Study on the quantitative evaluation parameter system for basic acupuncture manipulations based on 3D motion tracking technology / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To establish a quantitative evaluation parameter system for basic acupuncture manipulations based on 3D motion tracking technology, and to further analyze the characteristics of acupuncture manipulation.@*METHODS@#The motion tracking system Simi Motion Ver.8.5 was used to collect parameters of acupuncture manipulations, so as to establish a quantitative evaluation system mainly in spatial control parameters, time control parameters and stability parameters. Based on the evaluation parameter system, data of acupuncture manipulations (even reinforcing-reducing manipulation using lifting-thrusting technique and twirling technique) were collected from 19 teachers majored in acupuncture-moxibustion, of which the characteristics were analyzed and were compared with the results tested by traditional ATP-Ⅱ acupuncture manipulation parameter determination apparatus (ATP-Ⅱ).@*RESULTS@#The evaluation parameter system could quantitatively analyze the basic acupuncture manipulations in 3 aspects, i.e. space, time and stability. Acupuncture manipulations were performed by shifting the needle body in a certain range along X, Y and Z axes. The amplitude and speed of thumb movement were greater than those of index finger. The time-history of lifting was similar to thrusting, while the time-history of twirling to left was similar to twirling to right in even reinforcing-reducing manipulation. The coordinate-time curve of finger movement of the evaluation system had consistent wave pattern compared with the voltage-time curve generated by ATP-Ⅱ.@*CONCLUSION@#The quantitative evaluation parameter system based on 3D motion tracking technology can objectively evaluate basic acupuncture manipulations, and show the characteristics of different manipulations and the movement details of finger joints.

New Proposals for Application of Terahertz Imaging Technique in Chinese Medicine / 中国结合医学杂志

The rapid development of terahertz technology promotes the realization of various terahertz imaging systems. Terahertz technology features terahertz waves as good non-invasive illumination sources due to their high spectral resolution, penetration and safety. The terahertz imaging technique (TIT) has gradually been extended from the biomedical field to the field of Chinese medicine (CM), and it has become a powerful tool for seeking scientific evidence for CM theories with the use of modern science and technology. This paper reviews the current application of TITs in the field of CM research, and most importantly offers novel proposals for the application of TITs in CM research from the perspective of CM syndrome objectification and acupuncture research and cites existing reports as reference to the feasibility of these new proposals.

Conduction pathway and function of physical signals of moxibustion stimulus / 中国针灸

By reviewing the relevant literature in recent years, this paper analyzes the transformation and conduction of moxibustion physical signals, and explores the action mechanism of moxibustion. It is found that the different molecular targets activated by moxibustion photothermal signal are the keys to transform stimulation signal into biological signal. Photothermal signal transmits signal through neuroendocrine immune system and produces a series of biological reactions, thus regulating the functions of various systems of the body.

Development of handshape / 中国针灸

A new type of handshape

Design and implementation of a method for temperature parameter collection inside acupoint / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To realize real-time measurement and recording of temperature parameters inside acupoints during acupuncture treatment.@*METHODS@#The fine wire thermocouple was embedded in hollow needle body as acupoint detection probe. According to the structure of acupoint temperature signal processing circuit, the Agilent 34420A nanovolt/micro-eurometer was used to design the technology method of acupoint temperature data acquisition, and an acupoint temperature collection platform was established. In addition, a verification experiment was conducted to verify the feasibility and stability of the system.@*RESULTS@#The contrast experiment with mercury thermometer measurement showed that the temperature measurement curve of the designed acupoint temperature data collection platform was highly consistent with that of the standard thermometer, which verified the stability and reliability of the designed temperature measurement platform. The experiment of animal in-vivo measurement showed that the acupoint temperature probe had good feasibility for in-vivo acupoint temperature measurement.@*CONCLUSION@#Acupoint temperature probe and acupoint temperature data collection technology can measure the temperature inside acupoints, and ensured the accuracy and veracity of the results. As an experimental method of acupoints temperature parameter collection, it can quantitatively record the temperature changes during the acupuncture treatment.

Effects of different acupuncture and moxibustion methods on ultrastructure of gastrocnemius in rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the efficacy differences in early intervention of different acupuncture and moxibustion methods on gastrocnemius fatigue in rats induced by electrical stimulation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Fifty male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, a hand acupuncture group, an electroacupuncture group and a moxibustion group, 10 rats in each group. Electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve was given in the control group and gastrocnemius fatigue test was induced by electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve in the model group after anesthesia without other treatment, but just take 6 times interval stimulation in the control group. The hand acupuncture group, the electroacupuncture group and the moxibustion group were treated with the corresponding acupoints stimulation method respectively for 20 min before gastrocnemius fatigue test, and Dazhui (GV 14) and Zusanli (ST 36) were selected. Immediately after gastrocnemius fatigue test, three or four gastrocnemius tissues at the same site on the right side were quickly taken for making specimen for transmission electron microscope (TEM). The changes of skeletal muscle ultrastructure of myofibrils, mitochondria, sarcoplasmic reticulum, glycogen particles were observed under TEM.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Muscle fibers disorder, partial mitochondrial vacuolization and glycogen particles smaller were shown in the model group. (2) No abnormalities were shown in the hand acupuncture group and the moxibustion group with mitochondrial morphology and number, which better than that in the model group, and glycogen particles increased. (3) Abnormal changes in morphology were shown in the electroacupuncture group with part of the muscle fibers derangement, Z line malalignment and a few mitochondria vacuolization.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Hand acupuncture, electroacupuncture and moxibustion have the different effects on ultrastructure of gastrocoemius in rats. Acupuncture and moxibustion have shown good effects on the prevention and treatment of exercise-induced skeletal muscle cell and organelle damage and delaying exercise-induced fatigue.</p>

Electroacupuncture therapy and corrosion of acupuncture needle / 中国针灸

During the process of electroacupuncture (EA) therapy, whether there being a corrosive effect in ac- upuncture needles was observed. Acupuncture needles were inserted into a rabbit's acupoint to perform a 12-hour electrical stimulation with three types of common EA waveform; additionally two needles were put in 0.9% sodium chloride solution with 12-hour direct current. Afterwards, environmental scanning electron microscope was applied to detect the surface physical characteristics of acupuncture needles. As a result, after a 12-hour continued electri- cal stimulation with three types of common EA waveform in the rabbit, there was no corrosive effect in acupunc- ture needles; but the direct current could cause severe corrosion in acupuncture needles. It is believed that there is no corrosion effect on acupuncture needles in current EA treatment, and some accidents reported in literature may be related to quality of EA device or improper manipulation during the treatment.

Effect of quantitative acupuncture manipulation on the skin temperature of acupoints / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To verify the effect of lifting-thrusting reinforcing manipulation at Hegu (LI 4) of the right side on skin temperature on the Large Intestine Meridian.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty healthy volunteers were needled at Hegu (LI 4) on the right side with lifting-thrusting reinforcing manipulation at the depth of 5 - 8 mm, 100 times/min in freqency for 1 min. With PowerLab 8/30 eight-channel high-speed recorders and specially equipped skin temperature detector, the temperatures of Shangyang (LI 1) on the bilateral side, Hegu (LI 4) and Kouheliao (LI 19) on the left side were tested at the time 30 min before the needling, 1 min during the needling and 30 min after the needling.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After the lifting-thrusting reinforcing manipulation on the right Hegu (LI 4), the average skin temperature (27.89 +/- 3.56) degrees C before the needling at the left Hegu (LI 4) was increased to (28.30 +/- 2.81) degrees C, the temperature of right Shangyang (LI 1) (24.57 +/- 4.29) degrees C was increased to (26.30 +/- 4.32) degrees C, left Shangyang (LI 1) (25.13 +/- 5.07) degrees C to (26.58 +/- 4.92) degrees C and left Kouheliao (LI 19) (32.11 +/- 1.68) degrees C to (32.25 +/- 2.15) degrees C, all of which were significantly improved to different degrees (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The lifting-thrusting reinforcing manipulation has an effect of increasing skin temperature of acupoints, and the temperature changes after needling are along meridians and have specificity of acupoins.</p>

