Treating acute low back pain with acupuncture:A randomized controlled study protocol to compare the effectiveness between distal and local acupoints

Objective To compare the efficacy of using“distal acupoints only”vs.“local acupoints mainly combined with distal acupoints”in cases of acute low back pain(ALBP).Methods A total of 102 eligible patients aged 18–65 years with ALBP lasting less than 6 weeks will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to the distal acupoints only group(DPOG)and the local acupoints mainly combined with the distal acupoints group(LPMG).During a 4-week treatment period,patients in the DPOG will receive acupuncture at distal acupoints only(Houxi[SI 3]and Yaotongxue[EX-UE 7])twice a week,while those in the LPMG group will receive acupuncture at local acupoints(mainly Shenshu[BL 23]and Dachangshu[BL 25])combined with distal points(Weizhong[BL 40]).The patients in both groups will be evaluated at every session of treatment,and the follow-up will be performed for 3 months.The primary outcome measure will be the change in ALBP intensity,assessed using visual analogue scale scores before and after treatment.The secondary outcome measure will be the evaluation of functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index.Discussion This study compares the DPOG and LPMG to explore the feasibility of the DPOG in the treatment of ALBP.

Exploring the mechanism of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on acute colitis rats based on JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway

Objective:To investigate the mechanism of JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway in electroacupuncture of different acupoints on acute colitis rats.Methods:36 SPF SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups,with 6 rats in each group.The rat model of acute colitis was prepared by enema with glacial acetic acid solution.After the model was established,electroacupuncture was given to each acupoint group,with density wave,frequency 2Hz-50 Hz,intensity 2 mA,muscle tremor as the degree 20 min/time,1 time/day,for 3 consecutive days.Observe the general condition of rats;the pathological changes of colonic mucosa in rats were observed by HE method.The contents of serum interleukin-4(IL-4)and interleukin-8(IL-8)were detected by ELISA.Western blot and RT-PCR were used to detect the expression of JAK2,STAT3,SOCS1 protein and mRNA in rat colon tissue.Results:In contrast to the normal group,the overall condition of the model group was worse,the colonic mucosa was severely damaged,even necrotic,and the ulcer surface was obvious.The content of IL-4 in serum was obviously reduced,and the content of IL-8 was obviously go up(P<0.01).The protein content of JAK2,STAT3 and the expression of JAK2,STAT3 mRNA in colon tissue of rats were obviously go up,while the protein content of SOCS1 and the expression of SOCS1 mRNA were obviously reduced(P<0.01).In contrast to the model group,the general condition of rats in each acupoint group was significantly improved,the damage and necrosis of colonic mucosa and ulcer surface were obviously alleviated,the content of IL-4 in serum was obviously go up,and the content of IL-8 was significantly decreased(P<0.01).The protein content of JAK2,STAT3 and the expression of JAK2,STAT3 mRNA in colon tissue of rats were obviously reduced,while the protein content of SOCS1 and the expression of SOCS1 mRNA were obviously go up(P<0.05,P<0.01).Comparison of different acupoint groups,the colonic mucosal injury in the Zusanli group was significantly reduced,the content of serum IL-4 was significantly increased,and the content of IL-8 was significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).The protein content and mRNA expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in colon tissue were significantly down-regulated,while the protein content and mRNA expression of SOCS1 were significantly go up(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion:Electroacupuncture at each acupoint can improve the damage of colonic mucosa and reduce the inflammatory response.The therapeutic effect of Zusanli(ST36)is better than that of Tianshu(ST25),Dachangshu(BL25)and Shangjuxu(ST37).The mechanism may be related to the regulation of JAK2/STAT3/SOCS1 signaling pathway related proteins and inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-8.

