Bloodletting Acupuncture at Jing-Well Points Alleviates Myocardial Injury in Acute Altitude Hypoxic Rats by Activating HIF-1α/BNIP3 Signaling-Mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy and Decreasing Oxidative Stress / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the protective effect and possible mechanisms of bloodletting acupuncture at Jing-well points (BAJP) pre-treatment on acute hypobaric hypoxia (AHH)-induced myocardium injury rat.@*METHODS@#Seventy-five rats were randomly divided into 5 groups by a random number table: a control group (n=15), a model group (n=15), a BAJP group (n=15), a BAJP+3-methyladenine (3-MA) group (n=15), and a BANA (bloodletting at nonacupoint; tail bleeding, n=15) group. Except for the control group, the AHH rat model was established in the other groups, and the corresponding treatment methods were adopted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponins I (CTnI) levels in serum and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in myocardial tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe myocardial injury, and terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to observe cell apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy detection was used to observe mitochondrial damage and autophagosomes in the myocardium. The mitochondrial membrane potential of the myocardium was analyzed with the fluorescent dye JC-1. Mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (complex I, III, and IV) activities and ATPase in the myocardium were detected by mitochondrial respiratory chain complex assay kits. Western blot analysis was used to detect the autophagy index and hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/Bcl-2 and adenovirus E1B 19k Da-interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) signaling.@*RESULTS@#BAJP reduced myocardial injury and inhibited myocardial cell apoptosis in AHH rats. BAJP pretreatment decreased MDA levels and increased SOD levels in AHH rats (all P<0.01). Moreover, BAJP pretreatment increased the mitochondrial membrane potential (P<0.01), mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (complexes I, III, and IV) activities (P<0.01), and mitochondrial ATPase activity in AHH rats (P<0.05). The results from electron microscopy demonstrated that BAJP pretreatment improved mitochondrial swelling and increased the autophagosome number in the myocardium of AHH rats. In addition, BAJP pretreatment activated the HIF-1α/BNIP3 pathway and autophagy. Finally, the results of using 3-MA to inhibit autophagy in BAJP-treated AHH rats showed that suppression of autophagy attenuated the treatment effects of BAJP in AHH rats, further proving that autophagy constitutes a potential target for BAJP treatment of AHH.@*CONCLUSION@#BAJP is an effective treatment for AHH-induced myocardial injury, and the mechanism might involve increasing HIF-1α/BNIP3 signaling-mediated autophagy and decreasing oxidative stress.

Characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine based on Medical Canon in Four Sections / 中国针灸

By tracing to the origin of Tibetan medicine, it is known that Tibetan medicine absorbs a variety of medical ideas such as traditional Chinese medicine, Vedic medicine, Persian medicine and Byzantine medicine, and forms a unique theoretical system. The meridian-acupoint system and the characteristics and application of external therapies such as bloodletting and moxibustion in Tibetan medicine are analyzed by elaborating the relevant aspects of acupuncture and moxibustion involved in treatment of diseases listed in Medical Canon in Four Sections. The paper emphasizes the introduction of ironing moxibustion and huo'er moxibustion of fire moxibustion and the application of separation-action decoction and ghee therapy in bloodletting, as well as alternative therapy. Besides, by taking the external treatment of cirrhotic ascites and head trauma as an example, the idea of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine embodied in the Medical Canon in Four Sections is explained so as to benefit the development of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine.

