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Wayne PM, Ahn A, Clark J, Irwin MR, Kong J, Lavretsky H, Li F, Manor B, Mehling W, Oh B, Seitz D, Tawakol A, Tsang WWN, Wang C, Yeung A, Yeh GY. The Science of Tai Chi and Qigong and Whole Person Health Part I: Rationale and State of the Science. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2025. [PMID: 40091656 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2024.0957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2025]
Abstract
The emerging paradigm of whole person health shares many core principles with traditional complementary and integrative health frameworks, including Tai Chi and qigong (TCQ). In the Fall of 2023, the Harvard Medical School Osher Center for Integrative Health hosted the inaugural international conference on The Science of Tai Chi for Whole Person Health: Advancing the Integration of Mind-Body Practices into Contemporary Health Care held at Harvard Medical School. A two-part white paper was written to summarize key conference topics, findings, and issues. Part I presented here summarizes the rationale for the conference and synthesizes the state of evidence for TCQ as rehabilitative and preventive tools for a range of clinical conditions, including falls and balance, cognition, mental health, sleep, cardiorespiratory health, musculoskeletal health, cancer, as well as translational evidence related to the neurophysiology, brain and immune function, and biomarkers of inflammation. The state of science of TCQ, viewed through the lens of traditional East Asian health constructs, is also discussed. Part II of this white paper outlines evidence gaps and opportunities and discusses strategies to address challenges in TCQ research, dissemination, and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Wayne
- Osher Center for Integrative Health, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Andrew Ahn
- Osher Center for Integrative Health, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Janet Clark
- Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation Veterans Health Administration, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Michael R Irwin
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Jane and Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (University of California), Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jian Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Helen Lavretsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Fuzhong Li
- Oregon Research Institute, Springfield, Oregon, USA
| | - Brad Manor
- Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, Hebrew SeniorLife, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Wolf Mehling
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Byeongsang Oh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniel Seitz
- Council on Naturopathic Medical Education, Great Barrington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ahmed Tawakol
- Cardiovascular Imaging Research Center, Cardiology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - William W N Tsang
- Department of Physiotherapy, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chenchen Wang
- Center For Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Tufts Medical Center, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Albert Yeung
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gloria Y Yeh
- Osher Center for Integrative Health, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Watanabe H, Hanaoka M, Sugi T, Masuda Y, Nagashima K. Single acupressure on ST36 does not modulate skin blood flow and sympathetic nerve activity during and after cold stimulation of the hand. J Physiol Sci 2025; 75:100011. [PMID: 39951921 PMCID: PMC11875143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphyss.2025.100011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2025] [Accepted: 02/06/2025] [Indexed: 02/17/2025]
Abstract
Acupressure on ST36 (Zusanli), located on the lower leg, commonly used to optimize autonomic nerve activity and systemic blood flow in traditional Chinese medicine. However, its efficacy remains controversial. This study hypothesized that a single acupressure on ST36 attenuates sympathetic nerve activity and mitigate skin vasoconstriction in response to cold stimulation. Twelve participants received either 5-min acupressure or sham pressure in the right ST36; subsequently, their left hand was immersed in cold water (10°C) for 10 min. Heart rate (HR), arterial pressure, skin temperature, and blood flow in both fingers were monitored. Autonomic nerve activity was assessed by HR variability. Water immersion decreased skin temperature and blood flow in both fingers with an increase in arterial pressure. However, there were no differences in these values or HR variability between the acupressure and sham trials. Acupressure on ST36 affected neither sympathetic nerve activity nor skin vasoconstrictive response during cold-water immersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Watanabe
- Institute for Energy and Environmental System, Sustainable Energy & Environmental Society Open Innovation Research Organization, Waseda University,3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 1698555, Japan; Advanced Research Center for Human Sciences, Waseda University,2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 3591192, Japan; Body Temperature and Fluid Laboratory, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University,2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 3591192, Japan
| | - Mitsuko Hanaoka
- Body Temperature and Fluid Laboratory, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University,2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 3591192, Japan
| | - Taisuke Sugi
- Body Temperature and Fluid Laboratory, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University,2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 3591192, Japan
| | - Yuta Masuda
- Advanced Research Center for Human Sciences, Waseda University,2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 3591192, Japan; Laboratory of Animal Science, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University,1-5, Shimogamohangi, Kyoto, Kyoto 6068522, Japan
| | - Kei Nagashima
- Institute for Energy and Environmental System, Sustainable Energy & Environmental Society Open Innovation Research Organization, Waseda University,3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 1698555, Japan; Body Temperature and Fluid Laboratory, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University,2-579-15 Mikajima, Tokorozawa, Saitama 3591192, Japan.
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Urlesberger B, Cabano R, Soll G, Pahl A, Oei JL, Schmölzer GM, Raith W, Bruschettini M. Acupuncture for neonatal abstinence syndrome in newborn infants. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2025; 2:CD014160. [PMID: 39981752 PMCID: PMC11843615 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014160.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2025]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a drug-withdrawal syndrome, mostly occurring after antenatal exposure to opioids. A neonate may be born physically dependent on opioid medications, which causes withdrawal symptoms (such as high-pitched crying, disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle and tremors) after birth. This is diagnosed with a standardised withdrawal assessment, such as the Finnegan score. Newborns developing NAS require medical treatment and longer hospital stays after birth than neonates without this condition. Treatments for NAS include multiple multimodal treatments to ease symptoms of withdrawal, such as swaddling, 'rooming in' and breastfeeding. If the standardised assessment exceeds a certain threshold, newborns are treated pharmacologically with an orally administered opioid. However, optimal NAS management continues to be debated. Acupuncture has been proposed as a potential intervention. Acupuncture involves stimulation of specific points on the body, either through the insertion of thin metal needles or with techniques that do not penetrate the skin, such as acupressure and laser. OBJECTIVES To assess if acupuncture (acupressure, needle, laser) reduces the treatment duration of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) in newborn infants, reduces adverse events and reduces length of hospital stay. SEARCH METHODS We used bibliographic databases (CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase) and trial registries, together with reference checking, citation searching and contact with study authors, to identify the studies that are included in the review. The latest search date was 25 August 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs, and cluster-randomised trials. We included infants born at full term and late preterm who were diagnosed with NAS within the first 72 hours after birth (i.e. showing significant signs as assessed using a standardised NAS assessment tool, e.g. presenting with withdrawal syndrome and Finnegan score > 8). We included studies where acupuncture (using invasive or non-invasive techniques) was compared with: 1) no intervention; 2) placebo or sham treatment; 3) any pharmacological treatment; or 4) another type of acupuncture (e.g. penetration of the skin with a needle versus acupressure). Acupuncture could be given alone or in combination with conventional medical treatment for NAS ('standard care'), as long as the latter was administered to the control group as well. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were duration of any pharmacological treatment for NAS, adverse events and length of hospital stay. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS We included two single-centre RCTs (104 infants). Both studies compared non-invasive acupuncture added to standard care versus standard care. There were no studies where acupuncture was compared with placebo or sham treatment, pharmacological treatment or with another type of acupuncture. We did not identify any ongoing studies. One of the included studies was conducted with 28 babies in Austria, between 2009 and 2014; it was a prospective, blinded RCT of laser acupuncture, which was performed daily at ear and body acupuncture points, bilaterally, until morphine was discontinued. The other study was conducted with 76 babies in the USA between 1992 and 1996. It was a randomised, prospective, but unblinded study of acupressure: a small herbal seed was taped to an ear acupoint or acupoints, and the seed site was massaged for 30 to 60 seconds after each NAS scoring event. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of adding acupuncture to standard care on the following outcomes. • Duration of any pharmacological treatment for NAS. In one study, the median duration was 28 days (interquartile range (IQR) 22 to 33) and 39 days (IQR 32 to 48) in the acupuncture and control groups, respectively; in the other study, the mean duration of any pharmacological treatment for NAS was 22.1 days (standard deviation (SD) 16.6) and 22.7 days (SD 13.8) in the acupuncture and control groups, respectively (mean difference (MD) -0.60, 95% CI -7.45 to 6.25; 1 study, 76 infants). • Adverse events. Both studies reported that no adverse effects occurred (risk difference (RD) 0.00 95% CI -0.05 to 0.05; 2 studies, 104 infants; I2 = 0). • Length of hospital stay in days. In one study (28 infants), the median and IQR were 35 (25 to 47) days and 50 (36 to 66) days in the acupuncture and control groups, respectively. In the other study (76 infants), the mean duration of any pharmacological treatment for NAS was 25.8 days (SD 16.4) and 26 days (SD 13.3) in the acupuncture and control groups, respectively (MD -0.20, 95% CI -6.90 to 6.50; 1 study, 76 infants). • Highest score in a single standardised NAS assessment. One study (28 infants) reported median scores of 15 (IQR 13 to 18) and 16 (IQR 14 to 19) in the acupuncture and control groups, respectively; the other study (76 infants) reported that the average NAS score per scoring event was slightly lower (mean 4.95, SD 1.00) for the 'control' infants than for the infants assigned to acupuncture (mean 5.27, SD 1.04). We judged the certainty of the evidence to be very low for all these outcomes. No studies reported data on all-cause mortality, pain or long-term follow-up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The limited available evidence is insufficient to establish the benefits and harms of acupuncture for the management of NAS in newborn infants. Both studies we included in this review assessed non-invasive acupuncture and reported no adverse effects; however, data are drawn from a very small sample. In light of current limitations, clinicians are urged to approach the use of acupuncture in newborn infants with NAS cautiously, as there is currently no evidence to support its routine application. This systematic review highlights the need for well-conducted, large randomised controlled trials to achieve an optimal information size to assess both the benefits and harms of acupuncture for NAS. In addition, comparisons of acupuncture techniques and sites should be made to assess effectiveness and feasibility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rita Cabano
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Greg Soll
- Seattle Institute of East Asian Medicine, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Adrienne Pahl
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Ju Lee Oei
- Newborn Care Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, Australia
| | - Georg M Schmölzer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Wolfgang Raith
- Division of Neonatology, Medical University Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Matteo Bruschettini
- Paediatrics, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Cochrane Sweden, Department of Research, Development, Education and Innovation, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
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Andreyev E, Krasnoholovets V. Skeletogenesis and acupuncture points. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2025; 196:33-49. [PMID: 39978486 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2025.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Revised: 09/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/11/2025] [Indexed: 02/22/2025]
Abstract
The formation of the embryo begins with a "calcium wave" that contributes to the creation of heterogeneities, and then some of them solidify. The further development and a collective information architecture of the embryo is controlled by the so-called morphogenetic field, whose nature is mainly associated with a physical inerton field that is a substructure of the quantum mechanical matter waves, which plays the role of information field in biological systems. The inerton field takes on the function of organising the geometry and topology of the developing system, which we associate with the concept of positional information. Hence, any extended element or system in the body can be specified by certain relative coordinates, or radius vectors drawn from the origin to a given point. Such special points we associate with the patterns of formation of the musculoskeletal system. This work demonstrates an unequivocal correspondence between the functional formations that exist within the bony structures of the skeleton, which we can name ossification centres, or points, and classical acupuncture areas, which involve a number of nerves, muscles, vessels, and tendons. Histologically, there are various kinds of endings around the acupoints and their complexity is responsible for the acupuncture sensation in these places. It is shown that each ossification centre can be associated with a multiple of two number of acupuncture areas located in the immediate vicinity of the ossification centre. With this approach, all 1112 generally recognised acupuncture points find their ossification centres on the tubular bones and axial skeleton.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evgeniy Andreyev
- Institute of Physics, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, 46 Nauky St, 03028, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Volodymyr Krasnoholovets
- Institute of Physics, National Academy of Science of Ukraine, 46 Nauky St, 03028, Kyiv, Ukraine.
