Acupuncture Research Articles

How Medical Acupuncture Is Taught in Australia

How Medical Acupuncture Is Taught in Australia

Acupuncture and Kinesitherapy Improve Physical Activity More than Kinesitherapy Alone in Patients with Acute Decompensated Chronic Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction Who Are Already on Optimal Drug Therapy: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Study

Background/Objectives: It is unknown how early exercise therapy combined with acupuncture (AP) affects the speed of recovery in patients suffering from heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) who are hospitalized due to worsening HF. Methods: A prospective, sham-procedure-controlled, double-blind, randomized clinical trial with three patient groups was conducted. The study included patients with HFrEF who were hospitalized for worsening HF. After initial stabilization, patients were randomly assigned to three groups, the controls (C) treated with optimal drug therapy (ODT); E1 received ODT with kinesitherapy, and sham AP; E2 received ODT, kinesitherapy, and needle AP aiming to enhance compensation. Improvement in physical activity was measured by the modified Barthel index (A test), 2 or 6 min walking tests, an endurance walking test, and decrease of blood brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Results: A total of 120 patients completed the study. The average age was 74 years, 73.3% were male, median EF was 32%, and 83.3% were New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III. After the fifth day of therapy, the E2 group showed the greatest improvement in the A test compared to other groups (p = 0.022). After 5 days, 80%, 50%, and 10% achieved an A test score of 30 or higher, demonstrating functional independence, (p < 0.01) in the E2, E1, and C groups, respectively. At hospital discharge, the E2 group showed significantly better walking endurance compared to the E1 and C groups (p < 0.001). At discharge, BNP decreased significantly more in both E groups, compared to the C group. Conclusions: Short-term early rehabilitation with AP and kinesitherapy significantly improves the functional status of HFrEF decompensated patients when compared to kinesitherapy alone and ODT.

Evaluating the Safety of Thread-Embedding Acupuncture: Protocol for a Multi-Center, Prospective, Observational Study in Clinical Practice

Background/Objectives: Medical therapies that apply biodegradable materials, such as polydioxanone, are widely used to treat various disorders. Thread-embedding acupuncture (TEA) is a unique form of acupuncture that exerts long-lasting therapeutic effects by inserting absorbable threads at specific acupuncture points, and is widely used to treat various diseases. However, there is currently a lack of research regarding the safety of TEA. This prospective observational trial aims to evaluate the safety of TEA by collecting and analyzing data related to adverse events in patients receiving TEA in actual practice. Methods: A total of 350 eligible participants who undergo TEA at one of three university-affiliated hospitals and two traditional Korean medicine clinics will be systemically observed for post-treatment adverse reactions. The patients will be monitored at three time points: 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months post-treatment. Safety evaluations will assess the incidence of adverse events and treatment discontinuation rates during the 3-month post-treatment period. Conclusions: This study will evaluate the safety of TEA and provide information for decision-making in clinical practice as well as basic data for future large-scale research.

Efficacy of acupuncture based on "gut-brain axis" combined with sensory integration training on autism spectrum disorder and its effect on gastrointestinal symptoms

To explore the efficacy of acupuncture based on "gut-brain axis" combined with sensory integration training in children with autism spectrum disorder (autism) and its effect on gastrointestinal symptoms. A total of 96 children with autism were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 48 cases in each group, with 3 cases dropped out. Children in the control group received sensory integration training. On the basis of the treatment in the control group, children in the observation group received acupuncture therapy based on "gut-brain axis", and the point selection of scalp acupuncture was forehead five needles, i.e. bilateral Touwei (ST8), Toulinqi (GB15), Shenting (GV24) and Sishencong (EX-HN1), the point selection of body acupuncture was Zhongshu (GV7) and bilateral Tianshu (ST25), Pishu (BL20), Xinshu (BL15), Zusanli (ST36), Hegu (LI4), Taichong (LR3). Acupuncture was delivered once every other day, 3 times a week. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of autism behavior checklist (ABC), childhood autism rating scale (CARS), autism treatment evaluation checklist (ATEC) and gastrointestinal TCM symptoms, as well as the relative abundance of intestinal flora were compared, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated in the two groups. After treatment, the ABC and CARS scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.001, P<0.05), and the ABC and CARS scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment, the item scores of language, sensory perception, sociability, behavior, and the total score of ATEC in the observation group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.001, P<0.01), the item scores of language, sociability, behavior, and the total score of ATEC in the control group were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.05); the each-item and total scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of loose stool, stomach duct pain, stomach duct stuffiness, decreased appetite, and the total scores of gastrointestinal TCM symptoms were reduced compared with those before treatment in the two groups (P<0.001), and the above scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.001). After treatment, the relative abundance of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus was decreased compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.001), and the above relative abundance in the observation group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.001); the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus was increased compared with that before treatment in the two groups (P<0.001), and the above relative abundance in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.001). The total effective rate was 88.9% (40/45) in the observation group, which was higher than 66.7% (30/45) in the control group (P<0.05). On the basis of sensory integration training, acupuncture based on "gut-brain axis" can improve the behavioral status and gastrointestinal symptoms, and correct the imbalance of intestinal flora in children with autism.

