Combination Of Acupuncture Points Research Articles

Acupoint Selection in Postoperative Ophthalmic Pain Management: A Data Mining Protocol.

Postoperative ophthalmic pain not only induces anxiety and depression among patients, but also prolongs the recovery cycle. However, the management of postoperative pain in ophthalmology is still not standardized. The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating postoperative pain has been validated based on numerous clinical trials and meta-analysis. Our study is to conduct the first data mining analysis to identify the most effective acupoints selection and combinations for treating postoperative ophthalmic pain, inform. We will search bibliographic databases from inception to November 2023. Clinical trials evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in the management of postoperative ophthalmic pain will be selected. Reviews, protocols, animal studies, case reports, systematic evaluations and Meta-analyses will be excluded. Primary outcome indicators will be clinical outcomes related to postoperative ophthalmic pain. Descriptive statistics will be performed in Excel 2019. Association rule analysis will be performed in SPSS Modeler 18.0. Exploratory factor analysis and cluster analysis will be performed in SPSS Statistics 25.0. This study will investigate the most effective point selection and combination of acupuncture points for the treatment of postoperative ophthalmic pain. Our findings will provide evidence for the effectiveness and potential therapeutic prescription of acupuncture for postoperative ophthalmologic pain, helping clinicians and patients work together to make more informed decisions.

An Apriori algorithm-based association rule analysis to identify acupoint combinations for treating uremic pruritus.

Uremic pruritus (UP) is a prevalent and troublesome condition affecting individuals with end-stage renal failure, which results in intense pruritus, depression, as well as poor quality of sleep, significantly impacting their quality of life. According to previous studies, acupuncture and acupoint stimulation have been shown to provide additional benefits in treating UP in dialysis patients. In addition, using acupoints combination may yield superior effectiveness compared to utilizing a singular acupoint. To investigate the potential correlations between acupoint combinations, an association-rule analysis was employed. Apriori algorithms stand out as highly potent techniques for identifying associations in databases; this study utilized an association rule mining to examine the association rules of key acupoint groupings that could be employed for treating UP. The analysis utilized information derived from the meta-analysis encompassing 40 randomized controlled trials that used acupuncture to treat UP. In total, 64 acupoints were analyzed, and 71 association rules were found. The following acupoint combinations: Auricular shenmen (TF4), Quchi (LI11), and Geshu (BL17); Auricular heart (Extra14), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Auricular lung (CO14); and Auricular heart (Extra14), Xuehai (SP10), and Auricular lung (CO14) showed the strongest associations. Acupoints involving Auricular shenmen (TF4), Quchi (LI11), Geshu (BL17), Auricular heart (Extra14), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Auricular lung (CO14), and Xuehai (SP10) can be regarded as the core combination of acupuncture points for managing UP.

Combination of Acupuncture Points in The Treatment of Hind Leg Paresis with Electroacupuncture Methods in Domestic Cats

Back leg paresis is muscle weakness that can cause the inability to walk or support the back of the body. A domestic cat, female, black tabby hair colour with a bodyweight of 2.9 kg has weakness in both hind legs so it cannot lift the back of the body properly but there is still a reflex when pressing using tweezers sirurgis on the gluteus muscle tendon. The flexor reflexes on the digits are still present but slightly. From the physical examination, it was concluded that there was a disturbance in the segment IV spinal cord, precisely at L7-S1. Cats also experience problems with defecation, namely the patient's stool is watery inconsistency. The results of the X-Ray examination showed that the segments of the os. lumbar, os. femur, os. tibia, os. fibula, os. metatarsal to digit there are no fractures and also the visceral organs do not experience changes and abnormalities. However, there is a bias picture, namely compression on the 7th segment (S4-L5, L6 and L7). The diagnosis was that the cat had disorders of the spinal cord segments IV (L4-S2) and V, to be precise, from L7 to S2. Electroacupuncture therapy at points BL-18, BL-19, SP-6, ST-36 and LIV-3 was carried out for three weeks, namely twice in the first week and once in the second and third weeks. Oral drug therapy in the form of Neurobion® tablets is taken orally during therapy.