Bloodletting at auricular dorsal vein combined with auricular point sticking for menstrual migraine of qi stagnation and blood stasis and its effect on serum levels of E2 and 5-HT / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical effect of bloodletting at auricular dorsal vein combined with auricular point sticking on menstrual migraine (MM) of qi stagnation and blood stasis, and explore its possible mechanism.@*METHODS@#A total of 102 cases of MM with qi stagnation and blood stasis were randomly divided into an observation group (51 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (51 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the observation group were treated with bloodletting at auricular dorsal vein combined with auricular point sticking. The bloodletting was performed at vein at upper 1/3 of the dorsalis near the ear helix; the auricular point sticking was performed at Pizhixia (AT4), Neifenmi (CO18), Jiaogan (AH6a), Nie (AT2), Zhen (AT3), Shenmen (TF4) and Yidan (CO11). The auricular points of both ears were alternate used. From 7 days before the onset of menstruation, bloodletting at auricular dorsal vein was given once every 7 days, 3 times were taken as a course of treatment, and 1 course of treatment was given; the auricular point sticking was given once every 3 days, and 6 times of treatment were given. The patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of flunarizine hydrochloride capsules. From 7 days before the onset of menstruation, flunarizine hydrochloride was given 2 capsules per time, once a day for 3 weeks. The menstrual headache index and visual analogue scale (VAS) score of the two groups were observed before treatment, one menstrual cycle into treatment and the first and the second menstrual cycle after treatment; the migraine-specific quality of life questionnaire (MSQ) score and the serum levels of estradiol (E2) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were compared before treatment and one menstrual cycle into treatment; the clinical efficacy was evaluated at one menstrual cycle into treatment.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the menstrual headache index and VAS scores were reduced at one menstrual cycle into treatment and the first and second menstrual cycle after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the MSQ scores and the serum levels of E2 and 5-HT in the two groups were increased at one menstrual cycle into treatment (P<0.05), and those in the observation group were higher than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 95.8% (46/48) in the observation group, which was higher than 73.5% (36/49) in the control group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Bloodletting at auricular dorsal vein combined with auricular point sticking could relieve headache intensity, improve the quality of life in patients with MM of qi stagnation and blood stasis, which may be achieved by raising the serum levels of E2 and 5-HT to improve the level of hormone in the body.

Treatment of chronic urticaria with acupuncture and moxibustion by "mind-body regulation" based on "psychosomatic medicine" / 中国针灸

The treatment idea for chronic urticaria with acupuncture and moxibustion by "mind-body regulation" is explored in reference with "psychosomatic medicine". Chronic urticaria refers to "mind and body comorbidity" because qi and blood dysfunction and emotional abnormality are presented simultaneously in the disease and affected each other. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, the mutual regulation of mind and body should be considered to improve the curative effect. In treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion, through regulating the mind of brain, heart and zang organs, as well as qi movement, the mental activity is adjusted; through harmonizing the defensive qi and the nutrient blood, eliminating wind and stopping itching, the unhealthy conditions of body are treated. The comprehensive therapy of acupuncture is adopted in combination with moxibustion, bloodletting and auricular point therapy, in which, "regulating the mind" goes through the whole process of treatment, and the doctors and patients are well cooperated to ensure the qi-blood harmonization and the mind-body wellness.

