Study of wrist-ankle acupuncture therapy for optimizing anaesthesia scheme of painless gastroscopy and improving painless gastroscopy related complications

BACKGROUND Painless gastroscopy is a widely used diagnostic and therapeutic technology in clinical practice.Propofol combined with opioids is a common drug for painless endoscopic sedation and anaesthesia.In clinical work,adverse drug reactions of anaesthesia schemes are often one of the important areas of concern for doctors and patients.With the increase in propofol dosage,the risk of serious adverse drug reactions,such as respiratory depression and hypotension,increases significantly;the use of opioids often causes gastrointestinal reactions in patients after examination,such as nausea,vomiting,delayed recovery of gastrointestinal function and other complications,which seriously affect their quality of life.AIM To observe the effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture therapy on the anaesthesia regimen and anaesthesia-related complications during and after painless gastroscopy examination.METHODS Two hundred patients were selected and randomly divided into a treatment group(n=100)and a control group(n=100).Both groups were routinely anaesthetized with the nalbuphine and propofol regimen,gastroscopy began after the patient lost consciousness,and given supportive treatment and vital sign monitoring.If the patient interrupted the surgery due to intraoperative torsion,intravenous propofol was used to relieve his or her discomfort.The treatment group received wrist-ankle acupuncture on this basis.RESULTS The general data before treatment,American Society of Anesthesiologist(ASA)grade and operation time between the two groups was no significant difference.The Wakeup time,and the Selfambulation time in the treatment group was significantly faster than that in the control group(P<0.05).The total dose of propofol in the treatment group was 109±8.17 mg,significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).The incidence of respiratory depression and hypotension was not significantly different,but the incidence of hiccups was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).After the examination,the incidence of nausea,vomiting,abdominal distension,and abdominal pain was 11%,8%,6%,and 5%,respectively,which was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).In addition,both the operators and the patients were more satisfied with this examination,with no significant difference between the groups(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Wrist-ankle acupuncture treatment can optimize the painless gastroscopy and anaesthesia scheme,reduces propofol total dose;shortens patient Wakeup time and Self-ambulation time,improves patient compliance and tolerance,is beneficial to clinical application.

Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for the treatment of urinary calculi with acute pain

BACKGROUND Urological calculi often cause renal colic,which is characterized by paroxysmal or persistent severe pain in the upper abdomen or lumbar region.Development of methods to quickly relieve these pain symptoms has garnered clinical attention.Wrist-ankle acupuncture is a type of floating acupuncture therapy administered at selected points in the carpal and ankle areas,and it has good pain-relieving effects.We used wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for pain intervention in patients with renal calculi to confirm its application and safety.AIM To study the effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing in the treatment of urinary calculi with acute pain.METHODS Eighty-two patients with urinary calculi with acute pain as the first symptom followed at our hospital from November 2019 to June 2021 were enrolled in the study and classified into two groups according to the odd and even numbers of the visit sequences,each with 41 cases.The control group received a routine nursing intervention and intramuscular injection of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,whereas the observation group received pain management nursing and wrist-ankle acupuncture.Subsequently,the pain-relieving effect was compared between the two groups.RESULTS The score on the visual analog scale(VAS)at 24,48,and 72 h postintervention was decreased in both groups compared with the baseline data;moreover,the observation group scored significantly lower than the control group on the VAS at each time point after the intervention(P<0.05).The clinical efficacy at 24 h postintervention was not significantly different between the two groups(P>0.05).In turn,the pain recurrence rate at 72 h postintervention was lower in the observation group compared with the control group(P<0.05).Finally,the nursing satisfaction rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that observed in the control group(P<0.05).No serious adverse reactions occurred during the treatment and the safety of treatment was high in both groups.CONCLUSION Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with pain nursing for treating urolithiasis with acute pain effectively alleviated the degree of pain and reduced the recurrence rate,which was worthy of clinical application.

Effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on propofol dosage during painless colonoscopy:A randomized controlled prospective study

BACKGROUND The clinical advantages of painless colonoscopy can reduce the fear and discomfort of patients and increase the detection rate of diseases.Propofol has the characteristics of fast effect and short action time.It is a common choice for painless endoscopic sedation and anesthetics.However,propofol can cause severe respiratory and circulatory depression.Therefore,it is important to find a way to reduce the dose of propofol.AIM To explore the effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on propofol dose during colonoscopy.METHODS Two hundred patients who were going to receive selective painless colonoscopy in Hebei Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected and divided into wrist-ankle acupuncture group(WAA group,n=100)and control group(CON group,n=100).After entering the operation room,patients were given 0.025 mg/kg nabufine intravenously and propofol at the initial dose of 0.5 mg/kg.In patients who did not fall asleep,propofol(10 mg/time)was given until loss of consciousness.Prior to anesthesia,patients in WAA group were punctured by specialist in the inferior 1,2 and 3 regions according to the zoning principle of wrist-ankle acupuncture.The primary endpoint was required dose of propofol,and the secondary endpoints were the incidence of hypoxemia and hypotension.Furthermore,the following data were recorded:The operation time,wake-up time,incidence of nausea and vomiting,incidence of abdominal distention,post colonoscopy pain,examiners'satisfaction,patients'satisfaction and Borg fatigue index.This study has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(Registration Code:ChiCTR1900022177).RESULTS The induced dose of propofol and the total dose of propofol in WAA group were 80 mg and 110 mg,respectively,which were significantly lower than those in CON group(P<0.05).The incidences of hypoxemia and hypotension in the WAA group were 2.2%and 3.3%,respectively,significantly lower than those in the CON group(P<0.05).The incidence of abdominal distension in the WAA group was 8.8%,which was significantly lower than that in the CON group(P<0.05,28.9%).The waking time of WAA group was 3.26±0.87 min,which was significantly lower than that of CON group(6.06±0.88 min,P<0.05).CONCLUSION Wrist-ankle acupuncture can reduce the induction dose and total dose of propofol as well as the incidence of adverse reactions in painless colonoscopy without affecting the satisfaction of examiners and patients.This procedure is simple in operation and easy to promote in clinical practice.

WRIST-ANKLE ACUPUNCTURE FOR ANALGESIA IN TREATING SOME COMMON DISEASES IN ATHLETES

With gradual generalization of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy in developed countries, an increasing attention has been paid to its application in the athletic field. Wrist-ankle acupuncture is a kind of shallow acupuncture, by which 6 points in the wrist and ankle regions are selected and punctured for treating diseases related to individual parts of the body. It is a kind of information therapy concerning biological hologram regularities. The analgesic effects of the therapy in treating some common diseases in 64 athletes are reported as follows.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECTS OF WRIST-ANKLE ACUPUNCTURE IN TREATMENT OF PAIN OF VARIOUS ORIGINS

Wrist-ankle acupuncture is performed at the specific points of the wrist or ankle to treat diseases inyolving corresponding parts of the body. It is a new therapeutic method enlightened by the theory of channels and collaterals and the theory of nerves, and advanced through clinical trials. It, therefore, exhibits not only the advantages of traditional acupuncture, but also its unique characteristics, yielding satisfactory results especially in pain of various origins. A report is presented below.

Curative effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on postpartum abdominal pain and its influence on serum β-EP level in puerpera

Objective To observe the clinical effect of wristankle acupuncture on postpartum abdominal pain and its influence on serum beta-endorphin (β-EP) level in puerpera.Methods Seventy patients with postpartum abdominal pain were randomly divided into an acupuncture+herbal medication group (35 cases,1 case dropped out) and a herbal medication group(35 cases,2cases dropped out).In the herbal medication group.

Treatment duration of wrist-ankle acupuncture for relieving post-thyroidectomy pain:A randomized controlled trial

