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.

Integration of traditional,complementary,and alternative medicine with modern biomedicine:the scientization,evidence,and challenges for integration of traditional Chinese medicine

Traditional medicine has garnered significant global recognition,with an estimated 80%of the global population using it.Therefore,it is essential to fully understand the integration of traditional medicines into current healthcare systems.This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the standard process to modernize traditional medicine scientifically in the context of modern biomedicine,further termed here as“scientization”.Specifically,we aim to summarize the advancements made in understanding the efficacy,effectiveness,and underlying mechanisms of herbal medicine.We also examined the transition from experience-to evidence-based medicine during acupuncture.Furthermore,we explore the development of universal safety and quality control standards.Finally,we discuss international trade and export markets for Chinese medical products.The development and integration of traditional medicine have allowed it to further improve human health,resulting in a more comprehensive health solution for the global population.

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.

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.

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment of insomnia based on microbial-gut-brain axis theory

In recent years,insomnia has gradually become a common disease in society,which seriously affects people's quality of life.At present,with the deepening of research on intestinal microbiota-gut-brain axis in Western medicine,many studies suggest that regulating the gastrointestinal tract can treat brain-related diseases.It is found that brain-gut-bacteria axis plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of primary insomnia.At present,although the clinical treatment of insomnia with Western medicine can improve the insomnia symptoms of patients to a certain extent,there are still obvious adverse reactions,such as anxiety and depression,drug addiction,etc.,so long-term oral drug therapy cannot be carried out.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and acu-puncture techniques have certain therapeutic effects on insomnia.TCM believes that the brain and gastrointestinal system are connected through the meridian,and the pathophysiology is closely related.This paper will discuss the theory and feasibility of TCM for the treatment of insomnia from the pathological relation-ship between brain-gut axis,intestinal flora and insomnia.

Heterogeneity of Outcomes Reporting in Trials Evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine Breast Massage for Stasis Acute Mastitis: A Methodological Review

Objective To systematically analyze the current status of outcomes reporting in clinical trials on treating stasis acute mastitis with Traditional Chinese Medicine breast massage.Methods We searched CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,Sino Med,Pub Med,Web of Science,Embase,Cochrane library,JBI,CINAHL,Psyc INFO,Clinical Trials Registry Platform portal,Clinical Trials Registry,Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry,Center Watch Registry from inception to May 15,2022 to find randomized controlled trials,non-randomized controlled trials,case series and cohort studies which reported the outcomes of stasis acute mastitis managed with Traditional Chinese Medicine breast massage,with search terms of mastitis,acute mastitis,lactation mastitis,puerperal mastitis,breast problem,breast engorgement,milk stasis,blocked ducked,breast pain,breast massage,and acupoint massage.Outcomes and the measurement schemes(measurement methods,timing of assessing outcome,frequency of assessing outcome,measurers)were extracted from the included studies.We used the Management of Otitis Media with Effusion in Children with Cleft Palate(MOMENT)to assess the quality of each study,then categorized outcomes derived from the included studies into different domains according to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Arthritis Clinic Trials(OMERACT)Filter 2.1 framework.Results We identified 85 clinical trials,in which 54 different outcomes were reported.A total of 81.2%(69/85)of studies were assessed as medium quality with a mean score of 2.6,and 18.8%(16/85)as low quality with a mean score of 0.9.These outcomes were organized in three core areas.Lump size(89.4%,76/85)was the most frequently reported outcome,followed by breast pain(69.4%,59/85)and milk excretion(68.2%,58/85).Five methods were used to assess lump size and four methods to assess breast pain.Conclusions The outcomes reported in clinical trials regarding stasis acute mastitis treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine breast massage are heterogeneous.Developing a core outcome set to achieve consistent standards for reporting outcomes and modalities for validation of the outcomes is clearly warranted.

