Review and reflection on the development of Traditional Chinese Medicine meridian theory / 国际中医中药杂志

The meridian theory is the pioneer of clinical diagnosis and treatment of diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). From Shang Han Lun to Pi Wei Lun, the meridian theory has contributed important theoretical organization materials and clinical practice experience to the establishment of the diagnosis system of external and internal injuries. The acupoints contained in its clinical acupuncture and moxibustion record symptoms, and some laws summarized have been absorbed and used for reference. It shows the positive significance of its exploration in clinical diagnosis and treatment. A system of differentiation and treatment of external and internal injuries with acupuncture has not been formed, even though the meridian theory of TCM has a long history with many areas being explored, such as diseases, acupoints, acupuncture methods and stimulation amount. Therefore, this paper starts from the academic development history of meridians, reviews and analyzes the contribution and limitations of TCM acupuncture and moxibustion in the diagnosis and treatment of internal injury, in order to enlighten the current study and understanding of TCM.

Quantitative study of meridian topology model based on acupoint-symptom relationship / 中国针灸

Meridian theory plays an important role in the guidance of clinical practice of acupuncture and moxibustion. Since the publication of(), the meridian theory has been developed. In the paper, in view of complex science, the topological properties of acupoint-symptom network were analyzed quantitatively by taking acupoint as node and indication as the connection, such as high clustering coefficient and the small world effect. It was the first time to give the abstraction for the topological proof of the high efficiency information transmission property of acupoint-symptom network meridian system at different times. Its quantitative and digitalized significance was analyzed on the development of meridian theory under the complex scientific background so as to provide a new thought and method for the study of meridian theory and acupuncture modernization.

Research progress on the mechanism and application of laser acupuncture and moxibustion / 国际生物医学工程杂志

This review introduces the mechanism and advantages of laser acupuncture and moxibustion, the biological effect of low-level laser, the characteristics of acupuncture point area and the experimental laws of biological effect.On this basis, the existing problems in clinical application of laser acupuncture and laser acupuncture apparatus are pointed out.The combination therapy method with various wavelength are also discussed, and future development directions in the study are prospected.

Mechanisms of acupuncture and herbal medicine in hypertension

Background: Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been of great benefit to Asian people for centuries. However, the discipline has not been subjected systematically and thoroughly to the rigors of scientific testing. Objective: This article reviews experimental evidence in regard to the vascular mechanisms of acupuncture and herbal medicine in hypertension. We focus on our hypothesis that acupuncture and herbal medicine reduce hypertension through activation of microvascular endothelial nitric oxide synthesis (eNOS). We also examine whether or not our results in experimental renovascular hypertension conform to the meridian theory. Results and conclusion: Acupuncture and herbal medicine 1) reduce experimental renovascular hypertension; 2) increase production of nitric oxide (NO), and contribute to vasodilation in the microvasculature and reduction of peripheral vascular resistance. We concluded that acupuncture and herbal medicine target eNOS and activate its signaling mechanisms, and that the benefits of acupuncture proceed along the meridian of the stimulated acupoint.

"Acupuncture Treatment on the Local Area versus the Distal Area"-Physical ConditionsII-Definition of the Local and Distal Area Treatment / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

This symposium was held as the second in a three part series at Kagawa Conference (June 6-8, 2003). During the Tsukuba conference (2002), distal area treatment was the topic of focus. The criteria and evidence for the effectiveness of distal area treatments were presented. Three symposists and one minor speaker reported on the effectiveness of distal area treatments from clinical and basic viewpoints. However, another symposist showed the superiority of local area treatments and denied the effectiveness of distal area treatments. There fore, we decided that a succinct and definitive discussion on distal area treatments (etc) should be presented during the second symposium. To this end, long time members of JSAM were given a questionnaire survey prior to the conference. Respondents were asked to define their own use of local and distal treatment, to hypothesize on the curing mechanism involved and to state which practice methods they use most.<BR>Mr. Ogawa reported that, as a result of analyzing the questionnaire survey no distinct differences were found in the definitions stated by respondents from several different schools. The standard images of “the local area” were the area where pains were felt when pressure is applied, the areas which transmit special sensitivity or the area where a disorder is found. Also, the images of “the distal area” were the areas which have some relationship to the local area, such as meridians and collaterals, nerves, reflex points, tender points, or related points which induce a clearly recognizable physical reaction.<BR>Mr.Shinohara showed the superiority of distal area treatments according to the muscle meridian theory by utilizing the 3 arm crossover examination. Furthermore, he established the delayed myalgia as a model of the illness on a specific muscle meridian region. He investigated the effect of intradermal needling. He observed that after a weight bearing exercise on the biceps brachii, the threshold of tenderness on the Lung meridian decreases. He proposed the possibility of using the points in extremities which had selectively responded by manifesting of the delayed myalgia.<BR>Mr. Moriyama, one of the minor speakes, explained, using the theory of biomechanics, the possibility of in-fluences of distal area disharmony on the local area. He introduced the Meridian Test as one clinically useful method for finding disharmony which is typically difficult to discern and may contribute to the disorder. He proposed that a microscopic “eye” to be used to see the local area and the macroscopic “eye” b used to see the whole body in medical examination and treatment. Using the “eyes” in synthesis and not separately, he concluded, must be the basic state for treatment.<BR>Another minor speaker, Mr.Shiraishi reported on analyzed results of the experiments on lumbago patients. Applying Yuandaoci (distant needling) reduced a response on points of the trunk (BL 23, Shenshu, Jinyu) in stimulating points, i.e, BL 40 (Weizhong, Ichu), BL 57 (Chengshan, Shozan) BL 58 (Feiyang, Hiyo) BL 60 (Kunlun, Konron) GB 34 (Yanglingquan, Yoryosen) varying in many ways and confirming the peculiarity of each point, meridian and collateral. Based on these findings he supports the effectiveness of distal meridian area treatments.<BR>Mr. Ozaki, also, another minor speaker proposed, from the outcome of animal experiments. Stimulation by acupuncture at either adjacent or distal areas can affect motor reflex. So from this point of view, insertion at adjacent and distal area has some recordable effect. He added that stimulation given either at adjacent or distal areas would converge to the same neuron and the same modification would occur. From this point of view, the difference in processing information at the neuron level would control the manifestation of the effect and thus investigations on these treatments should be discussed as a synthesis, including, not