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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meta-analysis of neostigmine injections given at the Zusanli （ST 36） acupoint in thetreatment of postpartum urinary retention

Objective： We aimed to determine the effect of neostigmine injections given at the Zusanli （ST 36） acupoint whentreating postpartum urinary retention. Methods： We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized controlledtrials （RCTs） involving neostigmine injections given at the Zusanli （ST 36） acupoint for treating postpartum urinaryretention. We searched the Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Web of Science, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VipDatabase, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from the creation of the database to December 30, 2016. Bias riskassessment was performed using Revman 5.3 software from Cochrane based on the criteria set out in the CochraneHandbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, version 5.1.0. Results： Thirteen studies were included with 627participants in the treatment group and 584 participants in the control group. （1） Overall response rate： neostigmineinjections given at the Zusanli （ST 36） acupoint have a better curative effect than injections given in muscle, odds ratio（OR） = 8.74, 95% confidence interval （CI） [5.83, 13.10], Z = 10.49 （P 〈 0.001）; （2） Comparison of effects at differentdosages： （i） 0.5 mg of neostigmine Zusanli （ST 36） acupoint injection group has better effect than 1 mg of neostigmineintramuscular injection group, OR = 15.84, 95% CI [5.74, 43.72],Z = 5.34 （P 〈 0.001）, （ii） 0.5 mg of neostigmineinjection given at the Zusanli acupoint has a better curative effect than 0.5 mg of neostigmine injection given in muscle ,OR = 7.30, 95% CI [3.47, 15.34], Z = 5.24 （P 〈 0.001）; （iii） 1 mg of neostigmine injection at the Zusanli （ST 36）acupoint has better efficacy than 1 mg of neostigmine injection in muscle, OR = 7.76, 95% CI [4.46, 13.52], Z = 7.25 （P〈 0.001）. Conclusion： Neostigmine injections at the Zusanli （ST 36） acupoint have beneficial effects in treatingpostpartum urinary retention. However, the low quality of the studies included in the meta-analysis raises questions overthe reliability of the results. Further studies are still needed.

CONSTIPATION TREATED BY AURICULAR ACUPOINT PRESSING COMBINED WITH ACUPUNCTURE AT ZUSANLI POINT

This paper reports that 65 cases with functional constipation were treated by putting one Wang Bu Liu Xing (semen vaccariae) seed on each acupoint, Intestinum crassum, Intestinum tenue,Sympathicum, Lung, Spleen, Subcortex, of auricula and pressing, associated with acupuncture at Zusanli point on both sides. The patients were instructed to press the stuck seed twice a day for 3 to 5 minutes each time. Auricular acupoints of both sides were used alternately every 2 days. The electric acupuncture was applied at Zusanli points about 30 minutes each time every other day. Ten times (i. e. 20 days) make one course of treatment and the routine treatment consists of 1 to 2 courses. The results showed that all the patients were cured, patients with Shi Mi (the constipation of excess type) were cured after one course of treatrnent while Xu Mi (the constipation of deficiency type) were cured after two courses. The study suggests that this kind of treatment is an ideal therapy for functional constipation. The pathogenesis and mechanism of treatment of auricular acupuncture pressing associated with acupuncture at Zusanli point for constipation are discussed.

TREATMENT OF OBSTINATE PEPTIC ULCER AND CHRONIC GASTRITIS WITH A METAL RING EMBEDDED IN ZUSANLI ACUPOINT

We had treated 102 cases of obstinate peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis with ametal ring embedded in Zusanli acupoint since October 1989 to October 1992,and got satisfactorytherapeutic effects.The total effective rate is 96.08%,the cure rate of peptic ulcer is 87.32%,therecurrence rate is significantly lower than that of control group(P【0.001),and it has no side-effect.

TREATMENT OF 60 CASES OF DYSFUNCTION OF TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT BY PUNCTURING ZUSANLI(St 36)ACUPOINT

Since 1974,the author has treated 60cases of dysfunction of the temporoman-dibular joint by puncturing Zusanli(St 36)acupoint and has obtained satisfactory re-suits.The cases are briefly summarized asfollows.GENERAL DATAOf the 60 patients,18 were male and

Research on the Different Frequencies of Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation for Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of different frequencies of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation in treating postpartum pelvic girdle pain and promoting postpartum rehabilitation.Methods:From January to September 2022,300 patients with pelvic girdle pain after spontaneous delivery in a hospital in Shaanxi Province were selected and randomly divided into three groups,low frequency,high frequency,and alternating frequency,with 100 cases in each group.In addition to routine postpartum care and psychological counseling,the three groups received transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at low-frequency(2 Hz,)high-frequency(100 Hz),and alternating frequency(2/100 Hz),respectively.The differences in initial pain,pain scores before and after treatment,satisfaction with analgesic effect,and postpartum rehabilitation effect were evaluated among the three groups of patients.Results:There was a significant correlation between maternal age and postpartum pelvic girdle pain(P<0.001),but no correlation was observed between newborn birth weight and postpartum pelvic girdle pain(P>0.05).After 1d/2d of treatment,the pain scores and rehabilitation effect of patients in the alternating-frequency group and low-frequency group were significantly better than those in the high-frequency group,and the postpartum curative effect of patients in the alternating-frequency group was the best,followed by the low-frequency group,and the high-frequency group;the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Among the three groups,the alternating-frequency group had the highest satisfaction with the analgesic effect and the highest rate of selecting the same analgesic regimen the next time;the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Conclusion:Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation at different frequencies is safe and effective in treating postpartum pelvic girdle pain and beneficial to postpartum rehabilitation.Sparse-dense wave stimulation is effective in treating postpartum pelvic girdle pain.It has the best effect in promoting postpartum rehabilitation and the highest patient satisfaction.Therefore,its application in clinical practice is highly recommended.

Comparison of protective effects of electroacupuncture and moxibustion at Zusanli(ST 36)on perinatal nicotine exposure-induced lung phenotype in rat offspring

Objective:To compare the effects of electroacupuncture(EA)and moxibustion at Zusanli(ST 36)on the lung phenotype of rat offspring exposed to nicotine during the perinatal period.Methods:Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups:the control group(saline only),the model group(nicotine only),the EA group(nicotine+EA at ST 36 acupoints bilaterally),and the moxibustion group(nicotine+moxibustion at ST 36 acupoints bilaterally).n=6 rats per group.On postnatal day 21,the body weight,lung weight,and pulmonary function were determined and lung morphometry was performed.Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma andβ-catenin levels in the lung tissue of offspring were also determined.Results:Perinatal nicotine exposure(PNE)results in decreased body and lung weights of offspring rats,abnormal lung tissue morphology,and significantly altered pulmonary function,showing an increase in total airway resistance and a decrease in tidal volume,minute ventilation,total airway compliance,and peak expiratory flow.Bilateral EA at ST 36 acupoints could block all of these perinatal nicotine-induced effects.Although moxibustion also had protective effects in nicotine-induced offspring lungs,some of these effects did not reach statistical significance,e.g.,protection against the upregulation ofβ-catenin,the downregulation of PPARγsignaling,and the increase in peak expiratory flow.Conclusion:Maternal EA at ST 36 blocked the PNE-induced changes in key developmental signaling pathways,prevented the PNE-induced changes in lung morphology,and protected pulmonary function.Moxibustion at ST 36 showed similar but weaker protective effects against the PNE-induced changes in the exposed offspring.It is important to note that the mechanism underlying the protective effects of moxibustion at ST 36 may be different from those of EA at ST 36,and further research is needed to understand these differences.

Mechanism of Scalp Acupuncture Combined with Distal Acupoint Selection in the Treatment of Vascular Headache Caused by Hyperactivity of Liver-Yang

The clinical effect of acupuncture on vascular headache caused by hyperactivity of liver-yang has been shown, but the specific mechanism is not yet clear. This paper is intended to discuss the etiology and pathogenesis of vascular headache caused by hyperactivity of liver-yang and the mechanism of acupuncture, so as to provide a certain reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of scalp acupuncture treatment of vascular headache caused by hyperactivity of liver-yang.

New therapy for oral ulcer:Evodia rutaecarpa patch combined with acupoint application

Background:Oral ulcer is the most common and easily recurrent disease in stomatology,which influence the patients’communication,normal dietary,and sleep.Evodia rutaecarpa(ER)is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine recorded in ancient Chinese medical books,which has a medicinal history of more than 2,000 years.Clinically,the application of ER at plantar Yongquan point(KI1)is effective in the treatment of oral ulcer.The purpose of this study was to combine the modern transdermal drug delivery system with traditional Chinese medicine to develop the transdermal absorption patch of ER and apply it to the treatment of oral ulcer at Yongquan point of plantar.Methods:Firstly,the medicinal materials of ER were extracted and the extracted materials were prepared into dispersed ER patch.The formulation and preparation process were screened by orthogonal design method and single factor investigation method.The adhesive and transdermal properties of the patch were used as the evaluation index of the preparation.Secondly,Wistar rats were used as experimental animals to establish a rat model of mouth ulcers.Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group,model group(A),model group(B),low dose group,medium dose group and high dose group.the efficacy of ER on rat’s oral ulcer model was evaluated through three aspect such as apparent index,pathological index and biochemical index.Results:The patch had suitable adhesion and good skin penetration,which was an effective treatment for oral ulcer.In vivo pharmacodynamic studies,compared with the normal group,the body mass and food intake of rats in each group after modeling decreased,the amount of drinking water increased,the tissue structure of oral mucosa was damaged,and the levels of inflammatory factors(TNF-α,IL-6)and malondialdehyde increased,the levels of anti-inflammatory factors(IL-10),cell growth factor(epidermal growth factor,TGF-β_(1))and superoxide dismutase decreased.Compared with the model group,the body weight and food intake of each dosing group increased,water consumption decreased,the oral mucosal tissue structure was more complete,the levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and malondialdehyde decreased,the levels of IL-10,epidermal growth factor,TGF-β1 and superoxide dismutase increased,and the changes of various indexes were dose-related.Conclusion:ER patch can inhibit inflammatory reaction,enhance the antioxidant defense ability of the body,and promote the repair of damaged oral mucosa,so as to play an effective role in the treatment of oral ulcer.