Clinical observation on different frequency of auricular bloodletting combined with auricular point sticking for acne vulgaris / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the clinical efficacy of different treatment frequency of auricular bloodletting combined with auricular point sticking for acne vulgaris.@*METHODS@#A total of 90 patients with acne vulgaris were randomized into a treatment group 1 (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off), a treatment group 2 (30 cases, 4 cases dropped off) and a treatment group 3 (30 cases, 5 cases dropped off). Combination therapy of auricular bloodletting and auricular point sticking at Fei (CO14), Shenmen (TF4), Neifenmi (CO18) and Shenshangxian (TG2p) were given once a week, twice a week and 3 times a week in the treatment group 1, the treatment group 2 and the treatment group 3 respectively, 4 weeks were as one course and totally 3 courses were required in the 3 groups. Before treatment and after 1, 2, 3 courses of treatment, the scores of global acne grading system (GAGS), skin lesion and quality of life-acne (QoL-Acne) were observed, the clinical efficacy was evaluated after 3 courses of treatment and the recurrence rate was evaluated in follow-up of 1 month after treatment in the 3 groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the scores of GAGS and skin lesion were decreased at each time point in the 3 groups (P<0.05), the QoL-Acne scores were increased after 1 course of treatment in the treatment group 3 and after 2, 3 courses of treatment in the 3 groups (P<0.05). There were no statistical differences in scores of GAGS, skin lesion and QoL-Acne among the 3 groups (P>0.05). There were no statistical differences in effective rate and recurrence rate among the 3 groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Different frequency of auricular bloodletting combined with auricular point sticking have similar efficacy in treating acne vulgaris, all can improve the skin lesion and quality of life in patients with acne vulgaris, and have a cumulative effect and good long-term curative effect.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria treated with bloodletting therapy and auricular point sticking on the base of xuanfu theory: a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the clinical therapeutic effect and the impacts on recurrence rate on chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) between the combined treatment of bloodletting therapy and auricular point sticking on the base of xuanfu theory and the oral solution of levocetirizine hydrochloride.@*METHODS@#A total of 86 patients with CSU were randomized into an observation group (43 cases, 1 case dropped off) and a control group (43 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the observation group, bloodletting therapy at Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Geshu (BL 17) and Pishu (BL 20) was combined with auricular point sticking at lung (CO14), kidney (CO10), shenmen (TF4) and heart (CO15), etc. This combined treatment was given once every two days. In the control group, the oral solution of levocetirizine hydrochloride was prescribed, 10 mL each time, once daily. The treatment lasted for 4 weeks in the two groups. Before and after treatment, urticaria activity score 7 (UAS7), the score of dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and the levels of serum immune globulin E (IgE), interleukin 4 (IL-4) and interferon γ (IFN-γ) were compared in the patients between the two groups. The clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated in patients of the two groups and the recurrence rate was followed up 4, 8 and 12 weeks after treatment separately.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the scores of UAS7 and DLQI, as well as the levels of serum IgE and IL-4 were all reduced as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.05), and the level of serum IFN-γ was increased (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 83.3% (35/42) in the observation group and was 85.0% (34/40) in the control group. There was no statistical significance for the difference in the clinical therapeutic effect between the two groups (P>0.05). Eight and 12 weeks after treatment, the recurrence rates were 21.1% (4/19) and 26.3% (5/19) in the observation group, lower than 55.0% (11/20) and 65.0% (13/20) in the control group, respectively (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The combined therapy of bloodletting and auricular point sticking on the base of xuanfu theory relieves the clinical symptoms, regulates the levels of serum IgE, IL-4 and IFN-γ and improves the quality of life in the patients with CSU. The clinical therapeutic effect of this combined treatment is similar to the oral solution of levocetirizine hydrochloride. But, the recurrence rate of the combined treatment of bloodletting and auricular point sticking is lower and its long-term curative effect is better.

Comparative study on the academic thought of bloodletting for expelling pathogens between Jin-Yuan Dynasties and Ming-Qing Dynasties / 中国针灸

The relevant provisions of bloodletting for expelling pathogens are collected from the works of the medical representative scholars in Jin-Yuan Dynasties and Ming-Qing Dynasties respectively to construct the databases of bloodletting for expelling pathogens of Jin-Yuan Dynasties and Ming-Qing Dynasties. Using frequency analysis, the bloodletting device, bloodletting location, bloodletting volume, the related pathogens and indications are compared between these two times so that the evidences could be provided for the inheritance and development of the academic thought of bloodletting for expelling pathogens. It is found that the three-edge needle is the most commonly used device for bloodletting in Jin-Yuan Dynasties and Ming-Qing Dynasties and

Indication of bloodletting therapy based on multi-dimensional evidence assessment / 中国针灸

The indication of bloodletting therapy was determined based on the multi-dimensional evidence assessment, which could provide guidance for the clinical application of bloodletting therapy. The literature of bloodletting therapy was comprehensively collected by retrieval in CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases (until February 23, 2019), modern books in Library of Tianjing University of TCM and the (Fifth Edition). The disease spectrum of bloodletting therapy was determined by self-designed questionnaire survey e-mailed to relevant experts. The indication of bloodletting therapy was determined by Delphi expert meeting. As a result, 746 pieces of ancient literature and 32 775 modern literature were included. The indications of bloodletting therapy based on the multi-dimensional evidence assessment include herpes zoster, acne, acute tonsillitis, vascular headache, varicose veins of lower extremities, acute lumbar sprain, early erysipelas, wheat swelling, exogenous fever of children, stroke, which are mainly the syndromes of blood stasis, toxin, excess and heat.

