Electroacupuncture at Sensitized Acupoints Relieves Somatic Referred Pain in Colitis Rats by Inhibiting Sympathetic-Sensory Coupling to Interfere with 5-HT Signaling Pathway / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate whether electroacupuncture (EA) at sensitized acupoints could reduce sympathetic-sensory coupling (SSC) and neurogenic inflammatory response by interfering with 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)ergic neural pathways to relieve colitis and somatic referred pain, and explore the underlying mechanisms.@*METHODS@#Rats were treated with 5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) solution for 7 days to establish a colitis model. Twelve rats were randomly divided into the control and model groups according to a random number table (n=6). According to the "Research on Rat Acupoint Atlas", sensitized acupoints and non-sensitized acupoints were determined. Rats were randomly divided into the control, model, Zusanli-EA (ST 36), Dachangshu-EA (BL 25), and Xinshu (BL 15) groups (n=6), as well as the control, model, EA, and EA + GR113808 (a 5-HT inhibitor) groups (n=6). The rats in the control group received no treatment. Acupuncture was administered on 2 days after modeling using the stimulation pavameters: 1 mA, 2 Hz, for 30 min, with sparse and dense waves, for 14 consecutive days. GR113808 was injected into the tail vein at 5 mg/kg before EA for 10 min for 7 consecutive days. Mechanical sensitivity was assessed with von Frey filaments. Body weight and disease activity index (DAI) scores of rats were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to observe colon histopathology. SSC was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect 5-HT and substance P (SP) expressions. The calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in skin tissue and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) protein levels in DRG were detected by Western blot. The levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), bradykinin (BK), prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) in skin tissue, 5-HT, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), serotonin transporters (SERT), 5-HT 3 receptor (5-HT3R), and 5-HT 4 receptor (5-HT4R) in colon tissue were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).@*RESULTS@#BL 25 and ST 36 acupoints were determined as sensitized acupoints, and BL 15 acupoint was used as a non-sensitized acupoint. EA at sensitized acupoints improved the DAI score, increased mechanical withdrawal thresholds, and alleviated colonic pathological damage of rats. EA at sensitized acupoints reduced SSC structures and decreased TH and CGRP expression levels (P<0.05). Furthermore, EA at sensitized acupoints reduced BK, PGI2, 5-HT, 5-HT3R and TPH1 levels, and increased HA, 5-HT4R and SERT levels in colitis rats (P<0.05). GR113808 treatment diminished the protective effect of EA at sensitized acupoints in colitis rats (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#EA at sensitized acupoints alleviated DSS-induced somatic referred pain in colitis rats by interfering with 5-HTergic neural pathway, and reducing SSC inflammatory response.

Effect of acupuncture at the acupoints for Yizhi Tiaoshen on the functional connectivity between the hippocampus and the brain in the patients with Alzheimer's disease / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To analyze the effect of acupuncture at the acupoints for Yizhi Tiaoshen (benefiting the intelligence and regulating the spirit) on the functional connectivity between the hippocampus and the whole brain in the patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), and reveal the brain function mechanism of acupuncture in treatment of AD using resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).@*METHODS@#Sixty patients with mild to moderate AD were randomly divided into an acupuncture + medication group (30 cases, 3 cases dropped out) and a western medication group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped out). In the western medication group, the donepezil hydrochloride tablets were administered orally, 2.5 mg to 5 mg each time, once daily; and adjusted to be 10 mg each time after 4 weeks of medication. Besides the therapy as the western medication group, in the acupuncture + medication group, acupuncture was supplemented at the acupoints for Yizhi Tiaoshen, i.e. Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), and bilateral Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Xuanzhong (GB 39). The needles were retained for 30 min in one treatment, once daily; and 6 treatments were required weekly. The duration of treatment was 6 weeks in each group. The general cognitive function was assessed by the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognitive part (ADAS-Cog) before and after treatment in the two groups. Using the rs-fMRI, the changes in the functional connectivity (FC) of the left hippocampus and the whole brain before and after treatment were analyzed in the patients of the two groups (11 cases in the acupuncture + medication group and 12 cases in the western medication group).@*RESULTS@#After treatment, compared with those before treatment, MMSE scores increased and ADAS-Cog scores decreased in the two groups (P<0.05); MMSE score was higher, while the ADAS-Cog score was lower in the acupuncture + medication group when compared with those in the western medication group (P≤0.05). After treatment, in the western medication group, FC of the left hippocampus was enhanced with the left fusiform gyrus, the inferior frontal gyrus of the left triangular region, the bilateral superior temporal gyrus and the right superior parietal gyrus (P<0.05), while FC was weakened with the left inferior temporal gyrus, the left middle frontal gyrus and the right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus when compared with that before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, in the acupuncture + medication group, FC of the left hippocampus was increased with the right gyrus rectus, the left inferior occipital gyrus, the right superior temporal gyrus and the left middle occipital gyrus (P<0.05), and it was declined with the left thalamus (P<0.05) when compared with those before treatment. After treatment, in the acupuncture + medication group, FC of the left hippocampus was strengthened with the bilateral inferior temporal gyrus, the bilateral middle temporal gyrus, the right gyrus rectus, the bilateral superior occipital gyrus, the left lenticular nucleus putamen, the left calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex, the inferior frontal gyrus of the left insulae operculum, the left medial superior frontal gyrus and the right posterior central gyrus (P<0.05) compared with that of the western medication group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupuncture at the acupoints for Yizhi Tiaoshen improves the cognitive function of AD patients, and its main brain functional mechanism is related to intensifying the functional connectivity of the left hippocampus with the default network (inferior temporal gyrus, middle temporal gyrus and superior frontal gyrus, gyrus rectus), as well as with the sensory (posterior central gyrus) and visual (calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex and superior occipital gyrus) brain regions.

On acupoints / 中国针灸

Acupoint is the basis of acupuncture. To elaborate the theory of acupuncture, the structure and function of acupoint should be clarified in advance. By exploring the discussion upon the classification, distribution and structure of acupoint in Huangdi Neijing (Inner Canon of Yellow Emperor), qi zheng lun (on meridian points and extra points), jie jiao lun (on convergence of joints) and guan ji lun (on three-dimensional structure of acupoint) are extracted. Based on whether located on the fixed sites, acupoints are classified into meridian points and extra points, while the meridian points are divided into 4 categories, i.e maishu, gukong, qixue and muxue. The convergence of joints illustrates the principal rule of acupoint distribution. The density of the major and key acupoints is proportional to the size and the complexity of function of joints. Acupoint is recognized as a three-dimensional structure in consideration of its external distribution on the body surface and the substances inside the body, which can be explored and examined. In addition, the relationship between meridian points and extra points, the significance of meridian points in different conditions, and the approaches to acupoint study are deeply discussed and analyzed. The crucial problems and the way for solving them are proposed for the future study to provide the references to the inheritance and innovation of acupuncture.

Electroacupuncture at acupoints of yangming meridians for sarcopenia: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture at acupoints of yangming meridians for sarcopenia.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with sarcopenia were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. In the control group, conventional nutrition intervention for sarcopenia was adopted. In the observation group, on the basis of the treatment in the control group, acupuncture was applied at bilateral Binao (LI 14), Quchi (LI 11), Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc.,ipsilateral Quchi (LI 11) and Zusanli (ST 36) were connected to electroacupuncture, with discontinuous wave, 2 Hz in frequency, 1-10 mA in intensity, 2 times a week, with a interval of 3 days. A total of 12-week treatment was required in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, 6 m-walking time, body fat percentage and body moisture percentage were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those before treatment, after treatment, ASMI and grip strength were increased while 6 m-walking time was shortened in the two groups (P<0.05); body fat percentage was decreased while body moisture percentage was increased in the observation group (P<0.05). After treatment, in the observation group, ASMI, grip strength and body moisture percentage were increased (P<0.05), 6 m-walking time was shortened and body fat percentage was decreased (P<0.05) compared with those in the control group.@*CONCLUSION@#Electroacupuncture at acupoints of yangming meridians can effectively improve the skeletal muscle mass, muscle function, body fat percentage and body moisture percentage in patients with sarcopenia, and make the distribution of muscle and fat more reasonable.