Internal heat acupuncture therapy for 44 cases knee osteoarthritis of early to middle stages

To observe the clinical effect of internal heat acupuncture therapy for knee osteoarthritis of early to middle stages, and explore its influence on cartilage thickness. A total of 44 patients with knee osteoarthritis of early to middle stages were treated with internal heat acupuncture therapy at ashi points (most of them are located at the subpatellar fat pad, both sides of the patellar ligament, the tendon of the quadriceps and the attachment of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments), once a week, a total of 4 weeks of treatment. Before and after treatment, after 3 months of treatment completion (in the follow-up), the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) score, frequency of 30-second chair stand test (30sCST), cartilage thickness of femoral intercondylar and knee joint ultrasound score were compared, and the clinical effect was evaluated. After treatment, the VAS、WOMAC and knee joint ultrasound scores were reduced (P<0.05), frequency of 30sCST was increased (P<0.05) compared with those before treatment; in the follow-up, the VAS、WOMAC scores were reduced (P<0.05), frequency of 30sCST and cartilage thickness of femoral intercondylar were increased (P<0.05) compared with those before treatment. After treatment, the total effective rate was 93.2% (41/44), in the follow-up, the total effective rate was 95.5% (42/44). Internal heat acupuncture therapy is effective in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis of early to middle stages, could relieve the pain, improve the joint function, and delay cartilage degeneration and disease progression.

Efficacy analysis of acupuncture and rehabilitation for traumatic spinal cord injury.

This study investigates the role and efficacy of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy during the recovery phase of patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. Patients hospitalized in the acupuncture department of our center between December 1, 2019, and December 1, 2021, were enrolled. Participants were divided into an observation group (acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy) and a control group (rehabilitation therapy alone) based on their treatment sequence. Initially, 15 patients were allocated to each group; however, 3 patients in the observation group and 4 in the control group withdrew, leaving 11 and 12 patients in the respective groups. The observation group received combined acupuncture and rehabilitation therapy, while the control group received conventional rehabilitation therapy. Outcomes were evaluated using the American Spinal Injury Association score and classification, urodynamic data, SF-36 scale, Functional Independence Measure, and Barthel Index, analyzed through data mining techniques. Posttreatment assessments revealed significant improvements in residual urine volume and detrusor pressure in the observation group (P < .05), whereas no significant changes were noted in the control group (P > .05). Both groups demonstrated improved motor function after treatment (P < .05), with the observation group showing significantly greater improvement (P < .05). Quality of life evaluations indicated substantial enhancement in physical pain, energy levels, general health, social functioning, perceived health changes, and mental health in both groups (P < .05). Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy offers significant clinical benefits for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury. This approach effectively alleviates urinary and bowel dysfunction, accelerates motor function recovery, and improves overall quality of life, making it a valuable treatment option worthy of wider adoption.

Efektivitas Terapi Akupunktur pada Pasien Osteoarthritis Lutut : Literature Review

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that causes stiffness, pain, and joint deformity, potentially impacting patients' quality of life. Acupuncture is a non-pharmacological therapy option. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy in knee osteoarthritis patients using literature searches on PubMed®, Cochrane®, and ScienceDirect® with the keyword "effectiveness therapy of acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis." The analysis showed that acupuncture could reduce pain intensity and improve quality of life through the regulation of inflammatory factor inhibition, neurological activity modulation, stimulation of ?-endorphin release, and antioxidant activation. Further studies are needed to ensure long-term effects and optimize therapy combinations for treating knee osteoarthritis patients.