Intervention of the Syndrome-Position Point Selection Method on Idiopathic Tinnitus of Phlegm-Fire Stagnation Pattern: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of the syndrome-position point selection method on the intervention of idiopathic tinnitus of the phlegm-fire stagnation pattern. Methods One hundred patients with idiopathic tinnitus of phlegm-fire stagnation pattern who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into the treatment group and the control group by the random number table method, with 50 cases in each group. The treatment group (syndrome-position point selection method) was treated with acupuncture at the corresponding acupoints for tinnitus and associated symptoms and the corresponding acupoints located in Wernicke's area of scalp projection, while the control group (traditional acupuncture method) was treated with the combination of acupuncture points with the most frequent occurrence in the tinnitus research literature for acupuncture treatment. Both groups received acupuncture twice a week for 5 weeks. The efficacy was evaluated before and after treatment with the Tinnitus Severity Inventory (TSI), Sleep Spiegel Questionnaire, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Results The 100 patients with idiopathic tinnitus of phlegm-fire stagnation pattern completed 5 weeks of clinical treatment and a month of follow-up with no loss of patients and no adverse event reports. Three patients recovered with the disappearance of the tinnitus symptoms in the treatment group after 5 weeks of treatment. After 5 weeks of treatment, obvious differences between the two groups were observed in the TSI scores (P < 0.05) and the Spiegel scores, with a better Spiegel score in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the depression (SDS score) and anxiety (SAS score) of tinnitus patients in the treatment group were markedly improved (P < 0.05). Conclusion In line with the principle of symptomatic treatment and based on the modern imaging data, the syndrome-position point selection method is more accurate and effective compared with the traditional acupoint selection method, which significantly improves the symptoms, sleep quality, and psychological state of patients with idiopathic tinnitus of the phlegm-fire stagnation pattern.

Effects of auriculotherapy on addiction: a systematic review

Auriculotherapy has been used to reduce withdrawal symptoms during drug detoxication. The purpose of this study was to review the results of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the impact of auriculotherapy on addiction. This study aimed to find an effective protocol involving auricular acupuncture points, intervention duration and frequency, and stimulating methods. We searched PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and Medline for articles published between January 1, 1994, and March 31, 2021. The keywords used were auricular, acupuncture, addiction, substance misuse, smoking, randomized controlled trial, clinical trial, and human. Each RCT was evaluated for quality applying the risk of bias tool by the Cochrane group. Effect size (Hedges’s g) was calculated using the mean values and standard deviation of the experimental and control groups. The risk for bias of these studies was moderate to high and only four studies (11.1%) earned scores of 6, indicating the lowest risk of bias and highest quality RCT. Out of 36 studies, 23 (64%) reported that auriculotherapy was effective for treating addiction such as opioids, cocaine, alcohol, heroin, nicotine, and gambling. The most commonly used combination of acupuncture points (four of 36 studies) was shenmen, sympathetic, liver, lung, and kidney, which are called NADA protocol. The following most frequently used combination of acupressure points (four out of 36 studies) was shenmen, subcortex, heart, lung, and liver. Acupressure could be considered to be used for the treatment of addiction.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Musical Vibroacupuncture in Pain Relief: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

