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.

ACUPOINT-LIKE STRUCTURE AND MERIDIAN-LIKE DISTRIBUTION ON THE BODY SURFACE OF PLATYFISH

Objective To probe into whether an acupoint-like and meridian-like structure was existed in platyfish. Methods Adult platyfish was put in 30 μM 4-Di-2-ASP water solution for 3 h, then, in pipe water for 20min, afterward, the fish was anesthetized in 10% aether water solution, and the fluorescent labeling was observed under fluorescent microscope with B-3A combination filter. Results The labels observed under the microscope were in round bright dot, a majority of dots were distributed separately and a part of them was in cluster （2- 5 dots/cluster） on various parts of the body in regular arrangement. The labels on the head were circularly distributed around the eye and two arches were formed posterior to the eye and in the inferior 3/4 quadrant. These two arches joined one arch in the anterior superior 1/4 quadrant. On the fish trunk, it was observed that the labels were distributed from the back to the abdomen along the longitudinal axis of the trunk, forming 6 lines, located on No. 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 9 scale rows successively on the dorsal part of fish. Each line was composed of 7 to 22 label clusters and 1 -5 labels were counted in each cluster. The labels were arranged as 3-4 lines on the tail. Conclusion 1） Acupoint-like and meridian-like structure was existed in platyfish. 2）The skin sensory organs of animal were not distributed evenly all over the body. Instead, a number of sensory organs were put together in cluster and a number of them were in linear distribution regularly along the long axis of the trunk, which was similar to the distribution of traditional meridians and acupoints.

Enhanced expression of epidermal growth factor receptor gene in gastric mucosal cells by the serum derived from rats treated with electroacupuncture at stomach meridian acupoints

AIM: To investigate the effect of serum derived from rats treated with electroacupuncture at stomach meridian acupoints on the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in gastric mucosal cells. METHODS: The stress-induced gastric mucosal injury in rat model was established by water-immersion and restrained stress methods. 52 rats were randomly divided into: normal group (n = 8), model group (n = 8), model serum group (n = 12), stomach serum group (n = 12), and gallbladder serum group (n = 12). The gastric mucosal cells were separated by pronase-EDTA digestion method and incubated with serum. The EGFR gene expression in gastric mucosal cells was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. RESULTS: Compared with normal group (0.6860 ± 0.0594), the serum derived from rats of the stomach group (1.2272 ± 0.0813, P = 0.00 < 0.01) and gallbladder group (0.9640 ± 0.0387, P = 0.00 < 0.01) had a tendency to enhance the EGFR gene expression in gastric mucosal cells. Such tendency existed in the model group (0.7104 ± 0.0457) but with no signifi cant difference (P = 0.495 > 0.05) and in model serum group (0.8516 ± 0.0409) with an extremely obvious difference (P = 0.001 < 0.01). Furthermore, the EGFR gene expression in stomach serum group was significantly higher than that in gallbladder serum group (P = 0.00 < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study shows that serumderived from rats treated with electroacupuncture at stomach meridian acupoints can distinctly increase the EGFR gene expression of gastric mucosal cells. Therefore, there is certain meridian specificity in the serum, which could provide a proof for the TCM theory “particular relation between meridian and internal organ”.

Functional brain imaging studies on specificity of meridian and acupoints

At present, the specificity of meridians and acupoints has been studied using functional brain imaging techniques from many standpoints, including meridians, acupoints, and sham acupoints, as well as different meridians and acupoints, coordination of acupoints, and factors influencing meridian and acupoint specificity Preliminary experimental data have demonstrated that acupuncture at meridians and acupoints is specific with regard to brain neural information. However, research findings are contradictory, which may be related to brain functional complexity, resolution of functional brain imaging techniques, and experimental design. Future studies should further improve study method, and should strictly control experimental conditions to better analyze experimental data and acquire more beneficial data. Because of its many advantages, the functional brain imaging technique is a promising method for studying meridian and acupoint specificity.

