Research on resting spontaneous brain activity and functional connectivity of acupuncture at uterine acupoints

Objective The resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(rs-f MRI)method was used to observe brain activity and its functional connection upon electroacupuncture stimulation at bilateral uterine acupoints(EX-CA1),as well as to investigate the mechanism of acupuncture in the treatment of gynecological diseases.Methods Twenty-two healthy female subjects were stimulated by electroacupuncture at bilateral uterine acupoints;rs-f MRI data of the brain were acquired and standardized.Degree centrality(DC),amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation(ALFF),and regional homogeneity(ReHo)were used to analyze local spontaneous brain activity via acupuncture.An independent component analysis was used to evaluate the functional connectivity of the resting brain networks after acupuncture.Results Analytical results showed that the neural activity intensity of the precuneus lobe,orbitofrontal cortex,lingual gyrus,amygdala,and posterior central gyrus decreased after acupuncture(voxel P<0.001,cluster P<0.05).Functional connectivity analysis revealed weakened auditory and right frontal-parietal networks(voxel P<0.001,cluster P<0.05),enhanced visual network(voxel P<0.001,cluster P<0.05),and synergistic auditory network and hypothalamic-pituitary system.Conclusion Significant differences in neural activity and functional connectivity in specific brain regions were observed after acupuncture intervention at uterine acupoints;the hypothalamic-pituitary system also showed various active states in different brain regions.It is speculated that the effective mechanism of acupuncture at uterine acupoints is related to the regulation of reproductive hormones,emotional changes,and somatic sensations.Therefore,the methods used in this study could clarify the neural mechanism of uterine-point acupuncture in the treatment of gynecological diseases and may serve as a reference for other studies pertaining to acupuncture.

针灸相关疗法治疗慢性疲劳综合征的网状Meta分析

目的:基于网状Meta分析系统评价针灸相关疗法治疗慢性疲劳综合征(CFS)的临床疗效。方法:计算机检索中国知网(CNKI)、万方数据(WANFANG DATA)、维普中文科技期刊数据库(VIP)、PubMed、Embase、Cochrane Library、Web of Science、SinoMed中针灸相关疗法治疗CFS的随机对照试验(RCT),检索时间均为建库至2024年1月3日,采用Stata 14.0与RevMan 5.4软件进行网状Meta分析。结果:共纳入47个RCTs,包括3 574例CFS患者,涉及针灸相关疗法及其综合疗法12种,均为短期疗效观察。网状Meta分析结果显示:1)总有效率。根据优选概率排名曲线(SUCRA)指标下的表面积从高到低排序,前3位依次为督灸(93.6%)、针刺+艾灸(89.3%)和温针灸(69.7%);2)疲劳评定量表(FAI)积分。根据SUCRA从高到低排序,前3位依次为艾灸(90.1%)、针刺+耳穴压豆(70.3%)、温针灸(58.3%)。结论:针灸相关疗法治疗CFS具有一定的优势,其中以艾灸、督灸等以灸法为主的治疗方式疗效最佳。

World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS)Clinical Practice Guideline on Acupuncture and Moxibustion:Migraine recommendation summaries

Clinical Practice Guideline on Acupuncture and Moxibustion:Migraine(WFAS 007.9-2023)is a clinical practice guideline officially released by the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies(WFAS)on October 9,2023,and is the first international guideline on the treatment of migraine with acupuncture.This international standard was developed under the guidance of rigorous evidence-based methodology,and it contains guideline purpose,scope,applicable population,applicable settings,overview of acupuncture for migraine,guideline development process and recommendations.For promoting the understanding and application of this guideline,this article summarizes a total of 18 recommendations in order to assist clinical decisions for migraine with acupuncture.

