Electroacupuncture at He-Mu points reduces P2X_4 receptor expression in visceral hypersensitivity

Electroacupuncture at Shangjuxu （ST37） and Tianshu （ST25） was reported to improve visceral hypersensitivity in rats, Colorectal distension was utilized to generate a rat model of chronic visceral hypersensitivity in irritable bowel syndrome, Results showed that abdominal withdrawal reflex scores noticeably increased after model establishment. Simultaneously, P2X4 receptor immunore- activity significantly increased in the colon and spinal cord. Electroacupuncture and pinaverium bromide therapy both markedly decreased abdominal withdrawal reflex scores in rats with visceral hypersensitivity, and significantly decreased P2X4 receptor immunoreactivity in the colon and spinal cord. These data suggest that electroacupuncture treatment can improve visceral hypersensitivity in rats with irritable bowel syndrome by diminishing P2X4 receptor immunoreactivity in the colon and spinal cord,

Combined Use of the Points Shenmai and Zhaohai for Treatment of Craniofacial Diseases

Shenmai (BL 62) and Zhaohai (KI 6), first recorded in A Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (针灸甲乙经), are respectively the starting point of the YangqiaoChannel and the Yinqiao Channel, and they are two of the eight confluence points. Although records about the right-left compatible use of these two points can be found in documents, the same-side compatible use of them has never been heardabout. Inspired by the good therapeutic effects in the treatment of paralytic strabismus by means of the same-side compatible use of these two points1, the author has applied this compatible use of them in the treatment of craniofacial diseases and obtained obvious therapeutic effects. Some of the sample cases are reported in the following. ……

A study of acupoint selection rules of moxibustion and auricular point therapy in the treatment of urinary retention after anorectal surgery based on data mining

Based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System(V2.5),we explored the compatibility rules of moxibustion and auricular point prescriptions in the treatment of urinary retention after anorectal surgery,and further to obtain new prescriptions.Methods:We searched CNKI,Wanfang,VIP and CBM databases for the literature of moxibustion and auricular point therapy for urinary retention after anorectal surgery,collecting complete prescriptions and entering them into the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System(V2.5).The acupoint frequency,association rules,and combination rules were analyzed by data mining method of software integration.Results:126 moxibustion prescriptions were selected,and the acupoints for urinary retention after anorectal surgery in the literature were analyzed,including 10 acupoints with frequency≥6,9 acupoint combinations with frequency≥26,5 acupoints with association rules,6 core acupoint combinations and 3 new prescription.124 auricular point prescriptions were selected,and the relevant acupoints in the literature were analyzed,including 10 acupoints with frequency of use≥18,15 acupoint combinations with frequency≥40,12 acupoint combinations with association rules,6 core acupoint combinations,and 3 new prescriptions.The core points include Qihai(RN6),Sanyinjiao(SP6),Zhongji(RN3),Guanyuan(RN4).The auricular point therapy is more to select the tenderness points and acupoints that have an impact on the urinary system,mainly including“Pangguang”(CO9),“Shenmen”(TF4),“Shen”(CO10),“Sanjiao”(CO17),“Pizhixia”(AT4),“Niaodao”(HX3),“Fei”(CO14),“Jiaogan”(AH6a).Conclusion:Moxibustion for the treatment of urinary retention is mainly based on invigorating“Primordial Qi”and regulating the functions of“Middle Jiao”(refers to the area of the body just below the diaphragm and above the navel that helps produce delicate nutrients).The entropic clustering of complex systems excavated new prescriptions for the treatment of urinary retention after anorectal surgery,providing new ideas for future research and treatment.

Land deformation monitoring in mining area with PPP-AR

The mining area deformation monitoring theory and method using precise point positioning （PPP） ambi- guity resolution （AR） were studied, and an ambiguity fixing model with satellite and receiver combina- tion phase delay （CPD） was proposed for zero-differenced PPP ambiguity fixing and its corresponding formula derivation was given. The data processing results for I h at six IGS stations in China show that 93% of ambiguities can be fixed within 10 min and all ambiguities can be fixed within 15 min. After ambi- guity fixing, the positioning accuracy is improved by more than 85% in the E and N directions, with abso- lute positioning accuracy reaching millimeter level, and it was improved by 70% in the U direction, reaching centimeter level; the proposed zero-differenced ambiguity fixing model can effectively improve the convergence rate and positioning accuracy in PPP. Data monitoring continuously conducted for half a year at four COPS stations of Shanxi China Coal Pingshuo Group validated the feasibility of using PPP in mining area deformation monitoring.

