulate body physiology at distant sites (for example, suppressing severe systemic...
Somatosensory autonomic reflexes allow electroacupuncture stimulation (ES) to modulate body physiology at distant sites (for example, suppressing severe systemic inflammation). Since the 1970s, an emerging organizational rule about these reflexes has been the presence of body-region specificity. For example, ES at the hindlimb ST36 acupoint but not the abdominal ST25 acupoint can drive the vagal-adrenal anti-inflammatory axis in mice. The neuroanatomical basis of this somatotopic organization is, however, unknown. Here we show that PROKR2-marked sensory neurons, which innervate the deep hindlimb fascia (for example, the periosteum) but not abdominal fascia (for example, the peritoneum), are crucial for driving the vagal-adrenal axis. Low-intensity ES at the ST36 site in mice with ablated PROKR2-marked sensory neurons failed to activate hindbrain vagal efferent neurons or to drive catecholamine release from adrenal glands. As a result, ES no longer suppressed systemic inflammation induced by bacterial endotoxins. By contrast, spinal sympathetic reflexes evoked by high-intensity ES at both ST25 and ST36 sites were unaffected. We also show that optogenetic stimulation of PROKR2-marked nerve terminals through the ST36 site is sufficient to drive the vagal-adrenal axis but not sympathetic reflexes. Furthermore, the distribution patterns of PROKR2 nerve fibres can retrospectively predict body regions at which low-intensity ES will or will not effectively produce anti-inflammatory effects. Our studies provide a neuroanatomical basis for the selectivity and specificity of acupoints in driving specific autonomic pathways.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Adrenal Glands; Animals; Autonomic Nervous System; Electroacupuncture; Hindlimb; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Mice, Transgenic; Reflex; Vagus Nerve
PubMed: 34646018
DOI: 10.1038/s41586-021-04001-4 -
International Journal of Molecular... Aug 2021Diabetic neuropathy, a major complication of diabetes mellitus, refers to a collection of clinically diverse disorders affecting the nervous system that may present with... (Review)
Review
Diabetic neuropathy, a major complication of diabetes mellitus, refers to a collection of clinically diverse disorders affecting the nervous system that may present with pain. Although the number of patients suffering from severe neuropathy is increasing, no optimal treatment method has been developed yet. Acupuncture is well known for its ability to reduce various kinds of pain, and a number of studies have also reported its effect on diabetes mellitus; however, its effect and underlying mechanism against diabetic neuropathy are not yet clearly understood. In this review, ten and five studies performed in humans and animals, respectively, were analyzed. All studies reported that acupuncture significantly relieved diabetic neuropathy. ST36, BL13, BL20, SP6, and SP9 were the most widely used acupoints. Five studies used electro-acupuncture, whereas other studies used manual acupuncture. Furthermore, the effect of acupuncture was shown to be mediated through the various molecules present in the peripheral nerves and spinal cord, such as P65, GPR78, and TRPV1. Five studies reported side effects, such as swelling, numbness, and nausea, but none were reported to be serious. Based on these results, we suggest that acupuncture should be considered as a treatment option for diabetic neuropathy.
Topics: Acupuncture Analgesia; Acupuncture Points; Animals; Diabetic Neuropathies; Endoplasmic Reticulum Chaperone BiP; Humans
PubMed: 34445280
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168575 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Aug 2019To evaluate the effect of hand-ear acupuncture on chronic low-back pain (cLBP). (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of hand-ear acupuncture on chronic low-back pain (cLBP).
METHODS
This was an open, randomized and controlled trial in The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Sichuan Province. The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02260284. All the 152 participates with cLBP were randomly assigned to hand-ear acupuncture (n = 54), standard acupuncture (n = 50), or usual care groups (n = 48). Eighteen treatments were provided over 7 weeks. Back-related dysfunction and symptom severity were assessed by the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), which were collected at baseline, 2 months and 6 months post to the treatment.