Treatment of 17 cases of anisometropic amblyopia in children with tuina at“Simingxue”combined with pressing therapy at auricular points

The article introduced the application of Tuina at"Simingxue"(four points named after"ming")and pressing therapy at auricular points in treatment of 17 cases of anisometropic amblyopia in children.The methods:pressing and kneading with the thumb at Jingming(睛明BL1),Shangming(上明Extra),Yiming(翳明EX-HN14)and Guangming(光明GB37).Pressing with the finger digital at Yintang(印堂EX-HN3),Cuanzhu(攒竹BL2),Yuyao(鱼腰EX-HN4),Taiyang(太阳EX-HN5),Yingbai(阳白GB14),Sizhukong(丝竹空TE23),Tongziliao(瞳子髎GB1),Qiuhou(球后EX-HN7)and Chengqi(承泣ST1).Scraping the upper and lower orbits,nipping the eyebrows,pushing the orbits,pushing baoping and warming the eyes.Pressing Quchi(曲池LI11),Hegu(合谷LI4),GB37,Zusanli(足三里ST36),Xuehai(血海SP10)and Sanyinjiao(三阴交SP6).Rolling on the bilateral distributions of bladder meridian on the back.Pressing and kneading at Touwei(头维ST8),Qucha(曲差BL4),Baihui(百会GV20),Sishencong(四神聪EX-HN1),Fengchi(风池GB20)and Dazhui(大椎GV14).Grasping five meridians,scattering bilateral temporal regions,grasping and kneading the neck and nape region and holding Jianjing(肩井GB21).Auricular pressing therapy was exerted at Yan(眼eye,LO5),Gan(肝liver,CO12),Shen(肾kidney,CO10),Pi(脾spleen,CO13),Wei(胃stomach,CO4),Pizhixia(皮质下subcortex,AT4),Pingjianqian(屏间前anterior intertragic notch,TG21)and Pingjianhou屏间后(posterior intertragic notch,AT11).The treatment was given 3 times a week,6 treatments made one course and 4 courses of treatment were required.Of 17 patients,2 cases were cured,13 cases cured basically,1 case improved and 1 case failed.The total effective rate was 88.2%.

Clinical observation on 30 cases of external humeral epicondylitis treated with electroacupuncture at Zhouling and Ashi points combined with blood-letting cupping

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture(EA)at Zhouling(Extra)and Ashi points in combination with blood-letting cupping for the treatment of external humeral epicondylitis(EHE).Methods:Thirty EHE patients were treated with EA at Zhouling(Extra)and Ashi points in combination with blood-letting cupping,once every 2 days,twice a week,4 times as one course of treatment,and2 successive courses of treatment were given.Before treatment,after 1 course of treatment,and after 2 courses of treatment,the visual analogue scale(VAS)score and Mayo elbow performance score(MEPS)were adopted to evaluate the curative effect.Results:Before treatment,the VAS score of patients was 7.81±1.39.After 1 course of treatment and after 2 courses of treatment,it was 4.77±1.56 and 2.95±1.23 respectively,lowered than before treatment,and the difference was statistically significant(both P<0.01).Before treatment,the Mayo score of patients was 32.17±19.31.After 1 course of treatment and after 2 courses of treatment,it was 47.39±19.85 and85.21±20.47 respectively,increased than before treatment,and the difference was statistically significant(both P<0.01).Of the 30 patients,5 were cured,accounting for 16.67%;14 cases obviously effective,accounting for 46.67%;8 cases effective,accounting for 26.67%;3 cases ineffective,accounting for 10.00%,and the total effective rate was 90.00%.Conclusion:EA at Zhouling(Extra)and Ashi points and blood-letting cupping used in combination are remarkably effective in the treatment of EHE,being worthy for popularization.

Hormone-dependent high fever treated with umbilicus moxibustion and acupuncture

The combined treatment with umbilicus moxibustion and acupuncture achieves the significant effect on hormone-dependent high fever.The medical case was recorded so as to provide the approach to the clinical treatment or the reoccurrence control of this disease.