Evidence and acupoint combinations in acupuncture for functional dyspepsia: an overview of systematic review and data mining study / 数字中医药（英文）

Objective@#To evaluate the methodological quality of papers that performed meta-analyzed and systematically reviewed acupoint selections for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) and to identify the ideal acupoint combinations for FD.@*Methods@#Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), China Biology Medicine (CBM), and Wanfang Database, as well as English databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched to retrieve papers about meta-analysis and systematic literature reviews on acupuncture for FD. The time span for the paper retrieval was set from the foundation of the databases to April 30, 2022. The Veritas scores of the papers based on their publication year, study type, Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR2), Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), heterogeneity, and publication bias were rated to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Then, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were extracted from those meta-analysis papers or systematic literature reviews for analyzing acupoints frequency, meridian frequency, and association rules with the use of R software (V 4.3.1).@*Results@#Eight meta-analysis papers were included in the study after screening. The mean Veritas scores of the papers based on publication year, type of study, AMSTAR2, PRISMA, heterogeneity, and publication bias were 4.50, 8.00, 4.63, 4.63, 4.50, and 6.13, respectively. The analysis of the scores revealed insufficiencies in the reviews pertaining to the methodology, comprehension of the research strategy, detailed list of excluded studies, sources of funding, assessment of potential bias risks impact on meta-analysis results in each study, explanation of heterogeneity, and identification of potential conflicts of interest. Furthermore, a total of 85 RCTs were obtained from the eight meta-analysis papers involving 85 acupuncture prescriptions and 67 acupoints for subsequent data mining. The most commonly used meridian was Stomach meridian of Foot-Yangming (ST). Zusanli (ST36), Neiguan (PC6), Zhongwan (CV12), Taichong (LR3), Tianshu (ST25), Gongsun (SP4), Weishu (BL21), Pishu (BL20), Neiting (ST44), and Yinlingquan (SP9) topped the list of frequently selected acupoints. Additionally, a total of 28 association rules were identified, including 10 second-order, 15 third-order, and 3 fourth-order association rules. The top-ranking association rules in each order were “Neiguan (PC6) → Zusanli (ST36)” “Zhongwan (CV12) + Neiguan (PC6) → Zusanli (ST36)” and “Zhongwan (CV12) + Taichong (LR3) + Neiguan (PC6) → Zusanli (ST36)”, respectively.@*Conclusion@#Acupuncture could alleviate the clinical symptoms of FD. However, the quality of methodology applied in the meta-analysis papers on the subject needs to be improved. Through data mining, a combination of Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36), Zhongwan (CV12), and Taichong (LR3) was identified as an essential acupoint combination for the treatment of FD.

Acupuncture at "umbilical four-acupoints" for chronic insomnia and its comorbid symptoms / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effects of acupuncture at "umbilical four-acupoints" on chronic insomnia and its comorbid symptoms.@*METHODS@#A total of 120 patients with chronic insomnia were randomly divided into an observation group (60 cases, 8 cases dropped off) and a control group (60 cases, 5 cases dropped off). The patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at regular acupoints (Baihui [GV 20] and bilateral Shenmen [HT 7], Neiguan [PC 6], Anmian [Extra]) and "umbilical four-acupoints", while the patients in the control group were treated with acupuncture at regular acupoints. Acupuncture was given once a day, 6 times a week, for a total of 3 weeks in the two groups. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), insomnia severity index (ISI) scores were observed before treatment, after treatment and in follow-up of one month after treatment completion; the Beck anxiety inventory (BAI), Beck depression inventory (BDI), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) scores were observed before and after treatment; the sleep parameters of polysomnography (PSG), including sleep latency (SL), awake-up time (AT), sleep efficiency (SE) and total sleep time (TST), were observed before and after treatment using polysomnography monitor in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared with those before treatment, the PSQI and ISI scores in both groups were reduced after treatment and in follow-up (P<0.05), and the PSQI and ISI scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group after treatment and in follow-up (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the BAI, BDI, FSS and ESS scores in both groups were reduced after treatment (P<0.05), and the BAI, BDI, FSS and ESS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). Compared with those before treatment, the SL and AT in both groups were reduced after treatment (P<0.05), while SE and TST were increased after treatment (P<0.05); after treatment, the SL and AT in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), while SE and TST in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of regular acupoint selection, acupuncture at "umbilical four-acupoints" could improve sleep quality, alleviate the severity of insomnia, and improve the comorbid symptoms i.e. anxiety, depression, fatigue and lethargy in patients with chronic insomnia.

