Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy ameliorates DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice by regulating Th2 type immune response and reducing infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells

Background:This study aimed to assess how acupoint catgut-embedding therapy influences Th2-type immune response and the infiltration of CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cells in DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice.It also conducted an initial examination of the underlying molecular mechanisms.Methods:Seventy-two mice were randomly divided into four groups:normal control,DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis model(AD),AD with acupoint catgut-embedding treatment(ADA),and AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment.After DNCB challenge to induce AD,the ADA group received acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment at Zusanli(ST 36)and Quchi(LI 11)acupoints every other week from day 8.Mice in the AD with sham-acupoint catgut-embedding treatment group underwent the same procedure as the ADA group but without catgut implantation.Severity was assessed using SCORAD on treatment days 1,10,and 20.On day 18,nine mice per group were euthanized,and the remaining on day 28.Histopathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry staining.TNF-α,IL-4,IL-6,and IL-13 levels were analyzed by ELISA,and GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels by western blot.Results:After 20 days of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy treatment,mice showed reduced dermatitis scores compared to DNCB-induced AD-like mice.Significant decreases occurred in serum IL-4,IL-6,IL-13,and TNF-αlevels.Skin analysis revealed marked reductions in CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)cell infiltration,as well as GATA3 and STAT6 protein levels.Conclusion:Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy may effectively alleviate atopic dermatitis by suppressing Th2 immune responses via the STAT6-GATA3 pathway and reducing CD4^(+)and CD8^(+)T cell infiltration in skin lesions.

Exploration to the disease spectrum of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy

Objective To explore the clinically indicated diseases of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy, and summarize and analyze the disease spectrum of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy. Methods By literature research and data mining technique, the clinical study papers relevant to acupoint catgut-embedding therapy published from 1971 to June 2011 were selected, entered and verified, then the effective information were extracted, and finally, the disease spectrum were summarized. Results Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy is indicated for 103 diseases, involving 6 departments, of which there are 50 internal diseases, which is the most, accounting to 48.54%, and 15 surgical diseases, 12 ENT diseases, 11 gynecological diseases and 11 dermatological diseases, and 4 pediatric diseases, which is the least. Meanwhile, according to the rule of ＂Efficacy acupuncture grading disease spectrum＂, the diseases treated with this therapy were graded preliminarily into grade Ⅰ with 26 diseases, grade Ⅱ with 30 diseases, and grade Ⅲ with 8 diseases. Conclusion Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy can be used widely in clinical treatment with much broader disease spectrum, and it is worthy of being spread and applied.

Twenty-seven cases of adverse reaction in postoperative chemotherapy of breast cancer treated with acupoint catgut-embedding therapy

Objective To observe the effect of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy on adverse reaction in chemotherapy of breast cancer. Methods Fifty-four cases were randomly divided into a comprehensive acupuncture and moxibustion group and a western medicine group, 27 cases in each group. All the postoperative cases with breast cancer used the CAF chemotherapy regimen. In the comprehensive acupuncture and moxibustion group, acupoint catgut-embedding therapy was applied to Tiānshū （天枢 ST 25）, Wèishū （胃俞 BL 21） and Zúsānlǐ （足三里 ST 36）, etc., and moxibustion was used at Zúsānlǐ （足三里 ST 36）. In the western medicine group, Ondansetron Hydrochloride, Metoclopramide, Metoclopramide and Qianglishengbai Tablets for oral administration were prescribed. A course was 28 days, and the whole treatment included 6 courses. The status of intake, nausea and vomiting were observed, and the leukocyte was detected before and after chemotherapy. Results After treatment, The status of intake in the comprehensive acupuncture and moxibustion group was superior to that in the western medicine group （P〈0.05）. The total effective rate on controlling nausea and vomiting in the comprehensive acupuncture and moxibustion group was 88.9% （24/27）, which was higher than that of 51.8% （14/27） in the western medicine group （P〈0.05）, the improving leukocyte effective rate was 92.6% （25/27） in comprehensive acupuncture and moxibustion group, which was higher than that of 77.8% （21/27） in western medicine group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy can relieve the gastrointestinal reaction and improve patients’ immunity and quality of life during chemotherapy.

Acupoint catgut-embedding therapy as promising treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Objective:To investigate the effect of acupoint catgut-embedding therapy on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Methods:Twenty-three participants were subjected to acupoint catgut-embedding therapy for 3 sessions.The second session was performed one month after the first session and the third session two months after the second session.Three months after the third session of catgut-embedding therapy,the patients were subjected to fibroscan analysis.A total of 20 acupoints were selected in three sessions.Same acupoints were selected for all the patients at the same session but different points were selected at different sessions.Results:Of the 23 participants,5 cases showed significant improvement and 8 cases showed moderate improvement as the steatosis stage was reduced by 1 or 2 degrees.The whole group showed significant improvements in terms of patient score,fat percentage,NAFLD steatosis stage,weight loss and abdominal circumference reduction after acupoint catgut-embedding therapy(all P<0.05).Conclusion:The acupoint catgut-embedding therapy can significantly improve the important factors in patients with NAFLD.

AN OBSERVATION ON THE CURATIVE EFFECT OF CATGUT-EMBEDDING AT ACUPOINTS FOR TREATMENT OF 80 CASES OF LUMBAR MUSCLE STRAIN

In the present paper,the clinical curative effects of catgut embedding therapyand traditional acupuncture therapy for treatment of lumbar muscle strain were compared.The sameacupoints were used in both groups.Results showed that the effective rates were 100% and 92.5%respectively in 80 cases of the catgut embedding group and 40 cases of the acupuncture group.Therewas a significant difference between the two groups(P【0.005).It indicates that the catgut embed-ding therapy is an effective method for treatment of lumbar muscle strain.

Treatment of Painful Diabetic Neuropathy With Catgut-Embedding in Acupoints

ＴｒｅａｔｍｅｎｔｏｆＰａｉｎｆｕｌＤｉａｂｅｔｉｃＮｅｕｒｏｐａｔｈｙＷｉｔｈＣａｔｇｕｔ－ＥｍｂｅｄｄｉｎｇｉｎＡｃｕｐｏｉｎｔｓ￥ＪｉａＷａｎｑｉｕ；ＣａｏＣｈｕｎ；ＤｕＸｕｇｕａｎｇ；ＹａｎｇＧｕｉｆｅｎ；ＳｈａｏＭｉｎｇｙｕ（Ｃｅｎｔｒａｌ...

Preventing Lower Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis After Hip Fracture Surgery in Elderly Patients by Acupoint Application Combined with Pneumatic Compression Therapy

Objective:To investigate and analyze the long-term clinical effects of acupoint application combined with pneumatic compression therapy in the prevention of deep venous thrombosis after hip fracture surgery among the elderly.Methods:Sixty elderly patients who had undergone hip fracture surgery from February 2021 to February 2022 were selected as the research subjects.The patients were divided into two groups via drawing lots.Both the groups received nursing care,but the patients in the observation group were treated with TCM acupoint application combined with pneumatic compression therapy,whereas the control group received pneumatic compression therapy.The evaluation indicators included the patients’quality of life and complications.Results:The incidence of lower extremity deep vein thrombosis in the observation group was more than twice(0.3%),whereas the incidence of lower extremity complications in the control group was more than 6 times(20%).There was a significant difference between the two groups(p<0.05).Conclusion:Traditional Chinese medicine acupoint application combined with pneumatic compression therapy is beneficial for the prevention of postoperative lower extremity deep vein thrombosis among elderly patients.In addition,the patients’overall quality-of-life scores in both physiological and psychological aspects improved significantly,which carries significant clinical reference value.

Meta-analysis of the acupoint application therapy for stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective:To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupoint application in the treatment of stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.Methods:A comprehensive search of domestic and international databases,the search time is limited to nearly ten years,collecting traditional Chinese medicine acupoint application in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in stable phase of randomized controlled trials.Literature screening,information extraction and literature quality evaluation were carried out independently by two researchers,and Meta analysis was carried out by Revman software.Results:A total of 42 RCTs with a total of 4192 patients were included.The results of Meta analysis showed that:Compared with the routine treatment of western medicine,the addition of acupoint application therapy can significantly increase the effective rate[RR=1.23,95%CI(1.19,1.27),P<0.00001]and FEV1/FVC[MD=4.46,95%CI(3.17,5.76),P<0.00001].Significantly improved BODE index[MD=-0.63,95%CI(-0.87,-0.40),P<0.00001],SGRQ score[MD=-6.77,95%CI(-9.81,-3.72),P<0.00001],CAT score[MD=-3.33,95%CI(-3.87,-2.79),P<0.00001]and TCM syndrome integral[MD=-3.51,95%CI(-3.96,-3.06),P<0.00001].The differences is statistically significant and the safety profile is good.Conclusion:On the basis of routine treatment of COPD western medicine,acupoint application therapy can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of patients with less adverse reactions.However,due to the limitations of the research,high-quality research is still needed to provide further evidence.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON TREATMENT OF ALLERGIC BRONCHIAL ASTHMA WITH ACUPOINT APPLICATION THERAPY

