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Anatomical Record (Hoboken, N.J. : 2007) May 2022For thousands of years, scientists have studied human anatomy by dissecting bodies. Our knowledge of their findings is limited, however, both by the subsequent loss of...
For thousands of years, scientists have studied human anatomy by dissecting bodies. Our knowledge of their findings is limited, however, both by the subsequent loss of many of the oldest texts, and by a tendency toward a Eurocentric perspective in medicine. As a discipline, anatomy tends to be much more familiar with ancient Greek texts than with those from India, China, or Persia. Here, we show that the Mawangdui medical texts, entombed in the Mawangdui burial site in Changsha, China 168 BCE, are the oldest surviving anatomical atlas in the world. These medical texts both predate and inform the later acupuncture texts which have been the foundation for acupuncture practice in the subsequent two millennia. The skills necessary to interpret them are diverse, requiring the researcher firstly to read the original Chinese, and secondly to perform the anatomical investigations that allow a re-viewing of the structures that the texts refer to. Acupuncture meridians are considered to be esoteric in nature, but these texts are clearly descriptions of the physical body. As such, they represent a previously hidden chapter in the history of anatomy, and a new perspective on acupuncture.
Topics: Acupuncture; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; China; History, Ancient; Humans; Medicine; Meridians
PubMed: 32875736
DOI: 10.1002/ar.24503 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies 2023Cancer pain, a common complication of this disease, has been widely treated by electroacupuncture in recent years. However, there are numerous treatment parameters that... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Cancer pain, a common complication of this disease, has been widely treated by electroacupuncture in recent years. However, there are numerous treatment parameters that are not conducive to clinical translation applications. This study aims to summarize the stimulation parameters commonly used in electroacupuncture treating cancer pain by data mining and visualization techniques to provide a basis for the future acupuncture technology transformation and selection of optimal stimulation parameters.
METHODS
Nine databases, including Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, OVID, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, China Biology Medicine disk, China Science and Technology Journal Database, and Wanfang Database, were searched for clinical studies on electroacupuncture treatment cancer pain published between January 2012 and September 2022. A database was established using Microsoft Excel 2020 and analyzed with SPSS Modeler 18.1 software and SPSS statistics 26.0 software.
RESULTS
Twenty-four articles were included according to the established criteria. The most used electroacupuncture stimulation parameters were a dilatational wave, the current frequency of 2/100 Hz, stimulation duration of 30 minutes per treatment, and frequency of treatment once a day. Fifty-eight acupoints were mentioned, and the total frequency of acupoints involved was 156 times. The most used ones include Zusanli (ST36), Sanyinjiao (SP06), Hegu (LI04), Neiguan (PC06), Quchi (LI11), Taichong (LR03), Ashi point, Jiaji point, and those most generally used acupoints that are closely arranged on the Stomach Channel of Foot Yangming and the Spleen Channel of Foot Taiyin. The association analysis of acupoints revealed that the most supported acupoint pair was Sanyinjiao (SP06) and Zusanli (ST36). Cluster analysis demonstrated 3 groups, 1 for obligatory acupoints, 1 for Ashi point, and the third for Jiaji point.
CONCLUSIONS
A dilatational wave, the current frequency of 2/100 Hz, 30-minute stimulation, and acupoints of the Stomach Channel of Foot Yangming and the Spleen Channel of Foot Taiyin selection are frequently used in electroacupuncture for treating cancer pain. Due to the limitations of this study, further research and more standardized, multi-center, large-sample clinical trials can be carried out to guide optimizing acupuncture treatment schemes and promote the formation of TCM-characteristic technologies for cancer pain.
Topics: Humans; Electroacupuncture; Meridians; Cancer Pain; Acupuncture Therapy; Data Mining; Neoplasms
PubMed: 37551854
DOI: 10.1177/15347354231192017 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Dec 2010The relationship between connective tissue and meridian function is discussed in terms of energy transmission. The network of hydrogen-bonded water molecules... (Review)
Review
The relationship between connective tissue and meridian function is discussed in terms of energy transmission. The network of hydrogen-bonded water molecules interspersed within the collagen fibrillar matrix is especially significant for both the sensitivity of connective tissue to weak signals of mechanical pressure, heat, or electricity and the electrical intercommunication that may correlate with the meridian acupuncture system. Special electromagnetic properties of connective tissue have similar collective properties of ultraweak photon emission. A relationship between ultraweak photon emission and yin yang dynamics is based on three types of ultraweak photon emission studies, focusing on diurnal and annual dynamics, diseased states, and acupuncture points. A novel concept explains the functional (health) integrity of physiologic systems in relation to the left-right balance in ultraweak photon emission by pointing to, (1) balanced corticoneuromusculoskeletal activities and triboluminescent aspects of ultraweak photon emission by skeletal structures, and (2) local fine-tuning in oxygen supply and the formation of radical oxygen species. This approach offers testable hypotheses for further validation utilizing a combination of human photon recording techniques and specialized metabolomics for the estimation of organ-specific oxidative states.