Bloodletting acupuncture at -well points along three- meridians of foot combined with acupuncture on migraine:a randomized controlled trial / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the analgesic effect of bloodletting acupuncture at -well points along three- meridians of foot combined with routine acupuncture and simple routine acupuncture on migraine.@*METHODS@#A total of 60 patients with migraine were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one, of which, 4 cases were dropped out in the observation group, 1 case was dropped out in the control group. In the observation group, bloodletting acupuncture at -well points combined with routine acupuncture were applied. The bloodletting acupuncture was applied at corresponding -well points of three- meridians of foot [Lidui (ST 45), Zhiyin (BL 67), Zuqiaoyin (GB 44)] according to pain location. And routine acupuncture was adopted at Sizhukong (TE 23), Shuaigu (GB 8), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Zulinqi (GB 41), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Waiguan (TE 5). In the control group, routine acupuncture was applied, acupoint selection and operation were the same as the observation group. The treatment was given once a day, 30 min a time, 5 days as one course with 2 days interval, and 2 courses were required. Before treatment, immediately after needle withdrawal, 4 h after needle withdrawal and after 2 courses of treatment, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was compared in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the migraine comprehensive score was observed in the two groups, and the therapeutic effect was evaluated.@*RESULTS@#Immediately after needle withdrawal, 4 h after needle withdrawal and after 2 courses of treatment, the VAS scores in the two groups were decreased (0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Bloodletting acupuncture at -well points along three- meridians of foot combined with routine acupuncture and simple routine acupuncture have analgesic effect, and the combined therapy is superior to simple routine acupuncture.

Overview of evaluation methods on efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion by ancient medical experts / 中国针灸

To sort out and summarize the evaluationmethods on the efficacy by acupuncture and moxibustion in ancient literature. The evaluation methods by ancient medical experts could be divided into two categories: one is according to the change of patient's conditions before and after treatment, including the subjective symptoms, the information getting from the four examination methods in TCM; the other is according to the characteristics of different interventions. For example, evaluating acupuncture by the "arrival of

Efeitos imediatos da terapia auricular em indivíduos hipertensos de uma unidade de pronto atendimento / The immediate effects of auricular therapy in hypertensive individuals at an emergency medical unit

A hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) se caracteriza por níveis elevados de pressão arterial (PA) de maneira contínua. É uma doença de causas multifatoriais, difícil diagnóstico e com altas taxas de mortalidade. Um método com efeito hipotensor rápido é a terapia auricular por sangria, proveniente da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar os efeitos imediatos da terapia auricular em indivíduos hipertensos de uma unidade de pronto atendimento da cidade de Cascavel-PR. Para tanto, foi verificada a PA antes do procedimento (PA inicial), e se estivesse ≥ 140/90 mmHg, era realizada a técnica de sangria no ponto Erjian auricular. Dez minutos após, aferia-se novamente a PA (PA final). Os resultados demonstraram redução significativa tanto na PA sistólica (PAS) inicial (157,27 ± 14,49) quando comparada à PAS final (142,97 ± 14,01), quanto na PA diastólica (PAD) inicial (99,83 ± 11,26) em comparação com a PAD final (90,66 ± 8,82). Conclui-se que a sangria no ápice da orelha foi capaz de reduzir significativamente a PA nos indivíduos investigados. Entretanto, tornam-se necessários novos estudos neste sentido, a fim de comprovar os reais benefícios da acupuntura sobre a HAS (AU)

