Acupuncture Methods Research Articles

Clinical observation of warm acupuncture combined with yoga posture method in the treatment of periarthritis with frozen period

To observe the clinical efficacy of warm acupuncture combined with yoga posture method in the treatment of periarthritis with frozen period. Ninety patients with periarthritis who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a control group 1, a control group 2 and an observation group, 30 cases in each group. Warm acupuncture was applied in the control group 1 (Jianzhen (SI 9), Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14), etc were selected), yoga posture method was applied in the control group 2, warm acupuncture combined with yoga posture method were given in the observation group, the treatment was given once a day, 10 times as a course with 2 days between courses and continuous for 2 courses. After 2 courses of treatment, the shoulder joint pain score and shoulder function grading were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy, and the clinical efficacy was observed. ①The pain scores of the three groups were significantly lower after treatment (all P<0.01), and scores in the observation group was better than that in the control group 1 and the control group 2 (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the control group 1 and the control group 2 (P>0.05). ②After treatment, the functional classification of shoulder joints were significantly improved in the three groups (all P<0.01), and the functional classification of shoulder joint in the observation group and the control group 2 were better than that in the control group 1 (P<0.01, P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the observation group and the control group 2 (P>0.05). ③After 2 courses of treatment, the effective rate of the observation group was 86.7% (26/30), which was better than 70.0% (21/30) in the control group 1 and 76.7% (23/30) in the control group 2 (both P<0.05). Warm acupuncture combined with yoga posture method can effectively relieve shoulder pain and improve dysfunction. The clinical comprehensive effect is better than simple acupuncture and yoga posture method.

Effect of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on gastrointestinal function recovery after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy – A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionAcupuncture is widely used as perioperative analgesia and promotes postoperative physical recovery. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) is a acupuncture method that has many advantages. However, there has been little study on the application of TEAS in laparoscopic radical gastrectomy. This is a study exploring the effects of TEAS on gastrointestinal function recovery after laparoscopic radical gastrectomy in order to provide a stimulation model for clinical use. MethodsA total of 120 gastric cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastrectomy were randomly assigned into the long duration TEAS (L-TEAS) group, or the placebo-control (C-TEAS) group. All patients were routinely anesthetized. For the L-TEAS group TEAS was maintained from 30 min before anesthetic induction to 30 min after the operation, and TEAS was also performed for 30 min at 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. within 2 d of the operation. But in the C-TEAS group, the output wires of the stimulator were broken. The stimulation sites included bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiguan (PC 6) acupoints. Postoperatively, the patients received patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA). The consumption of analgesics as well as the scores of the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Ramsay Sedation Scale (RSS) at 4 h (T1), 8 h (T2), 16 h (T3), 24 h (T4) and 36 h (T5) were observed and recorded after the operation in the 2 groups. The duration of first bowel sounds, flatus and defecation were recorded after the operation. The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) as well as patient satisfaction was recorded. ResultsCompared to the C-TEAS group, the VAS scores at 4 h (2.79 ± 0.48 vs. 3.41 ± 0.62), 8 h (2.65 ± 0.42 vs. 3.17 ± 0.49), and 24 h (1.98 ± 0.39 vs. 2.72 ± 0.73) were significantly decreased in the L-TEAS group (P < 0.05) after the operation. Compared to the C-TEAS group, analgesic consumption at 4 h (10.02 ± 2.26 vs. 13.38 ± 2.98), 8 h (20.55 ± 4.59 vs. 24.63 ± 3.94) and 36 h (72.64 ± 9.74 vs. 76.01 ± 10.43) was significantly decreased in the L-TEAS group (P < 0.05) after the operation. There was a significant difference in the incidence of PONV between the L-TEAS (12%) and C-TEAS (32.2%) groups (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed with respect to RSS among the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The time intervals from surgery to the first bowel sounds as well as the passage of flatus and defecation were shorter in the L-TEAS group than in the C-TEAS group (19.69 ± 7.61 h vs. 26.58 ± 7.43 h, 36.58 ± 10.75 h vs. 43.56 ± 9.57 h and 71.48 ± 20.62 h vs. 77.27 ± 22.67 h, respectively) (P < 0.05). The rate of moderately satisfaction and above in the L-TEAS (67.3%) group was higher than for that in the C-TEAS group (42.4%), and for very satisfied, the L-TEAS (55.2%) group was higher than that in the C-TEAS group (15.3%) (P < 0.05). ConclusionsPreoperative TEAS and sustained TEAS within 2 d of the operation can effectively reduce the early postoperative pain, reduce the early postoperative consumption of analgesics, the total consumption of anesthetics, and the incidence of PONV as well as shorten the duration of first bowel sounds, first flatus and first defecation after the operation, promoting the recovery of gastrointestinal function and improving the patient satisfaction rate.