Modern research progress in external application of traditional Chinese medicine to acupoints / 中国中药杂志

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) has a long history and abundant experience in external therapy, which marks human wisdom. In the early history of human, people found that fumigation, coating, and sticking of some tree branches and herb stems can help alleviate scabies and remove parasites in productive labor, which indicates the emergence of external therapy. Pathogen usually enters the body through the surface, so external therapy can be used to treat the disease. External therapy is among the major characteristic of surgery of TCM. As one of the external therapies in TCM, external application to acupoints smooths the zang-fu organs through meridians and collaterals, thereby harmonizing yin and yang. This therapy emerged in the early society, formed the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, improved in the Song and Ming dynasties, and matured in the Qing dynasty. With the efforts of experts in history, it has had a mature theory. According to modern research, it can avoid the first-pass effect of liver and the gastrointestinal irritation and improve the bioavailability of Chinese medicine. Based on the effect of Chinese medicine and the theory of meridian and collateral, it can stimulate the acupoints, exert regulatory effect on acupoints, and give full play to the efficacy of TCM and the interaction of the two. Thereby, it can regulate qi and blood and balance yin and yang, thus being widely used in the treatment of diseases. In this paper, the use of external application to acupoints, the effect on skin immunity, the regulation of neuro-inflammatory mechanism, the relationship between acupoint application and human circulation network, and the development of its dosage form were summarized through literature review. On this basis, this study is expected to lay a foundation for further research.

Acupoints compatibility rules of acupuncture for depression disease based on data mining technology / 中国针灸

Based on data mining technology, the acupoints compatibility rules of acupuncture for depression diseases were explored. The randomized controlled trial (RCT) articles regarding acupuncture for depression diseases published from establishment of database to September 2nd, 2022 were searched in CNKI database, Wangfang database, VIP database, SinoMed database, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. The use frequency of acupoints, meridian tropism, selection of special acupoints and acupoint association rules for five common depression diseases, including primary depression, post-stroke depression, menopausal syndrome, psychoneurosis and anxiety disorder, were analyzed by Python programming language. Cytoscape software was used to analyze the acupoint association and the disease-acupoint co-occurrence network. As a result, totally 387 articles were included, and 319 acupoints prescriptions for the above five common depression diseases were extracted, involving 159 acupoints. The use frequency of acupoints was 2 574 times in total. The frequently-used acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taichong (LR 3), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7), Yintang (GV 24+), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Taixi (KI 3), etc. The frequently involved meridians were the governor vessel, foot-taiyang bladder meridian, foot-taiyin spleen meridian, and foot-jueyin liver meridian. The frequency of the special acupoints from high to low was crossing points, five-shu points, yuan-primary points, back-shu points, luo-connecting points, and eight confluent points, etc, which were often used in combination with "Baihui (GV 20)-Yintang (GV 24+)" (the highest degree of association). At the same time, the analysis of the co-occurrence network of depression diseases and acupoints showed that the core acupoints group of acupuncture for depression diseases were Baihui (GV 20), Taichong (LR 3), Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In conclusion, acupuncture treatment for depression diseases has gradually formed a rule of acupoint compatibility, with special acupoint as the main body and "unblocking the governor vessel, and regulating the spirit and qi " as the main therapeutic principle.

Relationship between the inserting sites of Fu's subcutaneous needling and traditional acupoints: revelation to acupuncture and moxibustion / 中国针灸

Focusing on the phenomenon of "de-acupoints" of the needle insertion sites in Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN), the authors allocated the evolution and characteristics of the needle insertion sites of FSN. From six aspects, named morphology and structure, location, nomenclature, numbers and meridian tropism, indications and acupuncture manipulations, the comparison was made between the insertion sites of FSN and traditional acupoints. It is believed: ①The needle insertion sites of FSN has the basic attributes of acupoint, which not only refers to the operation site, but also indicates the reaction of disease; moreover, it is the treatment site with significant therapeutic effect. ②The optimized sites of insertion in FSN should be named differently and their locations and numbers should be specified relatively. ③The insertion sites of FSN should be further intersected and integrated with traditional acupoints, and a part of traditional acupoints should become the insertion sites of FSN. ④Accepting and integrating the insertion sites of FSN, and expanding the scope of traditional acupoints may be the new project in the research of traditional acupoints.

Adding acupoint identification into the textbook Meridians and Acupoints: preliminary assumption / 中国针灸

To deepen the understanding of the acupoint indications, clarify the targeting of acupoints, and provide a basis for the composition of acupuncture prescriptions, it is suggested to add acupoint identification into the textbook Meridians and Acupoints, and a preliminary assumption that relevant acupoints can be identified by taking the indications, locations, and meridians as the key points is proposed. In this paper, acupoints for treating stomach disease, acupoints of eye region, and five-shu points of lung meridian are taken as examples, combined with ancient literature and modern scientific research achievements, the main indications of acupoint is identified, which is of great significance to the discipline's development, talent training, and achievement transformation.

Effect of Electroacupuncture at Proximal and Distal Acupoints on Pain-inducing Substances， Macrophages and Related Inflammatory Factors in Myofascial Pain Syndrome Model Rats / 中医杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the possible peripheral analgesic mechanism of electroacupuncture （EA） at promimal and distal acupoints in treatment of myofascial pain syndrome （MPS）. MethodsTwenty-four SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， proximal group， and distal group， with six rats in each group. MPS model was prepared by “strike combined with centrifugal exercise” in all groups except for the blank group. After modeling， the rats in the proximal group received EA at the local myofascial trigger points （MTrPs）， namely the Ashi points， with dilatational waves of frequency of 2/100 HZ and voltage of 2-4 V， current intensity depending on a slight trembling of the left lower limbs， once a day， 15min each time，for 14 days. The rats in the distal group received EA at “Yanglingquan” （GB 34） and “Yinlingquan” （SP 9）， with the same operations as the proximal group. The rats in the blank group and the model group were only grasped and hedged， without other interventions. After intervention， the paw withdrawl mechanical threshold （PWMT） was measured， and variability between the left and right hind paws was calculated. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging and electromyography monitoring were performed on the left lower extremity vastus medialis. The morphological changes of vastus medialis muscle of the left lower extremity were observed by HE staining. The positive expression of substance P （SP）， calcitonin gene-related peptide （CGRP）， CD68 and CD206 in muscle tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. Abdominal aortic serum interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-10 （IL-10）， and interleukin-8 （interleukin-8） were detected by ELISA. ResultsCompared to those in the blank group， the fibers of the vastus medial muscle of the rats in the model group were broken and distorted with thickness in variation， and the myofascia was broken， with fibrillation potential， enlarged muscle cells， inward moved nucleus， and widened muscle space； the variability of PWMT between the left and right hind paws significantly increased， as well as the levels of SP， CGRP， CD68， and CD206 in the vastus medialis muscle （P＜0.01）， and the serum IL-8 and TNF-αlevels were significantly elevated （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the muscle fibers in the proximal and distal group were complete in shape and arranged in an orderly manner， with continued non-broken myofascia， regular shape of muscle cells， and significantly reduced level of IL-8 （P＜0.01）； the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous discharge in the proximal group significantly decreased， as well as the variability of PWMT between the left and right hind paws， and the levels of SP， CGRP， and CD68 in the vastus medialis muscle， while the CD206 level increased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01 ）； there was complex discharges in the distal group， with significantly decreased level of CD68 in the vastus medialis muscle and increased level of CD206 （P＜0.01）. Compared to the proximal group， the level of IL-8 in the distal group was significantly higher （P＜0.05）. ConclusionsEA at proximal acupoints can significantly improve the pain threshold and local muscle tissue morpho-logy in rats， and its mechanism may be related to reducing the levels of pain-causing substances and related inflammatory factors and promoting the polarization of macrophages. The analgesic effect of EA at distal acupoints is not obvious， and the mechanism is still unclear.

