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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A review of the literature on randomized controlled trials of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic-pain syndrome within 2016-2021

Chronic prostatitis(CP)/chronic pelvic-pain syndrome(CPPS)is a common urinary-system disease with a high incidence in young and middle-aged men,seriously affecting patients'ability to work and their quality of life(Qo L).Western medicine(WM)has some limitations in treating CP/CPPS.Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical method that is commonly used to treat this condition and has a relatively good effect on it.Many randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on this subject have been published.For this study,we searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Chinese Science and Technology Periodical(VIP),Wanfang,Sino Med,and Pub Med databases for RCTs on acupuncture treatment of CP/CPPS in the last 5 years(2016/01/01-2021/12/01).In addition,we conducted analysis and research,aiming to summarize acupuncture treatment in CP/CPPS RCTs and the clinical efficacy,with the goal of providing clinical reference.A total of 466 related documents were retrieved in the search,and 62 articles were retained after screening.We obtained RCT information on acupuncture treatment of CP/CPPS.The results showed that several relevant clinical studies have been performed over the last 5 years and that acupuncture and moxibustion have better curative effect on CP/CPPS than WM.Due to the small number of included studies,more experimental evidence is needed to verify the clinical efficacy of acupuncture.

Comparison of the analgesic effects between electro-acupuncture and moxibustion with visceral hypersensitivity rats in irritable bowel syndrome

AIM To observe whether there are differences in the effects of electro-acupuncture(EA) and moxibustion(Mox) in rats with visceral hypersensitivity. METHODS EA at 1 m A and 3 m A and Mox at 43?℃ and 46?℃ were applied to the Shangjuxu(ST37, bilateral) acupoints in model rats with visceral hypersensitivity. Responses of wide dynamic range neurons in dorsal horns of the spinal cord were observed through the extracellular recordings. Mast cells(MC) activity in the colons of rats were assessed, and 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT), 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 receptor(5-HT3R) and 5-HT4Rexpressions in the colons were measured.RESULTS Compared with normal control group, responses of wide dynamic range neurons in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord were increased in the EA at 1 m A and 3 m A groups(1 m A: 0.84 ± 0.74 vs 2.73 ± 0.65, P < 0.001; 3 m A: 1.91 ± 1.48 vs 6.44 ± 1.26, P < 0.001) and Mox at 43?℃ and 46?℃ groups(43?℃: 1.76 ± 0.81 vs 4.14 ± 1.83, P = 0.001; 46?℃: 5.19 ± 2.03 vs 7.91 ± 2.27, P = 0.01). MC degranulation rates and the expression of 5-HT, 5-HT3 R and 5-HT4 R in the colon of Mox 46?℃ group were decreased compared with model group(MC degranulation rates: 0.47 ± 0.56 vs 0.28 ± 0.78, P < 0.001; 5-HT: 1.42 ± 0.65 vs 7.38 ± 1.12, P < 0.001; 5-HT3R: 6.62 ± 0.77 vs 2.86 ± 0.88, P < 0.001; 5-HT4R: 4.62 ± 0.65 vs 2.22 ± 0.97, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The analgesic effects of Mox at 46?℃ are greater than those of Mox at 43?℃, EA 1 m A and EA 3 m A.

Moxibustion plus acupuncture improves the efficacy and quality of life of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To observe the effect of moxibustion combined with acupuncture on the efficacy and quality of life of spleen-kidney-yang-deficiency patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS).Materials and Methods:A total of 90 patients with PCOS of spleen-kidney yang deficiency type from January 2020 to March 2021 were selected and randomly divided into three groups,30 patients each in the moxibustion group,acupuncture group,and moxibustion combined with acupuncture group(combined group).The changes of body mass index(BMI),waist-to-hip ratio(WHR),fasting insulin(FINS),fasting plasma glucose(FPG),homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR),follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH),testosterone(T),triglycerides(TG),total cholesterol(TC),traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)clinical symptom score,efficacy,and quality of life score in the three groups were observed before and 3 months after treatment.Results:After treatment,(1)compared with the moxibustion and acupuncture groups,the combined group was more effective in reducing BMI(F=5.274,P<0.05)and WHR(F=8.246,P<0.05)in PCOS patients;(2)FINS,FPG,and HOMA-IR were reduced in all three groups,and the reduction in these three indicators was more pronounced in combined group(FINS:F=5.637,P<0.05,FPG:F=4.915,P<0.05,HOMA-IR:F=3.817,P<0.05);(3)The FSH,LH,and T levels of patients in the combined group were better than those in the remaining two groups(FSH:F=4,163,P<0.05,LH:F=5.098,P<0.05,T:F=7.038,P<0.05);(4)The TG and TC of patients in the combined group were lower than those in the remaining two groups(TG:F=4.806,P<0.05,TC:F=3.828,P<0.05);(5)The TCM clinical symptom score of the combined group was significantly lower than those of the moxibustion and acupuncture groups(F=4.547,P<0.05);(6)The quality of life of patients in the combined group improved more significantly than the moxibustion and acupuncture groups(F=6.239,P<0.05);(7)The total effective rate of the combined group was higher than that of the moxibustion and acupuncture groups(χ2=6.947,P=0.031).Conclusion:The combination of moxibustion and acupuncture can effectively reduce the BMI and WHR of PCOS patients,improve the endocrine function,sex hormone level,TCM symptoms and quality of life of patients,and has significant efficacy and high safety,which is worthy of wide clinical application.

The research progress of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis

As a common and frequently-occurring disease in clinic,peripheral facial paralysis is worth paying attention to.In fact,as one of the methods for the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis,acupuncture has been widely promoted and applied in clinic,and has been recognized by doctors at home and abroad.However,there are many other factors that affect the curative effect in clinic due to their different operating methods.Therefore,there are still many disputes in the treatment of peripheral facial paralysis.The relevant literatures in recent years were searched and consulted in order to understand the current situation and provide routine treatment methods for clinical acupuncturists to treat this disease.And we intended to analyze and introduce from acupuncture manipulation,warm acupuncture,electroacupuncture,giant acupuncture,fire acupuncture,acupuncture combined with massage,acupuncture timing and other treatments,and different classification of acupuncture points and methods.

An inspiration to the studies on mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion action derived from 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine

The editorial board of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine recently convened an academic seminar with a focus on studies regarding the mechanisms mediating acupuncture efficacy and moxibustion action inspired by the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.Specifically,Professor Bailong Xiao introduced the Nobel Prize for research on the mechanically activated Piezo ion channel,evaluating the structure of the Piezo channel and its physiological and pathological functions,and proposed a possible role for the Piezo channel in acupuncture mechanical stimulation.Professor Michael Xi Zhu introduced the discovery of the transient receptor potential(TRP)family,reporting that the therapeutic effects of Chinese medicine and acupuncture may be achieved via the TRP family,and that information regarding associations between the meridian and lymphatic systems may have important research and medical value.In addition,Professor Tianle Xu reviewed the history of ion channel research,particularly the physiological and pharmacological effects of non-classical ion channels(eg,the acid sensing ion channel family)and pointed out that the characterization and neural circuits of acupuncture deqi manipulation are important for elucidating the mechanisms of acupuncture actions.Professor Yongming Li similarly proposed that the 2021 Nobel Prize may open the door to disclosing the histological basis of acupuncture and moxibustion and analyzing the main scientific concerns regarding the clinical translation of acupuncture and moxibustion from basic to translational research.Finally,Professor Yi Guo summarized the study progress of the acupoint microenvironment induced by acupuncture over the course of nearly 30 years and put forward the hypothesis that acupuncture may initiate the physical-chemical coupling network by activating ion channel receptors in acupoints via physical and mechanical stimulation.Therefore,we conclude that a primary achievement of the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine is in helping interpret how acupuncture and moxibustion adjust homeostasis(ie,by activating mechanical and thermal sensation),which is conducive to validating and promoting the clinical efficacy of acupuncture modalities.

Administration of the Acupuncture and Moxibustion in Clinical Treatment of Fractures

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SEVEN CASES OF SPINAL ARACHNOIDITIS TREATED BY ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE ALONG THE DU MERIDIAN AND MOXIBUSTION ON GUANYUAN POINT

Spinal arachnoiditis is also known as ad-hesive spinal arachnoiditis.The clinical mani-festations are paraplegia or weakness of thelower extremities,with pain,muscular atrophyand incontinence of urine and stool.Seven caseswere treated with electro-acupuncture along

ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION IN THE TREATMENT OF DERMATOSES

Clinically,the therapy of acupunctureand moxibustion is not only indicated forchronic or acute pain and the diseases relat-ed to the nervous system,but also fordermatoses.In treating pain and itching dueto dermatoses,acupuncture may result notonly in immediate alleviation,but also inregulating the immunologic function of