Traditional Chinese Acupuncture Research Articles

Research Progress of Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is also known as knee degenerative arthritis. Its core change is the degenerative change of articular cartilage. At the same time, it involves the articular cartilage of the knee, resulting in degenerative change, accompanied by the following symptoms: cartilage exfoliation, cartilage bone hyperplasia, synovial inflammation, gradually destroy the joint, make it deformed, and finally lead to joint dysfunction. It is an osteoarthropathy mostly occurring in the elderly[1]. Both men and women can get sick. According to the report of the World Health Organization, osteoarthritis will become the fourth major disability disease in the world by 2020[2]. According to relevant data[3]: up to 3% of the people in China are suffering from osteoarthritis, of which the incidence rate of knee osteoarthritis is relatively large. About 60% of the people over 55 years old are older than 65 years old, and the incidence rate is 85%. With the increasing trend of population aging in China, the incidence rate of KOA is increasing year by year, which affects the physical and mental health of patients. Objective: In recent years, the research on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with Traditional Chinese Medicine has become white hot, and great progress has been made. The main treatment methods include oral administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, external use of Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture and massage. Moxibustion has the function of warming and dredging meridians, and has become one of the research hotspots nowadays. Methods: This paper briefly summarizes the current situation of Moxibustion in the treatment of KOA in recent years, and puts forward the existing problems and future development direction

Care Experience of a Patient with Japanese Encephalitis Complicated with Physical Disability

<p>本文描述個案因日本腦炎導致身體活動出現異常,併發痰液清除功能不佳需長期照護而住入慢性病房,以及長期住院產生心理反應等相關問題。護理期間 2018/9/27-11/19 以 Gordon 進行十一項功能性評估,藉由觀察、身體評估、查閱病歷等收集資料,健康護理問題有呼吸道清除功能失效;身體活動功能障礙;焦 慮。護理措施 : 維持半坐臥式;背部叩擊;深呼吸及有效咳嗽技巧,強化咳痰能力;漸進式復健計劃合併中醫療法,提升肢體功能及自我照顧能力,讓個案拾獲自信心 參與復健;主動關懷讓個案表達更換管路感受,陪伴降低不適。藉由音樂、嗅覺 /冥想等減輕焦慮程度,正向因應疾病,建議未來住院的病人,在中醫醫療有針灸治 療健保給付,提供日後照護此類個案之經驗參考。</p> <p> </p><p>This article describes the care experience of a case of Japanese encephalitis complicated with physical disability from September 27, 2018 to November 19, 2018. The patient was admitted to a chronic ward due to poor sputum clearance, required long-term care and had psychological problems due to a long hospital stay. Gordon’s Functional Health Patterns were applied for health assessment. Data collection was completed through observation, physical assessment, and medical records review. Health problems were identified as ineffective airway clearance/thick sputum, impaired physical mobility/Japanese encephalitis infec- tion with neuromuscular injury, and anxiety/worry about disease prognosis. Nursing interventions included: maintaining semi-Fowler’s position; chest percus- sion; deep breathing and effective coughing techniques to strengthen sputum production; a progressive rehabilitation plan combined with acupuncture treat- ment of Chinese medicine to improve part of the physical function and self-care ability, so that the case could find self-confidence and participate in rehabilita- tion; active care and letting the case to express feelings about changing tubes, and accompanying reduction of discomfort; and relieving anxiety by listening to Taiwanese songs, practicing meditation, and responding positively to the illness. It is recommended that future hospitalized patients using traditional Chinese acupuncture therapy should be covered by health insurance. We hope the sharing of this nursing experience can be beneficial to the care of similar patients.</p> <p> </p>

Role of Bile Acids and Nuclear Receptors in Acupuncture in Improving Crohn's Disease.

Nuclear receptors (NRs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors that regulate the transcription of target genes. Bile acids (BAs) can be used as effector molecules to regulate physiological processes in the gut, and NRs are important receptors for bile acid signaling. Relevant studies have shown that NRs are closely related to the occurrence of Crohn's disease (CD). Although the mechanism of NRs in CD has not been clarified completely, growing evidence shows that NRs play an important role in regulating intestinal immunity, mucosal barrier, and intestinal flora. NRs can participate in the progress of CD by mediating inflammation, immunity, and autophagy. As the important parts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy, acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of CD curative mechanism can get a lot of research support. At the same time, acupuncture and moxibustion can regulate the changes of related NRs. Therefore, to explore whether acupuncture can regulate BA circulation and NRs expression and then participate in the disease progression of CD, a new theoretical basis for acupuncture treatment of CD is provided.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Premature Ovarian Insufficiency: A Review of Utilization and Mechanisms.

