从腧穴命名出发浅析“脉”穴应用与腧穴关联

《千金要方》云:"名不徒设,皆有深意。"今查十四正经之腧穴名称,以"脉"字命名的腧穴共有4个,分别是"申脉"、"带脉"、"急脉"、"瘛脉"穴,临床上常配伍以"水"字命名的腧穴,且其临近处均有以"门"字命名的腧穴。本文尝试通过结合古代文献及现代研究,对"脉"穴本意进行解读分析,从而加深对腧穴名称的理解和运用,挖掘其文化内涵和现实意义,并尝试找到"脉"穴与"水"穴、"门"穴之间的联系。

RELATIONSHIP OF ACUPOINTS AND MERIDIANS TO CONNEXIN 43

Objective To explore the relationship between connexin 43 and acupoints and meridians. Methods we detected one major skin gap junction connexin （connexin43, Cx43） in meridians and acupoints, and studied the expression of Cx43 in Zusanli （足三里 ST 36） acupoints compared with control non-acupoint regions in rats after acupuncture treatments. The expression of Cx43 was detected by using immunohisto- chemistry, immunoblotting, and RT-PCR for Cx43 protein and mRNA level. Results The results showed much more abundant Cx43 expression in some cells in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of rat at ST 36 acupoints and bladder and kidney meridians than that of in the controls. The mRNA and protein levels of Cx43 in acupoints were significantly higher than those of in the control points in non-acupuncture groups and even more so after acupuncture treatments. Conclusion Our research implied that connexins and gap junctions could have a close relationship to acupoints and meridians, and gap junctional intercellular communication might play an important role in the effect of acupuncture.

STUDY ON THE ANTAGONISTIC EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE OF SHUIGOU (GV 26) UPON VENOUS ANESTHESIA

Objective：To observe the antagonistic effect of acupuncture of Shuigou （水沟 GV 26） on intravenous anesthesia for surgical operation. Methods： Forty patients received intravenous anesthesia were randomly and evenly divided into treatment group and control group. At the termination of anesthesia, Shuigou （GV 26） was needled for patients in treatment group, in control group patients aroused spontaneously. Recovery degrees of every patient were assessed by using modified Robertzon Scoring Scale. Results： Results showed that from the 6^th min on, the scores of treatment group were significantly bigger than those of control group （6 min： 5.3±0.42 vs 3.2±0.33, P〈0.05; 15 min： 13.7±0.32 vs 8.23±0.77, P〈0.01）, suggesting that the recovery of the patient＇s consciousness of treatment group was markedly quicker than that of control group, Conclusion：Puncturing Shuigou （GV 26） can hasten the patient＇s arousal from postoperative anesthesia and thus may be used as an effective remedy for resisting the aftereffects of intravenous anesthetics.

EFFECT OF ELECTROACUPUNCTURE OF DUMAI-ACUPOINTS ON CEREBRAL NO AND BLOOD ENDOTHELIN CONTENTS IN RATS WITH ACUTE CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA

Thirty Wistar rats were randomly and evenly divided into control group, cerebral ischemia group and ischemia + electroacupuncture (EA) group. The bilateral common carotid arteries were occluded to induce acute cerebral ischemia. Nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET)contents in the cerebral tissues and blood were measured under normal condition, immediately after ischemia and following EA. Results showed that after acute cerebral ischemia NO and ET contents in the cerebral tissues increased significantly (P<0.01) while serum ET increased and serum NO lowered obviously (P<0.05). Following EA of Baihui (GV 20) and Dazhui (GV 14), both NO and ET in cerebral tissues and serum turned to normal basically. It showed that EA could protect the cerebral tissues from injury induced by ischemia, NO and ET might participate in the modulation process of EA.

