The Affects of Acupuncture at Sibai and Neiting Acupoints on Gastric Peristalsis

The frequency and amplitude of gastric peristaltic wave were significantly changed in 15 subjects when Sibai (ST 2) and Neiting (ST 44) acupoints of the Stomach Channel of Foot-Yangming were punctured. The results demonstrate that these acupoints are effective for treatment of stomach diseases, providing an experimental basis for the theory of channels and collaterals.

THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTRO-ACUPUNCTURE AT NEIGUAN AND FIVE SHU POINTS OF TWELVE REGULAR MERIDIANS AT DIFFERENT TIME ON SYSTOLIC TIME INTERVAL OF NORMAL YOUNG ADULTS

The influence of electro-acupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6)and five shu points of twelve regular meridians at different time on systolic time interval (ST I) of normal young adultswere studied with 6×6 Latin square design in this work.In 12 groups according to 12 regular merldlans,the STIs were measured respectively just before and after electro-acupuncture on Neiguan andfive shu points at 00:00,04:00,08:00,12:00,16:00 and 20:00 of a day.It was found thatexcept the PEPI and PEPI/LVETI ratio among Shenmen(HT 7),Shaochong(HT 9)and Neiguan,Guanchong(TE)and Yemen(TE 2)points,the effects of electro-acupuncture at Neiguan pointand five shu points of twelve regular meridians on the indices of STI of normal young adults wereshowing no slgnificant differences.There also was no difference in different sex.But the indices ofSTI were changed when electroacupuncture on the different points of different meridians at differenttime.

OBSERVATION ON THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF ACUTE SPRAIN OF SOFT TISSUE TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE AT PRESSURE PAIN POINTS

In the present paper,70 cases of acute sprain of soft tissue were treated withacupuncture at pressure pain points on the lateral of the second metacarpal bone.Results showedthat the cure rate was 58.6％ and the total effective rate was 94.3％.Also,its mechanisms werestudied preliminarily.The present therapy is simple,convenient,easy to operate and it producesrapidly desired effects with a higher cure rate,so it is suited to be popularized clinically.

OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF 282 CASES WITH PAIN TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE AT XI POINTS

Of 282 cases with pain treated by acupuncture at Xi points,207 cases were curedaccounting for 73.4％,among which 107 cases were cured after one treatment,36 cases after twosessions and 64 cases after over 3 sessions.75 cases improved.The total effective rate was100％.

THE TREATMENT OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOPATHY BY LASER ACUPUNCTURE AT THE CERVICAL JIAJI POINTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF 102 CASES

Laser acupuncture therapy was employed in the treatment of spondylopathy.Thetherapeutic effect of the three types of the spondylopathy,nerve root type,vertebral artery type andspinal cord type were stuied and compared.The results indicate a significant difference between thethree types of spondylopathy.The best therapeutic effect was obtained in nerve root type with a remarkable effective rate of 98.5％;the effective rates for the vertebral artery type and the spinal cordtype were 92.3％and 25％,respectively.Combining laser irradiatlon with acupuncture,the therapyposseses the functions of acupuncture,heat effect and mild moxibustion action.Therefore,it showedeffect quickly and had the advantages of short treatment course and high therapeutic effect.Clinicalobservation has confirmed that laser acupuncture is more effective than single laser irradiation.Thistherapy offers another simple but effective method for the treatment of spondylopathy.

Forty-five Cases of Apoplexy Treated by Electroacupuncture at the Points of Yin Meridians

Forty-five cases of apoplexy were treated by electroacupuncture only at the points of Yin Meridians (i.e. the Hand- and Foot-Taiyin Meridians), and the other 30 cases as the controls were treated only at the points of Yang Meridians (i.e. the Hand- and Foot-Yangming Meridians). The total effective rate was 91.1% in the former and 86.7% in the latter, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups, indicating that acupuncture only at the points of Yin-Meridians is also an effective therapy for apoplexy.

Acupuncture at Back-Shu point improves insomnia by reducing inflammation and inhibiting the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Insomnia is a disease where individuals cannot maintain a steady and stable sleep state or fail to fall asleep.Western medicine mainly uses sedatives and hypnotic drugs to treat insomnia,and long-term use is prone to drug resistance and other adverse reactions.Acupuncture has a good curative effect and unique advantages in the treatment of insomnia.AIM To explore the molecular mechanism of acupuncture at Back-Shu point for the treatment of insomnia.METHODS We first prepared a rat model of insomnia,and then carried out acupuncture for 7 consecutive days.After treatment,the sleep time and general behavior of the rats were determined.The Morris water maze test was used to assess the learning ability and spatial memory ability of the rats.The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in serum and the hippocampus were detected by ELISA.qRTPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression changes in the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.Western blot and immunohistochemistry were carried out to evaluate the protein expression levels of RAF-1,MEK-2,ERK1/2 and NF-κB.RESULTS Acupuncture can prolong sleep duration,and improve mental state,activity,diet volume,learning ability and spatial memory.In addition,acupuncture increased the release of 1L-1β,1L-6 and TNF-αin serum and the hippocampus and inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION These findings suggest that acupuncture at Back-Shu point can inhibit the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway and treat insomnia by increasing the release of inflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus.

