Acupuncture Needle Research Articles

Exploration of the construction of semantic framework of meridians and acupoints based on top-level ontology

Based on the top-level ontology and the existing ontology methodology, the related concepts of meridians and acupoints were discriminated, defined and classified; the relationship of core concepts were established, e.g. meridians, acupoints and zangfu. It was attempted to build an ontological semantic framework of meridians and acupoints. Through the investigation on the classification mode of the top-level ontology, it is proposed that the meridians and acupoints, as the unique concepts of traditional Chinese medicine, exist in the form of "emptiness" and belong to "immaterial entity". Meridians refer to the three-dimensional channels in the human body, and acupoints are divided into ontological acupoints and body surface ones. Ontological acupoints are regarded as a three-dimensional structure within the human body, whereas, body surface ones are the optimal sites for acupuncture needle insertion on the body surface, meaning, the zero-dimensional point on the body surface. The main relationships between meridians and acupoints include is-a, exterior-interior, located-in, correspondent-to, mapping, etc. The exploration of the semantic framework of meridians and acupoints is conductive to understanding the connotation of meridians, acupoints and their relationship.

An Observational Study Using Ultrasound to Assess Allowable Needle Insertion Range of Acupoint CV12.

Background: Abdominal organ injuries are a rarely reported complication when deep acupuncture needling is applied to the abdomen. In order to ascertain the allowable needle insertion range (ANIR) of the abdomen region, we selected acupoint CV12, which is commonly used for treating gastric disease, and ANIR was measured with an ultrasound device. Method: Eighty-five healthy volunteers were recruited, of which 83 cases of ultrasound images were obtained. To investigate the prediction factor of ANIR, we also measured several anthropometric factors. Results: The average ANIR was 25.3 ± 10.2; generally, the ANIRs of females were thicker than those of males; and the liver was observed in 62.7% subjects’ ultrasound images. The non-observed group showed thicker ANIR and higher BMI than the liver-observed group. Conclusion: There are reliable variables that make it possible to predict the ANIR. It is advised to refer to anthropometric factors in needling acupoint CV12 to avoid complications with the acupuncture treatment. However, individual differences are not negligible when applying deep needling. Thus, if the risk is not judged before or during the procedure, practitioners could consider the patient’s ANIR on CV12 when applying acupuncture by examining the individual anatomical structures using ultrasound and considering internal organ positions to prevent adverse events due to acupuncture.

Meridian study on the response current affected by acupuncture needling direction.

Acupuncture manipulation with needling direction is important for the therapeutic effect based on traditional Chinese medicine theory. However, there is controversy over directional manipulation and therapeutic effect, despite some research showing that acupuncture manipulations may have something to do with therapeutic effect. Moreover, research usually focuses on the therapeutic effects on the acupoints and acupuncture time rather than exploring the manipulation method. This study applies a semiconductor analyzer to investigate the effects of acupuncture manipulation. 10 healthy participants were recruited for the study. We used a cross-over design to compare the effect of different manipulation on individuals. This study employed an Agilent B1500A semiconductor analyzer to investigate the electric characteristics of meridians under directional supplementation and draining manipulation. We measured the electric current of meridians under different manipulation, and compared the difference between supplementation and draining manipulation in healthy individuals. The electric current was significantly larger in supplementation manipulation compared to draining manipulation in the meridians (P < .001). The measured electric current in the same manipulation methods did not show a statistical difference between meridians (P = .094). The different directional manipulation result in different electric currents in humans. Our finding implies that the supplementation and draining manipulation may result in different therapeutic effects clinically as the description of traditional Chinese medicine theory. Therefore, directional manipulation may need to be taken into consideration in future acupuncture studies and clinical management.

Acupuncture Activates Ca2+Signaling And Mitochondrial Network Homeostasis Through TRP Channels In Eccentric Exercise-induced Skeletal Muscle Injury

PURPOSE: Explore how acupuncture activates Ca2+ signaling and mitochondrial network homeostasis through TRP channels in eccentric exercise-induced skeletal muscle injury. The aim is reveal the mechanism of acupuncture which reduces scar production in injured skeletal muscles and promotes repair of skeletal muscle injuries. METHODS: 72 8-week-old C57BL6 mice were randomly divided into control group (C), electrical stimulation group (E), electrical stimulation and acupuncture group (EA), electrical stimulation and acupuncture group, electrical stimulation and acupuncture TRP, NCX (sodium-calcium exchanger) Ryanodine receptors (RYRs) inhibitor group (EAT), (EAN) and (EAR), transfect TA muscle with cDNAs encoding for either 2mtYC2 or pMitoTimer using electroporation, and mouse TA muscle injury model was established after 10 days of recovery, using stainless steel acupuncture needle for EA, EAT and EAN group. Imaging was performed on a Zeiss microscope Average YFP/CFP ratio values were determined and analyzed with ImageJ. Data analysis was made using two-way ANOVA with repeated measures. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences in the indicators of each group before the experiment (P > 0.05). The Ca2+ YFP/CFP ratio of group E was not significantly different from that of groups EAT, EAN, and EAR (P > 0.05), but it is significantly higher than the groups C, EA (1.50 + 0.20vs 0.80 + 0.20vs 1.00 + 0.20, P < 0.05). The area of mitochondrial damage in group E was not significantly different from that in groups EAT, EAN and EAR (P > 0.05), but it is larger than groups C, EA (2643.41 + 150.00 vs 0.00 + 10 vs 1452.26 + 150.00um2, P < 0.05); Outside the injury area, group E mitophagy area diameter is longer than group EA (164.56 + 30.92 vs 5.86 + 3.10 um + 0.20 P < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Acupuncture triggered TRP channel activating RyRs and NCX, prevented Ca2+ concentration from overloading, regulated intracellular mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake to maintain eccentric injury skeletal muscle mitochondrial network homeostasis.

GAO Wei-bin's clinical experience of electric eye acupuncture and stagnant-moving needling for ophthalmopathy

Professor GAO Wei-bin's clinical experience of electric eye acupuncture and stagnant-moving needling for ophthalmopathy was introduced. The indications of electric eye acupuncture and stagnant-moving needling include external ophtalmoplegia and visual impairment. Professor GAO has proposed new acupoints at the ocular muscles attachment of eyeball, and put forward five experience points: Shangming point, Neiming point, Xiaming point, Waiming point and Tijian point. The points are selected according to different pathological changes of ocular muscles. In the treatment of ophthalmopathy, the tendons and vessels are often regulated at the same time. Neiming point, Shangming point, Xiaming point and Qiuhou point are the main points, with Fengchi (GB 20) and Gongxue (Extra) as the matching points. In addition, attention is paid to the application of stagnant-moving needling and electroacupuncture (continuous dense wave, frequency of 50 Hz).

Efficacy of Dry Needling and Acupuncture in Patients with Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a syndrome that involves chronic pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and impaired quality of life and daily functioning. In addition to medical and psychological therapies, other therapies including acupuncture and dry needling aim to reduce pain and disability in patients with FM. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of dry needling and acupuncture in patients with FM regarding pain, function and disability in both the short and the long term. MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for randomized controlled trial studies evaluating efficacy data of dry needling or/and acupuncture treatments to improve pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance and impaired quality of life and/or daily function. A qualitative analysis including the methodological quality and a systematic data synthesis was performed. A total of 25 studies addressed the selection criteria. Most studies had an acceptable methodological quality. Four studies assessed the effect of dry needling, and twenty-one studies assessed the effect of acupuncture. In general, both interventions improved pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, stiffness, quality of sleep and quality of life. However, both techniques were not compared in any study. Acupuncture and dry needling therapies seems to be effective in patients with FM, since both reduced pain pressure thresholds, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbances and disability in the short term. It is still required to compare both techniques and their application in the long term.

Effects of Warm Needle Acupuncture plus Xitong Waixi Lotion in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective To evaluate the effect of warm needle acupuncture plus Xitong Waixi lotion on the levels of IL-1, TNF-α, and MMP-3 in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Methods Eighty patients with knee osteoarthritis admitted to our hospital from October 2019 to June 2021 were recruited and assigned via the random number table method at a ratio of 1 : 1 to receive either Xitong Waixi lotion (conventional group) or warm needle acupuncture plus Xitong Waixi lotion (combined group). Outcome measures included clinical efficacy, inflammatory cytokine level, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index (WOMAC) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, and adverse reactions. Results Warm needle acupuncture plus Xitong Waixi lotion was associated with a significantly higher clinical efficacy versus Xitong Waixi lotion alone (P=0.006). Patients in the combined group had significantly lower levels of interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) than those in the conventional group (P=0.020). Warm needle acupuncture plus Xitong Waixi lotion resulted in significantly lower WOMAC scores and VAS scores and higher HSS scores for the patients versus Xitong Waixi lotion (P=0.012). The two groups had a similar incidence of adverse events (P=0.068). Conclusion Warm needle acupuncture plus Xitong Waixi lotion effectively alleviates the inflammatory response and knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, with significant clinical effects and a high safety profile.