Topics: Biophysics; Connective Tissue; Energy Metabolism; Humans; Meridians; Photons; Yin-Yang
PubMed: 21185536
DOI: 10.1016/S2005-2901(10)60041-6 -
Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine Nov 2017Recent clinical trial studies have demonstrated that the effects of acupuncture on pain improvement are small and no difference between acupoints and non-points. Whether... (Review)
Review
Recent clinical trial studies have demonstrated that the effects of acupuncture on pain improvement are small and no difference between acupoints and non-points. Whether acupuncture needles must be inserted in specific points depends on whether acupoint specificity exists that is still not resolved, and is now urgent. Previous anatomical studies have demonstrated that acupoints exist higher number of nerve fibers/trunks, blood vessels, hair follicles, and sweat glands as well as density of the gap junction. Recent evidence shows that nitric oxide (NO) level is elevated in the acupoints/ meridians and is associated with an enhanced expression of NO synthase endowed with transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1. There is growing evidence from international groups showing that acupuncture induces NO-mediated vasodilatation, which increases local blood flow and allows for a flush of algesic or sensitizing substances, leading to pain relief. Previous studies, using a novel biocapture system, have demonstrated that NOx (total nitrite and nitrate) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentrations are consistently increased over skin acupoints compared to non-meridian control regions (NMCR) in humans. Dermal microdialysis in humans showed that NO-cGMP releases in the subcutaneous tissue of acupoint are higher than those in NMCR and increased by electroacupuncture (EA). Recent studies have demonstrated that low-frequency electrical stimulation and manual acupuncture with low stimulating force and rate produce an elevation of NO release predominantly over acupoints. In contrast, NO levels over the areas of the skin regions are moderately reduced by high-frequency EA stimulation. The results from anatomical and biochemical studies consistently show that acupoints exist higher levels of NO signaling molecules, and stimulus-evoked NO release is also with a higher level at acupoints. Results suggest that NO signaling molecules contribute to the specificity of acupoints, and selecting well-trained acupuncturetists for using correct acupoints and appropriate parameters should improve acupuncture clinical trial studies.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Humans; Nitric Oxide; Signal Transduction; Skin
PubMed: 29080196
DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2789-x -
Acupuncture in Medicine : Journal of... Jun 2013De qi is a sensation experienced by a patient or an acupuncturist during acupuncture treatment. Although de qi is considered to be important in acupuncture treatment,... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
De qi is a sensation experienced by a patient or an acupuncturist during acupuncture treatment. Although de qi is considered to be important in acupuncture treatment, there are not many studies about de qi and its character. The purpose of this study is to review de qi questionnaires and evaluate the relationship between de qi and acupuncture points, stimulation and treatment effects.
METHODS
A search was conducted using three English-language databases (PubMed, Cochrane and ScienceDirect) and seven Korean databases with the keywords 'de qi' and 'needle sensation'. The included studies were then categorised as following: (1) de qi measurement tools, (2) the relationship between de qi and acupuncture points, (3) the relationship between de qi and stimulation, (4) the relationship between de qi and treatment effects and (5) attitudes and opinions toward de qi.
RESULTS
Several questionnaires have been developed to evaluate de qi, and the most frequent sensation in those questionnaires was 'heavy' and 'numb'. Although a few studies showed specificity to acupuncture points, information is still lacking to be able to draw a clear conclusion about the relationship between de qi and acupuncture points. Also, greater de qi was elicited in real acupuncture than placebo acupuncture in many studies. The relationship between de qi and treatment effects was controversial.
CONCLUSIONS
It seems that real acupuncture induced greater de qi than sham acupuncture, and the relationship between de qi, acupuncture points and treatment effects was controversial. However, the current literature evaluating de qi is not sufficient to derive clear conclusions. Further studies with more objective indices and rigorous methodologies are needed.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Evidence-Based Medicine; Humans; Needles; Pain; Pain Measurement; Qi; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sensation
PubMed: 23486017
DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2012-010279 -
European Journal of Medical Research Aug 2022Knee osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease, has been widely treated by electroacupuncture in recent years. However, there are too many parameters of the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Knee osteoarthritis, a common degenerative joint disease, has been widely treated by electroacupuncture in recent years. However, there are too many parameters of the treatment currently, resulting in various applications in clinical practice. This study aims to summarize the optimal stimulation parameters of electroacupuncture for knee osteoarthritis in clinical studies by applying data mining techniques.
METHODS
Four databases including Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for clinical studies on electroacupuncture treating knee osteoarthritis from 2012 to 2021. A database was established by Microsoft Excel 2020 and analyzed by R Version 4.1.1.
RESULTS
Forty-six articles were included according to the established criteria. The most used electroacupuncture stimulation parameters were 0.30 mm × 40 mm needle, continuous wave, low frequency of current (mainly 2 Hz), stimulation duration for 30 min per treatment, and frequency of treatment for once a day. Eighteen acupoints were mentioned and the most used ones include Dubi (ST35), Liangqiu (ST34), Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Xuehai (SP10), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Yinlingquan (SP9), and those most generally used acupoints are closely arranged on the Stomach Channel of Foot Yangming. Cluster analysis showed two groups, one for obligatory acupoints and one for adjunctive ones. The association analysis showed the most supported acupoint pair was Liangqiu (ST34) and Xuehai (SP10).