In the present paper, the therapeutic effect of acupoint application of Chinese Materia Medica in the treatment of allergic asthma was observed. The results revealed that topical application of drug paste [mixture of powder of Mahuang (Herba Ephedrae), Xixin (Herba Asari), Baijiezi (Semen Sinapis Albae), etc.] at the acupuncture points could improve symptoms and signs of allergic asthma patients, with the total effective rate being 69.57% (16/23) for the short term effect, and 52.17%(12/23) for the long term effect. In medication (Aminophylline) group, of the 25 cases of allergic asthma, 16 (64.0%) were effective after 4 weeks of treatment, while 6 (24.0%) were still effective that was shown by 6 months’ follow up. The therapeutic effect of acupoint application group was significantly better than that of medication group in the long term effect. Results also showed that no obvious interrelation between the short term therapeutic effect and the duration or the severity of the disease. Results also display that acupoint application therapy is an effective, safe and handy method with fewer side effects for asthma.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON THE ACUPOINT INTRADERMAL EMBEDDING OF RINGHEADED THUMBTACK-NEEDLE THERAPY FOR HYPERPLASIA OF MAMMARY GLANDS

In the present paper, the author used acupoint intradermal embedding of ringheaded thumbtack-needle therapy combined with herbal medicine therapy to treat 110 cases of hyperplasia of mammary glands, and compared its therapeutic effect with that of herbal therapy alone. The observed indexes of the treatment were pain relief degree, the size of hyperplasic glands and the time of occurrence of marked effect. Following 3 courses of treatment,the results showed the therapeutic effect of the ringheaded thumbtack-needle needle plus herbal medicine therapy was superior to that of herbal medicine therapy alone in the above-mentioned 3 indexes (P ＜ 0.01 ).

Research on mechanism of Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application combined therapy for chronic bronchitis

Objective:To investigate the influencing mechanism of Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application combined therapy on hemorheology, inflammatory factors and pulmonary functions in patients with chronic bronchitis, thus to offer relevant help for clinical therapies on patients with chronic bronchitis. Methods:120 cases of patients with chronic bronchitis treated in our hospital were selected and randomly divided to be the therapeutic group and the control group, 60 cases each. Patients in control group were provided some basic treatments, such as spasmolysis, anti-inflammation, asthma relieving, oxygen inhalation and dissolve phlegm. For therapeutic group on this basis, Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application combined therapy was provided. Hemorheology, inflammatory factors and pulmonary functions in the two groups of patients were detected before and after treatment. Results:Differences of hemorheology indexes, inflammatory factors and pulmonary function relevant indexes between the two groups of patients with chronic bronchitis before treatment showed no statistical significance (P>0.05). Compared with prior treatment, hemorheology relevant indexes [whole blood high shear viscosity (WHV), whole blood low shear viscosity (WLV), packed cell volume (PCV), plasma viscosity (PV) and red cell assembling index (RCAI)], inflammatory factors [IL-8 (interleukin-8) and TNF-α(tumor necrosis factor-α)] were significantly decreased and pulmonary function relevant indexes [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1.0), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV) and expiratory flow rate when exhale vital capacity was 0.50], inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-2) were significantly increased in the two groups of patients with chronic bronchitis after relevant treatments;The differences between the groups showed statistical significance (P<0.05). After combined therapy provided, pulmonary function relevant indexes (FVC, FEV1.0, PEF, MVV and V0.50) and inflammatory factors (IL-4, IL-2) in therapeutic group were significantly higher than control group after basic therapy. Hemorheology relevant indexes (WHV, WLV, PV, PCV and RCAI) and inflammatory factors (IL-8 and TNF-α) in therapeutic group were significantly lower than control group;Differences between the two groups showed statistical significance (P<0.05). Conclusions: Combination of Jin-Shui-Liu-Jun-Jian and Acupoint Application significantly improved the levels of hemorheology, inflammatory factors and pulmonary functions in patients with chronic bronchitis. It has a great important clinical significance on therapies for patients with chronic bronchitis.

