Integration of Excellent Chinese Traditional Culture into the Training and Education of Acupuncture and Massage Professionals

By reflecting on the current situation of the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training of acupuncture and massage professionals,this paper aims to carry out the research on the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training and education of acupuncture and massage.The specific implementation path includes early investigation and analysis,establishment of research objectives,formulation of teaching strategies,means and methods,empirical research on the process of teaching practice,teaching measurement and evaluation,and so on.Finally,it summarizes the connotation of the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training of acupuncture and massage professionals,in order to provide new ideas and methods for the integration of excellent Chinese traditional culture into the training and education of acupuncture and massage professionals.

Development of Chinese Medicine Education in the United States:Two Examples of Pacific College of Health and Science New York and Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine

Chinese medicine originated in China and has taken root all over the world.In the United States,Chinese medicine belongs to the category of complementary and alternative medicine and has a history of over 50 years as a recognized profession.The education of Chinese medicine is undoubtedly the foundation for the development and growth of Chinese medicine practice.In this article,we briefly introduced the history of acupuncture profession and its development in the United States.Pacific College of Health and Science New York and Eastern School of Acupuncture and Traditional Medicine were discussed and analyzed.This article aims to discuss two examples of acupuncture schools in the United States to provide an overview of the history and current development of Chinese medicine education in the United States.

Notice to Contributors of WORLD JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE MOXIBUSTION

World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion is an English academic journal sponsored by World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies. It is published quarterly worldwide. The focus of the journal includes, but is not confined to, clinical researches, summary of clinical experiences,

Warm Celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the Founding of the School of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina,BUCM

School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina,Beijing University of Chinese Medicine was formerly known as the Department of Acupuncture and Tuina established by Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1982.Over the past 40 years,the School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina has made outstanding contributions to the cultivation of acupuncture,moxibustion,and Tuina talents,education and teaching,scientific research,and cultural dissemination both at home and abroad.

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.

Comparison of Chinese medicine higher education programs in China and five Western countries

Object:Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been taught widely in the both Eastern and Western world countries.This study compared the origin,student source,duration,and curriculum design of TCM higher education programs in China and five Western countries.Method:We searched the Internet and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI)database to gather relevant information.Result:All the six countries offer acupuncture and/or Chinese herbal medicine programs at universities and/or private schools.However,there are great large differences among them in the education of curriculum and TCM students enrollment and curriculum policies of TCM courses.Conclusions:There are large differences among their curriculum and enrollment policies.This comparison should provide information about the further development of international standards in TCM education.

Distribution of licensed acupuncturists and educational institutions in the United States at the start of 2023,during the late stage of the COVID-19 pandemic

This study was conducted to identify the number and density of active licensed acupuncturists(LAcs),as well as the number of accredited schools in acupuncture and Oriental medicine(AOM),as of January 1,2023,in the United States(U.S.).The number of active LAcs as of January 1,2023 was 34,524,potentially33,364 after removing license duplication in multiple states,among which the largest three states were California(with 7317 LAcs[21.19%of the total]),New York(5024[14.55%])and Florida(2644[7.66%]).The total number of LAcs decreased by 8.87%from 2018,and fell short of our projected number of LAcs in 2023 by 9037,or 20.75%.The overall LAc density in the U.S.Dmeasured as the number of LAcs per 100,000 populationDwas 10.36,less than in 2018.There were 56 active,accredited AOM schools which offered a total of 147 programs(121 at the level necessary for licensing[entry-level],12 for an advanced practicing degree[advanced-level],and 14 for certifications).Broken down further,offerings included 50 master's degrees in acupuncture,40 master's degrees in Oriental medicine,31 entry-level doctorate degrees(10 in acupuncture and 21 in acupuncture plus Chinese herbal medicine),and 12advanced-level doctorate degrees in AOM.The certification programs included one in East-Asian Medical Bodywork and 13 in CHM.Among these schools in 2023,institutions in the West and East Coast states comprised 67.86%(decreased from 77.42%in 2018)of the national total.California,Florida and Illinois represented 39.29%.There were 48 jurisdictions with acupuncture practice laws in place.The data suggests that the acupuncture profession in the U.S.has been significantly impacted during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

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.

The legendary life of Dr.Gim Shek Ju, the founding father of the education of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in the United States

Several stories of various pioneers establishing acupuncture and Chinese medicine （ACM） practices in the United States （U.S.） have been documented. However, the establishment of schools for ACM signaled the establishment of ACM as an established profession in the U.S. One of the first persons who wanted to set-up a school for Chinese medicine in the U.S. was Dr. Tom Foo Yuen （谭富园, August 7, 1858 - July 10, 1947） during the late 1800s in Los Angeles （LA）, California. However, it was not until 1969 or 1970 that the first informal ACM school was actually established in the U.S. This school was called the Institute for Taoist Study, and was located in LA. However, this school was not registered with the local government and Dr. Gim Shek Ju was the sole teacher at that time.

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.

TREATMENT OF 46 CASES OF PERIPHERAL FACIAL PARALYSIS WITH HAND ACUPUNCTURE,MOXIBUSTION AND ELECTROACUPUNCTURE

In the present paper, the therapeutic effect of hand acupuncture, moxibustion and electroacupuncture (EA) is observed in the treatment of 46 cases of peripheral facial paralysis (treatment group) and compared with that of Western medicines (prednisone, Vitamin B1 and B12, dibazol) in other 42 facial palsy patients. Acupoints used are Fenchi (GB 20), Yifeng (TE 17), Taiyang (LR 3), Yangbai (GB 14), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Yingxiang (LI 20), Dicang (ST 4), Shuigou (GV 26), Chengjiang (CV 24), Xiaguan (ST 7) and Jiache (ST 6). Following 20 - 30 sessions of treatment, results show that the therapeutic effect of treatment group is significantly superior to that of Western medicine group and the therapeutic duration of the former group is shorter.

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.