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is defined as a decline in ovarian function before the age of 40 and is one of the leading causes of infertility in women. The etiology is complex, and the pathogenesis is not clear. The main treatment is hormone replacement therapy, but a growing body of data confirms that such treatment can increase the risk of endometrial disease and cardiovascular disease. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been widely used in patients with POI due to its limited adverse reactions and high efficiency. According to literature reports, CAM therapy for POI mainly includes traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, psychotherapy, dietary supplements, and exercise therapy. This article reviews the application of CAM in the treatment of POI and attempts to determine the therapeutic effects and the mechanisms behind these effects based on existing clinical and experimental studies in order to provide theoretical support for the treatment of POI.

Efecto terapéutico de la acupuntura en el dolor lumbosacro

ObjectiveTo determine the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on lumbosacral pain in outpatients. Material and methodsA retrospective, descriptive study was conducted based on the medical records of patients seen in a private acupuncture clinic. Specific points of traditional Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion were used. ParticipantsWe assessed a total of 74 patients with lumbosacral pain who met the study inclusion criteria, especially that related to pain intensity according to the verbal numerical scale for musculoskeletal pain. ResultsAt the end of the treatment of 8 acupuncture sessions over 2 weeks, positive results were obtained in the control of pain intensity, in 81.08% of the patients, while 18.92% had no positive results. ConclusionsClassical Chinese acupuncture is an effective therapy in the treatment of lumbosacral pain, regardless of whether it is acute or chronic. However, its effectiveness should be further investigated to unify application criteria.

Role of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicines in Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been in use for thousands of years in Asian countries and is rapidly gaining popularity in the Western world. Among different forms of TCM, the traditional Chinese herbal therapy and acupuncture are the most popular modalities. Here, we review the fundamentals of TCMs for clinicians practicing in the West and will also detail the evidence-based utility of Chinese herbal medicine in the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). In the recent decades, the popularity and usage of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in FGIDs is increasing in the West. TCMs are commonly utilized by many patients with FGIDs as the conventional therapies do have limitations such as cost, inadequate symptom control and adverse effects. The unfamiliarity of TCM philosophy among clinicians in the West, and shortage of traditional Chinese herbalists remain. The philosophy of TCM is complex and entirely different from the Western medical concepts and is difficult to understand for a clinician trained in the West. Further traditional Chinese herbal therapies are often viewed skeptically by the clinicians in the West for various reasons such as lack of scientific rigor, inconsistencies in the constituents of herbal products, and also concerns due to adverse herb effects. Future clinical trials in FGIDs should focus on herb product quality, herb-drug interactions, and standardized criteria for diagnosis and management outcomes.

Establishment of the First Professional Organization of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture in California

Abstract The California Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Research Association, founded on March 25, 1974, is the first Chinese medicine organization registered with the state government in California. It was established after more than a year of arduous preparation and had 15 founding members. Over time, it evolved into the biggest organization of Chinese medicine and acupuncture in California. And in 2015, it became the American Association of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture with more than 500 members.

Treatment strategies for postviral olfactory dysfunction: A systematic review.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been associated with a dramatic increase in postviral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD) among patients who are infected. A contemporary evidence-based review of current treatment options for PVOD is both timely and relevant to improve patient care. Objective: This review seeks to impact patient care by qualitatively reviewing available evidence in support of medical and procedural treatment options for PVOD. Systematic evaluation of data quality and of the level of evidence was completed to generate current treatment recommendations. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify primary studies that evaluated treatment outcomes for PVOD. A number of medical literature data bases were queried from January 1998 to May 2020, with completion of subsequent reference searches of retrieved articles to identify all relevant studies. Validated tools for the assessment of bias among both interventional and observational studies were used to complete quality assessment. The summary level of evidence and associated outcomes were used to generate treatment recommendations. Results: Twenty-two publications were identified for qualitative review. Outcomes of alpha-lipoic acid, intranasal and systemic corticosteroids, minocycline, zinc sulfate, vitamin A, sodium citrate, caroverine, intranasal insulin, theophylline, and Gingko biloba are reported. In addition, outcomes of traditional Chinese acupuncture and olfactory training are reviewed. Conclusion: Several medical and procedural treatments may expedite the return of olfactory function after PVOD. Current evidence supports olfactory training as a first-line intervention. Additional study is required to define specific treatment recommendations and expected outcomes for PVOD in the setting of COVID-19.