Astragalus granule combined with auricular point sticking for cough varlant asthma in children

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and effect of Astragalus Granule(AG),auricular point sticking combined with aerosol inhalation on the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-4(IL-4),interleukin-10(IL-10),eosinophil cell count(EOS),and immunoglobulin E(lgE)in cough variant asthma(CVA)

Analysis of point-selection pattern in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia

Objective：To analyze and summarize the characteristics and pattern in the selection of points and meridians by searching the clinical research literature about acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia in the recent 17 years.Methods：By searching Chinese and English databases,such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）,PubMed,etc.,the points in 52 articles in conformity with the requirements were analyzed by frequency statistics by the order of meridians,major points,and adjunct points to summarize the rules and characteristics of the point selection.Results：In 52 articles,there were 21 articles on ear acupuncture and 31 articles on acupuncture-moxibustion treatment.Ten meridians were involved in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia,and the leading 3 meridians were the Bladder,Stomach and Gallbladder Meridians.There were 34 points,10 extraordinary points and 37 ear points were used in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia.The top 10 major points were Jingming （BL 1）,Taiyang （EX-HN 5）,Cuanzhu （BL 2）,Fengchi （GB 20）,Baihui （GV 20）,Hegu （LI 4）,Guangming （GB 37）,Sibai （ST 2）,Chengqi （ST 1） and Sizhukong （TE 23）.The top 5 adjunct points were Zusanli （ST 36）,Shenshu （BL 23）,Ganshu （BL 18）,Sanyinjiao （SP 6） and Taixi （KI 3）.Conclusion：Acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of amblyopia is characterized by the selection of the points mainly from yang meridians,based upon syndromes differentiation plus personal experience,and the points mainly around the eyes and by stressed use of ear points.

Treatment of 24 Cases of Knee Joint Osteoarthritis by the Method of Selecting Points in Same-name Meridians

Method of selecting points in foot-hand same-name meridians was used to treat 24 cases of Osteoarthritis of knee joint, and the therapeutic results showed 15 cases were cured, 4 cases got significant effect and 4 cases got improvement. Key Words Acupuncture Therapy - Knee Joint - Osteoarthritis - Point Combination Author: Han Cai-yun (1970-), female, Mongolia nation, attending physicianTranslator: Wu Xue-fei

Observation of the effects of back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling on balance and walking function in patients after stroke and its mechanism

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling on balance and walking function in patients after stroke and its mechanism.Methods:A total of 79 patients with post-stroke balance and walking dysfunction were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group.Both groups received conventional treatments such as dietary guidance and oral medications as well as rehabilitation training.On this basis,the control group was treated with additional conventional acupuncture,and the observation group was treated with additional back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling.Both groups were treated for 4 consecutive weeks.The thickness of abdominal muscle group(transverse abdominal muscle,rectus abdominis,obliquus internus abdominis,and obliquus externus abdominis),the scores of Berg balance scale(BBS),Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA),and functional ambulation categories(FAC),and walking velocity and stride were compared between the two groups.Results:During the trial,there was 1 dropout case in the control group and 4 dropout cases in the observation group.Before treatment,there were no statistical differences in the abdominal muscle group thickness,scores of BBS,FMA,and FAC,and walking velocity and stride between the two groups(P>0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the thickness of abdominal muscle groups,scores of BBS,FMA,and FAC,and walking velocity and stride in both groups were improved(P<0.01),and the observation group was superior to the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Both conventional acupuncture and back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling are conducive to the improvement of balance and walking function in patients after stroke.The back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling method has better curative efficacy.Strengthening the core muscle group strength may be one of the mechanisms of back-Shu and front-Mu points combination needling treatment.

Clinical Observation on Combined Warming Needle and Patented Chinese Medicine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Objective： To evaluate the clinical efficacy and quality of life of combined warming needle and patented Chinese medicine for patients with irritable bowel syndrome （IBS） due to liver-qi stagnation with spleen deficiency. Method： Sixty IBS cases were randomized into a treatment or control group by single-blind method. Warming needles on Tianshu （ST 25） and Dachangshu （BL 25） combined with patented Chinese medicine were adopted for cases in the treatment group, whereas the patented Chinese medicine alone was adopted in the control group. Results： The therapeutic efficacies in the two groups did not show substantial differences. The main symptoms were significantly improved after the treatment （P〈0.01）. After 2 weeks of treatment, the cases in the treatment group obtained a better improvement than the control group （P〈0.01, P〈0.05） in the severity or frequency of abdominal pain, abdominal distension, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, suspiciousness, and loose stools with a sense of incomplete emptying. The patient＇s quality of life was improved in both groups （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Both treatment methods could improve the clinical symptoms and increase the patient＇s quality of life. The total effective rate in the treatment group was slightly higher than the control group. Also, the combined warming needle and Chinese herbs could improve the main symptoms in a faster way.