Operating procedures of traditional Chinese medicine breast massage

Traditional Chinese medicine breast massage,also known as breast Tuina or manual expression of breast milk,is a technique of using certain manipulations to act on specific positions or acupoints of the breast to promote blood and lymphatic circulation of breast and facilitate the discharge of stagnant milk.This technique is widely used in China to treat breastfeeding problems such as breast engorgement,mastitis,and postpartum hypogalactia.In this article,we introduce the definition and standardization process of breast massage,elaborate the operating procedures of breast massage in detail,and summarize and discuss the current situation of its clinical application,so as to provide a reference for its wide application and in‑depth research.

The use of traditional Chinese medicine internally and externally combined with auricular acupuncture point bloodletting in the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia

Vulvar leukoplakia refers to the chronic disease of degeneration and hypopigmentation of the skin and mucous membrane of the vulva with unbearable itching in women, seriously affecting the quality of life. The main treatment of western medicine for vulvar leukoplakia is the external use of glucocorticoids or estrogen, resulting to the high recurrence rate and side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of the overall concept and dialectical treatment with a variety of ways. Literature review in recent years found that the treatment of TCM decoction combined with external therapies, such as external fumigation, acupuncture and other treatments, or the combination of TCM decoction and external western medicine hormone ointment, can obtain good effects in vulvar leukoplakia. During the clinical practice, we found that the use of TCM internally and externally combined with auricular acupuncture point bloodletting was highly effective with unique advantages in the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia, providing the ideas guidance for clinicians.

Reabsorption of intervertebral disc prolapse after conservative treatment with traditional Chinese medicine:A case report

BACKGROUND Conservative treatments have been reported to diminish or resolve clinical symptoms of lumbar intervertebral disc herniation(LIDH)within a few weeks.CASE SUMMARY Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)of the lumbar region of a 25-yearold male diagnosed with LIDH showed prolapse of the L5/S2 disc.The disc extended 1.0 cm beyond the vertebral edge and hung along the posterior vertebral edge.The patient elected a conservative treatment regimen that included traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),acupuncture,and massage.During a follow-up period of more than 12 mo,good improvement in pain was reported without complications.MRI of the lumbar region after 12 mo showed obvious reabsorption of the herniation.CONCLUSION A conservative treatment regimen of TCM,acupuncture,and massage promoted reabsorption of a prolapsed disc.

Traditional Chinese medicine for foot pain in a patient with complex regional pain syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Complex regional pain syndrome(CRPS)is characterized by pain as well as sensory,motor,and sudomotor disorders.Generally,it is classified into two types CRPS-I and CRPS-II.There is no single diagnostic test or treatment approach for CRPS,and a multidisciplinary approach is gaining attention to improve patients’symptoms and their quality of life.CASE SUMMARY A 35-year-old woman with an unremarkable medical history sought treatment for CRPS at a hospital of Korean medicine.During her first visit,she was wheelchairbound due to severe pain in her left lower extremity.She had edema and discoloration of the left foot.She was treated with a combination of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)approaches,including acupuncture,moxibustion,pharmacopuncture,and herbal decoction,for approximately 20 sessions.The foot and ankle outcome score(FAOS)and visual analog scale(VAS)score for pain were evaluated,along with general signs and functions.Her symptoms,signs,FAOS,and VAS scores improved after treatment,with a significant 7-degree decrease in the VAS score and a 62-point increase in the FAOS score.Additionally,the foot swelling and discoloration gradually resolved.During the phone follow-up,5 mo after the last visit,additional improvements in outcomes were observed.CONCLUSION Combined TCM treatment may be a reasonable and safe option for alleviating symptoms and improving function in patients with CRPS.

Integrative techniques using acupuncture,Chinese herbal medicine,diet,and supplements for polycystic ovary syndrome:a case report

Patients with a diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） are on the rise. About 4%-12% of women are currently estimated to have this condition. It is hypothesized that PCOS appears in women who have long-standing insulin resistance （1R）, which leads to high androgen and testosterone levels; this ultimately disrupts their menstrual cycles. Some researchers attribute IR to genetic factors, although there have been only minute changes in the human genome in the past 20 000 years. However, even with a stable gene pool, genes can be turned on and offby the environment, food and air quality and toxin exposure.