Effect of traditional Chinese medicine massage on the rehabilitation of spinal function in scoliosis patients undergoing 3D printing orthopedic surgery

To explore the effect of Chinese massage on the rehabilitation of scoliosis patients undergoing 3D printing orthopedics. A retrospective selection of 262 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis(AIS) who underwent 3D printing technology orthopedics admitted to the Department of Orthopedics in our hospital from January 2013 to January 2019 were selected for clinical research. According to the rehabilitation treatment methods adopted by the patients after the operation, the patients were divided into control group and observation group, there were 131 cases in each group. The observation group was treated with traditional Chinese acupuncture and massage after operation, and the control group was treated with conventional rehabilitation. The torso rotation angle and the maximum Cobb angle before and after intervention were measured and compared between two groups, Oswestry Disability Index(ODI) was used for functional evaluation, and the visual analogue scale(VAS) was used to evaluate the changes in pain before and after rehabilitation intervention. After the intervention, the trunk rotation angle and maximum Cobb angle of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group, the VAS score of the observation group was significantly lower than that of the control group, ODI in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). After scoliosis patients undergo preoperative 3D printing correction, the scientific and reasonable implementation of TCM acupuncture and massage can effectively improve the patient's vertebral rotation angle, maximum Cobb angle, and improve the patient's spinal function.

Effectiveness and safety of auricular therapy for post-stroke depression: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background:Post-stroke depression is a common and serious complication after stroke. Its main clinical manifestations are depression or instability, loss of interest, loss of appetite, sleep disorders, pessimism, and unworthiness, and even suicidal tendencies. Auricular therapy (AT), as part of traditional Chinese acupuncture, has achieved good results in the treatment of depression, but different clinical studies have shown mixed results. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to assess the effectiveness and safety of AT for post-stroke depression.Methods:Two reviewers will electronically search the following databases: the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; Medline (via PubMed); Excerpt Medica Database; China National Knowledge Infrastructure; Chinese Biomedical Literature Database; Chinese Scientific Journal Database; and Wan–Fang Database from the inception to January 1, 2022. Study selection, data extraction, and assessment of study quality will be performed independently by 2 reviewers. If it is appropriate for a meta-analysis, Review Manager Version 5.3 statistical software will be used; otherwise, a descriptive analysis will be conducted. Data will be synthesized by either the fixed-effects or random-effects model according to a heterogeneity test. The results will be presented as risk ratio with 95% confidence intervals for dichotomous data and weight mean difference or standard mean difference 95% confidence intervals for continuous data.Result:This study will provide a comprehensive review of the available evidence for the treatment of AT with post-stroke depression.Conclusions:The conclusions of our study will provide an evidence to judge whether AT is an effective and safe intervention for patients with post-stroke depression.Trial registration number:PROSPERO CRD42021289870.

Methodological Review: Summary of Findings for Acupuncture as Treatment for Cancer Therapy-induced Xerostomia.

With a rapidly growing number of studies, systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) on acupuncture, the level of evidence seems to be high. Yet, traditional Chinese acupuncture is built on concepts which are not in accordance with science-based medicine. Accordingly, our aim was to critically assess the evidence presented in SRs and MAs on xerostomia induced by treatment of head and neck cancer with radiotherapy. In February 2022, a systematic search of five electronic databases (Embase, Cochrane, PsychInfo, CINAHL and Medline) was conducted to find SRs/MAs on acupuncture use against cancer-treatment induced xerostomia. We evaluated all SRs/MAs using the AMSTAR instrument, comparing the assessment of the individual studies included and the conclusions drawn by the authors. In case of heterogeneity between the SRs, we evaluated the controversial items of the assessments directly from the studies. Finally, eight SRs/MAs were included. Most of them show methodological drawbacks in several domains of the AMSTAR instrument, which influences the credibility of the results. The evidence on the use of acupuncture as treatment for radiotherapy-induced xerostomia is low. Present SRs/MAs mainly summarize results of a few and mostly small studies. Even though the included studies greatly overlap, the quality of the presentation and interpretation of the authors differs greatly. Therefore, a high quality and conclusive summary of the present evidence on the use of acupuncture to treat radiotherapy induced xerostomia is still missing.

Study on the Prescription of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy Based on Computer Vision Image Analysis.

