PROJECTION LINKAGE BETWEEN HEGU ACUPOINT AND STN

Alternative stimulation of both the solitary tract nucleus (STN) and Hegu (HG) acupoint were made on the sodium pentobarbital anesthetized rats. The intracellular microelectrode recordings from the spinal drosal horn of C5 - T1 segments were used to search and identify the spinal neurons. A total of 53 neurons responding to the stimulation of both STN and HG was recorded intracellularly. 24 and 29 of them were found to antidromically and synaptically respond to the stimulation of STN, respectively. These neurons were mainly distributed in the laminae III - Vl of spinal dorsal horn. The results indicate that (i) some spinal neurons can receive somatic afferent inputs from HG and convey them to the visceral sensory nucleus - STN; (ii) the other spinal neurons receive afferent impulse from both the STN and HG; (iii) the convergence and integration between somatic and visceral sensory inputs might occur in these spinal neurons and STN.

Effect of acupuncture on acupoint "Yingxiang-Hegu" on Th1, Th2 cytokines and T-bet/GATA-3 of allergic rhinitis rats

Objective:To explore the effect of"Yingxiang-Hegu"on Th1,Th2-related cytokines and[2]transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 in rats with allergic rhinitis.Methods:Rats were randomly divided into three groups:blank group,model group and acupoint group.The rat model of ovalbumin(OVA)AR was established,and the general condition of the rats was observed and scored.Acupuncture intervention was performed on the acupoint group on the second day after successful modeling,once per day for 20 min for 10 d.After intervention,the general behavior,behavioral score and histomorphological changes of nasal mucosa were observed.Eosinophils(EOS)were counted under microscope after nasal lavage smear staining,and the contents of total IgE,IFN-γ,IL-12,IL-4 and IL-5 in serum were detected by ELISA.Westernblot and IHC were used to detect the protein level and positive protein expression of specific transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 in rat nasal mucosa.Results:After the establishment of the model,except for the blank group,the behavioral observation scores of rats in the model group and acupoint group were more than 5 points,indicating that the model was successful.After acupuncture intervention on acupoint"Yingxiang-Hegu",the behavioral score of rats in the acupoint group and western medicine group was significantly lower than that in the model group(P<0.05).Microscopic examination showed that the structure of nasal mucosa in the model group was obviously damaged,cilia were arranged discontinuously,uneven,local congestion and swelling,a large number of epithelial cells exfoliated and necrotic,goblet cell proliferation,obvious inflammatory cell infiltration.The pathological degree of nasal mucosa in the pair point group was significantly less than that in the model group.Compared with the model group,the levels of IFN-γ,IL-2 and IL-12 in serum were significantly increased,while IgE,IL-4,IL-5 and IL-6 were significantly decreased,GATA-3 protein and positive expression in nasal mucosa were significantly decreased and T-bet was significantly increased after acupuncture.Conclusion:Acupuncture at"Yingxiang-Hegu"can effectively improve the nasal sensitive symptoms and control nasal inflammation in AR rats.The mechanism may be that acupuncture at Yingxiang-Hegu can up-regulate the expression of T-bet,decrease the level of GATA-3,promote the production of Th1 cytokines and inhibit the synthesis and secretion of Th2 cells,thus restoring the immune balance of Th1 and Th2.

Clinical efficacy of HEGU needling method combined with tendon-stretching and plucking massage on trigger point in the treatment of acute thoracodorsal myofascitis

Objective:To observe the effect of Hegu neediling method combined with tendon-stretching and plucking massage on trigger point in the treatment of acute thoracodorsal myofascitis. Methods: A total of 84 patients with acute thoracodorsal myofascitis who met the diagnostic and inclusion criteria were assigned into the treatment group and the control group randomly, the treatment group was treated with Hegu neediling method combined with tendon-stretching and plucking massage, while the control group was treated with conventional electroacupuncture. Two groups of patients were treated for two weeks. VAS score and ODI were compared before treatment, after the first treatment and after the treatment course, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment.Results: The total effective rates of the treatment group and the control group were 97.62% and 80.95%, respectively. The treatment group was significantly better than the control group. The VAS and ODI scores of the treatment group decreased after the first treatment and the end of the treatment, and the treatment group was significantly better than the control group.Conclusion:Hegu neediling method combined with tendon-stretching and plucking massage can relieve pain and improve limb dysfunction in patients with acute thoracodorsal myofascitis.