Acupunctures in Complex Treatment of Cervical Pain Syndromes

To evaluate the effectiveness of the developed method of acupuncture in the complex of conservative treatment of pain in patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine in the neurosurgical Department of Irkutsk Scientific Centre of Surgery and Traumatology, 58 patients were under observation, 38 of whom were treated with acupuncture. The results of treatment were evaluated by the applying VAS testing and conducting stimulation electroneuromyography. The patients had 9–10 sessions of corporal and auricular acupuncture. Acupuncture was carried out according to 1st or 2nd variants of inhibitory action. When selecting points, the locally segmental principle was used, and the effect was carried out on symmetric points of general action (P7, GI4, GI 11 , E36 , RP6, VB34), on local pain ah shi points, in “near” and “far” points from the pain zone; on standard points of meridians of calming action: sympathetic, sedative and analgesic (points-cracks). Specific pain points were used: in pain in the area of the shoulder girdle – R5, E37, R4: in the rear surface of the chest and region of the scapula – T26, V43, V11; in neuralgia – V60, TR5, VB41. Corporal reflexology “enhance” auricular, we used impact on АТ55, АТ13, АТ22, АТ51, АТ34. In cases of severe pain and musculotonic syndromes, treatment was initiated with effects on auricular points: АР37 point of the cervical spine and АР55 point Shen Men. When comparing the results of VAS testing before and after the treatment, in all patients we noted a decrease in the intensity of pain, and 16 of patients went into the category of “mild cases”. The positive dynamics is confirmed by the data of electroneuromyographic studies: an increase in the amplitude of the M-response and a decrease in latency, a change in the characteristics of the F-wave. The obtained data indicate the high efficiency of acupuncture in the treatment of pain and muscle-tonic syndromes in patients with spinal osteochondrosis.

Acupuncture treatment on idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia: A systematic review protocol.

Introduction:The objective of this systematic review protocol is to provide the methods for evaluating the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture on the treatment of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia (ITN).Methods and analysis:We will search randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this subject in 8 electronic databases and they are Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Wan-Fang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP database). Other relevant literatures will be manually searched as a complement. Only RCTs related to acupuncture for ITN in English or Chinese will be included, without limitation of publication types. The risk of bias and trial quality will be assessed by the Cochrane collaboration's tool. All data will be analyzed by RevMan V.5.3.3 statistical software.Ethics and dissemination:Ethical approval is not necessary as this paper does not involve patient data. This protocol will be disseminated by a peer-review journal or conference presentation.Trial registration number:PROSPERO CRD42015022173Strengths and limitations of this study:This systematic review will evaluate the effectivity and safety of acupuncture treatment on idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. Two authors will perform independently study selection, data extraction and quality assessment, in order to ensure that all included studies are not personal bias. The result of this systematic review may give clinicians more ways to assist patient in relieving trigeminal neuralgia.This shortage of systematic review is due to language barriers, only 2 languages of the trials can be included, other related studies may be missing. Different methods of acupuncture and quality of methodologies may result in essential heterogeneity.

A Study on Establishing the Sasang Constitution Acupuncture Method through Reviewing Research

A Study on Establishing the Sasang Constitution Acupuncture Method through Reviewing Research

Patient attitudes towards analgesia and their openness to non-pharmacological methods such as acupuncture in the emergency department.

To investigate patient attitudes to analgesia, opioids and non-pharmacological analgesia, including acupuncture, in the ED. ED patients with pain were surveyed regarding: pain scores, satisfaction, addiction concern, non-pharmacological methods of pain relief and acupuncture. Data were analysed using logistic regression. Of 196 adult patients, 52.8% were 'very satisfied' with analgesia. Most patients (84.7%) would accept non-pharmacological methods including acupuncture (68.9%) and 78.6% were not concerned about addiction. Satisfaction was associated with male gender, and 'adequate analgesia' but not with opioids. Most patients were generally satisfied with ED analgesia and were open to non-pharmacologic analgesia including acupuncture.

Rehabilitation of patients who suffered an ischemic stroke by methods of ozonotherapy, kinesiotherapy, physiotherapy and acupuncture

Among the cerebrovascular diseases of the acute cerebrovascular accident, so-called clinical practice, cerebral stroke is characterized by a special gravity of the course and a high percentage of adverse outcome. In the world annually 16 million strokes are registered, the socio-economic significance of the problem is caused, in the considerable disability of patients, the number of which in the world is more than 60 million. Under the influence of the ozone-oxygen mixture in the blood of ozone are formed that move with the flow of blood throughout the body. Much of the ozonides penetrate the brain through the blood-brain barrier, where they provide, first of all, the membrane-stabilizing effect, by improving the structural and functional properties of the lipid layer of the neuronal membranes. Ozone therapy can lower blood glucose levels, so it is important for the prevention of stroke, especially in patients with diabetes, in addition to its effects on cellular metabolism and the stimulation of endogenous mechanisms to combat chronic oxidative stress.

Acupuncture and related interventions for the treatment of symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Acupuncture and related interventions for the treatment of symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Clinical study on the Xingshen-Kaiqiao acupuncture combined with salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection for acute cerebral infarction

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of Xingshen-Kaiqiao combined with salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection in the treatment of acute cerebral infarct (ACI). Methods A total of 142 patients with ACI meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into 2 groups, with 71 cases in each group. The control group received intravenous injection of salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection on the basis of routine treatment, and the observation group was given Xingshen-Kaiqiao acupuncture method on the basis of the control group. After treatment of ed with 14 days, the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the central nervous specific protein (S100β) was detected by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, the level of homocysteine (Hcy) was detected by circulating enzyme method. T, the level of hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was detected by immunization turbidimetry, and the automatic coagulant was used to detecded the D-Dimer (D-D) and antithrombin Ⅲ (AT Ⅲ) levels by the automatic coagulant. The degree of nerve function defect in patients were evaluated using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and the daily living ability of the patients by the improved barthel index (MBI) were evaluated, and the clinical efficacy was also observed. Results The total effective rate of the observation group was 97.2% (69/71), and the total effective rate of thecontrol group was 88.7% (63/71), with the difference showing statistically significant (χ2=3.873, P=0.049). The score of 7 d (6.1 ± 1.9 vs. 8.2 ± 2.1, t=2.520), 14 d (3.8 ± 1.1 vs. 6.2 ± 1.8, t=2.712) of the observation group were significantly lower than that those of the control group (P<0.05); ). The MBI scores after 7 d and 14 d were respectively (77.7 ± 8.1 vs. 64.1 ± 7.1, t=2.803) and 14 d and (83.2 ± 9.1 vs. 76.5 ± 7.8, t=4.014) of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.05); ). After the treatment, the D-D (0.79 ± 0.33 g/ml vs. 1.22 ± 0.37 g/ml, t=4.221), Hcy (13.46 ± 2.89 μmol/L vs. 18.33 ± 3.09 μmol/L, t=5.692), hs-CRP (12.85 ± 3.23 mg/L vs. 18.65 ± 4.13 mg/L t=5.279), the S100β (91.63% ± 5.06% vs. 83.05% ± 4.87%, t=6.086) of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P<0.01). Conclusions The combination of Xingshen-Kaiqiao acupuncture method and salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine hydrochloride injection can improve the level of anticoagulant factor in the patients, and reduce the inflammatory response in the infarct area and promote the recovery of nerve. Key words: Brain infarction; Acupuncture therapy; Consciousness-restoring resuscitation; Salviae miltiorrhizae and ligustrazine injection