Treatment of Migraine with Acupuncture at Points Pertaining to the Liver and Gallbladder Channels

In studying the syndrome of yang-hyperactivity, we found that most migraine patients were with hyperactivity of the liver-yang, stagnation of the liver-qiand blood stasis, and stagnation of the liverqi and deficiency of the spleen. To evaluate the needling effects on migraine and to approach its mechanism, we have launched a study in 207 cases since 1997. The results were satisfactory and reported as follows.

Acupuncture at Waiguan(SJ5) and sham points influences activation of functional brain areas of ischemic stroke patients: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Most studies addressing the specificity of meridians and acupuncture points have focused mainly on the different neural effects of acupuncture at different points in healthy individuals. This study examined the effects of acupuncture on brain function in a pathological context. Sixteen patients with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to true point group （true acupuncture at right Waiguan （SJ5）） and sham point group （sham acupuncture）. Results of functional magnetic resonance imaging revealed activation in right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 7 and 19）, the right temporal lobe （Brodmann area 39）, the right limbic lobe （Brodmann area 23） and bilateral oc-cipital lobes （Brodmann area 18）. Furthermore, inhibition of bilateral frontal lobes （Brodmann area 4, 6, and 45）, right parietal lobe （Brodmann areas 1 and 5） and left temporal lobe （Brodmann area 21 ） were observed in the true point group. Activation in the precuneus of right parietal lobe （Brodmann area 7） and inhibition of the left superior frontal gyrus （Brodmann area 10） was observed in the sham group. Compared with sham acupuncture, acupuncture at Waiguan in stroke patients inhibited Brodmann area 5 on the healthy side. Results indicated that the altered specificity of sensation-associated cortex （Brodmann area 5） is possibly associated with a central mechanism of acupuncture at Waiguan for stroke patients.

Acupuncture at the “Huatuojiaji” point affects nerve root regional interleukin-1 level in a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression

BACKGROUND：It has been shown that interleukin-1 （IL-1） may cause inflammatory reactions, which stimulate the nerve root of patients with lumbar intervertebral disc protrusion and leads to pain. Whether the clinical curative effects of acupuncture in the treatment of lumbar and leg pain are linked to an inhibition of local IL-1 secretion is unknown. OBJECTIVE： To assess the influence of acupuncture on IL-1, this study was designed to verify the effects of acupuncture at the ＂Huatuojiaji （Extra）＂ point on the nerve root in a rat model of lumbar nerve root compression, compared with administration of meloxicam, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Randomized, controlled, molecular biology experiment, performed at the Experimental Center, Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University between September 2005 and April 2006. MATERIALS： Forty healthy adult Sprague Dawley rats of either gender were included in this study. The rats were randomly and evenly divided into the following four groups： normal control, model, acupuncture and meloxicam groups. Lumbar nerve root compression was induced in rats in the model, acupuncture, and meloxicam groups by inserting a specially made silicon rubber slice at the juncture of the L5 nerve root and the dural sac. The acupuncture needle （pattern number N3030, 30#, 1.5 inch） was purchased from Suzhou Medical Appliance Factory, China. IL-1 enzyme linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） kit was purchased from Santa Cruz Biotechnology, Inc., USA. METHODS： The acupuncture group was acupunctured at the ＂Huatuojiaji＂ point, which is lateral to the compressed L5-6 nerve root, with an acupuncture depth of 0.5 cm. There were two treatment courses, each of involved seven 20-minute acupuncture sessions, one session a day. The meloxicam group was administered intragastrically 3.75 mg/kg meloxicam （5 mg meloxicam /10 mL physiological saline）. Rats in the normal control group and model group received an intragastric administration of 10 mL/kg physiological saline. All administrations were performed once a day. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： At day 14 post-surgery, the IL-1 level in the compressed nerve root was determined by a streptavidin-peroxidase （S-P） immunohistochemical method, and IL-1β mRNA expression in the compressed nerve root was simultaneously detected by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS： The expression levels of IL-1 and IL-1β mRNA in the L5 nerve root were significantly higher in the model group than in the control group （P 〈 0.01）. However, the expression levels of IL-1 and IL-1β mRNA were significantly lower in the acupuncture and meloxicam groups than in the model group （P 〈 0.05–0.01）. Expression levels of IL-1 and IL-1β mRNA were significantly higher in the acupuncture group than in the meloxicam group （P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： Acupuncture at the ＂Huatuojiaji＂ point decreases the IL-1 level by inhibiting IL-1β mRNA expression to a greater extent than meloxicam administration.

