Exploration of "Strengthening Kidney Yin" Method to Alleviate Female Reproductive Damage Caused by Glycosides of Tripterygium wilfordii Polyglycoside / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides are one of the most commonly used Tripterygium wilfordii preparations， which have anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating effects. Their unique therapeutic effect on some autoimmune diseases and kidney diseases is almost irreplaceable by other similar drugs， but the possible reproductive damage is the bottleneck that hinders their clinical application. In clinical use， female patients often suffer from menstrual cycle disorders， decreased menstrual flow， even amenorrhea， infertility， and other symptoms， and the main toxic mechanism lies in damaging the reproductive and endocrine functions of the ovary and inhibiting the growth and development of follicles. Therefore， it is particularly necessary to understand the toxic and side effects of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides on female reproduction and master the detoxification methods during clinical use. However， there is no clear solution to these problems. According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine， "kidney governs reproduction"， and the relationship between kidney Yin， kidney essence， and female ovum is close. Therefore， by considering that the damage to the reproductive system caused by Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides belongs to the category of kidney deficiency， Yin damage， and essence deficiency， the "strengthening kidney Yin" method is proposed. It points out that the reproductive toxicity damage of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycosides on the female can be effectively alleviated by tonifying kidney and Yin essence in clinical use. The relevant research on traditional Chinese medicine， classical prescription， test prescription， and acupuncture is summarized to verify the necessity of the "strengthening kidney Yin" method， so as to provide a theoretical basis for the safe and rational clinical use of Tripterygium wilfordii.

Exploration on acupuncture treatment ideas for knee osteoarthritis from the perspective of Dongyuan needling technology / 中国针灸

The treatment ideas with acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (KOA) are explored on the base of Dongyuan needling technology. Regarding the rules of acupoint selection, Zusanli (ST 36) is predominant, the back-shu points are used for the disorders related to the invasion of exogenous factors, and the front-mu points are for the cases caused by internal injury. Besides, the xing-spring points and shu-stream points are preferred. In treatment of KOA, besides the local points, the front-mu points, i.e. Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25) and Guanyuan (CV 4), are selected specially to tonifying the spleen and stomach. The earth points and acupoints on the earth meridians (i.e. Yinlingquan [SP 9], Xuehai [SP 10], Liangqiu [ST 34], Dubi [ST 35], Zusanli [ST 36] and Yanglingquan [GB 34]) are optional to coordinate yin and yang, essence and qi , and regulate the qi movement of spleen and stomach. The shu-stream points of liver, spleen and kidney meridians (Taichong [LR 3], Taibai [SP 3] and Taixi [KI 3]) are chosen to promote meridian circulation and regulate zangfu functions.

Constructed "ashi point" / 中国针灸

Ashi point is one of the three major categories of acupoint in acupuncture-moxibustion theory nowadays. It is originally recorded in Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces for Emergency) as one of the effective folk methods. The theoretic development of ashi point goes through the innovation period of contemporary and modern acupuncture-moxibustion theory, specifically in three aspects, definition, property and status. Through the analysis of historical data, it is found that the bias of ashi point theory results from the misunderstanding of connotation, the distortion of application techniques, the misinterpretation of semantics and the gradual promotion of status. All of these are generally caused by the reform of acupuncture-moxibustion theory in Japan, which covers the essence of ashi point, limits its connotation and clouds the concept of acupoint. It is necessary to re-understand the literal sense and theoretic construction of ashi point and timely update the knowledge system of acupuncture-moxibustion in association with the results of theoretical researches.