Efficacy and safety of laser acupuncture on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Efficacy and safety of laser acupuncture on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Research Progress in the Treatment of Depression by Acupuncture and Moxibustion Based on the Five Viscera and Its Mechanism

Severe depression is the most common mental disorder, with a heavy economic burden and limited treatment. The lifetime prevalence of depression among adults in China is 6.8%, with depression accounting for 3.4%. Currently, there are 95 million people suffering from depression in China, with approximately 280,000 people committing suicide each year, of whom 40% suffer from depression. Oral antidepressants are commonly used treatment methods in modern medicine, but they have significant drawbacks. Acupuncture therapy has shown promising physiological and pharmacological research evidence and good clinical efficacy, with small side effects, lasting efficacy, and low cost in depression. Depression is classified as a “depression syndrome” in traditional Chinese medicine, and its disease progress is closely related to the damage of the five zang organs: heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney. Acupuncture and moxibustion have been proven to be effective in treating depression by intervening in the points related to the five viscera. This article summarizes the research progress of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of depression from the perspective of the five viscera.

Summary of evidence on Traditional Chinese Medicine nursing interventions in hospice care for patients with advanced cancer

BackgroundPatients with advanced cancer experience physical and psychological pain that affects their quality of life. This review aimed to systematically search, evaluate, and summarize the best evidence on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) nursing interventions in hospice care for patients with advanced cancer and to provide an evidence-based foundation for clinical care. The time limit for the search was from 2010 to September 2024. MethodsA top-down search of relevant literature was conducted according to the "6S" evidence model, including clinical decisions, guidelines, best practices, evidence summaries, systematic reviews, expert consensus, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The literature was evaluated, and evidence was extracted independently by two researchers. The evidence was appraised using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) tool and integrated with an evidence-based team consisting of six members. ResultsThirty-three publications were included, including four guidelines, two expert consensus, two clinical decisions, two evidence summaries, twenty-one systematic reviews, and two RCTs. Thirty-six indicators of best evidence were summarized from eight areas: TCM therapy, acupuncture therapy, moxibustion therapy, acupressure therapy, music therapy, traditional Chinese exercise therapy, auricular therapy, and aromatherapy. ConclusionThis review summarizes the best evidence for TCM nursing interventions in hospice care for patients with advanced cancer, which can be used by clinical healthcare professionals to develop appropriate TCM nursing interventions in combination with the actual situation and with full consideration of the needs and wishes of the patients and their families to improve the patients' quality of life in advanced stages.

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture for melasma: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Treating melasma remains challenging. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture as a treatment option. We searched three English and four Chinese databases up to January 2, 2024. The primary outcome was the total effective rate, while secondary outcomes included skin lesion area and color scores, total lesion score, and adverse effects. Study quality was assessed using the risk of bias tool, and data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.4. The GRADE approach evaluated evidence certainty. This study included 22 studies with 1644 participants. Findings indicate that acupuncture significantly outperforms Western medicine and other treatments (risk ratio [RR] = 1.21, 95 % confidence interval [CI] (1.18, 1.30), P < 0.00001, I² = 34 %). Acupuncture effectively reduces the area of skin lesions (mean difference [MD] = -0.35, 95 % CI (-0.52, -0.19), P < 0.0001, I² = 93 %), lightens color (MD = -0.45, 95 % CI (-0.58, -0.31), P < 0.00001, I² = 89 %), and lowers the total score of skin lesions (MD = -1.00, 95 % CI (-1.29, -0.70), P < 0.00001, I² = 79 %). Adverse reactions were infrequent with acupuncture. The most common needling sites were in the facial lesion area, noted in 17 studies. Sanyinjiao (SP6) was the most frequently used acupoint (n = 8), followed by Hegu (LI4) (n = 7) and Xuehai (SP10) (n = 7). Other commonly used acupoints included Tianshu (ST25), Zusanli (ST36), Taichong (LR3), and Zhongwan (RN12). All secondary outcomes, except for the primary outcome, were rated as very low quality. This review confirms that acupuncture therapy effectively reduces the area and color of melasma lesions and lowers lesion scores. Acupuncture therapy appears to be a safe and effective treatment option for melasma; however, results should be interpreted cautiously due to potential publication and regional biases. CRD42024503394.