Regulatory effects of electro-acupuncture at Zusanfi on ir-SP content in rat pituitary gland and peripheral blood and their immunity

INTRODUCTIONIt has been reported in many studies that electro-acupuncture(EA)can positively regulate erythrocyticimmunity and T-lymphocytic subgroups.Nevertheless,its mechanism remains to be explored.In thepresent study,a multi-group,multi-stepped and multi-indexed observation was conducted on the effects of EA

Efficacy of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine in treating depression:A randomized study

BACKGROUND Depression affects more than 350 million people worldwide.In China,4.2%(54 million people)of the total population suffers from depression.Psychotherapy has been shown to change cognition,improve personality,and enhance the ability to cope with difficulties and setbacks.While pharmacotherapy can reduce symptoms,it is also associated with adverse reactions and relapse after drug withdrawal.Therefore,there has been an increasing emphasis placed on the use of non-pharmacological therapies for depression.The hypothesis of this study was that acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine would be more effective than fluoxetine alone for the treatment of depression.AIM To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine for the treatment of patients with depression.METHODS This randomized controlled trial included patients with mild to moderate depression(n=160).Patients received either acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine(n=80)or fluoxetine alone(control group,n=80).Needles were retained in place for 30 min,5 times a week;three treatment cycles were administered.The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare functional magnet resonance imaging parameters,Hamilton depression rating scale(HAMD)scores,and self-rating depression scale(SDS)scores between the acupuncture group and control group.RESULTS There were no significant differences in HAMD or SDS scores between the acupuncture group and control group,before or after 4 wk of treatment.The acupuncture group exhibited significantly lower HAMD and SDS scores than the control group after 8 wk of treatment(P<0.05).The acupuncture group had significantly lower fractional Amplitude of Low Frequency Fluctuations values for the left anterior wedge leaf,left posterior cingulate gyrus,left middle occipital gyrus,and left inferior occipital gyrus after 8 wk.The acupuncture group also had significantly higher values for the right inferior frontal gyrus,right insula,and right hippocampus(P<0.05).After 8 wk of treatment,the effective rates of the acupuncture and control groups were 51.25%and 36.25%,respectively(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The study results suggest that acupuncture at ghost points combined with fluoxetine is more effective than fluoxetine alone for the treatment of patients with mild to moderate depression.

Effect of intradermal needle therapy at combined acupoints on patients’ gastrointestinal function following surgery for gastrointestinal tumors

BACKGROUND Postoperative gastrointestinal function recovery is critical for rapid rehabilitation of patients with gastrointestinal tumors.Traditional Chinese medicine offers considerable advantages for gastrointestinal disease treatment.However,no study has reported the clinical efficacy of intradermal needle therapy(INT)at the Yuan-source,Luo-connecting,and He-sea points of the corresponding meridian for gastrointestinal function in patients following surgery for gastrointestinal tumors.AIM To investigate the effect of INT at combined acupoints on patients’gastrointestinal function following surgery for gastrointestinal tumors.METHODS This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University on patients with diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer,no distant metastases or organ failure,and hospitalized for elective radical tumor resection,who did not receive preoperative radiotherapy or chemotherapy.Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention(n=32)or the control(n=32)group.Participants in the control group received enhanced recovery care,while those in the intervention group received enhanced recovery care combined with INT at the Yuan-source,Luo-connecting,and He-sea points.After surgery,INT was performed immediately upon the patient's return to the ward,and continued for seven consecutive days.The independent samples t-test,chi-square test,and generalized estimating equations were used for data analysis.RESULTS The participants’ages ranged from 40 to 80 years(average 63±10.1 years).Most participants underwent surgery for either gastric(43.8%)or colon cancer(39.1%)and had adenocarcinoma(87.5%).Significant differences were noted in time to first postoperative flatus passage(66±27 h vs 103±41 h,P<0.001),time to first defecation(106±44 h vs 153±50 h,P<0.001),and time to first oral feeding(73±30 h vs 115±38 h,P<0.001)between the intervention and control groups.Gastrointestinal symptoms,including abdominal distension,nausea,and fatigue 48 h and 72 h after surgery,were significantly alleviated in the intervention group compared with that observed in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION INT at the Yuan-source,Luo-connecting,and He-sea points can promote recovery of gastrointestinal function and ease gastrointestinal symptoms in patients following surgical resection of gastrointestinal tumors.