Clinical Study on the Therapeutic Effect of Combined Traditional Chinese Medicine with Acupoint Injection and Herbal Paste Application in Treating Ovulatory Dysfunction in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of combined traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy with acupoint injection and herbal patch application on patients with ovulatory dysfunction associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods: A total of 80 PCOS patients who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine between October 2022 and March 2024 were enrolled in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group (n = 40) and an observation group (n = 40). The control group received conventional Western medical treatments, while the observation group was administered TCM combined with acupoint injection and herbal patch application. Pre- and post-treatment conditions were compared between the two groups. Results: After treatment, the overall effective rate was significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group (P 0.05). Following treatment, both ovulation and pregnancy rates increased in both groups, but the increase was more evident in the observation group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.01). Conclusion: For patients with oligoovulation or anovulation due to PCOS, the combined use of TCM, acupoint injection, and herbal patch application appears to be effective in improving systemic symptoms and achieving notable clinical outcomes.

舒神汤联合穴位拔罐治疗慢性顽固性失眠50例

目的观察舒神汤联合神门、三阴交穴位拔罐治疗慢性顽固性失眠的临床效果。方法选择100例病程6个月以上的慢性顽固性失眠患者。双盲随机分成治疗组与对照组。对照组行常规治疗,采用安眠类西药;治疗组应用舒神汤,联合神门、三阴交穴位拔罐。两组治疗4周,观察治疗效果。结果治疗组治愈率64.0%(32/50)高于对照组的8.0%(4/50),总有效率100.0%(50/50)高于对照组的66.0%(33/50),差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,治疗组汉密尔顿焦虑量表(HAMA)和汉密尔顿抑郁量表(HAMD)评分较治疗前明显降低,且治疗组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗组匹兹堡睡眠质量指数(PSQI)评分较治疗前明显降低,且治疗组低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);治疗组健康状况调查问卷(SF-36)评分较治疗前明显升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),且治疗组高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。对照组不良反应总发生率为46.0%(23/50),高于治疗组的2.0%(1/50),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论舒神汤联合神门、三阴交穴位拔罐治疗慢性顽固性失眠安全性高、有显著效果。

白芥子-细辛药对配伍穴位给药对体外经皮渗透影响实验研究

目的:探讨白芥子-细辛药对配伍、足三里穴位与非穴位给药对白芥子主要成分-芥子碱硫氰酸盐、细辛中主要成分-细辛脂素体外经皮吸收的影响。方法:选取类风湿性关节炎家兔部分皮肤,以经穴组(足三里)、非经穴组(足三里旁开2 cm处)进行分组,并以白芥子单味组、细辛单味组、药对配伍组进行给药剂量分组,总共6组,应用Franz透皮扩散池与UPLC考察白芥子中芥子碱硫氰酸盐与细辛中细辛脂素的累计释放量,并计算累计释放率,绘制24 h的Q-t曲线。结果:应用Waters UPLC构建同时检测芥子碱硫氰酸盐与细辛脂素含量测定方法,足三里穴位对白芥子单味药、细辛单味药均具有促渗作用,其累计渗透率高于非穴位组(P<0.05)。白芥子-细辛药对配伍后,细辛对芥子碱硫氰酸盐在非穴位与穴位处均起到了一定促渗作用,白芥子对细辛脂素在穴位处起到一定促渗效果,但在非穴位较不明显。结论:对比白芥子中芥子碱硫氰酸盐在穴位配伍后与非穴位配伍前的累计渗透率发现,穴位给药与细辛透皮促渗具有相互促渗作用,对比细辛中细辛脂素的累计渗透率亦发现相互促渗作用,白芥子与细辛存在互相促渗效果,药对配伍与穴位效应具有协同促渗效果,其作用机制有待后续研究。

Activation of various brain areas during acupuncture at Taixi (KI 3) and Qiuxu (GB 40) acupoints

A number of previous studies of acupuncture acupoint specificity have used sham acupoints, sham acupuncture or meridian acupoints at a great distance from each other as controls in functional MRI （fMRI） experiments. However, few studies have compared different meridian acupoints within the same segment, which are associated with similarly intense needle sensations. We performed fMRI on 12 healthy young volunteers and observed differences in brain activation elicited by acupuncture of the Taixi （KI 3） and Qiuxu （GB 40） acupoints. Acupuncture was applied at the Taixi and Qiuxu acupoints, using a multiple-block fMRI design with three blocks, involving three altemations of resting and task phases. After scanning, needle sensation was assessed. The behavioral results revealed that the subjective needle sensation was similar between the Taixiand Qiuxu acupoints. The fMRI results revealed that acupuncture at the right Taixi acupoint activated the right superior temporal gyrus （BA 22）, left middle frontal gyrus （BA 46） and inferior frontal gyrus （BA 45）, bilateral parietal lobe postcentral gyrus （BA 2）, right parietal lobe （BA 3）, and left parietal lobe （BA 40）. Acupuncture at the right Qiuxu acupoint activated the left superior temporal gyrus （BA 42）, right parietal lobe postcentral gyrus （BA 40, BA 43）, right inferior frontal gyrus （BA 47）, bilateral superior temporal gyrus （BA 22）, and right insula BA13. These results suggest that the right Taixiand Qiuxu acupoints activated different brain areas.

