Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice by regulating Th2 type immune response and reducing infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells

Background:This study aimed to assess how acupoint catgut-embedding therapy influences Th2-type immune response and the infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice.It also conducted an initial examination of the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods:Seventy-two mice were randomly divided into four groups:normal control,DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model(AD),AD with acupoint catgut-embedding treatment(ADA),and AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment.After DNCB challenge to induce AD,the ADA group received acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment at Zusanli(ST 36)and Quchi(LI 11)acupoints every other week from day 8.Mice in the AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment group underwent the same procedure as the ADA group but without catgut implantation.Severity was assessed using SCORAD on treatment days 1,10,and 20.On day 18,nine mice per group were euthanized,and the remaining on day 28.Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining.TNF-α,IL-4,IL-6,and IL-13 levels were analyzed by ELISA,and GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels by western blot.Results:After 20 days of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment,mice showed reduced dermatitis scores compared to DNCB-induced AD-like mice.Significant decreases occurred in serum IL-4,IL-6,IL-13,and TNF-αlevels.Skin analysis revealed marked reductions in CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cell infiltration,as well as GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels.Conclusion:Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy may effectively alleviate atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th2 immune responses via the STAT6-GATA3 pathway and reducing CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)T cell infiltration in skin lesions.

CHINESE HUAI TANG NINE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES: RESEARCH ON THE NEW NINE ACUPUNCTURE NEEDLES THERAPY AND THE NEEDLING INSTRUMENTS (CONTINUED)

PART TWOThe Research on Chinese Huai TangNine Acupuncture Needles TherapyI The theoretical basis of ChineseHuai Tang Nine Needles Therapy.1) The kernel of the theoretical basis ofChinese Huai Tang Nine Needles Therapy.Chinese Huai Tang Nine Needles Therapyis to give full play to the treatment action of thespecifity and entirety of each needle. The speci-fity means that each needle has its own

Clinical Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Combined Traditional Chinese Medicine with Acupoint Injection and Herbal Paste Application in Treating Ovulatory Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of combined traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy with acupoint injection and herbal patch application on patients with ovulatory dysfunction associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A total of 80 PCOS patients who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine between October 2022 and March 2024 were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group (n = 40) and an observation group (n = 40). The control group received conventional Western medical treatments, while the observation group was administered TCM combined with acupoint injection and herbal patch application. Pre- and post-treatment conditions were compared between the two groups. Results: After treatment, the overall effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (P 0.05). Following treatment, both ovulation and pregnancy rates increased in both groups, but the increase was more evident in the observation group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). Conclusion: For patients with oligoovulation or anovulation due to PCOS, the combined use of TCM, acupoint injection, and herbal patch application appears to be effective in improving systemic symptoms and achieving notable clinical outcomes.

Endoscopic incisional therapy for benign esophageal strictures: Technique and results

Benign esophageal strictures refractory to the conventional balloon or bougie dilatation may be subjected to various adjunctive modes of therapy, one of them being endoscopic incisional therapy(EIT). A proper delineation of the stricture anatomy is a prerequisite. A host of electrocautery and mechanical devices may be used, the most common being the use of needle knife, either standard or insulated tip. The technique entails radial incision and cutting off of the stenotic rim. Adjunctive therapies, to prevent re-stenosis, such as balloon dilatation, oral or intralesional steroids or argon plasma coagulation can be used. The common strictures where EIT has been successfully used are Schatzki's rings(SR) and anastomotic strictures(AS). Short segment strictures(< 1 cm) have been found to have the best outcome. When compared with routine balloon dilatation, EIT has equivalent results in treatment na?ve cases but better long term outcome in refractory cases. Anecdotal reports of its use in other types of strictures have been noted. Post procedure complications of EIT are mild and comparable to dilatation therapy. As of the current evidence, incisional therapy can be used for management of refractory AS and SR with relatively short stenosis(< 1 cm) with good safety profile and acceptable long term patency.