Background Treatment duration of wrist-ankle acupuncture(WAA)is uncertain for post-thyroidectomy pain relief.Objective This study evaluated the effect of different WAA treatment duration on post-operative pain relief and other discomforts associated with thyroidectomy.Design,setting,participants and intervention This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single research site in Guangzhou,China.A total of 132 patients receiving thyroidectomy were randomly divided into the control group(sham WAA,30 min)and three intervention groups(group 1:WAA,30 min;group 2:WAA,45 min;group 3:WAA,60 min),with group allocation ratio of 1:1:1:1.Acupuncture was administered within 1 hour of leaving the operating room.Outcomes and measures Primary outcome was patients’pain at the surgical site assessed by visual analogue scale(VAS)at the moment after acupuncture treatment(post-intervention).Secondary outcomes included the patients’pain VAS scores at 6,12,24,48 and 72 h after the thyroidectomy,the 40-item Quality of Recovery(QoR-40)score,the grade of post-operative nausea and vomiting(PONV),and the use of additional analgesic therapy.Results The adjusted mean difference(AMD)in VAS scores from baseline to post-intervention in group 1 was-0.89(95%confidence interval[CI],-1.02 to-0.76).The decrease in VAS score at post-intervention was statistically significant in group 1 compared to the control group(AMD,-0.43;95%CI,-0.58 to-0.28;P<0.001),and in groups 2 and 3 compared to group 1(group 2 vs group 1:AMD,-0.65;95%CI,-0.81 to-0.48;P<0.001;group 3 vs group 1:AMD,-0.66;95%CI,-0.86 to-0.47;P<0.001).The VAS scores in the four groups converged beyond 24 h after the operation.Fewer patients in group 2 and group 3 experienced PONV in the first 24 h after operation.No statistical differences were measured in QoR-40 score and the number of patients with additional analgesic therapy.Conclusion Compared with the 30 min intervention,WAA treatment with longer needle retention time(45 or 60 min)had an advantage in pain relief within 6 h after surgery.WAA’s analgesic effect lasted for 6-12 h post-operatively.

Effect of Wrist-Ankle Acupuncture on Postoperative Analgesia after Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective:To evaluate the effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture(WAA)in pain and functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty(TKA).Methods:From June to September 2020,94 participants were included from the Second Hospital of Tangshan and randomly assigned to the WAA group(47 cases)and the sham WAA group(47 cases)by a random number table,receiving real or sham WAA treatment,respectively.The primary outcome measure involved the visual analogue scale(VAS)scores at rest and in motion.The secondary outcomes involved the range of motion(ROM)of the knee joints,straight-leg raising time,postoperative weight-bearing time,sufentanil consumption within 48 h of patient-controlled analgesia(PCA)pump,length of hospital stay,and postoperative complications.Results:The VAS scores on the 3rd,5th,and 7th postoperative days at rest and in motion was significantly lower in the WAA group than that of the sham WAA group(P<0.01).The ROM on the 1st,2nd,and 3rd PODs was significantly higher in the WAA group than that of the sham WAA group(P<0.01).In comparison to the sham WAA group,the sufentanil consumption within 48 h of PCA pump was significantly less in the WAA group(156.3±12.2μg vs.128.8±9.8μg,P<0.01).There was no significant difference in active straight-leg raising time,postoperative weight-bearing time,length of hospital stay,and postoperative complications between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusions:WAA could alleviate post-TKA pain,improve knee joint function,and reduce the sufentanil consumption within 48 h of PCA pump.WAA is a safe and effective treatment in the perioperative analgesic management for TKA.

Seventy-two cases of external humeral epicondylitis treated by wrist-ankle acupuncture

Objective To observe the clinical effects of wrist-ankle acupuncture on external humeral epicondylitis. Methods Seventy-two cases diagnosed as external humeral epicondylitis were brought into the study. Horizontal needling was used at upper area 3, upper area 4 and upper area 5 near wrists with long filiform needles. The frequency was once a day, and a course included 10 times. Results 27 cases got cured, 36 cases were marked effective, 5 cases were effective and 4 cases were failed after 1 course to 5 courses of treatment. The total effective rate was 94.5%. Conclusion Wrist-ankle acupuncture is a simple and effective therapy on external humeral epicondylitis.

Effects of wrist-ankle acupuncture on associated factors in uterus tissue and serum in rats with primary dysmenorrhea