Acupuncture treatment on 31 cases of obsolete lateral malleolus joint sprain

Objective To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture on the obsolete lateral malleolus joint sprain. Methods Thirty-one cases of patients with obsolete lateral malleolus joint sprain were selected. Jiexi （解溪 ST 41） were penetrated to Shenmei （申脉 BL 61）, and Yanglingquan （阳陵泉 GB 34） was applied. The needles were retained for 30 min, and the treatment was performed only once, with follow-up visit after 1 month. Results All the patients were cured after treatment, and without relapse on the follow-up visit after 1 month. Conclusion The clinical effect of acupuncture on the obsolete lateral malleolus joint sprain is remarkable.

Functional Feature of“Five Yang Acupoints”in Governor Vessel

Governor Vessel is one of eight extraordinary Meridians, and been also called ＂the sea of Yang Meridians＂. It masters the Yin and Yang of the body cooperating with Conception Vessel. Acupoints on Governor Vessel have been used widely in clinic. The author expounded the functional feature of Yaoyangguan （GV 3）, Mingmen （GV 4）, Zhiyang （GV 9）, Dazhui （GV 14） and Baihui （GV 20）, which can show the characteristic of Governor Vessel and provide reference for clinical application.

Effect of sliding-cup along governor vessel on tcpO_2 and tapCO_2 in Mìngmén(命门 GV 4) point of sub-healthy humans: observation on different cupping pressure

Objective To explore the effects of sliding-cup with different parameters on energy metabolism in the body by observing the effect of sliding-cup along the governor vessel on transcutaneous partial pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide in Mìngmén（命门 GV 4） in sub-healthy people. Methods A total of 10 sub-healthy adults at rest were observed and sliding-cup along the governor vessel were conducted with three different parameters, jar-pressure of –0.01~ –0.02 MPa with sliding-cup for 5 min, jar-pressure of –0.02~ –0.03 MPa with sliding-cup for 5 min and jar-pressure of –0.02~ –0.03 MPa with slidingcup for 3 min. Peri Flux System5000 PF5040 module was employed to monitor the changes of transcutaneous partial pressures of oxygen（tcp O2） and carbon dioxide（tcp CO2） in GV 4 at 0 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min and 30 min after sliding-cup with above different interventions in sub-healthy subjects. Results After sliding-cup, tcp O2 increased at first and then decreased over time; there was no difference in tcp O2 after sliding-cupping with different parameters（all P0.05）. After sliding-cup, tcp CO2 decreased; there was no difference in tcp CO2 after sliding-cup with different parameters（all P0.05）. Conclusion Sliding-cup has a sustained effect on the body and can speed up the energy metabolism in the body.

Observation on therapeutic effect of aligned acupuncture for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of aligned needling therapy for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation （LIDH）. Methods： A total of 80 cases with LIDH in conformity with the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a treatment group or a control group by their visit order, 40 cases in each group. The points from the Governor Vessel, L1-L5 Jiaji （EX-B 2） points, from the first lateral line of the Bladder Meridian, Huantiao （GB 30）, Weizhong （BL 40） and Yanglingquan （GB 34） were selected for acupuncture in the treatment group. Shenshu （BL 23）, Dachangshu （BL 25）, Ashi （Extra） points and Weizhong （BL 40） were used for routine acupuncture in the control group. The clinical effects of the two groups after 2-course treatments and recurrence rates three months later were observed. The pain severity before and after treatments was assessed by visual analog scale （VAS）. The improvement of the patient＇s pathological situation was evaluated by the performance assessment of lumbar disease treatment from Japanese Orthopedic Association （JOA）. Results： After the treatment for two courses, there was no dropped-out case in the two groups. The curative rates and total effective rates were respectively 32.5% and 92.5% in the treatment group versus respectively 12.5% and 82.5% in the control group. The differences in the curative rates and total effective rates between the two groups were statistically significant （both P〈0.01）. After the treatment, VAS and JOA scores remarkably declined in the patients of the two groups, with statistical differences in comparison with those of the same group before treatment （both P〈0.05）. In follow-up check of three months, the recurrence rate was 10.7% in the cured and remarkably effective cases in the treatment group and was 29.4% in the control group. The recurrence rates of the two groups were statistically different （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The aligned needling technique is remarkable in the clinical effects, obvious in the analgesic effects and low in the recurrence rate in the treatment of LIDH.