Effect of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture on resting-state electroencephalographic signals in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder

To observe the effect of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method on the resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) in rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to provide evidence for the effect mechanism study and clinical application of acupuncture intervention for PTSD. Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group, a grasping group, a paroxetine group and an acupuncture group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for rats in the blank control group, rats in the other groups were subjected to preparing the PTSD models using ‘incarceration plus electric shock’ method. After interventions, changes in rat behavior of each group were observed; changes in resting-state EEG were collected and analyzed with multichannel EEG acquisition and analysis system, and image analysis and statistical processing were performed. Compared with the blank control group, the average escape latency in the model group was significantly longer (P 0.05). Compared with the blank control group, the α-wave power spectrum value in the model group was significantly decreased, and the power spectrum values of β-wave, δ-wave and э-wave were significantly increased (all P 0.05). Liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method can significantly improve the abnormal EEG activity in PTSD rats, which may be one mechanism of liver-soothing and mind-regulating acupuncture method in effectively affecting the brain function in PTSD rats.

Effect of modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling on the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and INF-α in synovial fluid of knee osteoarthritis patients

To compare the modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling method and ordinary acupuncture method in the effects of improving the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to determine the advantage of the modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling method for KOA. One hundred KOA patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group by using the random number table, with 50 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by the modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling method, and the control group was given ordinary acupuncture. The two groups were observed before and after the treatment to determine the changes in the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid, and the clinical efficacies were compared between the two groups. The total effective rate and clinical recovery rate were 97.9% and 52.1% respectively in the treatment group, versus 85.1% and 25.5% in the control group, and the between-group differences were statistically significant (both P<0.01). After the treatment, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid changed significantly in both groups (all P<0.01); there were significant differences in the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid between the two groups (all P<0.01). The modified Qing Long Bai Wei needling is an effective method for KOA and it can significantly improve the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in synovial fluid.

Efficacy difference between warming acupuncture and other acupuncture methods for primary obesity: a Meta-analysis

To systematically evaluate the efficacy difference between warming acupuncture and other acupuncture methods in the treatment of primary obesity. A computer-based retrieval was conducted at PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Alt HealthWatch, CNKI, CBM, WANFANG database and VIP database. Retrieval time was from the establishment date of database to October 4, 2017. Randomized controlled trial (RCT) of warming acupuncture comparing with other acupuncture methods for the treatment of primary obesity were included. The relative risk (RR) and weighted mean difference (WMD ) were used as combined effects for categorical variables and continuous variables, respectively. Totally 13 RCTs were included involving 878 patients. The Meta-analysis indicated compared with other acupuncture methods, warming acupuncture could more reduce weight (WMD: -1.49 kg, 95% CI: -2.53 to -0.45, P=0.005), improve the total effective rate (RR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.09 to 1.24, P<0.000 01), reduce BMI (WMD: -1.24 kg/m, 95% CI: -2.34 to -0.14, P=0.03), reduce waist circumference (WMD: -1.65 cm, 95% CI: -2.53 to -0.76, P=0.02) and reduce hip circumference (WMD: -2.86 cm, 95% CI: -4.37 to -1.35, P=0.000 2), but had no significant influence on total cholesterol (WMD: -0.05 mmol/L, 95% CI:-0.98 to 0.88, P=0.91). The warming acupuncture has better efficacy on primary obesity than other acupuncture methods, but less effects on lipid indicators.

Application of the analogy in the connotation of reinforcing and reducing principle and method in traditional acupuncture

Analogy is the significant thinking method in TCM and it has been recorded abundantly in ancient literature of TCM. The analogy idea had been adopted in the connotation of the reinforcing and reducing principle and method of traditional acupuncture, such as the reinforcing and reducing manipulation techniques, the timing of the reinforcing and reducing method and the effects of deqi. In view of the analogy idea, the relevant reinforcing and reducing principles andmethods of traditional acupuncture were collated and analyzed in the article. It is anticipated that the origin and essence of reinforcing and reducing principles and methods can be better identified and this thinking characteristic of ancient acupuncture theory be widely understood and fully emphasized.

