Sixty-two Cases of Simple Obesity Treated by Acupuncture Combined with Massage

Simple obesity is caused by accumulation of fat in the body because of intake of calorie greater than consumption. It falls into the TCM category of phlegm-dampness. In recent years, the authors have employed acupuncture combined with massage to treat the disease and obtained quite good therapeutic effects as reported in the following.

Differential Acupuncture Treatment of Hyperplasia of Mammary Glands

Hyperplasia of mammary glands is a common disease in the middle-aged women, and it is a precancerous lesion of mammary glands. For many years, the author has used Rugen (ST 18) of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming as the main point withcertain auxiliary points chosen on basis of the differentiation types to treat the disease and obtained satisfactory therapeutic effects. A report follows. ……

REVIEW ON ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF PERIPHERAL FACIAL PARALYSIS DURING THE PAST DECADE

Facial paralysis or Bell’s palsy is acommon disease that frequently attacksadults aged 20--40 years, especially women.According to traditional Chinese medicine,the pathogenesis is believed to be due to in-vasion of the channels and collaterals

Effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) on neurons in the colonic myenteric plexus in rats with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation

We studied the effects of electroacupuncture at Zusanli （ST 36） on neurons in the colonic myenteric plexus and on defecation in rats with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation （IBS-C）. We also used intragastric administration of pinaverium bromide as a positive control treatment to reveal the pathway mediating the onset of IBS-C. Both electroacupuncture and pinaverium bromide greatly improved defecation in rats with IBS-C. Immunohistochemical staining of the enteric nervous system neuronal marker protein gene product 9.5 in the colonic myenteric plexus showed that electroacupuncture by itself, or in combination with pinaverium bromide, increased the number of neurons and the staining intensity of protein gene product 9.5 in the colonic myenteric plexus. We conclude that visceral hypersensitivity is likely to be a primary cause of constipation in IBS-C rats.

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE TREATMENT OF 98 CASES OF PEPTIC ULCER BY MASSAGE

Peptic ulcer is one of the commonestdiseases.Based on the theory of TCM wetreated 98 cases of peptic ulcer by massagewith satisfactory results.General DataOur series of 98 patients included 72males and 26 females ranging in age from 19to 70 years,with an average of 35.8.The du-ration of illness varied between 0.5 and

THE APPLICATION OF DIGITAL ACUPUNCTURE IN ACUTE ABDOMEN

Acupuncture has long been used in re-lieving pain with excellent results. The usualmethod is body acupuncture plusmoxibustion. The author of the present pa-per has since 1978 used digital acupuncturein the treatment of ten cases of acute abdo-men with good effect. A typical case is re-ported as follows.Mr. Gan, aged 32, had gastric

Research progress of non-specific neck pain in traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine

Non-specific neck pain is a common disease in clinic,and its pathogenesis is not clear.With the progress of the times and the change of living and working habits,the incidence of non-specific neck pain is increasing year by year,which has a great impact on people’s physical and mental health,work and life.Traditional Chinese medicine mainly treats non-specific neck pain by acupuncture and massage,while western medicine generally uses exercise and manipulation therapy,but the quality of clinical evidence of all kinds of therapy is not high,which needs to be verified.This paper summarizes the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the treatment of non-specific neck pain from the aspects of pathogenesis,etiology and pathogenesis of traditional Chinese medicine,and treatment of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,so as to provide reference for doctors in clinical treatment of this disease.

Value of ultrasound guided biopsy combined with Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/resistance to rifampin assay in the diagnosis of chest wall tuberculosis

BACKGROUND The thoracic wall lesions,particularly chest wall tuberculosis,and chest wall tumors and other pyogenic wall and actinomycetes infections,almost always present as a diagnostic challenge.AIM To explore the value of ultrasound-guided biopsy combined with the Xpert Mycobacterium tuberculosis/resistance to rifampin(MTB/RIF)assay to diagnose chest wall tuberculosis.METHODS We performed a retrospective study of patients with chest wall lesions from March 2018 to March 2021.All patients received the ultrasound-guided biopsy for pathology examination,acid-fast Bacillus staining,mycobacterial culture,and Xpert MTB/RIF analysis.The sensitivity,specificity,and area under the curve(AUC)were calculated for these diagnostic tests,either individually or combined.Rifampicin resistance results were compared between the mycobacterial culture and the Xpert MTB/RIF assay.RESULTS In 31 patients with the chest wall lesion biopsy,22 patients were diagnosed with chest wall tuberculosis.Of them,3,6,and 21 patients tested positive for mycobacterial culture,acid-fast stain,and Xpert MTB/RIF assay,respectively.The rifampicin resistance results of the 3 culture-positive patients were consistent with their Xpert MTB/RIF assay results.When considering the sensitivity,specificity,and AUC value,the Xpert MTB/RIF assay(95.5%,88.9%,and 0.92,respectively)was a better choice than the acid-fast Bacillus stain(27.3%,100.0%,and 0.64,respectively)and mycobacterial culture(13.6%,100.0%,0.57,respectively).No complications were reported during the procedure.CONCLUSION Ultrasound guided biopsy combined with Xpert MTB/RIF has high value in the diagnosis of chest wall tuberculosis,and can also detect rifampicin resistance.

Role of moxibustion in inflammatory responses during treatment of rat ulcerative colitis

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of moxibustion in ulcerative colitis(UC) rats from morphological, immunological and molecular biological perspectives.METHODS: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to a blank control group(normal rats, n = 6) and a model replication(MR) group(UC rats, n = 26). A UC model was established by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid/dextran sulfate sodium enema. Rats in the MR group were further randomly assigned to a 9-min moxibustion(9M) group(9 moxa-cone, n = 6), 6-min moxibustion(6M) group(6 moxa-cone, n = 6), 3-min moxibustion(3M) group(3 moxa-cone, n = 6), and a waiting list control(WLC) group(no moxibustion treatment, n = 6). Rats in the moxibustion treatment group were treated in 14 sessions over 28 d. Disease activity, local tissue morphology, serum level of interleukin(IL)-8 and IL-10, and expression of Toll-like receptor(TLR)9 aswell as nuclear factor(NF)-κB p65 in colonic tissue were determined by disease activity index(DAI), hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, respectively.RESULTS: DAI was lowest in the 9M group and highest in the WLC group. The differences in DAI between the moxibustion treatment(3M, 6M, 9M) and no treatment groups were significant for all one-to-one comparisons(0.60 ± 0.54 vs 1.20 ± 0.44, 0.60 ± 0.54 vs 1.80 ± 0.45, 0.60 ± 0.54 vs 3.0 ± 0.45, respectively, P < 0.05). Light and electron microscopy showed that the neatness of the glandular arrangement in colonic mucosal epithelia gradually increased in the WLC, 3M, 6M to 9M groups. IL-8 level successively decreased while IL-10 level increased from the WLC to 3M, 6M and 9M groups. The differences among these groups were significant for all comparisons(105.46 ± 8.75 vs 76.61 ± 3.58, 105.46 ± 8.75 vs 69.78 ± 1.87, 105.46 ± 8.75 vs 67.41 ± 1.84, respectively, P < 0.01 for IL-8; and 30.83 ± 1.29 vs 75.64 ± 1.90, 30.83 ± 1.29 vs 80.90 ± 3.16, 30.83 ± 1.29 vs 83.46 ± 2.37, respectively, P < 0.01 for IL-10), except comparison of 6M vs 9M. Expression of TLR9 and NF-κB p65 decreased in order: highest in the WLC group and lowest in the 9M group. In addition, the differences among the WLC, 3M, 6M and 9M groups were significant for all comparisons(0.492 ± 0.026 vs 0.380 ± 0.022, 0.492 ± 0.026 vs 0.355 ± 0.005, 0.492 ± 0.026 vs 0.327 ± 0.015, respectively, P < 0.05 for TLR9; and 0.436 ± 0.041 vs 0.326 ± 0.022, 0.436 ± 0.041 vs 0.293 ± 0.006, 0.436 ± 0.041 vs 0.265 ± 0.017, respectively, P < 0.05 for NF-κB p65).CONCLUSION: Moxibustion repairs damaged colonic mucosa, suppresses serum IL-8, activates serum IL-10 level, and decreases expression of TLR-9 and NF-κB p65 in UC rats.

Cerebral functional imaging of Waiguan (SJ 5) acupoint specificity using single-photon emission computed tomography

The action of needling in acupoint therapy has to first be regulated and integrated by the brain, and then it affects the target organ and manifests its therapeutic effects, which is dependent on the specificity of the acupoints. The authors put forward the hypothesis of the ＂acupoint-related brain＂. Single-photon emission computed tomography was used to explore the activation of brain regions following true needling in true acupoint Waiguan （SJ 5）, sham needling in true acupoint Waiguan, true needling in a sham point, and sham needling in a sham point. The relative specificity of Waiguan in normal persons was analyzed by observing changes in regional cerebral blood flow. Compared with the sham needling in true acupoint group and sham needling in the sham point group, acupuncture at Waiguan can activate brain regions controlling movement. Compared with true needling in the sham point group, acupuncture at Waiguan can also activate brain regions controlling movement. The results suggest that the specificity of needling at an acupoint is related to certain activated cerebral functional regions, which are associated with the clinical application of the acupoint.

