International Communication of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Popular in the West

With the development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)acupuncture and moxibustion,research on acupuncture and moxibustion in the Western world is deepening.The concept of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West is formed.By investigating the localization of acupuncture and moxibustion in the Western world,this paper introduces several kinds of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West and concludes the spread of acupuncture and moxibustion popular in the West through hospitals and clinics,academic works,social organizations,education,and training.This paper provides a global vision developing domestic acupuncture and moxibustion and promoting academic prosperity and technical progress of world acupuncture and moxibustion system.

Analysis of the Clinical Effect of Chinese Medicine Combined with Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Insomnia

Objective:To explore and analyze the clinical efficacy of Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of insomnia.Method:80 patients with primary insomnia were selected as the study sample,with 20 cases randomly selected as the control group and the rest as the observation group.The control group was treated with ordinary western medicine,while the observation group patients were treated with traditional Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion based on this syndrome differentiation.The comparison items were treatment effect,sleep quality,mental health,quality of life,specific sleep indicators,cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitters.Result:The treatment effectiveness showed that the observation group had a higher treatment effectiveness rate than the control group(P<0.05);The results of sleep quality showed that after treatment,the scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group in seven dimensions:sleep quality,sleep time,sleep onset time,sleep efficiency,sleep disorders,hypnotic drugs,and daytime dysfunc‐tion score(P<0.05);The quality of life results showed that after treatment,the observa‐tion group had higher scores than the control group in eight dimensions:physiological function,physiological function,physical pain,health status,energy,social function,emotional function,and mental health(P<0.05);The results of slow wave sleep time and fast eye movement sleep time showed that after treatment,the HAMA and HAMD scores of the physiological mechanism in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);The results of cerebral blood flow and neurotransmitter indica‐tors show that after treatment,glutamateγ-The peak systolic blood flow velocity of ami‐nobutyric acid,vertebral artery,and basilar artery in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical treatment of Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of insomnia patients can significantly improve the clinical treatment effect,and improve the cerebral hemorrhage and neurotransmitter status of patients,promote the improvement of their physical and mental status,can more significantly improve the quality of sleep,reduce sleep difficulties,reduce the dosage of sleeping pills,which has important clinical application value.

Historical review and reflections on the participation of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of epidemics in the People’s Republic of China (from 1950 until now)

Since the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, both the Communist Party and the government have placed great emphasis on the advancement of traditional Chinese medicine. Acupuncture and moxibustion have been actively involved in combating major epidemics such as malaria, schistosomiasis, and COVID-19. This article conducts a historical review of these three significant cases to elucidate how the acupuncture community has effectively utilized its unique advantages and characteristics through theoretical discussions, clinical practices, experimental research, as well as receiving administrative leadership and political support from the Communist Party of China and government. We provide an objective evaluation of their effectiveness while summarizing historical experiences to serve as a reference for future utilization of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in epidemic relief efforts. Additionally, propose four suggestions: strengthening Party leadership and enhancing political support;timely summarization of experiences to establish programs and systems;deepening scientific research by integrating experimental findings with clinical practice;focusing on public awareness campaigns and education to solidify grassroots foundations.

Proposal of translation of commonly-used acupuncture and moxibustion terminology by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine

General Secretary Xi Jinping points out“traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is a treasure of the Chinese nation.We must pro-tect,explore,develop and inherit it well.”According tothe latest in-formation,1 TCM has spread to 196 countries and regions around the world,indicating that it enjoys a good development abroad,especially the development of acupuncture and moxibustion.

Role of ferroptosis in Parkinson’s disease and intervention mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion

Parkinson’s disease(PD)is the second neurodegenerative disease in the world.The pathological characteristics of PD are degeneration,loss and death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the midbrain.At present,most scholars believe that the main pathogenesis of PD is α-synuclein aggregation,oxidative stress,mitochondrial dysfunction and neuroinflammatory reaction.More and more studies have demonstrated that ferroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and development of PD.Ferroptosis is a new type of cell death that is significantly different from traditional apoptosis,scorching and necrosis.Its main feature is iron-dependent lipid peroxidation.Some studies have found that the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of PD may be related to the regulation of ferroptosis.Therefore,this study mainly discusses the occurrence and development mechanism of ferroptosis and its role in PD,and the possible mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of PD dopaminergic neurons,so as to provide theoretical basis for acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of PD.