Abdominal acupuncture plus the Confluent Points of the Eight Extraordinary Meridian for chronic pharyngitis

Objective：To evaluate the effectiveness of abdominal acupuncture plus the Confluent Points of the Eight Extraordinary Meridian in treating chronic pharyngitis. Methods：Thirty eligible subjects with chronic pharyngitis were given abdominal acupuncture plus needling Lieque （LU 7） and Zhaohai （KI 6）, two out of the Confluent Points of the Eight Extraordinary Meridian, once a day, 10 sessions as a course, and the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after a treatment course. Results：After a treatment course, of the 30 subjects, 21 were recovered, 5 showed markedly effective, 2 were improved, and 2 failed,the total effective rate was 93.3%. Conclusion：Abdominal acupuncture plus the Confluent Points of the Eight Extraordinary Meridian is effective in treating chronic pharyngitis, worth promoting in clinic.

Comparison of the effects of carbamyl-β-methylcholine chloride ad ministered by intravenous,intramuscular and intra-acupuncture point injections

OBJECTIVE:To compare the effects of carbamylβ-methylcholine chloride(CMCC) administered by intra-acupuncture point injection(IAI),intramuscular injection(IMI),and intravenous injection(IVI),and to analyze the mechanisms.METHODS:In the IAI group,CMCC was injected into the Zusanli acupoint(ST 36) immediately after 30-min stimulation by electro-acupuncture(EA) at the acupoints,and into the femoral vein and skeletal muscle in IVI and IMI groups,respectively.Intra-gastric pressure was detected.The plasma concentration of CMCC was measured at various times.RESULTS:The gastric effect of CMCC in the IVI group was enhanced and attenuated more rapidly than in the other groups.In the IAI group,this effect was significantly stronger than that in the IMI group at 2 min and 15 min,but not significantly different between the two groups at 5 min and 30 min.Plasma concentration of CMCC in the IAI group was similar to that in the IVI group at 2 min,but higher than that in the IMI group.The concentration in the IAI group was higher than that in the IV group and similar to that in the IMI group at 5,15 and 30 min,indicating rapid increase and slower reduction of the plasma concentration of the drug in the IAI group.There was a positive correlation between the plasma concentration of CMCC and intragastric pressure in all groups.CONCLUSION:The effect of IAI with CMCC was stronger than that of IMI and longer-lasting than that of IVI,which correlated with the blood concentration of CMCC.

Clinical observation of warm needling moxibustion for rheumatoid arthritis

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion at points on the back in treating rheumatoid arthritis （RA）. Methods： Sixty RA patients were randomized into two groups by the random number table, 30 in each group. The observation group was intervened by warm needling moxibustion at the points from the Governor Vessel on the back and Jiaji （EX-B 2） points, while the control group was by regular acupuncture. Results： After intervention, the morning stiffness, joint pain index, joint swelling index and erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR） were significantly improved in both groups （P〈0.01）; the inter-group difference was also statistically significant （P〈0.05）. The total effective rate was 93.3% in the observation group versus 76.6% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Warm needling moxibustion at points from the Governor Vessel on the back and Jiaji （EX-B 2） points can produce a higher efficacy than regular acupuncture in treating RA.