Observation of the therapeutic effect of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion on recurrent implantation failure of kidney deficiency and blood stasis / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the therapeutic effect of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion on the patients with recurrent implantation failure (RIF) of kidney deficiency and blood stasis undergoing frozen embryo transfer of the conventional hormone replacement therapy cycle.@*METHODS@#Sixty RIF of kidney deficiency and blood stasis patients who planned for frozen embryo transfer were randomly divided into a combined treatment group (30 cases) and a western medication group (30 cases). In the western medication group, the conventional hormone replacement therapy was performed for endometrial preparation during transfer cycle. On the basis of treatment as the western medication group, in the combined treatment group, Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion was adopted. Regarding tongyuan needling, the acupoint prescription for Tongdu Tiaoshen (promoting the governor vessel and regulating the spirit, e.g. Dazhui [GV 14], Ganshu [BL 18], Shenshu [BL 23] and back-shu points) and that for Yinqi Guiguan (conducting qi back to the primary, e.g. Zhongwan [CV 12], Qihai [CV 6], Guanyuan [CV 4] and front-mu points) were selected. Acupuncture was delivered at these two prescriptions alternatively each time. After acupuncture, the herb-separated moxibustion (in which, the herbal powder was prepared with the modified Yangjing Zhongyu decoction for cultivating the kidney essence and promoting pregnancy) was operated at Shenque (CV 8). This combined therapy was delivered once every two days, 3 sessions a week till the day of embryo transfer. The pregnancy outcomes (positive rate of human chorionic gonadotropin [β-HCG] and clinical pregnancy rate) were compared between the two groups, as well as the TCM syndrome score, serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P) levels, endometrial thickness and type, endometrial blood flow index (pulsatility index [PI], resistance index [RI]) before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#After treatment, the clinical pregnancy rate of the combined treatment group was 40.0% (12/30), higher than that of the western medication group (16.7%, 5/30, P<0.05); and the difference in the positive rate of β-HCG was not significant statistically between the two groups (P>0.05). After treatment, the serum levels of E2 and P were elevated (P<0.05), the endometrial thickness was thickened (P<0.05); the scores of TCM syndrome, and the levels of PI and RI were reduced (P<0.05) when compared with those before treatment in the two groups. The proportion of type A endometrium increased compared with that before treatment in the combined treatment group (P<0.05). Except the levels of E2 and P, the above indexes in the combined treatment group were superior to the western medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#On the basis of frozen embryo transfer of conventional hormone replacement cycle, the intervention of Tongyuan needling combined with jingyu herb-separated moxibustion can effectively relieve the clinical symptoms, increase the endometrial blood flow and its thickness, and improve the endometrial receptivity, thereby ameliorate pregnancy outcomes in RIF patients of kidney deficiency and blood stasis.

Basic research of meridian-tendon based on fascia: review and prospects / 中国针灸

Meridian-tendon is a central concept in meridian theory of TCM, and its basic research has been increasingly emphasized. While there is no unified understanding of the essence of meridian-tendon, the concept that function of fascia could partially reflect the functions of meridian-tendons has reached consensus in the academic community. This article suggests that under the guidance of meridian-tendon theory, based on previous research foundation of fascia, focusing on adopting fascia research methods, the mechanisms of tender point hyperalgesia and abnormal proliferation related to meridian lesions should be adopted to explain yitong weishu (taking the worst painful sites of muscle spasm as the points), and the mechanisms of meridian intervention efficacy should be adopted to explain yizhi weishu (feelings from patients and acupuncture operators). Furthermore, this article provides an analysis of the future trends in basic research of meridian tendons.

Exploration of the theory of Renying Cunkou pulse method recorded in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon / 中国针灸

Renying Cunkou pulse method is one of the classical pulse methods of acupuncture-moxibustion in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, which is also a classical clinical paradigm for diagnosing and treating meridian diseases in the ancient times. Based on comprehensive review of literature and clinical practice, this paper reveals that this method compares the size of the neck Renying pulse with hand Cunkou pulse to determine the change of yin-yang and excess-deficiency identifying the affected meridians. The jing-well, xing-spring, and shu-stream points of the surface and interior meridians of affected meridians are mainly selected to regulate deficiency and excess through reinforcing and reducing methods. The Renying Cunkou pulse method possesses a simple and practical medical theory, easy diagnostic procedure, and clear meridian selection for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment, warranting further exploration of its essence and diagnostic therapeutic principles.

Exploration of the diagnosis and treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia with acupuncture based on jingjin theory / 中国针灸

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is caused by kidney deficiency and impaired qi transformation of the urinary bladder and is manifested by the stagnation of essence chamber. Based on jingjin (muscle region of meridian, sinew/fascia) theory and taking the visceral membrane as the principal, acupuncture is delivered at sinew/fascia to promote qi circulation, resolve stasis and open the orifice. Guided by CT, the needle is inserted at Zhongji (CV 3), the front-mu point of the urinary bladder, and then goes to the prostatic capsule, meaning "the disease of zang organ is treated by needling the front-mu point". In treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, this acupuncture therapy stimulates the different layers of fascia, by which, the defensive qi on the exterior is regulated and "essence orifice" in the interior is adjusted so that the urination can be promoted.