Effects of acupuncture on Beclin-1 and Caspase-3 expression in hippocampal tissue of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: Observations at different time points ☆基于不同时间点观察针刺对脑缺血再灌注损伤大鼠海马组织Beclin-1及Caspase-3表达的影响

ObjectiveTo observe the changes in the neurological score, infarct size, and autophagy- and apoptosis-related indicators following the acupuncture treatment of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) in order to investigate the effects of acupuncture on autophagy and apoptosis in the hippocampal tissue of CIRI rats MethodsIn this study, 170 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the normal group (n=34), sham group (n=34), and model establishment group (n=102). A CIRI rat model was established in the model establishment group. The rats of the model establishment group were then randomly and equally allocated to the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion group (MCAO/R group), acupuncture group (AC group), and edaravone group (ED group) (n=34 each). Each group was further subdivided into the 24-h and 72-h subgroups (n=17 each). The rats of the MCAO/R group were immobilized for 30 min and administered with an intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% sodium chloride solution. The rats of the AC group were immobilized, and they received acupuncture at the“Dà zhuī (大椎 GV 14) ”,“Shuĭ gōu (水沟 GV 26 ) ”, and “Băi huì (百会 GV 20) ” and an intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% sodium chloride solution, with the acupuncture needles left in place for 30 min. The rats of the ED group were immobilized for 30 min and administered with an intraperitoneal injection of edaravone (5 mg/kg). All interventions were performed once every 12 h. Investigations of the neurological score, infarct size using triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining, hippocampal Caspase-3 protein expression by immunohistochemical assay, hippocampal Beclin-1 expression by Western blotting, autophagosomes in the hippocampus by transmission electron microscopy, and apoptotic rate in the brain tissue of the ischemic side using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay were performed both before and after the interventions. ResultsBefore intervention, the neurological score of the model establishment group was significantly lower than that of the normal and sham groups (P<0.01). After 24 h and 72 h, the neurological scores of the ED and AC groups were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas the infarct size ratio were smaller (P<0.05 or P<0.01) and the apoptotic rates and Caspase-3 expression were lower (P<0.01) when compared with the MCAO/R group. The hippocampal Beclin-1 expression in the ED and AC groups was downregulated after 24 h of intervention (P<0.05) but upregulated after 72 h of intervention (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively). In the ED and AC groups, 72 h of intervention led to significant increases in the neurological score (P<0.01) and significant reductions in the apoptotic rate and Caspase-3 expression (P<0.05 or P<0.01), but no significant changes in the Beclin-1 expression (P>0.05) when compared with 24 h of intervention. Moreover, the AC group showed a significant decrease in the infarct size ratio (P<0.01). Electron microscopy revealed that after 24 h of intervention, only individual lysosome structures could be observed in the tissues of the AC and ED groups. After 72 h of intervention, co-existence of autophagosomes and lysosomes was observed in the ED group, whereas co-existence of lysosomes and autolysosomes was observed in the AC group. ConclusionAcupuncture significantly improved the neurological score and reduced the infarct size in the CIRI rats. The mechanisms of these effects could be attributed to the regulation of autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis in the hippocampal tissue as well as the duration of the intervention to a certain extent.