Moxibustion therapy improving delayed memory deficits via promoting neurogenesis and angiogenesis of hippocampus in a vascular dementia rat model

Objective:To investigate the alteration of delayed memory and its relationship with neurogenesis and angiogenesis in vascular dementia(VD)rats after moxibustion therapy.Methods:Two hundred adult male SPF Wistar rats were chosen for the experiment.Thirty-six rats were randomly selected as the sham operation group.Except for rats in the sham operation group(n=36),the others were made into VD models by bilateral comm on carotid arteries occlusi on(BCCAo).After modeli ng,the 108 survived rats were ran domly divided into 3 groups:a model group,a neural stem cells(NSCs)plus endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs)moxibustion group and a NSCs moxibustion group.Co-transplanted implant was transplanted into the rats in the NSCs plus EPCs moxibustion group,and the rats in the NSCs moxibustion group were transplanted by NSCs only.The NSCs plus EPCs moxibustion group and the NSCs moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion therapy at Baihui(GV 20),Dazhui(GV 14)and Shenting(GV 24),(each group was divided into 3 subgroups by the treatment course as 1,2 and 3 courses).Every group was measured by Morris water maze to evaluate its delayed memory after 3 treatment courses and the rat's brain was taken out after perfusion of 4%paraformaldehyde one day after 1,2 and 3 treatment courses,respectively.Marker protein expression was detected by laser con focal microscope to an a lyze the effect on neuroge nesis and an gioge nesis.Results:VD rats showed delayed memory in Morris water maze test 3 d after ischemic injury.After 3 courses of moxibustion therapy,VD-induced delayed memory deficits were improved in the NSCs plus EPCs moxibustion group and the NSCs moxibustion group.The expressions of nestin,doublecortin(DCX)and CD34 increased significantly in the two moxibusiton groups after every treatment course(all P<0.05),which might contribute to the neurogenesis and angiogenesis in hippocampus.In addition,compared with the rats in the NSCs moxibustion group,the expressions of nestin,DCX and CD34 increased significantly in the NSCs plus EPCs moxibustion group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Moxibustion can reverse VD-induced delayed memory deficits,which may be related to the promotion of neurogenesis and angiogenesis.

Study of the thermal pain threshold latency of acupoints based on Fei Teng Ba Fa

Objective： By applying moxibustion to the eight confluent points in different periods of time, to observe the changes in thermal pain threshold latency of acupoints based on Fei Teng Ba Fa. Methods： A total of 468 healthy college student volunteers received moxibustion at the eight confluent points in three different periods of time, i.e. Chen （7：00-9：00）, Wu （11：00-13：00） and Xu （19：00-21：00）. The thermal pain threshold latency was adopted to measure the changes in pain threshold of the eight confluent points under different conditions （different periods of time, different genders, different acupoints and different states of the acupoints） based on Fei Teng Ba Fa. Results： Finally, thirty subjects dropped out and 438 subjects were included. The comparison of thermal pain threshold latencies of the eight confluent points in the same opening or closing state based on Fei Teng Ba Fa： latencies of the closing points and adjunct points were significantly different in different periods of time （P〈0.05）, the latencies of the males were significantly longer than those of the females （P〈0.05）; there was no significant difference in the latency between the left and right sides （P〉0.05）; in the female group, there was a significant difference in the latency between the lower-limb points and the upper-limb points （P〈0.05）. The comparison of thermal point threshold latencies of the eight confluent points in different opening or closing state： in the period of Wu （11：00-13：00）, the latencies of the opening points were significantly longer than those of the closing points and adjunct points （P〈0.05）; for men, their opening and closing points had significantly longer thermal pain threshold latencies than their adjunct points （P〈0.05）; despite the gender, the latencies of the upper limb opening and closing points were significantly longer than the latency of the adjunct points （P〈0.05）; in the female group, the latencies of the lower-limb opening points were significantly shorter than those of the lower-limb closing and adjunct points （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Based on Fei Teng Ba Fa, the pain thresholds of the eight confluent points vary in different periods of time, gender, acupoint location and opening/closing state, which can be taken as the evidence of making time-based acu puncture-moxibustion prescriptions.