Activation of various brain areas during acupuncture at Taixi (KI 3) and Qiuxu (GB 40) acupoints

A number of previous studies of acupuncture acupoint specificity have used sham acupoints, sham acupuncture or meridian acupoints at a great distance from each other as controls in functional MRI （fMRI） experiments. However, few studies have compared different meridian acupoints within the same segment, which are associated with similarly intense needle sensations. We performed fMRI on 12 healthy young volunteers and observed differences in brain activation elicited by acupuncture of the Taixi （KI 3） and Qiuxu （GB 40） acupoints. Acupuncture was applied at the Taixi and Qiuxu acupoints, using a multiple-block fMRI design with three blocks, involving three altemations of resting and task phases. After scanning, needle sensation was assessed. The behavioral results revealed that the subjective needle sensation was similar between the Taixiand Qiuxu acupoints. The fMRI results revealed that acupuncture at the right Taixi acupoint activated the right superior temporal gyrus （BA 22）, left middle frontal gyrus （BA 46） and inferior frontal gyrus （BA 45）, bilateral parietal lobe postcentral gyrus （BA 2）, right parietal lobe （BA 3）, and left parietal lobe （BA 40）. Acupuncture at the right Qiuxu acupoint activated the left superior temporal gyrus （BA 42）, right parietal lobe postcentral gyrus （BA 40, BA 43）, right inferior frontal gyrus （BA 47）, bilateral superior temporal gyrus （BA 22）, and right insula BA13. These results suggest that the right Taixiand Qiuxu acupoints activated different brain areas.

Endoscopic ultrasound guided vascular access and therapy:A promising indication

Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)is an imaging technique that has consolidated its role as an important tool for diagnosis and therapeutics.In recent years we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of EUS-guided therapeutic indications(celiac plexus neurolysis/block, pseudocyst drainage,etc).Preliminary reports have suggested EUS may also be used to guide vascular access for both imaging and treating different vascular diseases.This review aims to objectively describe the existing evidence in the field.

Effect of enpishin (press tack acupuncture needles) on autonomic function, WBC count and oxidative stress

Acupuncture as a vital component of traditional medical systems of the Far East has been used to restore and maintain health for over three millennia. However, the neurobiological correlates of this therapy remain largely unknown. The purpose of this study was therefore to determine the effect of enpishin acupuncture (press tack needles (PTN)) on autonomic function, WBC count, and oxidative stress between subjects that received either verum or placebo PTN treatment. Twenty men (mean(SD) age: 36.7(5.1) years) who provided oral consent were randomized to receive either verum PTN (n = 9) or placebo PTN (n = 11). Bi-Digital O-Ring Test (BDORT) was used to select the acupoints for each participant. Autonomic function and oxidative stress level were analyzed before and after the treatment via heart rate variability (HRV) and free radical analysis system (FRAS4), respectively. Pre- and post-treatment WBC count was also evaluated. Verum PTN group had a statistically significant increase (p = 0.008) in Ln TP, an index of overall autonomic activity. Subjects in this group also had a significantly greater (p = 0.006) variation in Ln TP than the placebo PTN group in response to the treatment. Similarly, Ln HF of subjects receiving verum PTN showed a marked increase (p = 0.0026) after the treatment. Moreover, a significantly greater (p < 0.001) variation in mean Ln HF before and after the treatment was noted in the verum group than the placebo group, reflecting a greater parasympathetic activation in the former. In contrast, sympathetic activity was not significantly influenced by verum PTN based on the lack of observed changes in LF/HF ratio. In addition, both groups failed to demonstrate significant variations in pre- and post-treatment mean Ln LF/HF ratio. Further, no significant intergroup difference was found with regard to mean variation in Ln LF/HF ratio. Verum PTN did not induce significant changes in WBC count and markers of oxidative stress, namely reactive oxygen species (ROM) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP). However, a comparison of variations in pre- and post-treatment mean WBC count showed a significant difference (p = 0.020) between the two treatment modes: verum group showed a slight increase (225 ± 384.5), while placebo group showed a minimal decrease (–190 ± 272.6). Our findings suggest that PTN increases overall autonomic activity, particularly the parasympathetic function.

A new local ablation for unresectable primary liver tumor: effect of electrothermal and electrochemical therapy on rat liver

Background: Electrochemical therapy (ECT) has been used to treat unresectable hepatic tumor. In order to improve its efficacy, we combined ECT with hyperthermia induced by electrothermal needle (ETN) (ETECT). The aim of this study is to investigate the destructive effect of ETECT on normal rat liver. Methods: Twenty rats were randomized into 4 treatment groups (n=5 in each group): control, ECT alone, hyperthermia alone and ETECT. Following the treatment, sections of the livers were histologically examined by light microscopy and the destructive volumes were measured with micrometer. Results: We found that the destructive volumes in ETECT group were the largest (P<0.01). In ETECT group coagulative necrosis was found in both anode and cathode areas, around which transition zones existed. The transition zones can only be seen when coulomb was in- creased in ECT group. Conclusion: ETECT was demonstrated to enhance the destructive effect of ECT. This study provides theoretical and experimental basis for a new local ablative treatment for unresectable primary liver tumor.

