-
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Mar 2013In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), pain is never merely a sign of discomfort. It is usually an integral part of a particular disease or physiological malfunction.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Review
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), pain is never merely a sign of discomfort. It is usually an integral part of a particular disease or physiological malfunction. Thus pain should not be treated in isolation since it will disappear as soon as its cause is identified and removed. Hence, in this Part 2 of a three-part series, initially, clinical pathologies in modern medicine and TCM are compared. Then, the pain pathophysiologies of these two schools of thought are reviewed. In addition, certain unique features of acupuncture effects that any valid mechanism must account for are outlined. Finally, various mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia are reviewed. One plausible mechanism based on the meridian system of Part 1, i.e., the chaotic wave theory of fractal continuum in terms of the neurovascular network, is also proposed. It contends that the injury current due to acupuncture at an acupoint will trigger electromagnetic inductive effects so that the impedances of correlated neurovascular bundles are drastically changed. Two consequent scenarios are possible. (1) If the impedance of the meridian hugely mismatches with that of the brain after acupuncture, then the traveling wave of pain signal will be largely reflected back and only partially transmitted to the brain, hence pain relief can be achieved. (2) If the impedance of the meridian entirely matches that of the pain source after acupuncture, then the pain source would appear to be nonexistent to the brain, hence analgesia can be achieved. The former mechanism can be used to explain the relief for chronic pain and the latter one for acute pain. It is believed that the proposed mechanisms via match or mismatch of the impedances can explain how the acupuncture works not only in the treatment of pain, but also in various other therapies of Part 3.
Topics: Acupuncture Analgesia; Acute Pain; Chronic Pain; Humans; Meridians; Pain Management
PubMed: 23548213
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2013.01.004 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Jun 2013To supply literature for developing an international standard of auricular acupuncture points. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To supply literature for developing an international standard of auricular acupuncture points.
METHODS
Electronic database searches were conducted in the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and VIP, and the Western databases, Pubmed, the National Science and Technology Library, and the German Journal of Acupuncture, from 1990 to April, 2012. We also searched the documents of international symposiums for auricular acupuncture points (AAPs). Keywords were "auricular points", "auricular acupuncture points", "ear points", or "auriculotherapy".
RESULTS
Basic and clinical research on AAPs was performed in China, the United States, France, and Germany. Clinical AAP research was done in Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, the UK, Holland, Japan, Russia, and Africa. However, AAP research was not communicated internationally. The World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies recommended international standard of auricular acupuncture points (ISAAPs). Standardized nomenclature and locations of AAPs would provide a solid basis to draft an international standard organization.
CONCLUSION
Experts need to find common points from different countries or regions, provide evidence of different ideas, and list the proposal as a recommendation for an international standard.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture, Ear; Databases, Factual; Humans; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 24024342
DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(13)60188-0 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Dec 2009This study is a review of the theoretical basis of Sa-Ahm Five Element acupuncture devised about 360 years ago. A total of 21 books and papers ranging from the ancient... (Review)
Review
This study is a review of the theoretical basis of Sa-Ahm Five Element acupuncture devised about 360 years ago. A total of 21 books and papers ranging from the ancient Huang Di Nei Jing to modern biomedical acupuncture for pain management were researched in relation to the Five Shu points. Gao-Wu, in the Chinese Ming Dynasty, used the Five Shu points for the first time based on the creation cycle as the tonification and sedation treatment, termed the "tonification and sedation treatment of self meridian". Since then, and for no particular reason, this method has been rarely used until Sa-Ahm's new doctrine, which includes the concept of the destruction cycle, was asserted. Sa-Ahm Five Element acupuncture is a method in which the Five Shu points are used from the viewpoints of the simultaneous tonification and sedation methods that are based on the promotion and control cycles. Although it is currently the most utilized method in accordance with the practitioner's points, this method is in need of designated guidelines by which Sa-Ahm acupuncture can be practiced effectively.
Topics: Acupuncture; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; China; History, Ancient; Humans
PubMed: 20633508
DOI: 10.1016/S2005-2901(09)60074-1 -
Brain Research Oct 2023Ischemic stroke is a permanent neurological impairment resulting from the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in the brain. The effectiveness of "Lifting Yang to...
BACKGROUND
Ischemic stroke is a permanent neurological impairment resulting from the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels in the brain. The effectiveness of "Lifting Yang to Dredging Du Meridian Manipulation" (LYDD) acupuncture in clinical treatment of ischemic stroke patients has been well-established. Nevertheless, its mechanism is still uncertain.
METHODS
MCAO/R rat models at different time points of reperfusion (24, 36, 48 and 72 h) were constructed, and LYDD acupuncture treatment was performed. Zea-Longa score and TTC staining were used for assessing neurological impairment and cerebral infarct in rats, respectively. The pathological changes of cerebral tissue in each group were observed by HE and Nissl's staining. Cerebral tissue from each group was subjected to RNA-seq, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, and hub gene was identified based on the String database and MCODE algorithm.