World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies Organised 2023 Global Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Internet Spring Festival Gala

On January 23,the World Federation of AcupunctureMoxibustion Societies held the 2023 Global Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Online Spring Festival Gala themed Acupuncture Connects the World-Our Common Future to celebrate the Chinese traditional festival with colleagues from the Chinese medicine and acupuncture community around the world and friends who are fans of the Chinese medicine and acupuncture.

Research progress on insomnia treated by traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture based on microbial-gut-brain axis theory

Insomnia,as one of the emotional diseases,has been increasing in recent years,which has a great impact on people's life and work.Therefore,researchers are eager to find a more perfect treatment.The microbiome-gut-brain axis is a new theory that has gradually become popular abroad in recent years and has a profound impact in the field of insomnia.In recent years,traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has played an increasingly important role in the treatment of insomnia,especially acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine.It is the main method of TCM in the treatment of insomnia.This paper mainly reviews the combination degree of"microorganism-gut-brain axis"theory with TCM and acupuncture under the system of TCM.To explore the mechanism of TCM and acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia under the guidance of"microorganismgut-brain axis"theory,in order to provide a new idea for the diagnosis and treatment of insomnia.

ANALYSIS OF REGULATION AND HARMONIZATION IMPLIED IN A-B CLASSIC ON ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

It aims to draw the conclusion that the ideas of treatment in Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing （《针灸甲乙经》, A-B Classic on Acupuncture and Moxibustion ） can be summarized as ＂regulation＂ and ＂harmonization＂ through the research of words in the Classic, such as ＂being normal＂, ＂regulation＂ and ＂harmonization＂. The lost of regulation of a normal person shows disharmony. Regulation can make the person-being-sick become harmony and back to ＂being normal＂. ＂Regulation＂ and ＂harmonization＂ right imply the quintessence of traditional Chinese medicine.

Moxibustion combined with acupuncture increases tight junction protein expression in Crohn's disease patients

AIM:To investigate the effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion combined with acupuncture on the expression of intestinal epithelial tight junction(TJ) proteins.METHODS:Sixty patients diagnosed with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease(CD)were allocated into the herb-partitioned moxibustion combined with acupuncture(HMA)group(n=30)or the mesalazine(MESA)group(n=30)using a parallel control method.There were 2 sets of acupoints used alternately for HMA treatment.The following points were included in Set A:ST25(Tianshu),RN6(Qihai),and RN9(Shuifen)for herb-partitioned moxibustion and ST36(Zusanli),ST37(Shangjuxu),LI11(Quchi),and LI4(Hegu)for acupuncture.The points for Set B included BL23(Shenshu)and BL25(Dachangshu)for herb-partitioned moxibustion and EX-B2 of T6-T1(Jiajixue)fo r acupuncture.The patients received the same treatment6 times a week for 12 consecutive weeks.The MESA group received 1 g of mesalazine enteric coated tablets4 times daily for 12 consecutive weeks.Intestinaltissues were stained and examined to compare the morphological and ultrastructural changes before and after the treatment session.Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization assays were used to detect the expression of intestinal epithelial TJ proteins zonula occludens-1(ZO-1),occludin,and claudin-1.The m RNA levels were also evaluated.RESULTS:After the treatment,both herb-partitioned moxibustion combined with acupuncture and mesalazine improved intestinal morphology and ultrastructure of CD patients;the patients treated with HMA showed better improvement.HMA significantly increased the expression of ZO-1(P=0.000),occludin(P=0.021),and claudin-1(P=0.016).MESA significantly increased the expression of ZO-1(P=0.016)and occludin(P=0.026).However,there was no significant increase in the expression of claudin-1(P=0.935).There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for the expression of occludin and claudin-1(P>0.05).The HMA group showed a significant improvement in ZO-1 expression compared to the MESA group(2333.34±352.51 vs 2160.38±307.08,P=0.047).HMA significantly increased the expression of ZO-1 m RNA(P=0.000),occludin m RNA(P=0.017),and claudin-1 m RNA(P=0.017).MESA significantly increased the expression of ZO-1 m RNA(P=0.000),occludin m RNA(P=0.042),and claudin-1 m RNA(P=0.041).There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the expression of occludin and claudin-1 m RNA(P>0.05).However,the HMA group showed a significant improvement in ZO-1 m RNA expression compared with the MESA group(2378.17±308.77 vs 2200.56±281.88,P=0.023).CONCLUSION:HMA can repair intestinal epithelial barrier lesions and relieve inflammation by upregulating the expression of TJ proteins and their m RNAs.