Therapeutic effect of cross-shaped moxibustion on the conception vessel and belt vessel for 23 cases of dysmenorrhea due to qi and blood deficiency

Objective:Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of cross-shaped moxibustion on the conception vessel and belt vessel for dysmenorrhea due to qi and blood deficiency.Methods:Taking Shenque(神阙CV8)as the center,up to Zhongwan(中脘CV12),down to Zhongji(中极CV3),and both sides to Daimai(带脉GB26),the above mentioned were treated area.The patient’s umbilicus was filled with the herbal powder for moxibustion and the powder was also scattered in a straight line along the treated area.The two sheets of mulberry paper were put in a cross way on the herbal powder for moxibustion,and the cross-shaped moxibustion box was put on the paper.The ginger paste was put into the box to a height of 3 cm and pressed tightly with a tongue depressor,the margin of the ginger paste should be clinged to the moxibustion box.The moxa cones were put end to end in the groove on the median of the ginger paste and ignited orderly.When the cones were burnt completely,the new cones were used and ignited.Three cones were adopted in succession in each treatment.The treatment was given once a week,and three treatments as one course,the therapeutic effect was evaluated after two courses of treatment.Results:There were 16 cases cured,5 cases effective and 2 cases non-effective in all.The total effective rate was 91.3%.Conclusion:Coss-shaped moxibustion on the conception vessel and belt vessel has sound effect for dysmenorrhea due to qi and blood deficiency.

Case of stenosing tenosynovitis of the thumb in children

A female patient,13 months old,suffering from limited extension of the right thumb for 7 days,diagnosed as stenosing tenosynovitis of the thumb in children.Tuina(Chinese massage) therapy was adopted,in which,stimulation was applied with fingers instead of needles,including pressing and kneading,twisting and kneading,plucking,dorsal extending,rotating as well as pushing and rubbing manipulations.The whole procedure of manipulation lasted around 15 min,once every two days,3 times weekly.Meanwhile,the parents were advised to bath the child patient's right hand into warm water every day and fix the affected thumb with splint at night.After 12 treatments with tuina therapy,the flexion and extension function of the affected thumb were returned to normal and the thumb motor function was recovered.In 2 months of follow-up,the thumb motor function was normal and the stenosing tenosynovitis was not recurred.In this case,tuina therapy is adopted in treatment of stenosing tenosynovitis of the thumb in children.As an alternative method of surgery,tuina therapy has a satisfactory clinical effect.

One case of shoulder soft tissue injury treated with cangguitanxue needling technique and cupping therapy

The combined treatment of cangguitanxue(green turtle probing its cave)needling technique and cupping method achieved the significant therapeutic effects on 1 case of traumatic soft tissue injury.Such therapeutic method provides the reference for the clinical treatment of soft tissue swelling due to injury.

Umbilical moxibustion combined with acupuncture for interstitial cystitis

A 56-year-old female patient with interstitial cystitis was treated with umbilical moxibustion combined with acupuncture.The doctor prepared the wheat flour-made bowl and the herbal powder for umbilical moxibustion.The bowl was put on the patient's umbilicus with a small hole in the middle of the bowl directly facing the navel,in which,the herbal powder was filled.The moxa cone was put on the bowl and ignited.Totally,3 cones were used.During umbilical moxibustion,acupuncture was adopted at Guanyuan(关元CV12),Zhongji(中极CV3),Dahe(大赫KI12),etc.The above treatment was given twice a week and 2-week treatment was as one course.After 4 courses of treatment,the clinical symptoms basically disappeared.The cystoscopic examination results were recovered to be normal.