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Wang YX, Liu YH, Zhang ZL, Qiao X, Li YC, Ren LJ, Ding GH, Yao W, Yu Y. Influence of acupuncture intensity on analgesic effects in AA rat models. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1502535. [PMID: 39723129 PMCID: PMC11668573 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1502535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2024] [Accepted: 11/26/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the influence of acupuncture lifting-thrusting frequency and amplitude on the analgesic effects, and its correlation with mast cell degranulation. Methods Acute adjuvant arthritis (AA) rat models were employed. Robot-arm aided lifting-thrusting acupuncture therapy was conducted with various frequencies (ranging from 0.5 to 4 Hz) and amplitudes (ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 mm). The rats' pain thresholds were measured multiple times before and after the therapy, and the analgesic effects were evaluated using the pain threshold recovery rate (PTRR), a normalized index. The mast cell degranulation rate (MCdR) at the acupoint was calculated, and a correlation analysis between PTRR and MCdR was performed. Results Acupuncture therapy partially restored the pain threshold affected by arthritis. The analgesic effects were influenced by stimulus frequency and amplitude, with best outcomes occurring at an intermediate optimal frequency of 1.0 Hz and amplitude of 1.0-1.5 mm. Similarly, the MCdR peaked at the optimal frequency and amplitude. Conclusion Our animal experiment suggests that optimal analgesic effects can be achieved with stimulation at an optimal intensity. This intensity-effect correlation appears to originate from mast cell activation rates under different mechanical stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xuan Wang
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Hang Liu
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Liang Zhang
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Qiao
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying-Chen Li
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Shanghai, China
| | - Liu-Jie Ren
- Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang-Hong Ding
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Yao
- Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Yu
- College of Medical Instruments, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
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Chen Y, Li M, Guo K. Exploring the mechanisms and current status of acupuncture in alleviating tumor metabolism and associated diseases: Insights from the central nervous system and immune microenvironment. SLAS Technol 2024; 29:100208. [PMID: 39396727 DOI: 10.1016/j.slast.2024.100208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2024] [Revised: 09/05/2024] [Accepted: 10/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/15/2024]
Abstract
Acupuncture, as a traditional Chinese medical treatment, has garnered increasing attention in recent years in fields such as tumor metabolism, the central nervous system, and the immune microenvironment. This paper aims to explore the fundamental principles, mechanisms, and research status of acupuncture therapy for tumor-related diseases. Firstly, we introduce the basic principles of acupuncture therapy, including the theories of meridians and its theoretical basis in tumor treatment. Secondly, we systematically review the mechanisms of acupuncture therapy for tumor-related diseases, discussing how acupuncture alleviates side effects such as pain, depression, fatigue, and gastrointestinal discomfort caused by conventional treatments through modulation of the immune microenvironment, central nervous system, and endocrine system. Subsequently, we discuss the current research status of acupuncture therapy for tumor-related diseases, as well as the application of current research methods and technologies in elucidating acupuncture mechanisms. Additionally, by combining clinical practice with different types of tumor-related diseases as experimental subjects, we demonstrate the application effectiveness and clinical practice experience of acupuncture in tumor treatment. Finally, a comprehensive assessment of acupuncture therapy for tumor-related diseases is provided, summarizing its limitations and prospecting future directions, including interdisciplinary collaboration and personalized treatment. In conclusion, acupuncture, as a feasible adjunctive therapy, is closely related to the central nervous system and the immune microenvironment, holding potential significant value in tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwei Chen
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250000, China.
| | - Mingzhu Li
- First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250000, China.
| | - Kaixin Guo
- Department of Acupuncture, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250000, China.
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Eugenia Ortiz M, Sinhorim L, Hoffmann de Oliveira B, Hardt da Silva R, Melo de Souza G, de Souza G, Paula Piovezan A, Balduino Bittencourt E, Bianco G, Shiguemi Inoue Salgado A, Klingler W, Schleip R, Fernandes Martins D. Analgesia by fascia manipulation is mediated by peripheral and spinal adenosine A 1 receptor in a mouse model of peripheral inflammation. Neuroscience 2024; 555:125-133. [PMID: 39038598 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
The role of adenosine receptors in fascial manipulation-induced analgesia has not yet been investigated. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the involvement of the adenosine A1 receptor (A1R) in the antihyperalgesic effect of plantar fascia manipulation (PFM), specifically in mice with peripheral inflammation. Mice injected with Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) underwent behavioral, i.e. mechanical hyperalgesia and edema. The mice underwent PFM for either 3, 9 or 15 min. Response frequency to mechanical stimuli was then assessed at 24 and 96 h after plantar CFA injection. The adenosinergic receptors were assessed by systemic (intraperitoneal, i.p.), central (intrathecal, i.t.), and peripheral (intraplantar, i.pl.) administration of caffeine. The participation of the A1R was investigated using the 1,3-dipropyl-8-cyclopentylxanthine (DPCPX), a selective A1R subtype antagonist. PFM inhibited mechanical hyperalgesia induced by CFA injection and did not reduce paw edema. Furthermore, the antihyperalgesic effect of PFM was prevented by pretreatment of the animals with caffeine given by i.p., i.pl., and i.t. routes. In addition, i.pl. and i.t. administrations of DPCPX blocked the antihyperalgesia caused by PFM. These observations indicate that adenosine receptors mediate the antihyperalgesic effect of PFM. Caffeine's inhibition of PFM-induced antihyperalgesia suggests that a more precise understanding of how fascia-manipulation and caffeine interact is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Ortiz
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Brazil
| | - Larissa Sinhorim
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Brazil
| | - Bruna Hoffmann de Oliveira
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Hardt da Silva
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Brazil
| | - Gabriel Melo de Souza
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Brazil
| | - Gabriela de Souza
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Brazil
| | - Anna Paula Piovezan
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Brazil
| | - Edsel Balduino Bittencourt
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Brazil; Coastal Health Institute, Jacksonville, USA
| | - Gianluca Bianco
- Research Laboratory of Posturology and Neuromodulation (RELPON), Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; Istituto di Formazione in Agopuntura e Neuromodulazione (IFAN), Roma, Italy
| | | | - Werner Klingler
- SRH Hospitals, Sigmaringen, Germany; Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Department for Medical Professions, Diploma University of Applied Sciences, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany
| | - Robert Schleip
- Department of Sport and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Department for Medical Professions, Diploma University of Applied Sciences, Bad Sooden-Allendorf, Germany; Fascia Research Group, Experimental Anesthesiology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Fernandes Martins
- Experimental Neuroscience Laboratory (LaNEx), Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Brazil.
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Wang Z, Xia L, Cheng J, Liu J, Zhu Q, Cui C, Li J, Huang Y, Shen J, Xia Y. Combination Therapy of Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation and Electroacupuncture for the Repair of Intrauterine Adhesions in Rats: Mechanisms and Functional Recovery. Reprod Sci 2024; 31:2318-2330. [PMID: 38499950 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-024-01465-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has demonstrated promising clinical utility in the treatment of endometrial injury and the restoration of fertility. However, since the efficacy of BMSCs after transplantation is not stable, it is very important to find effective ways to enhance the utilisation of BMSCs. Electroacupuncture (EA) has some positive effects on the chemotaxis of stem cells and diseases related to uterine injury. In this study, we established the intrauterine adhesion (IUA) model of the Sprague-Dawley rat using lipopolysaccharide infection and mechanical scratching. Phosphate-buffered saline, BMSCs alone, and BMSCs combined with EA were randomly administered to the rats. Fluorescent cell labelling showed the migration of transplanted BMSCs. H&E staining, Masson staining, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and qRT-PCR were utilised to detect changes in endometrial morphology and expressions of endometrial receptivity-related factors, endometrial pro-inflammatory factors, and fibrosis factors. Finally, we conducted a fertility test to measure the recovery of uterine function. The results showed that EA promoted transplanted BMSCs to migrate into the injured uterus by activating the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis. Endometrial morphology showed the most significant improvement in the BMSC + EA group. The expressions of endometrial pro-inflammatory factors and fibrosis indexes in the BMSC + EA group were lower than those in the model and BMSC groups. Further studies revealed that the expression of endometrial receptivity-related factors and the number of embryos implanted on day 8 of gestation increased in the BMSC + EA group compared with the model group and the BMSC group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxian Wang
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Liangjun Xia
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jingyu Liu
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qian Zhu
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Chuting Cui
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Junwei Li
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yueying Huang
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Medicine Research of Ministry of Education, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jie Shen
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Youbing Xia
- College of Acupuncture Moxibustion and Tuina, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China.