Study on the Regulatory Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Hegu Point (LI4) in Cerebral Response with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Objective： To study, through blood oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging （BOLD fMRI）, the cerebral activated areas evoked by electro-acupuncturing （EA） the right Hegu point （LI4） or non-acupoint points on the face, and through comparing their similarities and differences, to speculate on the specific cerebral areas activated by stimulating LI4, for exploring the mechanism of its effect in potential clinical application. Methods： EA was applied at volunteers＇ right LI4 （of 9 subjects in the LI4 group） and facial non-acupoint points （of 5 subjects in the control group）, and whole brain 3-dimensional T1 anatomical imaging of high resolution 1 × 1 × 1 mm^3 used was performed with clustered stimulatory mode adopted by BOLD fMRI. Pretreatment and statistical t-test were conducted on the data by SPM2 software, then the statistical parameters were superimposed to the 3-dimensional anatomical imaging. Results： Data from 3 testees of the 9 subjects in the LI4 group were given up eventually because they were unfit to the demand due to different causes such as movement of patients＇ location or machinery factors. Statistical analysis showed that signal activation or deactivation was found in multiple cerebral areas in 6 subjects of LI4 group and 5 subjects of the control group （P〈0.01）. In the LI4 group, the areas which showed signal activation were： midline nuclear group of thalamus, left supra marginal gyrus, left supra temporal gyrus, right precuneous lobe, bilateral temporal pole, left precentral gyrus and left cerebellum; those which showed signal deactivation were： bilateral hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, amygdala body area, rostral side/audal side of cingulate gyrus, prefrontal lobe and occipital lobe as well as left infratemporal gyrus. In the control group, areas which showed signal activation were： bilateral frontal lobe, postcentral gyrus, Reil＇s island lobe, primary somato-sensory cortex, cingulate gyrus, superior temporal gyrus, occipital cuneiform gyrus and/or precuneus gyrus and right brainstem; and the area that showed deactivation was left median frontal lobe. Conclusion： The effects of EA LI4 in regulating cerebral activities could be displayed and recorded through BOLD fMRI, the distribution of signally deactivated area evoked by EA LI4 was similar to the known distribution of anatomical orientation of pain in brain, and closely related to the anatomic structure of limbic system, which areas are possibly the acupuncture analgesic effect＇s cerebral regulating area. Furthermore, activated portion of left central anterior gyrus, which represent the movement of oral facial muscles, and the activated portion of cerebellum are possibly related with the effect of using EA LI4 in treating facial palsy and facial muscle spasm. As for the mechanism of signal deactivation of cerebral activities exhibited in the present study that is unable to be elucidated, it awaits for further research.

Differences in thermal effects of moxibustion at Zusanli(ST 36) and Hegu(LI 4) on various facial areas in healthy people

