Characteristics Of Acupuncture Research Articles

Characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine based on Medical Canon in Four Sections

By tracing to the origin of Tibetan medicine, it is known that Tibetan medicine absorbs a variety of medical ideas such as traditional Chinese medicine, Vedic medicine, Persian medicine and Byzantine medicine, and forms a unique theoretical system. The meridian-acupoint system and the characteristics and application of external therapies such as bloodletting and moxibustion in Tibetan medicine are analyzed by elaborating the relevant aspects of acupuncture and moxibustion involved in treatment of diseases listed in Medical Canon in Four Sections. The paper emphasizes the introduction of ironing moxibustion and huo'er moxibustion of fire moxibustion and the application of separation-action decoction and ghee therapy in bloodletting, as well as alternative therapy. Besides, by taking the external treatment of cirrhotic ascites and head trauma as an example, the idea of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine embodied in the Medical Canon in Four Sections is explained so as to benefit the development of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine.

Characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine based on Medical Canon in Four Sections

By tracing to the origin of Tibetan medicine, it is known that Tibetan medicine absorbs a variety of medical ideas such as traditional Chinese medicine, Vedic medicine, Persian medicine and Byzantine medicine, and forms a unique theoretical system. The meridian-acupoint system and the characteristics and application of external therapies such as bloodletting and moxibustion in Tibetan medicine are analyzed by elaborating the relevant aspects of acupuncture and moxibustion involved in treatment of diseases listed in Medical Canon in Four Sections. The paper emphasizes the introduction of ironing moxibustion and huo'er moxibustion of fire moxibustion and the application of separation-action decoction and ghee therapy in bloodletting, as well as alternative therapy. Besides, by taking the external treatment of cirrhotic ascites and head trauma as an example, the idea of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine embodied in the Medical Canon in Four Sections is explained so as to benefit the development of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in Tibetan medicine.溯源藏医学发展由来，可知其吸收了中医学、吠陀医学、波斯医学、拜占庭医学等多种医学思想，形成独有的理论体系。通过撷取解析《四部医典•秘诀续》所列疾病中涉及针灸的相关内容，对藏医学脉穴体系以及放血、艾灸等外治疗法的特色与应用进行分析，重点介绍火灸法之烙灸、霍尔灸，放血中分离汤、油治法的应用以及交替疗法。同时，以水鼓痼疾、头部创伤所用外治法为例，说明《四部医典》所体现的藏医针灸疗法思路，以期对藏医学针灸疗法的发展有所裨益。.

日本针灸的发展成就与特色研究

日本针灸的发展成就与特色研究

Research on ontology construction of acupuncture effect based on ISO/TS 16843-6: 2022

In order to specify the information expression of acupuncture effect and realize the knowledge reuse and sharing, in view of animal experiments and clinical trials, the relevant knowledge of acupuncture effect is allocated. Using seven-step method and Protégé5.5.0 tool, the ontology of acupuncture effect is constructed on the base of ISO/TS 16843-6: 2022. A total of 199 classes are constructed, including 7 categories (acupuncture point, acupuncture therapy, needling method, biological process, genes and gene products, disorder, and anatomic structure), 12 object properties, 1 108 instances and 5 123 axioms. A semantic network with the characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion is established and the structured expression for the knowledge of acupuncture effects is obtained, which lays the foundation for the innovation and development in the field of acupuncture and moxibustion.

Enlightenments of DITTO framework and its application for setting up mock acupuncture in clinical research

How to set up a placebo control scientifically and effectively is a problem in clinical research on acupuncture therapy. In 2020, the UK National Institute of Health Research established a standardized methodological framework DITTO, that is, "Deconstruct""Identify""Take out""Think" and "Optimize" to standardize the setting of invasive console-control intervention. Acupuncture therapy theoretically belongs to the category of invasive therapeutic intervention, and the percutaneous puncture therapy was also considered when the DITTO framework was developed. Therefore, this framework can be applied to clinical research of acupuncture, and may provide a reference for the appropriate setting of simulated acupuncture. In this article, we introduce the formulation process and main contents of the DITTO framework, and analyze the adjustments needed to be made and possible problems encountered in the application of each part of the framework in acupuncture clinical research through medical cases. The DITTO framework can guide and standardize the design of mock acupuncture control in acupuncture clinical research to a certain extent, which is conducive to finding a more suitable implementation method of mock acupuncture, thus promoting the improvement of the quality of acupuncture clinical research. However, because there is no precedent in the field of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine, further research is needed in the future practical application so that it can be better combined with the characteristics of acupuncture and the purpose of clinical research.