RESULTS
LYDD acupuncture treatment significantly reduced Zea-Longa score, dry-wet weight ratio, infarct area, inflammatory factor levels (IL-1β and TNF-α), cerebral lesions, number of Nissl body and neuronal apoptosis in the MCAO/R model at different time points of reperfusion. A total of 3518 DEGs were identified in the MCAO/R model compared to the control group, and 3461 DEGs were present in the treatment group compared to the MCAO/R model, and they may be implicated in neurotransmitter transmission, synaptic membrane potential, cell junctions, inflammatory response, immune response, cell cycle, and ECM. The expression trends of BIRC3, LTBR, PLCG2, TLR4 and TRADD mRNAs in the Hub gene were consistent with the RNA-seq results, and LYDD acupuncture treatment significantly inhibited MCAO/R-induced p65 nuclear translocation.
CONCLUSIONS
LYDD acupuncture ameliorates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting NF-κB pathway activity.
Topics: Rats; Animals; NF-kappa B; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Meridians; Brain Ischemia; Lifting; Reperfusion Injury; Acupuncture Therapy; Ischemic Stroke; Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery
PubMed: 37414270
DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148477 -
Acta Dermatovenerologica Alpina,... Jun 2018Cupping is an ancient procedure that has been practiced for thousands of years. It has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including dermatological ones.... (Review)
Review
Cupping is an ancient procedure that has been practiced for thousands of years. It has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including dermatological ones. Cupping has been described in the literature for the treatment of conditions such as acne and eczema. The procedure is fundamentally divided into dry cupping and wet cupping; however, there have been many modern adaptations. Adverse events related to the procedure have been reported in the literature and should be considered by patients. However, cupping has a promising role in helping manage dermatological conditions.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Complementary Therapies; Humans; Skin Diseases; Suction
PubMed: 29945267
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Apr 2023To investigate how the "special effect"/ "coeffect"/"synergistic effect" can achieve a positive result using an "acupuncture prescription" for functional... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
To investigate how the "special effect"/ "coeffect"/"synergistic effect" can achieve a positive result using an "acupuncture prescription" for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in clinical practice, based on the characteristics of single/compatible acupoints and acupuncture techniques.
METHODS
According to the search strategy, we searched six electronic bibliographic databases and provided a summary for this overview.
RESULTS
A large body of evidence has shown that acupuncture has positive effects in the treatment of FGIDs. However, the "prescription" intervention involved different single acupoints, compatible acupoints and acupoints based on expert consensus.
CONCLUSIONS
The core acupoints, including Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), and Shangjuxu (ST37), emphasize the application of special acupoints, meridian points and nerve segments, and the two-way regulatory effect found in this study is often used as the basis of acupoint selection and acupoint prescription for acupuncture treatment of FGIDs.
Topics: Humans; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Meridians
PubMed: 36994530
DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20230105.002 -
BMC Gastroenterology Feb 2022The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is closely related to the gut microbiota. Moxibustion has been used to improve the inflammation and gastrointestinal...
BACKGROUND
The pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is closely related to the gut microbiota. Moxibustion has been used to improve the inflammation and gastrointestinal dysfunctions in gastrointestinal disorders such as UC. In this study, we investigated whether moxibustion could improve the gut microbial dysbiosis induced by dextran sulphate sodium.
METHODS
Twenty-five male rats were randomly assigned into five groups. The UC rat model was established by administering DSS solution. The rats in the moxibustion and normal rats with moxibustion groups were treated with moxibustion at Tianshu (bilateral, ST25) points, and the mesalazine group rats were treated with mesalazine once daily for 7 consecutive days. Disease activity index (DAI) and haematoxylin and eosin staining were used to evaluate the effect of moxibustion. Gut microbiota profiling was conducted by metagenomic high throughput sequencing technology. The gut microbiota composition, diversity and function were analyzed and compared using metagenomics methodologies.
RESULTS
The DAI scores and histopathology scores in the moxibustion and mesalazine groups were significantly decreased compared with the UC group (P < 0.01). Moxibustion treatment increased abundance levels of Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, Ascomycota, Synergistetes and decreased abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria. At the genus level, the abundance of Bacteroides, Bacteroides_bacterium_M7, Prevotella, Bacteroidales_bacterium_H2, were increased and Bacteroides_bacterium_H3, Parabacteroides, Porphyromonas, Alistipes, Parasutterella were decreased in the UC group in comparsion with those in the NG group. Moxibustion increased the abundance of Bacteroides and Bacteroides_bacterium_H3 and decreased Bacteroides_bacterium_M7, Prevotella, Bacteroidales_bacterium_H2. In UC group, the specie Bacteroides_massiliensis was negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with IL-23, Bacteroides_eggerthii_CAG109 and Bacteroides_eggerthii were negatively (P < 0.05) correlated with TGF-β. And the species Prevotella_sp_CAG1031 and Bacteroides_bacterium_H2 were significant positively (P < 0.05) correlated with IL-23. In addition, compare with the normal group, genes involved in certain metabolic pathways, such as energy production and conversion, amino acid transport and metabolism, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, were under-represented in the UC group, and these changes in the metabolic pathways could be reversed by moxibustion treatment and mesalazine treatment.
CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that moxibustion treatment may protect the host from mucosal inflammation by modulating the intestinal microbiota community.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Animals; Colitis; Colitis, Ulcerative; Dextran Sulfate; Disease Models, Animal; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Male; Moxibustion; Rats
PubMed: 35151255
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02115-1 -
Cortex; a Journal Devoted To the Study... Apr 2022Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) describes an atypical multisensory experience of calming, tingling sensations in response to a specific subset of social...
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) describes an atypical multisensory experience of calming, tingling sensations in response to a specific subset of social audiovisual triggers. To date, the electrophysiological (EEG) correlates of ASMR remain largely unexplored. Here we sought to provide source-level signatures of oscillatory changes induced by this phenomenon and investigate potential decay effects-oscillatory changes in the absence of self-reported ASMR. We recorded brain activity using EEG as participants watched ASMR-inducing videos and self-reported changes in their state: no change (Baseline); enhanced relaxation (Relaxed); and ASMR sensations (ASMR). Statistical tests in the sensor-space were used to inform contrasts in the source-space, executed with beamformer reconstruction. ASMR modulated oscillatory power by decreasing high gamma (52-80 Hz) relative to Relaxed and by increasing alpha (8-13 Hz) and decreasing delta (1-4 Hz) relative to Baseline. At the source level, ASMR increased power in the low-mid frequency ranges (8-18 Hz) and decreased power in high frequency (21-80 Hz). ASMR decay effects reduced gamma (30-80 Hz) and in the source-space reduced high-beta/gamma power (21-80 Hz). The temporal profile of ASMR modulations in high-frequency power later shifts to lower frequencies (1-8 Hz), except for an enhanced alpha, which persists for up to 45 min post self-reported ASMR. Crucially, these results provide the first evidence that the cortical sources of ASMR tingling sensations may arise from decreases in higher frequency oscillations and that ASMR may induce a sustained relaxation state.
Topics: Anxiety; Electroencephalography; Emotions; Humans; Meridians
PubMed: 35189396
DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2022.01.004 -
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology Jan 2022A randomized clinical trial was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) as adjunctive therapy to tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA)... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
AIMS OF THIS STUDY
A randomized clinical trial was undertaken to investigate the efficacy of acupoint catgut embedding (ACE) as adjunctive therapy to tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) therapy on gallbladder emptying and clinical symptoms in patients with gallstone disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Between August 2018 and January 2019, 70 patients with gallstones in our hospital were enrolled in this prospective clinical trial. All the patients were randomly divided into the ACE group (ACE+TUDCA treatment for 8 wk) and the Sham group (Sham ACE+TUDCA treatment for 8 wk). In the ACE group, all the patients were nightly given ACE every 2 weeks, and in 2 groups, every patient took TUDCA 500 mg at bedtime. The parameters about gallbladder emptying were detected by ultrasound before and after the treatment, and the clinical symptom scores were recorded at the same time points.
RESULTS
A total of 63 patients with gallstone disease were included in our study, with 33 patients in the ACE group and 30 patients in the Sham group. In the ACE group, the empty volume (EV) and gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) were improved after treatment (P<0.05). Almost every symptom score (except symptom 7, P=0.15) and total score were decreased (P<0.05). In the Sham group, the symptom 1, 2, 4, 5 scores, and total score were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Moreover, the residual volume in the ACE group was significantly lower than in the Sham group (P=0.008). The EV and GBEF in the ACE group were higher than that in the Sham group (P<0.05). The score of symptom 6 in the ACE group was lower than that in the Sham group (P=0.008).
CONCLUSION
ACE therapy could more effectively improve the gallbladder emptying with a shorter treatment course. Therefore, ACE+TUDCA therapy might be a time-saving treatment for gallstones.
Topics: Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Catgut; Gallstones; Humans; Prospective Studies
PubMed: 33471487
DOI: 10.1097/MCG.0000000000001487 -
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian... Aug 2014Acupuncture has been practiced in China for over 2000 years to treat a variety of diseases based on the "meridian theory" as described in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of... (Review)
Review
Acupuncture has been practiced in China for over 2000 years to treat a variety of diseases based on the "meridian theory" as described in the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine. To this date, the meridian theory continues to be an important guide for traditional Chinese medicine practitioners to diagnose and treat patients. Although the meridians have not been identified reliably as actual anatomical structures, they appear to serve as a road map to identify the location of various acupoints. Research has shown that acupoints overlie major neuronal bundles. The meridians extensively studied in the cardiovascular realm are the pericardial meridians (P) 5, 6, which overlie the deep median nerve. Meridians involved with gastrointestinal processes are (St) 36, 37, which overlie the deep peroneal nerve. Acupuncture needles, either manipulated manually or stimulated using a low current and frequency, have been documented to be a neurophysiological basis for modulating the activity of peripheral and central neural pathways. This review describes our current understanding of acupoints and meridians from a physiological aspect.
Topics: Acupuncture; Acupuncture Points; Acupuncture Therapy; Humans; Median Nerve; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Meridians; Neural Pathways; Peroneal Nerve
PubMed: 25151452
DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2014.02.007