Fire Needling Acupuncture for Adult Patients with Acute Herpes Zoster: Protocol of a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundAcute herpes zoster (HZ) is characterized as a vesicular rash with unilateral distribution produced by the reactivation of varicella zoster virus. It can induce various comorbidities that can adversely influence the quality of life of patients. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the effect and safety of fire needling acupuncture on acute HZ.MethodsThree English databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and four Chinese Databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang database, Chongqing VIP database, and China Biology Medicine database) will be searched from their inceptions to July 2022. Randomized controlled trials investigating fire needling acupuncture therapy for acute HZ will be included, regardless of publication status. Two reviewers will independently conduct the study screening, data extraction, and research quality assessments. The primary outcome measures are the Pain Visual Analogue Scale and the occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia. Secondary outcomes measures are the evaluation of skin lesions, time to resolution of pain, tolerance evaluation, total effective rate, adverse events and changes in inflammatory and immune suppression markers in peripheral plasma. All included studies will be assessed for methodological quality via the Cochrane Collaboration’s bias risk assessment tool. Meta-analyses will be undertaken using Review Manager V.5.3 software. The findings will be reported as the risk ratio of the binary data and the mean difference (MD) or standardized MD of the continuous data. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses will be conducted where appropriate. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation will be used to assess evidence certainty.ResultsFrom the study, we will ascertain the effects and safety of fire needling acupuncture on acute HZ.ConclusionThis study will validate the effects and safety of fire needling acupuncture in the management of acute HZ, generating new evidence to guide acupuncture interventions for acute HZ in the future.Registration NumberPROSPERO CRD42020199047.

Long-Term Follow-up of Osteoarthritis in Three Humboldt Penguins Treated with Acupuncture

Humboldt penguins, (Spheniscus humbolti) are medium-sized penguins from the rocky shores of Chile and Peru. Their lifespan in the wild is 20-25 years and in captivity 20-30 years. Three geriatric penguins at the Santa Barbara Zoological Park displayed various degrees of lameness and decreased swim time in their pool. Radiographs revealed osteoarthritis in numerous joints. Conventional treatments with various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were minimally effective at improving their mobility. The penguins were part of a zoo rookery and were not used to being handled. The traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) examinations were kept brief and treatments done under the supervision of the zoo veterinary staff. The three penguins received a TCVM Pattern diagnosis of Kidney Qi Deficiency with local Stagnation in various joints. Dry needle acupuncture treatments utilizing minimal restraint were administered monthly for a year. Between acupuncture treatments, conventional medication was also administered. During the year of treatment, the geriatric penguins’ quality of life showed some improvement. One of the penguin’s mobility improved enough to again swim in the pool and catch fish during the feeding sessions. The other two penguins demonstrated some mild improvement with their mobility on land and swam more frequently in the pool. These improvements allowed them to remain part of their colony.

Effectiveness of Dry Needle Acupuncture of Arthritic Canines

Both tests will determine if the canine showed a decline, unchanged, or improvement in condition throughout their participation of the study. Then, the data from both measurements will be analyzed to determine the effect of dry-needle acupuncture compared to NSAIDs alone.

Acute effects of a single bout of exercise therapy on knee acoustic emissions in patients with osteoarthritis: a double-blinded, randomized controlled crossover trial

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis is associated with higher kinetic friction in the knee joint, hence increased acoustic emissions during motion. Decreases in compressive load and improvements in movement quality might reduce this friction and, thus, sound amplitude. We investigated if an exercise treatment acutely affects knee joint sounds during different activities of daily life.MethodsEighteen participants with knee osteoarthritis (aged 51.8 ± 7.3 years; 14 females) were included in this randomized crossover trial. A neuromuscular exercise intervention and a placebo laser needle acupuncture treatment were performed. Before and after both interventions, knee joint sounds were measured during three different activities of daily living (standing up/sitting down, walking, descending stairs) by means of vibroarthrography. The mean amplitude (dB) and the median power frequency (MPF, Hz) were assessed at the medial tibial plateau and the patella. Differences in knee acoustic emissions between placebo and exercise interventions were calculated by analyses of covariance.ResultsControlled for participant's age, knee demanding activity level and osteoarthritis stage, the conditions significantly differed in their impact on the MPF (mean(± SD) pre-post-differences standing up: placebo: 9.55(± 29.15) Hz/ exercise: 13.01(± 56.06) Hz, F = 4.9, p < 0.05) and the amplitude (standing up: placebo:0.75(± 1.43) dB/ exercise: 0.51(± 4.68) dB, F = 5.0, p < 0.05; sitting down: placebo: 0.07(± 1.21) dB/ exercise: -0.16(± .36) dB, F = 4.7, p < 0.05) at the tibia. There were no differences in the MPF and amplitude during walking and descending stairs (p > 0.05). At the patella, we found significant differences in the MPF during walking (placebo 0.08(± 1.42) Hz/ exercise: 15.76(± 64.25) Hz, F = 4.8, p < .05) and in the amplitude during descending stairs (placebo: 0.02 (± 2.72) dB/ exercise: -0.73(± 2.84) dB, F = 4.9, p < 0.05). There were no differences in standing up/ sitting down for both parameters, nor in descending stairs for the MPF and walking for the amplitude (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe MPF pre-post differences of the exercise intervention were higher compared to the MPF pre-post differences of the placebo treatment. The amplitude pre-post differences were lower in the exercise intervention. In particular, the sound amplitude might be an indicator for therapy effects in persons with knee osteoarthritis.Trial registrationThe study was retrospectively registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00022936, date of registry: 26/08/2020).