Analysis of the Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of Acupoints Combined with Rehabilitation Training in The Treatment of Upper Limb Dysfunction After Stroke

Objective:To analyze the effect of combining transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation(TEAS)with rehabilitation training in patients with upper limb dysfunction after stroke(ULDAS).Methods:A total of 130 ULDAS patients who were hospitalized and rehabilitated in Wuxi Xinwu District Rehabilitation Hospital from May 2021 to May 2023 were selected and randomly divided into Group A(65 cases,rehabilitation training)and Group B(65 cases,rehabilitation training+TEAS).The effects of the two groups were compared.Results:After treatment,the upper limb functional indexes of Group B were better than those of Group A(P<0.05).The rate of muscle tone grades 0-4 in Group B was higher than those of Group A(P<0.05).Conclusion:The function of upper limbs and muscle strength of ULDAS patients improved by combining TEAS with rehabilitation training.

Mechanism of acupoint penetration acupuncture therapy regulating chondrocyte autophagy via the PI3K/Akt-mTOR pathway in KOA rats

Objective To investigate whether acupoint penetration acupuncture(APA)could regulate chondrocyte autophagy and apoptosis via the PI3K/Akt-mTOR signaling pathway to reduce cartilage degeneration in knee osteoarthritis(KOA)rats.Methods KOA was induced in rats via intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate resolution.Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to blank control,model,APA,electro-acupuncture(EA),and sham model groups(n=8)and those in the APA and EA groups received their respective therapies.Following completion of the treatment course,histological examinations of cartilage and muscle were conducted.Levels of apoptosis-and autophagy-related factors,including Bax,Bcl-2,mTOR,ULK-1,and Beclin-1 protein,and mRNAs were assessed.Additionally,β-endorphin(β-EP)concentrations in the brain and serum were measured.Results Histological analysis revealed that APA alleviated cartilage and muscle damage compared with the model group.APA inhibited cartilage degeneration by modulating the expression of apoptosis-and autophagy-related proteins and mRNA,thus preventing chondrocyte apoptosis.In the APA group,Bax and mTOR protein levels were significantly lower than those in the model group(both P=.024).Conversely,the Bcl-2 expression level was significantly higher than that in the EA group(P=.035).Additionally,ULK-1 expression was significantly lower than that in the EA group(P=.045).The mRNA level of Bax was significantly higher than that in the blank control group(P<.001).However,Beclin-1 levels were significantly higher than those in both the model and EA groups(both P<.001).ELISA results showed a significant decrease in the concentration ofβ-EP in the brains of the rats in the APA group compared with those in the model group(P=.032).Conclusions APA reduced osteoarthritis-related pain and alleviated cartilage damage by upregulating chondrocyte autophagy and down-regulating apoptosis via signaling pathways involving PI3K/Akt-mTOR in KOA rats.

Efficacy of acupoint injection in the treatment of chronic eczema and its influence on peripheral blood T cells

BACKGROUND Chronic eczema significantly impacts daily life,social interactions,and quality of life;however,no curative treatment has been identified.AIM To determine the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection for chronic eczema and its influence on peripheral blood T cells.METHODS Eighty patients with chronic eczema treated at our hospital between June 2022 and March 2023 were randomly assigned to a control group(n=40),which received conventional Western medicine treatment,or an observation group(n=40),which received routine Western medicine treatment plus acupoint injection of triamcinolone acetonide.Response and adverse reaction rates,as well as differences in the levels of serum cytokines IFN-γ,IL-2,IL-4,and IL-10 before and after treatment were investigated.RESULTS No difference in overall response rates were found between the observation and control groups(100%vs 90%,respectively;P>0.05);however,the observation group had a higher marked response rate than the control group(87.5%vs 52.5%;P<0.05).Both groups had decreased Eczema Area and Severity Index scores and increased pruritus after treatment(P<0.05),particularly in the observation group(P<0.05).The observation group had an adverse reaction rate of 2.5%(1/40),which did not differ significantly from that of the control group(P>0.05).The observation group exhibited higher post-treatment INF-γand IL-2 but lower IL-4 levels than the control group(P<0.05);however,no significant inter-group difference was observed in post-treatment IL-10 levels(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Acupoint injection of triamcinolone acetonide is safe and effective in treating chronic eczema.Its therapeutic mechanism is related to the regulation of peripheral blood T cell levels,inhibition of inflammatory reactions,and mitigation of immune imbalance.

Analysis of acupoint massage combined with touch on relieving anxiety and pain in patients with oral implant surgery

BACKGROUND Oral implant surgery is an effective procedure for artificial implants in missing tooth areas under local anesthesia.Because patients under local anesthesia are conscious during this procedure,compared with general anesthesia-related operations,they are more likely to experience negative emotions,such as anxiety and tension.These emotional reactions result in shivering and chills in the limbs,leading to poor doctor-patient cooperation and even avoidance of treatment.In traditional Chinese medicine,it is believed that acupoint massage regulates blood and Qi,dredge menstruation,and relieve pain,which is beneficial for patients’emotional adjustment;however,there are few related clinical studies.AIM To observe the changes in anxiety and pain in patients with oral implant after acupoint massage combined with touch therapy.METHODS One hundred patients undergoing oral implantation in our hospital between May 2020 and May 2023 were randomly divided into control and study groups,according to a random number table,with 50 patients in each group.The control group received routine intervention,and the study group received acupoint massage combined with touch on the basis of the control group.Anxiety[assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale(MDAS)],pain severity,blood pressure,heart rate,and satisfaction were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Before intervention,the difference in MDAS score between the two groups was not significant(P>0.05),while after the intervention,the MDAS scores decreased in both groups compared with those before the intervention(P<0.05);the MDAS score of the study group was lower than that of the control group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).The degree of pain in the intervention group was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Before the intervention,there were no significant differences in systolic and diastolic blood pressures or heart rate between the two groups(P>0.05).The systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate in the intervention group,during and after the intervention,were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The total degree of satisfaction in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Acupoint massage combined with touch better relieves anxiety and pain in patients undergoing dental implant surgery,improving the perioperative comfort of these patients and ensuring safety and a smooth operation.

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.

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.

Effect of Head Meridian Massage Combined with Auricular Acupoint Plaster on Patients with Insomnia

Objective:To study the effect of head meridian massage combined with auricular acupoint plasters on patients with insomnia.Methods:The sample consisted of 50 cases,and all of them were admitted to Yixing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2022 to December 2023.The patients were divided into an observation group and a control group,with 25 cases in each group.The observation group was treated with a combination of head meridian massage and auricular acupoint plaster while the control group underwent conventional nursing care.The improvement of sleep quality and nursing effect were used as evaluation criteria to compare the clinical effects of the nursing programs.Results:After nursing intervention,the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)score of the observation group,which was 7.17±1.41 points was lower than that of the control group(9.04±1.96 points),(t=3.8724,P<0.05).The total efficacy was 96.00%for the observation group and 76.00%for the control group(2=4.1528,P<0.05).Conclusion:Head meridian massage combined with auricular acupoint can improve the sleep quality of patients with insomnia.

Clinical Analysis of Acupuncture Combined with Acupoint Injection for the Treatment of Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis

Objective:To evaluate the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with acupoint injection on chronic nonbacterial prostatitis(CNP).Methods:A total of 72 CNP patients admitted between March 2022 and October 2023 were selected.The patients were randomly divided into two groups using a random number table.The combined treatment group(36 cases)received acupuncture combined with acupoint injection therapy,while the control group(36 cases)received conventional Western medicine treatment.The overall efficacy rate,symptom severity,prostatic fluid indicators,incidence of adverse reactions,and recurrence rates were compared.Results:The overall efficacy rate of the combined treatment group was higher than that of the control group(P<0.05).After 10 days of treatment,the symptom severity score of the combined treatment group was higher than that of the control group,and the prostatic fluid indicators were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions in the combined treatment group was lower than in the control group(P<0.05).During the follow-up period of 1-6 months,the recurrence rate in the combined treatment group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with acupoint injection can alleviate CNP disease symptoms,improve prostate function,and prevent post-treatment adverse reactions.It also has a lower recurrence risk and demonstrates excellent efficacy.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Auricular Acupoint Pressure Patch Combined with Modified Huangqi Decoction in Treating Diabetic Nephropathy

Objective:To explore the efficacy of auricular acupoint pressure patch combined with modified Huangqi Decoction in treating diabetic nephropathy.Methods:60 patients with diabetic nephropathy treated in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were selected for this study.The patients were randomly divided into two groups using the random number table method,with 30 patients in each group.Among them,the control group was treated with conventional Western medicine,while the experimental group was treated with auricular acupoint pressure patches combined with modified Huangqi Decoction.The patients’fasting blood glucose(FPG),2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2hPG),glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),urinary protein quantification,urea nitrogen(BUN),serum creatinine(SCr),and other indicators were detected and recorded before and after treatment.Results:Before treatment,there was no statistically significant difference in the FPG,the 2hPG,and the HbA1c between the two groups of patients(P>0.05);after treatment,the FPG,the 2hPG,and the HbA1c of the patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Before treatment,there was no statistically significant difference in the urinary protein quantification,the BUN,and the SCr between the two groups of patients(P>0.05);after treatment,the urinary protein quantification,BUN,and SCr of the patients in the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).The experimental group showed better improvement in symptoms such as fatigue,backache,and frequency of nocturia(P<0.05).Conclusion:Auricular acupoint pressure patch combined with modified Huangqi Decoction effectively treats diabetic nephropathy and it helps control blood sugar and renal function indicators and improve clinical symptoms,therefore improving the patients’quality of life.

Analysis of the Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Nursing Intervention Combined with Acupoint Application in The Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Objective:To study the effect of Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)nursing intervention combined with acupoint patch in the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).Methods:A total of 60 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD admitted between September 2022 and September 2023 were selected and randomly grouped into a control group(conventional care and treatment)and an observation group(joint interventions:traditional Chinese medicine nursing interventions,acupoint compresses),with 30 patients each.The arterial blood gas indexes of the two groups,hospitalization time,pulmonary function indexes,and TCM symptom scores were analyzed and compared between the two groups.Results:The arterial oxygen pressure(PaO_(2))(9.52±1.02 kPa)and partial pressure of carbon dioxide(PaCO_(2))(5.01±1.02 kPa)of the observation group were better than those of the control group after the intervention(P<0.05).The forced expiratory volume(FEV1)(3.38±0.15%),the FEV1% prediction value(72.52±2.25),and the FEV1/forced vital capacity(FVC)(79.52±1.41%)were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The hospitalization time(12.16±1.02 d)and TCM symptom score(4.12±1.26)of the observation group were better than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Significant nursing effects were achieved by carrying out combined interventions(Chinese medicine nursing intervention and acupoint application)during the acute exacerbation of COPD.

IMPACTS ON THE EXPRESSION OF VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR IN ISCHEMIC BRAIN TISSUE TREATED WITH CLUSTER PUNC-TURE ON SCALP ACUPOINTS IN RATS

Objective To probe into the impacts on the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） in ischemic brain tissue treated with cluster puncture on scalp acupoints in rats, Methods 128 rats were randomized into pseudo-operation group, model group, scalp-needling group and cluster-needling group, In scalp-needling group, penetration method was used on the focal side from Bǎihuì （百会 GV20） to Qǔbīn （曲鬓 GB7）, and in cluster-needling group, penetration method was used on both sides from GV20 to GB7, and a common needling on GV 20. Needles were punctured 2 mm in depth, constantly rotated for 10min, retained for 2 h. Immunohistrochemical method was applied to determine VEGF expression and microvessel density （MVD）. Results With the intervention of cluster puncture on scalp acupoints, VEGF： expressions on every time-spot after ischemia were enhanced apparently, superior to those in scalp-needling group. On the three time-spots of the 7^th, 14^th and 21^st days, MVD was increased after cluster puncture on scale acupoints, superior to those in scalp-needling group. Conclusion Cluster puncture on scalp acupoints up-regulated VEGF expression and promoted regeneration of microvessel.

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.