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9
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Trybulski R, Kawczyński A, Muracki J, Lovecchio N, Kużdżał A. Dry Needling and Acupuncture for Scars-A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3994. [PMID: 39064034 PMCID: PMC11277857 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13143994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This research aims to synthesize existing data on the evidence gap in scar treatment and evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and dry needling in treating scars and related symptoms. Methods: The article adhered to the PRISMA 2020 statement for recommended reporting elements in systematic reviews. The inclusion criteria followed the PICO methodology. The literature search was conducted using databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Semantic Scholar, Europe PubMed Central, and Google Scholar. Studies on acupuncture and dry needling for scar treatment were included. Because of the diversity of the studies' results and methodologies, a systematic review was conducted to organize and describe the findings without attempting a numerical synthesis. Results: Nineteen studies relevant to the article's theme were identified, with eleven selected for detailed review. The studies included two case reports on dry needling, one case series on dry needling, five case reports on acupuncture, two randomized controlled trials on acupuncture, and one case report on Fu's subcutaneous needling. A quality assessment was conducted using the JBI CAT and PEDro scales. Four case reports scored 7 points, one case scored 8 points, three cases were rated 6 points or lower, the case series was rated 6 points, and the randomized controlled trials scored 8 and 5 points. Most studies demonstrated a desired therapeutic effect in scar treatment with acupuncture and dry needling, but the level of evidence varied across studies. The analysis does not conclusively support the use of acupuncture and dry needling to improve scar conditions. Conclusions: Although dry-needling and acupuncture techniques are popular in physiotherapy, adequate scientific evidence is currently not available to support their effectiveness in scar treatment. There are gaps in the research methodology, a lack of randomized trials, and significant heterogeneity in the assessment of effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Trybulski
- Provita Żory Medical Center, 44-240 Żory, Poland;
- Medical Department Wojciech Korfanty, Upper Silesian Academy in Katowice, 40-659 Katowice, Poland
| | - Adam Kawczyński
- Department of Paralympic Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jarosław Muracki
- Institute of Physical Culture Sciences, Department of Physical Culture and Health, University of Szczecin, 70-453 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Nicola Lovecchio
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24129 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Adrian Kużdżał
- Institute of Health Sciences, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszów, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland
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10
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Pitta MG, Zhang K, Rosa GHDM, Rangon FB, Guirro ECDO, Silva MLD, Araujo JED. Evaluating Dielectric Properties for Assessing Water Content at Acupuncture Points: New Methodology. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17:86-93. [PMID: 38898645 DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.3.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Understanding acupuncture point microenvironments is vital for optimizing treatment efficacy. Evaluating changes in water content at these points can provide further insights into the effects of acupuncture on tissues. Objective This study aimed to measure tissue dielectric constant (TDC) and assess changes in water content, specifically at stomach 36 (ST36, Zusanli) and spleen 6 (SP6, Sanyinjiao) acupuncture points. Methods In a controlled, blinded, randomized trial, 113 healthy volunteers were divided into six groups based on TDC sensor diameters (XS, M, and L): three control groups and three acupuncture groups. They were assessed at three time points: T1, baseline; T2, 20 min post-needle withdrawal; and T3, 40 min post-needle withdrawal. Electrical impedance (EI) was also analyzed. Significance level was set at p < 0.001. Results TDC at ST36 and SP6 significantly decreased with the XS probe at T2 and T3 compared with that at T1 (F8, 452: 54.61). TDC did not significantly vary between T2 and T3 with M and L probes. EI data indicated that the current passage increased in the SP (F2, 226: 39.32) and ST (F2, 226: 37.32) groups during T2 and T3 compared with that during T1 within their respective groups and controls. Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrated the efficacy of TDC measurements in detecting water content fluctuations at acupuncture points and their responses to needles. TDC measurements, which were validated against EI, provide valuable insights into acupuncture point microenvironments and thus help optimize treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoela Gallon Pitta
- Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kelly Zhang
- Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Henrique de Mello Rosa
- Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia Belavenuto Rangon
- Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Lourenço da Silva
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Neuromodulation and Study of Pain (LANNED), Federal University of Alfenas, Alfenas, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - João Eduardo de Araujo
- Department of Health Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Zhou X, Zhang YC, Lu KQ, Xiao R, Tang WC, Wang F. The Role of p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase-Mediated F-Actin in the Acupuncture-Induced Mitigation of Inflammatory Pain in Arthritic Rats. Brain Sci 2024; 14:380. [PMID: 38672029 PMCID: PMC11048453 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The analgesic efficacy of acupuncture has been widely recognized. However, the mechanism by which manual acupuncture-generated mechanical stimuli translate into biological signals remains unclear. This study employed a CFA-induced inflammatory pain rat model. Acupuncture intervention was then performed following standardized procedures. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assessed inflammatory cytokines levels, while immunofluorescence and qRT-PCR screened the level of p38 and F-actin expression in the ST36 acupoint area of rats. Results indicated increased inflammatory factors, including IL-1β and TNFα, with reduced paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal thermal latency (PWTL) in CFA rats compared to unmodeled rats. After acupuncture intervention, the heightened expression level of F-actin and p38 mRNA and the phosphorylation of p38 in the acupoint area was observed alongside decreased inflammatory factors in diseased ankle joints. The application of lifting and thrusting manipulations further enhanced the effect of acupuncture, in which the molecular expression level of muscle and connective tissue increased most significantly, indicating that these two tissues play a major role in the transformation of acupuncture stimulation. Moreover, antagonizing p38 expression hindered acupuncture efficacy, supporting the hypothesis that p38 MAPK-mediated F-actin transduces mechanical signals generated by acupuncture and related manipulation into biological signals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Fan Wang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; (X.Z.); (Y.-C.Z.); (K.-Q.L.); (R.X.); (W.-C.T.)
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12
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Yilmaz H, Güler H. Can video-assisted and three-dimensional (3D) anatomy teaching be an alternative to traditional anatomy teaching? Randomized controlled trial on muscular system anatomy. Clin Anat 2024; 37:227-232. [PMID: 37382417 DOI: 10.1002/ca.24088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the optimal method for teaching human anatomy by comparing classical laboratory (traditional), video-assisted and three-dimensional (3D) application methods for students who had previously received only online academic anatomy education. GPower 3.1.9.4 was used for power analysis to establish sample size. After power analysis, it was decided to have 28 people in each group. Participants were given pre-anatomy education tests and divided into four matched groups: Group 1: no additional education, Group 2: Video-assisted education, Group 3: Applied 3D anatomy education, Group 4: Practical laboratory anatomy education. Each group received 5 weeks of education in muscular system anatomy. The pre-test results showed no statistically significant differences among the groups. The post-test results showed statistically significant improvement in scores (p < 0.001): group 4; 59%, group 3; 33%, group 2; 9%. The difference between group 1 and group 2 was statistically significant (p < 0.01). The difference between the groups in post hoc comparisons with all other groups was also statistically significant (p < 0.001). The results of this study show that while the optimal anatomy teaching method is conservative, the best alternative is 3D application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Halil Yilmaz
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Ordu University, Ordu, Turkey
| | - Hatice Güler
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Erciyes University, Kayseri, Turkey
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13
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Fan Z, Dou B, Wang J, Wu Y, Du S, Li J, Yao K, Li Y, Wang S, Gong Y, Guo Y, Xu Z. Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia mediated by afferent nerves in acupoint microenvironments. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1239839. [PMID: 38384495 PMCID: PMC10879281 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1239839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In the past few decades, the use of acupuncture analgesia in clinical practice has increased worldwide. This is due to its various benefits, including natural alleviation of pain without causing various adverse effects associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and opioids. The acupoint represents the initial site of acupuncture stimulation, where diverse types of nerve fibers located at the acupoint hold significant roles in the generation and transmission of acupuncture-related information. In this study, we analyzed the patterns and mechanisms of acupuncture analgesic mediated by acupoint afferent fibers, and found that acupuncture stimulates acupoints which rapidly and directly induces activation of high-density primary afferent fibers under the acupoints, including myelinated A fibers and unmyelinated C fibers. During acupuncture stimulation at the muscle layer, the analgesic effects can be induced by stimulation of A fiber threshold intensity. At the skin layer, the analgesic effects can only be produced by stimulation of C fiber threshold intensity. Electroacupuncture (EA) activates A fibers, while manual acupuncture (MA) activates both A and C fibers. Furthermore, acupuncture alters acupoint microenvironments, which positively modulates afferent fibers, enhancing the transmission of analgesic signals. In addition to local activation and conduction at acupoints, nerve fibers mediate the transmission of acupuncture information to pain centers. In the spinal cord, acupuncture activates neurons by inducing afferent fiber depolarization, modulating pain gating, inhibiting long-term potentiation (LTP) of the spinal dorsal horn and wide dynamic range (WDR) neuronal activities. At higher nerve centers, acupuncture inhibits neuronal activation in pain-related brain regions. In summary, acupuncture inhibits pain signal transmission at peripheral and central systems by activating different patterns of afferent fibers located on various layers of acupoints. This study provides ideas for enhancing the precise application and clinical translation of acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zezhi Fan
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Baomin Dou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiangshan Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yongjian Wu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Simin Du
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiashan Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Kaifang Yao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanwei Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shenjun Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
| | - Yinan Gong
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin, China
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14
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Li J, Zhang K, Zhao T, Huang W, Hou R, Wang S, Zhao M, Guo Y. Acupressure for depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Asian J Psychiatr 2024; 92:103884. [PMID: 38171225 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a common mental disorder caused by the interaction of social, psychological, and biological factors. Treatments include psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and other therapies, but they have limitations. Particularly, the COVID-19 pandemic may have a negative impact on depressed people. Thus, developing more potential treatments for depression has currently been an urgent challenge. A growing number of studies have found that acupressure is effective in relieving the symptoms of depression. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupressure in people with depression. English (PubMed, CENTRAL, EMBASE, APA PsycINFO, and CINAHL) and Chinese databases (CBM, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP), ClinicalTrials.gov and Chinese Clinical Trial Registry were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on patients diagnosed with depression from study inception until March 31, 2023. Studies that compared acupressure with sham acupressure, conventional treatments (i.e., medication, usual care, etc.), and acupressure as an adjunct to conventional treatment for depression were included. The primary outcome was depression level measured using the Hamilton Depression Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, or Geriatric Depression Scale. A total of 19 RCTs involving 1686 participants were included. The pooled results showed that acupressure exhibited a significant beneficial effect on reducing the severity of depression compared with sham acupressure and served as an adjunct to conventional treatment, although the evidence level was moderate. Thus, acupressure may be a potential treatment for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin Gong An Hospital, Tianjin 300042, China
| | - Tianyi Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Wenjing Huang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Ruiling Hou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Shenjun Wang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Meidan Zhao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; School of Medical Technology, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine Theory of Innovation and Application, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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15
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Nguyen SA, Oughli HA, Lavretsky H. Use of Complementary and Integrative Medicine for Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Decline. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:523-540. [PMID: 38073388 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Integrative medicine takes a holistic approach because it considers multiple aspects of the individual. This includes a person's physical, emotional, interpersonal, behavioral, nutritional, environmental, and spiritual dimensions of wellbeing that contribute to the Whole Person Health. There is increasing interest and popularity of integrative approaches to treating cognitive decline and dementia because of the multifactorial nature of aging and the limited pharmacological interventions available in treating cognitive decline and dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease, the most common type of dementia. This review summarizes the existing evidence using complementary and integrative medicine therapies in cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. This includes the use of mind-body therapies, lifestyle interventions (nutritional, physical exercise, stress reduction), and other integrative modalities. Unfortunately, there are still limited studies available to guide clinicians despite the increasing popularity of integrative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Nguyen
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hanadi Ajam Oughli
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Helen Lavretsky
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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16
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Casini F, Scaltrito F, Grimaldi MT, Pop TL, Calcaterra V, Zuccotti GV, Pettoello-Mantovani M, Ferrara P, Corsello G, Fabiano V. Use of complementary and alternative medicine in children affected by oncologic, neurologic and liver diseases: a narrative review. Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:152. [PMID: 37968663 PMCID: PMC10647067 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01554-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) consist of a broad group of restorative resources often linked to existing local cultures and established health care systems and are also increasingly used in children with some serious illnesses. In this narrative review, we examine the epidemiology of the use, efficacy, and safety of complementary and alternative medicine in pediatric oncology, neurology, and hepatology. We searched for relevant articles published in Pubmed evaluating CAM use and its efficacy in safety in children affected by oncologic, neurologic and liver diseases. CAM is used to improve the success of conventional therapies, but also to alleviate the pain, discomfort, and suffering resulting from the diseases and their treatment, which are often associated with a significant burden of adverse effects. CAM use must be evaluated in children with neurological, oncological and liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Casini
- Pediatric Department, University of Milan, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Scaltrito
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Tudor Lucian Pop
- 2Nd Pediatric Discipline, Department of Mother and Child, Center of Expertise in Pediatric Liver Rare Diseases, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy2Nd Pediatric ClinicEmergency Clinical Hospital for Children Cluj-Napoca, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- European Pediatric Association-Union of National European Pediatric Societies and Associations, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Department, University of Milan, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154, Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100, Pavia, Italy
| | - Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, University of Milan, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Pettoello-Mantovani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
- European Pediatric Association-Union of National European Pediatric Societies and Associations, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pietro Ferrara
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
- Operative Research Unit of Pediatrics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Fabiano
- Pediatric Department, University of Milan, "V. Buzzi" Children's Hospital, 20154, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, 20157, Milan, Italy.
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17
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Feinstein D. Using energy psychology to remediate emotional wounds rooted in childhood trauma: preliminary clinical guidelines. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1277555. [PMID: 37920741 PMCID: PMC10619750 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1277555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood, such as violence, abuse, severe neglect, or mental health problems in caregivers. The negative physical and mental health consequences of severe or multiple ACEs provide a major challenge for the health care community. Psychotherapies that utilize a mind-body approach in treating ACE-related conditions are seen by their proponents as having advantages for bringing healing and restoration compared with talk, introspective, interpersonal, and exposure therapies that do not intervene at the body level, as famously encapsulated by Bessel van der Kolk's observation that "the body keeps the score." A mind-body approach whose use has been rapidly increasing in clinical settings as well as on a self-help basis is called "energy psychology." Energy psychology combines conventional therapeutic techniques such as cognitive restructuring and psychological exposure with the stimulation of acupuncture points (acupoints) by tapping on them. A review of the development, efficacy, and plausible mechanisms of energy psychology is presented, and several strengths are enumerated, such as how integrating acupoint tapping into conventional exposure methods enhances the speed and power of outcomes. The impact of energy psychology protocols on the three brain networks most centrally involved with ACEs is also examined. Finally, recommendations are offered for using an energy psychology approach at each stage of therapy with individuals who have endured severe or multiple ACES, from establishing a therapeutic alliance to assessment to treatment to follow-up.
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18
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Jin W, Tao Y, Wang C, Wang L, Ao X, Su M, Hu B, Ouyang Y, Liu J, Li H. Infrared Imageries of Human Body Activated by Tea Match the Hypothesis of Meridian System. PHENOMICS (CHAM, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 3:502-518. [PMID: 37881315 PMCID: PMC10593733 DOI: 10.1007/s43657-022-00090-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Human meridian (Jingluo) system was hypothesized by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, suggesting 12 normal meridian channels going through respective organs, carrying fluid and energy, and laying thermal effects. Some treatments based on meridians have been proved effective. However, existence of meridians has never been confirmed, let alone the lack of measurement for meridian phenotypes. Thermal effect is one of the major phenotypes of meridian metabolism. Infrared photograph was employed to display the picture of meridians since 1970. Unfortunately, no satisfactory results have been obtained. It is possible that only when a certain meridian is activated will there be thermal effect for successful infrared photograph. In this study, 13 types of tea were selected out of the herbs to activate the hypothesized 12 meridians for imagery taking. Forty-two volunteers took part in the experiment lasted for 13 days. Different tea was tested in different day. Infrared imageries of the human bodies were taken immediately after each tea was drunk. The highest temperatures of the fingers, palms, and above the organs were derived from the imageries and analyzed. The temperatures of the organs and fingers possibly connected by 12 hypothesized meridians rose together significantly following the meridian hypothesis. Infrared imageries showed quite clear shapes of the organs activated by different kinds of tea, e.g., heart and kidneys by yellow tea, etc. Some high temperature lines also matched the hypothetic meridians. Our work displayed the probable imageries of all the 12 hypothetic meridians for the first time, and proved with data that different foods may activate different organs following the meridian hypothesis, shedding light on a possible new method of targeted drug designs. Measurements of meridian phenotypes can be developed based on this method of activation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43657-022-00090-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenli Jin
- Shanghai Natural History Museum, Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, Shanghai, 200041 China
| | - Yichen Tao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Lufei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
- Fudan-Datong Institute of Chinese Origin, Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Datong, 037006 China
| | - Xue Ao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
- Fudan-Datong Institute of Chinese Origin, Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Datong, 037006 China
| | - Mingjie Su
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Binwei Hu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Yuxiao Ouyang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Jiaxing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Hui Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
- Fudan-Datong Institute of Chinese Origin, Shanxi Academy of Advanced Research and Innovation, Datong, 037006 China
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Volinn E. When Patients' Assessments of Treatment for Subjective Symptoms are At Odds with Authoritative Assessments in the Biomedical Literature: The Case of Patients Treated with Acupuncture for Low Back Pain in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in China (and Story of a Bewildered Chicken). J Eval Clin Pract 2023; 29:1073-1082. [PMID: 36647197 DOI: 10.1111/jep.13783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 08/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Assessments of treatments for 'subjective symptoms' are problematic and potentially contentious. These are symptoms without ascertainable pathophysiology, also referred to as 'medically unexplained.' Treatments of them may be assessed from different perspectives, and an assessment as seen from one perspective may be discrepant with an assessment as seen from another perspective. The observational study described in the paper represents one perspective. Patients in the study were treated with acupuncture for the subjective symptom of low back pain in a Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic in China; acupuncture is a form of TCM, which is indigenous to China. Shortly after treatment began and six months afterward, patients reported 'clinically important improvements' on a variety of standard, cross-culturally validated outcome measures, including pain intensity, physical functioning, and emotional functioning; this assessment is consistent with numerous assessments of acupuncture in China and other Southeastern Asian countries. On the other hand, clinical trials represent another perspective from which to assess acupuncture. Although assessments based on trials are not uniform, several assessments based on them, including those published in journals such as Lancet and New England Journal of Medicine, conclude that acupuncture is not effective. These trials, however, were mainly situated in the U.S., western European countries, and other WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, Democratic) countries. This is notable, because the population of China, the indigenous context of acupuncture, is greater than populations of WEIRD countries combined. Patients' expectations of a treatment such as acupuncture and their prior familiarity with it vary among contexts, and patients' experiences of treatment outcomes may vary accordingly. In short, although clinical trials constitute a test of truth in biomedicine and inform authoritative assessments in WEIRD countries, they do not necessarily represent the truth from the perspective of those experiencing outcomes of especially indigenous treatments for subjective symptoms in non-WEIRD contexts.
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de Sousa TR, Mattos S, Marcon G, Furtado T, Duarte da Silva M. Acupuncture techniques and acupoints used in individuals under chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment of cancer: A systematic review. J Clin Nurs 2023; 32:6917-6933. [PMID: 37382085 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To describe the main acupuncture techniques and parameters that have been used in the most varied symptoms of different types of cancer. BACKGROUND Clinical evidence about the potential effectiveness of acupuncture and related therapies to control signs and symptoms associated with cancer or its treatment has been in several studies. Currently, there is already evidence of the use of acupuncture for the treatment of nausea and vomiting, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety, depression, insomnia and pain. However, many studies lack firm rights or reproducible guidelines for treatment. DESIGN This study performs a systematic review of clinical trials related to the topic, based on the PRISMA protocol. Thus, a search was carried out in the Scopus, Pubmed and Web of Science databases, covering studies since January 2007. METHODS Structured and organised according to PICO standards, using keywords ("cancer" OR "malignant tumour" OR "chemotherapy" OR "radiotherapy") AND ("acupuncture" OR "electroacupuncture") AND ("pain" OR "nausea" OR "vomit" OR "fatigue" OR "xerostomia" OR "insomnia" OR "depression" OR "neuropathy"). RESULTS After the selection and evaluation phase, 23 studies were included and analysed. CONCLUSION Based on this analysis, it is concluded that acupuncture is safe and there is evidence of the reduction of gastrointestinal symptoms, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, pain, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, and improvement of cognitive capacity. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Acupuncture treatments could act by minimising the side effects of conventional treatments and reducing symptoms induced by tumours. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION The patients had no direct involvement with the study in question.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiane Regina de Sousa
- Program of Post-graduation in Neuroscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain and Inflammation (LANDI), Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Suzana Mattos
- Department of physiotherapy, Estacio de Santa Catarina University Center, São José, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Marcon
- Department of physiotherapy, Estacio de Santa Catarina University Center, São José, Brazil
| | - Thayná Furtado
- Department of physiotherapy, Estacio de Santa Catarina University Center, São José, Brazil
| | - Morgana Duarte da Silva
- Program of Post-graduation in Neuroscience, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- Laboratory of Neurobiology of Pain and Inflammation (LANDI), Department of Physiological Sciences, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
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21
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Feigel ML. Use of Acupuncture, Myofascial Release Techniques, and Kinesiology Taping to Reduce Estimated Healing Time in A Grade 3 Hamstring Strain: A Case Study. Med Acupunct 2023; 35:262-265. [PMID: 37900870 PMCID: PMC10606944 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2023.0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Musculoskeletal injuries can be debilitatingly painful, with long recovery times and activity-limiting prognoses. While numerous studies and case reports illustrating the benefits of acupuncture in treating various musculoskeletal conditions are available, more studies specific to acute injury are needed. Case A 45-year-old male presents ∼48 hours post a severe injury to his R hamstring while walking in his neighborhood. He has a history of musculoskeletal disorders, which may be due to an undiagnosed hypothyroid condition. A combination of acupuncture, myofascial release techniques, and kinesiology taping (KT) was administered in 7 treatments over 28 days postinjury. Results This patient was back to normal functionality, strength, and ROM within 4 weeks of this injury, more than 5 weeks ahead of his orthopedic physician's estimated recovery time. At 28 days postinjury, after 7 treatments, visual analog scale had decreased from 9/10 to 0/10, Tenderness To Palpation Scale decreased from grade IV to I, and Lower Extremity Functional Scale increased from 0/80 to 74/80. Conclusion Using a combination of acupuncture, myofascial release techniques, and KT may greatly reduce the healing and recovery time in patients with acute musculoskeletal injuries.