Professor SUN Weizheng's Experience in Diagnosing and Treating Multiple Myeloma with the Clearing-Releasing Therapy / 中医杂志

The article summarized professor SUN Weizheng's clinical experience in treating multiple myeloma using the clearing-releasing therapy. It is believed that the mechanism of multiple myeloma is kidney essence insufficiency， pathogenic toxin erosion， and blinding of phlegm and stasis. The treatment should consider both the deficiency and the excess， and the root and branch. Thus， the clearing-releasing therapy is proposed. “Clearing” refers to the approach of supplementing deficiency and reinforcing health while advocating the use of clearing and supplementing products to replenish without generating additional pathogenic factors. Additionally， products that clear heat， resolve toxins， dispel stasis， dissolve phlegm， and eliminate masses is suggested to benefit for clearing away pathogenic toxins. “Releasing” means to replenish the normal yang qi with sweet-warm and acrid-warm products on the basis of “clearing” method， and to release the cold pathogen constraint in the muscles and bones. Based on the principle of clearing and releasing， the selfmade Jishi Beverage （济世饮） is formulated to supplement the kidney and secure essence， dispel phlegm and dissolve stasis， resolve toxins and dissipate masses. The prescription can be modified according to syndrome differentiation. It is also advocated to use multiple methods and pay attention to external therapies such as enema for relieving constipation and draining heat， and to combine acupuncture and medicine to relieve pain.

Discussion on the relationship between yuan-source points of yang meridians and diseases of fu- organs / 中国针灸

Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor 's Canon of Medicine) establishes the theory that yuan-source points are indicated in zangfu diseases. However, compared with the yuan-source points of yin meridians for the treatment of zang-organ diseases, there is less attention to the indication of yuan-source points of yang meridians for fu-organ diseases, and this statement is even questioned. Collating the early literature and associating with the researches of medical experts, it is found that Nanjing (Classic of Difficult Questions) should be the theoretic origin that yuan-source points of yang meridians are indicated in fu-organ diseases. Regarding the reasons why this theory has not received clinical attention, the three aspects are involved, i.e. the theoretic completion of "he-sea points of three-foot-yang meridians for the diseases of six fu-organs", the limitation of the theory itself, and the lack of literature materials. It is proposed that the exploration on this theory should be deepened in views of the essence of yuan-source points relevant with the characteristic of the wrist-ankle pulse palpation region, acupoint combination, modern technology, etc.

Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's experience of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders / 中国针灸

Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's diagnosis and treatment method and manipulation key points of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders are summarized. Professor ZHUANG proposes that psychosomatic disorders can be subdivided into "mind-body disorder" and "body-mind disorder". The former requires treatment aimed at regulating the mind. The main acupoints are Sishenzhen, Shenting (GV 24), Yintang (GV 24+), Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The additional acupoints are Suliao (GV 25), Shuigou (GV 26), Shenmai (BL 62), Zhaohai (KI 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3), etc. The latter requires treatment aimed at improving the original diseases, supplemented by regulating the mind (row acupuncture on the governor vessel). Acupoint selection is based on the theories of brain-mind, and the emphasis is placed on the governor vessel; in the meanwhile, regulating zangfu and qi-blood should be valued. After the arrival of qi, the Daoqi Tongjing method (the specific technique for directing qi and preserving essence) is applied, combined with auricular point sticking and fire needling at affected part to enhance the curative effect.

A "4D" systemic view on meridian essence: Substantial, functional, chronological and cultural attributes / 中西医结合学报

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.

The characteristics of stroke in Longjiang area and summary of acupuncture treatment thoughts / 国际中医中药杂志

Heilongjiang Province has unique geographical environment, which makes the difference in population morbidity. This paper summarizes the physiological and pathological characteristics of stroke in Longjiang area from the regional factors and dietary factors. The paper also summarizes the treatment thoughts of acupuncture and moxibustion doctors in Longjiang area, mainly including five aspects: Knowing all diseases but treating the essence one, combining theory and practice, combining Chinese and western medicine, combining acupuncture and Chinese medicine, preventing diseases through learning and observing tiny clues. This article aims to summarize the experience of Longjiang acupuncture scholars and enriches the medical connotation of Longjiang area.

Effect of Daoqi Tongjing needling method on intra-uterine residue after drug abortion from the perspectives of Hegu (LI 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) / 中国针灸

The paper introduces professor ZHUANG Li-xing's clinical experience in treatment of intra-uterine residue and lochia after drug abortion. Professor ZHUANG believes that this disorder is related to "dysfunction of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel, qi deficiency and blood stagnation, and retention of turbid qi in the uterus" in pathogenesis. The treating principle should focus on "regulating the functions of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel, tonifying qi and eliminating stasis, as well as promoting qi movement". Besides Hegu (LI 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), the acupoints are added from the conception vessel. The Daoqi Tongjing needling technique (the specific technique for directing qi and preserving essence) is exerted flexibly instead of traditional reinforcing and reducing technique of acupuncture to tonify qi and remove stasis.