RESULTS
At 6 months, the RMDQ scores improved by 7.74 points of hand-ear acupuncture group. Significant improvement of VAS and RMDQ was observed in hand-ear acupuncture group (P < 0.001), but no significant changes of RMDQ were observed in both standard acupuncture group and usual care group. We also observed an overall efficacy rate of 88.89% in hand-ear acupuncture group, as evaluated by Diagnosis and Curative Effect Standard for Symptom pattern of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which was much higher than 45.84% in the usual care group (H = 16.000, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
Both of the hand-ear acupuncture and standard acupuncture modes have beneficial and persistent effectiveness against cLBP compared with the usual care. Furthermore, hand-ear acupuncture is significantly more effective than the standardized acupuncture, especially in the long term.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture, Ear; Adolescent; Adult; Female; Humans; Low Back Pain; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 32186108
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Jun 2020Low back pain is a common condition that can be effectively treated by acupuncture. However, several treatment point prescriptions and further electrical needle... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND
Low back pain is a common condition that can be effectively treated by acupuncture. However, several treatment point prescriptions and further electrical needle stimulation (i.e., local acupoints, distal acupoints, and sensitized acupoints) may be used. There is an implicit yet unexplored assumption about the evidence on manual and electrical stimulation techniques.
OBJECTIVE
The present study aims to identify effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture (MA) on pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back.
METHODS
This study is a randomized controlled clinical trial. Sixty-six patients between 20 and 60 years of age with non-specific chronic low back pain experiencing low back pain lasting for at least the previous three months and ≥3 points on a 10 numerical analogic scale. Patients diagnosed with chronic LBP were assigned to receive either 12 sessions of MA or EA. The primary outcomes measurements were pain intensity on Numeric Rating Scale and disability by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire.
RESULTS
The participants reported improvements post-treatment to pain intensity and disability respectively; however, no differences between groups were observed. Regarding the secondary outcomes, we observed a between-group difference only for kinesiophobia in favor of the manual acupuncture group (difference = -4.1 points, 95% CI = -7.0 to -1.1). The results were maintained after 3 months of follow-up.
CONCLUSION
The study provides evidence that EA is not superior to MA treatment. Both therapies had similar efficacy in reducing pain and disability for chronic nonspecific low back pain.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Adult; Electroacupuncture; Female; Humans; Low Back Pain; Male; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32224119
DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2020.03.064 -
JAMA Network Open May 2022Acupoint hot compress during the early postpartum period may benefit patients after a vaginal delivery, but the evidence of this effect is limited. (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
IMPORTANCE
Acupoint hot compress during the early postpartum period may benefit patients after a vaginal delivery, but the evidence of this effect is limited.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether acupoint hot compress involving the abdominal, lumbosacral, and plantar regions could reduce the incidence of postpartum urinary retention, relieve postpartum uterine contraction pain, prevent emotional disorders, and promote lactation.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This multicenter randomized clinical trial was conducted at 12 hospitals in China. Pregnant patients were screened for eligibility (n = 13 949) and enrolled after vaginal delivery (n = 1200) between January 17 and August 15, 2021; data collection was completed on August 18, 2021. After vaginal delivery, these participants were randomized 1:1 to either the intervention group or control group. Statistical analysis was based on per-protocol population.
INTERVENTIONS
Participants in the control group received routine postpartum care. Participants in the intervention group received routine postpartum care plus 3 sessions of a 4-hour acupoint hot compress involving the abdominal, lumbosacral, and plantar regions within 30 minutes, 24 hours, and 48 hours after delivery.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcome was the incidence of postpartum urinary retention, defined as the first urination occurring more than 6.5 hours after delivery and/or use of an indwelling catheter within 72 hours after delivery. The secondary outcomes were postpartum uterine contraction pain intensity (assessed with the visual analog scale [VAS]), depressive symptoms (assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale), and lactation conditions (including lactation initiation time, breastfeeding milk volume, feeding mood and times, and newborn weight).
RESULTS
Of the 1200 participants randomized, 1085 completed the study (537 in the intervention group and 548 in the control group, with a median [IQR] age of 26.0 [24.0-29.0] years). Participants in the intervention group compared with the control group had significantly decreased incidence of postpartum urinary retention (relative risk [RR], 0.58; 95% CI, 0.35-0.98; P = .03); improved postpartum uterine contraction pain when measured at 6.5 hours (median [IQR] VAS score, 1 [1-2] vs 2 [1-2]; P < .001), 28.5 hours (median [IQR] VAS score, 1 [0-1] vs 1 [1-2]; P < .001), 52.5 hours (median [IQR] VAS score, 1 [0-1] vs 1 [0-1]; P < .001), and 76.5 hours (median [IQR] VAS score, 0 [0-1] vs 0 [0-1]; P = .01) after delivery; reduced depressive symptoms (RR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54-0.98; P = .01); and increased breastfeeding milk volume measured at 28.5, 52.5, and 76.5 hours after delivery. No adverse events occurred in either of the 2 groups.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Results of this trial showed that acupoint hot compress after vaginal delivery decreased postpartum urinary retention, uterine contraction pain, and depressive symptoms and increased breastfeeding milk volume. Acupoint hot compress may be considered as an adjunctive intervention in postnatal care that meets patient self-care needs.