PRESENT SITUATION OF STUDY AND VIEW ON FUNCTIONAL DYSPEPSIA TREATED WITH SPECIFIC ACUPOINTS IN ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture plays a dominant role in treating functional dyspepsia （FD）. By reviewing and e- valuating clinical ROT and fundamental research with high quality in the past 17 years, it is found that specific acupoints are the chief in the treatment of FD; additionally, there are differences between specific acupoints and non-specific acupoints in therapeutic effect, explaining that the specificity of meridian points plays an im- portant role in treatment. However, because of inadequate high-quality researches in clinics, the specificity of acupoints can＇t be proved until the researches of clinical effect and mechanism of therapeutic difference are intensified.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTERNAL ORGAN(VISCERA) AND ACUPOINTS:TOWARD MERIDIAN THEORY

The theory of interrelation between acupoints and viscera （IBAV） is one of the most important parts in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the key concept in the theory of Zangfu and Jingluo （meridians）. IBAV expresses the rule between body surface and inner organs which guides the diagnosis and treatment in acupuncture practice. Yellow Emperor said. ＂The twelve-channel is the passage of the flowing of the blood and energy in human body, it has close relation with the existence of the flowing of the blood and energy in human body, it has close relation with the existence of man, the forming of disease, the human health and the recovery of disease... ＂ （Chapter 11 Jing Bie Yellow Emperors Canon Internal Medicine） Early studies noted that IBAV is bi-direetional by reflex reaction to the aeupoints on body surface. Stimulation on the acupoints can simultaneously regulate visceral functions. Recent research showed that acupuncture stimulations induced neuronal nitric oxide expression in the brainstem. Nitric Oxide in the medulla medicates various physiological reflexes. In this Review, the evidence of the relationship between viscera and acupoints will be summarized and emphases on the study of interrelation between acupoints and viscera is not only for improving clinical effects, but also for clarifying the mechanisms of acupuncture-moxibustion. A main way to treat visceral illnesses is choosing acupoints based on differentiation of symptoms and signs.

Improvement in acupoint selection for acupuncture of nerves surrounding the injury site: electro-acupuncture with Governor vessel with local meridian acupoints

Peripheral nerve injury not only affects the site of the injury, but can also induce neuronal apop- tosis at the spinal cord. However, many acupuncture clinicians still focus only on the injury site, selecting acupoints entirely along the injured nerve trunk and neglecting other regions; this may delay onset of treatment efficacy and rehabilitation. Therefore, in the present study, we compared the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at Governor vessel and local meridian acupoints combined （GV/LM group） with acupuncture at local meridian acupoints alone （LM group） in the treatment of patients with peripheral nerve injury. In the GV/LM group （n = 15）, in addition to meridian acupoints at the injury site, the following acupoints on the Governor vessel were stimulated： Baihui （GV20）, Fengfu （GV16）, Dazhui （GV14）, and Shenzhu （GV12）, selected to treat nerve injury of the upper limb, and Jizhong （GV6）, Mingmen （GV4）, Yaoyangguan （GV3）, and Yaoshu （GV2） to treat nerve injury of the lower limb. In the LM group （n = 15）, only me- ridian acupoints along the injured nerve were selected. Both groups had electroacupuncture treatment for 30 minutes, once a day, 5 times per week, for 6 weeks. Two cases dropped out of the LM group. A good or excellent clinical response was obtained in 80% of the patients in the GV/ LM group and 38.5% of the LM group. In a second study, an additional 20 patients underwent acupuncture with the same prescription as the GV/LM group. Electomyographic nerve conduc- tion tests were performed before and after acupuncture to explore the mechanism of action of the treatment. An effective response was observed in 80.0% of the patients, with greater motor nerve conduction velocity and amplitude after treatment, indicating that electroacupuncture on specific Governor vessel acupoints promotes functional motor nerve repair after peripheral nerve injury. In addition, electromyography was performed before, during and after electroacu- puncture in one patient with radial nerve injury. After a single session, the patient＇s motor nerve conduction velocity increased by 23.2%, indicating that electroacupuncture at Governor vessel acupoints has an immediate therapeutic effect on peripheral nerve injury. Our results indicate that Governor vessel and local meridian acupoints used simultaneously promote functional repair after peripheral nerve injury. The mechanism of action may arise from an improvement of the local microenvironment in injured nervous tissue, as well as immediate effects of Governor vessel and local meridian acupoint stimulation to ensure the continuity between the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints enhances jejunal motility in constipated and diarrheic rats

AIM: To investigate the effect and mechanism of acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints on jejunal motility, particularly in pathological conditions.