Quantitative and Qualitative Investigation of Traditional Chinese Medicine Nursing Protocols for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Objective:To analyze the implementation status of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)nursing protocols for type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods:Totally 420 hospitalized patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were given TCM nursing protocols by syndrome differentiation.A quantitative and qualitative investigation was conducted to patients who received TCM nursing and nurses who performed TCM nursing techniques.Results:According to the self-evaluation outcomes of patients,TCM nursing protocols were effective to relieve polydipsia,polyuria,fatigue and other symptoms.Patients exhibited a high level of compliance with nursing techniques such as auricular point pressing,acupoint massage,Chinese herbal foot-bath and moxibustion.The interview showed that patients could benefit from the TCM nursing protocols,and nurses considered that application of TCM nursing protocols could enhance their awareness of TCM knowledge and practice skills.Conclusion:The application of TCM nursing protocols is effective to relieve clinical symptoms of type 2 diabetes mellitus.It can also improve the knowledge level and practice skills of nurses in TCM hospitals.

Traditional Indian Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine:A Comparative Overview

Traditional Indian medicine or Ayurveda(阿育吠陀)and Traditional Chinese Medicine remain the most ancient yet living traditions.These are the two great traditional medicines with rich philosophical,experiential,and experimental basis.Both the systems have been developed and enriched by thousands of years of practices,observations,and experiences.As India and China are neighbors,some exchange of medical ideas and practices might have occurred between the two nations since ancient times.Therefore,when the two traditional medicines are examined closely,many similarities become apparent in the theories and practices along with individual differences.

Study on the Key to Massage Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine

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A Dialogue with the Ancient and Reflection on the Interpretation of History of Bianque and Traditional Chinese Medicine

Based on the description of epidemic diseases in the chapter of “The Story of Bianque” in Records of Historian, the author has analyzed and explored the truthfulness of its background data and the possibility of the plague spreading at that time from both macro and micro angles. The symptoms of plague including chills formation of some doctrines in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) such as exopathic heat disease doctrine, internal injury of spleen and stomach doctrine and epidemic febrile disease doctrine. The course of exogenous phenomena, the author has explored the effect on the initial medical theory, primitive religion and culture due to the spreading of epidemic diseases from the angles of epidemiology, the theory of images and figures, originated from epidemic diseases was proposed. The author also put forward some opinions on the relationship between epidemic diseases spreading and traditional education of TCM, sustained development of TCM.

Case report: Treating postpartum SUI with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

Background:Stress urinary incontinence(SUI),is the most common type of urinary incontinence affecting women.SUI has a significant impact on psychosocial functioning and quality of life.Biomedical treatments,such as surgery,often result in post-operative complications.In China,traditional Chinese medicine tends to be the treatment of choice for SUI.Case presentation:We present a 35-year-old patient who developed SUI following forceps delivery and was treated successfully with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.Traditional Chinese diagnosis,including channel and acupoint palpation revealed the patient had a syndrome pattern of liver/kidney deficiency,disordered bladder qi transformation,all of which lead to enuresis.Acupuncture,both body and scalp needling,were performed.Herbs were prescribed adjunctively.Conclusion:Traditional Chinese medicine modalities may be considered for treatment of SUI based on appropriate syndrome pattern assessment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and COVID-19:Experiences,Lessons,and Suggestions

Coronavirus disease-2019(COVID-19) has now entered its third year as a worldwide pandemic. Unlike the Unites States,over 90% of patients have used traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in China combined with conventional western medicine.The present minireview/commentary summarizes the experiences of TCM in the treatment of COVID-19 combined with conventional western medicine, lessons from the United States and some additional insights. COVID-19 falls into the category of “dampness-toxin plague” and is divided into five stages: mild stage, moderate stage, severe stage, critical stage, and recovery stage. Clinical trials conducted in China have suggested that TCM treatment plays a significant role in alleviating clinical symptoms, decreasing the time of hospitalization, reducing the overall fatality rate, and providing other beneficial outcomes when combined with conventional western medicine. To date, TCM is not widely used in the American hospital system. Only one TCM clinical trial to treat mild to moderate COVID-19 has been registered with ClinicalTrials.gov. A suggestion of dialogues among associated parties is proposed. TCM has been used as part of an integrative medicine treatment paradigm combined with conventional western medicine for COVID-19 in China. As registered clinical trials combining conventional western medicine with TCM continue to be produced and show positive benefits, the possibilities for TCM integration into treatment protocols for COVID-19 will become more of a possibility in the United States.

