Survey research on the perceptions and issues of ordinary women regarding cosmetic acupuncture / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the awareness and perceptions of cosmetic acupuncture among ordinary women.[Method] A questionnaire method was adopted, with a target population of 1,000 ordinary women living in Shizuoka prefecture, which is considered a suitable location for test marketing in Japan.Questionnaires were distributed through the Chambers of Commerce in the prefecture by age group, according to the population ratio, and responses were obtained. The items included (1) basic information; (2) presence and type of facial cosmetic concerns; (3) experience of acupuncture, awareness of cosmetic acupuncture, the medium through which they learned of it, perception of effects, and experience of cosmetic acupuncture; (4) effects and types of cosmetic acupuncture, presence or absence of adverse effects, current treatment status, desired treatment outcomes and reasons for seeking treatment, wishes from treatment clinics, and wishes from practitioners; and (5) 1 month's investment in beauty.[Result] The response rate was 56.2%, and 91.8% of the participants perceived that they had facial cosmetic concerns; 28.8% had experience with acupuncture, whereas 42.0% had knowledge regarding cosmetic acupuncture. Television (45.3%) was the primary source of information regarding this. The most prevalent perception of the effects of cosmetic acupuncture was lifting (44.8%), and 43.2% of the 521 participants inexperienced with cosmetic acupuncture consented to treatment. Participants mostly reported being somewhat interested in the procedure as their reason for wanting to receive treatment (45.3%). The most common reason for opting out of treatment was due to pain (52.6%). Of those who experienced cosmetic acupuncture, 60.0% said they experienced positive effects, and lifting (62.5%) is the most frequently perceived outcome, which matched the commonly held perception. However, among the participants, 45.0% reported negative effects, while 47.5% received the treatment two or more times in the past but did not continue. Participants mainly wanted clean treatment centers and skilled practitioners. The most common monthly investment in beauty was between 3,000 yen and 5,000 yen (28.5%).[Discussion/Conclusion] The results suggest that many women have cosmetic concerns regarding their faces and expect lifting from cosmetic acupuncture. The low treatment rate among women and their reasons for not seeking re-treatment were elucidated in this study, despite their degree of awareness. Further, the problems associated with the development of cosmetic acupuncture were clarified.

Effects of acupuncture on sports activities of athletes / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Objective]To investigate the effects of acupuncture on sports activities of athletes[Methods]A total of 1,804 athletes were targeted. The method used was a collective survey. Questionnaires were administered after obtaining consent from the participants; online questionnaires were also provided. The questionnaire evaluated profile (sex, age); sensation immediately after acupuncture treatment, duration of stimulus sensation, stimulus intensity, stimulus sensation, and therapeutic effect; timing of acupuncture treatment; and questions related to acupuncture as to whether the acupuncture caused any adverse effects on play (movement) or showed any positive effects.[Results]In total, 1,525 (84.5%) valid responses were obtained. The survey analyzed 841 subjects (55.1%) who underwent acupuncture. The most common response after acupuncture treatment was that the subjects felt lighter and were able to move more easily; 43.9% of subjects gave this response. In addition, 10.6% of respondents said that they continued to feel pain similar to the sensation during acupuncture treatment and 7.7% said they felt weak. The most common response at 59.8% was that the sensation felt during acupuncture disappeared quickly after treatment was ended, 58.6% of subjects said that the sensation felt after acupuncture was optimal, and 48.3% responded that the sensation from treatment remained and a positive effect was observed. The most common timing for receiving acupuncture for 21.8% of subjects was after practice or a match: [Discussion and Conclusion]Acupuncture for athletes should be performed according to the guidelines, taking into account the competition schedule and type of competition and the appropriate amount of acupuncture stimulation, thereby preventing problems during competition.

Comparison between conventional acupuncture and press tuck needle acupuncture for physical and psychological fatigue in office workers / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Aim] We compared the effects of acupuncture and press tuck needle (PTN) acupuncture in office workers with physical and psychological fatigue.[Design] A randomized, open-label, parallel-group, comparison study.[Setting] An acupuncture room in the A Clinic within the Kanto Metropolitan Area.[Patients] Clinic workers. The inclusion criteria were 20-45 years of age and awareness of physical and psychological fatigue. The exclusion criteria were fatigue-related diseases and symptoms, medical abnormalities, and history.[Intervention] The subjects were randomly allocated to either the acupuncture treatment group (ACP group) or PTN acupuncture treatment group (PTN group). The interventions were based on acupoints for fatigue symptoms as per previous reports and individualized treatment for physical symptoms, including neck and lower back pain, among others, and were performed twice a week for one month.[Evaluation methods] The visual analog scale (VAS) scores were the primary method for evaluating for physical and psychological fatigue at four weeks post-treatment. Other forms of measurement used were the VAS scores within groups immediately after treatment and to evaluate physical health, the Health Perceptions Questionnaire, General Health Questionnaire-12, and Short Form-36 responses; and salivary amylase levels were used.[Results] Thirteen of 14 subjects in the ACP group and 13 of 15 in the PTN group were included in the analysis. There was no significant difference between the groups for VAS scores. Evaluation, immediately before and after the intervention showed a significant decrease in VAS scores for physical fatigue in both groups. The ACP group showed a greater immediate change than the PTN group. In a comparison within each group, the VAS of psychological fatigue in the PTN group showed significant decrease after the eighth treatment.[Conclusions] Acupuncture may immediately improve physical fatigue in office workers. Moreover, the frequency of using PTN acupuncture may eventually decrease physical fatigue. Therefore, acupuncture and PTN acupuncture can help office workers' health.

