In the present paper, the author makes some comments on the holistic action of acupuncture from the regulative effect on the nerve-endocrine-immune network, and the close relationship between the nerve-endocrine-immun...In the present paper, the author makes some comments on the holistic action of acupuncture from the regulative effect on the nerve-endocrine-immune network, and the close relationship between the nerve-endocrine-immune network and the meridian-collateral system of TCM. The wholism concept of TCM refers to the organism being an integrated entirety, and the regulatory effect of acupuncture on functional activities of the organism relies on the integral connection of the acupoint-meridian-collateral-zangfu-organ system. When stimulated with acupuncture, the human body will brings its potential force into full play in preventing and treating diseases.展开更多
Background： Laying on of hands （LooH） is a culturally-accepted therapy in several traditions. In Brazil, ＂Spiritism＂ （third-largest religious tradition in number of followers） uses LooH with the name of ＂Spiri...Background： Laying on of hands （LooH） is a culturally-accepted therapy in several traditions. In Brazil, ＂Spiritism＂ （third-largest religious tradition in number of followers） uses LooH with the name of ＂Spiritist Passe＂ （SP）. However, there are few studies assessing SP＇s role in medical outcomes. The present study aims to investigate the effects of LooH, with and without a spiritual context, on pain, joint stiffness, and functional capacity of older women （≥60 years old） with knee osteoarthritis （KOA）. Methods/design： In this triple-blind, prospective randomized controlled trial, older women with KOA are assigned to three groups： LooH with a spiritual context group, LooH group without a spiritual context, and a control group receiving no intervention. Patients are assessed by a blinded researcher at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. Pain, joint stiffness, and functional capacity are assessed using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Other measures such as anxiety, depression, gait speed, and quality of life will also be assessed. To detect differences between groups, a post-intervention com- parison between the three groups and a mean change （post-pre） comparison among the three groups will be done using analysis of variance. All statistical analyses will be performed using an intention-to-treat approach and a per-protocol analysis. Discussion： A pragmatic design using SP, LooH without spiritual context, and no LooH may provide further scientific evidence on SP＇s feasibility and efficacy for KOA patients.展开更多
文摘In the present paper, the author makes some comments on the holistic action of acupuncture from the regulative effect on the nerve-endocrine-immune network, and the close relationship between the nerve-endocrine-immune network and the meridian-collateral system of TCM. The wholism concept of TCM refers to the organism being an integrated entirety, and the regulatory effect of acupuncture on functional activities of the organism relies on the integral connection of the acupoint-meridian-collateral-zangfu-organ system. When stimulated with acupuncture, the human body will brings its potential force into full play in preventing and treating diseases.
文摘Background： Laying on of hands （LooH） is a culturally-accepted therapy in several traditions. In Brazil, ＂Spiritism＂ （third-largest religious tradition in number of followers） uses LooH with the name of ＂Spiritist Passe＂ （SP）. However, there are few studies assessing SP＇s role in medical outcomes. The present study aims to investigate the effects of LooH, with and without a spiritual context, on pain, joint stiffness, and functional capacity of older women （≥60 years old） with knee osteoarthritis （KOA）. Methods/design： In this triple-blind, prospective randomized controlled trial, older women with KOA are assigned to three groups： LooH with a spiritual context group, LooH group without a spiritual context, and a control group receiving no intervention. Patients are assessed by a blinded researcher at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks. Pain, joint stiffness, and functional capacity are assessed using Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index. Other measures such as anxiety, depression, gait speed, and quality of life will also be assessed. To detect differences between groups, a post-intervention com- parison between the three groups and a mean change （post-pre） comparison among the three groups will be done using analysis of variance. All statistical analyses will be performed using an intention-to-treat approach and a per-protocol analysis. Discussion： A pragmatic design using SP, LooH without spiritual context, and no LooH may provide further scientific evidence on SP＇s feasibility and efficacy for KOA patients.