To investigate if skin vibration employing consonant frequencies emitted by skin transducers attached to a combination of acupuncture points and according to musical harmony (musical chord) produces more significant pain relief compared to just a single frequency. Skin vibrostimulation produced by five electromagnet transducers was applied at five acupoints traditionally used to pain relief and anxiety in 13 pain-free healthy volunteers using the cold pressor test (CPT). The study consisted of three randomized sessions conducted on alternate days, with participants receiving either simultaneous frequencies of 32, 48, and 64Hz that equate those used in a musical chord, hereby defined as musical vibroacupuncture (MVA), a single frequency of 32Hz, set as vibroacupuncture (VA) and sham procedure (SP). CPT scores for pain thresholds and pain tolerance were assessed using repeated-measures ANOVAs. Pain intensity was evaluated using a numerical rating scale (NRS), while sensory and affective aspects of pain were rated using the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) Y-Form. Pain thresholds did not vary significantly between trials. Pain tolerance scores were markedly higher in MVA compared to baseline (p=0.0043) or SP (p=0.006) but not for VA. Pain intensity for MVA also differed significantly from the baseline (p=0.007) or SP (p=0.027), but not for VA. No significant differences were found in SF-MPQ and STAI questionnaires. These results suggest that MVA effectively increased pain tolerance and reduced pain intensity when compared with all groups, although not significant to the VA group.

The best from East and West? Acupuncture and medical training therapy as monotherapies or in combination for adult patients with episodic and chronic tension-type headache: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of a complex health intervention, based on the combination of conventional Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in an outpatient department of a university hospital for patients with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches.Methods/designThis is a prospective randomized controlled pilot study with four balanced treatment arms (usual care, acupuncture, training, and training plus acupuncture). Each arm will have 24 patients. After the initial screening examination and randomization, a 6-week treatment period follows, with treatment frequencies decreasing at 2-week intervals. After completion of the intervention, two follow-up evaluations will be performed 3 and 6 months after the start of treatment. At predefined times, the various outcomes (pain intensity, health-related quality of life, pain duration, autonomic regulation, and heart rate variability) as well as the participants’ acceptance of the complex treatment will be evaluated with valid assessment instruments (Migraine Disability Assessment, PHQ-D, GAD-7, and SF-12) and a headache diary. The acupuncture treatment will be based on the rules of TCM, comprising a standardized combination of acupuncture points and additional points selected according to individual pain localization. The training therapy comprises a combination of strength training, endurance training, and training to improve flexibility and coordination. Besides descriptive analyses of the samples, their comparability will be assessed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA) or chi-squared tests. Analyses will be performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Potential interaction effects will be calculated using a repeated-measures ANOVA to test the primary and secondary hypotheses. In supplementary analyses, the proportion of treatment responders (those with a 50% reduction in the frequency of pain episodes) will be determined for each treatment arm.DiscussionThis trial may provide evidence for the additive effects of acupuncture and medical training therapy as a combination treatment and may scientifically support the implementation of this complex health intervention.Trial registrationRegistered on 11 Feburary 2019. German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00016723.

The principle of construction of the acupuncture prescription on the basis of the modular systematization of acupuncture points

At the present stage of development and practical application of acupuncture, we are faced with an unusual phenomenon. It lies in the fact that the doctor is involved in reflexology, reveals the nature of the lesions of certain organs with the help of modern methods of diagnostics, which are very different from the Oriental. But on the other hand, the treatment of acupuncture is not very far removed from the level and approaches of the ancient doctors, and the doctors at this stage used the combination of acupuncture points which have been tested by thousand-year practice. This leads to the complexity of the treatment of acupuncture. The authors experience of developing the plan and building an acupuncture prescription based on a modular systematization of acupuncture points. This will allow the doctor to plan treatment for virtually any patient. To avoid mistakes, a template approach is necessary: to evaluate the functional condition of the meridians and acupuncture points, to understand the causes of these violations, form of acupuncture diagnosis on the basis of leading etiopathogenetic mechanism, to develop the baseline treatment. Professionals not proficient in pulse diagnosis, we propose to use prestazioni diagnostics, which allows to evaluate and analyze the effectiveness of reflexotherapy, to adjust the treatment process. In the cycle of U-sin to evaluate the functional state of meridians, to choose the correct technique irritation of acupuncture points.

Pragmatic Combinations of Acupuncture Points for Lateral Epicondylalgia are Unreliable in the Physiotherapy Setting

This study describes the reliability of pragmatic combinations of acupuncture points for lateral epicondylalgia (LE) as prescribed by physiotherapists who were experts in acupuncture. Raters (n = 14; 33–59 years) independently prescribed acupuncture points for 30 simulated human patients with LE who were surveyed via a printed questionnaire. The frequency and cooccurrence of acupuncture points prescribed for patients with lateral epicondylitis were assessed. Absolute agreement and Light's kappa (κLight) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to quantify the interrater agreement. Raters prescribed 103 unique acupuncture points in different combinations with a median (min–max) of 5 (0–11) acupuncture points. The most prescribed acupuncture point was LI-11 (297 of 420; 71%), and the most common cooccurring acupuncture points were LI-11 and LI-4 (160 of 420; 38%). The absolute agreement for prescribing the acupuncture points ranged from 70% (point GB-20) to 0% (points LI-10, SP-6, LI-11, GB-34, LI-12, and LI-4). Point LR-3 showed the highest interrater reliability for prescribing the acupuncture points [κLight = 0.112, 95% CI = (0.055–0.194)], whereas point LI-4 showed the lowest reliability [κLight = −0.003, 95% CI = (−0.024 to 0.024)]. These findings suggest that pragmatic prescriptions of acupuncture points for LE are unreliable among physiotherapists who are experts in acupuncture. Explicit, high-level evidence-based rules for prescribing and teaching combinations of acupuncture points for LE are warranted.

Effect of Electroacupuncture on the NTS is modulated primarily by acupuncture point selection and stimulation frequency in normal rats

BackgroundThe effect of electroacupuncture (EA) is affected by both the acupuncture point selection and the frequency of stimulation. However, little is known regarding acupuncture point and simulation frequency selection. Neuronal activation of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is one of the important targets of EA for modulating gastrointestinal function. This study investigated the effects of various combinations of EA frequencies and acupuncture points on NTS neurons.MethodsRats were randomly divided into normal, 2 Hz EA, 100 Hz EA and the alternate 2/100 Hz EA groups. Then rats in each group were randomly divided into the following two subgroups according to the acupuncture point: ST 36 group and ST 25 group. All the rats underwent electrode implantation surgery. Rats in all EA groups received one treatment with EA (a constant square wave at, 2 Hz,100 Hz or 2/100 Hz frequencies with intensities ranging from 1 to 2 mA), and NTS neuronal activation was recorded before and after EA treatment. Finally, to confirm the effect of EA on the NTS, minimal acupuncture was administered and its effect on NTS was detected.ResultsST 36 stimulated with 2 Hz EA significantly increased the population of excited NTS neurons and spike frequency. However, ST 36 stimulated with 100 Hz or 2/100 Hz EA produced only a transient effect on the activity of NTS neurons and did not induce any effect on the spike frequency. Furthermore, the excitatory effect of 100 Hz or 2/100 Hz EA on NTS neurons in the ST 36 group was lower than 2 Hz EA at the same point. When applied to ST 25, 2 Hz EA had no significant excitatory effect on NTS neurons or spike frequency. However, 100 Hz EA or 2/100 Hz EA at ST 25 decreased both NTS neuronal excitability and spike frequency. By comparing the effects of different EA combinations, it was shown 2 Hz EA applied to ST 36 had the strongest excitatory effect on NTS neurons, while 100 Hz EA applied to ST 25 had the greatest inhibitory effect. Minimal acupuncture stimulation produced no effect on NTS neurons.ConclusionEA’s effects on NTS were mainly affected by the acupuncture point selection, but the frequency of EA also played a role. Different combinations of acupuncture points and frequency selection may lead to different EA effects on NTS neuronal excitability.

The treatment to make home life peaceful

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Studies have reported that acupuncture using the specific pattern of needle placement is effective in treating the mental symptoms of Premenstrual syndrome (PMS).&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; Subjects were 45 patients who received acupuncture using the specific pattern of needle placement. Acupuncture was performed by placing needles at certain combinations of acupuncture points. Needles were inserted only slightly by gently tapping the handle protruding from the guide tube. Patients underwent 6 acupuncture sessions in total, with 1 session taking place each week. Patients’ mental state before menses was assessed using the Stress Response Scale-18 (SRS-18). The SRS-18 was administered before and after treatments. The percentage of subjects whose total score on the SRS-18 decreased to 0.5 points or lower served as the rate of improvement. The percent decrease in a subject’s total score on the SRS-18 after treatment served as the extent of improvement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The rate of improvement and the extent of improvement in total score on the SRS-18 were 77.8% (35/45), 0.37. The rate of effectiveness and the rate of satisfaction were respectively 91.1% (41/45), 75.6% (34/45). When asked “Is your home life peaceful?”, 51.1% (23/45) answered “ Yes “.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; The efficacy for mental symptom of PMS in shallow acupuncture using the specific pattern of needle placement was excellent, and this treatment made home life peaceful.&lt;/p&gt;

Effects of music in combination with vibration in acupuncture points on the treatment of fibromyalgia.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a disease that causes widespread pain and increased sensitivity to pain because of a dysfunction in the central nervous system. This study investigated the effect of music combined with vibration on acupuncture points for the treatment of FM. A total of 120 patients with FM were allocated randomly to four groups (30 patients each). One group listened to a sequence of Bach's compositions. The second group was subjected to vibratory stimuli on a combination of acupuncture points on the skin. The third group (complete) underwent both procedures in a simultaneous and synchronized manner, with inclusion of binaural beats. The fourth group (control) received no stimulation. The participants underwent the experimental procedure during five sessions performed on alternate days. They were assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) before the first session and after the last session (20 days). All groups showed a significant improvement in FIQ and HAQ scores at the evaluation after the intervention. The complete group exhibited the best result on both the FIQ and HAQ (p<0.001), and the improvement in HAQ score was significant (p<0.004). The results suggest that the placebo effect in FM may be substantial. However, comparison between groups revealed that the complete group had the greatest reduction in both FIQ and HAQ, with a significant improvement in HAQ, suggesting that the combined use of music and vibration exerts a greater effect on FM symptoms.

An Acupuncture Research Protocol Developed from Historical Writings by Mathematical Reflections: A Rational Individualized Acupoint Selection Method for Immediate Pain Relief

While balancing yin and yang is one basic principle of Chinese medicine, balancing methods for combination of meridians and acupoints had been described throughout the history of Chinese medicine. We have identified six historical systems for combinations of acupuncture points in historical writings. All of them represent symmetrical combinations which are defined by the steps in the Chinese Clock. Taking the historical systems as a basis, we calculated the possible combinations that fit into these systems they revealed, leading to a total of 19 systems offering new balancing combinations. Merging the data of these 19 systems, there are 7 combinatorial options for every meridian. On the basis of this data, we calculated 4-meridian combinations with an ideal balance pattern, which is given when all meridians balance each other. We identified 5 of these patterns for every meridian, so we end up with 60 patterns for all the 12 meridians but we find multiple overlapping. Finally, 15 distinct patterns remain. By combining this theoretical concept with the Image and Mirror Concept, we developed an acupuncture research protocol. This protocol potentially solves some problems of acupuncture trials because it represents a rational reproducible procedure independent of examiner experience, but the resulting treatment is individualized.

Ten Years Evidence-Based High-Tech Acupuncture–A Short Review of Centrally Measured Effects (Part II)

The assessment of acupuncture-induced effects on brain function is crucial. Ultrasound-assisted brain function monitoring and bioelectrical methods as well as near infrared spectroscopic procedures and functional magnetic resonance investigations form the basis for the latest scientific examination methods for acupuncture research. The laserneedle acupuncture, which was examined scientifically for the first time in Graz, represents a new painless and non-invasive acupuncture method. In this way, individual combinations of acupuncture points can be stimulated simultaneously according to traditional Chinese medicine. In the context of double-blind studies, effects in the brain could be demonstrated in a reproducible manner for the first time. This second part of the short review article summarizes some of the centrally measured effects of acupuncture obtained at the Medical University of Graz within the last 10 years.

Auricular Acupuncture in the Treatment of Cocaine/Crack Abuse: A Review of the Efficacy, the Use of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association Protocol, and the Selection of Sham Points

The United Kingdom has had a significant increase in addiction to and use of cocaine among 16-29-year olds from 6% in 1998 to 10% in 2000. In 2000, the United Kingdom had the highest recorded consumption of "recent use" cocaine in Europe, with 3.3% of young adults. Acupuncture is quick, inexpensive, and relatively safe, and may establish itself as an important addiction service in the future. To select investigations that meet the inclusion criteria and critically appraise them in order to answer the question: "Is acupuncture effective in the treatment of cocaine addiction?" The focus shall then be directed toward the use of the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol as the intervention and the selection of sham points for the control group. The ARRC database was accessed from Trina Ward (M. Phil. student) at Thames Valley University. AMED, MEDLINE and Embase were also accessed along with "hand" searching methods at the British Library. People addicted to either cocaine or crack cocaine as their main addiction, needle-acupuncture, single-double-blinded process, randomized subjects, a reference group incorporating a form of sham points. use of moxibustion, laser acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) electroacupuncture or conditions that did not meet the inclusion criteria. The criteria set by ter Riet, Kleijnen and Knipschild (in 1990); Hammerschlag and Morris (in 1990); Koes, Bouter and van der Heijden (in 1995), were modified into one set of criteria consisting of 27 different values. Six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. All studies scored over 60 points indicating a relatively adequate methodology quality. The mean was 75 and the standard deviation was 6.80. A linear regression analysis did not yield a statistically significant association (n = 6, p = 0.11). This review could not confirm that acupuncture was an effective treatment for cocaine abuse. The NADA protocol of five treatment points still offers the acupuncturist the best possible combination of acupuncture points based upon Traditional Chinese Medicine. Throughout all the clinical trials reviewed, no side-effects of acupuncture were noted. This paper calls for the full set of 5 treatment points as laid out by the NADA to be included as the treatment intervention. Points on the helix, other than the liver yang points, should be selected as sham points for the control group.

Der Einfluss einer standardisierten Akupunkturbehandlung auf Beschwerden, Blutdruck und Serumlipide hypertensiver, postmenopausaler Frauen. Randomisierte, kontrollierte klinische Studie

Background: Acupuncture according to the Chinese syndrome is often used in patients with postmenopausal complaints. Often these patients have an increased blood pressure. As experienced therapists report that acupuncture is efficient also in hypertension, our aim was to investigate whether the acupuncture used for the treatment of postmenopausal syndrome also has an effect on blood pressure. Patients and Methods: The efficacy of a standardized acupuncture according to the Chinese syndrome was evaluated in a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study with 10 postmenopausal patients with mild hypertension. Blood pressure was measured by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure measurement. Complaints and well-being were evaluated by validated questionnaires. In addition, serum lipids and excretion of catecholamines in the 24-hour urine were measured. Results: Blood pressure was altered neither by verum nor placebo acupuncture, however, complaints were significantly reduced and well-being was improved after verum treatment. The improvement lasted less than two months. Serum lipids did not change, but the excretion of normetanephrine was reduced by verum acupuncture. Conclusions: Acupuncture with a standardized combination of acupuncture points according to the Chinese syndrome can transitorily reduce postmenopausal complaints, but does not alter blood pressure or serum lipids at the same time.

Using the technique of three levels of exposure to acupuncture points

We have developed a methodology for the rational combination of acupuncture points using a differentiated approach to three levels of exposure. Allocated conditionally three levels of "homeostasis" of the system of active points. The 1st level is represented by the functional interconnection of acupuncture points of the main meridians, the 2nd - by the functional interconnection of the points of the secondary meridians and the 3rd - "miraculous" meridians. Each of these levels is represented by specific acupuncture points, which constitute the levels of exposure.