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) is characterized by continuously elevated blood pressure (BP) levels. It is a multifactorial disease, difficult to be diagnosed and presents high mortality rates. One method with a rapid hypotensive effect is an auricular bloodletting therapy from Traditional Chinese Medicine. The aim of this study was to analyze the immediate effects of auricular therapy in hypertensive individuals at an Emergency Medical Unit in the city of Cascavel-PR. To do so, the BP was verified before the procedure (initial BP), and if it was within the required criteria, the bloodletting technique was performed at the Erjian auricular point. Ten minutes later, BP was measured (end BP). A significant decrease in the results for initial systolic BP (SBP) (157,27 ± 14,49) compared to end SBP (142,97 ± 14,01), as well as for initial diastolic BP (DBP) (99,83 ±BP11,26) compared to end DBP (90,66 ± 8,82) has been shown. Therefore, it is concluded that the bleeding of ear apex has been able to cut down significantly the BP of the examined individuals. Nevertheless, in order to prove the real benefits of acupuncture on SAH further studies in this respect are necessary (AU)

Therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis treated with -deep needling and bloodletting techniques / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the difference in the therapeutic effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) between the combined -deep needling and bloodletting technique and the regular needling technique.@*METHODS@#A total of 70 patients were randomized into an observation group (35 cases) and a control group (35 cases, 4 cases dropped-out). Dazhui (GV 14), Shenzhu (GV 12), Zhiyang (GV 9), Jinsuo (GV 8), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Zhibian (BL 54), Weizhong (BL 40), Taixi (KI 3) and Tianzong (SI 11), etc. were selected in the two groups. Additionally, in the observation group the -deep needling technique was adopted at Tianzong (SI 11) and Zhibian (BL 54), the bloodletting technique at the local swollen area and the even-needling technique at the rest acupoints. In the control group, the even-needling technique was applied to all of the acupoints. Acupuncture treatment was given once every two days, 3 times a week and for 12 weeks totally. The numbers of tender points at the knee joint, the numbers of swollen sites at the knee joint, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score and the American health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) score were observed in the two groups before and after treatment, as well as the changes in erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria was adopted to evaluate the therapeutic effects of the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the numbers of tender points, the numbers of swollen sites, VAS score and HAQ score were all improved as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all 0.05). The standard-reaching rates of ACR 20 and ACR 50 in the observation group were 94.3% (33/35) and 31.4% (11/35) respectively, which were better than 67.7% (21/31) and 6.5% (2/31) in the control group (<0.01, <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The acupuncture with the -deep and bloodletting techniques and the acupuncture with regular needling technique are all effective on RA. The therapeutic effects of the acupuncture treatment with the -deep and bloodletting techniques are better than that with regular needling technique.

Blood-Letting Therapy for Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials / 中国结合医学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of blood-letting therapy (BLT) in treatment of hypertension.@*METHODS@#A comprehensive electronic and manual bibliographic searches were performed in Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Excerpt Medica Database (EMBASE), PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Wanfang Database to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which hypertensive patients were treated with BLT or BLT plus antihypertensive drugs (BPAD) against placebo, no treatment or antihypertensive drugs. The Cochrane Risk Assessment Tool was used to assess the methodological quality of trials. The Review Manager 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 7 RCTs with 637 hypertensive patients from 1989 to 2017 were identified. Compared with antihypertensive drugs, blood pressure was significantly reduced by BLT (RR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.44, P=0.03; heterogeneity: P=0.06, I=60%) and BPAD (RR=1.25, 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.53, P=0.03; heterogeneity: P= 0.01, I=71%). Moreover, a significant improvement in Chinese medicine syndrome by BLT (RR=1.32; 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.53, P=0.0002; heterogeneity: P=0.53, I=0%) and BPAD (RR=1.47; 95% CI: 1.06 to 2.04, P=0.02; heterogeneity: P=0.13, I=56%) was identified. The reported adverse effects were well tolerated.@*CONCLUSION@#Although some positive findings were identified, no definite conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of BLT as complementary and alternative approach for treatment of hypertension could be drew due to the generally poor methodological design, significant heterogeneity, and insufficient clinical data. Further rigorously designed trials are warranted to confirm the results.