OBJECTIVE:To study the effects of temperature on different facial areas by suspended moxibustion at two points,Zusanli(ST 36) and Hegu(LI 4),and probe the phenomena underlying self-regulation in the human body after thermal stimulation.METHODS:Thirty healthy volunteers accepted moxibustion over Zusanli(ST 36) and Hegu(LI 4),and the order of moxibustion points was randomly determined.Moxibustion method:suspension of moxibustion over Zusanli(ST 36) and Hegu(LI 4) on both sides was performed using an ignited moxa stick stuck in a support for 20 min.Observation method:An infrared thermal image of the face was taken before and after suspended moxibustion using a CK350 medical infrared thermal imaging instrument.Data analysis:A thermal microscopic section view system(TMTSys) was used to analyze the change in temperature in special facial areas.Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS 14.0 software.RESULTS:Before moxibustion was suspended,the facial thermal image showed a T-shaped thermal area related to the vascular distribution with even temperature and good symmetry on both sides.Suspended moxibustion over Zusanli(ST 36) have a very significant increase in temperature at the forehead,around the nose,at the corners of the mouth,and at the cheeks and lips(P<0.01).Suspended moxibustion over Hegu(LI 4) also have a significant(P<0.05) increase in temperature around the nose,the corners of the mouth,the cheeks,and lips,where has a new high temperature area was formed(P<0.01).Suspended moxibustion over Hegu(LI 4) raised the temperature at the middle point of the lips more obviously than did Zusanli(ST 36) in the same person,(P<0.05).After 10 min of moxibustion over Zusanli(ST 36) and Hegu(LI 4),the change in temperature in the facial area reached its peak value.CONCLUSIONS:Facial infrared thermography of healthy people revealed a T-shaped thermal area reflecting a physiological thermal area.Moxibustion over Zusanli(ST 36) or Hegu(LI 4) raised the temperature in this facial T-shaped thermal area.Hegu(LI 4) led to the formation of a new thermal area in the lips.The time required for moxibustion to regulate human body temperature was 10 min.

Analgesic effect of acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) on transvaginal oocyte retrieval with ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To observe the analgesic effect of acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) transvaginal oocyte retrieval using ultrasonography and explore its mechanism. METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing IVF-EF oocyte retrieval were randomly divided into three groups: an acupuncture group with needles inserted into bilateral Hegu (LI 4) points, a placebo group given placebo needles, and a control group with routine oocyte retrieval. Each group had an indometacin enema 30 min before the operation. We compared the pain-rated index (PRI), visual analogy scale (VAS), and present pain intensity (PPI) immediately after operation and 1 h after operation. We also determined the neuropeptide Y (NPY) level of the follicular fluid. RESULTS: PRI, VAS, and PPI after operation and 1 hafter operation in the acupuncture group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P< 0.01). No obvious difference (P>0.05) was observed in PRI,VAS, and PPI after operation and 1 h after operation between the placebo group and the control group.The NPY level of the follicular fluid in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.01). No obvious difference (P>0.05) was observed in the NPY level of the follicular fluid between the placebo group and the control group. CONCLUSION: The analgesic effect of acupuncture at Hegu in transvaginal oocyte retrieval using ultrasonography may be related to the increase in the NPY level of the follicular fluid.

Effect of electroacupuncture at Ximen(PC 4) and Hegu(LI 4) on expression of Akt in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) at acupoints on the pericardium meridian on the expression of phosphorylated Akt(p-Akt) protein in rat myocardium after ischemia and reperfusion.METHODS: Seventy Wistar rats were evenly randomized into seven groups: the sham operation group(group A), ischemia-reperfusion model Ⅰgroup(group B), ischemia-reperfusion model Ⅱgroup(group C), EA at Neiguan(PC 6) group(group D), EA at Ximen(PC 4) group(group E), EA at Hegu(LI 4) group(group F), and LY294002 + EA at Neiguan(PC 6) group(group G). All processes were monitored by electrocardiography. In group A, the left anterior descending coronary artery was only threaded without ligation for 100 min. In group B,the left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated for 40 min and reperfused for 60 min. The left anterior descending coronary artery in group C was ligated for 40 min and reperfused for 100 min.Groups D, E, and F received EA for 20 min before undergoing ischemia for 40 min, and then received EA for 20 min before undergoing reperfusion for 60 min. Before modeling, group G was injected with LY294002(0.3 mg/kg) into the tail vein, and then underwent the same intervention as the other EA groups. After reperfusion, myocardial tissue from the left cardiac ventricle was collected to enable Western blot analysis of the p-Akt level, and analysis of electrocardiographic changes.RESULTS: In groups B and C, electrocardiography showed obvious elevation of the ST-segment Ⅱlead(ECG-STⅡ), while the ECG-STⅡvalues were significantly lower in groups D, E, and G(P < 0.01). The p-Akt levels in groups D and E were significantly greater than those in groups B and C(P < 0.01).Compared with all other groups, group G showed a significantly different expression of p-Akt(P < 0.01).CONCLUSION: The expression of p-Akt protein in cardiomyocytes was significantly greater in rats that were injected with LY294002 and received EA at Ximen(PC 4) compared with all other groups.This suggests that EA at Ximen(PC 4) resulted in activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling pathway and phosphorylation of Akt.