Clinical observation on the treatment of sympathetic cervical spondylosis with meridian acupoint massage combined with curvature traction

Objective:To evaluate the clinical effect of meridian acupoint massage combined with curvature traction on sympathetic cervical spondylosis its influence on heart rate variability and norepinephrine concentration.Methods:80 patients with sympathetic cervical spondylosis were divided into the treatment group and control group randomly,with 40 patients in each group.Patients in the two groups were treated with massage on the basis of curvature traction.Among them,the treatment group was treated with meridian acupoint massage,while the control group was treated with routine massage.Each subject was treated once a day for 2 weeks.Before and after treatment,VAS,NRS,"20 score method",NDI,JOA,and Borden's method were used to evaluate the pain,sympathetic symptoms and cervical function of the two groups.At the same time,the changes of RR interval standard deviation and urine noradrenaline concentration were also observed.Finally the clinical efficacy of the two groups were evaluated.Results:The cure rate of the treatment group was 62.50%,while it was 40.00%in the control group,and the effective rate of the treatment group was 95.00%,the total effective rate of the control group was 80.00%,the treatment group was superior to the control group in both cure rate and total effective rate(P<0.05).During post-therapy,VAS score,NRS score,sympathetic symptom score,cervical physiological curvature,NDI score,and noradrenaline concentration in urine in both groups were lower than those of pre-treatment(P<0.01),JOA score and heart rate variability SDNN value were significantly higher(P<0.01),and the treatment group was superior to the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion:Meridian acupoint massage combined with curvature traction has a significant clinical effect on sympathetic cervical spondylosis,which is worth further promotion and application.

Fluctuations Hypothesize the New Explanation of Meridians in Living Systems

Biosystems are complex. Their physiology is well-controlled with various negative feedback signals and processes, it describes by opposite interfering effects which are characterized in the Eastern philosophy by Yin-Yang (Y-Y) pairs. Y-Y pairs could be described by the promoter-suppressor pairs in a wide range of physiologic signals creating the homeostasis of the complex system. This type of control appears as fluctuations from the average (mean) value of the signal. The mean carries an ineluctable fluctuation (called pink-noise or 1/f noise). All signals in homeostasis have equal entropy (SE = 1.8), which is the character of the complex equilibrium. The various controlling opposite signals (Y-Y) have different time-scales which change by aging. The processes with smaller time-scale are degraded by aging, but the pink-noise ensures that the deviations of the signals of the healthy homeostatic system remain constant. Meridians are connected to the general transport systems that combined the material and the information transport with the considerable transport networks, like blood, lymph, nerve, cell-junctions, mesenchymal “ground substance” cytoskeletons. The meridians in this meaning only virtual line averaged from multiple realized paths to connect two acupuncture points by the material, energy and information transport processes. The meridian network is designed by various coupling points (acupoints), which could be perturbed by actuating stimulus. Our objective is to describe the meridian system from complexity point of view.

SEGMENTAL DISTRIBUTION OF AFFERENT ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE SIGNALS FROM ACUPOINTS OF THE PERICARDIUM MERIDIAN IN THE RAT

