Distal Acupoints Research Articles

Analysis on the rule of clinical acupoint selection in treatment of puerperal insufficient lactation with acupuncture and moxibustion

The rule and characteristics of clinical acupoint selection were explored in treatment of puerperal insufficient lactation with acupuncture and moxibustion. The clinical articles on the treatment of puerperal insufficient lactation with acupuncture and moxibustion were retrieved from the databases of CNKI, VIP and Wanfang from the date of establishment to June 1, 2019. The articles were screened in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The prescriptions of acupuncture and moxibustion were extracted and normalized. Using Microsoft Excel 2016 software, the use frequency, meridians involved and acupoint distributions were analyzed. Using SPSS Statistics 21.0 software, the cluster and factor analyses were conducted. Totally, 102 articles were included,108 acupoint prescriptions were extracted, 65 acupoitns were designed and the total use frequency was 654 times. The top three acupoints used in treatment of puerperal insufficient lactation were Danzhong (CV 17), Rugen (ST 18) and Shaoze (SI 1). The most frequently involved meridians were the stomach meridian, the conception vessel, the small intestine meridian and the liver meridian. The acupoints were mainly distributed in the chest and four extremities. It was showed in cluster analysis that Rugen (ST 18), Shaoze (SI 1), Zusanli (ST 36) and Danzhong (CV 17) represent 3 clusters and a total of 7 common factors were extracted. The acupoint selection is based on syndrome differentiation in treatment of puerperal insufficient lactation with acupuncture and moxibustion, of which, the local acupoints are predominated and the distal acupoints are combined.

Acupoint selection rules of neurogenic dysphagia treated with acupuncture and moxibustion in ancient times

Acupoint selection rules of neurogenic dysphagia treated with acupuncture and moxibustion from pre-Qin to late Qing Dynasty in Chinese Medical Classics were analyzed based on data mining. The literature regarding acupuncture and moxibustion for neurogenic dysphagia was searched and screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria in Chinese Medical Classics (5th Edition), the prescriptions were extracted according to the principle of acupoint extraction.The SPSS 21.0 and Clementine 12.0 were used to perform the cluster analysis and association rule analysis.A total of 191 acupuncture and moxibustion prescriptions were screened and extracted，including 45 acupoints. The top 5 acupoints of acupuncture and moxibustion for neurogenic dysphagia in frequency were Jiache (ST 6), Dicang (ST 4), Lieque (LU 7), Lianquan (CV 23), Shuigou (GV 26). The most involved meridians were the stomach meridian, the governor vessel and the conception vessel. The main acupoints were distributed in the scalp face neck and upper limbs. The most frequently used specific acupoints was crossing points,next was eight confluence points. There were 11 acupoint combinations with strong association according to the association rule analysis, and the top one acupoint combination was Hegu (LI 4)-Jiache (ST 6). There were 9 acupoint cluster groups according to the cluster analysis. Hegu (LI 4), Jiache (ST 6), Dicang (ST 4), Shuigou (GV 26) and Chengjiang (CV 24) were core acupoints for neurogenic dysphagia treated with acupuncture and moxibustion in ancient times, besides，selecting proximal and distal acupoints and selecting acupoints according to symptoms were emphasized.

Analgesic and Neuroprotective Effects of Electroacupuncture in a Dental Pulp Injury Model-A Basic Research.

Irreversible pulpitis is an extremely painful condition and its consequence in the central nervous system (CNS) remains unclear. A mouse model of dental pulp injury (DPI) resembles the irreversible pulpitis profile in humans. This study sought to determine whether pain induced by DPI activates microglia and astrocytes in the trigeminal subnucleus caudalis (Vc), as well as increases levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and whether electroacupuncture (EA) can be a potential analgesic and neuroprotective therapy following DPI. Pain behavior was measured via head-withdrawal threshold (HWT) and burrowing behavior at days 1, 3, 7, 14 and 21 after DPI. A marked decrease in HWT and burrowing activity was observed from day 1 to 14 after DPI and no changes were seen on day 21. Microglial and astrocytes activation; along with high cytokine (TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6) levels, were observed in the Vc at 21 days after DPI. These effects were attenuated by verum (local and distal) EA, as well as oral ibuprofen administration. The results suggest that DPI-induced pain and glial activations in the Vc and EA exert analgesic efficacy at both local and distal acupoints. Furthermore, verum (local and distal) EA might be associated with the modulations of microglial and astrocytes activation.

Effectiveness of Manual and Electrical Acupuncture for Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundLow back pain is a common condition that can be effectively treated by acupuncture. However, several treatment point prescriptions and further electrical needle stimulation (i.e., local acupoints, distal acupoints, and sensitized acupoints) may be used. There is an implicit yet unexplored assumption about the evidence on manual and electrical stimulation techniques. ObjectiveThe present study aims to identify effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture (MA) on pain and disability in patients with chronic nonspecific low back. MethodsThis study is a randomized controlled clinical trial. Sixty-six patients between 20 and 60 years of age with non-specific chronic low back pain experiencing low back pain lasting for at least the previous three months and ≥3 points on a 10 numerical analogic scale. Patients diagnosed with chronic LBP were assigned to receive either 12 sessions of MA or EA. The primary outcomes measurements were pain intensity on Numeric Rating Scale and disability by Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire. ResultsThe participants reported improvements post-treatment to pain intensity and disability respectively; however, no differences between groups were observed. Regarding the secondary outcomes, we observed a between-group difference only for kinesiophobia in favor of the manual acupuncture group (difference = −4.1 points, 95% CI = −7.0 to −1.1). The results were maintained after 3 months of follow-up. ConclusionThe study provides evidence that EA is not superior to MA treatment. Both therapies had similar efficacy in reducing pain and disability for chronic nonspecific low back pain.

Balance Method Veterinary Acupuncture

Balance Method is a special acupuncture modality derived from I-Ching acupuncture that dates back thousands of years and is the oldest teachings of Yin and Yang. This method of acupuncture uses distal acupoints (Five Shu-transporting/Command Points) on the 12 Channels. By applying a strategic selection process using these acupuncture points, the focus is placed on where the pain or disharmony is located and the Channel coursing through the affected area. The Channel pathology is then corrected by selection of distal points on a Channel that balances it and corrects the disharmony. The approaches to acupoint selection described in this paper include: 1) “Six Systems” approach and 2) I-Ching Ba Gua based on Yin and Yang configurations forming hexagrams. Although scientific knowledge and clinical experience using this ancient system of Channel diagnosis in veterinary medicine is relatively limited, it has numerous benefits to offer the clinician through its minimal needle use, strong stimulation and rapid clinical effects.

Distal Electroacupuncture at the LI4 Acupoint Reduces CFA-Induced Inflammatory Pain via the Brain TRPV1 Signaling Pathway.

There is accumulating evidence supporting electroacupuncture’s (EA) therapeutic effects. In mice, local EA reliably attenuates inflammatory pain and increases the transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1). However, the effect of distal acupoint EA on pain control has rarely been studied. We used a mouse model to investigate the analgesic effect of distal EA by measuring TRPV1 expression in the brain. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) was injected into mice’s hind paws to induce inflammatory pain. The EA-treated group received EA at the LI4 acupoint on the bilateral forefeet on the second and the third days, whereas the control group underwent sham manipulation. Mechanical and thermal pain behavior tests showed that the EA-treated group experienced inflammatory pain alleviation immediately after EA, which did not occur in the sham group. Additionally, following CFA injection, the expression of TRPV1-associated molecules such as phosphorylated protein kinase A (pPKA), extracelluar signal-regulated kinase (pERK), and cAMP-response-element-binding protein (pCREB) increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and the hypothalamus but decreased in the periaqueductal gray (PAG) area. These changes were significantly attenuated by EA but not sham EA. Our results show an analgesic effect of distal EA, which is based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory. The mechanism underlying this analgesic effect involves TRPV1 in the PFC, the hypothalamus, and the PAG. These novel findings are relevant for the evaluation and the treatment of clinical inflammatory pain syndrome.

Clinical observation of mild to moderate lumbodorsal fascitis treated with distal acupoints along meridian plus exercising combined with penetration needling on yang meridians of back

To compare the therapeutic effect between distal acupoints along meridian plus exercising combined with penetration needling on yang meridians of back and simple penetration needling on yang meridians of back for mild to moderate lumbodorsal fascitis. A total of 60 patients with mild to moderate lumbodorsal fascitis were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the control group, penetration needling on yang meridians of back was applied at acupoints of the Governor vessel (T2-L5) and the first line of bladder meridian, penetration needling was performed from the top down along the governor vessel and the first line of bladder meridian of the lumbar back pain (from one acupoint down to another acupoint), until there was no pain. In the observation group, distal acupoints along meridian plus exercising were adopted on the base of treatment in the control group. The distal acupoints along meridian plus exercising was applied at Cuanzhu (BL 2) for 30 min, at the same time, lumbar back anteflexion, hypsokinesis and turning sides were used in combination for 10 min. And then penetration needling on yang meridians of back was performed. The treatments were given once a day, 5 consecutive treatments a week, 1 week as a course and 2 courses were required. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score and Oswestry disability index (ODI) before treatment, after treatment and 1-month in follow-up were observed in the two groups, and the clinical effects were compared. Compared before treatment, the VAS score and ODI were reduced after treatment in the two groups (P<0.01). The changes of the VAS score and ODI in the observation group were larger than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). In follow-up, the VAS score and ODI in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was 90.0% (27/30), which was superior to 83.3% (25/30) in the control group (P<0.05). Distal acupoints along meridian plus exercising combined with penetration needling on yang meridians of back have a better therapeutic effect than simple penetration needling on yang meridians of back in the treatment of mild to moderate lumbodorsal fascitis.

Identification of the optimal points for the acupuncture treatment of neck pain in China: protocol for a multicenter, matched, case-control study

IntroductionNeck pain (NP) is a common condition that can be effectively treated by acupuncture. However, several treatment point prescriptions (ie, local acupoints, distal acupoints, and sensitised acupoints) may be used....

Distal acupoint stimulation versus peri-incisional stimulation for postoperative pain in open abdominal surgery: a systematic review and implications for clinical practice

BackgroundAcute postoperative pain remains a major clinical problem that affects patient recovery. Distal acupoint and peri-incisional stimulation are both used for relieving acute postoperative pain in hospital. Our objective was to assess and compare the effects of distal and peri-incisional stimulation on postoperative pain in open abdominal surgery.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Chinese databases CNKI and Wanfangdata were searched to identify eligible randomized controlled trials. Intensity of postoperative pain, opioid consumption and related data were extracted and analyzed using a random effects model. Risk of bias was assessed. Subgroup analyses were conducted when data were enough.ResultsThirty-five trials were included, in which 17 trials studied distal stimulation, another 17 trials studied peri-incisional stimulation and one studied the combination of the two approaches. No studies that directly compared the two approaches were identified. Subgroup analysis showed that both distal and peri-incisional stimulation significantly alleviated postoperative resting and movement pain from 4 h to 48 h after surgery by 6 to 25 mm on a 100 mm visual analogue scale. Peri-incisional stimulation showed a better reduction in postoperative opioid consumption. No studies compared the effects of the combined peri-incisional and distal stimulation with either mode alone. Overall the quality of evidence was moderate due to a lack of blinding in some studies, and unclear risk of allocation concealment.ConclusionBoth distal and peri-incisional modes of stimulation were effective in reducing postoperative pain. Whether a combined peri-incisional stimulation and distal acupuncture has superior results requires further studies.

Immediate Effects of Proximal and Distal Acupoints on the RPPW in Patients With KOA: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Immediate Effects of Proximal and Distal Acupoints on the RPPW in Patients With KOA: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Acupuncture prescriptions and regularity of acupoints matching in Huangdi Neijing

To explore the acupuncture prescriptions and regularity of acupoints matching in Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic). Based on the manual retrieval of articles regarding acupuncture prescriptions in Huangdi Neijing an acupuncture prescriptions database of Huangdi Neijing was constructed. The frequency analysis was used to analyze the acupuncture prescriptions and regularity of acupoints matching from 8 aspects: prescriptions of single acupoint/acupoints combination, specific acupoints, principles of acupoint selection, acupoint matching methods, symptoms/diseases, names and classifications of diseases in traditional Chinese medicine, acute/chronic diseases, local symptom/systemic symptom. A total of 146 acupuncture prescriptions were obtained, including 76 prescriptions for single acupoint and 70 prescriptions for acupoints combination. The single-point prescription mostly involved specific acupoints, especially five-shu acupoints and crossing acupoint; shu acupoints were mainly selected in five-shu acupoints, and distant acupoint selection was the first choice for single-point prescription. The prescription of acupoints combination mostly involved combination of specific acupoints, especially five-shu acupoint combined with five-shu acupoint, and distant acupoint selection was the first choice for acupoints combination prescription; the acupoints combination prescription was mainly based on left-right acupoint matching method and same-meridian acupoint matching method. The single-acupoint prescription was applied for diseases of 4 systems, involving 61 diseases; acupoints combination prescription was applied for diseases of 3 systems, involving 47 diseases. The single-acupoint and acupoints combination prescriptions were mainly used to treat internal medical diseases. The single-acupoint prescriptions were used for patients with multiple symptoms, fewer diseases, more acute diseases and more local symptoms; acupoints combination prescriptions were used for patients with more diseases, fewer symptoms, more chronic diseases and more systemic symptoms. The acupuncture prescriptions in Huangdi Neijing are mostly based on distant acupoints, and most of them are single acupoint prescriptions. In multi-acupoint prescriptions, the combination of five-shu acupoints are mostly used, especially left-right acupoint matching method and same-meridian acupoint matching method. Single acupoint is used to treat acute and local symptoms, and multi-acupoint is used to treat chronic and systemic diseases.

Professor Jiping ZHAO's experiences in the differentiation and treatment of peripheral facial paralysis with acupuncture

Professor Jiping ZHAO has unique thoughts on the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial paralysis. She pays the great attention to clinical differentiation in treatment with acupuncture, especially meridian differentiation. She believes that the differentiation of lesion is core and the early judgment is critical for the better therapeutic effects on intractable facial paralysis. The local acupoints are selected in the guide of the theory of meridian sinew and stimulated on the base of three-needling theory. The distal acupoints are decided in light of the syndrome differentiation, of which, Hégŭ (合谷 LI 4), Zúsānlĭ (足三里 ST 36) and Tàichōng (太冲 LR 3) are the basic acupoints. Additionally, Professor ZHAO lays the emphasis on the 5th branch of facial nerve (cervical branch) in diagnosis and treatment.

The patterns analysis of clinical application of acupuncture for ophthalmopathy

Based on the data from the Information Library of Acupuncture-Moxibustion of TCM, the bibliometric analysis was applied to analyze and evaluate the literature regarding clinical research of acupuncture for ophthalmopathy published between 1954 to 2016, hoping to objectively reflect the disease spectrum and indication of acupuncture for ophthalmopathy. The results showed that the disease spectrum of acupuncture for ophthalmopathy involved 47 specific diseases in 13 types of diseases. The total number of cases was 176 469, and the number of effective cases was 160 662, and the effective rate was 91.0%. The indication of acupuncture for ophthalmopathy included myopia, blepharoptosis and conjunctivitis. The commonly used indications were strabismus, dry eye and ophthalmoplegia, and the secondary indications were optic atrophy, blepharoptosis, oculomotor paralysis, blepharospasm, amblyopia. The most commonly used acupuncture points for ophthalmopathy were Cuanzhu (BL 2), Jingming (BL 1), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), and the most commonly used auricular points were yan (LO5), gan (CO12) and shen (CO10). As for the methods of acupoint combination, local acupoints were mainly selected, combined with distal acupoint to assist treatment.

Effect of acupuncture at proximal and distal acupoints combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation on children with cerebral palsy salivation

To explore the effect of acupuncture at the proximal and distal acupoints combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) for the children with cerebral palsy salivation on the basis of oral function training. A total of 124 children were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 62 cases in each one. Oral function training (30 min a time) and NMES (20 min a time) were used in the two groups. Acupuncture was applied after NMES in the observation group. The main acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Speech AreaⅠ, Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), etc. Scalp acupuncture was for 1 h, and body acupuncture was for 30 min. Pricking blood was used at Jinjin (EX-HN 12) and Yuye (EX-HN 13) for the patients of Ⅴ in teacher salivation grading (TDS). All the treatment was given for 3 courses, 30 days as a course, 5 times a week, once a day. TDS, safety, dysphagia and Gesell development scale were assessed before and after treatment. After treatment, the total effective rate of TDS in the observation group was 83.9% (52/62), which was better than 58.1% (36/62) in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of dysphasia in the observation group was 88.7% (55/62), which was better than 69.4% (43/62) in the control group (P<0.05). The lip and tongue movement, chewing and swallowing after treatment in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (all P<0.05). After treatment, the Gesell development scale of adaptability, language behavior and personal social development quotient were better compared with those before treatment in the observation group (all P<0.05); the language behavior improved after treatment in the control group (P<0.05). The adaptability, language behavior and personal social development quotient after treatment in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (P<0.05，P<0.01). The adverse reactions in the observation group were less than those in the control group. Acupuncture at the proximal and distal acupoints combined with NMES are better than simple NMES for children with cerebral palsy salivation. The methods could not only improve children's behavior cognitive ability, but also improve the sensation and motor coordination of the lip, tongue, pharynx, etc. As a result, the salivation and swallowing function improve.