TRIAL REGISTRATION
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry Identifier: ChiCTR2000038417.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Adult; Delivery, Obstetric; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Pain; Postpartum Period; Pregnancy; Urinary Retention; Young Adult
PubMed: 35604687
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.13261 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Aug 2018Dysmenorrhea constitutes one of the most frequent disorders in women of a fertile age. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Dysmenorrhea constitutes one of the most frequent disorders in women of a fertile age. The present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in the management of primary dysmenorrhea.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Sixty females aged 17-23 years were randomly assigned to either a study group or a control group. The study group received acupuncture for the duration of 20 minutes/day, for 15 days/month, for the period of 90 days. The control group did not receive acupuncture for the same period. Baseline, during, and post assessments of both the groups were taken on day 1; day 30 and day 60; and day 90, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by repeated measures of analysis of variance followed by post hoc analysis with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons, independent samples t test for visual analog scale score, and Mann-Whitney U test for rest of the variables using statistical package for the social sciences, version 16.
RESULTS
This study showed a significant reduction in all the variables such as the visual analog scale score for pain, menstrual cramps, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, faint, mood changes, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting in the study group compared with those in the control group.
CONCLUSION
Acupuncture could be considered as an effective treatment modality for the management of primary dysmenorrhea.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Adolescent; Adult; Dysmenorrhea; Female; Humans; Research Design; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult
PubMed: 29654840
DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2018.04.001 -
Journal of Oral Science Oct 2021The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of laser acupuncture and intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) for managing anxiety in pediatric... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of laser acupuncture and intravascular laser irradiation of blood (ILIB) for managing anxiety in pediatric dentistry. Eighty-four children recruited at a university dental clinic were randomly assigned to three groups: the Sham group (n = 27) underwent sham laser irradiation of three acupuncture points, the ILIB group (n = 25) underwent 10 min of ILIB, and the laser acupuncture group (LAC, n = 32) underwent 40 s of laser acupuncture over points VG20 (Baihui), PC6 (Neiguan), and the Oppression Point. The results suggest that ILIB and laser acupuncture are feasible alternatives for managing dental anxiety in children.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Child; Dental Anxiety; Humans; Lasers
PubMed: 34408110
DOI: 10.2334/josnusd.21-0025 -
Explore (New York, N.Y.) 2019The most well known forms of "energy psychology" combine cognitive and exposure techniques with the stimulation of selected acupuncture points (acupoints) by tapping on... (Review)
Review
The most well known forms of "energy psychology" combine cognitive and exposure techniques with the stimulation of selected acupuncture points (acupoints) by tapping on them. Most clinicians who learn and utilize an acupoint tapping protocol integrate the approach within their existing clinical frameworks rather than using it as a stand-alone therapy. The method has been highly controversial, with its efficacy, purported speed, and explanatory models all questioned. Nonetheless, its utilization within clinical settings and as a self-help method has continued to expand since it was introduced more than three decades ago. This paper reviews the most salient criticisms of the method and presents research and empirically based theoretical constructs that address them. More than 100 peer-reviewed outcome studies-51 of which are randomized controlled trials-provide an evidential base for evaluating the claims and criticisms surrounding the approach. This review concludes that a growing body of evidence indicates that acupoint-based energy psychology protocols are rapid and effective in producing beneficial outcomes in the treatment of anxiety, depression, PTSD, and possibly other conditions. Mechanisms by which acupoint tapping might bring about these treatment outcomes are also proposed.
Topics: Acupressure; Acupuncture Points; Emotions; Humans; Mental Disorders; Physical Stimulation
PubMed: 30718189
DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2018.11.003