An investigation of the influence of intestinal flora in external traditional Chinese medicine therapy

External therapy,which has been used for millennia to treat disease,has now become the newest member of complementary and alternative therapies.A growing number of clinical studies and animal experiments have shown that external therapy exerts a positive effect on the intestinal flora.In this paper,we review the research related to external therapy on various systemic diseases and focus on changes in the intestinal flora.We found that studies on external therapy are dominated by acupuncture and tuina,primarily aimed at the treatment of digestive and neurological diseases.However,the deeper mechanism of regulation of the intestinal flora by external therapy has not yet been experimentally confirmed.

Comparison of clinical efficacy of neddle knife at acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians and according to anatomical structures in treating early and middle stage knee osteoarthritis

Objective:To stimulate tenderness points around knee joint in two metholds-corresponding acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians and anatomical structures,to compare the clinical efficacy of neddle knife of to cure early and middle stage knee osteoarthritis.Method:70 patients were randomly(Random Number Tables)divided into test group(acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians,n=35)and control group(anatomical structures,n=35),who were diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis.Observe the VAS(visual analogue scale),Lysholm,WOMAC(the Western Ontario and McMaster Unive rsities Osteoarthritis Index)and ROM(rang of motion)between two groups in first week,first month,third month after treatment.Recording the degree of improvement of knee joint’s pain,dysfunction and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rang of motion.Results:Within groups,the VAS,Lysholm,WOMAC and ROM were obviously different from pre-therapy scores in the third,sixth and twelfth week post-therapy(P<0.05).Between groups no significant difference were observed in the third week post-therapy about VAS,Lysholm,WOMAC scores(P>0.05).However,there were differences in the sixth,twelfth weeks post-therapy(P<0.05);compared with control group,the ROM of test group were difference in the third,sixth,twelfth weeks post-therapy(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical efficacy of stimulating corresponding acupoints tenderness points selected from recent regions along meridians to treat early and middle stage knee osteoarthritis was superior to anatomical structures,which can effectively relieve pain,dysfunction,symptoms of osteoarthritis of knee joint and rang of motion.

THEORY OF OPPOSITE ACUPOINTS AND ITS CLINICAL APPLICATION

In the light of the position character, acupoints situating on the corresponding medial and lateral sides of the limbs or in the front and back parts of the body trunk are called as “opposite acupoints”. In the present paper, the author expounds its theoretical basis from yin-yang theory, investigates its origin from the location of acupoints and ancient clinical application, and introduces its current application in clinical practice. In addition, the author lists 4 typical cases about treatment of hysteric convulsion, pregnant hypertension, child bed-wetting and leucorrhagia with opposite acupoints. Clinical practice demonstrates that opposite acupoints therapy is fewer in taking acupoints for one session of treatment, simple in operation, and good in the therapeutic effect for treatment of various diseases of different systems in the human body.

The review of clinical application of X-shaped balance acupuncture therapy for joint pain and activity disorder

Musculoskeletal diseases such as neck, shoulder, back and leg pain are ext remely common in clinic. Diseases of the joints of the ext remi ti es, especially sputum, wr ist spr ains, and periarthritis of the shoulders, and even lumbar disc herniation, use X-shaped balance acupuncture therapy to relieve pain and improve motor function. The method of obtaining acupoints is simple and easy to operate. Many of clinical comparison shows that this therapy is simple to conventional acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of local pain and joint diseases. This review concluded the advantaged about the X-shaped balance acupuncture therapy and it worth to clinical promotion.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON THE ACUPOINT INTRADERMAL EMBEDDING OF RINGHEADED THUMBTACK-NEEDLE THERAPY FOR HYPERPLASIA OF MAMMARY GLANDS

In the present paper, the author used acupoint intradermal embedding of ringheaded thumbtack-needle therapy combined with herbal medicine therapy to treat 110 cases of hyperplasia of mammary glands, and compared its therapeutic effect with that of herbal therapy alone. The observed indexes of the treatment were pain relief degree, the size of hyperplasic glands and the time of occurrence of marked effect. Following 3 courses of treatment,the results showed the therapeutic effect of the ringheaded thumbtack-needle needle plus herbal medicine therapy was superior to that of herbal medicine therapy alone in the above-mentioned 3 indexes (P ＜ 0.01 ).

