Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach Research Articles

Teaching Acupuncture: The Brazilian Medical Residency Programme

Acupuncture has had a successful story in Brazil. With its use in the public health system supported by legislation since 1988, its recognition as a medical specialty in 1995 enabled the introduction of an annual board examination and the creation of an official Medical Residency Programme. Since then, medical acupuncture has developed considerably, mostly through its massive spread into the Brazilian public health system. Brazil is the only country outside China that has created a Medical Residency Programme on Acupuncture. The 2-year programme consists of 5760 training hours, beginning with major clinical areas (internal medicine, neurology, orthopaedics and gynaecology) during 24 weeks in the first year. The residents study and practice acupuncture using the traditional Chinese Medicine approach and also the biomedical model. Specialists educated by this programme are therefore expected to have an optimum knowledge of both Western and Eastern medicine. Since it was first created, nine public health institutions have adopted the residency programme on acupuncture so, rather than being an alternative therapy, acupuncture has become an easily accessible and well-accepted conventional medical resource in Brazil.

Past, Present, and Future of the Pulse Examination (脈診 mài zhěn)

The pulse examination (脈診 mài zhěn) is a unique diagnostic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The description of pulse examination in the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine is full of amazement and mythology. After researching in hemodynamics and investigating in clinical application for three decades, this article describes the development and the merits and demerits of pulse examination. The experiences of the ancients are tried to be illustrated with modern knowledge and language. As the theory of resonant blood circulation is discovered, Traditional Chinese Medicine could be on the shoulder of Newton and then lead the development of modern medicine. Hope the tool of pulse examination constructed according to eigen-vector with specific time domain and position can bring the running water for Traditional Chinese Medicine. Quantitative research could overcome the plight of analog logic qualitative research, and therefore bring new health revolution.

Treatments for Alcohol-Related Disorders in China: A Developing Story

Alcohol-related disorders (ARDs) have become an increasing mental health and social challenge in China. Research from China may provide important clinical information for researchers and clinicians around the world. However, most of the Chinese research on ARDs has only been published in Chinese language journals. This article summarizes publications related to treatments for ARDs found in the Chinese literature. A descriptive study based on literature identified from searches of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (1979-2012), Pubmed databases and hand-picked references with emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). More than 1500 Chinese language papers on treatment for ARDs were found and ~110 were selected. Many medications used in the Western countries (e.g. disulfiram and acamprosate) are not available in China, and no drugs have been officially approved for alcohol dependence. TCM approaches (including acupuncture, electroacupunture and herbals) have played a role in treatment for ARDs with some positive results. These unique methods are reviewed and the need for additional controlled studies is noted. Currently, very limited facilities, medications or programs are available for patients with ARDs in China, thus much improvement is needed in the field, including setting up intervention/treatment programs.

A Systematic Review of Smoking Cessation Intervention Studies in China

China has the highest number of tobacco smokers among the world's nations; however, no systematic review has been conducted of clinical trials on the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions in China. This paper summarizes findings of studies in order to compare the effect of pharmacotherapy, counseling, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches on the abstinence rate. Clinical trials of smoking cessation interventions published in English or Chinese were extracted from an electronic search of PubMed and WanFang databases. The search yielded 234 studies from the PubMed and 78 studies from the WanFang. Twenty-nine studies were included in this review. Of these, 11 (37.9%) were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the following approaches: counseling (5 studies), TCM (3 studies), pharmacotherapy (1 study), a combination of pharmacotherapy and counseling (1 study), and physician advice (1 study). Pharmacotherapy alone or in combination with counseling generally resulted in a higher abstinence rate than counseling alone. TCM techniques such as acupuncture and ear point seed pressure yielded a much higher abstinence rate than pharmacotherapy and counseling. Findings are inconclusive, however, because most of the TCM studies were noncontrolled trials and did not provide a definition of "abstinence." Findings on the effectiveness of physician advice to quit smoking were also inconclusive. A review of smoking cessation studies revealed that pharmacotherapy was effective in China. More RCTs of TCM approaches and physician advice are needed with long-term follow-up assessments and biochemical verification of self-reported abstinence before these approaches are adopted as evidence-based smoking cessation interventions in China.

Treatment of Diabetes Using Traditional Chinese Medicine: Past, Present and Future

Diabetes is a major medical problem that imperils public health. Over two thousand years ago, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) called diabetes-related symptoms "Xiaoke" disease. In ancient China, TCM and Chinese herbal medicines were used widely in treating Xiaoke and abundant experience has been accumulated. This article discusses the TCM theory on diabetes and its achievements in the prevention and treatment of diabetes in the past. Using Chinese herbal medicine, recent progress in diabetes therapeutics, including data from clinical trials, are presented. Mechanistic studies from basic research are discussed. Yin-yang balance and a holistic approach of TCM may complement diabetes treatment in Western medicine. With continuous efforts, TCM could play a more important role in fighting this disease.

