Warm Acupuncture Research Articles

Effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in post-stroke depression (PSD): Protocol for a Bayesian analysis.

Background:Post-stroke depression (PSD) is the most common emotional problem after stroke. It can lower the quality of life and increase the recurrence and mortality. Pharmacological agents have been shown to treat PSD. However, the benefits of pharmacotherapy are debatable and the side-effects are significant. More and more clinical trials suggest that acupuncture plays an important role in patients with PSD. The primary purposes of the study are to conduct a Bayesian analysis of randomized trials to determine the effect of acupuncture and investigate the effect of several acupuncture therapies on PSD.Methods:We will retrieve articles from 5 English databases [PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry (TCTRP)] and 4 Chinese databases [Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese VIP Information, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM)]. The publication period will be from inception to January 2019. All randomized controlled trials that evaluate the safety and efficacy of acupuncture on PSD will be included. The primary outcomes will be the change in the degree of depression as measured by the Hamilton Depression Scale and Beck Depression Inventory. Two reviewers will separately extract the data and assess the risk of bias by using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Bayesian analysis will be conducted to pool the effects of several acupunctures. The ranking probabilities for several acupunctures (simple acupuncture, fire needle, warm acupuncture, auriculo-acupuncture, or electroacupuncture) will be estimated by the surface under the cumulative ranking curve.Result:This study will provide reliable evidence for acupuncture on PSD.Conclusion:The results of this review will introduce a safe and effective treatment and provide reliable evidence to evaluate the effectiveness of several acupuncture therapies on PSD.Trial registration number: CRD42019132725

Warm acupuncture improves arthritic injury by down-regulating expression of skeleton proteins in rats with knee osteoarthritis

To investigate the effect of warm acupuncture on chondrocyte cytoskeleton protein Rho associa-ted protein kinase (ROCK)/ monopherine domain kinase 1 (LIMK1)/Cofilin signaling of synovial tissue of the knee-joint in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of KOA. One hundred-twenty SD rats (half male and half female) were randomly divided into 5 groups: normal control, model, acupuncture, moxibustion and warm acupuncture, with 24 rats in each group. The KOA model was established by injection of 4% Papain (0.25 mL/kg) into the right knee cavity on day 1, 3 and 7. Rats in the acupuncture, moxibustion and warm acupuncture groups were treated with manual acupuncture, moxibustion and warm acupuncture stimulation of "Neixiyan"(EX-LE4), "Waixiyan"(EX-LE5) and "Zusanli"(ST36), respectively for 20 min, once a day for 21 days. The volume of the right knee-joint was measured by using drainage method and its width measured using a vernier caliper. The histopathological changes of the right knee cartilage were observed after H．E. stain, and scored (0 to 14 points) with reference to Markin's methods. The expression levels of ROCK, Cofilin, phospho-Cofilin, LIMK1 and phospho-LIMK1 proteins of the right knee synovial tissue were detected by Western blot. After modeling, the width and the volume since day 6 of the right knee-joint and Markin score of the cartilage, as well as the expression levels of ROCK, phospho-Cofilin, and phospho-LIMK1 proteins were significantly increased in the model group in contrast to the normal control group (P<0.05，P<0.01). Following the interventions, the width and the volume since day 12 of the right knee-joint and Markin score of the cartilage, as well as the expression levels of ROCK, phospho-Cofilin, and phospho-LIMK1 proteins were reversed in the three treatment groups (P<0.05). The effect of warm acupuncture was significantly superior to that of both simple acupuncture and simple moxibustion in decreasing the width and the volume since day 15 of the right knee-joint and Markin score of the cartilage, as well as in down-regulating the expression levels of ROCK, phospho-Cofilin and phospho-LIMK1 proteins (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the acupuncture and moxibustion groups in deceasing all the aforementioned indexes (P>0.05)．. Acupuncture, moxibustion and warm acupuncture can reduce arthritic injury in KOA rats, which is closely associated with their effects in down-regulating the expression of chondrocyte cytoskeletal proteins ROCK, phospho-Cofilin and phospho-LIMK1. The efficacy of warm acupuncture is evidently superior to that of simple acupuncture and simple moxibustion.

Effects of Mongolian Warm Acupuncture on iNOS/NO and Inflammatory Cytokines in the Hippocampus of Chronic Fatigue Rats.

The inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (iNOS/NO) signaling pathway and inflammatory cytokines play important roles in the pathogenesis of exercise-induced fatigue. Studies have found that Mongolian warm acupuncture (WA) could alleviate exercise-induced fatigue. However, the exact mechanisms underlying its effects remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of Mongolian WA on iNOS/NO signaling pathway and proinflammatory cytokines in a chronic exhaustive swimming-induced fatigue rat model. Animals were randomly divided into Control group, Ctrl + WA group, Model group, and Model + WA group. The body weight, exhaustive swimming time test, and Morris water maze test were performed before and after the chronic exhaustive swimming. The serum levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and iNOS were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA expressions of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and iNOS in the hippocampus were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Moreover, the protein expression of iNOS in the hippocampus was measured by western blot, and the NO productions in the serum and hippocampus were detected by Griess reaction system. Chronic exhaustive exercise significantly reduced the body weight and exhaustive swimming time, and induced impairment in learning and memory, and which were reversed by WA treatment. Chronic exhaustive exercise also increased the expressions of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines, while WA treatment significantly decreased the level of iNOS and proinflammatory cytokines. However, chronic exhaustive exercise did not affect the NO production. These findings demonstrated that WA could alleviate the chronic exhaustive swimming-induced fatigue and improve the learning and memory ability, and the actions might be related to the reduction of inflammatory response and iNOS expression.

Efficacy Comparison of Different Acupuncture Treatments for Functional Dyspepsia: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analysis.

Background Acupuncture has been found to be an effective treatment for functional dyspepsia (FD). Currently, several types of acupuncture have been developed but it is not clear which type is suitable for FD. Currently, doctors often rely on experience to decide which form of acupuncture to apply. Herein, we employed network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare the effectiveness of various methods of acupuncture in the treatment of functional dyspepsia. Methods We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatments for functional dyspepsia in seven databases; PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Wanfang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, Chinese Science and Technique Journals (CQVIP), and Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) from the date of database inception to October 10, 2019. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to analyze the risk of bias of the included RCTs. Pairwise meta-analyses were performed with RevMan 5.3 and the network meta-analysis of the included RCTs was performed using the frequentist framework. Results A total of 35 studies involving 3301 patients and 10 interventions were eligible for this study. NMA results showed that five types of acupuncture (manual acupuncture, acupoint application, moxibustion, acupoint catgut embedding, and warm acupuncture alone) all were superior to prokinetics (itopride, mosapride, and domperidone) and sham acupuncture in terms of improving the symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Specifically, manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture were more effective in improving the MOS 36 Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) compared to itopride and sham acupuncture, and electroacupuncture was the best among the three acupuncture therapies (acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and acupoint catgut embedding). Moxibustion and manual acupuncture were more effective in improving Nepean Dyspepsia Life Quality Index (NDLQI) compared to itopride, domperidone, and sham acupuncture; moxibustion ranks first among the three acupuncture therapies (acupuncture, electroacupuncture, moxibustion). Conclusions These results showed that manual acupuncture alone was the most effective therapy for FD. It should, therefore, be considered as an alternative treatment for FD patients who are unresponsive to prokinetics or intolerant to the adverse effects of prokinetics. We recommend further multiple centers and high-quality RCT studies to confirm the present findings.

Improvement of cardiac function in CHF patients treated with acupuncture and moxibustion and western conventional medicine

Objective To investigate the effect of warm acupuncture combined with Western medicine on cardiac function in patients with CHF. Methods A total of 120 patients with CHF who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups, 60 in each group. The control group was treated with conventional medicine, and the Chinese and western medicine group was combined with warm acupuncture on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The 6 min walking distance were compared. The LVEF%, LVEDd, and LVESd were measured by color Doppler ultrasound. The Plasma NT-proBNP was detected by ELISA. Results The total effective rate was 95.0% (57/60) in the Chinese and western medicine group and 90.0% (54/60) in the Western medicine group. The difference was statistically significant (Z=-2.218, P=0.027). After treatment, the LVEF% level of the Chinese and western medicine group (49.5% ± 4.7% vs. 47.0% ± 4.5 %, t=2.976), 6 min walking distance (348.9 ± 38.1 m vs. 319.7 ± 35.0 m, t= 5.107) were significantly higher than those of the Western medicine group (P<0.01); and the LVEDd (47.3 ± 4.0 mm vs. 50.0 ± 4.6 mm, t=-3.431), LVESd (38.5 ± 3.5 mm vs. 40.8 ± 3.9 mm, t=-3.400), NT-proBNP (750.2 ± 158.5 ng/L vs. 900.4 ± 183.7 ng/L, t=4.960) were significantly lower than those of the western medicine group (P<0.01). Conclusions Warm acupuncture combined with Western medicine can improve the heart function of CHF patients. Key words: Heart failure; Needle warming therapy; Acupuncture points; Amino terminal brain natriuretic peptide precursor; Integrated Chinese traditional and western medicine therapy

Effect of massage combined withwarm acupuncture on early primary frozen shoulder

Objective To observe the clinical effect of massage combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion on primary frozen shoulder. Methods From April 2018 to April 2019, 30 patients with primary frozen shoulder admitted and treated in Wenzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected in theresearch.According to different admission time, they were divided into observation group and control group, with 15 patients in each group.The control group was treated with warm acupuncture and moxibustion, while the observation group was combined with massage.The total effective rate and VAS pain score after treatment were compared and observed. Results The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.33%, which was higher than 73.33% in the control group (χ2=3.294, P<0.05). The VAS score of the observation group was (1.05±0.22)points after treatment, which was lower than (3.13±0.43)points of the control group, the difference between the two groups was statistically significant(t=2.493, P=0.000). Conclusion Massage combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of primary frozen shoulder is more effective than the single treatment method, which can relieve the pain of patients and is a safe and effective treatment. Key words: Shoulder pain; Acupuncture therapy; Manipulation; Primary frozen shoulder; VAS pain score; Treatment effect

Development of teaching training and assessment system for warming acupuncture

A teaching training and assessment system for warming acupuncture is developed. This system is suitable for the technique operation of multi-acupoint warming acupuncture, and could evaluate the training effects of warming acupuncture at each acupoint. The hardware structure of this system is mainly composed of man-machine interface, control unit and training unit. The software program includes reset module, system clock module, needle depth signal control module, vibration control module and communication module. The teaching training and assessment system of warming acupuncture adopted touch-screen human-machine interface, which is simple to operate. The basic training unit, through multi-angle and multi-dimension adjustment of universal base, could realize the simulation training of warming acupuncture at different acupoints and angles of human body. Each training unit is relatively independent, and relevant parameters are set separately; the relevant parameters information is displayed in real time. The parameters of training unit includes needling time, vibration frequency and vibration time. In conclusion, the teaching training and assessment system for warming acupuncture could be used in the teaching and assessment of warming acupuncture. According to the criteria including operation time and effect, the students' technique ability of warming acupuncture could be evaluated objectively, which is helpful to set teaching objectives and technical operation requirements in warming acupuncture teaching.

Warm acupuncture on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with phlegm-turbid obstructing of the lung: a randomized controlled trial

To verify the effect of warm acupuncture combined with western medicine in patients with acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) with phlegm-turbid obstructing of the lung. Ninety patients with AECOPD were randomly divided into a western medicine group, a warm acupuncture group and a sham acupuncture group, 30 cases in each group. Routine treatment according to the Global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) guidelines was used in the western medicine group. On the basis of the routine treatment, the warm acupuncture was applied at Fenglong (ST 40), Feishu (BL 13), Zusanli (ST 36) and other acupoints in the warm acupuncture group. In the sham acupuncture group, non-acupoints were taken on the basis of conventional treatment, and superficial acupuncture was performed for 1-3 mm, once a day for 2 weeks. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, cough and sputum assessment questionnaire (CASA), COPD assessment test (CAT), and the change of TCM syndrome score were observed before and after treatment in all groups. After treatment, the FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC in each group were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), there was no significant difference among groups after treatment (P>0.05). The CASA score, CAT score and TCM syndrome score in each group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05). The change of the scores before and after treatment in the warm acupuncture group was higher than that in the sham acupuncture group and the western medicine group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the sham acupuncture group and the western medicine group (P>0.05). Warm acupuncture has a significant effect on the improvement of symptoms in patients with AECOPD with phlegm-turbid obstructing of the lung.

Clinical observation on the therapeutic effect of warm acupuncture on endometrial cavity fluid from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer

To observe the clinical effect of warm acupuncture on endometrial cavity fluid (ECF) from in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and to explore the mechanism of warm acupuncture on ECF. Twenty-nine patients who were prepared for IVF-ET from 2016 to 2019 and whose transplantation was cancelled due to ECF found by vaginal B-ultrasound examination were divided into an observation group (14 cases) and a control group (15 cases) according to random number table method. The warm acupuncture was applied at Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Guilai (ST 29), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) after the end of menstruation in the observation group, the treatment lasted for 60 min, once a day, 5 times as a course, with 2 days interval between the courses and 3 consecutive courses of treatment were given, until the embryo transfer was performed in the IVF assisted pregnancy cycle. After the end of menstruation, fresh leonurus japonicus capsule was given in the control group, 3 times a day, 0.8 g each time, 7 days as a course, and 3 courses of continuous treatment were received, until the embryo transfer was performed in the IVF assisted pregnancy cycle. The changes of ECF before and after treatment, the time required to prepare for embryo transfer during IVF assisted pregnancy cycle, and the clinical outcome of embryo transfer were observed in the two groups. The decrease of ECF in the observation group was more significant than that in the control group (P<0.05). The time required for the embryo transfer in the IVF assisted pregnancy cycle in the observation group was shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). The clinical pregnancy rate in the observation group was 42.9% (6/14), which was significantly higher than 26.7% (4/15) in the control group (P<0.05). Warm acupuncture may improve the clinical pregnancy rate by raising the local temperature of the lower abdomen, accelerating the blood circulation around the uterus and appendages, promoting the absorption of ECF, improving the uterine environment and endometrial receptivity.

Efficacy Comparison of Different Acupuncture Treatments for Primary Insomnia: A Bayesian Analysis.

Background Acupuncture treatments are used frequently in the treatment of primary insomnia considering its less side effect. However, most treatment choices are made just based on personal experience among different forms of acupuncture. This study compared the effectiveness of different forms of acupuncture for primary insomnia by using network meta-analysis. Methods All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture treatments for primary insomnia were searched in seven databases from the date of database inception to January 6, 2019, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, and VIP Chinese Science and Technique Journals (CQVIP) database. After screening, the effectiveness rate was extracted from the included RCTs as primary outcomes. The network meta-analysis was performed by Review Manager 5.3, Stata13.0, and GeMTC 0.14.3. Results Forty-two studies were included, which contained 3304 participants among 6 interventions. Based on the ranking probability and compared to western medicine, scalp acupuncture (OR = 8.12, 95% CI (4.07,16.81)) is considered to be the most effective method, followed by electroacupuncture (OR = 6.29, 95% CI (3.36, 12.67)), electroacupuncture combined scalp acupuncture (OR = 5.20, 95% CI (2.43,11.28)), warm acupuncture (OR = 3.79, 95% CI (1.85,8.16)), and conventional acupuncture (OR = 2.86, 95% CI (2.05,3.95)). There was no significant difference between the results of direct and indirect comparisons. