Return of Qibo: on hypothesis of sensitization state of acupoints / 中国针灸

To discuss the hypothesis of the sensitization state of acupoints based on the original definition and the localization method of acupoint from Internal Classic as well as the clinical evidence of heat-sensitive moxibustion. Acupoints are different in the states, named resting and sensitization. The acupoints of sensitization state are the reactive sites of disease on the body surface, also the best sites for acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. The acupoints are the specific sensitive sites on the body surface relevant with diseases with the best therapeutic effects. Hence, the acupoints of sensitization state are of dynamic variability. In clinical application, only the two-step location method, preliminary and accurate localizations (sensitive probing localization) from Internal Classic can localize the acupoints precisely, rather than one-step location method such as proportional measurement or body surface landmark localization. The nature and property of acupoints are different based on the functional state, not just on the fixed locations.

Comparison of detecting heat-sensitive condition of Neiguan (PC 6) in heart-qi deficiency patients with moxibustion sensation and with infrared / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the method of detecting heat-sensitive (HS) condition of Neiguan (PC 6) with moxibustion sensation and with infrared in heart-qi deficiency patients (HQD), and to find an objective detection method for HS condition of acupoints.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The study was performed on 74 HQD patients. Take infrared thermograph of the tested skin area in natural state. Then thermosensitive test was taken after infrared thermograph acquisition (suspended moxibustion for 10 min). After moxibustion infrared radiometry was implemented for the second time. The infrared radiation information of the forearms was collected and the major axis of the moxibustion reaction area was recorded. The effect of moxibustion sensation and infrared detection on HS Neiguan (PC 6) in HQD patients was compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>When the Neiguan (PC 6) in HQD patients was on HS condition, most of the infrared intensity was high temperature and compared with moxibustion sensation method, the sensitivity was 66.7%, the specificity 76.9%, and the accuracy 70.3%. After moxibustion on the HS Neiguan (PC 6) area, the infrared intensity diffused longitudinally along inner side of forearms. Compared with the result of the moxibustion sensation method, its sensitivity was 87.5%, the specificity 92.3%, and the accuracy 89.2%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>(1) The state of HS condition of Neiguan (PC 6) in HQD patients could be detected objectively by infrared radiation. (2) After moxibustion, the HS condition of acupoints produced thermal phenomena as thermal expansion, heat transfer, which could be demonstated objectively by the infrared radiation image as well as the sensation of subjects.</p>

Effect of dandi tablet on blood lipids and sex hormones in women of postmenopausal stage / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of Dandi Tablet (DDT), a TCM preparation for tonifying Shen and activating blood circulation, on blood lipids and sex hormones in women of postmenopausal stage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-three women were randomly divided into two groups. The 46 subjects in the DDT group were treated with DDT (consisted of prepared Rehmannia Root 24 g, Dogwood Fruit 9 g, Poria 9 g, Water-plantain 9 g, Tuber Peony bark 9 g, Chinese Yam 12 g and Red Sage 15 g, etc.) twice a day, 4 tablets each time. The 27 subjects in the control group were treated with nylestriol (each tablet contains 2.5 mg of 17 alpha-ethynylestriol-3-cyclopentyl ether) 5 mg every month, for 3 successive months. Levels of blood lipids, including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C, LDL-C), apoprotein A and B (apoA, apoB) and sex hormones, including follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and estradiol (E2) were determined before and after treatment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with pre-treatment, after treatment, levels of TC/HDL-C and FSH significantly lowered, HDL-C and E2 increased in both groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), levels of TG lowered and apoA increased significantly in the DDT group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DDT has the effect of elevating levels of estrogen and improving blood lipid metabolism, therefore shows a coronary heart disease preventive effect in women of postmenopausal stage.</p>