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.

Therapeutic effects on spastic cerebral palsy in children Acupuncture and massage at the Shu and He acupoints versus routine acupoints

BACKGROUND： Based on clinical findings and syndromes, it has been previously shown that therapeutic methods for cerebral palsy can be greatly improved by selecting fewer, but more accurate acupoints. Therefore, greater therapeutic efficacy for cerebral palsy could be obtained by selecting the five Shu acupoints, which are located at the qi-intersecting point of the twelve meridians below the elbow and knee. OBJECTIVE： To treat children with spastic cerebral palsy using acupuncture and massage at the Shu and He points through a combination of rehabilitative training, and to compare the effects with routine acupuncture and massage. DESIGN： A randomized controlled clinical trial. SETTING： Rehabilitation Center for Cerebral Palsy, Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. PARTICIPANTS： Sixty children with spastic cerebral palsy were selected from the Rehabilitation Center for Cerebral Palsy, Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2003 to February 2006. There were 38 boys and 22 girls, aged 10 months to 4 years old, muscle strength ranging from grade I to grade IV. The children were randomly divided into a treatment group （n =30） and a control group （n =30）. Informed consent for the therapeutic program was obtained from the relatives of all enrolled children. The study was approved by the Hospital＇s Ethical Committee. METHODS： All children were given exercise and occupational therapy based on standard treatments. （1） In the control group, the children were additionally treated with routine acupuncture and massage during the one-month basic rehabilitative training. The acupuncture needles were manipulated alternately at the acupoints of Jianyu, Shousanli, Binao, Hegu, Huantiao, Xuanzhong, and Biguan. They were treated once per day, 6 days a week, followed by one day of rest. The children＇s limbs were first massaged by pressing, stretching, rolling, and kneading. Then, the same acupuncture points were pressed with the thumb for 30 minutes each time, once a day, 6 days a week, followed by one day of rest. The treatment continued for 1 month. （2） In the treatment group, the children were administered acupuncture and massage at the Shu and He points during the one-month basic rehabilitative treatment. For acupuncture of the upper limbs, the following acupoints were used： Sanjian and Quchi of the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming, and Houxi and Xiaohai of the Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang. The acupoints were acupunctured alternately every other day. For acupuncture of the lower limbs, the following acupoints were used; Zulinqi and Yanglingquan of the Gall bladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang, Taibai and Yinlingquan of the Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyang, or Xiangu and Zusanli of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming. The acupoints were acupunctured alternately every other day. Three needles were for the medial malleolus and three needles for the lateral malleolus. They were treated once a day, 6 days a week, followed by one day of rest. The children＇s limbs were first massaged by means of pressing, stretching, rolling, and kneading. The same acupuncture points were then pressed with the thumb for 0.5-1 minute at each point, 30 minutes each time, once a day, 6 days a week, followed by one day of rest. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated using gross motor function measurements, as well as activity of daily living scale before and after treatment. RESULTS： All 60 enrolled children with spastic cerebral palsy were included in the final analysis of results. （1） Comparison of gross motor function scores： The gross motor function score after treatment was significantly higher in both the treatment group and control group than before treatment （t = -3.86 and -8.882, respectively, P 〈 0.05）. The scores in the treatment group were significantly higher than the control group scores （t = -7.166, P 〈 0.01）. （2） Changes in activity of daily living scores： The scores for activity of daily living in the treatment group was significantly higher after treatment than before treatment （t = -3.933, P 〈 0.01）, and was also significantly higher than the control group （t = -0.671, P 〈 0.05）. CONCLUSION： Acupuncture and massage at the Shu and He acupoints can significantly ameliorate motor function deficits and movement disabilities in children with spastic cerebral palsy. The therapeutic efficacy at these acupoints is better than routine acupuncture and massage.