Survey on Adverse Events of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Athletes in Japan / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Objective] The purpose of this cross-sectional questionnaire-based study is to investigate the challenges of adverse events during treatment by acupuncture and moxibustion to an athlete. [Methods] In total, 1,804 subjects, including athletes who participated in marathons and university athletes were enrolled in this study. The survey was conducted by distributing the questionnaire or via online questionnaire to the athletes who fit the criteria for the study. The questionnaires were collected after consent was received from the participants; online questionnaires were also collected. The questionnaire was examined for age, sex, and type of competition, purpose of the acupuncture treatment and the actual effects, and treated area, content of adverse event, number of times the subjects received acupuncture, and informed consent, and free description of adverse events.[Results] In total, 1,525 (84.5%) valid responses to the questionnaires were received. The survey analyzed 841 subjects (55.1%) who experienced acupuncture and moxibustion. The following responses about adverse events of acupuncture were obtained: "pain at time of needle insertion"; 17.0%, "subcutaneous-bleeding"; 10.1% and "pain and feeling of heaviness due to the needle": 10.0%, among others. For moxibustion, responses included "burns"; 5.9% and "malaise"; 5.8%, among others. In the free description, there were 17 descriptions of discomfort due to excessive stimulation and difficulty in movement during exercise. Of the questions regarding whether or not they received informed consent, 215 were received orally (25.6%), 34 were received in written form (4.0%), 99 were received both orally and in written form (11.8%).[Discussion and Conclusion] Acupuncture for athletes causes a certain rate of adverse events. It was suggested that guidelines for athletes to receive acupuncture safely and training and education for practitioners are important.

Effects of Acupuncture on Exercise-induced Cognitive Decline (Part 2) / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Objective] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acupuncture on exercise-induced prolongation of information processing and decrease in attentional resource allocation, excluding the placebo effect.[Design] Crossover, double-blind randomized controlled trial[Settings] Tokyo Ariake University[Subjects] Fifteen healthy men aged 21.1 ± 0.9 years[Methods] We used a handgrip exercise for exercise loading. The handgrip was maintained for six seconds at an intensity of 40% of the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), followed by rest for four seconds. This was alternately repeated and continued until the subject was incapable of exerting a grip strength of 40% of the MVC. To induce P300, an auditory oddball paradigm was used, and P300 was measured before and after the handgrip exercise. In the same subjects, thumbtack needle (TN) intervention (TN group) and placebo thumbtack needle (PTN) intervention (PTN group) were performed in random order. TN or PTN was applied to ST36, HT7, and GV14 before the handgrip exercise. After the experiment, we asked the subjects and practitioner about the intervention (TN or PTN). The allocation was conducted by a third party who did not participate in the experiment, and the subjects, practitioner, and measurer completed a series of all the experiment procedures and were blinded to the results.[Outcomes] The indicators for measuring the main outcomes were P300 latency and amplitude. reaction time, and masking were indicators for secondary outcomes. [Results and Conclusion] In the PTN group, P300 latency was increased significantly and P300 amplitude was decreased significantly after the handgrip exercise. In the TN group, no significant changes were observed in P300 latency and amplitude after the handgrip exercise. In both groups, reaction time was considerably slower after the handgrip exercise. The k value indicating the degree of agreement between the actual (genuine or placebo) and guessed intervention assignment was k = -0.06 for the practitioner and k = 0.66 for the subjects. No adverse events were found in this study.[Conclusions] The index changes in the TN and PTN in this study were the same as in our previous studies, and acceptable reproducibility was observed. However, the k values indicated that subject masking was inadequate. In the future, the reliability and validity of PTN must be investigated further.

Psychological and Physical Characteristics of Neck Pain in University Students / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Objective: Neck pain is a very common complaint in the general population. However, little is known about the characteristics of this complaint. The aim of this study was to clarify the psychological and physical characteristics of neck pain. Method: The subjects were 13 adult men with complaints of neck pain (NP group, mean age 20.2±0.7 years) and 10 healthy volunteers (CON group, mean age 21.2±1.5 years). This study used findings of neck tenderness and muscle stiffness for evaluation of neck pain, and employed the visual analog scale (VAS) to record the subjects’ assessment of their pain. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), VAS for evaluation of perceived stress, and measurements of salivary cortisol density levels were utilized to measure stress. The salivary cortisol density was measured by the enzyme immunity method of measurement (the ELISA method). In addition, saliva samples were collected between 9 AM to 10 AM. Results: The mean VAS score for neck pain in the NP group was 56.9±17.3. There was no significant difference in muscle stiffness between the groups. Tenderness of the upper trapezius fibers and right splenius capitis muscle were significantly higher in the NP group (p<0.05). The VAS score of perceived stress and the state anxiety of STAI were significantly higher in the NP group (p<0.05). The SF-36 score was significantly lower in the CON group (p<0.05). The trait anxiety of STAI and the salivary cortisol density were not significantly different. Conclusion: There was no significant difference in the salivary cortisol density levels between the two groups. The degrees of perceived stress and uneasiness were reported as higher in the NP group, while the degrees of psychological and physical health were lower. These findings suggest the role of psychosociological factors in neck pain.

Psychological and Physical Characteristics of Neck Pain in University Students / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

<b>Objective</b>: Neck pain is a very common complaint in the general population. However, little is known about the characteristics of this complaint. The aim of this study was to clarify the psychological and physical characteristics of neck pain.<BR><b>Method</b>: The subjects were 13 adult men with complaints of neck pain (NP group, mean age 20.2±0.7 years) and 10 healthy volunteers (CON group, mean age 21.2±1.5 years). This study used findings of neck tenderness and muscle stiffness for evaluation of neck pain, and employed the visual analog scale (VAS) to record the subjects’ assessment of their pain. State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), VAS for evaluation of perceived stress, and measurements of salivary cortisol density levels were utilized to measure stress. The salivary cortisol density was measured by the enzyme immunity method of measurement (the ELISA method). In addition, saliva samples were collected between 9 AM to 10 AM.<BR><b>Results</b>: The mean VAS score for neck pain in the NP group was 56.9±17.3. There was no significant difference in muscle stiffness between the groups. Tenderness of the upper trapezius fibers and right splenius capitis muscle were significantly higher in the NP group (p<0.05). The VAS score of perceived stress and the state anxiety of STAI were significantly higher in the NP group (p<0.05). The SF-36 score was significantly lower in the CON group (p<0.05). The trait anxiety of STAI and the salivary cortisol density were not significantly different.<BR><b>Conclusion</b>: There was no significant difference in the salivary cortisol density levels between the two groups. The degrees of perceived stress and uneasiness were reported as higher in the NP group, while the degrees of psychological and physical health were lower. These findings suggest the role of psychosociological factors in neck pain.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on the Change in Glutathione Concentration in the Blood by Ergometer Exercise / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

Introduction   Redox state of glutathione as an oxidative stress marker changes by exercise. Therefore, oxidative stress marker has been used to evaluate the physical condition of athletes. In athletics it is important to prevent fatigue for peak performance. Acupuncture has been used for fatigue prevention of athletes. However, there is little scientific evidence to prove the effect. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the change in redox state of glutathione as an oxidative stress marker in the blood by ergometer exercise. Methods   In this crossover study, the EA and control (CONT) groups each included 12 healthy male volunteers. EA at 2 Hz and optimum intensity was performed on each subject at both the SP10 (Xuehai) and SP11 (Jimen) locations for 10 min before exercise. Respiratory metabolism was recorded during bicycle ergometer exercise by ramp rate until exhaustion. Blood samples were collected from the fingertip of each subject before and after exercise. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and total glutathione (tGSH) concentrations in the blood were biochemically determined as a marker of oxidative stress. The degree of fatigue before and after exercise was evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS). Results   The ventilatory threshold (VT) and the respiratory compensation point (RC), parameters of respiratory metabolism during exercise, did not differ significantly between the EA and CONT groups. Between both groups, the significant difference was not recognized to the amount of change in tGSH, GSSG, GSH, GSSG/tGSH by exercise. The GSSG/tGSH values after exercise was significantly lower than that before exercise in the EA group (p<0.05). In contrast, this level did not change significantly in the CONT group. The VAS values increased significantly after exercise in both groups (p<0.05); however, the VAS value in EA group showed a low tendency in comparison with that in CONT group. Discussion   VT and RC did not differ between the two groups, indicating that the level of exercise was nearly the same for both groups. In comparison of both groups, there was no significant difference on the amount of change of each glutathione parameters by exercise. On the other hand, The GSSG/tGSH and the VAS values after exercise were lower than those values before exercise in the EA group. Therefore, it might be possible that the EA affects the change of the glutathione due to the exercise. Our results might suggest that EA-mediated change of GSH bear some related to suppression of fatigue.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on the Change in Glutathione Concentration in the Blood by Ergometer Exercise / 日本温泉気候物理医学会雑誌

<B>Introduction</B><BR>  Redox state of glutathione as an oxidative stress marker changes by exercise. Therefore, oxidative stress marker has been used to evaluate the physical condition of athletes. In athletics it is important to prevent fatigue for peak performance. Acupuncture has been used for fatigue prevention of athletes. However, there is little scientific evidence to prove the effect. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the change in redox state of glutathione as an oxidative stress marker in the blood by ergometer exercise.<BR><B>Methods</B><BR>  In this crossover study, the EA and control (CONT) groups each included 12 healthy male volunteers. EA at 2 Hz and optimum intensity was performed on each subject at both the SP10 (Xuehai) and SP11 (Jimen) locations for 10 min before exercise. Respiratory metabolism was recorded during bicycle ergometer exercise by ramp rate until exhaustion. Blood samples were collected from the fingertip of each subject before and after exercise. Oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and total glutathione (tGSH) concentrations in the blood were biochemically determined as a marker of oxidative stress. The degree of fatigue before and after exercise was evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS).<BR><B>Results</B><BR>  The ventilatory threshold (VT) and the respiratory compensation point (RC), parameters of respiratory metabolism during exercise, did not differ significantly between the EA and CONT groups. Between both groups, the significant difference was not recognized to the amount of change in tGSH, GSSG, GSH, GSSG/tGSH by exercise. The GSSG/tGSH values after exercise was significantly lower than that before exercise in the EA group (p<0.05). In contrast, this level did not change significantly in the CONT group. The VAS values increased significantly after exercise in both groups (p<0.05); however, the VAS value in EA group showed a low tendency in comparison with that in CONT group.<BR><B>Discussion</B><BR>  VT and RC did not differ between the two groups, indicating that the level of exercise was nearly the same for both groups. In comparison of both groups, there was no significant difference on the amount of change of each glutathione parameters by exercise. On the other hand, The GSSG/tGSH and the VAS values after exercise were lower than those values before exercise in the EA group. Therefore, it might be possible that the EA affects the change of the glutathione due to the exercise. Our results might suggest that EA-mediated change of GSH bear some related to suppression of fatigue.

Effects of acupuncture on fatigue and oxidative stress in distance runners:A double-blind trial / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Objective]To investigate whether acupuncture is effective to prevent fatigue and oxidative stress in distance runners.<BR>[Methods]A total of 17 runners were recruited and randomized to receive acupuncture (Press Tack Needle) or placebo treatment. Subjects received treatment from licensed acupuncturists before a 10 km race. The primary outcome measures were oxidative stress, as determined by electron spin resonance (ESR), and fatigue, as assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcome measures were GOT, LDH, and CPK.<BR>[Results]Fatigue was significantly increased in both groups after the race. There was no difference in both groups.<BR>Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity tended to increase in both groups after the race.<BR>[Conclusion]The study found no useful acupuncture aspects of oxidative stress and fatigue.

Effect of electroacupuncture on exercise-induced oxidative stress / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

Objective:It is very important that oxidative stress is estimated for us to understand a player's condition in the field of sports. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether electroacupuncture has an effect on exercise-induced oxidative stress.<BR>Methods:Ten healthy male volunteers participated in both the electroacupuncture (EA) group and the control group in a crossover design. EA at a frequency of 2 Hz and optimum intensity was performed in the subjects for 10 minutes in both the medial vastus muscles. During ergometer exercise by ramp load, respiratory metabolism including the RC point was recorded as the indication of energy metabolism. Blood was collected from the fingertips of the subjects, and then their levels of oxidative stress (d-ROMs test) and antioxidative (BAP test) were determined by using a Free Radical Analytical System (FRAS4, Wismell Instruments). Six measurements were taken;at rest, immediately after EA and following exercise, and at 20, 40, and 60 minutes following exercise.<BR>Results:The RC point was significantly prolonged in the EA group compared with the control group. The level of oxidative stress (d-ROMs test) in the control group increased significantly at 20 minutes following exercise compared with rest (before exercise) and this increase was sustained until 60 minutes after exercise. In contrast, it did not significantly change in the EA group. Whereas the antioxidative level (BAP test) in the EA group significantly increased immediately following exercise compared with rest (before exercise), it did not increase in the control group.<BR>Conclusion:These results suggest that electroacupuncture might enhance the antioxidative level (BAP test) and inhibit the level of oxidative stress (d-ROMs test) by effecting a change in respiratory metabolism. We propose that electroacupuncture might be useful for sports conditioning.