Effect of acupuncture on intraocular pressure and tear production in healthy horses / Efeito da acupuntura sobre a pressão intraocular e a produção lacrimal em equinos hígidos

ABSTRACT: Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese form of therapy that involves needle stimulation of specific points on the body for therapeutic and homeostatic effects. In ophthalmology, acupuncture helps as a conventional or adjuvant therapy for numerous eye disorders, including myopia, strabismus, dry eye, and cataracts. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture on tear production (TP) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in horses. Ten healthy horses, females and males with ages varying between eight months and nine years, were used. Schirmer's I test and applanation tonometry were used to evaluate the basal TP and IOP of both eyes. The measurements were taken immediately before (T10) the insertion of the needles and 5 (T5), 15 (T15), 30 (T30) and 60 (T60) minutes and 24 (T24) hours after a 20-minute acupuncture session. Mean values of both eyes were analyzed over time. TP increased in 50% of the animals at T5, T15 and T24, in 30% at T30, and in 40% at T60, with an increase of up to 8.5 mm/min at T15 and T60. In addition, there was a significant difference between T24 and T30, with a 14.1% increase in TP at T24. Meanwhile, IOP decreased in 50% of the animals at T5 and T30, in 20% at T15, in 60% at T60, and in 70% at T24. Thus, we suggest that acupuncture is a technique that can benefit horses with diseases that alter these parameters, either alone or as an adjunct in conventional therapeutic protocols.

RESUMO: A acupuntura é uma terapia milenar de origem chinesa que funciona através da estimulação de pontos específicos do corpo com agulhas, visando efeitos terapêuticos e homeostáticos. Na área de oftalmologia a acupuntura tem auxiliado como terapia convencional ou adjuvante de inúmeras afecções oculares, incluindo miopia, estrabismo, olho seco, catarata, entre outras. Esse estudo teve como propósito avaliar o efeito da acupuntura no comportamento da produção lacrimal e da pressão intraocular em equinos. Utilizou-se 10 equinos hígidos, fêmeas e machos, com idades variando entre oito meses e nove anos. O teste lacrimal de Schirmer tipo I e da tonometria de aplanação foram utilizados para avaliar a produção basal de lágrima (PL) e a pressão intraocular (PIO) de ambos os olhos. As aferições foram realizadas imediatamente antes da inserção das agulhas (T0) e cinco (T5), 15 (T15), 30 (T30) e 60 (T60) minutos e 24 (T24) horas após sessão de acupuntura de 20 minutos. Os valores obtidos foram analisados quanto ao seu comportamento ao longo do tempo, utilizando-se a média dos dois olhos de cada animal. A PL aumentou em 50% dos animais em T5, T15 e T24, 30% dos animais em T30 e 40% dos animais em T60, com aumento de até 8,5 mm/min em T15 e T60. Além disso, observou-se diferença significativa entre o T24 e o T30 (p = 0,0128), com aumento de 14,1% na PL no T24. Com relação à PIO, notou-se que 50% dos animais sofreram redução na pressão em T5 e T30, 20% dos animais redução em T15, 60% dos animais em T60 e 70% dos animais apresentaram redução em T24. A estimulação dos acupontos relacionados ao sistema visual foi capaz de aumentar a produção lacrimal e diminuir a pressão intraocular em equinos sadios. Dessa maneira, sugere-se que a acupuntura é uma técnica que poderá trazer benefícios a cavalos portadores de doenças que cursam com a alteração desses parâmetros, tanto quando empregada isoladamente, como quando adjuvante a protocolos terapêuticos convencionais.

Thermal and behavioral response of horses submitted to functional exercises and acupuncture / Resposta térmica e comportamental de equinos submetidos a exercícios funcionais e acupuntura

The present research evaluated muscle activation degrees and relaxation of patrolling horses submitted to dynamic mobilization exercises, associated or not with acupuncture. Twelve mixed breed gelding, aged 10 ± 2.0 years, were distributed in three treatments. Treatment with a single session of dynamic mobilization exercises (longitudinal cervical flexion of head between hooves, between carpus and to up to chest); treatment with a single acupuncture session during 20 minutes, and treatment with a single session of dynamic mobilization exercises with acupuncture. Thermographic images were analyzed before and after applying treatments to the cervical, thoracic, dorsal, abdominal and pelvic regions. Animal behavior was assessed through five minutes filming, before and ten minutes after the end of each treatment application, in an uninterrupted way. Increase in animals body temperature at the end of the single session of functional exercises (P < 0.0001) at all animal regions were reported, being cervical and thoracic areas with highest final temperature values. There was no temperature variation for other treatments (P > 0.05). All treatments stimulated higher expression frequency (P < 0.05) of relaxation behaviors. A single dynamic mobilization exercises session is enough to promote intense muscular response in entire horse body; and with acupuncture, individually or associated, promoted muscle and mental relaxation, interfering positively in animal welfare.