Effect of acupuncture at complementary acupionts on mast cells and histamine/bradykinin released by mast cells in the regions of acupionts

Objective： To observe the changes in numbers and degranulation status of local mast cells （MCs） of the complementary acupionts, as well as the concentrations of serum histamine and bradykinin after acupuncture at rat＇s complementary acupionts of Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 101, for exploring the mechanisms of the synergistic effect of complementary acupionts. Methods： Using random number table method, 40 Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank control group （group K）, an acupuncture at Yanglingquan （GB 34） group （group A）, an acupuncture at Yinlingquan （SP 9） group （group B）, an acupuncture at Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 9） group （group AB）, and an acupuncture at points near Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 9） group （group CD）, 8 rats in each group. Group A received acupuncture at Yanglingquan （GB 34）; group B received acupuncture at Yinlingquan （SP 9）; group AB received acupuncture at Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 9）; group CD received acupuncture at the control points [points 3 mm away from Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 9） respectively]. Acupuncture was performed at bilateral points in each group. Rats in group K were fixed using the same method as rats in the other 4 groups without acupuncture stimulation. Needles of 0.35 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length were used for acupuncture. Needle handle was connected to the G6805-]~[ mode electroacupuncture （EA） device after needling qi was obtained, with sparse-dense wave, frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz and current of i mA to keep the needle handles slightly tremulous while the rats kept quiet. Rats were continuously stimulated by EA for 20 rain each time. Experimental interventions were conducted on the 1st, 3rd, 5th and 7th days when the experiment started, for 4 times in total. Specimens from rats in each group were collected 2 h after the 7th day. The levels of histamine and bradykinin in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Local tissues of the points were used to prepare cryosections. The changes of MCs were observed after toluidine blue staining. Results： Compared with group K, the numbers and degranulation rates of MCs in group A, group B, group AB and group CD were significantly increased （all P〈0.05）. The number and degranulation rate of MCs in group AB were significantly higher than those in group A, group B and group CD （all P〈0.05）. The order of histamine levels from high to low was： group AB 〉 group B 〉 group A 〉 group CD 〉 group K, and the differences were statistically significant （all P〈0.05）; the levels of bradykinin in group AB, group A and group B were significantly higher than those in group K and group CD （all P〈O.05）. There was no significant difference in the bradykinin level between group A and group B, nor between group CD and group K （all P〉0.05）. Conclusion： The number and degranulation rate of MCs of the complementary acupionts are significantly increased after acupuncture at complementary acupionts of Yanglingquan （GB 34） and Yinlingquan （SP 9） of rats, and the serum levels of histamine and bradykinin are increased, which may be one of the mechanisms of the synergism produced by the combination of complementary acuDionts.

Numerical investigation of velocity ratio effect in combined wall and offset jet flows

In the present work, we propose to numerically study a combined turbulent wall and offset jet flow(this combination will be denoted WOJ). Several turbulence models were tested in this study: the standard k-w, SST k-w, standard k-ε, RNG, and realizable k-ε model. A parametric study was performed to determine the effect of offset ratio H and the velocity ratio r on the longitudinal and transverse positions of the merge point(MP), the combined point(CP), the upper vortex center(UVC) and the lower vortex center(LVC). Correlations that predict the position of these characteristic points of the WOJ flow as a function of H and r have been provided. Results show that any increase in the velocity ratio causes a displacement of the MP, CP, UVC and LVC further upstream along the longitudinal direction. Concerning the transverse positions, the increase of velocity ratio results in a deviation of the merge point(MP) and the lower vortex center(LVC) toward the strong jet(LWJ) whereas the transverse position of combined point(CP) and the upper vortex center(UVC) is almost independent of the velocity ratio.

Introduction to LU Shou-yan's Acupuncture Theory

LU considers that correct manipulations are essential to the therapeutic effect. Reinforcing and reducing manipulations are especially important for zang-fu problems. He summarized the typical reinforcing-reducing manipulations： mountain-fire burning and heaven-penetrating cooling method as follows.

Consideration on diagnosis and treatment based on an overall analysis of symptoms and signs in acupuncture clinic

There is worrying about current clinical situation on diagnosis and treatment based on an overall analysis of symptoms and signs in acupuncture. Japanese specialists in the acupuncture field have pointed out that sufficient attention should be paid to its various malpractices. Responding to their questioning, the author put forward some main problems existing and made certain analysis. Diagnosis and treatment based on an overall analysis of symptoms and signs should be expressed in their application according to successive theories, methods, prescriptions, acupoints and techniques. In order to elevate therapeutic effects of acupuncture, forth effort should be put to various aspects, such as clinical skills, functional regularity, indications and affected factors.