Nocturnal polyuria after lumbar disc herniation surgery

A male patient with seventy-six years old, frequent urination at night, lassitude, aversion to cold, feeling tired easily on exertion, soreness and weakness in the lumbar region, dark and purplish tongue with white coating, deep, thread and rapid pulse. Diagnosis: nocturnal polyuria. Syndrome differentiation in traditional Chinese medicine: kidney yang deficiency. In treatment, the Du-moxibustion(moxibustion along the Governor vessel) was adopted in the lumbosacral region. A number of cross marks were marked along Zhōngshū(中枢GV 7) to Yaoshù(腰俞 GV 2). Herbal powder for the Du-moxibustion was put evenly and straightly from GV 7 to GV 2 along the cross marks. The mulberry bark paper was put flatly over the treating region with the folded midline of the paper matching the powder line and the ginger paste was placed on the paper and flatted with the tongue depressor as a trapezium. A groove was pressed on the ginger paste, And moxa was put inside. The upper, middle and lower sites of the moxa were ignited for moxibustion,when the moxa was burnt out then new moxa was replaced. Totally,the moxa was changed 3 times in one treatment. The treatment was given once a week, and 4 treatments as one course. After 2-course Du-moxibustion, the frequency of nocturnal urination was 0-1 time,0-350 mL a night. The patient had lassitude and fatigue occasionally and had no aversion to cold. The treatment was given once every two weeks on the lumbosacral region until the urine frequency was normal at night. The Du-moxibustion improves in kidney yang deficiency, kidney qi deficiency, post-operative body weakness and the deficiency cold of the lower Jiao. This therapy warms the meridian, promotes qi and blood circulation, shortens the recovery time of the normal circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid and nourishes cauda equina as well as alleviates the pressure to cauda equina due to edema. This therapy effectively treats nocturnal polyuria of kidney yang deficiency after lumbar disc herniation surgery.

Thirty-eight cases of uterine bleeding of spleen deficiency treated with wheat-grain size cone moxibustion and herbal plaster on the umbilicus

Objective:To introduce an effective method in treatment of uterine bleeding of spleen deficiency.Methods:A total of 38 patients were treated with wheat-grain size cone moxibustion and herbal plaster on the umbilicus.The wheat-grain size cone moxibustion was used at Guānyuán(关元 CV 4)and Yǐn bái(隐白 SP 1),20 moxa cones at each acupoint were required in each treatment.The treatment was given once every two days and three treatments made 1 course.Additionally,the herbal plaster was dressed on the umbilicus.The dressing changed once every day.After 2 courses of treatment,the therapeutic effect was observed.Results:Regarding the effects of uterine bleeding,of 38 cases,12 cases were cured,accounting for 31.58%,17 cases effective remarkably,accounting for 44.74%,4 cases effective,accounting for 10.53% and 5 cases failed,accounting for 13.16%.The total effective rate was 86.84%.The symptoms of spleen deficiency were relieved in 38 patients,such as sallow complexion,lassitude,short breathing,dislike of speaking,no appetite and cold limbs.Conclusion:The combined treatment with wheat-grain size cone moxibustion and herbal plaster on the umbilicus achieves significant effects on uterine bleeding of spleen deficiency.

Twenty-eight cases of facial acne treated by quick puncture with collateral-pricking cupping

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of quick puncture with collateral-pricking cupping for facial acne.Methods:Twenty-eight patients with acne were treated with pricking acne spot and abdominal region of three toes for bloodletting combined with collateral-pricking cupping on the back,once every 5 days,for3 weeks in succession.A 3-month follow-up was applied to observe the reducing rate and clinical effect of facial skin lesions after treatment.Results:Of the 28 cases,9 were cured,12 remarkably effective,5 effective,and 2 ineffective.The total effective rate was 92.86%.Conclusion:The effect of pricking acne spot and abdominal region of three toes combined with collateralpricking cupping on the back is good,being worthy of further clinical discussion to promote its application.