Objective: To observe the segmental distribution of afferent Electroacupuncture (EA) signals from acupoints of the Pericardium (PC) Meridian and try to analyze the relative specificity of running route of PC Meridian.Methods: A total of 85 Wistar rats anesthetized with mixed solution of Chloralose (5 mg/100 g) and Urethane (42 mg/100g) were used in this study. Under microscopic observation, the micro-filaments of the distal end of the dorsal root were carefully separated after tearing the spinal pia mater to attach to a recording electrode. The reference electrode was placed beneath the skin of the incision. Two caudal and two rostral dorsal roots near the recorded one were cut off separately. Electrical activity of the isolated micro-filaments was observed before and after EA of "Daling" (PC 7) -"Jianshi" (PC 5), "Quze" (PC 3) of PC Meridian, "Yangchi"(TE 4)- "Zhigou" (TE 6), "Tianjing" (TE 10)-" Qin-glengyuan" (TE 11) of the Triple Energizer (TE) Meridian with electric current 1 mA and 2 mA and double pulses. Results: ① After EA (1 mA) of "Daling"(PC 7)-"Jianshi"(PC 5), the firing rates of 3 out of 10 (33.3%) micro-filaments in C5 segment, 5 out of 10 (50.0%) in C6, 7 out of 10 (70.0%) in 07, 3 out of 10 (30.0%) in C8 and 3 out of 13 (23. 1%) in T1 increased considerably；and after EA of "Quze" (PC 3), those of 3/10 of C5, 4/10 of C6, 6/10 of C7, 3/10 of C8, and 3/10 of T1 increased significantly. ② After EA (1 mA) of "Yangchi"(TE 4)- "Zhigou" (TE 6) and "Tianjing" (TE 10)- "Qinglengyuan" (TE 11). the firing rates of 2/10, 2/10 of micro-filaments In C5, 7/10, 3/10 of C6, 5/10 and 4/10 of C7, 1/10 and 1/10 of C8, and 2/13 and 1/10 of T1 increased significantly. It indicates that C7 dorsal root may play the first important role in conveying EA signals from PC Meridian acupoints to the spinal cord, while C6 and C7 may be mainly responsible for conveying EA signals from TE Meridian acupoints to the spinal cord. Conclusion: The peripheral afferent pathway for transmitting EA signals from PC Meridian acupoints probably has a relative specificity.

Comparison of clinical efficacy of neddle knife at acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians and according to anatomical structures in treating early and middle stage knee osteoarthritis

Objective:To stimulate tenderness points around knee joint in two metholds-corresponding acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians and anatomical structures,to compare the clinical efficacy of neddle knife of to cure early and middle stage knee osteoarthritis.Method:70 patients were randomly(Random Number Tables)divided into test group(acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians,n=35)and control group(anatomical structures,n=35),who were diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis.Observe the VAS(visual analogue scale),Lysholm,WOMAC(the Western Ontario and McMaster Unive rsities Osteoarthritis Index)and ROM(rang of motion)between two groups in first week,first month,third month after treatment.Recording the degree of improvement of knee joint’s pain,dysfunction and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rang of motion.Results:Within groups,the VAS,Lysholm,WOMAC and ROM were obviously different from pre-therapy scores in the third,sixth and twelfth week post-therapy(P<0.05).Between groups no significant difference were observed in the third week post-therapy about VAS,Lysholm,WOMAC scores(P>0.05).However,there were differences in the sixth,twelfth weeks post-therapy(P<0.05);compared with control group,the ROM of test group were difference in the third,sixth,twelfth weeks post-therapy(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical efficacy of stimulating corresponding acupoints tenderness points selected from recent regions along meridians to treat early and middle stage knee osteoarthritis was superior to anatomical structures,which can effectively relieve pain,dysfunction,symptoms of osteoarthritis of knee joint and rang of motion.

OBSERVATION ON TREATMENT OF SCIATICA WITH HOUDING ACUPOINT

In the present paper, the author reports the results of acupuncture of Houding (GV 19) and other acupoints selected along the meridian for treating sciatica. A total of 92 sciatica patients were randomly divided into Houding group (n=62) and control group (n=30). In Houding group, patients were treated mainly with puncturing Houding (GV 19), combined with Huantiao (GB 30) when necessary. In control group, patients were treated with Huantiao (GB 30), Yanglingquan (GB 34) or Zhibian (BL 54), Weizhong (BL 40), Chengshan (BL 57), Kunlun (BL 60), etc. which were selected along the route of meridian. Results indicated that following 10 sessions of treatment, in Houing and control groups, of the 62 and 30 cases, 44 and 15 were basically cured, 18 and 10 were improved, 0 and 5 failed in the treatment, with the total effective rates being 100% and 83,3% respectively. The therapeutic effect of Houding (GV 19) is significantly superior to that of acupoints selected along the meridian.