Short term acupressure therapy on weight-reduction in adolescence: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: Common treatment options for obesity include a reduced-calorie diet, increased physical activity, behavioral modification, pharmacotherapy, and surgery. Ear acupressure may also be an effective adjunct therapy. Methods: This study used a randomized controlled design to test the effectiveness of auricular acupressure for weight reduction in young, Taiwan Residents adults with a BMI ≥ 23 kg/m2. Sixty-eight participants aged 18 to 20 years were recruited from Taiwan Residents universities at the beginning of the study. After four weeks of auricular therapy, the total sample included 57 young adults. All participants met one time per week for ten minutes. The treatment group received ear acupressure treatment with Semen Vaccariae sticks on auricular acupoints while the control group had adhesive tape placed on ear acupoints, change in BMI from baseline to trial completion. Results: BMI in controls increased significantly by +0.0133 kg/m2 (P = 0.000) while the intervention group BMI decreased significantly by ?0.8022 kg/m2 (P ≤ 0.0001). Conclusions: Just four weeks of auricular acupressure by Semen Vaccariae, sticks may significantly help to decrease BMI among young adults.

Research on mechanism of Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application combined therapy for chronic bronchitis

Objective:To investigate the influencing mechanism of Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application combined therapy on hemorheology, inflammatory factors and pulmonary functions in patients with chronic bronchitis, thus to offer relevant help for clinical therapies on patients with chronic bronchitis. Methods:120 cases of patients with chronic bronchitis treated in our hospital were selected and randomly divided to be the therapeutic group and the control group, 60 cases each. Patients in control group were provided some basic treatments, such as spasmolysis, anti-inflammation, asthma relieving, oxygen inhalation and dissolve phlegm. For therapeutic group on this basis, Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application combined therapy was provided. Hemorheology, inflammatory factors and pulmonary functions in the two groups of patients were detected before and after treatment. Results:Differences of hemorheology indexes, inflammatory factors and pulmonary function relevant indexes between the two groups of patients with chronic bronchitis before treatment showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). Compared with prior treatment, hemorheology relevant indexes [whole blood high shear viscosity (WHV), whole blood low shear viscosity (WLV), packed cell volume (PCV), plasma viscosity (PV) and red cell assembling index (RCAI)], inflammatory factors [IL-8 (interleukin-8) and TNF-α(tumor necrosis factor-α)] were significantly decreased and pulmonary function relevant indexes [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and expiratory flow rate when exhale vital capacity was 0.50], inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-2) were significantly increased in the two groups of patients with chronic bronchitis after relevant treatments;The differences between the groups showed statistical significance (P<0.05). After combined therapy provided, pulmonary function relevant indexes (FVC, FEV1.0, PEF, MVV and V0.50) and inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-2) in therapeutic group were significantly higher than control group after basic therapy. Hemorheology relevant indexes (WHV, WLV, PV, PCV and RCAI) and inflammatory factors (IL-8 and TNF-α) in therapeutic group were significantly lower than control group;Differences between the two groups showed statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: Combination of Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application significantly improved the levels of hemorheology, inflammatory factors and pulmonary functions in patients with chronic bronchitis. It has a great important clinical significance on therapies for patients with chronic bronchitis.

Meta-analysis of the acupoint application therapy for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective:To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupoint application in the treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods:A comprehensive search of domestic and international databases,the search time is limited to nearly ten years,collecting traditional Chinese medicine acupoint application in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in stable phase of randomized controlled trials.Literature screening,information extraction and literature quality evaluation were carried out independently by two researchers,and Meta analysis was carried out by Revman software.Results:A total of 42 RCTs with a total of 4192 patients were included.The results of Meta analysis showed that:Compared with the routine treatment of western medicine,the addition of acupoint application therapy can significantly increase the effective rate[RR=1.23,95%CI(1.19,1.27),P<0.00001]and FEV1/FVC[MD=4.46,95%CI(3.17,5.76),P<0.00001].Significantly improved BODE index[MD=-0.63,95%CI(-0.87,-0.40),P<0.00001],SGRQ score[MD=-6.77,95%CI(-9.81,-3.72),P<0.00001],CAT score[MD=-3.33,95%CI(-3.87,-2.79),P<0.00001]and TCM syndrome integral[MD=-3.51,95%CI(-3.96,-3.06),P<0.00001].The differences is statistically significant and the safety profile is good.Conclusion:On the basis of routine treatment of COPD western medicine,acupoint application therapy can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with less adverse reactions.However,due to the limitations of the research,high-quality research is still needed to provide further evidence.