Objective：To observe effects of wrist-ankle acupuncture （WAA） onβ-endorphin （EP）, nitric oxide （NO） in uterus tissue and prostaglandin F2α （PGF2α）, substance P （SP） in serum of rats with primary dysmenorrhea. Methods：A total of 45 non-pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and a WAA group, 15 rats in each group. Rats in the model group and the WAA group received continuous abdominal subcutaneous injection of Diethylstilbestrol to establish dysmenorrhea rat models. On the first day after modeling, rats in the WAA group began to receive acupuncture on Point Lower 1 and Point Lower 2, once a day for 10 d. The control group and the model group didn’t receive any treatment. Writhing latencies and frequencies were recorded.β-EP and NO in uterus tissue homogenates and PGF2α, SP in serum were detected. Results：In the model group,β-EP and NO levels were the lowest among the groups, the serum PGF2α level was the highest, and serum SP level was the lowest. These measurements showed significantly difference between the model group and the control group （P〈0.05）. PGF2α in the WAA group was lower than that in the model group;β-EP, NO and SP levels were higher than those in the model group, with inter-group statistically significant differences （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： WAA may achieve analgesic effect through decreasing PGF2α, increasingβ-EP, NO and SP to relieve uterine cramps, increase blood flow and promote functional improvement.

Wrist-ankle acupuncture and Fluoxetine in the treatment of post-stroke depression: a randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of WAA combined with fluoxetine in the clinical treatment of post-stroke depression(PSD).METHODS: In this randomized, controlled and single-blind trial, 105 PSD patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into three equal groups: Thin wrist-ankle acupuncture(WAA)group(Thin WAA needle + Fluoxetine), Thick WAA group(Thick WAA needle + Fluoxetine), and Sham WAA group(sham WAA needle + Fluoxetine). In this trial, the primary outcome was Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD), while the secondary outcomes included Zung self-rating depression scale(SDS) and World Health Organization Quality of Life BREF(QQL).RESULTS: Ninety nine PSD patients completed all the treatment. The HAMD scores and SDS scores of all the three groups decreased after treatment(P <0.05);thick WAA group and thin WAA group decreased more obviously than the sham WAA group(P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the QQL scores of the three groups(P >0.05). There was no significant difference in the scores of the three scales between the thick wrist ankle needles and the thin wrist ankle needles(P >0.05).CONCLUSION: The present study showed that WAA combined with fluoxetine can relieve the symptoms of depression after stroke. WAA therapy could improve the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine.

Wrist-Ankle Acupuncture and Ginger Moxibustion for Preventing Gastrointestinal Reactions to Chemotherapy:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective： To evaluate the effects of wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with ginger moxibustion against gastrointestinal tract reactions （nausea, vomiting, and constipation） to chemotherapy in cancer patients. Methods： A total of 60 patients with gynecological tumors treated by chemotherapy were randomly divided into two groups. The treatment group （30 cases） underwent wrist-ankle acupuncture and ginger moxibustion, whereas tropisetron hydrochloride and dexamethasone were intravenously administered to the control group （30 cases） during chemotherapy. Results： The frequency of nausea in the treatment group was significantly less than that of the control group from the 2nd to the 5th day of chemotherapy （P〈0.01）. The anti-emetic effect in the treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group on the 3rd day of therapy （P〈0.05）. The incidence rate of constipation was significantly lower in the treatment group than that in the control group （P〈0.01）. Furthermore, the cost of therapy for the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group （P〈0.01）. Only 1 patient manifested a post-acupuncture side effect in the form of subcutaneous blood stasis. Conclusion： Wrist-ankle acupuncture combined with ginger moxibustion could prevent gastrointestinal tract reactions to chemotherapy in cancer patients. In addition, the proposed method had fewer side effects, lower cost, and less risk.

Treatment on 2 cases of pain in the heel based on syndrome differentiation by wrist-ankle acupuncture

Two patients with pain in the heel were treated by new methods based on symptom differentiation after regular wrist-ankle acupuncture were invalid. According to the manifestations in tongue diagnosis and symptoms,the 2 cases both belonged to bladder excess syndrome,the acupuncture was carried out on area 6 of low limb（external anterior border of achilles tendon at three finger wide above the lateral malleolus）,and acupuncture was also carried out on Zútōnggǔ（足通谷 BL 66）,Jīnmén（金门 BL 63） and Shēnmài（申脉 BL 62） at the le side. The results showed that the therapeu c effi cacy of treatments on the 2 pa ents was sa sfactory and thus the clinical values for new methods for using wrist-ankle acupuncture based on syndrome differentiation were verified.