基于系统生物学的针刺治疗经脉分子机制研究

目的 探究针刺十四经脉治疗的特点和可能的分子机制。方法 基于针刺效应数据展示平台腧穴-靶点数据,利用Cytoscape3.8.2软件构建经脉-腧穴-靶点网络,并筛选核心靶点,采用Metascape数据库对核心靶点进行GO功能、KEGG通路富集分析和DisGeNET富集分析,使用DAVID6.8平台对十四经脉特异性靶点进行分析。结果 筛选得到十四经脉对应核心靶点19个,包括IL6、IL10、BDNF、NGF等。得到GO分析结果 573条,KEGG通路富集结果 99条,DisGeNET富集结果 20条。十四经脉特异性靶点分析显示,足阳明胃经特异性靶点有83个,包括ABCA1、CCL5、TIMP1、CCL2、RHEB等;督脉特异性靶点有50个,包括GFRA1、FRA1、TNFRSF11B、AGTR1、APLNR、CNR1等;手厥阴心包经特异性靶点有50个,包括ADORA2A、CYP2B6、ABCB1、GNAS、NLRP3等。结论 针刺十四经脉具有广谱效应,这可能与调节神经内分泌系统、神经免疫系统有关。同时,针刺十四经脉也具有特异效应,这可能与十四经脉的特异性靶点相关。

基于STM32的中医经络穴位无线探测系统

本文通过电测量技术、嵌入式软件技术、无线传输技术,完成对人体穴位阻抗信息的测量,通过经络的低阻抗特性显示可能存在的穴位点,解决了人体穴位难以直观显示的问题。探测系统采用ADG729和ADG731作为模拟信号的开关,采集皮肤24行16列位置的阻抗信息,经过STM32的处理计算,将数据传输给低功耗蓝牙模块,通过电脑上位机软件QT处理数据,将低阻抗点显示在上位机上,最后生成测量报告。该系统能比较准确、快速地测量人体经络穴位的阻抗信息,并探测和定位人体的低阻抗点,具有方便移动、显示直观、成本低廉等优点,也解决了QT蓝牙断开后无法重连的问题,可以作为辅助中医诊断疾病和针灸治疗的工具。

古今足少阳经经穴图对比研究

以文献研究的方法 ,通过比较古今具有代表性的《十四经发挥》、《针灸学手册》、《中医基础理论》和《经络学》中的经穴图 ,分析足少阳胆经的循行路线及交会穴的所属情况。认为该经目前较为公认的循行路线和交会穴是逐渐演变而来的 。

经络现象的时间理论之三:经穴-脏腑相关

本文利用生物信息提取的时间技术和前文提出的循经感传的时间子模型，揭示了经穴－脏腑相关中植物神经系统的中介作用，并通过临床应用予以验证．

经络穴位给药系统在兽医临床上的应用

经络穴位给药系统以中医经络理论为基础,具有经穴效应和药物效应的双重治疗特性,已广泛应用于兽医临床。目前,兽医临床上常用穴位给药方式是穴位埋植和穴位注射,而常用穴位主要是后海穴、百会穴、肺俞穴。随着经络穴位给药系统的广泛应用,新型经络穴位给药制剂和经络穴位给药作用机理已成为经络穴位给药系统研究的重点。

基于无线穴位探测仪的中医经络信息检测系统

中医基础理论研究与现代先进技术的有效融合,使中医电测量技术得到了迅速发展和提高。通过测量人体经络穴位阻抗信息,可为疾病诊断提供参考,为"治未病"理念的实现提供了有效的技术手段。本文阐述了整个检测系统的工作原理、硬件构成和软件设计,重点突出了采用恒流源的经络穴位测量方法和数据的无线USB传输技术。该系统研制成功已在社区医院使用,取得了良好的效果。

Progress of reseach on specificity of meridian acupoint efficacy

The status quo of study on specificity of meridian acupoints is summarized in this article through retrieval of relative literatures published in the recent 10 years in databases such as CNKI and SCI. The result indicates that specificity, which is brought into play through the inner biological mechanism, can be found in meridian acupoint efficacy. However, problems still remain since studies at present are still not systematic, comprehensive and scientific. In the future, relative studies should be carried out on extensive diseases and disease models with modern scientific technologies and equipments, strict as well as scientific experimental designation and evaluation methods.