《内经》“关刺”联合“合谷刺”治疗不宁腿综合征疗效观察

目的 观察《内经》“关刺”联合“合谷刺”治疗不宁腿综合征(restless legs syndrome, RLS)的临床疗效。方法 将100例RLS患者随机分为治疗组(50例,脱落1例)和对照组(50例,脱落2例)。治疗组给予“关刺”联合“合谷刺”治疗,阳陵泉、膝关、丘墟采用关刺法,伏兔、丰隆、漏谷采用合谷刺法;对照组给予假针刺治疗。治疗前后采用国际RLS评定量表(international restless leg syndrome scale, IRLSS)评价患者不宁腿严重程度,采用RLS生活质量量表(RLS quality of Life, RLSQoL)评价患者生活质量,采用失眠严重指数量表(insomnia severity index, ISI)评价患者的睡眠情况,并比较两组临床疗效。结果 治疗组总有效率为91.8%,显著高于对照组的41.7%(P<0.01)。治疗后,治疗组IRLSS评分低于治疗前和对照组(P<0.01),治疗组RLSQoL评分高于治疗前和对照组(P<0.01),治疗组ISI评分低于治疗前和对照组(P<0.01)。对照组治疗前后各项评分比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 《内经》“关刺”联合“合谷刺”可显著改善RLS患者临床症状,在中医学理论的指导下拓展了《内经》五刺法的临床应用。

基于文献计量分析皮内针疗法适宜病症与临床应用进展

目的基于文献计量分析皮内针疗法的临床文献,探讨皮内针疗法的适宜病症与临床应用进展。方法通过计算机检索中国知网(CNKI)、万方数据库(Wanfang data)和维普中文期刊数据库中与皮内针疗法相关的临床研究文献,应用文献计量学的方法对皮内针疗法发文量、病谱和适宜病症进行分析。结果临床涉及论文共2220篇,近10年发文量显著增长。皮内针疗法临床涉及病症208种。一级适宜病症为手术后疼痛、失眠症、偏瘫、面神经麻痹;二级适宜病症为肩痛、颈椎病、癌痛、膝骨关节炎、腰椎间盘移位、便秘、头痛;三级适宜病症为带状疱疹、遗尿、放化疗后不良反应、变应性鼻炎、呃逆、面肌痉挛;四级适宜病症包括痛经、高血压、糖尿病、胃肠功能紊乱、痹证、吞咽障碍、腰扭伤、肥胖症。结论皮内针疗法是近年来的临床研究热点,其治疗疾病以痛症居多,其次为各类慢性病。不同针具中,揿针的应用受到广泛关注。

Clinical Research on Treatment of Migraine with Combination of Characteristic and Superior Techniques of Zhuang Medicine

Objective:To study the application effect of the combination of special advantages of Zhuang medical technology for migraine patients.Methods:80 patients with migraine were selected and all were admitted to Mingxiu Branch of International Zhuang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from February 2019 to February 2020.Random number table method was used to divide patients into two groups,with 40 patients in each group.Among them,the patients in the study group were treated with the therapy combining characteristics of Zhuang medicine and superior technology,that is,Zhuang medicine meridian tendon therapy+Zhuang medicine lotus needle cupping blood stasis removal therapy+Zhuang medicine thread moxibustion therapy+Zhuang medicine acupuncture therapy;the patients in the control group were treated with conventional Western medicine.The efficacy of the two treatments were compared.Results:After treatment,the total effective rate of clinical treatment in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05),and the visual analogue scale(VAS)score and integral improvement rate were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The onset time of action was statistically shorter than that of the control group(P<0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in the adverse reaction rate between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:The combination of Zhuang medicine’s characteristic and superior techniques for patients with migraine has a significant curative effect.

子午流注纳子法穴位贴敷联合穴位药熨治疗脾胃虚寒型功能性消化不良临床观察

目的观察子午流注纳子法穴位贴敷联合穴位药熨治疗脾胃虚寒型功能性消化不良(FD)的临床疗效。方法将120例脾胃虚寒型FD患者按照随机数字表法分为2组,治疗组60例予子午流注纳子法穴位贴敷联合穴位药熨治疗,对照组60例予多潘立酮片治疗,2组均治疗28天。比较2组疗效;比较2组治疗前后主要症状评分变化;比较2组治疗前后焦虑自评量表(SAS)评分、抑郁自评量表(SDS)评分变化。结果治疗组总有效率96.67%(58/60),对照组总有效率76.67%(46/60),治疗组疗效优于对照组(P<0.05)。2组治疗后各项主要症状评分及总积分均较本组治疗前降低(P<0.05),治疗后治疗组各项主要症状评分及总积分均低于对照组(P<0.05)。2组治疗后SAS评分、SDS评分均较本组治疗前降低(P<0.05),治疗后治疗组SAS评分、SDS评分均低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论子午流注纳子法穴位贴敷联合穴位药熨治疗脾胃虚寒型FD疗效显著,可改善患者主要症状及焦虑、抑郁状态。