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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 -
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 -
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 -
The Anatomical Record Dec 2002Acupuncture meridians traditionally are believed to constitute channels connecting the surface of the body to internal organs. We hypothesize that the network of...
Acupuncture meridians traditionally are believed to constitute channels connecting the surface of the body to internal organs. We hypothesize that the network of acupuncture points and meridians can be viewed as a representation of the network formed by interstitial connective tissue. This hypothesis is supported by ultrasound images showing connective tissue cleavage planes at acupuncture points in normal human subjects. To test this hypothesis, we mapped acupuncture points in serial gross anatomical sections through the human arm. We found an 80% correspondence between the sites of acupuncture points and the location of intermuscular or intramuscular connective tissue planes in postmortem tissue sections. We propose that the anatomical relationship of acupuncture points and meridians to connective tissue planes is relevant to acupuncture's mechanism of action and suggests a potentially important integrative role for interstitial connective tissue.
Topics: Acupuncture; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Anatomy; Anatomy, Cross-Sectional; Biomechanical Phenomena; Connective Tissue; Fascia; Humans; Meridians; Models, Biological; Palpation
PubMed: 12467083
DOI: 10.1002/ar.10185 -
Journal of Sleep Research Dec 2022Parasomnias are undesirable events that occur during sleep. They can be classified into rapid eye movement parasomnias and non-rapid eye movement parasomnias. Those who... (Review)
Review
Parasomnias are undesirable events that occur during sleep. They can be classified into rapid eye movement parasomnias and non-rapid eye movement parasomnias. Those who experience parasomnias may be anxious about travel for many reasons, including the occurrence of unwanted events during the trip, increased exposure to environmental trigger factors, and the propensity for harm to occur due to unfamiliar surroundings while travelling. There is a paucity of literature examining this area. This review summarizes the relevant literature and the clinical experience of the authors to compile clinical practice recommendations. The clinical features of parasomnias and how they relate to trans-meridian and long-distance travel are described. Triggers for non-rapid eye movement parasomnias, particularly the use of sedative hypnotic drugs, alcohol, drug withdrawal, sleep deprivation, emotional stress and environmental stimulations, are described. Management of parasomnias whilst travelling is reviewed, with a particular focus on trigger minimalization. The role for clonazepam and melatonin is outlined. At the pre-travel health consultation, the physician is strongly advised to screen the traveller for co-morbid sleep conditions, which exacerbate parasomnias. Areas for further research are explored, including the extent to which these sleep disorders impact on the travel experience.
Topics: Humans; Meridians; Parasomnias; Sleep, REM; Sleep; Hypnotics and Sedatives
PubMed: 35726362
DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13672 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Sep 2010This study aimed to review the clinical basis for Sa-Ahm Five Element acupuncture. This form of acupuncture uses the Five-Shu acupoints and the tonification-sedation... (Review)
Review
This study aimed to review the clinical basis for Sa-Ahm Five Element acupuncture. This form of acupuncture uses the Five-Shu acupoints and the tonification-sedation treatments based on the creation and control cycles of the Five Elements. A total of 28 books and papers from the ancient "Nan-Ching" to the modern "Medical Acupuncture" were used to study clinical practices. Sa-Ahm Five Element acupuncture could be practiced in different ways depending upon differential diagnoses. These diagnoses include theories of excess and deficiency of Yin and Yang, seven emotions, ZangFu (organ, viscera), and comparing pulse diagnosis and meridian therapy to meridian palpation. Clinical trials and guidelines for the practice of Sa-Ahm acupuncture should be created to allow for a more evidence-based clinical approach to using this technique.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Meridians
PubMed: 20869022
DOI: 10.1016/S2005-2901(10)60037-4 -
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 -
Cells Feb 2022This review summarizes experimental evidence indicating that subcutaneous mast cells are involved in the trigger mechanism of analgesia induced by acupuncture, a... (Review)
Review
This review summarizes experimental evidence indicating that subcutaneous mast cells are involved in the trigger mechanism of analgesia induced by acupuncture, a traditional oriental therapy, which has gradually become accepted worldwide. The results are essentially based on work from our laboratories. Skin mast cells are present at a high density in acupuncture points where fine needles are inserted and manipulated during acupuncture intervention. Mast cells are sensitive to mechanical stimulation because they express multiple types of mechanosensitive channels, including TRPV1, TRPV2, TRPV4, receptors and chloride channels. Acupuncture manipulation generates force and torque that indirectly activate the mast cells via the collagen network. Subsequently, various mediators, for example, histamine, serotonin, adenosine triphosphate and adenosine, are released from activated mast cells to the interstitial space; they or their downstream products activate the corresponding receptors situated at local nerve terminals of sensory neurons in peripheral ganglia. The analgesic effects are thought to be generated via the reduced electrical activities of the primary sensory neurons. Alternatively, these neurons project such signals to pain-relevant regions in spinal cord and/or higher centers of the brain.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Analgesia; Humans; Mast Cells; Pain; Sensory Receptor Cells
PubMed: 35269431
DOI: 10.3390/cells11050809