Cervical spondylosis (CS) is a common clinical orthopedic disease. Among cervical spondyloses, cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) is the most common. Its clinical manifestations are localized neck pain and radial numbness of the shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and even fingers. As far as the status quo is concerned, with the change of lifestyle and working style, the popularity of computer and other entertainment devices, people's neck flexion time has increased significantly compared with the past, the incidence rate of CSR has also increased year by year, and the group of onset has become younger and younger. According to the symptoms, CSR in Chinese medicine belongs to the category of “arthralgia syndrome” and “bone arthralgia.” Western medicine has many side effects in the treatment of CSR, while surgical treatment is painful and expensive. Most patients are not willing to accept it. Traditional Chinese medicine acupuncture can relieve the pain, numbness, and other discomforts of CSR, and the acupuncture treatment has less trauma and is a simple operation. At present, there are few acupoint prescriptions for acupuncture in the treatment of CSR. Therefore, the analysis of acupuncture point selection based on computer vision image has important practical significance for the scientific and progressive exploration of CSR acupuncture treatment. In this paper, the etiology, pathology, and clinical manifestations of radical treatment of CS are deeply studied by using literature data and mathematical statistics. The prescription research experiment of acupuncture in the treatment of CSR based on computer was established, and the treatment method was studied by observing VAS, NPQ, and other indexes. The total effective rate was 95.13% in the experimental group and 85.72% in the control group. It is hoped that the research direction of this paper can provide reference for the diversified development of acupuncture and moxibustion and for the treatment ideas and methods of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Discussion on anorexia prevention and treatment of spleen and stomach qi deficiency in children based on the idea of "treating no disease"

"Cure not disease" thought is an important part of the traditional medical characteristics of medical methods, including "1, Prevent it before a disease, 2, to save germination, 3, Prevent both disease and degeneration, 4, prevent recurrence". There are many Chinese medicine types in children, among which the spleen and stomach qi deficiency accounts for a large proportion. Based on the idea of "cure the disease", in the condition of disease, traditional Chinese medicine, pediatric massage, acupuncture and moxibustion should be used to delay the further aggravation of the condition, and should combine internal treatment with external treatment to consolidate the efficacy and prevent recurrence. The thought of "curing the disease" and guiding the prevention and treatment of anorexia in children has very important clinical value.

The Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Patients with Oral, Oropharynx, Nasopharynx, and Hypopharynx Cancers: A Retrospective Longitudinal Cohort Study in Taiwan

Given the prevalent use of tobacco and betel nut in the Taiwanese community, an increase risk of oral, oropharynx, and hypopharynx cancers (head and neck cancers) is apparent. The use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture is both common and conveniently accessible in Taiwan, with treatments being financially supported by the National Health Insurance (NHI). This study aims to investigate the use of TCM in head and neck cancers in Taiwan through a longitudinal cohort study. The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) was utilized in order to conduct this study. The study populations consisted of oral, oropharynx, nasopharynx, and hypopharynx cancers (head and neck cancer) patients in 2002, which were then followed up until 2007 in regards to TCM use, until 2013 in regards to acupuncture use and until 2014 for all-cause mortality. Patients were divided into 4 groups. Common symptoms, Chinese herbs and formula used, TCM visits and 5 and 12 years all-cause mortality were analyzed. The use of TCM was increased in the second to fourth-year post-diagnosis. TCM use in nasopharynx cancer patients was higher compared to other cancers. The number of TCM visits per patient was increased post-diagnosis. The findings suggest a non-significant reduction in 5 and 12 years all-cause mortality between TCM II and CON II groups. The use of TCM in new patients suffering from head and neck cancers was increased in close proximity to the cancer diagnosis. The relation between TCM use and mortality of head and neck cancer should be investigated through larger scale studies.

Research Progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treating Dysphagia After Stroke

Dysphagia is a common complication after stroke, which does not only affect the quality of life of patients, but also increase the risk of death. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment has always played an important role in the clinical treatment of dysphagia after stroke, but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Literatures on the use of TCM for the disease in the recent 5 years have been reviewed, and the problems existing in the development and treatment of the disease are discussed in this article, in an attempt to provide new ideas for the treatment of the disease. This paper presents a summary of traditional Chinese medicine treatment for the disease in the past five years, including traditional Chinese medicine compound and acupuncture.

An introduction to traditional Chinese medicine, including acupuncture.

