On characteristics of acupuncture effects

The characteristics of holistic, biphasic are systematically expounded and it is indicated that understand the characteristics of acupuncture effects fast and physiological regulation of acupuncture it is the core question in and to grasp the factors acupuncture science to nfluencing acupuncture effects.

Effect of acupuncture at different meridian acupoints on changes of related factors for rabbit gastric mucosal injury

AIM： To explore the regularity of multi-meridians controlling a same viscus （MMCSV）. METHODS： The rabbit gastric ulcer model was established by ethanol intragastric instillation. Fifty-six rabbits were randomly divided into normal group, model group （MG）, model plus acupuncture at Foot Yangming Meridian group （YMG）, model plus acupuncture at Foot Taiyin Meridian group （TYG）, model plus acupuncture at Foot Shaoyang Meridian group （SYG）, model plus acupuncture at Foot Jueyin Meridian group （JYG）, model plus acupuncture at Foot Taiyang Meridian group （TYMG）, with eight rabbits in each group. Gastric mucosal nitric oxide （NO） and nitric oxide synthase （NOS） were assayed by the nitric acid reductase method, and prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） and epidermal growth factor （EGF） were measured by radioimmunoassay. The comprehensive effects were analyzed by weighing method. RESULTS： Compared to MG, SYG, JYG and TYMG, the rabbits gastric mucosal injury index （GMII） reduced very significantly in YMG （P〈0.01）. Compared to MG, the GMII also reduced significantly in TYG （P〈0.05）. NO, NOS, PGE2 and EGF increased very significantly in YMG （P〈0.01）. The EGF in YMG also increased significantly than that in TYG compared to those in MG, SYG, JYG and TYMG （P〈0.05）. The PGE2 and EGF also increased very significantly in TYG than those in MG, JYG and TYMG （P〈0.01）. While compared to SYG, the NOS increased significantly in TYG （P〈0.05）. NOS was the highest in YMG （P〈0.01）, and was higher in TYG than in MG （P〈0.01）. CONCLUSION： MMCSV is common. The Foot Yangming Meridian is most closely related to the stomach, followed by Foot Taiyin Meridian, Foot Shaoyang Meridian and Foot Jueyin Meridian. Foot Taiyang Meridian has no correlation with the stomach.

Study on Acupuncture Parameters Impacting on the Acupuncture Effect Using Cluster Analysis in A Rat Model with Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

Objective： To investigate the influence of acupuncture parameters on the acupuncture effect through the cluster analysis in Wistar rat model with middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. Methods： Duplicated MCAO models by Zea-longa＇s thread ligation and chose rats with 1-3 scores assessed by Zausinger＇s six-score method to be grouped. The rats were divided into 6 basic control groups [（including a normal group, a sham group, a model control group, a model group without intervention, a Nimodipine group, a lateral-to-Renzhong （DU6） group] and 6 acupuncture groups [a Neiguan （PC6） group, a Weizhong （BL40） group, a Sanyinjiao （SP6） group, a Chize （LU5） group, a Renzhong （DU6） group and a Feixue （non-acupoint） group]. In the acupuncture groups, for every acupoint or needling site, 9 different parameters [2 factors （frequency and time） and 3 levels （180, 120, and 60 cpm of the frequency and 5, 60, and 180 s of the time）] were set respectively by the orthogonal intersection method, in total 54 groups. The rats were treated by acupuncture with a lifting-thrusting manipulation once every 12 h, in total 6 times. Neurobehavioral scores, cerebral blood flow, infarction rate, microcirculation, light microscopy, etc. were measured. The factor analysis was first applied to get the comprehensive effect scores of the samples in the acupuncture groups and then by which the cluster analysis was made with the statistical software of SPSS17.0. Results： For the Neiguan （PC6） group, the exceptional results of acupuncture comprehensive effect were parameters 7, 8, 9, 10; the valid results were parameters 2, 3, 4, and the invalid were parameters 5, 6. For the Weizhong （BL40） group, the exceptional results were parameters 2, 4; the valid results were parameters 3, 5, 6, 7, and the invalid were parameters 8, 9, 10. For the Chize （LU5） group, the exceptional results were parameters 7, 8; the valid results were parameters 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; and the invalid was parameter 2. For the Sanyinjiao （SP6） group, the exceptional results were parameters 4, 6; the valid results were parameters 2, 3, 5; and the invalid were parameters 7, 8, 9,10. For the Renzhong （DU6） group, the exceptional results were parameters 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 10; the valid results were parameters 2, 5; and the invalid was parameter 8. For the Non-acupoint group, the exceptional result was parameter 10; the valid results were parameters 2, 3, 4, 7, 9; and the invalid were parameters 5, 6, 8. Conclusions： For each meridian acupoint, different acupuncture parameters could consequently get a different acupuncture effect; each meridian acupoint had the most suitable or optimal acupuncture parameters; acupuncture parameters might be the main factors impacting on acupuncture effect.

Cluster Analysis for Acupoint Specificity of Acupuncture Effect Based on Cerebral Infarction Rat Model

Objectives： To study the acupoint specificity through the comprehensive evaluation of the acupuncture effect on rat model with the middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO）. Methods： Duplicated MCAO model by Zea-longa＇s thread ligation was assessed by Zausinger＇s six-point method, and rats with 1-3 scores were chosen to be grouped. According to the randomized and controlled principle, rats were divided into 6 basic control groups （including normal group, sham group, model control group, model group without intervention, Nimodipine group, lateral-to-Renzhong group） and 6 acupuncture groups [including Neiguan （PC6） group, Weizhong （BL40） group, Chize （LU5） group, Sanyinjiao （SP6） group, Renzhong （DU6） group and non-acupoint group]; in each acupoint or non-acupoint 9 different parameter combinations were respectively set by orthogonal intersection method. There were in total 60 groups, and each group had 12 rats. The rats were treated by acupuncture with the lifting-thrusting manipulation every 12 h, in total 6 times. Indices of neurobehavioral scores, cerebral blood flow, infarction rate, microcirculation, and light microscope, etc. were measured. In order to comprehensively evaluate the acupuncture effect to research the specificity of acupoint, a cluster analysis was made with SPSS17.0 for the comprehensive effect scores of the samples computed according to the comprehensive evaluation models, and then sorting and classification were made for the comprehensive effect scores. Results： In the acupuncture groups every acupoint had different therapeutic effect due to different acupuncture parameter combinations; among the acupuncture groups the orders of curative effect were as followings： Neiguan group was of exceptional result, Weizhong group and Sanyinjiao group were of valid results in upper level, Chize group and Renzhong group were of valid results in lower level, and non-acupoint group was of invalid result; the therapeutic result of acupoint group was superior to non-acupoint group; and the curative effect of acupuncture group was also superior to basic control group. Conclusion： The acupoint has the specificity of acupuncture effect, and the acupoint specificity is relative.

Initiation mechanisms of acupuncture effect:a literature review of basic studies

Objective:To summarize the research status of the changes in local microenvironment of acupoints caused by acupuncture,provide theoretical guidance for the initiation mechanisms of local acupuncture effect at acupoints.Methods:Using acupuncture,acupoint as key words to search China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database(Wanfang),Chongqing VIP Database(CQVIP),PubMed and other databases,the representative articles were selected for review.Results:Acupuncture could excite afferent nerves,activate cells,and promote the release of chemical substances like neuropeptide,hormone,cytokines,etc.in the local site of acupoints.Besides,it may cause mechanical deformation of connective tissues,and change chemical ions as well as ion channels.Conclusion:The microenvironment changes around acupoints are crucial to acupuncture effect;the concept of'acupoints network'can be used to objectively describe the local changes around the acupoints after acupuncture.

Observation on the Therapeutic Effects of Acupuncture for 60 Cases of Simple Obesity

Simple obesity refers to a disease characterized by body overweight due to excessive calorie intake and over accumulation of adipose tissue in the body. With the improvement of life conditions, obesity has become a factor that impairs the health of the people. From 1997 to 1998, the author had treated 60 cases of simple obesity with acupuncture and obtained satisfactory results. The results of treatment are reported as follows.

EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON PLASMA GLUCOSE LEVEL IN HUMAN VOLUNTEERS

Objective To observe the changes of plasma glucose level （PGL） in human volunteers after acupuncture. Methods Seventy-seven human volunteers were taken up from the acupuncture clinic. All of them were non-diabetic subjects. Electroacupuncture at acupoints Zhongwan （中脘 CV 12） and Guanyuan （关元 CV 4） was given for 20 minutes. Venous blood was collected before acupuncture and 10 minutes after completion of acupuncture. All cases were at four hours abstinence from food before doing acupuncture. Results Plasma glucose level varied 5 mg% or more in 62 cases （80.51%） and only those were considered for computation. PGL increased in cases who had generally plasma glucose level below 90 mg% before acupuncture; and PGL decreased in cases who had plasma glucose 90 mg% or above. In 10 control cases there was no variation of the considerable level of 5 mg% in any case. Conclusion Bi-directional variation of PGL after acupuncture indicates that acupuncture can be used to maintain optimum PGL through endogenous mechanism, suggesting that it is applicable in controlling hyperglycemia in diabetes rnellitus patients.

THE ROLE OF CONNEXIN 43 GENE IN ACUPUNCTURE ANALGESIA

Objective To and connexin 43. Methods investigate the possible relationship between the analgesic effect of acupuncture Connexin 43 gene knock-out mice were randomly divided into 4 groups： a wide type （WT） control group, a WT acupuncture group, a heterozygous （HT） control group and HT acupuncture group. Hot-plate test and writhing response induced by acetic acid were used for investigating the different analgesic effect of acupuncture on HT and WT mice. Results There was no significant difference in the basic pain threshold value between HT and WT mice （P 〉0.05）. Acupuncture could significantly increase the pain threshold value, prolong the latency period of writhing body and decrease the number of writhing body as compared with pre-acupuncture in WT and HT mice （P 〈 0.01 or P 〈 0.05）. The pain threshold, latency period of writhing and number of writhing body in HT mice were less than WT mice post-acupuncture （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Connexin 43 gene knock-out might partially inhibit the analgesic effect of acupuncture, suggesting that connexin 43 is possibly related with meridians and the effect of acupuncture.

STUDY ON SCALP ELECTROACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF APOPLEXY AND ITS INFLUENCE ON HEMORHEOLOGY IN ISCHEMIC APOPLEXY PATIENTS

Objectives: To compare the therapeutic effect of scalp electroacupuncture with that of conventional body acupuncture for apoplexy (wind stroke) and to observe the influence of both acupuncture therapies on hemorheology of ischemic apoplexy.Methods: 183 patients, whose diseases are attributed to apoplexy according to the diagnostic criteria, are randomly divided into treatment group (93 cases) and control group (90 cases) and treated respectively with scalp electroacupuncture and conventional body acupuncture. 11 items of hemorheology of patients’ blood samples are tested with NXE-1 Viscometer which are taken in the early morning before and after treatment under fasting condition. Results: Both scalp electroacupuncture and conventional body acupuncture exert therapeutic effect for apoplexy, but the effect of scalp electroacupuncture is obviously better than that of conventional acupuncture (P< 0.05 ); both treatment group and control group are statistically significant in reducing plasma viscosity, high shear reduced viscosity, low shear reduced viscosity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hematocrit and fibrinogen, (P<0.01 and 0.05); while the treatment group is statistically significant in reducing whole blood viscosity, ratio of whole blood viscosity, erythrocyte index of rigidity and electrophoresis time of erythrocyte (P<0.01～ 0.05), but the control group is not significant statistically in influencing these indexes (P>0.05).

COMMENTS ON THE HOLISTIC ACTION OF ACUPUNCTURE IN VIEW OF ITS INFLUENCE ON NERVE-ENDOCRINE-IMMUNE NETWORK

In the present paper, the author makes some comments on the holistic action of acupuncture from the regulative effect on the nerve-endocrine-immune network, and the close relationship between the nerve-endocrine-immune network and the meridian-collateral system of TCM. The wholism concept of TCM refers to the organism being an integrated entirety, and the regulatory effect of acupuncture on functional activities of the organism relies on the integral connection of the acupoint-meridian-collateral-zangfu-organ system. When stimulated with acupuncture, the human body will brings its potential force into full play in preventing and treating diseases.

TREATMENT OF NINETY-FIVE CASES OF MULTIPLESCLEROSIS WITH ACUPUNCTURE

From December of 1998 to August of 2002, the author treated 95 cases of multiple sclerosis with acupuncture. The observation has confirmed that acupuncture is a very effective method for treating this disease, especially to sclerosis patients in the early stage; and furthermore it can slow down the development of the pathological conditions of the patients. Thus it is an important therapeutic method worthy of the choice by European and American clinical doctors.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY

In the present paper, the authors review some major effects of acupuncture in the treatment of clinical diseases and sum up some results of experimental researches on the mechanisms of acupuncture. Up to now, clinical practice and experimental researches demonstrate that acupuncture possesses good analgesic effect, integrative regulation effect on the functional activities of the body and defense-immune-potentiation effect.

SCALP ACUPUNCTURE WITH MOVEMENT IN TREATMENT OF HEADACHE: AN OBSERVATION OF 181 CASES

cases suffering from different kinds of headache were treated by the authors with scalp acupuncture with movement. The results of instant and long term therapeutic effects show that the scalp acupuncture with movement is a simple and effective skill. The instant therapeutic effects: the headache in 163 cases disappeared; in 9 cases the effect was quite obvious; and in 7 cases it was effective; the total effective rate amounted to 98.9%. The long term therapeutic effects: 135 cases (74.6%) were cured. The toral effective rate was 77.2%.

Observation on therapeutic effects of postoperative enteroparalysis treated with acupuncture

Objective To verify the clinical efficacy of postoperative enteroparalysis treated with acupuncture. Methods One hundred and seven cases of postoperative enteroparalysis were divided into three groups. In group A, 35 cases were immediately treated with acupuncture when routine fasting, gastrointestinal decompression and support treatment were applied at same time; Neiguam （内关 PC 6）, Zusatnli （足三里 ST 36） and Shatngjuxu （上巨虚 ST 37） were selected. In group B, 36 cases were treated by western medicine routine therapy, such as enema, Domperidone or Mosapride with oral administration. In group C, 36 cases were treated with acupuncture as well after 5 days ineffective treatment of western medicine routine therapy; the acupoint selection was as same as that in group A. The curative effect was evaluated after 3 weeks treatment. Results The effective rate of 97.1% （34/35） in group A was superior to that of 58.3% （21/36） in group B and 80.6% （29/36） in group C （both P〈0.05）. The treatment days of cured patients in group A were obviously shorter than that of group B and C （both P〈0.05）. Conclusion Postoperative enteroparalysis can be effectively treated by acupuncture, and the effect will be better with early intervention of acupuncture.

Specific effect of acupuncture on the neural pathway in the acute stage of migraine headache

To discuss the hazard of migraine in acute phase and analgesic effect, acupoint selection features, method as well as mechanism of acupuncture; to put forward relevant questions, answer these questions, propose relative specificity hypothesis on neural pathway of analgesic effect of acupoints in different nerve distribution areas（trigeminal nerve distribution area, occipital nerve distribution area, and spinal nerve distribution area） in treatment of migraine in acute phase, and analyze the deficiencies of hypothesis.

A review of time-effect research on acupuncture in experimental rats/mice in the recent 10 years

Objective:To summarize the influence patterns of related time factors on acupuncture effectiveness in different disease model rats/mice,and to provide reference for acupuncture clinical practice.Methods:Retrieved the relevant literatures on time-effect experimental studies of acupuncture in rats/mice in the recent 10 years.The correlations between the key time factors(such as different intervention timings of acupuncture,acupuncture moments,operation durations,needle-retaining times,intervals and treatment courses)and the acupuncture effect were analyzed and summarized.Results:From the mainstream perspective of quantification,the earlier the acupuncture intervention,the better.The proper time to implement acupuncture varied depending on disease models and points.The best operation time varied widely between different diseases.The most frequently needle-retaining time was 20-30 min.The frequency of acupuncture was usually 1 time/day;the length of the treatment course was determined according to practitioners'experience.Conclusion:Throughout the time-effect studies of acupuncture intervention in experimental rats/mice,conclusions are inconsistent,especially the lack of quantitative research on acupuncture operation time,acupuncture frequency,acupuncture treatment duration,and optimal stimulation amount.Future research should explore and determine the best time-quantity parameters that affect the effectiveness of acupuncture intervention,which is the key and goal of the acupuncture time-effect research.Independent intervention-time experiments throughout the entire course of a single disease(dominant disease)need to be done to guide clinical and disciplinary development.

Effects of Electroacupuncture at Different Points on Colorectal Distention-induced Changes in Blood Pressure, Electrogastrogram, Gastric Tension and Gastric Blood Flow

Objective: To investigate the specificity of the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at different acupoints on gastric functional activity and gastric blood flow after colorectal distension (CRD) in the rat. Methods: Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: a control group, a Zusanli group, a non-point group, a Taichong group and a Neiguan group. Rats were anesthetized after 18 h of fasting, and a rat model of nociceptive blood pressure elevation and abnormal electrogastrogram (EGG) and gastric tension (GT) was prepared by gasbag-induced CRD. EA was given bilaterally, and its effects on gastric blood flow (GBF) of the arcus vasculosi of the greater omentum, blood pressure, EGG fast wave properties, and gastric smooth muscle tension (GT) were quantified. Results: CRD induced an increase in blood pressure that was significantly inhibited by EA at all points (all P<0.05), and the inhibitory effects were greater in the Zusanli and Neiguan groups compared to the non-point group (both P<0.05). CRD also caused reductions in GT and GBF, and in the amplitude, frequency and duration of EGG waves (all P<0.05). These effects were also reversed by EA. The effects of EA on EGG wave amplitude, GT, and GBF were superior in the Zusanli group compared to the Taichong group, Neiguan group, and the non-point group. Conclusion: EA significantly counteracted CRD-induced changes in blood pressure, GBF, EGG, and GT. The effects of stimulation at Zusanli (ST 36) were significantly greater compared to other points, indicating relative specificity of this acupoint.

COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION ON ACPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF CLINICAL SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS WITH DZHUī (大椎GV14) IN COMMON COLD PATIENTS WITH HIGH FEVER

Objective To probe into the effective acupuncture treatment for high fever and other clinical relevant symptoms in common cold. Methods Based on randoming and multi-central clinical trial principle, the included 276 cases were randomized into experimental group （138 cases） and control group （138 cases） in statistics. Electric acupuncture on Dazhui（大椎 GV14） was applied in experimental group and the injection with antondine was in control group. The immediate antipyretic and clinical therapeutic effects were observed in 24 h. Results The body temperatures at different times in experimental group were all lower than those in control group after treatment （P〈 0.01 ）. The scores of relevant symptoms in 3- 24 h after treatment were lower than those in control group （P〈0.05）. The response time （1.42± 1.79） h in experimental group was shorter than that （3.44±5.10） h in control group （P〈0.05）. The response times for chills, soreness of limbs, headach and sweating in experimental group were shorter than those in control group （P〈0. 01 ）. The recovery times for chills and headache in experimental group were shorter than those in control group （P〈0.05）. The systematic therapeutic effects were different significantly between two groups in 24 h （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Acupuncture on Dazhui（大椎 GV14） had achieved definite effects on treatment for high fever in common cold. It released remarkably chills, soreness of limbs, headache and sweating and improved the systematic therapeutic effects on common cold.

Effect of Acupuncture on Monoamines and Adenosine Triphosphatase Activityin Lateral Hypothalamic Area of ObeseRats

Objective: To study the mechanism of acupuncture in treating simple obesity. Methods: Central nerve push-pull perfusion and biochemical technique were used to observe the effect of acupuncture on the obese parameters, changes of monoamine transmitters and activity of ATPase in the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) of obese rats. Results: Noradrenaline (NA) level in LHA of obese rats was higher but serotonin (5-HT) level and ATPase activity were lower than those in normal rats. After acupuncture treatment, in the same time of reducing body weight, NA level in LHA of rats was reduced, and 5-HT level and ATPase activity in it were increased.(P<0.05 and P<0.01). Conclusion:The effective regulation on LHA of obese rats is possibly one of the key factors in anti-obesity effect of acupuncture.