The use of traditional Chinese medicine internally and externally combined with auricular acupuncture point bloodletting in the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia

Vulvar leukoplakia refers to the chronic disease of degeneration and hypopigmentation of the skin and mucous membrane of the vulva with unbearable itching in women, seriously affecting the quality of life. The main treatment of western medicine for vulvar leukoplakia is the external use of glucocorticoids or estrogen, resulting to the high recurrence rate and side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has the characteristics of the overall concept and dialectical treatment with a variety of ways. Literature review in recent years found that the treatment of TCM decoction combined with external therapies, such as external fumigation, acupuncture and other treatments, or the combination of TCM decoction and external western medicine hormone ointment, can obtain good effects in vulvar leukoplakia. During the clinical practice, we found that the use of TCM internally and externally combined with auricular acupuncture point bloodletting was highly effective with unique advantages in the treatment of vulvar leukoplakia, providing the ideas guidance for clinicians.

Exploring the characteristics of acupoints in the treatment of stroke with complex network and point mutual information method

Objective:Explore the characteristics of acupoints in the treatment of stroke with complex network and point mutual information method.Methods:The complex network and point wise mutual information system-developed by Chinese academy of Chinese medical sciences wereused to analyze the specific acupoints,compatibility,frequency etc.Results:174 acumoxibustion prescriptions were collected,including 163 acupoints.among them eighteen acupoints were used more than 30 times such as Hegu(LI4),Zusanli(ST36),Quchi(LI11)and Fengshi(GB31).The combinations of 31 acupoints were used more than 15 times,such as the combination of Quchi(LI11)and Zusanli(ST36),the combination of acupoint Quchi(LI11)and Jianyu(LI15),Hegu and Quchi(LI11).The most commonly used treatment method for stroke treatment is to dredge the Yangming meridian and Shaoyang meridian through acupuncture the multiple acupoints located on these two meridians..The commonly used acupoints are mainly distributed in the limbs,head and face.The most commonly used specific acupoint is intersection acupoint.The usage frequency of specific acupoints are higher than that of non-specific acupoints.Conclusion:Dredging the collaterals,dispelling wind-evil and restoring consciousness are the main principle for the treatment of stroke.Specific acupoints in head,face and climbs maybe the main targeted acupoints.Combination of Yang meridians with other meridians is needed to improve the effects.The Yangming meridian and Shaoyang meridian are most used meridians and Hegu(LI4),Quchi(LI11)and Zusanli(ST36)are the most used acupionts.

THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF NEEDLE WARMING THROUGH MOXIBUSTION AT TWELVE SHU POINTS ON RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic andgeneral immunologic disease,mainlyinvolving the joints.Clinically,it is manifestedby morning ankylosis,arthroncus,jointdeformity and dysfunction.It falls into thecategory of arthralgia syndrome in traditionalChinese medicine(TCM).The authors havetreated 55 cases of rheumatoid arthritis byneedle warming through moxibustion

An Analysis on the Therapeutic Effects of Auriculo-Acupuncture in 38 Obstinate Hiccup Cases of Different Races

The author of this article has treated 38 cases of obstinate hiccup from different countries by using the auriculo-acupuncture therapy, and obtained satisfactory therapeutic results as reported in the following.

EXPERIMENTAL AND CLINICAL STUDIES ON THE REGULATION OF ACUPUNCTURE ON IMMUNOLOGICAL FUNCTION

The regulation of acupuncture on the immunological function has been studied inlaboratory and clinic. The results showed that stimulating the biological active point (or acupoint)with electroacupuncture could inhibit the growth of tumor in experimental rats and prolongate the life-span of rats bearing tumor; and that electro-acupuncture had a good effect on the immunoregulatingsubpopulations of lymphocyte of patients with cancer.

AN ANALYSIS ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE AT SANYINJIAO POINT FOR TREATMENT OF 120 CASES OF PRIMARY DYSMENORRHEA

In the present paper, the authors make an analysis on the therapeutic effect of acupunc-ture at Sanyinjiao(SP 6) alone for treatment of 120 cases of primary dysmenorrhea. Results show atotal effective rate of 96.7%.

TREATMENT FOR SEQUELAE OF NEURALGIA AFTER THE HERPES ZOSTER WITH COMBINED ACUPUNCTURE AND INJECTION

The author treated 16 cases of sequelae of neuralgia after herpes zoster withacupuncture, moxibustion and point injection in the affected region, and all cases were cured.