Pain control &amp; acupuncture

Acupuncture is used mainly to relieve discomfort associated with a variety of diseases and pain conditions Over the years there has been substantial debate about whether acupuncture really works for chronic pain. Research from an international team of experts adds to the evidence that it does provide real relief from common forms of pain. Despite wide use in clinical practice, acupuncture remains a controversial treatment for chronic pain. Referral for a course of acupuncture treatment is a reasonable option for a patient with chronic pain. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment of chronic pain, within the context of the methodological quality of the studies. Complementary medicine databases, bibliographies and articles were searched. Our objective was to determine the effect size of acupuncture for chronic pain conditions. We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials randomized trial. We included randomized trials of acupuncture needling versus either sham acupuncture or no acupuncture control. We conclude that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain, with treatment effects persisting over time.

Acupuncture improves chemotherapy-induced neuropathy explored by neurophysiological and clinical outcomes – The randomized, controlled, cross-over ACUCIN trial

BackgroundChemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is recognized as the second commonest side effect after chemotherapy. Besides neurological deficits and pain, it is a potential reason for terminating chemotherapy. Effective curative treatments of neurodegeneration are lacking. Hitherto, no randomized controlled study used nerve conduction studies (NCS), the gold standard diagnostic tool for peripheral neuropathy, as the primary outcome parameter for evaluating acupuncture for CIPN, which can also measure structural changes. MethodsThe study was carried out at the HanseMerkur Center for TCM at the University Medical Center, Hamburg-Eppendorf. Sixty patients with CIPN were included in the study after physical examination, subjective evaluation and quantitative evaluation by NCS. Subsequently, the patients were randomly assigned to Group 1 (30 patients), which received, in the first period, needle acupuncture and to Group 2 (30 patients), which was assigned to the waiting list in the first period. Group 1 received a standard 10-week bilateral treatment of ST34 (Liangqiu), EX–LE12 (Qiduan) and EX–LE8 (Bafeng). After 14 weeks, both groups were re-evaluated. Using a cross-over design, the patients of Group 2 received the same treatment procedure as Group 1 in the first period. Patients of Group 1 were assigned to the waiting list for the second period. After 28 weeks both groups were re-evaluated. Wilcoxon test was used as a pre-test to rule out carryover effects and to test for differences between acupuncture and the waiting list. Group assignment was not exposed to the statistician and the neurologist. ResultsSural sensory nerve amplitude, and sural nerve conduction velocity, were significantly improved (p < 0.01, effect size (f) 0.55 and 0.49) compared to measurements in the waiting period. Change of NCS of the tibial nerve did not significantly differ in group comparison. Patients reported subjective improvement during acupuncture treatment superior to the waiting period for burning pain, cramps, numbness, frequency of symptoms (all p < 0.01) and unsteadiness of gait (p < 0.05). On physical examination, blind walking, heel-to-toe walking, distal pallhypesthesia (both p < 0.01), and the neuropathy deficit score (p < 0.05) were significantly improved during acupuncture treatment compared to the waiting period. ConclusionAcupuncture can enhance structural regeneration in CIPN as measured by NCS, which is manifested in subjective improvement and neurological findings.