Objetivou-se avaliar o grau de ativação e relaxamento muscular de equinos de patrulhamento submetidos à exercícios de mobilização dinâmica associados ou não à acupuntura. Doze cavalos castrados, sem raça definida, com idade de 10 ± 2,0 anos, foram distribuídos em três tratamentos: tratamento com uma sessão única de exercícios de mobilização dinâmica (flexão cervical longitudinal da cabeça entre os cascos, entre os carpos e até o peito); tratamento com sessão única de acupuntura (20 minutos); e tratamento com sessão única composta por exercícios de mobilização dinâmica associados a acupuntura. Foram analisadas imagens termográficas antes e após a aplicação dos tratamentos das regiões cervical, torácica, dorsal, abdominal e pélvica. A avaliação comportamental foi obtida por meio de filmagens 5 minutos antes e 10 minutos após o término da aplicação dos tratamentos, de maneira ininterrupta. Houve aumento (P < 0,0001) na temperatura corporal dos animais ao final da sessão única de exercícios funcionais para todas as regiões estudadas, sendo a cervical e torácica aquelas com maior valor de temperatura final. Não houve variação da temperatura nos demais tratamentos (P > 0,05). Todos os tratamentos geraram maior frequência (P < 0,05) na expressão de comportamentos relacionados ao relaxamento. A realização de uma sessão única de exercícios de mobilização dinâmica é suficiente para promover uma intensa resposta muscular em todo o corpo do equino, e tanto os exercícios funcionais quanto a acupuntura, de maneira individual ou associada, foram capazes de promover relaxamento muscular e mental, interferindo de maneira positiva no bem-estar dos animais.

Exploration on the spectrum of disease of Experienced Ten Acupoints based on bibliometrics / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:We aimed to analyze the spectrum of diseases of Experienced Ten Acupoints in clinical studies, in order to provide reference for further clinical trials.Methods:The Chinese academic journals full-text database (CNKI),Chinese science and technology journals full-text database (VIP),Wanfang database and Chinese biomedical database (SinoMed), PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science Database were searched from the incecption to October, 2021. The quantitative analyses were conducted on the characteristics of the clinical studies, including years of publication, journals, affiliations of authors, interventions, diseases, types of studies, evaluation of efficacy, rate of citations.Results:A total of 81 articles were included in 44 journals. The majority types of studies were RCTs, the main intervention was acupuncture as well as acupuncture combined with Traditional Chinese Medicine or medicine. For types of diseases, digestive system diseases account for the major part (66.67%), followed by nervous system diseases (17.28%).Conclusions:The studies associated with Experienced Ten Acupoints were relatively few, the corresponding spectrum of diseases was in limit range, and experimental studies lacks. This study suggested that the clinicians should pay attention to the classical acupoints prescriptions, and the research progress of clinical trials should be more standardized.

Application of teaching method for the interpretation of acupoint names in the course of Science of Meridians and Acupoints / 中国针灸

The paper summarizes the valuable experience of the famous teachers of all generations in the teaching & research room of meridians and acupoints of Beijing University of CM. The shortcomings are presented when the acupoints are explained in accordance with the flowing route of meridians in classroom teaching of Science of Meridians and Acupoints. Hence, it is proposed that the acupoint names should be interpreted specially for the acupoints distributed on the same meridians or adjacent ones. It is suggested to emphasize the correlation of each acupoint with its adjacent ones from the perspective of the cultural connotation of acupoint names, and then, the differences and similarities in their clinical indications can be analyzed. Eventually, a new approach to the classroom teaching of Science of Meridians and Acupoints may be provided to guide the excavation of traditional cultural connotation and establish the cultural self-confidence and professional identity.

Treatment of optic neuromyelitis with acupuncture and medicine: one case report and literature review / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of Shugan Mingmu Decoction plus Rehmannia Decoction combined with acupuncture in the treatment of optic neuromyelitis. Methods:The data of one case of optic neuromyelitis cured by Chinese medicine combined with acupuncture and related literature were analyzed. Shugan Mingmu Decoction was used to clear the liver, nourish blood, brighten the eyes and relieve blindness. Rehmannia Decoction was used to nourish the kidney, invigorate the Yin and Yang, soften the liver, strengthen the tendons, and vibrate the withering. The combination of Shu acupoints and extraordinary acupoints was used flexibly and skillfully. Penetration of acupoints was performed to activate the meridians and Qi. Results:The patient's vision quickly recovered, and his lower limb motor function was gradually improved until complete recovery, which help improve patient's ability to live and work.Conclusion:The use of Qinggan Mingmu Decoction and Rehmannia Decoction combined with acupuncture at meridians and extraordinary acupoints for treatment of optic neuromyelitis show clinical advantages including improving curative effects, avoiding the deterioration of the disease and the risk of hormone therapy, and improving the prognosis. It has a good application prospect.

Proposal of international pediatric Tuina specific acupoints and operation technical standaeds / 国际中医中药杂志

Pediatric Tuina is an important part of traditional Chinese medicine, but the operation technical standard is less developed. It is favored by TCM practitioners in China and abroad, due to its simple operation and clinical effects. The specific acupoint of pediatric tuina is the core of its therapy, but due to the numerous schools of pediatric tuina in China, the consensus of location and operation on some specific acupoints have not been reached. To meet the clinical practice needs of pediatric tuina practitioners and follow the evidence-based principles, we determined to develop International Pediatric Tuina Specific Acupoints and Operation Technical standaeds, considering the diversity of pediatric tuina schools. We hope to lay a foundation for evidence-based practice, trials design and guidelines development of pediatric tuina.

Re-discussion on "Fenglong (ST 40) for phlegm" / 中国针灸

After reading the article, Tracing Origin and Development of "Fenglong (ST 40) for Phlegm": Examination and Verification published in Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, the authors collected the original evidences also for the effect of Fenglong (ST 40) on phlegm disorders by tracing from 9 ancient books of acupuncture and moxibustion, explored the standardized expressions of its indications and analyzed the changes of its indications. In that article, it was viewed that the effect of Fenglong (ST 40) started to be generalized in treatment of phlegm disorders since the Ming Dynasty. On contrary, we believes that Fenglong (ST 40) works on strengthening the spleen and resolving dampness for the disorders caused by the broad meaning of "phlegm/damp". Based on it, since the Ming Dynasty, the effect of Fenglong (ST 40) is extended specifically for the disorders caused by the visible sputum from the lung, the narrowing mean of "phlegm". Hence, if "Fenglong (ST 40) for phlegm" is considered as an academic point of view, it needs an adequate evidences to expound and prove.

Tapping at acupoints along meridian combined with thunder-fire moxibustion for upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of tapping at acupoints along meridian combined with thunder-fire moxibustion on upper-limb muscle strength and activities of daily living in patients with upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke.@*METHODS@#A total of 140 patients with upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke were randomly divided into a combination group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off), an acupoint-tapping group (35 cases), a moxibustion group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a routine group (35 cases). The patients in the routine group were only treated with routine treatment and nursing. On the basis of the treatment in the routine group, the patients in the acupoint-tapping group were treated with tapping along the large intestine meridian of hand @*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, body mass indexs of shoulder abduction, elbow extension, wrist flexion as well as BI scores in the four groups were significantly increased after treatment (@*CONCLUSION@#Tapping at acupoints along meridian combined with thunder-fire moxibustion could effectively improve the upper-limb muscle strength and activities of daily living in patients with upper-limb hemiplegia after stroke, and its effect is superior to simple tapping at acupoints along meridian or thunder-fire moxibustion.

Improvement in colonic inflammatory injury in rats via activating dorsal cholinergic neurons of vagus with electroacupuncture at sensitized acupoints / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at sensitized acupoints on choline acetyltransferase positive (ChAT@*METHODS@#A total of 79 male SD rats were randomized into five groups, i.e. a normal group (20 rats), a normal plus sensitized acupoint group (5 rats), a model group (34 rats), an EA@*RESULTS@#The EB extravasating areas were distributed in the segments from T@*CONCLUSION@#The segmental dominance (acupoints) from T