A Time-Dependent Analysis of Association between Acupuncture Utilization and the Prognosis of Ischemic Stroke.

This study investigated the time-dependent characteristics of acupuncture and analyzed the association between acupuncture utilization and mortality rates, readmission rates, and complications among ischemic stroke patients. Data from the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort 2.0 from South Korea were used to track patients with subacute and chronic ischemic stroke, who had survived more than one month after onset, between 2010 and 2013. A total of 2299 patients were followed up until 2015. At baseline, the acupuncture group (n = 195) and the control group (n = 2104) had similar ages (acupuncture group: 69.0 ± 11.1 years; control group: 68.5 ± 11.8 years), but the acupuncture group had more comorbidities (Charlson comorbidity index; acupuncture group: 4.7 ± 2.1, control group: 4.3 ± 2.4). According to time-dependent Cox regression survival analysis, acupuncture treatment was associated with low hazard ratios (HR) for death (HR: 0.32; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.18–0.60), fewer composite complications (HR: 0.34; 95% CI: 0.21–0.53), and reduced urinary tract infection (HR: 0.24; 95% CI: 0.11–0.54). Many acupuncture session sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness using different criteria to define the acupuncture group, and the results were consistent with those of the main analysis. Therefore, acupuncture treatment might be associated with lower mortality rates and the prevention of complications after ischemic stroke.

Effect of Acupuncture on Time-Dependent of Muscle Endurance in Female Elbow Joint: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Immediate characteristics of acupuncture have been confirmed by relevant studies; however, the current study on the time effect of acupuncture in improving upper limb forearm muscle endurance is still limited. The aims of this study are to explore: (1) whether real acupuncture (RA) can improve female forearm muscle endurance compared to sham acupuncture (SA) and (2) whether the changes in forearm muscle endurance after RA are time-dependent. Thirty-six healthy female students were recruited to participate in isokinetic tests of elbow flexion/extension (Flex/Ext) from maximum flexion to maximum extension as much as possible using an isokinetic dynamometer at a speed rate of 60°/sec. Participants in the RA group were stimulated at Quchi (LI11), Shousanli (LI10), Hegu (LI4), Xiaohai (SI8), Tianjing (SJ10), and Waiguan (SJ5) acupoints for 20 min, while the SA group needling was near at these acupoints. The values of the isokinetic parameters and surface electromyography (sEMG) signals were recorded before and after acupuncture. After RA, the isokinetic parameters values (average torque, work, power, and speed), the sEMG values at four major muscles, and the joint stiffness of elbow Flex/Ext were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The enhancement of forearm muscle endurance lasted approximately 7–21 min (from post1 to post3/post4), indicating that the effect of RA to improve elbow Flex/Ext muscle endurance is time-dependent. Therefore, this study found that RA can immediately improve the forearm muscle endurance of healthy women compared with SA, and this effect can last approximately 7–21 min until the acupuncture efficacy decreased or disappeared.

Unique Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy is one of the common chronic complications of diabetes. "Pain" is the most typical symptom in patients, which seriously affects their quality of life. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of the disease includes oral administration of Chinese medicine, TCM fumigation and acupuncture, etc., which can significantly reduce the pain of patients and reduce the frequency of disease. Chinese decoctions regulate the imbalance of yin and yang in the human body through syndrome differentiation, so as to achieve the balance of yin and yang, which will then eliminate the disease. Chinese medicine fumigation make the medicine seep into the body from the skin to exert the medical effects, and nourish and dredge the meridians. There is no pain if the meridians are smooth flowing, there will be pain if the meridians are blocked, fumigation can be used alone or assisted by other treatment methods to enhance the efficacy. The characteristics of acupuncture are rapid pain-relief, economic and convenient, and can quickly relieve pain for patients with low tolerance.

Efficacy of acupuncture for treatment of intermittent claudication in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDegenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) is a common condition secondary to degenerative changes. Acupuncture may be effective for treating DLSS. However, there is a lack of sufficient evidence showing the efficacy of acupuncture. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for relieving neurogenic claudication in patients with DLSS.MethodsA total of 196 patients will be randomly assigned to an acupuncture group or a sham acupuncture group at a ratio of 1:1. Patients will receive 18 sessions of treatment for 6 continuous weeks. The primary outcome will be the change in the Modified Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire score from baseline to week 6. The secondary outcomes will include the change in the scores from baseline for the Numerical Rating Scale, Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire, and Anxiety and Depression Scale. Additionally, the expectancy of acupuncture, blinding, and safety will also be assessed. All analysis will be performed based on intention-to-treat.DiscussionThe aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for the treatment of neurogenic claudication in patients with DLSS. A limitation of this study is that acupuncturists cannot be blinded according to the characteristics of acupuncture, which may introduce some bias.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03784729 and protocol ID 2018-161-KY. Registered on 18 December 2018.

Professor JIN Ya-pei's experience in the treatment of perimenopausal insomnia with navel acupuncture combined with body acupuncture

Professor JIN Ya-pei 's thinking on the diagnosis and treatment of perimenopausal insomnia and the characteristics of acupuncture and moxibustion were summarized. Professor JIN Ya-pei believes that the pathogenesis of perimenopausal insomnia is imbalance of yin and yang, and disharmony of the heart and the kidney. Additionally, it is also closely related to liver stagnation and spleen deficiency. The syndrome differentiation and treatment principle of traditional Chinese medicine is combined with the theory of I Ching. Navel acupuncture is adopted at the points around the umbilicus to achieve the tonification for the deficiency condition and the reducing for the excess one. Additionally, the body acupuncture is used to regulate menstruation. The coordination of these two acupuncture regimens achieves the significant effect on perimenopausal insomnia, which provides a new reference and approach to the clinical treatment of perimenopausal insomnia.

A Device for Separating and Recycling Materials of Needle Warming Therapy

Background: Needle Warming Therapy is built on the therapeutic characteristics of Acupuncture and Moxibustion. This kind of therapy is proved to be able to treat many kinds of diseases and disorders. After Needle Warming Therapy, the waste needles and burned moxa cone ashes are always in a mess. Additionally, the dangerous of being pricked by the needle tip and the waste of burned moxa cone ashes were verified. Study Aim: To design a device for separating and recycling waste materials after Needle Warming Therapy, and protecting medical staff from hurt by acupuncture needle tips. Method: We found the main contradictions through communication with clinical acupuncturists and clinical practice. Design style based on full communication with medical staff. Then we used cardboard model to make physical objects according to the drawing style for clinical verification. The final style was determined after repeated modification and practice. Result: After repeated experiments, a more mature style was born. Its main advantages are lightweight, portable, detachable, and low production cost. It makes medical staff more convenient and secure to separate and recycle materials of Needle Warming Therapy.

Mechanisms of acupuncture for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: researches progress and prospects

Literature regarding the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the mechanisms of acupuncture for NAFLD published between January of 2006 to December of 2016 was searched in CBM database, Wanfang database, CNKI database and PubMed. After analysis, the possible mechanisms of acupuncture for NAFLD were summarized from 5 following aspects: acupuncture regulating lipid metabolism and participating lipid metabolism-related signaling pathways, acupuncture improving insulin resistance, acupuncture increasing the antioxidant levels of liver tissue to improve lipid peroxidation, acupuncture inhabiting the expression of inflammatory cytokines, and acupuncture improving the morphology and structure of hepatocyte. Based on the characteristics of acupuncture, the suggestions and prospects of future research were proposed from the 4 following aspects: the specificity and compatibility of acupoint, the treatment timing of acupuncture, the stimulus parameter of acupuncture, and the intervention of acupuncture combined with dietary control.

Analysis on the concepts related to adverse events and adverse reactions of acupuncture

With the increasing popularity of acupuncture therapy in the world, the safety of acupuncture has attracted more attention. The objective and impartial assessment of the safety of acupuncture becomes very important. The "adverse events of acupuncture" and "adverse reactions of acupuncture" are the common concepts in the research of acupuncture safety. In the paper, on the basis of the conceptual characteristics of "adverse events" and "adverse reactions" and in combination with the particular characteristics of acupuncture itself, the connation and features of the concepts of the "adverse events of acupuncture" and "adverse reactions of acupuncture" are analyzed. The interaction and differences are summarized. Both "adverse events of acupuncture" and "adverse reactions of acupuncture" are in the category of adverse medical events. The "adverse events of acupuncture" includes the damages induced by acupuncture therapy and also those without relationship with acupuncture therapy. The "adverse reactions of acupuncture" refers to the adverse outcomes induced by acupuncture therapy specially. It has the definite relationship with acupuncture therapy. Hence, the application of "adverse reactions of acupuncture" is more objective and accurate in the assessment of acupuncture safety.

