This article explores the mechanisms of acupuncture meridians by determining characteristics of the tissue fluid flow in the connective tissue along meridians. Based on deep dissection of acupoints on the upper and lo...This article explores the mechanisms of acupuncture meridians by determining characteristics of the tissue fluid flow in the connective tissue along meridians. Based on deep dissection of acupoints on the upper and lower limbs of the human body and micro and macro observation and measurement, a mathematical model of the flow of tissue fluid in interosseous membranes is constructed. It is shown that the signal transmission along acupuncture meridians may be determined by unique anatomical and physiological factors that govern the flow of tissue fluid in the connective tissue and involve mast cell degranulation. Our results provide a preliminary explanation of the phenomenon of the ＂de qi＂ sensation and the mechanism of acupuncture signal transmission along acupuncture meridians.展开更多
Background:Knee osteoarthritis(OA)is a major cause of disability among the older adults.Few treatments are safe and effective.Moxibustion is commonly used in treating knee OA in Chinese medicine(CM).CO2 Laser moxibust...Background:Knee osteoarthritis(OA)is a major cause of disability among the older adults.Few treatments are safe and effective.Moxibustion is commonly used in treating knee OA in Chinese medicine(CM).CO2 Laser moxibustion device is a substitute for traditional moxibustion,which mimics the effects of traditional moxibustion.More data are needed to support its application in knee OA.Objective:The trial aims to assess the effect and safety of CO2 laser moxibustion in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared with a sham control.Methods:This is a protocol for a multicenter,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial.A total of 392 participants were recruited and assigned to the CO2 laser moxibustion group and sham laser moxibustion group with a 1:1 ratio at 6 outpatient clinics in Shanghai,China.Participants in both groups received treatment at the affected knee(s)at the acupuncture point Dubi(ST 35)and an Ashi point.There were 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks,and an additional 20-week follow-up.Primary outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)pain scores at week 4.Secondary outcomes were WOMAC function score,stiffness score and overall score,VAS pain,Short-Form heath survey(SF-36),and patients’global assessment.The serum levels of cytokines involved in progress of knee OA were explored.Safety was assessed during the whole trial.Masking effectiveness was assessed by both participants and treatment providers.Discussion:CO2 laser moxibustion device,designed as a substitute for CM moxibustion,is easy to use and control with no choking smoke and smell,and is a plausible method for double-blind research.This study would provide rigorous evidence for the effect and safety of CO2 laser moxibustion in treating knee OA.展开更多
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program,Grant No.2006CB504509)the Shanghai Leading Academic Discipline Project (Grant Nos.S30304,B112)+3 种基金the Science Foundation of Shanghai Municipal Commission of Science and Technology (Grant Nos.06DZ19732,064319053,07DZ19722 and 08DZ19733000)the Doctoral Fund of Ministry of Education of China (Grant No.200802461152)the Shanghai Special Program of Construction of Research Platform (Grant Nos.2008DZ1973503,2009DZ1974303)supported by the Fudan Science Foundation for Young (Grant No.09FQ07)
文摘This article explores the mechanisms of acupuncture meridians by determining characteristics of the tissue fluid flow in the connective tissue along meridians. Based on deep dissection of acupoints on the upper and lower limbs of the human body and micro and macro observation and measurement, a mathematical model of the flow of tissue fluid in interosseous membranes is constructed. It is shown that the signal transmission along acupuncture meridians may be determined by unique anatomical and physiological factors that govern the flow of tissue fluid in the connective tissue and involve mast cell degranulation. Our results provide a preliminary explanation of the phenomenon of the ＂de qi＂ sensation and the mechanism of acupuncture signal transmission along acupuncture meridians.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(81320108028)National Basic Research Program of China(2015CB554505)Key Program of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China(ZYSNXD-CC-ZDXK-07)。
文摘Background:Knee osteoarthritis(OA)is a major cause of disability among the older adults.Few treatments are safe and effective.Moxibustion is commonly used in treating knee OA in Chinese medicine(CM).CO2 Laser moxibustion device is a substitute for traditional moxibustion,which mimics the effects of traditional moxibustion.More data are needed to support its application in knee OA.Objective:The trial aims to assess the effect and safety of CO2 laser moxibustion in patients with knee osteoarthritis compared with a sham control.Methods:This is a protocol for a multicenter,randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial.A total of 392 participants were recruited and assigned to the CO2 laser moxibustion group and sham laser moxibustion group with a 1:1 ratio at 6 outpatient clinics in Shanghai,China.Participants in both groups received treatment at the affected knee(s)at the acupuncture point Dubi(ST 35)and an Ashi point.There were 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks,and an additional 20-week follow-up.Primary outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)pain scores at week 4.Secondary outcomes were WOMAC function score,stiffness score and overall score,VAS pain,Short-Form heath survey(SF-36),and patients’global assessment.The serum levels of cytokines involved in progress of knee OA were explored.Safety was assessed during the whole trial.Masking effectiveness was assessed by both participants and treatment providers.Discussion:CO2 laser moxibustion device,designed as a substitute for CM moxibustion,is easy to use and control with no choking smoke and smell,and is a plausible method for double-blind research.This study would provide rigorous evidence for the effect and safety of CO2 laser moxibustion in treating knee OA.