Effect of bloodletting acupuncture at twelve -well points of hand on microcirculatory disturbance in mice with traumatic brain injury / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect of bloodletting acupuncture at twelve -well points of hand on microcirculatory disturbance in mice with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and to explore the protective effect of bloodletting therapy on TBI.@*METHODS@#Sixty clean adult male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a sham-operation group, a model group and a treatment group, 20 mice in each group. The TBI model was established by using electronic controlled cerebral cortex impact instrument in the model group and the treatment group. The mice in the treatment group were treated with bloodletting acupuncture at bilateral "Shaoshang" (LU 11), "Shangyang" (LI 1), "Zhongchong" (PC 9), "Guanchong" (TE 1), "Shaochong" (HT 9) and "Shaoze" (SI 1) immediately after trauma. The mice in the sham-operation group only opened the bone window but did not receive the strike. The regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) was monitored by laser speckle contrast analysis (LASCA) using a PeriCam PSI System before trauma, immediately after trauma and 1, 2, 12, 24, 48, 72 h after trauma. The brain water content was measured by wet-dry weight method 24 h after trauma. The severity of functional impairment at 2, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after trauma was evaluated by modified neurological scale scores (mNSS).@*RESULTS@#① 2 h after trauma, the mNSS in the model group and treatment group were >7 points, suggesting the successful establishment of model; compared with the sham-operation group, the mNSS was increased significantly from 12 to 72 h after trauma in the model group ( all <0.01), but the mNSS in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the model group from 2 to 24 h after trauma (<0.01, <0.05). ② Compared with the sham-operation group, rCBF in the model group was decreased significantly immediately after trauma (<0.01), and the rCBF in the model group was lower than that in the sham-operation group from 1 to 72 h after trauma ( all <0.01); rCBF in the treatment group began to rise and was significantly higher than that in the model group 1-2 h after trauma (<0.01); 12-48 h after trauma, the increasing of rCBF in the two groups tended to be gentle until 72 h after injury, and rCBF in the model group was decreased while that in the treatment group continued to rise and was higher than that in the model group (<0.01). ③ 24 h after trauma, the brain water content in the model group was significantly higher than that in the sham-operation group (<0.01), and brain water content in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the model group (<0.01).@*CONCLUSION@#The bloodletting acupuncture at twelve -well points of hand could improve microcirculation disturbance, increase microcirculation perfusion, alleviate secondary brain edema and promote the recovery of nerve function in mice with TBI.

Blood-letting and cupping therapy for upper limb spasticity in recovery phase of stroke / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the effect difference between blood-letting and cupping therapy combined with basic treatment and simple basic treatment for upper limb spasticity in the recovery phase of stroke.@*METHODS@#Sixty patients of upper limb spasticity in the recovery phase of stroke were randomly assigned into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. In the control group, the basic treatment, including the internal treatment, acupuncture and rehabilitation, was used for 2 weeks, 6 times a week, once a day. Based on the basic treatment, blood-letting, at 3 -well points each time, and cupping therapy were used at the most obvious spasm point in the belly of biceps muscle in the observation group for 2 weeks, 3 time a week, once every other day. The spasm score, passive traction value, and moter function score of upper limb were assessed in the two groups before and after treatment. The effects were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the spasm scores and passive traction values were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all <0.01), with better score and value as well as different values before and after treatment in the observation group (<0.05, <0.01). After treatment, the motor function scores were higher than those before treatment in the two groups (both <0.01), with better score and different value before and after treatment in the observation group (both <0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% (27/30) in the observation group, which was better than 76.7% (23/30) in the control group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Based on the basic treatment, blood-letting combined with cupping therapy are effective for upper limb spasticity in the recovery phase of stroke.

Coiling method combined with bloodletting from the corpus cavernosum for penile incarceration with a metal ring: A case report and literature review / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To explore the treatment of penile incarceration with a metal ring.@*METHODS@#Based on our experience in the successful management of a case of penile incarceration with a metal ring by coiling and bloodletting from the corpus cavernosum, we reviewed the relevant literature and analyzed the indications, advantages and disadvantages of different methods for the treatment of penile incarceration with a circular foreign body.@*RESULTS@#The clamping and cutting methods were non-invasive, fast, effective, and with few complications, which could be applied to the treatment of penile strangulation at all levels. However, clamping was not desirable enough for a hard metal ring and the cutting method took a longer time and might increase the risk of unnecessary damage to the penile skin, urethra and cavernous body. Prepuce edema decompression and the thin tube-coiling method, with the advantages of minimal invasiveness, simple operation and no need of special tools, were suitable for penile strangulation injury under level 3, but might cause penile skin injury and potential postoperative erectile dysfunction. Surgical resection, as an invasive procedure, could be applied to severe penile strangulation at level 4 or 5.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The principle for the treatment of penile incarceration with a circular foreign body is to remove the foreign object as soon as possible and not to add secondary damage.

Eficácia da eletrogalvanopuntura comparado à acupuntura na técnica de pica-pau (sangria) no tratamento de estrias nacaradas em mulheres pós-gravidez / Efficiency of galvano-puncuture compared to the bloodletting acupuncture technique for the treatment of silvery white stretch marks in women after pregnancy

As estrias são cicatrizes indesejáveis que surgem na pele devido ao rompimento das fibras de colágeno e elastina presentes na derme, causando uma atrofia no tecido provocando o aparecimento de estrias, onde no início têm aspecto avermelhado, e quando se tornam "velhas" apresentam um aspecto esbranquiçado e abrilhantado (estrias nacaradas). O presente estudo contou com a participação de 16 mulheres iniciais, e ao final 3, com idades entre 18 e 35 anos que apresentavam estrias nacaradas na região abdominal pós-gravidez. Elas foram divididas em dois grupos: no Grupo A foi aplicada a eletrogalvanopuntura e, no Grupo B aplicada a acupuntura na técnica de pica-pau (sangria), no intuito de melhorar o aspecto do tecido estriado. Os resultados foram satisfatórios mostrando a eficácia das duas técnicas no tratamento das estrias nacaradas pós-gestacionais.(AU)

Stretch marks are unwanted scars that develop on the skin caused by the breakdown of collagen fibers and elastin found in the dermis, leading to tissue atrophy, forming the stretch marks, which are often red at the beginning, before gradually fading to a silvery white color. This study consisted initially of 16 women, and 3 at the end, aged 18 to 35, suffering of silvery white stretch marks on abdominal area after pregnancy. A sample of women was divided into two comparison groups: Group A used galvanic puncture, and Group B used the aloodletting acupuncture technique, to heal the stretch marks. The results were satisfactory and showed the significant efficacy of both treatments for improving pregnancy stretch marks.(AU)

The Relationship between Explanation and Patient Compliance in Hirudotherapy

BACKGROUND: The use of leeches can effectively increase the salvage rate of flap congestion. However, the first reaction from patients and carers in using leeches in clinical fields is strong aversion. This can be due to the fact that development of our culture from agriculture to industrial society, coming across leeches became fairly rare. Also because of the biological traits that leeches carry; staying attached to a leg or other body parts of the host, sucking blood, and leaving wounds. METHODS: This study was conducted through questionnaires, divided into many subgroups. We scaled the compliance of the two therapies, with or without leech. Maximum scale of 10 showing no rejective response to the therapy and minimum scale of 0 showing the greatest rejective response. RESULTS: Overall subjects' compliance was improved after explaining the benefits of hirudotherapy. Irrelevant to the explanation, there was no significant difference in general compliance between male and female. Young-aged group and medical personnel or people studying medicine showed higher compliance over older-aged group and the general public. CONCLUSION: In the terms of general social cognition, recognizing leech as a therapeutic material may not be welcomed at first, but provided with proper information and explanations, overall compliance of patients and carers can be improved and consequently result in superior outcomes in flap salvage.