Professor LIN Guo-hua's clinical experience in staging treatment for post-stroke dysphagia / 中国针灸

The paper summarizes professor LIN Guo-hua's clinical experience in staging treatment for post-stroke dysphagia. Professor LIN Guo-hua adheres to "essence and marrow deficiency and primary yang decline" as the pathogenesis and "conducting yin from yang " as the treating principle. By regulating the conception vessel and the governor vessel and focusing on yang meridians, in association with meridian differentiation and the location differentiation, professor LIN provides the staging treatment for post-stroke dysphagia. At the oral phase, yangming is dysfunction, manifested as facial paralysis and flaccid tongue. In treatment, reducing method is predominated at yangming meridian specially. At the pharyngeal phase, shaoyang is invaded by pathogens, manifested as pivoting dysfunction. The treatment focuses on communicating the exterior with the interior and promoting shaoyang meridian. At the esophageal phase, yangming meridian is deficiency and the turbid qi fails to descend, thus the reinforcing method is dominated to promote and tonify yangming. Additionally, the kinesiotherapy of acupuncture is assisted and the Lingnan fire needling therapy is used particularly. All of the summaries above provide the reference for the clinical treatment of post-stroke dysphagia.

Essence of SUN Shen-tian's clinical features on acupuncture and moxibustion / 中国针灸

To summarize SUN Shen-tian's treatment ideas and clinical features. SUN applies meridian syndrome differentiation to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases; advocates that prevention and treatment of diseases should be regulated mind firstly; applies transcranial repetitive acupuncture combined modern cerebral cortex function positioning; emphasizes the application of multiple acupuncture methods and manipulation, and includes the meridian penetrating needling method, the flat needling and penetrating needling method, and the stagnant needle lifting method, pays attention to the importance of achieving qi and manipulation for the effect.

Footprints on the foundation road of Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in seventy years / 中国针灸

The exploration and representative achievements of Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences are reviewed during the past 70 years since its foundation in the basic research field, e.g. theoretic innovation, literature research, cultural relic study and museum construction, as well as acupuncture-moxibustion standardization. Besides, the analysis is conducted on the relevant aspects that needs to be improved or enhanced. Facing the future and reviewing the original aspiration, the approaches to the new journey of inheritance and innovation in Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion have been explored, i.e. discovering rules, creating innovation methods, constructing platform and refining essence.

Anatomical basis of transition from eleven to twelve meridians in Han dynasty / 中国针灸

The discovery of modern evolutionary anatomy shows that the persistent median artery in the upper arm is a common variant with an increasing trend. This phenomenon can explain well the transition from the eleven meridians described in the Han silk and bamboo slips to the twelve meridians finalized in

Essence of acupoints and meridians based on the studies of myofascial trigger points / 中国针灸

Based on the modern anatomy and physiology, the referred pain of myofascial trigger points of each muscle is integrated; compared with the twelve meridians as well as conception vessel and governor vessel, the similarity of their position and running course is observed. With the current research progress of myofascial trigger points and fasciology, based on the running course of referred pain of trigger points, combined with fascia mechanics, nerve and vascular, the location of acupoints and meridians, as well as the relationship between acupoints and meridians, are discussed.

Enfermagem e a prática avançada da acupuntura para alívio da lombalgia gestacional / Enfermería y práctica avanzada de la acupuntura para alivio de lumbalgia en el embarazo / Nursing and advanced acupuncture for relief of low back pain during pregnancy