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Stapleton P, Kip K, Church D, Toussaint L, Footman J, Ballantyne P, O’Keefe T. Emotional freedom techniques for treating post traumatic stress disorder: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1195286. [PMID: 37637920 PMCID: PMC10447981 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1195286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Clinical Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) is a psychophysiological intervention that includes cognitive and somatic elements, utilizing techniques from both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Prolonged Exposure therapy (PE). Because only a single meta-analysis existed examining EFT for PTSD, this systematic review and meta-analysis represents an update. Method Ten databases were searched for quantitative reviews and randomised clinical trials, and six met inclusion criteria. Results Study quality and effect size were evaluated and the results demonstrated that treatment with Clinical EFT, when compared to wait list, usual care, or no treatment controls, resulted in significant and large effect sizes, ranging from 1.38 to 2.51. When compared to active controls, effect sizes ranged from -0.15 to 0.79, producing treatment results similar to other evidence-based therapies. Discussion Limitations are presented and considerations for further research are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peta Stapleton
- School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Kevin Kip
- Health Services Division, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Dawson Church
- National Institute for Integrative Healthcare, Fulton, CA, United States
| | - Loren Toussaint
- Department of Psychology, Luther College, Decorah, IA, United States
| | | | | | - Tom O’Keefe
- School of Psychology, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Bai X, Mei L, Shi Y, Huang H, Guo Y, Liang C, Yang M, Wu R, Zhang Y, Chen Q. The Cellular Mechanism of Acupuncture for Ulcerative Colitis based on the Communication of Telocytes. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2023; 29:1190-1204. [PMID: 37749671 DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozad028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture can ameliorate or treat diseases according to the meridian theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); however, its mechanism has not been scientifically clarified. On the other hand, telocytes (TCs) are morphologically in accordance with the meridian system, which needs further cytological investigations and acupuncture confirmation. The present study showed that acupuncture could activate TCs in several ways, alleviating rabbit ulcerative colitis. TCs could cytologically communicate the acupoints, the acupuncture sites in skin with their corresponding large intestine by TC homo-cellular junctions, exosomes around TCs, and TC-mediated nerves or blood vessels. TCs expressed transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4, the mechanosensitive channel protein that can transduce the mechanical stimulation of acupuncture into biochemical signals transferring along the extremely thin and long TCs. Collectively, a cellular mechanism diagram of acupuncture was concluded based on TC characteristics. Those results also confirmed the viewpoint that TCs were the key cells of meridian essence in TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebing Bai
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Lu Mei
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Yonghong Shi
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
- Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai Veterinary Institute, Shanghai 200241, China
| | - Haixiang Huang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Yanna Guo
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Chunhua Liang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Min Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Ruizhi Wu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Yingxin Zhang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
| | - Qiusheng Chen
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province 210095, China
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Lin J, Kong Y, Chen H, Zhu M, Lv Q, Xu B, Zhu F. Effects of acupuncture on obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome: A meta-analysis. Res Nurs Health 2023; 46:220-235. [PMID: 36808731 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Our study aimed to systematically evaluate the effect of acupuncture in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). Literature search of four Chinese databases and six English databases for studies published from the inception of each database to March 1, 2022 and identify relevant studies published in Chinese or English. Related randomized controlled trials of acupuncture for the treatment of OSAHS were included to analyze the efficacy of acupuncture. Two researchers independently reviewed all of the retrieved studies to screen for eligible studies and extract the required relevant data. Included studies were subjected to a methodological quality assessment using the Cochrane Manual 5.1.0, and to a meta-analysis using Cochrane Review Manager version 5.4. A total of 19 studies with 1365 participants were examined. Compared with the control group, the apnea-hypopnea index, lowest oxygen saturation, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α, and nuclear factor κ-B indicators all exhibited statistically significant changes. Thus, acupuncture was effective in alleviating the state of hypoxia and sleepiness and reduced the inflammatory response and disease severity among reported patients with OSAHS. Therefore, acupuncture could be widely used in the clinical treatment of OSAHS patients as a complementary strategy and warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiamin Lin
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yue Kong
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hailan Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Meilin Zhu
- 900TH Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qian Lv
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Baoling Xu
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Fangfang Zhu
- Nursing College, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
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Eigenschink M, Bellach L, Leonard S, Dablander TE, Maier J, Dablander F, Sitte HH. Cross-sectional survey and Bayesian network model analysis of traditional Chinese medicine in Austria: investigating public awareness, usage determinants and perception of scientific support. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e060644. [PMID: 36863740 PMCID: PMC9990654 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite the paucity of evidence verifying its efficacy and safety, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is expanding in popularity and political support. Decisions to include TCM diagnoses in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision and campaigns to integrate TCM into national healthcare systems have occurred while public perception and usage of TCM, especially in Europe, remains undetermined. Accordingly, this study investigates TCM's popularity, usage and perceived scientific support, as well as its relationship to homeopathy and vaccinations. DESIGN/SETTING We performed a cross-sectional survey of the Austrian population. Participants were either recruited on the street (in-person) or online (web-link) via a popular Austrian newspaper. PARTICIPANTS 1382 individuals completed our survey. The sample was poststratified according to data derived from Austria's Federal Statistical Office. OUTCOME MEASURES Associations between sociodemographic factors, opinion towards TCM and usage of complementary medicine (CAM) were investigated using a Bayesian graphical model. RESULTS Within our poststratified sample, TCM was broadly known (89.9% of women, 90.6% of men), with 58.9% of women and 39.5% of men using TCM between 2016 and 2019. Moreover, 66.4% of women and 49.7% of men agreed with TCM being supported by science. We found a positive relationship between perceived scientific support for TCM and trust in TCM-certified medical doctors (ρ=0.59, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.73). Moreover, perceived scientific support for TCM was negatively correlated with proclivity to get vaccinated (ρ=-0.26, 95% CI -0.43 to -0.08). Additionally, our network model yielded associations between TCM-related, homeopathy-related and vaccination-related variables. CONCLUSIONS TCM is widely known within the Austrian general population and used by a substantial proportion. However, a disparity exists between the commonly held public perception that TCM is scientific and findings from evidence-based studies. Emphasis should be placed on supporting the distribution of unbiased, science-driven information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Eigenschink
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Luise Bellach
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Sebastian Leonard
- Institute of Microbiology and Infection, University of Birmingham School of Dentistry, Birmingham, UK
| | - Tom Eric Dablander
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Julian Maier
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
| | - Fabian Dablander
- Department of Psychological Methods, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harald H Sitte
- Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Austria
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Kim SH, Park JY, Lee YH. Anatomical features of the GV20 acupoint. Integr Med Res 2023; 12:100919. [PMID: 36632131 PMCID: PMC9826820 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2022.100919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hyun Kim
- Catholic Institute for Applied Anatomy, The Catholic University of Korea, South Korea
| | - Ji-Yeun Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Daejeon University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Young Ho Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea,Corresponding author at: Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 35015, South Korea.
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Yankai A, Leelarungrayub J, Laskin JJ. Preliminary Study: Short-term Beneficial Effects of Thai Tok Sen Massage on Pain, Pressure Pain Threshold, and Upper Trapezius Muscle Thickness Among People with Shoulder Pain. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork 2023; 16:3-12. [PMID: 36866181 PMCID: PMC9949614 DOI: 10.3822/ijtmb.v16i1.779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Shoulder muscle pain and spasm is the most common problem in people after prolonged working, similar to that resulting from office syndrome. Various medicinal treatments with analgesic drugs, hot packs, therapeutic ultrasound, or deep friction techniques can be clinically applied. Alternatively, traditional Thai massage (TM) with deep compression gentle technique also can help to release that problem. In addition, an traditional Thai treatment with Tok Sen (TS) massage has been generally performed in the Northern part of Thailand without any scientific evidence support. Thus, the aim of this preliminary study was to reveal the scientific value of Tok Sen massage on shoulder muscle pain and upper trapezius muscle thickness among people with shoulder pain. Materials & Methods Twenty participants (6 males and 14 females) who suffered from shoulder pain were randomized into TS (n =10, aged 34.2 ± 7.34 yrs) or TM (n=10, aged 32.8 ± 7.24 yrs). Each group received two times 5-10 minutes of treatment, one week apart. At the baseline and after completing two times of each intervention, pain score, pain pressure threshold (PPT), and specific trapezius muscle thickness were evaluated. Results Before both TM and TS interventions, pain score, PPT, and muscle thickness were not statistically different between groups. After two times of intervention, pain scores significantly reduced in TM (3.1 ± 0.56; p = .02, 2.3 ± 0.48; p < .001), as same as in TS (2.3 ± 0.67; p = .01, 1.3 ± 0.45; p < .001) when compared to baseline. This was the same as the results of PPT in TM (4.02 ± 0.34; p = .012, 4.55 ± 0.42; p = .001) and TS (5.67 ± 0.56; p = .001, 6.8 ± 0.72; p < .001). However, the trapezius muscle thickness reduced significantly after two interventions by TS (10.42 ± 1.04; p = 0.002 & 9.73 ± 0.94 mm, p < .001), but did not change in TM (p > .05). Moreover, when compared between intereventions at the first and second periods, TS showed a significant difference in pain score (p = .01 & p <.001), muscle thickness (p = .008 & p = .001) as well as PPT (p < .001 & p < .001) when compared to TM. Conclusion Tok Sen massage improves upper trapezius thickness from muscle spasms and reduces pain perception and increases the pressure threshold pain among participants who suffer from shoulder pain similar to that of office syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araya Yankai
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Jirakrit Leelarungrayub
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand,Corresponding author: Jirakrit Leelarungrayub, PhD, Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand,
| | - James J. Laskin
- School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, USA
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Plaut S. Suggesting a mechanism for acupuncture as a global percutaneous needle fasciotomy that respects tensegrity principles for treating fibromyalgia. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 9:952159. [PMID: 36777160 PMCID: PMC9911817 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.952159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture is a minimally invasive therapeutic method that uses small caliber needles while inserting them through the skin into various areas of the body. Some empirical studies find evidence to support the use of acupuncture as a treatment for certain medical conditions, however, this peculiar practice is widely considered as the domain of alternative and non-evidence-based medicine. Several mechanisms have been suggested in an attempt to explain the therapeutic action of acupuncture, but the way in which acupuncture alleviates chronic non-cancer pain or psychosomatic and psychiatric disorders is not fully understood. A recent study suggested a theoretical model (coined "Fascial Armoring") with a cellular pathway to help explain the pathogenesis of myofascial pain/fibromyalgia syndrome and functional psychosomatic syndromes. It proposes that these syndromes are a spectrum of a single medical entity that involves myofibroblasts with contractile activity in fascia and aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, which may lead to widespread mechanical tension and compression. This can help explain diverse psycho-somatic manifestations of fibromyalgia-like syndromes. Fascia is a continuous interconnected tissue network that extends throughout the body and has qualities of bio-tensegrity. Previous studies show that a mechanical action by needling induces soft tissue changes and lowers the shear modulus and stiffness in myofascial tissue. This hypothesis and theory paper offers a new mechanism for acupuncture therapy as a global percutaneous needle fasciotomy that respects tensegrity principles (tensegrity-based needling), in light of the theoretical model of "Fascial Armoring." The translation of this model to other medical conditions carries potential to advance therapies. These days opioid overuse and over-prescription are ubiquitous, as well as chronic pain and suffering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiloh Plaut
- *Correspondence: Shiloh Plaut, , ; orcid.org/0000-0001-5823-3390
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Comparative Study of Different Acupoints for Treating Acute Myocardial Ischemia in Mice. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2023:10.1007/s12265-022-10346-6. [PMID: 36689154 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-022-10346-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture point specificity has been recognized as a key scientific issue in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), but there is limited clinical trial or animal study to verify the characteristics of PC6, BL15, and ST36 in the protection from myocardial injury. We aimed to compare the effects among these three acupoints on the acute myocardial infarction mice model and to explore possible mechanisms for the first time. We found that PC6 is the most appropriate acupoint to deliver efficacy and safety to treat acute MI in mice. BL15 stimulation improved the systolic function, but increased the risk of arrhythmia. ST36 only slightly attenuated systolic function and had no effect on arrhythmia during MI. RNA profiles of skin tissue in local acupoints demonstrated that the most altered DEGs and related pathways may partly support its best effects of PC6 treatment on MI injury, and support the observed phenomenon of the acupoint specificity.
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In vivo visualization of meridians with fluorescent dyes. Asian J Surg 2023:S1015-9584(23)00017-9. [PMID: 36641280 DOI: 10.1016/j.asjsur.2022.12.129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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El Iskandarani S, Deng G. Acupuncture in hematologic malignancies and hematopoietic cell transplantation. Blood Rev 2022; 56:100985. [PMID: 35725779 PMCID: PMC10359773 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture is an integrative medicine modality that has been used historically and studied recently for managing various symptoms and diseases. Patients with hematological malignancies often experience a high symptom burden including pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia. Pharmacological interventions are the mainstay of managing these symptoms, although they may not provide adequate control or are not well tolerated due to side effects. There have been many randomized controlled trials of acupuncture on reduction of these symptoms. In this review, we will summarize the current evidence on the effect of acupuncture on the management of common symptoms experienced by patients with hematological malignancies and the current understanding of acupuncture's mechanism of action. The evidence is the strongest for reducing pain and nausea vomiting, less strong for symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, constipation, insomnia, night sweat, and pruritus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah El Iskandarani
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Integrative Medicine Service, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gary Deng
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Integrative Medicine Service, New York, NY, USA.
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Huang Y, He K, Fang D, Ni F, Qiu B, Liang K, Ma R. A bibliometric of research trends in acupuncture for spinal cord injury: Quantitative and qualitative analyses. Front Neurol 2022; 13:936744. [PMID: 36188361 PMCID: PMC9521612 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.936744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe disease of the central nervous system with a very high disability rate that seriously affects the daily life of patients. Acupuncture is one of the rehabilitation therapies that has shown significant efficacy in treating post-SCI complications such as motor disorders, neuropathic pain, and neurogenic bladder. Current studies have focused on the effectiveness and mechanisms of acupuncture for SCI, but no studies are available to analyze the bibliometrics of publications related to this area. Methods Publications related to acupuncture for SCI were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection for quantitative and qualitative analyses. The quantitative analysis was unfolded in the following six main areas: annual publications, countries, institutions, authors, sources, and keywords. The qualitative analysis section screened out publications with high annual citation rates and categorized them according to the study content. Results There were 213 relevant publications, more than half of which were journal articles. The number of publications showed a fluctuating upward trend. China and the United States were hub countries for related publications and had extensive cooperation with other countries. The most relevant author was Yuanshan Zeng from Sun Yat-sen University, China. The efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture for neuropathic pain after SCI was the first research hotspot in this field, and electroacupuncture was the most widely used technique. In the past 5 years, the mechanism of acupuncture to improve the local microenvironment of SCI and promote nerve regeneration had become a new research trend. At the same time, acupuncture had been gradually applied to various complications after SCI and in veterinary medicine. Conclusion The findings suggest that research on acupuncture for SCI is still flourishing, and more research on electroacupuncture for promoting nerve repair and regeneration after SCI will be available in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Huang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kelin He
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhongshan Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengjia Ni
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bei Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kang Liang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhongshan Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, China
| | - Ruijie Ma
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third School of Clinical Medicine (School of Rehabilitation Medicine), Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhongshan Hospital of Zhejiang Province), Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Ruijie Ma
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Peta S, Oliver B, Tom O, Bhuta S. Neural changes after Emotional Freedom Techniques treatment for chronic pain sufferers. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2022; 49:101653. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Zhang W, Zhang H, Wang SM, Guo J, Ma Y, Li Y, Su F, Chi Y. Perioperative Acupuncture Optimizes Surgical Outcomes: Theory, Clinical Practice and Future Perspectives. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2022; 50:961-978. [PMID: 35729088 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x22500392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence supports the use of perioperative acupuncture as part of an enhanced postsurgical recovery protocol. Data from both clinical trials and animal studies has shown that the integration of acupuncture into perioperative patient care leads to a reduction of perioperative complications such as preoperative anxiety, intraoperative hemodynamic instability, postoperative pain, postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and postoperative nausea and vomiting in surgical patients. Despite these favorable outcomes, perioperative acupuncture has yet to be widely adopted in current anesthesia practice. This review summarized data from clinical perioperative acupuncture studies and cites recent discoveries regarding the anatomical location and characteristics of acupoint(s), acupuncture stimulation techniques, and treatment practice protocols, as well as identified the areas of deficiency in perioperative acupuncture applications. To facilitate acupuncture integration in perioperative care practice, the authors propose to establish a perioperative acupuncture registry which can be used for data mining as well as a resource for studying the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture. Through this acupuncture registry, clinical guidelines and research protocols can be established, additional large/multi-center clinical and pragmatic trials can be easily performed to determine if the integration and expansion of perioperative acupuncture practice is cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiliang Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, P. R. China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Hongguang Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Shu-Ming Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Connecticut Medical School, 200 Academic Way Farmington, Connecticut 06032, USA
| | - Jingxuan Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Yan Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Yucai Li
- The First Clinical Medical College of Shandong, University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Fan Su
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, P. R. China
| | - Yongliang Chi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250014, Shandong Province, P. R. China
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Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Orthopedic Veterinary Medicine. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2022; 52:925-938. [PMID: 35562224 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvsm.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The use of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) continues to become more widespread, especially for the management of chronic pain conditions such as canine osteoarthritis. Many patients have comorbidities that preclude traditional medical options, have not adequately responded to conventional therapies, or have owners interested in pursuing a complementary approach. Evidence-based CAVM can serve as a safe and effective adjunct to manage chronic pain conditions. There is growing evidence in the veterinary literature for the use of acupuncture and some herbal supplements in the multimodal management of canine osteoarthritis. The majority of evidence supporting chiropractic is limited to equine and human literature.
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36
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Cui X, Liu K, Gao X, Zhu B. Advancing the Understanding of Acupoint Sensitization and Plasticity Through Cutaneous C-Nociceptors. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:822436. [PMID: 35620665 PMCID: PMC9127573 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.822436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupoint is the key area for needling treatment, but its physiology is not yet understood. Nociceptors, one of the responders in acupoints, are responsible for acupuncture manipulation and delivering acupuncture signals to the spinal or supraspinal level. Recent evidence has shown that various diseases led to sensory hypersensitivity and functional plasticity in sensitized acupoints, namely, acupoint sensitization. Neurogenic inflammation is the predominant pathological characteristic for sensitized acupoints; however, the underlying mechanism in acupoint sensitization remains unclear. Recent studies have reported that silent C-nociceptors (SNs), a subtype of C nociceptors, can be “awakened” by inflammatory substances released by sensory terminals and immune cells under tissue injury or visceral dysfunction. SNs can transform from mechano-insensitive nociceptors in a healthy state to mechanosensitive nociceptors. Activated SNs play a vital role in sensory and pain modulation and can amplify sensory inputs from the injured tissue and then mediate sensory hyperalgesia. Whether activated SNs is involved in the mechanism of acupoint sensitization and contributes to the delivery of mechanical signals from needling manipulation remains unclear? In this review, we discuss the known functions of cutaneous C nociceptors and SNs and focus on recent studies highlighting the role of activated SNs in acupoint functional plasticity.
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Ye X, Ren YL, Chen YH, Chen J, Tang XJ, Zhang ZM. A "4D" systemic view on meridian essence: Substantial, functional, chronological and cultural attributes. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 20:96-103. [PMID: 34896049 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2021.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The term Jingluo, translated as meridian or channel, is a core component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and has played a fundamental role in guiding the clinical practice of acupuncture for thousands of years. However, the essence of the meridian remains elusive and is a source of both confusion and debate for researchers. In this study, a "4D" systemic view on the essence of the meridian, namely substantial, functional, chronological, and cultural dimensions, was proposed based on a review of the ancient medical classics, recent research developments, and results from clinical practice. Previous studies have primarily focused on the substantial dimension of the meridian system, with scant interpretation about its functional domain. Neither systemic data nor evaluations have been adequately documented. Additionally, a limited but increasing number of studies have focused on the chronological and cultural dimensions. More investigations that embody the holistic concept of TCM and integrate the systemic modes and advanced techniques with dominant diseases of TCM need to be performed to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the essence of meridians. The goal of this study is to yield useful information in understanding the essence of meridians and provide a reference and perspective for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ye
- Institute of Literature in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China; Humanities and Management School, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yu-Lan Ren
- School of Chinese Classics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Yun-Hui Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan Province, China; State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China.
| | - Ji Chen
- School of Foreign Languages, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiao-Jiao Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zong-Ming Zhang
- Institute of Literature in Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China.
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38
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Yen YS, Cheng HY, Lin HT. Evaluation of Stress on Acupuncture with Nano-Etched and Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) Coating Surface Modifications. J BIOMATER TISS ENG 2022. [DOI: 10.1166/jbt.2022.2928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of nano-etched surface and diamond-like carbon (DLC) surface acupuncture needles on human pain perception, by finite element method (FEM). Skin models were reconstructed by 3D computer programs. The stress is an important role
in acupuncture needle applications for clinical treatment. Many studies have investigated finite element researches for acupuncture; however, few have evaluated a model for acupuncture with and without\ modified surface. The results revealed that abnormal focusing stress was found when acupuncture
with nano-etched surface. Moreover, the unbalance stress was found on the top of the skin model in the nano-etched group, the highest stress also appeared in the top region. Acupuncture with nano-etched surface would be an effective means for stimulating skin. These results indicate subtle
but significant effects of acupuncture stimulation with nano-etched surface needles, compared to acupuncture with untreated needles in healthy participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yung-Sheng Yen
- Department of Stomatology of Periodontology of Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, 104, Taiwan
| | - Han-Yi Cheng
- Biomedical Engineering Research & Development Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, 404, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Ta Lin
- Department of Dentistry, Cathay General Hospital, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
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Intriago V, Reina MA, Boezaart AP, Tubbs RS, Montaña AV, Pérez-Rodríguez FJ, Junquera MS. Microscopy of Structures Surrounding Typical Acupoints Used in Clinical Practice and Electron Microscopic Evaluation of Acupuncture Needles. Clin Anat 2022; 35:392-403. [PMID: 35112392 DOI: 10.1002/ca.23845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Background and objectives Although the general functionality and structures of acupoints have been studied, there has been little insight into their underlying morphology and physical characteristics. We describe the microanatomical structures surrounding acupoints, the electron microscopic appearance of the needles, and the physical effects of acupuncture needling on the fascia. We injected heparinized blood solution through thin needles at seven known and commonly used "sweat acupoints" in eight fresh, unembalmed, cryopreserved human cadavers to mark the needle positions, and later, during histological examination, to identify them. After the solution was injected, samples were dissected and prepared for histological examination. We examined 350 cross-sections of five different paraffin wax sections from each acupoint microscopically. Acupuncture needles were photographed and superimposed on the cross-sectioned tissues at similar magnifications. Needles were also examined under a scanning electron microscope to judge the roughness or smoothness of their surfaces. A greater conglomeration of nerve endings surrounded the acupoints than in tissues more than 1-3 cm distant from them. Nerve endings and blood vessels were in close contact with a complex network of membranes formed by interlacing collagen fibers, and were always enclosed within those collagen membranes. Nerve endings were found within hypodermis, muscles, or both. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated the three-dimensional shapes and sizes of the needles, and the degree of roughness or smoothness of their polished external surfaces. We demonstrate a delicate arrangement of nerve endings and blood vessels enclosed within complex collagen membrane networks at acupoints within the hypodermis and muscle. This arrangement could explain why needling is an essential step in the acupuncture process that provides favorable outcomes in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miguel A Reina
- CEU-San-Pablo University School of Medicine, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Anesthesiology, Madrid-Montepríncipe University Hospital, Madrid, Spain.,Acute and Perioperative Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Facultad de CC de la Salud Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | - André P Boezaart
- Acute and Perioperative Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Lumina Health Pain Medicine Collaborative, Surrey, UK
| | - Richard Shane Tubbs
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tulane Center for Clinical Neurosciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Department of Anatomical Sciences, St. George's University, St. George's, West Indies.,Department of Structural and Cellular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery and Ochsner Neuroscience Institute, Ochsner Health System, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.,Department of Neurology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
| | - Ana V Montaña
- Facultad de CC de la Salud Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Margarita Sanroman Junquera
- Department of Signal Theory and Communications, Telematics, and Computing Systems, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain
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40
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D'Alessandro EG, da Silva AV, Cecatto RB, de Brito CMM, Azevedo RS, Lin CA. Acupuncture for Climacteric-Like Symptoms in Breast Cancer Improves Sleep, Mental and Emotional Health: A Randomized Trial. Med Acupunct 2022; 34:58-65. [PMID: 35251438 PMCID: PMC8886926 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2021.0073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant neoplasm in women. Optimal treatment frequently includes a hormonal-blockage phase maintained for 5-10 years. Pharmacologic agents used for this blockage induce many climacteric-like symptoms, which often exact a heavy toll on patients' quality of life. Acupuncture has had promising results for treating climacteric-like symptoms induced by hormonal blockage, but there is no evidence of efficacy for controlling hot flashes. Materials and Methods: This trial used acupuncture to treat the climacteric-like symptoms of patients with breast cancer, focusing on the mental, physical, and genitourinary symptoms and sleep disturbances, to determine the influence of acupuncture treatment. The randomized placebo-controlled trial, at a university-based cancer center, with blinded data collectors, compared an Acupuncture group (A), a Sham-Acupuncture group (S), and a Wait-List Control group (C). The patients were receiving tamoxifen. Group A had 10 weekly sessions of manual Acupuncture; Group S had 10 weekly sessions of Sham Acupuncture; and Group C spent 10 weeks on a Wait-List. The main outcome measures were the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Results: Primary analysis revealed differences among the groups' improvements in scores for the 3 questionnaires (P < 0.001), The A group had significant improvements on the BDI-II (P < 0.001), PSQI (P < 0.002), and MRS (P < 0.004) compared to the S group in a post hoc analysis. Conclusions: Acupuncture improved sleep, and mental and emotional distress symptoms induced by hormonal blockage in patients with breast cancer. Clinical Trial: This trial was registered at CAAE as trial #: 37758414.8.0000.0065.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Guilherme D'Alessandro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Instituto do Câncer do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Address correspondence to: Eduardo Guilherme D'Alessandro, MD, Rua dos Miranhas, 117—Vila Madalena, São Paulo—SP—CEP 05434-040, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Valotta da Silva
- Department of Medical Acupuncture, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Bragança Paulista, Bragança Paulista, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Boltes Cecatto
- Rehabilitation Service, Instituto do Câncer do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christina May Moran de Brito
- Rehabilitation Service, Instituto do Câncer do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Chin An Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of São Paulo Faculty of Medicine, São Paulo, Brazil
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Li N, Guo Y, Gong Y, Zhang Y, Fan W, Yao K, Chen Z, Dou B, Lin X, Chen B, Chen Z, Xu Z, Lyu Z. The Anti-Inflammatory Actions and Mechanisms of Acupuncture from Acupoint to Target Organs via Neuro-Immune Regulation. J Inflamm Res 2022; 14:7191-7224. [PMID: 34992414 PMCID: PMC8710088 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s341581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays a significant role in the occurrence and development of multiple diseases. This study comprehensively reviews and presents literature from the last five years, showing that acupuncture indeed exerts strong anti-inflammatory effects in multiple biological systems, namely, the immune, digestive, respiratory, nervous, locomotory, circulatory, endocrine, and genitourinary systems. It is well known that localized acupuncture-mediated anti-inflammatory effects involve the regulation of multiple populations and functions of immune cells, including macrophages, granulocytes, mast cells, and T cells. In acupuncture stimulation, macrophages transform from the M1 to the M2 phenotype and the negative TLR4 regulator PPARγ is activated to inhibit the intracellular TLR/MyD88 and NOD signaling pathways. The downstream IκBα/NF-κB and P38 MAPK pathways are subsequently inhibited by acupuncture, followed by suppressed production of inflammasome and proinflammatory mediators. Acupuncture also modulates the balance of helper T cell populations. Furthermore, it inhibits oxidative stress by enhancing SOD activity via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and eliminates the generation of oxygen free radicals, thereby preventing inflammatory cell infiltration. The anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture on different biological systems are also specific to individual organ microenvironments. As part of its anti-inflammatory action, acupuncture deforms connective tissue and upregulates the secretion of various molecules in acupoints, further activating the NF-κB, MAPK, and ERK pathways in mast cells, fibroblasts, keratinocytes, and monocytes/macrophages. The somatic afferents present in acupuncture-activated acupoints also convey sensory signals to the spinal cord, brainstem, and hypothalamic neurons. Upon information integration in the brain, acupuncture further stimulates multiple neuro-immune pathways, including the cholinergic anti-inflammatory, vagus-adrenal medulla-dopamine, and sympathetic pathways, as well as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, ultimately acting immune cells via the release of crucial neurotransmitters and hormones. This review provides a scientific and reliable basis and viewpoints for the clinical application of acupuncture in various inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningcen Li
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Guo
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yinan Gong
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Zhang
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Fan
- Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka City, Japan
| | - Kaifang Yao
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhihan Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Baomin Dou
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaowei Lin
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Zelin Chen
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongxi Lyu
- Research Center of Experimental Acupuncture Science, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,School of Acupuncture & Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China.,National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin City, People's Republic of China
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Wei W, Yang Q, Hu J, Yao Y, Yang H. Dexamethasone-Loaded Injectable In-situ Thermal Crosslinking Magnetic Responsive Hydrogel for the Physiochemical Stimulation of Acupoint to Suppress Pain in Sciatica Rats. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221126088. [PMID: 36178143 PMCID: PMC9527991 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221126088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The physicochemical stimulation of acupoints is a widespread treatment strategy for different diseases, such as sciatica. Its efficacy is mainly based on the temporal and spatial modulation of the physicochemical properties of the acupoints. The existing therapies based on the stimulation of acupoints have certain disadvantages. Therefore, in this study, injectable dexamethasone (DXM)- and magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles-loaded chitosan/β-glycerophosphate (CS/GP) thermal crosslinking hydrogels were prepared, thereby improving the performance of embedding materials. The sciatica rat models were established to compare the therapeutic effects of hydrogels and catgut. The DXM or Fe3O4-loaded CS/GP hydrogels were compared in terms of their gelation kinetics, release kinetics, magnetic responsiveness in-vitro, and biocompatibility as well as their analgesic effects on the chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI) rats in-vivo. The CS/GP/Fe3O4/DXM hydrogel showed comparable gelation kinetics and good magnetic responsiveness in-vitro. This hydrogel could relieve sciatica by reducing the expression levels of inflammatory factors in serum, inhibiting the p38MAPK (p38, mitogen-activated protein kinase) phosphorylation, and decreasing the expression level of the P2X4 receptor (P2X4R) in the spinal dorsal horn. In conclusion, the DXM or Fe3O4-loaded CS/GP hydrogels can be considered as a treatment option for the physiochemical stimulation therapy of acupoints to improve sciatica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan Wei
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuhong Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Hu
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Yao
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huayuan Yang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Salemi MDM, Gomes VMDSA, Bezerra LMR, Melo TMDS, Alencar GGD, Montenegro IHPDM, Calado APDM, Montenegro EJN, Siqueira GRD. Effect of Dry Cupping Therapy on Pain and Functional Disability in Persistent Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2021; 14:219-230. [DOI: 10.51507/j.jams.2021.14.6.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Dincer B, İnangil D, İnangil G, Bahçecik N, Ayaz EY, Arslanoğlu A, Keskinler MV, Kabuk A, Özkan G. The effect of acupressure on sleep quality of older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Explore (NY) 2021; 18:635-645. [PMID: 34952800 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2021.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The effects of acupressure on sleep quality and insomnia symptoms have been studied in various groups of haemodialysis patients, those undergoing surgery, and those living in elderly care homes. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of acupressure on sleep quality in elderly people. METHODS This study was conducted with a systematic review and meta-analysis. In this study, electronic databases of PubMed, Science Direct, National Thesis centre, Google Scholar, Web of Science, EBSCO were systematically scanned between December 2020 and February 2021 using the keywords "older, elderly, sleep quality, acupressure". The study included 11 articles published in English and Turkish languages without any year limitation. This systematic review and meta-analysis were done by following the PRISMA reporting system. RESULTS The total sample size of 11 randomized controlled trials included in this systematic review and meta-analysis was 722 (experiment: 363 and control: 359), and the mean duration of acupressure interventions applied was 19.65 ± 11.28 days. The sleep quality of the acupressure group in the elderly was significantly increased compared to the control group (MD: -1.71,%95 CI: -2.31 to -1.11, Z = 5.60, p< 0.00001, I2 = 91%). After the subjects received training for acupressure application and applied acupressure themselves, their sleep quality improved compared to the control group (MD: -0.86, 95% CI: -1.39 to -0.32, p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS We have utilized meta-analysis to try to reveal statistical significance by pooling small studies with high quality. This meta-analysis provided a potentially effective intervention on the quality of sleep in elderly people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Dincer
- Deparment of Internal Medicine Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Demet İnangil
- Fundamental of Nursing Department, Hamidiye Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Gökhan İnangil
- Department of Anesthesia and Reanimation, University of Health Sciences, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Nefise Bahçecik
- Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing.