Effect of wrist-ankle acupuncture on propofol dosage in painless bronchoscopy of elderly patients:A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To observe whether wrist-ankle acupuncture can reduce propofol dosage in painless bronchoscopy of elderly patients or not and its potential effect mechanism.Methods:A total of 60 patients undergoing painless bronchoscopy were randomized into a wrist-ankle acupuncture group and a control group,30 cases in each one.In the wrist-ankle acupuncture group,wrist-ankle acupuncture was received and the needles were retained for 30 min before entering to the operating room.In the control group,no any intervention was provided.The patients in two groups all received venous administration of midazolam,nalorphine and lidocaine and target controlled infusion of propofol.When the patient’s consciousness was lost and the eyelash reflex disappeared,bronchoscopy was performed and the propofol dosage was increased accordingly during operation.Propofol dosage,vital signs and occurrence of adverse reactions,bronchoscopist satisfaction,operation time and recovering time were recorded in the patients of two groups.Results:Propofol dosage in induction period and the total dosage of propofol in the wrist-ankle acupuncture group were lower than those in the control group,indicating the statistical differences(both P<0.05).The vital signs were stable during bronchoscopy in patients of two groups.The occurrence rates of hypoxemia and choking in the wrist-ankle acupuncture groups were lower than those in the control group,indicating the statistical differences(both P <0.05).Bronchoscopist satisfaction in the wrist-ankle acupuncture group was higher than that of the control group,and the operation time and recovering time were lower than the control group,indicating the statistical differences(all P<0.05).Conclusion:In painless bronchoscopy,wrist-ankle acupuncture may effectively reduce propofol dosage,alleviate respiratory suppression,reduce adverse reaction and shorten the recovering time in elderly patients.

Acupuncture Legislation in the United States: Minnesota as a Case Study

2023 marks the 50th anniversary of legal regulation of acupuncture in the United States,as the first acupuncture law was enacted in Nevada.Acupuncture,like any other medical modality,is regulated at the state level,with each state formulating and enforcing its own laws and statutes over time.This article narrates the legislative process and major developments of the acupuncture profession in Minnesota,in the context of legislative developments across the country.It tells how this midsize,Midwest state’s acupuncture profession became regulated,and examines the challenges faced by the profession before and after state statutes were enacted.Minnesota stands as a representative example of the legislative process in other states.

Clinical research progress on acupuncture for the treatment of otogenic vertigo

Otogenic vertigo is a common disorder that affects the vestibular system,which often results in considerable discomfort and impaired daily functioning.Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),including acupuncture and moxibustion,has been historically utilized to manage the symptoms of vertigo.However,the effectiveness and methodology of these treatments have rarely been investigated in the medical literature.This study reviews the existing literature on the point selection,method,and therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion to provide a reference for the TCM treatment of otogenic vertigo.A literature search was performed using the PubMed search engine.The terms used included otogenic vertigo,acupuncture treatment,and acupuncture point selection.A total of 34 relevant articles were retrieved from PubMed.These suggest that the clinical treatment of otogenic vertigo should consider the functions of zang-fu organs and meridians and select different acupuncture treatment methods according to syndrome differentiation based on the difference between deficiency and excess.Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy should be based on acupoint selection,considering the syndrome differentiation,supplemented with experience.The treatment of otogenic vertigo with acupuncture and moxibustion refers to the selection of appropriate acupuncture methods under the guidance of TCM theory and following the principles of syndrome,disease,and meridian differentiation.Common acupuncture methods include body acupuncture,auricular acupuncture,scalp acupuncture,acupoint injection,electroacupuncture,and moxibustion.There are many acupuncture and moxibustion acupoints selected for the treatment of otogenic vertigo.Individualized treatment according to the patient’s specific condition is effective and safe,which can help to improve the patient’s vertigo symptoms and cerebral blood perfusion.

Mechanism of acupuncture for limb spasm of post-stroke spasticity based on GABA and BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway

Background:To investigate the effects of acupuncture on post-stroke limb spasm model rats and the underlying mechanism.Methods:A total of 50 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups,Control group(10),Model group(20)and Zhishen Tiaoxing(ZSTX)acupuncture group(20).Middle cerebral artery occlusion was conducted in SD rats to establish post-stroke limb spasm rats,which were treated with ZSTX acupuncture.Behavioral assays were determined by the Narrow ally test,the limb muscle tension was detected by the BL-420S test system,and infarct volume was assessed after the cerebral infarction by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.Heterogeneous neurotransmitterγ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)and its receptors GABAA and GABAB in the cerebral cortex of the infarct area were determined by immunofluorescence assay.The release of Trkb and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2 was detected by an immunofluorescence double labeling study.Western Blot was utilized to measure the expression of BDNF and Trkb.Results:The results showed that the behavioral assays in post-stroke limb spasm rats were significantly improved by the treatment of ZSTX acupuncture.14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can effectively inhibit muscle tone and decrease Infarct volume,which was measured with BL-420S biological function experiment system and triphenyltetrazolium chloride.Meanwhile,the results of Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays showed that ZSTX acupuncture improved the expression of GABA,GABAA,GABAB,BDNF,and K-Cl cotransporter isoform 2.Double-Label Immunofluorescence Assays and WB results showed that 14 days ZSTX acupuncture declined the expression of Trkb.Conclusions:Our results suggest that 14 days of ZSTX acupuncture can significantly improve post-stroke limb spasm.Meanwhile,the pathogenesis of post-stroke limb spasm and the efficacy of ZSTX acupuncture involve metabolic pathways of neurotransmitters,and electro-acupuncture can treat post-stroke limb spasm by regulating BDNF/Trkb-KCC2 signaling pathway.

An Interview with Peter Deadman—Acupuncture Pioneer and Founder of The Journal of Chinese Medicine

This interview was conducted on August 21st, 2022 by Charles Buck and Ioannis Solos. Peter Deadman has worked in the field of health promotion for 50 years. He co-founded Infinity Foods(an organic and natural foods workers co-op) in 1971, followed by the Brighton Natural Health Centre-a charity dedicated to teaching ways to improve personal, community and planetary health and wellbeing. He qualified as an acupuncturist in 1978 and in Chinese herbal medicine in 1990. He founded The Journal of Chinese Medicine(UK) in 1979(Fig. 1), and co-authored A Manual of Acupuncture(published in 1998). He is the author of Live Well Live Long: Teachings from the Chinese Nourishment of Life Tradition. He has taught Chinese medicine and health promotion internationally for decades and is a dedicated practitioner and teacher of Qi Gong(气功).

Study on the Regulation of ROS by Acupuncture and Moxibustion to Relieve Inflammation in the Treatment of Sciatica

Objective: To observe the analgesic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on chronic constriction injury (CCI) pain model rats, and to investigate the mechanism of constriction constriction injury. Methods: 32 SPF SD rats were divided into Control Group, Sham Surgery Group, Model Group and Acupuncture and moxibustion Group, with 8 rats in each group. The Model Group, Acupuncture and moxibustion Group and sciatic nerve ligation were used to establish the CCI pain rat model. The sham operation group only separated the nerve, and the control group did not do any treatment. After modeling, the Acupuncture and moxibustion Group was given acupuncture treatment, while the control group and the Model Group did not do any intervention. 7 days for 1 course of treatment, continuous treatment for 3 courses of sampling and detection. Paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and Paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) were observed. Biochemical detection of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), Super Oxide Dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH);Serum, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were detected by ELISA. Results: Compared with the control group, PWMT and PWTL in the Model Group were decreased (P α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels or contents were increased (P α, IL-1β and IL-6 levels or contents were decreased (P Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion can reduce the ROS level, enhance the antioxidant capacity of the body, reduce the damage of sciatic nerve caused by inflammation, and relieve sciatic pain.

Acupuncture for ischemic stroke:where are we now?

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for ischemic stroke(IS)and plays a key role in neurological rehabilitation after IS.Acupuncture can improve the clinical symptoms of various complications after IS,including motor dysfunction,swallowing disorders,speech disorders,cognitive impairment,depression,insomnia,and fatigue.However,the mechanisms underlying the effects of acupuncture in IS remain unclear.Available evidence suggests that acupuncture may exert neuroprotective effects through neuroplasticity(neurogenesis and synaptogenesis),angiogenesis,cell proliferation and apoptosis,and regulation of oxidative stress,inflammation,and immunity.Further studies should be conducted to improve the high-quality evidence-based system of acupuncture intervention for IS,by focusing on the clinical and basic research design,increasing the sample size,standardizing and quantifying the standards of acupuncture operations,using multidisciplinary techniques and methods to systematically explore the key targets of acupuncture intervention for IS,and reveal the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of IS.