Acupuncture for chronic pelvic inflammatory disease: a qualitative study of patients' insistence on treatment.

BackgroundAcupuncture is an effective complement to pharmacological therapy in the alleviation of chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). It has mild or no side effects; however, a minimum of 3 months of therapy is required to guarantee a beneficial outcome. This study investigates why patients insist on acupuncture therapy to aid recuperation.MethodsThe study included a purposive sample of 15 participants diagnosed with chronic PID who had received a course of acupuncture therapy at least twice a week for a minimum of 3 months. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, coded and analyzed using systematic text condensation.ResultsFour overarching themes were identified from the participants’ reasons for insisting on lengthy, but in their view important, acupuncture courses. The four overarching themes were: (1) the patients’ characteristics, including pregnancy aspiration and the fear of serious gynecological disease; (2) the patient–practitioner relationship, including the acupuncturist’s attitude towards the patients and the explanation of the disease from a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective; (3) the characteristics of acupuncture, including the diversification of treatment modes, the synthetical effect, and no side-effects; and (4) the clinical environment, including the exchange of experience between patients and the well-equipped setting.ConclusionsThere were mixed reasons for patients diagnosed with chronic PID maintaining acupuncture treatments. Knowledge and understanding about the acupuncture-disease relationship were conducive to the patients’ preference for acupuncture. Acupuncture as a complement to Western medicine should be further developed while maintaining these positive features. Participants reported feeling hope, confidence, and a sense of responsibility for their treatment during the process, although the treatments did not always have the expected outcome.

Thought and prospect of objective researches of Deqi

The distinctions and relations between Deqi and acupuncture sensation should be distinguished in the objective researches of Deqi. In order to fully explore the relationship among the acupuncture sensation, Deqi and acupuncture curative effect, it is necessary to contrast the curative effect and body response induced by Deqi, unique sensations experienced by the acupunturist, unique sensations experienced by the patient, and stimulation without acupuncture sensation. Strategies and prospects about Deqi research are proposed as follows: (1) Researches of Deqi, such as how to induce Deqi, the influence factors of Deqi, the biological mechanism of Deqi, and so on, should be aimed at good stability of acupuncture curative effect, thus providing scientific evidence for clinical practice. (2) It is essential to introduce objective unified standards to evaluate the curative effect of acupuncture. However, the objective indicator selected in the researches should reflect the correlation between acupuncture curative effect and itself. (3)The acupuncturist manipulation, the physiological and psychological state of the patient, and the environmental factors are all the important factors that affect acupuncture, should be identified in the scientific and clinical research about the scientific research results, the clinical curative effect. should be identified in the scientific and clinical research about the scientific research results, the clinical curative effect,should be identified in scientific research result and the clinical curative effect (4) Some characteristics of the acupuncture treatment in traditional Chinese medicine theory can be used as the emphasis in the objective research of Deqi in the future. Characteristics of acupuncture, such as governing and regulating the spirit, acupuncture points, meridian specificity, distal function, bi-direction regulation function and so on, can be used as the entry point in the objective research of Deqi in the future.

Research advance and prospects of evidence-based acupuncture science in China

Acupuncture is a traditional empirical medicine, and evidence-based medicine(EBM) is a new medical method and development of the empirical medicine. Since 1990s, Chinese acupuncture workers began to absorb and use the methods and principles of EBM to guide acupuncture clinical research and practice. Now more and more domestic acupuncture clinicians use and follow the methods and principles of EBM. On the systemic review of acupuncture-associated articles in Cochrane library, previously effective acupuncture therapy lacks adequate evidences, which may be related to the low quality of randomized controlled trials(RCTs). In the future, only developing specialized team of acupuncture clinical research and clinical research center can radically elevate the levels of acupuncture clinical research and evaluation. Meanwhile, developing China's evidence-based acupuncture should base itself on the characteristics of acupuncture, such as emphasis on original research in ancient books,high-quality single RCTs and systemic review of non-randomized researches.