Randomized controlled trial: Moxibustion and acupuncture for the treatment of Crohn's disease

AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture and moxibustion for the treatment of active Crohn&#x02019;s disease (CD).

Study of the mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion treatmentfor ulcerative colitis ratsinview of the gene expression of cytokines

AIM:To observe the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on the expression of IL-1beta and IL-6 mRNA in ulcerative colitis rats.METHODS:The SD rat ulcerative colitis model was created by immunological method associated with local stimulation. Colonic mucosa was prepared from human fresh surgical colonic specimens, homogenized by adding appropriate amount of normal saline and centrifuged at 3000r/min. The supernatant was collected for measurement of protein conentration and then mixed with Freund adjuvant. This antigen fluid was first injected into the plantae of the model group rats, and then into their plantae, dorsa, inguina and abdominal cavities (noFreund adjuvant for the last injection) again on the 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st day. When a certain titer of serum anti colonic antibody was reached, 2% formalin and antigen fluid (no Freund adjuvant) were administered separately by enema. The ulcerative colitis rat model was thus set up. The animals were randomly divided into four groups: model control group (MC, n = 8), electro acupuncture group (EA, n = 8), herbs partition moxibustion group (HPM 8), normal control group (NC,n = 8). HPM: Moxa cones made of refined mugwort floss were placed on the medicinal pad (medicinal pad dispensing: Radix Aconiti praeparata, cortex Cinnamomi, etc) for Qihai (RN 6) and Tianshu (ST 25, bilateral) and ignited. Two moxa cones were used for each acupoint once a day and 14 times in all. EA: Tianshu (bilateral) and Qihai were stimulated by the intermittent pulse with 2Hz frequency, 4mA intensity for 20 minutes once a day and 14 times in all. After treatment, rats of all four groups were killed simultaneously. The spleen was separated and the distal colon was dissected. Total tissue RNA was isolated by the guanidinium thiocyanate phenol chloroform extraction method. RT-PCR technique was used to study the expression of IL-1 beta and IL-6 mRNA.RESULTS:IL-1 beta and IL-6 mRNAs were not detected in the spleen and colonic mucosa of the NC rats, whereas they were significantly expressed in that of the MC rats.IL-1 beta and IL-6 mRNAs were markedly lower in the EA and HPM rats than that in MC rats. There was no significant difference between the levels of IL-1 beta and IL-6 mRNAs in the EA and HPM rats. The expressions of IL-1 beta and IL-6 mRNAs were nearly the same in the spleen and colon of all groups.CONCLUSION:Acupuncture and moxibustion greatly inhibited the expression of IL-1 beta and IL-6 mRNA in the experimental ulcerative colitis rats.

Electroacupuncture and moxibustion promote regeneration of injured sciatic nerve through Schwann cell proliferation and nerve growth factor secretion

Using electroacupuncture and moxibustion to treat peripheral nerve injury is highly efficient with low side effects. However, the electroacupuncture-and moxibustion-based mechanisms underlying nerve repair are still unclear. Here, in vivo and in vitro experiments uncovered one mechanism through which electroacupuncture and moxibustion affect regeneration after peripheral nerve injury. We first established rat models of sciatic nerve injury using neurotomy. Rats were treated with electroacupuncture or moxibustion at acupoints Huantiao （GB30） and Zusanli （ST36）. Each treatment lasted 15 minutes, and treatments were given six times a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Behavioral testing was used to determine the sciatic functional index. We used electrophysiological detection to measure sciatic nerve conduction velocity and performed hematoxylin-eosin staining to determine any changes in the gastrocnemius muscle. We used immunohistochemistry to observe changes in the expression of S100—a specific marker for Schwann cells—and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect serum level of nerve growth factor. Results showed that compared with the model-only group, sciatic functional index, recovery rate of conduction velocity, diameter recovery of the gastrocnemius muscle fibers, number of S100-immunoreactive cells,and level of nerve growth factor were greater in the electroacupuncture and moxibustion groups. The efficacy did not differ between treatment groups. The serum from treated rats was collected and used to stimulate Schwann cells cultured in vitro. Results showed that the viability of Schwann cells was much higher in the treatment groups than in the model group at 3 and 5 days after treatment. These findings indicate that electroacupuncture and moxibustion promoted nerve regeneration and functional recovery; its mechanism might be associated with the enhancement of Schwann cell proliferation and upregulation of nerve growth factor.

