"Meridian-sinew Acupuncture Method"Improves Deformity Joint Dysfunction in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Joint deformity and dysfunction are common and serious complications in the late stage of rheumatoid arthritis,which seriously affect the quality of life of patients.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)believes that joint deformity and dysfunction in some patients with rheumatoid arthritis are closely related to the apraxia of meridians and tendons due to enduring illness.Based on the theory of meridians and tendons circulation,using the local and nearby therapeutic effect of acupoints as the treatment method in clinical practice,we conducted penetration needling of Houxi,Baxie,Wailaogong as well as Ashi points of interphalangeal joints of both hands through bilateral Sanjian,and used the uniform reinforcing-reducing method to soothe tendons and meridians,thus effectively improving the dysfunction of deformed joints.

Effect of 43 cases of temporomandibular joint dysfunction treated with thumb-tack needle based on the meridian cutaneous region theory

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of thumb-tack needle on temporomandibular joint dysfunction（TMD）.Methods： A total of 43 outpatients of TMD were treated with thumb-tack needle. After the skin routine sterilization, the intradermal needles, 0.2 mm x 1.5 mm（the SEIRIN-thumb-tack needle） were embedded subcutaneously at Zúlinqì（足临泣GB 41）, Zhōngzhǔ（中渚 TE 3） and Xiàguān（下关 ST 7） on the affected side. The acupoints were pressed and kneaded gently to induce mild soreness and distention.When pressing and kneading GB 41 and TE 3, the patients were required to open and close the mouth in small amplitude to achieve the effects of kinetic acupuncture. The treatment was given twice a week.The needles were retained for 24 h. A total of 6 treatments were required.Results： A total of 22 cases were cured, accounting for 51.16%, 15 cases effective remarkably, accounting for 34.88% and 6 cases failed, accounting for 13.95%. The total effective rate was 86.05%.Conclusion： The thumb-tack needle is significantly effective on TMD.

Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome by Acupuncture,Taiyi Moxa-cigar Plus Tuina

Summary： Fouty-five cases of temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome were diagnosed by Xray, excluding the organic diseases. The acupoints Xiaguan （ST 7）, Jiache （ST 6）, Yifeng （TE 17） and Hegu （LI 4） on the affected side were punctured first, after removal of needles, 5-7 layers of cotton cloth was placed on the above acupoints, then moxibustion with moxa-roll made of Chinese medicine was performed. Finally Dian-finger pressing, An-pressing and Rou stationary circular pressing with finger belly of the thumb were applied to the local region around the mandible joint for 3-5 min. After 1-2 courses of treatments, 45 cases all got effect.

Research Progress on Acupuncture and Tuina Therapy for Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Syndrome in Recent 5 Years

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction syndrome （TMD） is a commonly encountered disease in the oral and maxillofacial region and often occurs in the young and middle-aged adults. The epidemiological study on this disease by domestic scholars showed its incidence rate was 32.0%-57.3% [1-3].

Comparison between four treatment modalities for active myofascial triggers points

Aim:The study aimed at the painful trigger points(TrPs)for the purpose of ablating muscle spasms and restoring normal muscle length to find the most effective treatment for alleviating pain and improving mouth range of motion in patients with myofascial pain dysfunction.Methods:We enrolled 72 patients with pain and reduced mouth opening due to temporomandibular joint dysfunction.Patients assigned to four groups and four treatment modalities used to treat myofascial TrPs pain.We used mean and standard deviation values.The Mann–Whitney U-test was used to compare the two groups.The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to study the changes by the time in mean pain scores.The Student’s t-test was used to compare maximum mouth opening(MMO)groups.Then paired t-test was also used to study the changes of time in an MMO.Results:The results showed that pulsed electromagnetic field(PEMF)therapy is the most effective treatment modality regarding for pain relief.Both the anesthesia and PEMF groups showed a reduction in mean pain scores throughout all follow-up periods,and a statistically significant increase in mean MMO.Conclusion:The findings suggest that PEMF is the most effective treatment for alleviating pain and improving mouth range of motion in patients with myofascial pain.