Gynecology and Gynecological Nursing Theories and Practices in Traditional Chinese Medicine: Review on the Ancient Literatures

Objective: the study is aimed to introduce the developing history of gynecology and gynecological nursing in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Study Design: the development of gynecology and gynecological nursing consists of six periods in Chinese history. They are: 1) budding stage represented by the inscriptions of Nü (female) on oracle bones;2) physiological development stages of women;3) specialized chapters of gynecology in TCM;4) features of gynecological nursing;5) monograph of gynecology and gynecological nursing;6) integration of ancient gynecological nursing perceptions. Results: TCM has a profound understanding of gynecology and gynecological nursing. For period one, the inscriptions of Nü (female) on oracle bones is the symbol of the budding stage. For period two, physiogenesis stages of women are recorded in The Yellow Emperor of Classics of Inner Medicine. For period three, the specialized chapters of gynecology appeared, represented by Golden Chamber, Woman. For period four, the features of gynecological nursing were elaborated in Essential Prescriptions Worth A Thousand Gold including menstruation, depression, yin-dampness, and menopause. For period five, monographs of gynecology and gynecological nursing represented by Good Comprehensive Woman Formulae appeared. For period six, Integrative studies of gynecological nursing perceptions were carried out with the representation by Integrated Ancient and Modern Books. Conclusion: TCM gynecology and gynecological nursing harbors a long history of treating and nursing gynecological disorders. With therapeutic and nursing modalities, they are effective systems of un-derstanding and managing woman health as proven by medical literatures, clinical benefits and basic research studies.

Treatment Effects of Acupuncture and Calligraphy Training on Cognitive Abilities in Senile Demented Patients

Purpose:This study compared the relative effectiveness of Chinese calligraphy handwriting(CCH)and acupuncture in the treatment of patients with senile dementia.Materials and Methods:A randomized controlled trial(RCT)with 17 mild-to-moderate dementia patients with an average age of 77.29 years were randomly assigned with 9 to the calligraphy handwriting group and 8 to the acupuncture treatment group for a month of consecutive treatment.The participants'cognitive abilities,as well as symptoms of senile dementia,were measured by the Chinese version of the Mini-mental State Examination(CMMSE)and the Chinese Medicine Quantitative Diagnostic Survey for Senile Dementia Symptoms,respectively,before and after the treatment.Results:The calligraphy group showed a significant increase in calculation and memory as well as a decline in the symptoms of senile dementia.Patients in the acupuncture group experienced a significant growth in total CMMSE scores and the subscales in orientation to time and place,behavioral operations,as well as reduced clinical symptoms.However,no significant changes were found in their memory and calculation abilities.Conclusion:Both CCH and acupuncture treatments were found significantly effective for,respectively,enhancing the patients'cognitive abilities and reducing their clinical symptoms.Further,calligraphy handwriting also improved the level of their attention and concentration,physical relaxation,and emotional stability.