The effect of traditional Chinesemedicine washing combined withmassage for neonataljaundice： a meta-analysis

Objective： To systematically assess the effect of traditional Chinese medicine washing （TCM washing） combined withmassage for the treatment of neonatal jaundice.Methods and analysis： Databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, the ChineseBiomedical Literature Database （CBM）, CNKI, and Wanfang Data were electronically searched for randomizedcontrolled trials （from inception to July 2017）. The methodological qualities of included trials were evaluated by theCochrane risk of bias assessment tool. The meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.3 software.Results： Overall, thirteen trials with a total of 1998 participants were included. The results of meta-analysis indicatedthat TCM washing combined with massage group was significantly superior to the control group in the first meconiumtime （MD, -16.67; 95% CI, -24.59 to -8.74; P〈0.001）, time for transformation of meconium （MD, -15.44; 95% CI,-23.59 to -7.28; P〈0.001）, transcutaneous bilirubin index changes [after treating three days （MD, -1.99; 95% CI, -2.57 to-1.40; P〈0.001）, after treating four days （MD, -1.86; 95% CI, -2.77 to -0.95; P〈0.001）, after treating five days （MD,-2.44; 95% CI, -3.47 to -1.42; P〈0.001）, after treating six days （MD, -2.23; 95% CI, -3.30 to -1.16; P〈0.001）, and thechanges of serum bilirubin levels [after treating five days （MD, -3.17; 95% CI, -5.83 to -0.50; P=0.02）, after treating sixdays （MD, -1.63; 95% CI, -3.10 to -0.16; P=0.03）, after treating fifteen days （MD,-1.20; 95% CI, -1.99 to -0.41; P=0.003）.Conclusions： TCM washing combined with massage may be an effective therapy for the treatment of neonatal jaundice.It can accelerate the excretion of meconium, shorten the time for transformation of meconium, and decreasetranscutaneous bilirubin index and the level of serum bilirubin. But it should be careful to interpreting these findings.Well-designed RCTs are needed to further clarify the conclusion.

Acupuncture at Back-Shu point improves insomnia by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Insomnia is a disease where individuals cannot maintain a steady and stable sleep state or fail to fall asleep.Western medicine mainly uses sedatives and hypnotic drugs to treat insomnia,and long-term use is prone to drug resistance and other adverse reactions.Acupuncture has a good curative effect and unique advantages in the treatment of insomnia.AIM To explore the molecular mechanism of acupuncture at Back-Shu point for the treatment of insomnia.METHODS We first prepared a rat model of insomnia,and then carried out acupuncture for 7 consecutive days.After treatment,the sleep time and general behavior of the rats were determined.The Morris water maze test was used to assess the learning ability and spatial memory ability of the rats.The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and the hippocampus were detected by ELISA.qRTPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression changes in the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.Western blot and immunohistochemistry were carried out to evaluate the protein expression levels of RAF-1,MEK-2,ERK1/2 and NF-κB.RESULTS Acupuncture can prolong sleep duration,and improve mental state,activity,diet volume,learning ability and spatial memory.In addition,acupuncture increased the release of 1L-1β,1L-6 and TNF-αin serum and the hippocampus and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that acupuncture at Back-Shu point can inhibit the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway and treat insomnia by increasing the release of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus.

Nguyen Van Nghi(阮文义1909-1999):Pioneer of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the West in the 20^th Century

Traditional Chinese medicine in the 20th century,along with acupuncture,took off in France.Nguyen Van Nghi is one of the most important carriers of Chinese medical knowledge outside of China.He is a doctor by Western training,but can read oriental texts;he contributes to the spreading of this knowledge in France and in Europe.He left a rich legacy to French acupuncturists.