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos da prática de acupuntura realizada no alívio da dor lombar em gestantes que se encontram no segundo e terceiro trimestre de gravidez, bem como na execução das atividades diárias. Métodos Estudo quase experimental, antes e depois, realizado com 56 gestantes com idade gestacional entre 14 e 37 semanas e queixa referida de dor lombar. Foram realizadas seis sessões de acupuntura, duas vezes por semana, com 30 minutos, cada uma, com a aplicação de pontos sistêmicos e auriculares. Para avaliação da dor utilizou-se a Escala Analógica Visual. Foram calculadas frequência absoluta e relativa para variáveis categóricas e média e desvio padrão para variáveis numéricas. Os testes utilizados para associação foram o Wilcoxon, para medidas pareadas, e teste de McNemar. Resultados Encontrou-se redução significante (p<0,05) dos escores do índice de dor. A média da dor diminuiu na avaliação da segunda (4,92), quarta (3,24) e sexta (1,00) sessão. Algumas mulheres tiveram sua dor cessada antes de completar as seis sessões e houve melhora nas atividades prejudicadas pela dor. Conclusão A acupuntura proporcionou efeitos favoráveis à saúde das participantes, pois houve redução na dor logo a partir da segunda sessão. Acredita-se que os enfermeiros possam rever a qualidade da assistência às gestantes, a partir do conhecimento de técnicas que contribuem a um cuidado integral, pois a enfermagem tem na sua essência o processo de cuidado holístico do cliente, visando suas necessidades, contribuindo para que suas ações, enquanto profissionais de Medicina Tradicional Chinesa, sejam realizadas de maneira qualificada, eficiente e humanizada.

Resumen Objetivo analizar los efectos de la práctica de acupuntura realizada para aliviar el dolor lumbar en embarazadas que están en el segundo y tercer trimestre de embarazo, así como en la ejecución de las actividades diarias. Métodos estudio cuasi experimental, antes y después, realizado con 56 mujeres embarazadas entre 14 y 37 semanas de edad gestacional y quejas de dolor lumbar. Fueron realizadas seis sesiones de acupuntura, dos veces por semana, de 30 minutos cada una, con la aplicación de puntos sistémicos y auriculares. Para evaluar el dolor, se utilizó la escala análoga visual. Se calculó frecuencia absoluta y relativa de variables categóricas y promedio de desviación típica de variables numéricas. Las pruebas utilizadas para asociación fueron Wilcoxon, para medidas pareadas, y la prueba de McNemar. Resultados se encontró una reducción significativa (p<0,05) de la puntuación del índice del dolor. El promedio del dolor se redujo en la evaluación de la segunda (4,92), cuarta (3,24) y sexta (1,00) sesión. Algunas mujeres dejaron de tener dolor antes de terminar las seis sesiones y hubo una mejora en las actividades perjudicadas por el dolor. Conclusión la acupuntura proporcionó efectos favorables a la salud de las participantes, ya que hubo una reducción del dolor a partir de la segunda sesión. Se cree que los enfermeros pueden rever la calidad de la atención a mujeres embarazadas a partir del conocimiento de técnicas que contribuyen a un cuidado integral, pues la esencia de la enfermería es el proceso de cuidado holístico del cliente, con el objetivo de atender sus necesidades y contribuir para que sus acciones, en tanto profesionales de la Medicina Tradicional China, sean realizadas de manera cualificada, eficiente y humanizada.

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of acupuncture practice on the relief of low back pain in pregnant women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy and in the performance of daily activities. Methods Quasi-experimental, before and after study performed with 56 pregnant women at gestational age between 14 and 37 weeks, who complained of low back pain. Six acupuncture sessions were performed twice a week lasting 30 minutes each and application of systemic and auricular points. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to assess pain. Absolute and relative frequency were calculated for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation for numerical variables. The tests used for the association were the Wilcoxon for paired measurements, and the McNemar's test. Results There was a significant reduction (p<0.05) in pain index scores. The mean pain score decreased in the evaluation of the second (4.92), fourth (3.24) and sixth (1.00) sessions. For some women, the pain ceased before completing the six sessions and there was improvement in performance of activities impaired by pain. Conclusion Acupuncture provided favorable effects for the health of participants, because their pain reduced after the second session. Nurses can review the quality of care to pregnant women based on the knowledge of techniques that contribute to comprehensive care. The holistic care of clients is part of the essence of nursing, aims at patients' needs and contributes that nurses' actions as Traditional Chinese Medicine professionals are performed in a qualified, efficient and humanized way.

: the extension of acupuncture and moxibustion theory on the exerting site of treatment / 中国针灸

It is common to use acupuncture and moxibustion at unspecified area on the skin, however, its theoretical improvement is little compared with the specified area such as acupoint. The concept of originated from the discussion regarding the function and significance of the crossing of minute collateral and . Based on the in-depth analysis of relevant texts, it is believed that its content and nature should belong to the theoretical understanding of acupuncture at unspecified area; moreover, the correlation and differences of theory and expression between and acupoint is analyzed from the perspective of acupuncture treatment location. The discussion on is theoretical improvement of acupuncture treatment experience at unspecified area, which should become the resource of acupuncture theoretical construction, and enrich the understanding of the law and essence of acupuncture stimulation on the body surface.