Study on dose-effect relationship of electroacupuncture with different current intensities alleviating tibial cancer pain and inhibition of expression of spinal GFAP in rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the dose-effect relationship of electroacupuncture of different current intensities combined with Morphine of different dosage on alleviating the rats' tibial cancer pain, and explore the possible mechanism, which could provide the experiment basis for alleviating the tibial cancer pain by electroacupuncture combined with Morphine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred female Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and eight treatment groups, 10 cases in each group. The rats in the treatment groups were treated by combined therapies of electroacupuncture of different intensities with 2 Hz /100 Hz dense-disperse wave on "Jiaji"(EX-B 2)and different dosage Morphine in 2 factor 3 level conditions, once a day for 6 days. The pain thresholds were observed before the treatment and 0 min, 1 h, 2 h and 5 h after the first treatment as well as after 3 and 6 times of treatments. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression was determined by immunohistochemical method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The rats' pain thresholds were significantly increased with electroacupuncture of 2 mA and 1 mA (all P < 0.01) on the 0 min, 1 h and 2 h of the first treatment, between which there were no significant differences (all P > 0.05). The pain threshold was still increased by electroacupuncture of 2 mA on the 5 h of the treatment (P < 0.01), while that of 1 mA failed to take effect (P > 0.05). After 3 and 6 times of treatments, both electroacupuncture of 2 mA and 1 mA had the effect of increasing the pain threshold (all P < 0.01), and the effect of 2 mA was superior to that of 1 mA (P < 0.05), had the synergistic effect with 5 mg/(kg x d) Morphine (P < 0.05). After 6 times of treatments, both electroacupuncture of 2 mA and 1 mA could inhibit the expression of GFAP (both P < 0.01), and there was no significant difference between them (P > 0.05). Both of 5 mg/(kg x d) and 2.5 mg/(kg x d) of Morphine, however, didn't bring about inhibition effect (P > 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is a does-effect relationship on electroacupuncture of different current intensity for alleviating the tibial cancer pain in rats. The electroacupuncture with 2 mA, which is better than that with 1 mA, has the synergistic effect with 5 mg/(kg x d) of Morphine. The electroacupuncture can inhibit the expression of GFAP to cooperate with Morphine for the purpose of alleviating the rats' tibial cancer pain.</p>

Advances of studies on relieving of exercise-induced fatigue by transcutanclus electrical acupoint stimulation / 中国针灸

The occurrence of exercise-induced fatigue can be delayed and exercise endurance can be strengthened by removing lactic acid, decreasing serum creatine kinase, elevating hemoglobin, maintaining blood glucose, eliminating free radical, regulating amino acid metabolism and retaining heart rate with transcutanclus electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS). Problems in the above researching field are generalized in this paper. For instance, the point selection is relatively simple; the selection of wave band, frequency and duration during the application of TEAS apparatus are not unified; and observation indices mainly remained in the aspect of biochemistry. It also prospects the future directions of TEAS relieving exercise-induced fatigue including selecting acupuncture point by differentiation of symptoms and signs, setting uniform standards for TEAS, and studying the mechanisms of TEAS relieving exercise-induced fatigue by testing gonadal axis, adrenal axis, gene and protein.