Cultural Differences in Hand Rehabilitation

The purpose of this paper is to compare and contrast Western hand therapy interventions and practices in Chinese hospitals. For the past 2 years, I have been providing hand therapy in two local Chinese hospitals in the more developed eastern part of China. One hospital is a public traditional Chinese hospital and the other a private hospital that integrates a traditional Chinese medicine approach with international methods. Hand therapists take great pride in our profession and constantly strive to improve clinical skills and seek innovative solutions to complex hand injuries. We are regularly challenged with traumatic injuries that require the use of our expertise, creativity, and problem-solving skills in order to enable clients to re-engage in their life roles and occupations. The opportunity to practice in different cultural settings generates a sense of excitement, adventure, challenges, and drama and requires a deep commitment to the practice of hand rehabilitation.

Individually integrated traditional chinese medicine approach in the management of knee osteoarthritis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundKnee osteoarthritis (OA) is considered a major public health issue causing chronic disability worldwide with the increasing number of aging people. In China and increasingly worldwide, many sufferers with knee OA are using complementary and alternative medicine including herbal drug, herbal patch, acupuncture and Tuina etc., to alleviate their symptoms. However, evidence gathered from systematic reviews or randomized controlled trials (RCT) has only validated acupuncture for the management of osteoarthritic pain. Moreover, such Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) methods above are commonly used in an integrative way. This trial is aimed to compare the efficacy of an individually integrated TCM approach in the management of knee OA with other single treatments as parallel randomized controls.Methods/designFive teaching hospitals will participate in this randomized controlled trial. 500 participants, 100 in each hospital, will be randomly assigned to receive oral administration of a Chinese herbal drug (counter osteophytes capsule), topical use of a Chinese herbal patch (Fufnag Zijin patch), acupuncture, Tuina and the individually integrated TCM approach. The individually integrated TCM approach consists of basic treatment of oral counter osteophytes capsule, variable use of Tuina, acupuncture and a herbal patch based on the severity of the patient's symptoms.The interventions are given for a period of 4 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the self-reported total score using the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Secondary outcome measures include patient and investigator global assessment of response to treatment, patient and investigator global assessment of OA condition, WOMAC pain, stiffness, and physical function subscales, short-form 36 (SF-36) and TCM assessment of OA condition measured by syndromes questionnaire. Mixed models and sensitivity analysis will be used for the statistical analysis.DiscussionThe trial is designed to test the hypothesis that an individually integrated TCM approach is more effective than four treatment modalities used separately. The major limitation of this study is lack of placebo control and of double blinding.Trial RegistrationChinese Cochrane Center ChiCTR-TRC-00000176

Gut Microbiota-targeted, Whole-Body Systems Biology for Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a medical system with its own theoretical framework focusing on functions at the whole-body level, and it has accumulated abundant clinical experience. However, TCM approaches are empirical, and the manifestations that it reads in human bodies can hardly be communicated in molecular language with modern medicine. Whole-body systems biology considers the human body as a “superorganism,” which consists of cells of both human and symbiotic microorganisms. Taking advantage of “-omic” technologies, biological information in urine, fecal, and blood samples can be profiled as emergent functions of the complex human system for understanding its dynamics in disease and health. This top-down systems biology approach emphasizes the functions of gut microbiota in human health. It is a holistic approach similar to TCM, but it assesses human health with molecular-marker-based methods; therefore, it can serve as a bridge between TCM and western medical science. This article summarizes the concepts, methodologies, clinical applications, and advantages of “functional metagenomics,” a whole-body systems-biology platform, as a new research strategy for modernization of TCM.