Effects of Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3) on Vascular Dilation and Constriction in Migraine Patients

Hegu （LI 4） and Taichong （LR 3） are the Yuan- Primary acupoints of the Large Intestine and Liver Meridian, and are collectively named as Si Guan （four gates） point. Combined use of these two acupoints can harmonize yin and yang, regulate qi and blood, and balance ascending or descending. This paper attempts to study the effects of Si Guan point on the vascular dilation and constriction in migraine patients from the perspective of its feature.

Forty-five Cases with Epigastric Pain Treated with Puncturing Hegu(LI 4)

Epigastric pain, also known as stomach pain, is presented with fi＇equently recurrent pain in the upper abdomen or stomach area, which is mainly caused by exogenous pathogen, improper diet or internal injuries due to seven emotions. All 45 cases with epigastric pain caused by various fitctors were treated with mainly needling Hegu （LI 4） between November 2010 and November 2012, and the report is given as follows.

The Safety of Electroacupuncture at Hegu(LI 4) plus Oxytocin for Hastening Uterine Contraction of Puerperants—A Randomized Controlled Clinical Observation

To investigate the safety of electroacupuncture plus oxytocin for uterine contraction of puerperants. Methods： 276 puerperants with difficult labor were randomly divided into a medication group, treated with intravenous dripping of oxytocin, and an acupuncture plus medication group, in the medication group, intravenous dripping of oxytocin was given, and in the other group, acupuncture at bilateral Hegu （LI 4） was added. Heart rate, respiratory frequency, blood pressure of puerperants, fetal heart rate and birth process were observed. Results： During laboring, the indices observed, including heart rate, respiratory frequency, blood pressure, fetal heart rate and birth process, were all in normal range in all of the 276 cases, with better effects in acupuncture plus medication Group M. Conclusions： Electroacupuncture at bilateral Hegu （LI 4） plus intravenous dripping of oxytocin can intensify the uterine contraction, shorten the birth process to avoid probable systemic exhaustion due to excessive consumption, and with no side effects on life signs of the puernerants and newborns.

《内经》“关刺”联合“合谷刺”治疗不宁腿综合征疗效观察

目的 观察《内经》“关刺”联合“合谷刺”治疗不宁腿综合征(restless legs syndrome, RLS)的临床疗效。方法 将100例RLS患者随机分为治疗组(50例,脱落1例)和对照组(50例,脱落2例)。治疗组给予“关刺”联合“合谷刺”治疗,阳陵泉、膝关、丘墟采用关刺法,伏兔、丰隆、漏谷采用合谷刺法;对照组给予假针刺治疗。治疗前后采用国际RLS评定量表(international restless leg syndrome scale, IRLSS)评价患者不宁腿严重程度,采用RLS生活质量量表(RLS quality of Life, RLSQoL)评价患者生活质量,采用失眠严重指数量表(insomnia severity index, ISI)评价患者的睡眠情况,并比较两组临床疗效。结果 治疗组总有效率为91.8%,显著高于对照组的41.7%(P<0.01)。治疗后,治疗组IRLSS评分低于治疗前和对照组(P<0.01),治疗组RLSQoL评分高于治疗前和对照组(P<0.01),治疗组ISI评分低于治疗前和对照组(P<0.01)。对照组治疗前后各项评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 《内经》“关刺”联合“合谷刺”可显著改善RLS患者临床症状,在中医学理论的指导下拓展了《内经》五刺法的临床应用。