Electrical stimulation of acupoint combinations against deep venous thrombosis in elderly bedridden patients after major surgery

OBJECTIVE:To compare the effects of electrical stimulation of different acupoint combinations among postoperative bedridden elderly patients on hemorheology and deep venous blood flow velocity and investigate the role of electrical stimulation against deep vein thrombosis(DVT).METHODS:From November 2010 to October 2011,a total of 160 elderly bedridden patients after major surgery were divided into the conventional care group,invigorating and promoting Qi group,blood-activating and damp-eliminating group,and acupoint-combination stimulation group.Whole blood viscosity,plasma viscosity,D-dimer levels,lower limb skin temperature,lower limb circumference,and flow velocities of the external iliac vein,femoral vein,popliteal vein,and deep calf veins in all patients were documented and compared among the four groups.RESULTS:Whole blood viscosity,plasma viscosity,D-dimer levels,and lower limb circumference were significantly reduced in the blood-activating and damp-eliminating group compared with the conventional care group(P<0.05) and were almost equal to those in the acupoint-combination stimulation group(P>0.05).Lower limb venous flow velocities were accelerated in the invigorating and promoting Qi group compared with the other groups,excluding the acupoint-combination stimulation group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Hemorheological indices in postoperative bedridden elderly patients were improved after combined electrical stimulation at Yinlingquan(SP 9) and Sanyinjiao(SP 6).Combined electrical stimulation at Zusanli(ST 36) and Taichong(LR 3),on the other hand,accelerated lower limb venous flow.

Clinical Application of Acupoint Shenmai （BL 62）

On the basis of ancient Chinese medical literature, this article summarized the clinical application of Shenmai （BL 62）, an acupoint of bladder meridian of foot taiyang. Clinically, Shenmai （BL 62） is usually used to treat mental disorders, insomnia, motor system diseases and eye diseases.

Auricular point sticking for relieving pain in arteriovenous fistula puncture

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of auricular point sticking at different points to relieve the pain in arteriovenous fistula puncture.Methods:A total of 42 patients with arteriovenous fistula were randomized into a Shenmen(TF4)group and an Elbow(SF3)group by the random number table method,with 21 cases in each group.After enrolled into different groups,before the dialysis,patients were given auricular point sticking with Wang Bu Liu Xing(Semen Vaccariae)seeds at Shenmen(TF4)and Elbow(SF3),respectively.Patients were asked to press the seeds themselves for 2 min each time,four times a day,and an additional 5-15 min before the arteriovenous fistula puncture.Intensive pressing was offered duri ng the pun cture,15・20 presses for each time,and the plasters were cha nged every 2-3 d.The nu merical rati ng scale(NRS)was used to score the pain level one week before and after auricular point sticking.The NRS score was then compared and analyzed.Results:The intra-group comparison showed that the changes of NRS score in both groups were statistically sigrdficant after auricular point sticking(both P<0.05).After the treatment,there was no sigrdficant differenee in NRS score between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:Auricular point sticking at Shenmen(TF4)or Elbow(SF3)can effectively relieve the pain of arteriovenous fistula puncture,and these two points have equivale nt an algesic effect.

Clinical observation on acupoint pressure plus long-snake moxibustion for upper-limb spastic hemiplegia after cerebral infarction

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint pressure plus long-snake moxibustion for upper-limb spastic hemiplegia after cerebral infarction.Methods A total of 100 patients were randomized into a control group and an observation group,with 50 cases in each group.Both groups were treated with the same conventional internal medicine and rehabilitation training.The control group was treated with additional acupoint pressure therapy,and the observation group was treated with long-snake moxibustion on the basis of the treatment given to the control group.The Ashworth grade,Fugl-Meyer assessment upper limb scale(FMA-UL)and Barthel index(BI)were evaluated,and the root mean square(RMS)values of biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis on the affected side were measured before and after treatment.The efficacy was evaluated after treatment.Results After treatment,the total effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the Ashworth grade of the observation group was superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).The scores of FMA-UL and BI in both groups increased compared with those before treatment(all P<0.05),and the scores of FMA-UL and BI in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(both P<0.05).The RMS values of biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis in both groups decreased compared with those before treatment(all P<0.05),and the RMS values of biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(both P<0.05).Conclusion Based on conventional internal medicine and rehabilitation training,acupoint pressure plus long-snake moxibustion has great therapeutic efficacy for upper-limb spastic hemiplegia after cerebral infarction.It can improve the degree of spasticity of the affected upper limb,reduce the muscle tone of biceps brachii and flexor carpi radialis on the affected side,and enhance the mobility of the affected limb and the activities of daily living.

Coronary arteriography under acupuncture anesthesia:a case report

Acupuncture anesthesia is a technique by partially or completely replacing anesthetics with acupuncture in surgery based on the traditional acupuncture analgesia mechanism.It emerged in the 1950s,went viral in the 1970s and then gradually fell into decline.In the recent years,this technique has regained attention and further research.Acupuncture anesthesia can be classified as either pure acupuncture anesthesia or acupuncture-medication combined anesthesia.To expand the application of this technique,a patient with non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome in urgent need of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) received pure acupuncture anesthesia because of an allergy to lidocaine,and the operation went successfully.This is the first time that pure acupuncture anesthesia and coronary arteriography were combined,which is of great significance in further study and development of acupuncture anesthesia.

Effects of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the expression of thyroid autophagy-related factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in rats with autoimmune thyroiditis

Objective:To observe the anti-inflammatory effect,as well as the effect on the expression of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B(LC3B)and Beclin-1 of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in rats with experimental autoimmune thyroiditis(EAT).Methods:Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group and a modeling group.The EAT rat model was prepared by a combination of antigen immunization plus iodine agent induction.After the model was prepared,rats in the modeling group were randomly and equally divided into a model group and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group.In the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group,moxibustion was alternately applied to two groups of points[Dazhui(GV14)-Mingmen(GV4)and Tiantu(CV22)-Guanyuan(CV4)],and the treatment continued for 30 d.Rats in the normal and model groups were only fixed identically without intervention.Histopathological manifestations of thyroid glands were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining;the concentrations of thyroid peroxidase antibodies(TPOAb),thyroglobulin antibodies(TGAb),interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay;real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of autophagy-related factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue.Results:There were massive follicular destruction,lymphocytic infiltration,and interstitial fibrous tissue hyperplasia of the thyroid glands in the model group.Some follicles of the thyroid glands were destroyed with few lymphocyte infiltrations and fibrous tissue hyperplasia in the moxibustion group.Compared with the normal group,the concentrations of serum TPOAb,TGAb,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αwere increased in the model rats(P<0.05);the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue were reduced in the model group(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the concentrations of serum TPOAb,TGAb,IL-1β,IL-6,and TNF-αwere reduced in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group(P<0.05);the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue were increased in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group(P<0.05).The mRNA and protein expression of LC3B and Beclin-1 in thyroid tissue was negatively correlated with the serum levels of TPOAb and TGAb.Conclusion:Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion reduces the inflammatory response in the thyroid glands of EAT rats and lowers the levels of serum TPOAb and TGAb.This may be related to the regulation of mRNA and protein expression of the autophagy-associated factors LC3B and Beclin-1 in rat thyroid tissue.

Literature review and application experience of needling the Belt Vessel for low back pain

Objective:To explore the feasibility of needling the Belt Vessel(BV)for low back pain.Methods:The relevant literature was systematically reviewed;the relationship between the BV and low back pain was illustrated;the clinical features of BV-related low back pain as well as the key points of acupoint selection in treatment were summarized,and the efficacy of needling the BV for treating low back pain was observed.Results:The BV is closely related to low back pain.The main clinical manifestations of BV-related low back pain include sagging distension in the low back,enlarged abdomen,and pain radiating to the groin.The main acupoints for treating low back pain via needling the BV include Mingmen(GV4),Wushu(GB27)and Ashi points near the transverse process of the third lumbar spine.Needling the BV can swiftly and effectively relieve both the low back pain and associated symptoms.Conclusion:Needling the BV can effectively alleviate the typical BV-related low back pain.