Book Review: Acupuncture in Neurological Conditions

Acupuncture in neurological conditions By Val Hopwood, Clare Donnellan. Published by Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh (2010), 232 pages, £39.99 (hardbound). ISBN 978-0-7020-3020-8. “Acupuncture has been proved to be safe; now would be a very good time to add further clinical evidence of its value in neurological conditions” (p 199) This is a book in three parts, with five background chapters on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medical approaches followed by a core of chapters focused on clinical treatment in six different areas (acquired brain injury, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and disease, peripheral nervous system disorders and motor neuron disease), and concluding with a chapter on ‘pulling it together’. There is also a single brief appendix on outcome measures used in neurological rehabilitation, and an index. ### Authors' perspective The authors, both experienced and knowledgeable in the field of neurological rehabilitation, have open-mindedly set themselves the admirable, if unenviable, task of demonstrating how TCM and Western medical acupuncture (WMA) may both be appropriate, and even integrated, in the treatment of central and peripheral nervous system conditions (many of the former being notoriously refractory to most interventions). …

Relationship between traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation and imaging characterization to the radiosensitivity of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a well established and time-honored practice in China, employing syndrome differentiation as a basis for the treatment of disease. According to different TCM syndrome typing findings, combining modern medical methods with TCM approaches can improve the quality of life and comprehensive effect on patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study investigated the relationship between TCM syndrome typing and imaging characterization to radiosensitivity as to provide objective evidence for the integration of Chinese and modern medical approaches in the treatment of NPC. Prior to treatment, TCM syndrome typing, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed on 147 patients pathologically classified with NPC. The status of tumor remission was radiologically evaluated at accumulated doses of 20 Gy, 40 Gy and 60 Gy, and at 3 months after completion of radiotherapy. Statistical results were analyzed by the Friedman and K-W test procedures. Prior to treatment, TCM syndrome typing of NPC included Lung Heat, Blood Stasis, Phlegm Congealment and Blood Stasis-Phlegm Congealment. Lung Heat typing accounted for the highest proportion at 34.7% (51/147), followed by Phlegm Congealment at 32.7% (48/147), Blood Stasis at 17.0% (25/147) and Blood Stasis-Phlegm Congealment at 15.7% (23/147). Radiological imaging demonstrated a higher incidence of cervical lymph node metastases in Phlegm Congealment and Blood Stasis-Phlegm Congealment types (P<0.05), while Blood Stasis and Blood Stasis-Phlegm Congealment types were more prone to skull base invasion (P<0.05). Residual tumor size was larger in Blood Stasis and Blood Stasis-Phlegm Congealment types than in Lung Heat and Phlegm Congealment types after 3 months of treatment (P<0.05). Different radiological manifestations were observed in TCM syndrome typed NPC patients, with lesser radiosensitivity demonstrated in the Blood Stasis and the Blood Stasis-Phlegm Congealment types relative to the Lung Heat and Phlegm Congealment types.

Clinical Studies with Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Past Decade and Future Research and Development

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is currently considered a complementary or alternative medical system in most Western countries and has been increasingly accepted worldwide. More and more clinical trials on TCM have been conducted internationally, and scientists worldwide are becoming increasingly interested in the evaluation of clinical efficacy of TCM based on clinical trials. This paper reviews the situation of clinical trials on TCM in the past decade, including systematic reviews about clinical trials either focusing on the treatment of disease with TCM approaches or focusing on one herbal product, conduction of clinical trials on TCM either with randomization and controlled methods or general observation. Some general issues on the conduct of clinical trials on TCM, such as randomization, control, quality of life (QOL), patient reported outcomes (PROs) and biomarkers, quality control, safety evaluation and case studies, are discussed, and accordingly some suggestions are proposed.

Acupuncture as a treatment for nocturnal enuresis

Acupuncture can influence spinal micturition centers and parasympathetic innervation to the urinary tract and is known to modulate brain function via the descending serotonergic system. There are numerous difficulties in evaluating the efficacy of acupuncture in patients with nocturnal enuresis (NE), since the patient group is frequently heterogenous and the intervention is commonly given in association with other modalities. Until recently incomplete reporting of the quality aspects of studies has also limited evaluation of treatment effects. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate reports from both Western and Eastern medicines in which acupuncture was compared to some other treatment modality in children with nocturnal enuresis. Focusing on Chinese language sources 41 new studies of acupuncture for NE were identified, 13 of which were clinical trials that reported parameters of treatment and defined outcome measures of efficacy. A standardized data extraction form was used to evaluate outcome measures and to scrutinize the quality aspects of studies. All barr one study reported the efficacy rate of acupuncture as part of a TCM package to be higher than alarm therapy, the gold standard of Western medicine intervention for NE. Acupuncture as a monotherapy for the treatment of NE appears to be less effective than acupuncture given as part of a combined Traditional Chinese Medicine approach. Electroacupuncture enhances treatment outcomes.