Analysis on resistance testing and technological research of acupoints / 中国针灸

In order to summarize and analyze the progresses and problems of resistance testing and technology research on acupoints, investigate the related solutions, articles on resistance testing from 1990 to 2011 were collected, and advantages and shortcomings of different types of testing instruments were discussed in this article as well. Detection technology of acupoint impedance has under updating changes, which are often applied on locating acupoints and clinical diagnosis. The progresses of those technologies are mainly embodied in improvement of circuit model, which enable a longer testing duration, less media interference and so on. The previous studies often focus on resistance testing of the skin. Since dermal resistance does not equal to acupoint resistance, the designation of equivalent circuit does not embody the condition of cells, tissues and nerves at acupoints, and testing technology is often affected by factors such as polarization of electrodes, contact medium and anatomical characteristics of acupoints, the resistance of acupoints can not be taken as the effective framework of the diagnostic standard and judgement of therapeutic effect in clinic. Based on the key problems in resistance testing of acupoints, it is proposed by the article that the techniques and designation of circuit model should be reformed, and mathematical model should be established in the study to meet the requirement of the life system. Inductance of human body should be considered in resistance research of acupoints, and interference factors should be eliminate as far as possible in designation of equipments. Thus, the change law of acupoint resistance in the inner part of the body can be fully embodied by the designation of experiments.

Effects of 650 nm laser and moxibustion pretreatment on enteric nervous system and medullary visceral zone in rats with visceral traction pain / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore effects of 650 nm laser and moxibustion pretreatment on visceral traction pain (VTP) and its mechanism.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Forty male SD rats were randomly devided into a sham operation group (group A), a VTP group (group B), a 650 nm laser pretreatment group (group C), a moxibustion pretreatment group (group D). Rats in group A and group B were not treated except sham operation or VTP model. In group C and D, the VTP models were produced immediate after 650 nm laser irradiation or moxibustion at "Zusanli" (ST 36), respectively. The changes of pain score and systolic pressure were investigated and the activity of AChE, the content of SP and leu-enkephaline (LEK), and the positive index of c-Fos protein and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were detected by biochemistry, radio-immunity method and immunohistochemistry, respectively.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with group A, the pain score, systolic pressure, the activity of AChE, the content of SP, and the positive index of c-Fos protein and GFAP of group B increased significantly (all P < 0.05); compared with group B, the pain score, AChE activity, the content of SP and the positive index of c-Fos protein and GFAP of both group C and group D decreased significantly (all P < 0.05); compared with group B, the content of LEK increased and systolic pressure decreased significantly in group C (both P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Both 650 nm laser and moxibustion pretreatment can inhibit VTP and the mechanism may be related to reducing the activity of AChE and the content of SP, and increasing the activity of LEK and decreasing the expression of c-Fos protein and GFAP.</p>

Thinking and status of research on acupoint temperature sensor needle / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT Based on acupoint temperature sensor needle related literatures, the development and the applications of temperature sensor needle and the measuring instrument which is used for measuring the temperature of acupoints are introduced in the present paper. This paper summarizes the basic structure and measuring principle of temperature sensor needle; it also summarizes the hardware and measuring procedures of the measuring instrument. According to the characteristics of the temperature sensor needle, this paper states its broad applications and development trend.

Research prospect for sensing needle in Chinese medicine / 中国针灸

The domestic and abroad research literatures on sensing needle in Chinese medicine in recent years are retrieved. The design principle and application situation of calcium sensing needle, temperature sensing needle, pH sensing needle and oxygen partial pressure sensing needle are summarized. The findings suggest that the sensing needle can be used in the measurements of in vivo, location positioning, fixed-point, real time, and dynamic state with little or no damage to the human body. It can be used as a transducer or a device for treatment. This paper proposes that the sensing needle can be used in the measurements in clinical practices of western medicine; it will facilitate the development of Chinese and western integrative medicine.

Compilation experience of national standard Standardized Manipulation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Part 11, Electroacupuncture / 中国针灸

The main structure and content of the national standard Standardized Manipulation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Part 11, Electroacupuncture are analyzed in retrospection of its compilation process. Discussions are made concerning arguments on the central idea and problems appeared during the compilation. Meanwhile, key points which should be noticed in clinical application are advanced as well.