经络的解剖学发现——筋膜学新理论

目的:明确针灸穴位和经络的解剖学基础。方法:利用数字人数据和电子计算机体层摄影(CT)、核磁共振成像(MRI)数据,对人体结缔组织断面图像进行标记和重建,并与中医经络相比较。并对全身筋膜结缔组织支架进行生物进化和胚胎发育分析。结果:对人体结缔组织断面图像进行标记和重建,显示出与中医经络记载走行接近的影像结构,提示全身的结缔组织均与经络密切相关。结论:经络的解剖学基础是人体筋膜支架;经络的组织学结构为的非特异性结缔组织(包括疏松结缔组织和脂肪组织);穴位是筋膜上在接受刺激时能产生较强生物信息的部位;提出一种新的解剖学分科方法和学术研究领域:筋膜解剖学。

针刺过程能量的输入

从经典物理和近代物理两个角度对针刺过程能量的输入进行了讨论。认为进针和行针中的提插法是一种直进式输入能量的方法,行针中的捻针法是一种扭转式输入能量的方法。它们的作用都是使经络物质(黏弹性体)产生振动,以次声波的频率将能量沿经络线传播,并诱发放大过程产生,使体内其他能量随针刺能量传播。最后给出了针刺过程的动力学方程和能量方程。

循经取穴发泡灸干预联合冥想放松引导对冠心病稳定性心绞痛阴寒凝滞证患者SAQ评分的影响观察

目的:观察循经取穴发泡灸干预联合冥想放松引导对冠心病稳定性心绞痛阴寒凝滞证患者西雅图心绞痛量表(SAQ)评分的影响。方法:选取2018年2月~2019年2月在我院诊治的110例冠心病稳定性心绞痛阴寒凝滞证患者,根据随机数字表法将其分为对照组(55例)与治疗组(55例),分别予以常规治疗、常规治疗基础上加以循经取穴发泡灸干预联合冥想放松治疗,比较两组疗效及中医症状积分、心绞痛积分、心电图疗效、SAQ评分等。结果:治疗组总有效率72.73%高于对照组的54.55%(P<0.05);治疗6周、12周时两组患者中医症状积分、心绞痛积分较治疗前均下降,且治疗组显著低于对照组(P<0.05);治疗组心电图总有效率40.00%略高于对照组的29.09%,但无显著差异(P>0.05);治疗12周后两组患者SAQ各维度评分较治疗前均升高,且治疗组均显著高于对照组(P<0.05)。结论:循经取穴发泡灸干预联合冥想放松引导治疗冠心病稳定性心绞痛阴寒凝滞证患者疗效显著,能缓解患者心绞痛情况,且可显著改善其SAQ评分,值得临床推广。

浅谈《经络腧穴学》教学中的有效记忆法

《经络腧穴学》的原文背诵是教学过程中的重点与难点,教师在教学过程中如果方法运用不当,则会导致学生基本知识掌握不扎实,对本节课程失去兴趣。本文分别从感官作用、武侠故事引用、课堂提问、分组挑战的教学方法和横向联想、拆分成段、直观连接、反复快读、数字谐音的背诵技巧两个方面介绍了在《经络腧穴学》教学过程中合理有效记忆方法,帮助广大教师在教学改革中不断探索与创新,将枯燥乏味的学习内容与记忆的方法相结合,避免了学生背诵不下来,记忆不牢固的难题,同时激发了学生学习的热情和背诵的信心。