As an independent medical system, the scientific value behind traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is gaining appreciation because of growing evidence about mechanisms and efficacy. The aim of this special issue is to introduce this ancient medicine to readers through the compiled research papers focusing on TCM. The papers in this issue cover many research fields such as TCM theory, traditional Chinese prescription, syndrome biomarkers, and acupuncture. In particular for acupuncture, the focus on the history of acupuncture, the importance of precise acupoint positioning, the effect of Fu's subcutaneous needling among patients with shoulder pain, and the effect of electroacupuncture on senile plaque and insulin signaling pathway in the olfactory bulb of transgenic mice. By combining, the papers in this issue and TCM papers published elsewhere provide scientific evidence to improve understanding this ancient Oriental form of medicine.

Curative Effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction Combined with Traditional Chinese Acupuncture on Limb Dysfunction after Apoplexy

Curative Effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction Combined with Traditional Chinese Acupuncture on Limb Dysfunction after Apoplexy

Effects of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture Compared with Sham Acupuncture on the Explosive Force Production by the Forearm Muscles in Female: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background Acupuncture can effectively enhance musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with effects such as reduced pain intensity and muscle tension and decreased disability. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of traditional Chinese acupuncture (TCA) compared with sham acupuncture (SA) in explosive force production by the forearm muscles in females. Methods A total of 32 subjects were included and randomly assigned to two groups: TCA group (n = 16): stimulated specific acupoints including Quchi (LI11), Shousanli (LI10), Hegu (LI4), Xiaohai (SI8), Tianjing (SJ10), and Waiguan (SJ5) for 15 minutes; SA group (n = 16): using superficial needle insertion at nonacupoints without stimulation. The subjects warmed up for the 3-time isokinetic test with an angular velocity of 30°/s and then performed a set of 15 full flexion (Flex) and extension (Ext) with an angular velocity of 180°/s using the CON-TREX isokinetic test training system recorded as the pretest. After acupuncture for 15 min, perform a set of the same isokinetic movement isokinetic records as the posttest. The average max torque, average work, average power, average peak power, average max speed, and total work were collected to evaluate the forearm explosive force changes. Use two-way repeated measures ANOVA to compare the difference before and after acupuncture between two groups. Results The results showed that acupuncture conditions (sham acupuncture as well as true acupuncture) and the intervention times (not acupuncture or acupuncture for 15 min) have a significant interaction effect on forearm explosive force and joint stiffness (P < 0.05). The simple main effect showed that the selected parameters of the TCA group increased significantly after acupuncture (P < 0.05), while the SA group did not (P > 0.05). We speculate that the activation of muscle may be related to the selected acupuncture points. Conclusion Acupuncture can produce excitation in motor nerves and muscles, and nerve stimulation increases the recruitment of motor units, thus improving the muscle explosive force.

Study on the Application of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Study on the Application of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Examining the Effector Mechanisms of the Feishu Acupoint (BL13) in the Treatment of Pneumonia Based on Systematic Acupuncture and Moxibustion Research.

Background Pneumonia is a serious global health problem. In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture or moxibustion is used to directly stimulate select acupoints on the surface of the human body and produce physical stimulation to further stimulate regulatory functions in the body, strengthening bodily resistance, eliminating disease, and adjusting the viscera. However, this Chinese medicine knowledge does not include the specific mechanisms of action or targets of acupoints. Therefore, an in-depth research is needed. Methods An acupoint-element database was constructed, and the target elements of the Feishu point were screened. The UniProt-Swiss-Prot sublibrary was used to obtain correct gene name information. The National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and GEO2R were used to analyze differentially expressed genes in pneumonia. The STRING database was used to analyze interactions, construct a network of the Feishu point efficacy system in pneumonia, and elucidate the mechanisms of action. Results The Feishu point comprises 34 elements in total. The protein interaction analysis has 38 nodes and 115 edges. The Feishu point efficacy system-pneumonia system network shows that cytokine signaling in the immune system, signaling by interleukins (ILs), IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, and the immune system may be related to immunity and inflammation. The Feishu point efficacy system regulating pneumonia showed that FCER2, IL4R, FASLG, TGFB1, IL6R, STAT6, IL1B, CASP3, IL5RA, IL2RB, MYD88, SQSTM1, IL12RB1, IFNGR1, ADAM17, and CDH1 are the main targets. Conclusion From the perspective of systematic acupuncture and moxibustion, the Feishu point regulates cytokine signaling in the immune system, signaling by ILs, IL-4 and IL-13 signaling, and the immune system by targeting FCER2, IL4R, FASLG, TGFB1, IL6R, STAT6, IL1B, CASP3, IL5RA, IL2RB, MYD88, SQSTM1, IL12RB1, IFNGR1, ADAM17, and CDH1, thereby regulating pneumonia.