ABSTRACT
Objective: To observe the prevention effect of Tui-pushing the Large Intestine Meridian plus point sticking at Tianshu (ST 25) for post-stroke constipation. Methods:Seventy eligible patients with post-stroke constipation were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 35 cases in each group. Both groups were intervened by conventional treatment and care in Western medicine, while the treatment group was also by Tui-pushing the Large Intestine Meridian and point sticking at Tianshu (ST 25). The treatment lasted for 14 d. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by the first defecation time, constipation incidence and Chinese stroke scale (CSS) score. Results:After treatment, the first defecation time was (1.86±0.74) d in the treatment group, shorter than (2.77±0.83) d in the control group; constipation incidence was 14.3% in the treatment group, significantly lower than 37.1% in the control group, and the between-group differences in the two items were statistically significant (bothP<0.05). CSS score in both groups dropped significantly after treatment (bothP<0.05); the improvement in the treatment group was better than that in the control group, and the inter-group difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Tui-pushing the Large Intestine Meridian plus point sticking at Tianshu (ST 25) can effectively prevent post-stroke constipation, and can also promote the rehabilitation of nerve functions.
ABSTRACT
Objective To observe changes of the partial oxygen pressure in the deep tissues along the Large Intestine Meridian (LIM) during acupuncture stimulation,so as to reveal the characteristics of energy metabolism in the tissues along the LIM. Methods Thirty-one healthy volunteer subjects were enlisted in the present study. Partial oxygen pressure (POP) in the tissues (at a depth of about 1.5 cm) of acupoints Binao (LI 14),Shouwuli (LI 13),Shousanli (LI 10),2 non-acupoints [the midpoints between Quchi (LI 11) and LI 14,and between Yangxi (LI 5) and LI 11) of the LIM,and 10 non-meridian points,1.5-2.0 cm lateral and medial to each of the tested points of the LIM was detected before,during and after electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of Hegu (LI 4) by using a tissue oxygen tension needle-like sensor. Results In normal condition,the POP values in the deep tissues along the LIM were significantly higher than those of the non-meridian control points on its bilateral sides. During and after EA of Hegu (LI 4),the POP levels decreased significantly in the deep tissues along the LIM in comparison with pre-EA (P0.05). Conclusion POP is significantly higher in the deep tissues along the LIM of healthy subjects under normal conditions,which can be downregulated by EA of Hegu (LI 4),suggesting an increase of both the utilization rate of oxygen and energy metabolism after EA.
ABSTRACT
The pain eliminating effects of electroacupuncture have long been known however the analgesic mechanism involved has yet to be clarified. Recently with the discovery of endogenous analgesic peptids called endorphins much attention has been called to the relationship of these endorphins and the acupuncture analgesic effect. We examined to determine how electroacupuncture influences lumbar CSF endorphins and the so-called pain transmitting substance, Substance P.<br>In order to establish continuous lumbar anesthesia using tetracaine for 8 patients with gynecological lower abdominal diseases, a Tuohy needle was inserted from the lumbar area and a catheter inserted into the subarachnoidal space. In each case at the time of the insertion of the catheter 5ml. CSF was tapped. As pre-medication 0.01mg/kg. atropine sulfate, 2mg/kg secobarbiturate were administered. To maintain the analgesic effect hyperbaric or hypobaric tetracaine was administered according to individaul needs. For hypotension during the operations a plasma expander and when necessary ephedrine were administered by intramuscular or intravenous injection.<br>Immediately following the start of surgery acupuncture needles were inserted at right and left LI-4 and electrical stimulation at 3c/s, 1.0mA was administered for 50-120 minutes using the acupuncture therapy apparatus “TOKKI”. when the operation was finished, after 5ml. of CSF was again tapped through the catheter, the catheter was withdrawn as far as the subdural space and 20-40ml. physiological saline injected to combat the headache due to spinal fluid leakage. The test substance was immediately transferred to a siliconized test tube and cooled to a temperature of-80°C.<br>The RIA methods were used for the measurement of both endorphins and substance P. The crossover reaction between the β-endorphin and the βLPH was 50%. (Using the β-endorphin measuring kit manufactured by NEN).<br>The results in 7 of 8 examples showed a significant increase in CSF endorphins after electroacupuncture. It also became clear that there was a tendency for substance P levels to decrease due to electroacupuncture.