黄豆袋热敷联合合谷穴按摩在产程活跃期中的镇痛效果

目的探讨黄豆袋热敷联合合谷穴按摩在产程活跃期中的镇痛效果。方法选取初产妇100例作为研究对象,随机分为对照组和观察组,各50例。给予对照组综合干预方法,包括心理疗法、体位管理和拉玛泽呼吸法,在对照组的基础上于产程活跃期给予观察组黄豆袋热敷联合合谷穴按摩。比较两组的镇痛效果、顺产及中转行剖宫产比例,以及顺产产妇产程活跃期至胎儿娩出时间、阴道出血量。结果观察组产妇的疼痛程度轻于对照组,顺产比例高于对照组,顺产产妇的产程活跃期至胎儿娩出时间、阴道出血量短于或少于对照组(P<0.05)。结论在心理疗法、体位管理、拉玛泽呼吸法基础上,在产程活跃期辅以黄豆袋热敷联合合谷穴按摩可缓解初产妇的疼痛感,提高自然分娩率,缩短产程,减少产后出血量。

针刺四关穴缓解无痛胃镜诊疗术中并发呃逆疗效观察

目的 基于“气逆动膈”理论,观察针刺四关穴缓解无痛胃镜诊疗术中并发呃逆的有效性和安全性。方法 将100例无痛胃镜诊疗术中并发呃逆的患者随机分为治疗组和对照组,每组50例。治疗组采用针刺双侧合谷、太冲穴治疗,对照组不做任何治疗。观察并记录两组呃逆持续时间、胃镜治疗时间、麻醉苏醒时间及不同时间点各项血流动力学指标[平均动脉压(mean arterial pressure, MAP)、心率(heart rate, HR)、血氧饱和度(oxygen saturation, SPO_(2))],比较两组临床疗效。结果 治疗组治疗后治愈率和总有效率分别为50.0%和82.0%,明显高于对照组的14.0%和48.0%,两组比较差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗组呃逆持续时间、胃镜治疗时间均明显少于对照组(P<0.05)。两组呃逆开始时SPO_(2)水平均较基础值显著下降(P<0.05)。治疗组施针后5 min和10 min SPO_(2)水平均明显高于对照组,两组比较差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 针刺四关穴治疗无痛胃镜诊疗术中并发呃逆疗效确切,能有效减少患者呃逆持续时间和胃镜治疗时间。

合谷穴联合天枢穴在慢性便秘患者肠镜检查前肠道准备的应用

目的 探讨按摩合谷穴联合天枢穴对慢性便秘患者肠道清洁效果和患者的心理状态及耐受性的影响。方法 选取2019年1月至2019年11月在我院消化内科诊治128例慢性便秘的患者,采用随机法分为按摩合谷穴联合天枢穴加聚乙二醇电解质散组和单纯采用聚乙二醇电解质散组,每组64例。比较两组患者的肠道准备的评分和患者的心理状态及耐受性。结果 两组患者在肠道准备评分差异存在统计学意义(P <0.01)。两组患者心理状态差异存在统计学意义(P <0.01)。两组患者服药后不良反应差异存在统计学意义(P <0.01)。结论 按摩合谷穴联合天枢加聚乙二醇电解质散可提高慢性便秘患者肠道清洁度,降低肠道准备过程中出现焦虑、恶心、腹胀、腹痛等不适感,增加患者的耐受性。