Comparative study of ancient and modern literature for Láogōng(劳宫PC8)in the indications and combination rules

Objective:To explore the clinical application rules of Láogōng(劳宫PC8)by analyzing the comparison and contrast of the practice with this acupoint in ancient times and in present.Methods:Relevant literature before October 1,1949 was selected from Chinese Medical Code(Fifth Edition)and Compilation of Moden Chinese Medicine Journals and literature published after October 1,1949 was screened from China National knowledge Infrastructure(CNIK),Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform(Wanfang),VIP Chinese Journal Service Platform(VIP),Chinese BioMedine Database(CBM),Pubmed Database,and Web of Science.After screening,SQL Server database was established.The complex network analysis was conducted by using Gephi and the cluster analysis was performed by SPSS Statistics.Results:Before October 1,1949,Lráogōng(劳宫PC8),on a single use or with a match of Dàlíng(大陵PC7),Guānyuán(关元CV4),and Zúsānlǐ(足三里ST36),was mainly used for treating ozostomia and edema due to pregnancy.However,Láogōng(劳宫PC8),on a single use or with a match of Yǒngquán(涌泉KI1),Hégǔ(合谷L14)and Nèiguān(内关PC6)was commonly for the treatment of toothache and the sequelae after wind stroke after October 1 st,1949.Conclusion:Láogōng(劳宫PC8)is mainly used to treat local disorders or diseases pertaining to the pericardium meridian.The single-point therapy was commonly applied before October 1 st,1949,while a combination of other points is more common afterwards and the scope of indication expands,with its application for psychiatry disorders,pain diseases and emergent diseases.Acupoints on the same meridian of Láogōng(劳宫PC8),ying-spring points,the back-shu points and combination between and the upper and the lower are dominated in the selection of supplementary points.The supplementary acupoints with the highest frequency of use were specific acupoints,including five-shu points,yuan-source points,front-mu points,etc。

Thoracic outlet syndrome with drop shoulder

Acupuncture combined with triangular bandage aid on the affected limb and the motor function exercise of shoulder abduction was adopted to treat one case of weakness of the left upper arm and drop shoulder induced by thoracic outlet syndrome(TOS) after childbirth. The therapeutic effects were definite and the prognosis was satisfactory.

Analysis on the rules of acupoint combination in treatment of pseudobulbar palsy based on co-occurrence relationship

Objective:To explore the rules of acupoint combination in acupuncture treatment of post-stroke pseudobulbar palsy(PBP),based on acupuncture prescriptions retrieved from literature and using complex network analysis.Methods:The articles were searched from China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),Wanfang and VIP databases as the source of data.The eligible articles were selected in accordance with inclusion and exclusion criteria.The relevant data were extracted to set up the acupoint prescription database in acupuncture treatment of PBP.By using co-occurrence relationship in acupoint prescriptions,the core acupoints and the combination rules were analyzed in acupuncture treatment of PBP.Results:A total of 194 articles were eligible finally,with 202 acupoint prescriptions extracted.19 core acupoints were collected in total,i.e.Liánquán(廉泉CV23),Fēngchí(风池GB20),Bǎihuì(百会GV20),Jīnjīn(金津EX-HN12),Yùyè(玉液EX-HN13),Fēngfǔ(风府GV16),Yǎmén(哑门GV15),Shuǐgōu(水沟GV26),Nèiguān(内关PC6),Fēnglóng(丰隆ST40),Wángǔ(完骨GB12),Sānyīnjiāo(三阴交SP16),Yìfēng(翳风TE17),Tōnglǐ(通里HT5),Tàichōng(太冲LR3),Hégǔ(合谷LI4),Hǎiquán(海泉EX-HN11),Jùquán(聚泉EX-HN10)and Yìntáng(印堂EX-HN3).The core acupoint groups were CV23-GB20,EX-HN12-EX-HN13 and GV26-PC6-SP6.Acupoints were mostly selected from governor vessel.The methods of acupoint combination included the combination of distal and nearby points,and the combination of the acupoints located in the front and on the back.Conclusions:In treatment of PBP with acupuncture,biaoben(manifestation and root cause)theory is emphasized,the methods for dispelling wind,resolving phlegm,regaining consciousness,and opening orifices are recommended.Moreover,the attentions are paid on spirit regulation,holistic adjustment,and syndrome differentiation in treatment.