Effect of acupuncture on regulating skeletal muscle endurance in rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of acupuncture on skeletal muscle endurance in rats as a pre-games assistant training.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: control, model and acupuncture group. Acupuncture group was treated at "Dazhui" (GV 14), "Housanli" (ST 36) by twisting mild reinforcing-reducing method for 20 min, no interventions were added on control and model group. Muscle strength was detected in three groups under anaesthetic (after model established in model group, after model established and treated in acupuncture group). Averaged change percentage of mean skeletal muscle endurance (P(m)) and averaged maximum percentage of skeletal muscle endurance (P(max)) were evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) 10P(m) in model group decreased more than acupuncture group statistically (P < 0.05); 20P(m), 30P(m) and 40P(m) in model group decreased significantly compared to those in control group and acupuncture group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). (2) Changes of 10P(max) in acupuncture group was much less than in model group (P < 0.05); changes of 20P(max), 30P(max), 40P(max) and 50P(max) decreased more in model group than in acupuncture group and control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>As an assistant training method, acupuncture can postpone descending point of muscle strength endurance to delay sport fatigue.</p>

Research on compound electroacupuncture waveforms by microcomputer control / 中国针灸

Reviewing the development and the current situation of electroacupuncture, the deficiencies and shortcomings of electroacupuncture instrument applied in clinic and laboratory are analyzed. It is proposed that compound electroacupuncture waveform is an inevitable trend for electroacupuncture technique development. Based on the clinic and experiment needs, three different waveforms are taken as the model of compound electroacupuncture waveforms. Controlled by the microcomputer technique, the compound electroacupuncture waveforms are more multiple and precise, which will expand the range of application of electroacupuncture.

Biophysical characteristics of moxibustion / 中国针灸

In recent years, investigation focusing on biophysical characteristics of moxibustion results in advancement. The investigations aiming at elucidating the mechanism of maoxibustion from the angle of biophysics show that the effectiveness of moxibustion results not only from thermal effect, but also from the combine effects of spectral radiation, bio-thermal effect and non-thermal-bio effect. Currently, multi-discipline techniques are applied in research about biophysical characteristics of moxibustion which received broad attention. These researches show a good way and method to elucidating the mechanism of moxibustion; furthermore, they provid experimental evidence for the advancement in clinical practices and the research and design of imitating moxibustion instruments. This paper states the researches focusing on the effect of moxibustion on local body temperature, the infrared spectrum characteristics of moxibustion, bio-thermal effect and energy conversion of moxibustion, bio-heat transfer of moxibustion and microcirculation.

Application of "Acupuncture Manipulation Information Analyzing System" in acupuncture manipulation education / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the application of analyzing systems and techniques in acupuncture manipulation education that may improve students' acupuncture manipulation skills.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The teacher's acupuncture manipulation (TAM) was recorded in wave, data and video information by the Analyzing System. Students practised, adjusted and corrected their manipulation skills according to the TAM. After finishing the training sessions, the system's grading function evaluated every student's performance.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After training, the stability of the students' acupuncture manipulation skills and their achievement were both significantly improved (P < 0.01, P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The Analyzing System benefits for imitating and learning the manipulations of specilists and can improve the education quality.</p>

Thinking about academic development of acupuncture and moxibustion in recent ten years / 中国针灸

Through combing the academic development of acupuncture in recent ten years, objectively reflects the real development status of acupuncture subject on these aspects sucl as basis, clinic, equipment, teaching and standardization, etc., shows the scientific and technological achievements and the highlights of the acupuncture academic development, analyzes the bottleneck and dilemma of the acupuncture academic development. It is indicated that there are several problems existed in acupuncture researche at present, such as the scale and the input of the acupuncture theory research are not enough, the basic research and clinical application is disjointed, the correlation between the acupoints and viscera need more systematic and further researches, the design level of clinical research on acupoints' main indications should be improved. From now on we should follow the inherent rule of the traditional theory of Chinese medicine and the way of integrated thinking, explore the new rule of acupuncture academic development, in order to fit the new historical period, and comprehensively promote the sustainable and coordinated development of acupuncture science.