Analysis on Correlation Between Meridians and Viscera in Book The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic

The meridians and Zangfu-organs (viscera) are two major systems in the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). They were primarily emerged together in simple form possibly in the Han Dynasty shown by the unearthed silk manuscripts of Changsha Mawangdui Han Tomb, and became a systematic theory in classical book "Neijing" (The Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic). After classification of the meridians' disease manifestations described in book "Ling Shu-Jing Mai" (Miraculous Pivot: Meridians) we found that more than half of the manifestations appear along the running course of meridians. The symptoms and signs of disorders of the meridians correlated with viscera which have the same name in western medicine account for approximately 10%, and the rest pathologic manifestations correlated with the viscera in terms of TCM are approximately 30%. Current researches about meridian and viscera mainly focus on viscera, particularly on the stomach and heart. The researches on meridians and viscera that use real-time effects of acupuncture as indicators have a complicated relationship with the nerve segments, which presented as that "multiple meridians control one viscus" and the specificity of meridian. Our chronic experiment about blocking the meridians suggested an association between meridian and pathologic manifestations of viscera. Physical index measurement and mathematical analysis can verify certain patterns of meridian-physical appearances, which would be a direction for future meridian research. The stabilities of visceral functions rely on negative feedback regulation, which are probably realized by way of somatic and visceral afferent and efferent nerves and volume transmission of the tissue fluid channels of meridians. Therefore, signals of acupuncture stimulation of the distant acupoints might be transmitted to the central nervous system through neurohumor relay, open of the "negative feedback channels of meridians", achieving a bidirectional regulation, and at the same time, producing a phenomenon of "sensation propagated along the meridian" during signal transmission.

Rules of acupoint and meridian selection in acupuncture-moxibustion for stable angina pectoris

To summarize and analyze the acupoint selection rules in acupuncture-moxibustion for stable angina pectoris. Clinical studies and literature on acupuncture-moxibustion for stable angina pectoris with definite acupoint selection were included through retrieving China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database and VIP in order to analyze the characteristics and rules of acupoint selection in acupuncture-moxibustion treatment for stable angina pectoris. It has been found that the acupoint selection of acupuncture-moxibustion prescriptions for stable angina pectoris focused on specific acupoints. The top 5 acupoints with the highest using frequency included Nèiguān (内关PC 6), Dànzhōng (膻中CV 17), Xīnshū (心俞BL 15), Zúsānlĭ (足三里ST 36) and Sānyīnjiāo (三阴交SP 6). Acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of stable angina pectoris involved 12 meridians, mainly including the hand-jueyin pericardium meridian, the foot-taiyang bladder meridian, conception vessel, the foot-yangming stomach meridian, the foot-taiyin spleen meridian, and the hand-shaoyin heart meridian, etc., embodying the characteristics and rules of acupoint selection such as "highlighting the special treatment effect of acupoints" "selecting acupoints along the pericardium meridian, bladder meridian and conception vessel, combining the anterior and the posterior acupoints", "selecting the distal acupoints of spleen and stomach meridians, and focusing on specific acupoints", etc.

Study on the influence of acupoints selection on ghrelin and GHSR expression in gastric fundus tissue of DGP rats

Objective: To explore the acupoint selection compatibility according to different departments and to study the influence on ghrelin and GHSR expression in the gastric fundus in rats with Diabetic Gastroparesis (DGP). Methods: Sixty male SPF SD rats were given adaptive feeding for one week and were randomly divided into a blank control group, a model group, the Zusanli and Zhongwan (ZZ) group, the Zusanli and Neiguan group (ZN), as well as the Zusanli and non-meridian acupoint (ZNA) group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the blank group, the other 48 rats were used to establish a DGP model by using streptozotocin. Acupuncture therapy was performed from the end of the tenth week for an additional four weeks. Then the rats were sacrificed and the serum and gastric fundus tissues were collected. ELISA assay was used to detect the ghrelin content in the serum. The expression of ghrelin positive cells in the gastric fundus tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. The expression of ghrelin and GHSR mRNA in the gastric fundus tissue was detected by real-time PCR. Results: Compared with the blank group, the food intake and the expression of ghrelin and GHSR mRNA in the gastric fundus tissue in the model group were significantly increased, while the small intestinal propulsion rate, the ghrelin content in the serum and the gray value of the gastric fundus were significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of ghrelin and GHSR mRNA in the gastric fundus tissue, the small intestinal propulsion rate, the ghrelin content in the serum and the gray value of the gastric fundus were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the ZZ group, the food intake were significantly increased in the ZN and the ZNA groups (P<0.05), and the expression of ghrelin and GHSR mRNA in the gastric fundus tissue of rats were significantly increased (P<0.05) but the ghrelin content in the serum in ZN group was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Conclusions: The improvement of gastrointestinal motility in DGP by acupuncture therapy was associated with the ghrelin content in the serum and GHSR expression in the gastric fundus. The treatment effect of local acupoints compatibility was better than that of the distal acupoints compatibility, and the acupoint selection according to department was one of the main influencing factors of acupoints compatibility.

Acupuncture at Tiaokou (ST38) for Shoulder Adhesive Capsulitis: What Strengths Does It Have? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Objective Tiaokou (ST38) is used as a crucial distal acupoint for treating shoulder adhesive capsulitis (SAC) in traditional Chinese medicine. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture at Tiaokou for treating SAC. Methods We searched eight electronic databases without language restrictions. All the literature was processed to identify RCTs comparing acupuncture at Tiaokou with other therapies (e.g., acupuncture at local shoulder acupoints and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Two reviewers extracted trials and collected outcome data independently. A meta-analysis was performed following a strict methodology. Results 19 RCTs involving 1944 participants met our inclusion criteria. The majority of the trials were determined to be of low quality. Positive results were found for acupuncture treatment at Tiaokou (as sole treatment or in combination with shoulder acupoints), which resulted in an improved percentage of clinical effectiveness and Constant-Murley Score values, as well as a reduction in Visual Analogue Scale values of SAC patients. Conclusion Our review found encouraging evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture at Tiaokou for SAC. Nonetheless, despite stringent methodological analyses, these results need to be strengthened by additional RCTs of higher quality.

Comparison effects of acupuncture at distal acupoints and local acupoints on treatment of xerophthalmia

To compare the clinical efficacy differences between acupuncture at distal acupoints and local acupoints on treatment of xerophthalmia. A total of 40 patients of xerophthalmia were randomly divided into a distal group and a local group, 20 cases in each one. One patient in local group lost contact, and finally 20 cases in the distal group and 19 cases in the local group finished treatment. The patients in the distal group were treated with acupuncture at Guangming (GB 37) and Diwuhui (GB 42), while those in the local group were treated with acupuncture at Cuanzhu (BL 2), Tongziliao (GB 1) and Taiyang (EX-HN 5). Patients in both groups were treated once a day, five times per week, and totally 2-week treatment were given. The subjective symptom based on visual analogue scale (VAS), tear secretion, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and breakup time (BUT) were evaluated before treatment, after two-week treatment (end of treatment) and two weeks after end of treatment (follow-up visit) in the two groups. After treatment and follow-up visit, the VAS, tear secretion, OSDI and BUT were all improved (P<0.05, P<0.01), but the differences of VAS and OSDI between the two groups were not significant (both P>0.05). At follow-up visit, the differences of tear secretion and BUT between the two groups were significant (both P<0.05). The acupuncture at distal acupoints could relieve xerophthalmia symptoms, improve quality of life, increase tear secretion and prolong BUT, which is superior to local acupoints in long term.

Explanation on Evidence-based Guidelines of Clinical Practice with Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Periarthritis of Shoulder

The Evidence-based Guidelines of Clinical Practice with Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Periarthritis of Shoulder (Guidelines for short) was officially published as a standard of China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in 2015. From the purpose, methodology, scope, indication, recommended protocol, etc., this was explained to provide convenience for clinical use of acupuncturists. This Guidelines was developed based on Guidelines comprehensive search of literature regarding acupuncture for periarthritis of shoulder, the adoption of best evidence, expert experience, patient value across the world, methods of evidence quality and GRADE, references of clinical experience of famous acupuncturists in the ancient and modern time and expert consensus in the national level, which was hoped to provide solid evidence of acupuncture clinical treatment for periarthritis of shoulder to ensure the safety and effectiveness. In this Guidelines, the stage-by-stage treatment principle of acupuncture for periarthritis of shoulder was recommended. In the acute stage, the treatment aim was to relieve the pain, and distal acupoints along the meridians were selected with strong stimulation; the local acupoints were combined. In the chronic stage and rehabilitation stage, the treatment aim was to improve the dysfunction of shoulder joint, and acupuncture treatment was based on syndrome differentiation of etiology and meridian; the local acupoints were mainly selected, combined with acupoints based on etiology and acupoints along meridians.