Professor ZHANG Jiawei's clinical experience of stage treatment for shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke

Professor ZHANG Jiawei, as the famous and veteran physician of TCM, has practiced TCM for more than 50 years, and had unique experience for the treatment of encephalopathy. Professor ZHANG applied the theory of skin to guide the treatment of shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke. On the basis of the ancient acupuncture method of The Inner Canon of Huangdi, combined with modern acupuncture method and new materials, with characteristics of shoulder-hand syndrome after stroke at different time points, he proposed to use floating needling and acupoint catgut embedding to treat patients with stageⅠ, and to use picking therapy and penetration needle to treat patients with stageⅡ, and to use fire needles, penetration needle and acupoint catgut embedding to treat patients with stageⅢ, combined with conventional acupuncture and rehabilitation treatment. As a result, the superior efficacy was achieved.

Research Progress of Different Acupuncture and Moxibustion Methods in the Treatment of GERD (Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease)

Over the past decade, there have been many clinical reports on acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of gastro esophageal reflux disease, which has been an increasing trend year by year. The authors use "acupuncture", "acupuncture and moxibustion" or "electric acupuncture" and "GERD" or "gastro esophageal reflux disease" as key words for retrieval. Through the clinical articles on acupuncture and moxibustion methods in the treatment of GERD indexed by China CNKI academic literature database, VPCS database and Wanfang database from 2006 to 2016, we find that: acupuncture and moxibustion methods in the treatment of GERD has definite curative effect and outstanding advantages. It can better improve the symptoms of patients and can effectively improve their quality of life. At present, in clinical applications, there are treatment ideas such as the method of acupuncture on governor vessel back segment, the old ten needles, and compatibility of five meridians in the aspect of acupoint selection; there are treatment ideas such as fire acupuncture, thread-embedding, and electric acupuncture in the aspect of method of needling and moxibustion; there are treatment ideas such as acupuncture and moxibustion combined with pinellia ternate Xiexin Decoction, Chinese herb bath, deanxit (flupentixol and melitracen tablets) in the aspect of acupuncture and medicinal treatment. This paper comb integration of the current variety of therapies, in order to allow readers to obtain a more comprehensive clinical diagnosis and treatment ideas of gastro esophageal reflux disease.

Optical examination of the efficacy of contact needle therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: integration of inspection in Kampo therapy with color spectrum information

Cancer chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) deteriorates the patient’s quality of life, often resulting in discontinuation of treatment with potentially effective chemotherapy. Contact needle therapy (CNT) is one of the traditional Japanese acupuncture methods based on the concept of Kampo (Japanese traditional) medicine. CNT on CIPN has been considered effective empirically, but an objective evaluation has proven difficult. We have focused on the oxygen saturation besides the symptom score. We have already proposed optical path-length matrix method (OPLM) for estimating oxygen saturation of the skin, which may help in locating peripheral tissue damage, including neuronal damage. Four patients with CIPN were treated with CNT. The severity of CIPN was evaluated using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) ver. 4 and FACT/GOG-Ntx before and after CNT. We also measured oxygen saturation and hemoglobin concentration at the right toe-tip. Correlations among the values were calculated as correlation coefficients. There were significantly improvements in FACT/GOG-Ntx and hemoglobin post-CNT than in pre-CNT (p < 0.05). The oxygen saturation showed broad correlation (0.5 < |r| < 1) with hemoglobin. The oxygen saturation of skin reflects tissue injury and blood stagnation status, and can help in objective evaluation by measuring skin color spectrum. CNT might be considered as one of the safe and effective alternative therapeutic options for CIPN. Our method of evaluation using skin color spectrum information integrates, in a sense, the inspection in Kampo (Japanese traditional medicine) therapy and scientific methodology.