针刺合谷、内关、足三里联合药物治疗急性胆囊炎的临床研究

目的分析针刺合谷、内关、足三里联合药物治疗急性胆囊炎(AC)的效果。方法选择2021年3月至2022年3月郏县中医院收治的AC患者62例,按照随机数字表法分为A组(常规药物治疗)和B组(常规药物治疗+针刺合谷、内关、足三里),对比两组治疗有效率、并发症发生率、临床症状评分、胆囊指标、炎性因子指标、疼痛程度、生活质量评分。结果B组治疗有效率高于A组,并发症发生率低于A组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗后B组临床症状评分(厌食、黄疸、口苦、发热、便秘、恶心、腹痛)、胆囊指标(胆囊横径、胆囊壁厚度)、炎性因子指标[白细胞计数(WBC)、高敏C反应蛋白(hs-CRP)、降钙素原(PCT)、白介素-6(IL-6)]、VAS、PPI、PRI评分低于A组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);B组生活质量评分(躯体疼痛、社会功能、情感职能、活力、生理职能、生理机能、精神健康)高于A组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论AC患者在常规服用药物治疗的基础上联合针刺合谷、内关、足三里,能更好地改善患者临床症状、疼痛感,降低炎症指标、胆囊指标,在一定程度上降低并发症风险,提高患者生活质量。

内关、足三里、合谷三穴经皮电刺激对老年胃癌术后胃肠功能恢复的影响

目的:观察内关、足三里、合谷三穴经皮电刺激对老年胃癌术后胃肠功能恢复的影响。方法:选取180例老年胃癌术后患者,按随机数字表法分为常规组与电刺激组各90例。均给予康复治疗,电刺激组给予真内关、足三里、合谷三穴经皮电刺激,常规组给予假内关、足三里、合谷三穴经皮电刺激。观察2组临床疗效及胃肠道功能恢复(肠鸣音恢复正常时间、首次肛门排气、首次排便时间)情况,比较2组术前2 d及术后3 d时的兴奋性胃肠激素指标[胃动素(MTL)、胃泌素(GAS)、P物质(SP)]、抑制性胃肠激素[血管活性肠肽(VIP)、生长抑素(SS)、胆囊收缩素(CCK)]指标值的变化。结果:电刺激组临床疗效总有效率为68.89%,对照组为53.33%,2组比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。电刺激组肠鸣音恢复正常时间、首次肛门排气时间、首次排便时间均短于常规组(P<0.05)。术后3 d,2组MTL、GAS水平均较术前下降(P<0.05),SP水平均较术前增加(P<0.05);电刺激组MTL、GAS、SP水平均高于常规组(P<0.05)。术后3 d,2组VIP、SS水平均较术前下降(P<0.05),CCK水平均较术前升高(P<0.05);电刺激组VIP水平低于常规组(P<0.05),SS、CCK水平高于常规组(P<0.05)。结论:内关、足三里、合谷三穴经皮电刺激可促进老年胃癌术后胃肠功能恢复,改善抑制性胃肠激素。

电针治疗糖尿病周围神经病变选穴规律及刺激参数的数据挖掘

【目的】通过数据挖掘探索电针治疗糖尿病周围神经病变(DPN)的常用腧穴及刺激参数。【方法】检索中国知网期刊全文数据库(CNKI)、万方学术期刊全文数据库(Wanfang)、维普中文科技期刊数据库(VIP)、中国生物医学数据库(CBM)、美国生物医学信息检索系统(PubMed)自建库至2023年5月收录的电针治疗DPN的临床研究文献,建立电针治疗DPN的选穴处方及电针刺激参数数据库,对数据进行描述性统计、聚类分析与关联规则分析。【结果】对纳入的36篇文献中的36首处方进行分析,使用频次较高的前3位腧穴为:三阴交、足三里、合谷;腧穴归经以足太阳膀胱经、足阳明胃经、足太阴脾经为主;聚类分析得出8个聚类集群;关联规则分析得到“合谷、足三里、三阴交”的核心处方,其中支持度最高的穴位组合是“足三里-三阴交”。最常使用的刺激参数为:连续波、疏密波,5 Hz,强度耐受,30 min/次,1次/d,总治疗时间4周。【结论】电针治疗DPN的核心穴组为合谷、足三里、三阴交;电针参数推荐5 Hz,连续波,30 min/次,1次/d,治疗4周。可为电针治疗DPN的临床取穴及参数选择提供一定的参考依据。

基于数据挖掘分析针灸治疗颞下颌关节紊乱综合征的选穴规律

【目的】基于数据挖掘技术分析针灸在治疗颞下颌关节紊乱综合征的选穴规律及特点。【方法】计算机检索中国知网期刊全文数据库(CNKI)、万方学术期刊全文数据库(Wanfang)、维普中文科技期刊数据库(VIP)、中国生物医学数据库(CBM)等各大数据库。检索时间为2002年1月至2022年6月。经过筛选及标准化处理针灸处方,进行数据分析,探究核心选穴及特点。【结果】共纳入92篇文献,提取有效处方108条,腧穴36个,总频次555次。其中,使用总频次前10位的高频腧穴11个,包括下关、合谷、颊车、听宫、翳风、阿是穴、足三里、颧髎、上关、风池、听会,共使用481次,占总频次的85.79%。关联规则显示下关、合谷、颊车、听宫之间存在极强的关联性及共现度,聚类分析得到4个核心聚类。【结论】针灸治疗本病主要遵循“经脉所过,主治所及”的原则,核心选穴组合为:下关-合谷-颊车-听宫。

电针上肢穴位对运动皮层躯干脑区皮质脊髓兴奋性的影响

目的观察电针上肢穴位对健康受试者初级运动皮层(primary motor cortex,M1)躯干脑区皮质脊髓兴奋性的影响。方法纳入15名健康受试者,采用交叉设计。试验一观察电针上肢穴位对竖脊肌(erector spinae,ES)皮质脊髓兴奋性的影响,受试者随机先后进入3组试验,A组电针合谷穴,B组电针孔最穴,C组假针合谷穴。运用经颅磁刺激,检测干预前后对侧M1第一骨间背侧肌、桡侧腕屈肌及ES的运动诱发电位(motor evoked potentials,MEPs)的波幅和潜伏期,ES的MEPs波幅升高者进入试验二。试验二为抑制背侧前运动皮层(premotor cortex,PMd)后电针上肢穴位对ES的皮质脊髓兴奋性的作用研究,受试者随机先后进入两组试验,D组采用抑制PMd配合电针合谷穴干预,E组采用抑制PMd配合电针孔最穴干预。观察并比较两组对侧M1上肢脑区和躯干脑区MEPs的波幅和潜伏期。结果A组和B组干预后上肢脑区及躯干脑区MEPs总波幅均较同组干预前显著增加(P<0.001,P<0.01)。A组干预后上肢脑区及躯干脑区MEPs总波幅均明显高于C组,B组干预后仅躯干脑区MEPs总波幅明显高于C组,差异均具有统计学意义(P<0.001)。D组干预后上肢脑区最佳刺激点MEPs平均波幅及总波幅较同组干预前均显著增加(P<0.05)。D组和E组干预前后躯干脑区最佳刺激点的MEPs平均波幅及总波幅比较,差异也均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论生理状况下,电针合谷、孔最穴均可增强ES的皮质脊髓兴奋性,二者之间无明显差异,PMd可能参与其过程。

基于“一气周流”思想探析“开四关”的运用

基于黄元御“一气周流”理论探讨针灸中“开四关”所蕴含的中医学辨证思想,认为合谷、太冲作为“开四关”的代表之一,从“一气周流”的角度看,两穴配伍具有“禀金木之气合于升降之中,分调气血周流于全身上下”的作用。进而分析“四关穴”左右不同属性,并推论其适应范围,最后总结并验证“四关穴”之“左升右降”针刺方法。