CONCLUSIONS
Continuous wave, low frequency of current (2 Hz), 30-min stimulation, and local acupoint selection are frequently used for electroacupuncture treating knee osteoarthritis. Due to the limitations of this study, further research and more standardized, multi-centered, and large-sample clinical trials should be conducted to provide more convincing evidence.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Data Mining; Electroacupuncture; Humans; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36045455
DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00795-9 -
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 -
Complementary Therapies in Medicine May 2023Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) is a common complication in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Several studies have evaluated the effect of... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) is a common complication in patients undergoing gastrointestinal surgery. Several studies have evaluated the effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on PGD, so we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand these studies methodologic limitations and summarize clinical effects.
METHODS
Articles (published from January 2010 to April 2022) were searched from the following databases: Wanfang Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Embase. Two authors conducted literature selection, data extraction and statistical analysis independently. This meta-analysis used RevMan 5.4 software to implement statistical analysis and applied Cochrane bias risk tool to assess methodologic weaknesses of included articles. We assessed the effect of TEAS on time to first flatus, first defecation and bowel sound recovery through meta-analyses using a random-effects model.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis included 10 articles including 1497 patients. This study showed that TEAS could effectively promote postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery by analyzing the time to first flatus (MD-14.81 h, 95% CI -15.88 to -13.75 h), time to first defecation (MD-14.68 h, 95% CI -20.59 to -8.76 h), time to bowel sound recovery (MD-5.79 h, 95% CI -10.87 to -0.71 h), length of hospital stay (MD-1.48d, 95% CI -1.86 to -1.11d), and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.29-0.58). In addition, we assessed the quality of the articles and found small sample sizes and lower methodological quality in some articles.
CONCLUSION
Our meta-analysis revealed that TEAS could be a nonpharmacological treatment for PGD in patients after gastrointestinal surgery. However, positive findings should be treated carefully and future studies with high quality and large samples are needed to support this results.
Topics: Humans; Digestive System Surgical Procedures; Acupuncture Points; Flatulence; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Postoperative Period; Gastrointestinal Diseases
PubMed: 36842636
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2023.102938 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Mar 2010Meridian theory is a major part of Chinese medicine and has guided acupuncture and clinical practice for thousands of years. Meridian theory describes many important... (Review)
Review
Meridian theory is a major part of Chinese medicine and has guided acupuncture and clinical practice for thousands of years. Meridian theory describes many important concepts about the rules of human body function and regulation, but has comparatively huge differences with the basic concepts of modern medicine. These differences have caused deep concern and attracted attention from scholars, both inside and outside of China. The interest in meridian theory lies in determining the structural nature of meridians. Not only is this information still unclear, it is very difficult to achieve clear results in a short period of time. Despite this, the phenomena of meridians can be used as the entry point for meridian studies. After many years of effort, although the physical structure of meridians has not been found, the existence of the meridian phenomena has been fully confirmed. Although there is a lack of morphological evidence for the existence of the meridian, concluding non-existence may be incorrect as morphology techniques develop and structures previously not determined are being found. Since the phenomenon of meridians exists, some biological basis behind its occurrence must be present. This implies that research on meridians needs to continue as research techniques advance and may eventually reveal the biological basis of the meridian phenomenon. In the present review, we analyze the history of meridian studies in China.
Topics: Acupuncture; Animals; Biomedical Research; China; History, 20th Century; History, 21st Century; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Meridians
PubMed: 20633509
DOI: 10.1016/S2005-2901(10)60001-5 -
Medicine Dec 2022In recent years, with the progress and development of the times, our eating habits and lifestyle changes have led to an increase in gouty arthritis annually, with the... (Review)
Review
In recent years, with the progress and development of the times, our eating habits and lifestyle changes have led to an increase in gouty arthritis annually, with the main use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and other drugs. These drugs are highly dependent, resulting in an unresponsive state, which is easy to recur. Therefore, more and more patients choose traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat them. After years of continuous exploration and rich clinical experience accumulation, Academician TongXiaolin put forward the dialectical strategy of "combination of state and target" in TCM. He believed that the deficiency of liver and kidney is transformed into a state, with uric acid as the target. Through the target prescription Simiao decoction to clever heat and moisture, replenishing liver and kidney, the target medicine Bixie (Dioscorea Tokoro Makino) to rheumatism, Shujin;Tufuling (Rhizoma Smilacis Glabrae) for detoxification, dehydration gas, Weilingxian (Radix et Rhizoma Clematidis) to rheumatism, pass meridians, and the combination of the condition and target achieves a good clinical effect.
Topics: Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Meridians; Kidney; Liver; Arthritis
PubMed: 36482585
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000031463