| | - Elif Yıldırım Ayaz
- Deparment of Internal Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Sultan Abdülhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ali Arslanoğlu
- Department of Health Management, Saglik Bilimleri University, Faculty of Health Science, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | | | - Ayşe Kabuk
- Fundamental of Nursing Department, Hamidiye Faculty of Nursing, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Gamze Özkan
- Fundamental of Nursing Department, Karadeniz Technical University, Faculty of Nursing, Trabzon, Turkey.
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Cui J, Song W, Jin Y, Xu H, Fan K, Lin D, Hao Z, Lin J. Research Progress on the Mechanism of the Acupuncture Regulating Neuro-Endocrine-Immune Network System. Vet Sci 2021; 8:149. [PMID: 34437474 PMCID: PMC8402722 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8080149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As one of the conventional treatment methods, acupuncture is an indispensable component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Currently, acupuncture has been partly accepted throughout the world, but the mechanism of acupuncture is still unclear. Since the theory of the neuro-endocrine-immune network was put forward, new insights have been brought into the understanding of the mechanism of acupuncture. Studies have proven that acupuncture is a mechanical stimulus that can activate local cell functions and neuroreceptors. It also regulates the release of related biomolecules (peptide hormones, lipid hormones, neuromodulators and neurotransmitters, and other small and large biomolecules) in the microenvironment, where they can affect each other and further activate the neuroendocrine-immune network to achieve holistic regulation. Recently, growing efforts have been made in the research on the mechanism of acupuncture. Some researchers have transitioned from studying the mechanism of acupuncture as a single linear pathway to using systems approaches, including metabolomics, genomics, proteomics and biological pathway analysis. This review summarizes the research progress on the neuro-endocrine-immune network related mechanism of acupuncture and discusses its current challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingwen Cui
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (W.S.); (Y.J.); (H.X.); (K.F.); (D.L.)
- Center of Research and Innovation of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wanrong Song
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (W.S.); (Y.J.); (H.X.); (K.F.); (D.L.)
- Center of Research and Innovation of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yipeng Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (W.S.); (Y.J.); (H.X.); (K.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Huihao Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (W.S.); (Y.J.); (H.X.); (K.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Kai Fan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (W.S.); (Y.J.); (H.X.); (K.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Degui Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (W.S.); (Y.J.); (H.X.); (K.F.); (D.L.)
| | - Zhihui Hao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (W.S.); (Y.J.); (H.X.); (K.F.); (D.L.)
- Center of Research and Innovation of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jiahao Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, No. 2, Yuanmingyuan West Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100193, China; (J.C.); (W.S.); (Y.J.); (H.X.); (K.F.); (D.L.)
- Center of Research and Innovation of Chinese Traditional Veterinary Medicine, Beijing 100193, China
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Implications of Tamarkoz on stress, emotion, spirituality and heart rate. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14142. [PMID: 34238979 PMCID: PMC8266830 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93470-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Perceived stress among university students is a prevalent health issue directly correlated with poor academic performance, poor sleep quality, hopelessness, compromised physical and mental health, high risk of substance abuse, and suicidal ideation. Tamarkoz, a Sufi meditation, may reduce the impact of stressors to prevent illness among students. Tamarkoz is the art of self-knowledge through concentration and meditation. It is a method of concentration that can be applied to any task. The method is said to discipline the mind, body, and emotions to avoid unintended distractions. Therefore, it can be used in daily life activities, such as studying, eating, driving, de-stressing or in Sufism, seeking self-knowledge. This study was an 18-week quasi-experimental design with pre-intervention, post-intervention and follow-up assessments in the experimental group, a wait-list control, and a third group that utilized the campus health center’s stress management resources. Participants, university students, had no prior exposure to Tamarkoz, and there were no statistically significant differences among groups on baseline measurements. Using a generalized linear mixed model, significant increases in positive emotions and daily spiritual experiences, and reductions in perceived stress and heart rate were found in the experimental group compared to the other two groups. Tamarkoz seems to show some advantages over the usual stress management resources offered by a student health center. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Protocol Registration Date: (03/04/2018); ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03489148.
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de Felipe ÍO. The Universality of Science and Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Philosophical Survey. SCIENCE & EDUCATION 2021; 30:1353-1370. [PMID: 34188362 PMCID: PMC8226147 DOI: 10.1007/s11191-021-00249-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper represents a philosophical appraisal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) from the point of view of the philosophy of science. As it is generally the case with other versions of Traditional Medicine, rather than a coherent research program Traditional Chinese Medicine constitutes an array of various techniques and practices coupled with a diversity of very different speculative doctrines regarding the physiological structure of certain body parts as well as the purported etiology of disease and malfunction. This chapter starts off by describing some of the theoretical assumptions on which TCM relies with the aim of casting light on whether they, alongside the clinical techniques TCM encompasses, can significantly be considered as a scientific theory comparable with that of conventional medicine. In so doing the chapter examines a plurality of demarcation criteria between science and non-science coming from various existing philosophical frameworks old and new. While, as will be shown, a wealth of research based on RCTs (randomized control trials) points out that TCM´s degree of effectiveness is low, that is not the point this paper intends to make. Instead of such an empirical criticism, the author sustains a comparably stronger epistemic contention, namely: even if the clinical results of TCM fared better than they actually do, that observation alone would not be a good reason to consider this branch of traditional medicine as a scientifically respectable endeavor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íñigo Ongay de Felipe
- Faculty of Social and Human Sciences, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain
- Fundación Gustavo Bueno, Oviedo, Spain
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Kumaratilake J, Lucas T, Henneberg M. Possible relationship of upper limb arteries, median and brachial to the twelfth meridian of the human upper limb. J Anat 2021; 238:1492-1493. [PMID: 33521956 PMCID: PMC8128757 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximate location of the 12th meridian in the hand and the forearm in relation to median artery and median nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaliya Kumaratilake
- Discipline of Anatomy and PathologyAdelaide Medical SchoolUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
- Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research UnitAdelaide Medical SchoolUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Teghan Lucas
- ArchaeologyFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Maciej Henneberg
- Discipline of Anatomy and PathologyAdelaide Medical SchoolUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
- Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research UnitAdelaide Medical SchoolUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
- ArchaeologyFlinders UniversityAdelaideSAAustralia
- Institute of Evolutionary MedicineUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Li YM. Three hand yin meridians in ancient Chinese medicine were established initially based on arterial structures. J Anat 2021; 238:1494-1496. [PMID: 33521950 PMCID: PMC8128774 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yong Ming Li
- Dermatopathology Service and Herb Acupuncture ClinicBridgewaterNJUSA
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Casey GP. Anatomical characterization of acupoint large intestine 4. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:144-155. [PMID: 34021732 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Large intestine 4 (LI4) is a major acupoint used in various treatments in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. There are structures associated within the region of LI4 that have three-dimensional anatomical relationship that needs further characterization. The aims of this study were: (a) to observe the anatomical variation of structures around LI4; (b) to observe specific overlap of structures around LI4. A 1256 mm2 area was dissected in 25 cadaveric hands around LI4. Nondissected areas were marked with pins as reference points. Dissections were photographed with a fixed camera. Subsequently, images were imported to Adobe Photoshop 2020 and analyzed. Descriptive statistics and graphs were compiled using Graphpad Prism 2020. The tributaries of the dorsal venous plexus (22.3%), branches of superficial radial nerve (18.9%), first dorsal interosseous muscle (52.4%), arterial branches in the first interosseous space (10.2%), and deep ulnar nerve (4.0%) were observed in the area of LI4. One branch of the superficial radial nerve passed through LI4. The deep ulnar nerve was found in the bulk of the first dorsal interosseous muscle. Several structures observed intersected at LI4. The superficial radial nerve interweaved with the dorsal venous plexus superficially. The deep ulnar nerve passed anterior to the second palmar metacarpal artery before entering into the first dorsal interosseous muscle. These results provide anatomical evidence and variation into the vascular contributions at LI4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Casey
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
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