An investigation of the influence of intestinal flora in external traditional Chinese medicine therapy

External therapy,which has been used for millennia to treat disease,has now become the newest member of complementary and alternative therapies.A growing number of clinical studies and animal experiments have shown that external therapy exerts a positive effect on the intestinal flora.In this paper,we review the research related to external therapy on various systemic diseases and focus on changes in the intestinal flora.We found that studies on external therapy are dominated by acupuncture and tuina,primarily aimed at the treatment of digestive and neurological diseases.However,the deeper mechanism of regulation of the intestinal flora by external therapy has not yet been experimentally confirmed.

Clinical Comparison and Analysis of Decoction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Combined with Ear Acupoint Application and Simple Artificial Tears in the Treatment of Dry Eye Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical comparison and analysis of decoction of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) combined with ear acupoint application and simple artificial tears in the treatment of dry eye syndrome. METHODS:A total of 62 patients(124 eyes) with dry eye syndrome treated in the Department of Ophthalmology of The 4th People's Hospital of Shenyang from July 2017 to March 2018 were selected and equally divided into 2 groups according to the admission order. The observation group received the combination therapy of TCM decoction and ear acupoint application, while the control group was given the simple artificial tears. The symptom score after 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks as well as the indicators including break-up time(BUT), Schirmer I test(SIT) and fluorescein(FL) were recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS: The symptom scores had no difference before treatment(P > 0.05), and were better in the observation group than those in the control group after treatment(P < 0.05). At 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks after the treatment, the amelioration level of BUT, SIT, and FL indicators in the observation group was better than that of the control group(P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with the artificial tears treatment method, the TCM decoction combined with ear acupoint application can significantly ameliorate the tear film stability, tear secretion, and reduce ocular surface damage for dry eye patients.

Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Combination Therapies for Insomnia

Insomnia, a common sleep disorder, affects general well-being, hastens the onset of other diseases, and impairs work performance. Hypnotic medications are efficacious in the short term but have obvious side effects. Acupuncture, often used to treat insomnia in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), is considered to be beneficial in restoring the normal sleep-wake cycle by regulating and restoring the natural flow of qi (energy power). The three main TCM theories for treating insomnia by acupuncture are the tranquilization disturbance, zangfu disturbance (disequilibrium of internal organs), and imbalance of yin and yang theories. Moxibustion, another treatment for insomnia, is usually combined with acupuncture. Acupuncture and moxibustion with tuina (exercise massage), acupuncture with Chinese herbal injection, electroacupuncture, and acupuncture with medication or psychotherapy are other interventions. Some acupuncture-based methods such as needle-rolling acupuncture, auricular acupoint plaster therapy, phlebotomy, and acupoint catgut-embedding therapy are used as well. Although most clinical trials have shown that acupuncture and its combination therapies are significantly effective in insomnia, the beneficial effects may have been overvalued, because of small sample size, nonstrict inclusion and exclusion criteria, flawed methodology, short follow-up, or nonstandardized evaluation. Therefore, clinical studies of high methodological quality are needed to verify the efficacy of acupuncture, moxibustion, and other combination therapies in insomnia.

OBSERVATION ON CURATIVE EFFECTS OF 245 CASES WITH PEPTIC ULCER TREATED BY CATGUT IMPLANTATION AT THE ACUPOINT

It is reported that 245 cases of peptic ulcer were treated with catgut implantationat Pishu（BL 20）-through-Weishu（BL 21）,Shangwan（CV 13）-through-Xiawan（CV 10）and Zusanli（ST 36）points.Catgut was embedded subcutaneously and left for 15 days as a course.As a resuit,121 cases（49.39％）were cured and 124（50.61％）improved.The total effective was 100％.

INSOMNIA TREATED WITH AURICULAR-PLASTER THERAPY IN 218 CASES

218 cases of insomnia were treated by auricular plaster therapy with seeds of Vaccaria segetalis. The auricular points Heart, Shenmen, Occiput and Brain were selected. The resultsshowed that 136 cases were cured, 76 markedly impr0ved and 6 no effect. The effect of this therapywas significantly better than that of medication (P【0. 01) in comparison with the application of western medicine.