Combined Therapy of Human Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Scalp Acupuncture Alleviates Brain Damage in a Rat Model of Cerebral Palsy

Combined Therapy of Human Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Scalp Acupuncture Alleviates Brain Damage in a Rat Model of Cerebral Palsy

Acupuncture Increased the Number of Retrieved Oocytes in a Mouse Model of POR: The Involvement of DNA Methylation in the Oocytes

Background: Poor ovarian response (POR) reduces the success rate of in vitro fertilization mainly because of fewer oocytes retrieved. Acupuncture (Ac) therapy can improve the number of retrieved oocytes in the controlled ovarian stimulation program. The role of Ac in the corresponding epigenetic mechanism of POR has not been studied. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of Ac on the number of retrieved oocytes and its role in DNA methylation in a mouse model of POR. Methods:: Forty C57BL/6N female mice with normal estrous cycles were randomly classified into 4 groups of 10 each: control (Con) group, Ac-Con group, POR group, and Ac-POR group. Mice in POR and Ac-POR groups received a gastric gavage of Tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside suspension of 50 mg/kg-1 once a day for 14 consecutive days. Ac was applied at “Shenting” (DU 24), “Guanyuan” (CV 4), “Zusanli” (ST 36), and “Shenshu” (BL 23) in the Ac-POR group for 10 min per session, once a day for 14 consecutive days. All four groups were stimulated with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin, and the number of retrieved oocytes and proportion of mature oocytes were recorded. The DNA methylation level in a single mouse oocyte in each group was analyzed using single-cell genome-wide bisulfite sequencing (scBSseq), and key pathways were identified using GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Results: A dissecting microscope revealed that the Ac therapy improved the number of retrieved oocytes compared with the POR group (p &lt; 0.05). ScBS-seq showed that there was no significant change in global DNA methylation levels between the POR model and control group mice. However, differences were primarily observed in the differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of each chromosome, and Ac decreased global DNA methylation. DMR analysis identified 13 genes that may be associated with Ac treatment. Cdk5rap2 and Igf1r, which mediate germ cell apoptosis, growth, and development, maybe most closely related to the Ac treatment of POR. KEGG analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in Wnt, GnRH, and calcium signaling pathways. The genes were closely related to the regulation of POR via Ac. Conclusion: The results suggest that DNA methylation in oocytes is related to the development of POR and that the role of Ac in affecting DNA methylation in oocytes is associated with the Wnt, GnRH, and calcium signaling pathways as well as Cdk5rap2 and Igf1r in POR mice.

Computerized Decision Support System and Fuzzy Logic Rules for Early Diagnosis of Pesticide-Induced Diseases.

Many reflexologists employ outdated concepts that do not align with modern anatomy, physiology, and biophysics. Those concepts undermine physicians' confidence in their diagnosis. This study aims to improve the quality of medical care for workers in the agro-industrial complex who are exposed to pesticides by a fuzzy mathematical model using acupuncture points reflexes. Data obtained from reflex diagnostic methods are utilized in hybrid fuzzy decision rules to build a predictive classification model that integrates medical diagnosis with artificial intelligence. Pesticide exposure leads to cardiovascular and nervous system bronchopulmonary diseases, as well as kidney and liver tissue pathology. The developed model generates decision rules for early prediction of nervous system disorders, particularly when the primary risk factor is exposure to agricultural pesticides containing nitrates. In modern medical practice, there is a growing interest in ancient methods of reflex diagnostics and therapies based on maintaining the energy balance of an organism's meridian structures. However, the lack of a solid theoretical foundation explaining the mechanisms of interaction between internal and surface meridian structures poses a significant obstacle to wider adoption of reflex diagnostic techniques. This limitation severely hampers the potential of acupuncture. Moreover, many reflexologists in practice tend to overstate the benefits of acupuncture, which may lead to errors, that undermine the appropriate approach to diagnosis and treatment. The proposed model proves valuable for the healthcare of agro-industrial complex workers, as its decision-making process achieves an accuracy rate of over 85% in forecasting nervous system disorders.

Acupuncture Dosage and Its Correlation with Effectiveness in Patients with Chronic Stable Angina: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial.

This systematic review aimed to compare the efficacy of various acupuncture dosages for Chronic Stable Angina (CSA) using randomized controlled trials (RCTs), addressing the unclear relationship between dosage and effectiveness despite acupuncture's potential. We searched eight bibliographic databases from inception to October 31, 2024, evaluating RCTs comparing acupuncture to placebo or standard care for CSA patients, focusing on angina attack frequency as the primary outcome. Studies were categorized into high (HDG), moderate (MDG), and low (LDG) dosage groups based on acupuncture characteristics: the number of acupoints, total sessions, frequency per week, and the need for "Deqi". Of the 807 citations screened, 16 studies (1240 patients) were included: 3 studies in LDG, 10 in MDG, and 3 in HDG. Acupuncture significantly reduced angina attacks compared to placebo (SMD, -0.51; 95% CI [-0.77, -0.25], P = 0.0001, I 2=62%), and standard care (SMD, -1.25, 95% CI [-1.89, -0.61], P = 0.00001, I2 =92%) without increasing adverse events. MDG showed a notable difference in reducing angina attacks (SMD, -0.60, 95% CI [-0.91, -0.29], P = 0.001, I2 =60%) while LDG and HDG did not. There is no difference in adverse events between groups. The evidence quality ranged from very low to moderate, and the results should be cautiously applied. Acupuncture therapy effectively and safely alleviates CSA symptoms. Moderate dosage demonstrated the potential for better effects in reducing symptoms, suggesting optimal dosage considerations for future treatments. CRD42022321547.