Traditional chinese medicine approaches to cancer Henry McGrath Traditional chinese medicine approaches to cancer Singing Dragon £12.99 256pp 9781848190139 1848190131

THE AUTHOR is an experienced practitioner who translates the complex world of Chinese medicine into a clear and readable format. Chinese understanding of cancer is examined, including its whole person approach to cancer and its causes. The evidence base underpinning acupuncture, herbal medicine and nutrition to treat disease is explored.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Cancer – Harmony in the Face of the TigerTraditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Cancer – Harmony in the Face of the Tiger

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Cancer – Harmony in the Face of the TigerTraditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Cancer – Harmony in the Face of the Tiger

Traditional chinese medicine approaches to cancer – harmony in the face of the tiger Henry McGrath Traditional chinese medicine approaches to cancer – harmony in the face of the tiger Singing Dragon 256pp £12.99 978 1 84819 013 9 1848190131

Traditional chinese medicine approaches to cancer – harmony in the face of the tiger Henry McGrath Traditional chinese medicine approaches to cancer – harmony in the face of the tiger Singing Dragon 256pp £12.99 978 1 84819 013 9 1848190131

Evaluation of Quality of Life in Patients Treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine

The worldwide clinical implementation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is increasing as complementary therapy to Western Medicine. This development leads to an increasing demand to evaluate not only the scientific proof of efficacy, but also to measure the quality of life (QOL) concepts specific to TCM. This article attempts to 1) review the relevant published literature (indexed in Medline) on the evaluation of QOL in patients treated with TCM, 2) compare QOL of patients treated with Western Medicine and TCM and 3) describe the limitations of the literature and future research directions. Overall, the approach of TCM as a model of system biology appears to improve QOL and may be worth integrated into conventional Western Medicine.

Editorial: The need for complementary and alternative medicine familiarisation in undergraduate nurse education

Editorial: The need for complementary and alternative medicine familiarisation in undergraduate nurse education

An investigation of the association between diet and occurrence of acne: a rational approach from a traditional Chinese medicine perspective

The association between diet and acne vulgaris has long been suggested but remains unproven in western medicine. In contrast, the diet-acne relationship is considered important in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Aim. To investigate the association between diet and acne, using a TCM approach. Using a cross-sectional study of 322 entrants to a university in Hong Kong, China, we examined the participants' clinical severity of acne using the Global Acne Grading System and the participants' yin and yang scores using a quantitative method. We then divided them into two groups, a yin-predominant group (yin-PG) and a yang-predominant group (yang-PG) before the diet-acne relationship was investigated. In total, 82 (25.2%) participants were in the clinical acne group and 240 (74.5%) were in the reference group. There were 155 (48.1%) participants in the yin-PG and 167 (51.9%) in the yang-PG group. No association of diet and acne was found when the participants were considered as a homogenous group. In yin-PG, intake of foods from street stalls (P = 0.04) was significantly associated with a lower incidence of acne. In yang-PG, the intake of desserts (P = 0.04) and fresh fruit juices (P = 0.02) was significantly associated with a higher incidence of acne, whereas the intake of dairy and soy products (P = 0.04) was significantly associated with a lower incidence of acne. The application of a TCM approach led to the detection of significant associations between diet and the incidence of acne.

Shifted Research Approach for New Drug Discovery

Systems biology and the Herbalome Project have good prospects if the specific episteme-method approach of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is taken into serious consideration. TCM takes advantage of a specific holistic method, which is based on the episteme method approach derived from the conceptions of unceasing movement and dynamic holism, to handle the diagnosis and treatments of certain diseases. Although the episteme method approach of TCM is quite different from that of modern medicine, some recent investigations have in principle clarified the episteme method characters of TCM. By means of high-tech purification methods, additional drugs than only artemisinin (qing hao-su) from TCM can be expected in the near future.

Traditional Chinese medicine and infertility

The present review gives an overview of the potential use of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of infertility, including an evidence-based evaluation of its efficacy and tolerance. Recent studies demonstrated that traditional Chinese medicine could regulate the gonadotropin-releasing hormone to induce ovulation and improve the uterus blood flow and menstrual changes of endometrium. In addition, it also has impacts on patients with infertility resulting from polycystic ovarian syndrome, anxiety, stress and immunological disorders. Although study design with adequate sample size and appropriate control for the use of traditional Chinese medicine is not sufficient, the effective studies have already indicated the necessity to explore the possible mechanisms, that is, effective dose, side effect and toxicity of traditional Chinese medicine, in the treatment of infertility by means of prospective randomized control trial. The growing popularity of traditional Chinese medicine used alone or in combination with Western medicine highlights the need to examine the pros and cons of both Western and traditional Chinese medicine approaches. Integrating the principle and knowledge from well characterized approaches and quality control of both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medical approaches should become a trend in existing clinical practice and serve as a better methodology for treating infertility.