Effects of acupuncture on muscle tension of lower limb in children with spastic cerebral palsy

To observe the effects of acupuncture at different acupoints in yin meridians and yang meridians on lower limb muscle tension in children with spastic cerebral palsy. Ninety children with spastic cerebral palsy aged between 2 to 6 years old were divided into a yin-meridian group, a yang-meridian group and a rehabilitation group, 30 cases in each one. The patients in the rehabilitation group were treated with routine rehabilitation treatment; the patients in the yin-meridian group were treated with routine rehabilitation treatment and acupuncture at Xuehai (SP 10), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3) along yin meridians; the patients in the yang-meridian group were treated with routine rehabilitation treatment and acupuncture at Futu (ST 32), Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Guangming (GB 37) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) along yang meridians. All the three groups were treated once each other day, 10 times as one course, and totally 20-day treatment was given. Before and after treatment, modified Ashworth scale (MAS), clinical spasm index (CSI) and integrated electromyography (iEMG) of surface electromyogram of gastrocnemius muscle were evaluated. Compared before treatment, the MAS and CSI in the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group were improved after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01); the differences before and after treatment in the rehabilitation group were not significant (both P>0.05). After treatment, the differences between the rehabilitation group and yin-meridian group, yang-meridian group were significant (P<0.05, P<0.01); the differences of MAS and CSI between the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group were not significant (both P>0.05). Compared before the treatment, the right-side iEMG and left-side iEMG were reduced in the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group (all P<0.05); the right-side iEMG was increased in the rehabilitation group (P<0.05). After treatment, the iEMG in the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group were lower than that in the rehabilitation group (all P<0.05); the differences of iEMG before and after treatment in the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group were higher than that in the rehabilitation group (all P<0.05); the differences of iEMG between the yin-meridian group and yang-meridian group were not significant (both P>0.05). Acupuncture at yin meridians and yang meridians could reduce muscle tension of lower limb and improve limb spasticity in children with spastic cerebral palsy, and the two acupuncture methods have similar clinical curative effect.

Discussion on the treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis

The severity and location of scapulohumeral periarthritis should be identified for determining its treatment method: when the wei exterior is initially invaded by external pathogens for the first time, the location of disease is shallow, therefore, the shallow needling should be performed, which can contribute to diffusing and discharging pathogens of wei exterior. If pathogens had invaded for a long time, they can enter the ying level from wei level, so the acupuncture on ying level should be conducted to discharge the blood stasis and stagnation, thus removing the pathogenic qi and maintaining the healthy qi. If pathogens had invaded for a long time, the meridians and collaterals will be obstructed, and the penetration moxibustion method should be adopted to make the heat penetrate deeply, thereby achieving the effects of warming the meridians and expelling bi. The therapy should be chosen based on syndromes, so meridians can be dredged, and qi-blood can be harmonized, finally the disease will be cured. The precise determination of the location can ensure the success of manipulations. After the nature of disease is identified, targeted methods of acupuncture, bloodletting and fire needling can be performed for treatment of diseases, as a result, “normal physiological activities can be maintained”.

Therapeutic observation of cranial suture acupuncture in treating depression

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of cranial suture acupuncture plus paroxetine in treating depression, and to discuss the action mechanism of this acupuncture method.

Observation on lower-reinforcing and upperreducing acupuncture method for hyperplasia of mammary gland and its influence on estradiol and progesterone

To observe the clinical effect of lower-reinforcing and upper-reducing acupuncture method for hyperplasia of mammary gland (HMG) and its influence on estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P). A randomized, single-blinded and controlled trial was conducted. A total of 124 cases conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomized by random number table into a treatment group and a control group, with 62 cases in each group. Patients in both groups received acupuncture therapy at the same acupoints, while patients in the treatment group received lower-reinforcing and upper-reducing method, and patients in the control group received even reinforcing-reducing manipulation. The treatment started around 10 d before menstruation and was conducted every other day. Patients received 5 treatments in each menstruation cycle for consecutive 3 cycles. The levels of E2, P and E2/P and clinical efficacy were measured before and after treatment. After treatment, the breast lump size, pain intensity and concomitant symptoms score in both groups were substantially lower than those before treatment, showing statistical significances (all P 0.05). Lower-reinforcing and upper-reducing acupuncture method can effectively alleviate clinical symptoms and signs in HMG patients, and produce a better effect than even reinforcing-reducing manipulation. The majority of HMG patients’ E2, P level and E2/P value were not beyond the normal ranges; therefore, acupuncture showed no substantial influence on E2 and P levels and E2/P value.