Protective effect of electroacupuncture and moxibustion on gastric mucosal damage and its relation with nitric oxide in rats

INTRODUCTION Gastric mucosal injury is one of the common disorders,there are many reports subjicted to its pathogenesis treatment and prevention.We investigated the protective effect

Acupuncture and moxibustion reduces neuronal edema in Alzheimer's disease rats

To examine the possible correlation of aberrant Wnt signaling and pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease, we established a rat model of Alzheimer’s disease and measured axin and β-catenin expression in the hippocampus. Rats were pretreated with moxibustion or electroacu-puncture, or both, at Baihui（GV20） and Shenshu（BL23）. Axin expression was lower, β-catenin expression was greater, and neuronal cytoplasmic edema was visibly prevented in the rats that had received the pretreatments. Our results suggest that the mechanism underlying the neuro-protective effect of acupuncture and moxibustion in Alzheimer’s disease is associated with axin and β-catenin expression in the Wnt signal transduction pathway.

Effects of preventive acupuncture or moxibustion at the Guanyuan acupoint on expression of interleukin-2 and its receptors in hypothalamus, serum, and uterus of menopausal rats

BACKGROUND： Previous studies have indicated preventive acupuncture and moxibustion at the Guanyuan point have positive effects on the immune system of menopausal rats. OBJECTIVE： To observe the effects of preventive acupuncture or moxibustion at the Guanyuan point on interleukin-2 （IL-2） and its receptor （IL-2R mRNA） levels in hypothalamus, serum, and uterus of menopausal rats. DESIGN： Randomized control animal experiment. SETTING： School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. MATERIALS： This study was performed at the Laboratory of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from November 2004 to July 2005. The vaginal smear method was used to determine the estrus cycle of 9.5-month-old Sprague Dawley （SD） female rats. Three continuous estrus cycles were measured, and 160 rats with estrus cycle disorder, weighing （300 _＋ 20） g, were included in this study. The rats were randomly divided into four groups： preventive acupuncture group （n =48）, preventive moxibustion group （n =48）, model groups （n =48）, and 10-month-old group （n =16）. Sixteen 3.5-month-old healthy SD female rats, weighing （240 ± 20） g, were also assigned to the young group. All rats were clean grade and were purchased from the Laboratory Animal Center, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. The experiment was in accordance with animal ethics standards. METHODS： Acupuncture was applied to the preventive acupuncture group at 10 months of age. The needle was inserted upward and perpendicularly two fen to a point that was two fen below the Guanyuan point. The rats freely moved around during needle retention （20 minutes）. Acupuncture was administered twice a week and continued for eight weeks. A moxa cone （small） moxibustion was applied to the preventive moxibustion group at 10 months of age. The rats were caught gently and kept at the same position as the preventive acupuncture group. The moxa cone was ignited and held to the Guanyuan point directly. Only one moxa cone was used each time. After moxibustion, the local skin turned slightly red. Moxibustion was used twice a week and continued for eight weeks. Nothing except gently catching and lying was administered to the model group and the young group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Radioimmunoassay, in situ hybridization, and similar methods were employed to detect IL-2 in serum and the uterus, as well as IL-2R mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and uterus arcuate nuclei, of the preventive acupuncture group, preventive moxibustion group, model groups （at 12, 14, and 16 months）, 10 month old group （at 10 months）, and the young group （at 4 months）. RESULTS： All 176 rats were included in the final analysis. （1） IL-2R mRNA： IL-2R mRNA expression decreased significantly in the uterus of 12-, 14-, and 16-month-old model groups and in the hypothalamus of 14- and 16-month-old model groups （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. Compared to the same month-aged model groups, the expression of IL-2R mRNA increased significantly in the hypothalamus and uterus of 16-month-old preventive acupuncture or moxibustion groups （P 〈 0.05-0.01）.（2） IL-2：IL-2 in serum of 12- and 14-month-old model groups and in the uterus of 12-, 14-, and 16-month-old model groups decreased significantly compared to the young group （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. IL-2 serum levels increased significantly in the 16-month-old group with preventive moxibustion; in addition, IL-2 expression levels increased significantly in the uterus of the 12-month-old group with preventive moxibustion, as well as the 12- and 16-month-old groups with preventive acupuncture （P 〈 0.05-0.01）. CONCLUSION： As a rat ages and becomes menopausal, IL-2R mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and uterus, as well as IL-2 levels in the serum and uterus, decrease. However, preventive acupuncture and preventive moxibustion can repress the decrease to some extent. This effect is even greater in the late stages of menopause （16-month-old rats）.