Influence of Needling the Foot-Yangming Points on Intracellular Ca^(2+) Concentration in Smooth Muscles of the Gastric Antrum in Rabbits

Objective: To investigate the influence of acupuncture at the points of Foot-Yangming Meridian on intracellular concentration of Ca2, called the 2nd messenger of gastric smooth muscles. Methods: 45 rabbits were randomly divided into the following 5 groups: a normal saline group, a model group treated with atropine, an acupuncture group treated by needling the points of Foot-Yangming Meridian, an acupuncture group treated by needling the points of Foot-Shaoyang Meridian, an acupuncture group treated by needling the points of Foot-Taiyang Meridian, i.e. 9 rabbits in each group. After treatment, the smooth muscles of the gastric antrum were taken to make the suspension containing alive single muscular cells, and the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) was determined by a spectrofluorometer. Results: The concentration of [Ca2+]i in the group of Foot-Yangming Meridian was obviously higher than that of the atropine group (P<0.01), but with no significant differences found among all the other groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: The influence of acupuncture at the points of Foot-Yangming Meridian on gastric movement is related to the release of intracellular Ca2+ in the gastric smooth muscles.

THE CLINICAL APPLICATION OF CORRESPONDING ACUPOINTS

Corresponding acupoints refer toacupoints in other parts of the body whichare homologous,contralateral or otherwiserelated to the limbs,joints and soft tissuesthat have suffered injury of sprain,excessivetension or contusion.Acupuncture at thecorresponding acupoints often brings

Positron emission tomography study of the specificity of Waiguan (SJ 5) acupoint

Functional brain imaging studies of the specificity of acupoint stimulation have revealed that needling at particular acupoints can induce activation of corresponding brain areas, examined in physiological and pathological states. The present study examined Waiguan （SJ 5） as the acupoint of interest. We tested five conditions： a true needling at true acupoint group, a sham needling at true acupoint group, a true needling at sham acupoint group, a sham needling at sham acupoint group, and a healthy control group. We examined changes in glucose metabolism in different functional cortical regions to determine the specific brain activation elicited by acupuncture at Waiguan. The results revealed that true and sham acupuncture at the same acupoint activated different brain regions. In addition, applying acupuncture at a genuine acupoint and a neighboring sham acupoint activated different brain regions. These findings suggest that acupuncture at Waiguan causes activation in some brain regions.

CLINICAL OBSERVATION ON TREATMENT OF 83 CASES OF POSTHEMIPLEGIC OMALGIA

An analysis on 83 cases of posthemiplegic omalgia (shoulder pain) shows that the pathogenesis of the pain is closely related to the improper passive movement at the early stage of hemiplegia (62.7%). The large range of passive movement is a dangerous factor leading to omalgia. In the study of upper extremity complications, the incidence of shoulder-hand syndrome is relatively high (42.2%), and it is often accompanied by hand swelling (83.1%). The authors suggest that painless movement of the shoulder joint should be limited in a range of 90-120° , massage be carried out immediately after acupuncture, and the affected upper extremity be moved passively during the needle retention. This therapeutic method is definitely effective for pasthemiplegic omalgia.

Protective effect of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with Xiaoxuming decoction(小续命汤)on dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson’s disease model

OBJECTIVE:To explore the possible mechanism of Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with Xiaoxuming decoction(小续命汤,XXMD)in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease(PD).METHODS:C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into eight groups(n=12),including blank group,model group,medication group,acupuncture group,high-dose XXMD group(XXMD-H),low-dose XXMD group(XXMD-L),acupuncture combined with high-dose XXMD group(A+H),and acupuncture combined with low-dose XXMD group(A+L).After treatment for 6 weeks,dopamine(DA)neurons and the pathological changes of tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)positive cells were observed.The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the content of DA and the level of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-10(IL-10)and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α).The m RNA level of PINK1 and Parkin and the protein expression of Nix,PINK1 and Parkin in the substantia nigra were also detected.RESULTS:Combination treatment effectively ameliorated the symptoms of PD.Compared with model group,combined treatment significantly up-regulated the protein expression of Nix,Parkin and PINK1 and the m RNA levels of PINK1 and Parkin in the substantia nigra(P<0.0001,P<0.001,P<0.01 or P<0.05).Furthermore,the levels of pro-inflammation cytokines were obviously decreased after combination therapy,while IL-10 content was increased remarkably(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Compared with each treatment alone,combination therapy improved the pathological damage of DA neurons of PD mice more effectively.The possible mechanism may be attributed to the up-regulated level of mitochondrial autophagy and improved mitochondrial function.These results provide fresh insight into the mechanism of co-treatment with Tongdu Tiaoshen acupuncture and XXMD for PD.

Effect of Acupuncture at Acupoints Neiguan(PC 6)and Ximen(PC 4)on the Left Cardiac Function in the Patients with Coronary Heart Disease

目的:探讨针刺内关与郄门穴对冠心病患者每博心输出量及左心室排血的峰值流速的影响。方法:60例冠心痛患者分为内关组和郄门组,分别在运针3 min 后和留针20 min 后测试每博心输出量,左心室排血的峰值流速。再与针刺前得测试结果相比较。结果:46例患者针刺3 min 后 Q 值和VP 值较针刺前上升。留针20 min 后,34例患者 Q 值和 VP 值全部上升。结论:针刺内关和郄门可增强左心室壁的收缩能力,使心脏的每博输出量增加,改善冠心病患者的心肌缺血状态。

Effects of modified Wenjing decoction on microcirculation in reproductive organs in rats with symptom patterns of cold coagulation and blood stasis

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between symptom patterns of cold coagulation and blood stasis(CCBS) and microcirculation disturbance. In addition, we determined the efficacy of modified Wenjing decoction(WJD) for the treatment of CCBS.METHODS: CCBS was induced in rats with an icewater bath treatment. The ovarian function, microvascular and circulatory status of reproductive organs, and function of local microvascular endothelial cells(VECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells(VSMCs) were evaluated.RESULTS: Ovarian dysfunction was observed in the rats with CCBS. It was characterized by the presence of an estrous cycle disorder and a decrease in reproductive hormone levels. Microvascular circulation disorders were associated with an imbalance in vasoconstriction, relaxation substances, nitric oxide, abnormal blood flow in whole blood, and decreased blood flow in the auricle and uterus. VECs were damaged, and VSMCs contracted and proliferated in ovarian and uterine tissues.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the dysfunctional reproductive organs observed in gynecological CCBS may be closely related to the microcirculation disturbance of local tissues, microvascular contraction, and vascular remodeling. Modified WJD can be used to treat CCBS by improving microcirculation in reproductive organs.

A Survey on Acupuncture Treatment of Trigeminal Neuralgia

In modern medicine,various measures such as medication,nerve block,radio frequency and surgeries can all be adopted for treating trigeminal neuralgia.However,acupuncture-moxibustion is still one of the important clinical measures for

Needling at the Waiguan (SJ5) in healthy limbs deactivated functional brain areas in ischemic stroke patients A functional magnetic resonance imaging study

Deactivation is common in cerebral functional imaging. However, the physiological mechanisms responsible for this phenomenon remain poorly understood. The present study analyzed 12 ischemic stroke patients, who were randomly assigned to two groups： one group underwent sham needling and true needling at the Waiguan （SJ 5） in the healthy upper limb and the other group underwent sham and true needling at a sham point. Functional magnetic resonance imaging results showed no activation points in brain tissues following needling at SJ 5. However, compared with sham needling at SJ 5, true needling at SJ 5 deactivated Broadmann 4, 6, 24, and 32 areas. In addition, compared to needling at the sham point, true needling at SJ 5 deactivated bilateral hypothalamus. Results demonstrated that SJ 5 needling in the healthy upper limb resulted in specific directional brain action, as manifested by deactivation of cerebral areas related to motor （Broadmann 4 and 6）, emotion （hypothalamus）, and cognition （Broadmann 24, 32）.

Efficacy evaluation of summer acupoint application treatment on asthma patients: a two-year follow-up clinical study

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the self-efficacy and satisfaction of asthma patients subjected to summer acupoint application treatment(SAAT).METHODS: A two-year follow-up clinical study was conducted. Patients with asthma were treated by applying a herbal paste onto the Feishu(BL 13) and Fengmen(BL 12) acupoints on the three hottest days of summer, according to the traditional Chinese calendar, from 2008 to 2010. During a two-year follow-up, these patients were asked tofill out a questionnaire evaluating asthma degree,exacerbation frequency, concomitant medications and self-satisfaction. The self-rate and doctor-report outcomes obtained in parallel were evaluated to assess the efficacy of SAAT.RESULTS: A total of 527 asthma patients were initially enrolled in this study, of which 97 elderly patients and those with more severe cases of asthma were lost to follow-up. Thus, a total of 430 patients were valid for analysis using self-rate data. Nevertheless, occasional negative returns were obtained;almost all of the outcomes were rated as "No change", "Moderate effective", or "Very effective". In addition, 80% of the patients were satisfied with this treatment. Moreover, 391(91.4%) patients were somewhat improved after SAAT in 2009, and further improvement was observed in 2010. After SAAT, the average asthma-degree score decreased from 5.3 in 2008 to 4 in 2009 and, subsequently to3.5 in 2010.CONCLUSION: With pronounced patient satisfaction, SAAT can reduce the exacerbation severity and frequency, concomitant medications and asthma degree. Prolonging the treatment course might enhance the efficacy of SAAT.