Effectiveness of scalp acupuncture therapy combined with training on limb movement disorders after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Effectiveness of scalp acupuncture therapy combined with training on limb movement disorders after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Erratum: Effect of laser acupuncture on pain and density of bone in osteoporotic postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

Erratum: Effect of laser acupuncture on pain and density of bone in osteoporotic postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

Expression of concern: Effect of laser acupuncture on pain and density of bone in osteoporotic postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

Expression of concern: Effect of laser acupuncture on pain and density of bone in osteoporotic postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled trial.

Acupuncture Points in Medieval European Medicine to Treat Pain and Inflammation.

In the previous article, the author demonstrated the close relationship between bloodletting practices in medieval Europe and acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This study aimed to explore how acupuncture-based treatment was applied in medieval Europe. The author hypothesizes that the physical stimulation of acupuncture points associated with bloodletting was one of the main methods of pain management at that time. The study examined the indications for phlebotomy as depicted in the original illustration from Practica Medicinalis written by the 15th-century Archbishop of Prague, Sigismundus Albicus, supplemented by two other European medieval medical manuscripts. A total of 76 distinct symptoms (corresponding to 25 bloodletting acupuncture points) from the Practica Medicinalis illustration were assembled into four groups: 1) Pain and inflammation symptoms; 2) Symptoms commonly associated with pain and inflammation; 3) General symptoms affecting various organs and functions; and 4) Conditions unrelated to pain or inflammation. Among the 76 symptoms and 25 acupuncture points, only nine symptoms and a single bloodletting point were not associated with the treatment of pain or inflammation. This suggests that acupuncture-based therapy was an effective method for managing pain and inflammation in the Middle Ages and that such treatment could still be valuable from a modern clinical perspective.

Sciatic nerve injury treated by acupuncture: a bibliometric study and visualization analysis.

Sciatic nerve injuries often lead to severe pain and motor dysfunction, causing serious impact on patients' quality of life. Acupuncture, as one of the main therapies in traditional Chinese medicine, is gradually gaining attention in the field of nerve injury due to its potential role in pain relief and nerve repair. Bibliometric and scientific knowledge mapping methods were employed to analyze the current research status, hotspots, and development trends of acupuncture for sciatic nerve injury (SNI) over the past decade. A literature search was conducted on acupuncture for SNI from the China Knowledge (CNKI), Wanfang, Weipu (VIP), and Web of Science (WOS) databases, and CiteSpace V6.R6 software and VOSviewer1.6.20 software were employed to analyze and visualize keywords from the collaborative network, keyword co-occurrence, and keyword timeline, respectively. Keyword emergence was analyzed and visualization maps were drawn. A total of 907 articles were included in the Chinese database, while 78 articles were included in the WOS database. The leading institutions of the literature in Chinese and English were the Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, respectively. Ma Tieming is the most influential person in the field. A keyword analysis of the Chinese and English literature revealed that Huanjiu and Huizhong points are commonly used and that acupuncture is often applied with drug therapy, physical therapy, and rehabilitation training, which can improve the treatment effect comprehensively. Additionally, the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture mainly promotes nerve regeneration and repair through the modulation of cytokines and related signaling pathways. Electroacupuncture and neuropathic pain are cutting-edge research topics in this field. Based on the keyword emergence, it is predicted that future studies will continue to focus on acupuncture treatment, functional recovery after SNI, and spinal cord injury, which may become the research hotspots in this field. In addition, future studies could further delve into the selection and physiological mechanisms of acupuncture points and validate the effectiveness of this acupuncture and its integrative therapeutic strategies through a wider range of clinical practices. This study uses visualization software VOSviewer and CiteSpace to provide the current status and trends in SNI of acupuncture over the past decade and predicts potential research frontiers and hot directions.