OBSERVATION OF THE EFFICACY OF ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION IN 62 CASES OF CHRONIC COLITIS

62 patients with chronic colitis were randomly divided into two groups. Acupuncture and moxibustion at acupoints such as Tianshu (St 25), Guanyuan (Ren 4) were applied in the treatment group, and western drugs were applied in the control group. The results showed that acupuncture and moxibustion had a marked curative effective with few side effects, and therefore was readily acceptable to the patients.

Twenty One Cases of Vertebral-Artery-Type Cervical Spondylosis Treated with Acupuncture and Moxibustion

The vertebral-artery-type cervical spondylosis iscommonly encountered in the middle aged and oldpeople.The author has treated 21 cases of vertebral-artery-type cervical spondylosis by acupuncture andmoxibustion,with the other 19 cases treated only byacupuncture as the controls.The results are reportedas follows.Clinical

Protective Action of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Gastric Mucosa in Model Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis

Objective: To probe the mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in atrophic gastritis so as to provide a basis for clinical treatment. Method: Observe the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion at the points of Zusanli, Zhongwan and Tianshu on gastric mucosa in model rats with chronic atrophic gastritis. Results:Acupuncture and moxibustion can increase the contents of PGE2α, PGF2α and cAMP, and decrease the content of cGMP in the tissue of gastric mucosa. Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion shows cytoprotection on gastric mucosa, so it is an effective method for treating chronic atrophic gastritis.

Acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of Crohn’s disease:A brief review

Crohn’s disease(CD)is a kind of intestinal inflammatory disease that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract and the incidence rate of CD is gradually increasing worldwide.Acupuncture and moxibustion have unique curative effects on gastrointestinal diseases and can be new options for the treatment of CD.

Regulative Effects of Auricular Acupuncture,Moxibustion and Chinese Herbs on Immunologic Function in the D-Galactose-induced Aging Mouse

Objective:To observe the regulative effect of auricular acupuncture, moxibustion and Chinese herbs on immunologic function in the D-galactose-induced aging mouse and to probe the feasibility and possible mechanisms for delaying aging, so as to provide experimental basis for acupuncture, moxibustion and Chinese herbs for delaying aging. Methods: Aging mouse model was established by subcutaneous injection of D-galactose, and treated by auricular acupuncture, auricular acupuncture plus moxibustion, and auricular acupuncture plus Chinese herbs respectively for 6 weeks and then serum interleukin-2 (IL-2) and IL-6 contents and splenic lymphocyte transformation rate were compared among the groups. Results: Compared with the young group, the serum IL-2 level and the splenic lymphocyte transformation rate significantly decreased and the IL-6 level significantly increased in the aging mouse. After treatment by auricular acupuncture, auricular acupuncture plus Chinese herbs, especially auricular acupuncture plus moxibustion, the serum IL-2 level and the splenic lymphocyte transformation rate significantly increased, and the IL-6 level significantly decreased as compared with the model group. Conclusions: Combined application of auricular acupuncture, moxibustion and Chinese herbs can improve the decline or dysfunction of immunological function in the aging organism to a certain extent.