Electroacupuncture improves learning-memory ability by down-regulating expression of hippocampal Aβ1-42 and Tau and NF-κB proteins in diabetic rats with cognitive impairment

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture(EA) on the expression of nuclear transcription factors κB (NF-κB) and Tau protein and content of amyloid (Aβ) in diabetic rats with cognitive impairment, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of learning-memory ability. Male SD rats were randomly divided into normal control (n=9), model (n=9) and EA (n=9) groups. The diabetic mellitus model was established by feeding the rats with high fat and high sugar for 1 month and intraperitoneal injection of STZ (25 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 2 days. EA was applied to "Zusanli"(ST36) and "Neiting"(ST44) for 20 min, alternatively on both side every day, and "Yishu"(EX-B3) was stimulated by twirling the acupuncture needle with uniform reinforcing-reducing method for 1 min, followed by retaining it for 20 min. The treatment was conducted 6 times a week for 4 weeks. The learning-memory ability was evaluated by using Morris water maze swimming test. The blood glucose level was randomly detected by using a glucometer, the content of Aβ1-42 in the hippocampal tissue was detected by ELISA, and the relative expression levels of hippocampal Tau and NF-κB p65 proteins and mRNAs were determined by Western blot and fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR, separately. After modeling, the blood glucose, escape latency, Aβ1-42 content and the expression levels of Tau and NF-κB p65 proteins and mRNAs in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05) in comparison with the normal control group. Following EA intervention, the modeling induced increase of blood glucose, escape latency, Aβ1-42 content and the expression levels of Tau and NF-κB p65 proteins and mRNAs were reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). EA can improve the learning-memory ability in rats with diabetic cognitive impairment, which may be related to its function in down-regulating the levels of hippocampal Aβ1-42, Tau and NF-κB proteins.

Effects of Qihuang Needling on Motor Function for Patients With Parkinson's Disease: Study Protocol for a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundAlthough significant progress has been made in the pharmacologic management of Parkinson's Disease (PD), effective management of movement disorders is still a hurdle for therapeutics targeting PD. Acupuncture is one therapeutic option that could potentially improve the motor function of PD and is widely used as adjuvant therapy. Among the various acupuncture approaches, Qihuang Needling (QHN) therapy has been found to improve motor-function control for patients with PD. However, evidence regarding its efficacy remains scarce. Therefore, to address this need, this study will determine the effects of QHN therapy on motor function in patients with PD and compare it to placebo effects.MethodsThis trial is a multicenter, prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. We randomly allocated 144 participants to two groups of 72 patients. Patients in the treatment group were treated with QHN therapy. The control group had undergone insertion of acupuncture needles at sham acupoints not corresponded to acupuncture points. Participants in the verum treatment group and sham-acupuncture control group received 9 sessions over 6 weeks followed by 8 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome was the change of motor function from baseline to weeks 6 and 14 measured by the PD Rating Scale-Part III Motor Examination (UPDRS-III). Secondary outcome measures included the change of PD daily quality of life-39 (PDQ-39) and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale for PD (NMSS) from baseline to weeks 6 and 14.DiscussionThe results of this trial will generate data to improve our general understanding of the efficacy of QHN therapy on motor function in patients with PD and thoroughly compare these responses to the placebo effect.Trial RegistrationThe trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR- 2000030871) on 16 March 2020.

Acupuncture and Dry Needling for Sports Performance and Recovery.

Acupuncture and dry needling share many similarities in their proposed mechanisms of action and their sports medicine-related applications. Pain is the most common indication for these needling treatments, but there also are some limited studies on their use for ergogenic purposes. Needling can likely improve muscular strength and power, including increasing jump height, and it also can increase flexibility. In terms of sports recovery, acupuncture can not only be used for pain relief after injury, but also can help with routine recovery, such as in delayed onset muscle soreness. There are numerous case reports of acupuncture and dry needling being used to treat athletes for various diagnoses and conditions, however more high quality studies are needed in order to make more specific evidence-based recommendations. Given the high degree of safety and limited adverse events associated with needling treatments, it can likely be promoted in athletes.

How Do You Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia in Your Practice?

How Do You Treat Trigeminal Neuralgia in Your Practice?

The mystery of capsular vesicles: Preliminary studies

An unexpected finding from a previous experiment was the finding of capsular vesicles in the uterine flush 48h after the transfer of a Day 8 embryo that had been punctured with an acupuncture needle. The authors of this study initially thought the vesicles originated from fragments of capsule, in the same way fragments of cultured trophoblast readily form vesicles. However, recovery of a capsule with the hole made by the acupuncture needle alongside the capsular vesicles showed that this was not the case. A preliminary study was undertaken to determine if trophoblast vesicles (TVs) could initiate capsule vesicle formation in recipient mares at different stages post ovulation when transferred for 24h. Day 11 embryos were recovered from donor mares and the capsule was removed before fragmenting the trophoblast and incubating the tissue in DMEMF12 (+ 5% FBS and pen/strep) for 24-48h. Between 20 and 50 TVs were transferred to the uteri of ten recipient mares. Recipient mares were divided into 3 groups; G1, Days 4 or 5 post ovulation (n = 2); G2, Days 6 to 9 (n = 5); and G3, Days 12 and 13 (n = 3). The uteri of the recipient mares were flushed 24h after transfer of the TVs and the recovered fluid searched. In all of the mares, TVs were recovered withvarying degrees of degeneration. In G1 no capsular vesicles were recovered, in G2 and G3 between 5 and 32 capsular vesicles were found in each flush. Although different numbers of vesicles were transferred to recipients the greatest number of capsular vesicles per transferred TV was in G2 compared to G3 (0.44 - 1.6 vs. 0.12 – 0.25 capsular vesicles/transferred TV, respectively). Proper formation of the capsule in the mare is believed to involve interaction of the embryo with the endometrium because in vitro produced embryos fail to produce a proper capsule until after transfer. In vivo, developmentally regulated changes in composition of the capsule have also been noted and the capsule increases in thickness up until at least Day 11. These preliminary results suggest that capsular vesicles can form in the uterus following transfer of TVs, providing that the uterus is at a stage when an embryo would normally be forming the capsular layer since transfers prior to Day 6 failed to produce capsular vesicles and reduced numbers were produced after Day 12. The mechanism of their formation remains a mystery as they are free in the uterus and did not envelop the trophoblastic vesicles.

Effect of electroacupuncture on ocular surface sensory neuralgia and expression of P2X3 receptor and PKC in cornea and trigeminal ganglion of dry eye guinea pigs

To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on ocular surface sensory neuralgia and the expression of P2X3 receptor (P2X3R) and protein kinase C(PKC)in cornea and trigeminal ganglion (TG) in dry eye disease (DED) guinea pigs, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improvement of ocular surface sensory neuralgia in DED. Male British tricolor short haired guinea pigs were randomly divided into control, model, medication (pranoprofen), EA and sham acupuncture groups, with 8 guinea pigs in each group. The dry eye model was induced by subcutaneous injection of scopolamine hydrobromide solution (0.6 mg/0.2 mL,once daily) for 10 d. Guinea pigs in the medication group were treated by applying pranoprofen eye drops to eyes, 1 drop for one eye each time, three times a day. Guinea pigs of the EA group received EA stimulation (4 Hz/20 Hz,1 mA) of bilateral "Cuanzhu" (BL2) and "Taiyang" (HN5) and acupuncture at "Jingming" (BL1) "Sizhukong" (TE23), "Tongziliao" (GB1) for 15 min, once a day. Guinea pigs in the sham acupuncture group received blunt stimu-lation at the surface of the same acupoint with the tip of the acupuncture needle, once a day. All the treatments were conducted for 14 d. The corneal epithelium fluorescein staining score (0-3 points) was given according to the number of fluorescence-positive dots and flake-like coloration, the corneal mechanical perception thread (CMPT) detected using a corneal perception meter, and the palpebral fissure height measured. The number of sensory neurons in the cornea and TG was determined by using cholera toxin subunit B conjugated with Alexa Fluor 488 fluorescence labelling, and the expression levels of P2X3R and PKC in the cornea and TG detected by using immunohistochemistry and Western blot, separately. Compared with the control group, the corneal fluorescein staining score, immunoactivity and expression of P2X3R proteins in both cornea and TG, PKC proteins in TG were significantly increased (P<0.01), whereas the CMPT and the height of palpebral fissure and the number of TG neurons significantly decreased in the model group (P<0.05,P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the fluorescein staining score in the medication and EA groups, the immunoactivity and expression of P2X3R in cornea and TG in the EA group, and that of TG PKC in the EA group and the sham acupuncture groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the height of palpebral fissure and CMPT after EA and the number of labelling TG sensory neurons were remarkably increased in the EA group (P<0.01) rather than in the medication and sham acupuncture groups (P>0.05). EA can alleviate the damage of corneal epithelium and sensory neurons in dry eye model guinea pigs, which may be related to its functions in down-regu-lating the expression of P2X3R and PKC in the cornea and TG.