Effect of acupuncture at acupoint of Shenshu (BL 23) on the bones of ovariectomized rats.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of acupuncture at acupoint of Shenshu (BL 23) in ovariectomized rats and sham-operated rats. METHODS: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the following four groups (n = 12 each): sham operation only (Sham), sham operation with acupuncture (Sham + ACP), ovariectomy only (OVX), and ovariectomy with acupuncture (OVX + ACP). Operations were performed at the 9th week of age. Acupuncture of Shenshu (BL 23) was started at the 11th week of age and conducted 3 times per week until the 26th week of age. RESULTS: Among ovariectomized rats, the acupuncture-treated rats had significantly lower body weights and cross-linked N-telopeptide of type 1 collagen levels in the urine after 3 weeks of acupuncture treatment, higher bone mineral density of the lumbar vertebra after 7 weeks, and smaller trabecular separation of the sixth lumbar vertebra, measured by micro-computed tomography, after 17 weeks than control rats. These effects were not observed in sham-operated rats. Blood concentrations of estradiol were significantly higher in the OVX + ACP group than in the untreated group. Acupuncture treatment increased plasma testosterone levels in sham-operated rats, while this increase was not observed in OVX rats. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture of Shenshu (BL 23) prevents bone loss and structural changes by suppressing bone resorption.

A case of occupational overuse syndrome improved, according to M-Test, with acupuncture / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

[Purpose]We report a case concerning 5 months of left elbow and knee joint pain thought to be caused by repetitive use at work. Symptoms were improved successfully (checked by M-test) by a single acupuncture treatment. <BR>[Case]We used acupuncture to treat a 50-year-old woman who visited our Acupuncture and Moxibustion Centerwith complaints of increasing elbow and knee joint pain in the left side. Since 4 months ago, her job involved frequent stair-climbing while carrying an 18-liter can of cooking oil. The soft tissues seemed to be damaged and caused pain due to the repeated lifting of heavy cans at work. Acu-points were decided by M-Test to check limitations of movement, which identified damaged regions and provided feedback for optimal treatment. According to the specific operations of the patient's work, we identified limited movements of left-elbow joint flexion-extension, left-shoulder joint extension, and left hip joint inner rotation and external gyration. These were regarded as target motions for the treatment. Her Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores before treatment were 90 mm in the left elbow and 80 mm in the left knee. Despite only a single round of acupuncture treatment, the respective values dropped to 18 mm and 15 mm.<BR>[Consideration and Conclusion]The limited movement identified by M-Test could expose the affected areas and help in treating the appropriate acu-points. Therefore, acupuncture using M-Test might improve painful motions of the body.

Experimental Study in Economic Evaluation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and the Course of Future Study / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

Nobody studies economic evaluation of acupuncture and moxibustion in Japan. To establish a method of economic evaluation of acupuncture and moxibustion, we introduced case study of economic evaluation of acupuncture and moxibustion at work. In addition, we examined a course of study that annex economic evaluation to a study of acupuncture and moxibustion. This manuscript introduces two case studies of economic evaluation and essential points of economic evaluation.

A Research of Literature on Economic Analysis of Acupuncture / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

Objective : To research reports of economic analysis of acupuncture therapy.<BR>Method : Searches were performed in Medline for reports of cost description, economic, randomized controlled trial, cost effectiveness, or cost benefit. Studies were included if they reported original data from any form of standard economic analysis.<BR>Results : A total of 15 papers was found. These studies were investigated as follows : angina pectoris, carpal tunnel syndrome, stroke, knee osteoarthrosis, low back pain, musculoskeletal disease, migraine, acupuncture analgesia. On the other hand, only one paper was found in Japan.<BR>Conclusion : Almost studies were noncntrolled trial, non-rigorous and retrospective studies. In future there is a need for high quality and rigorous studies of the cost and benefits of acupuncture.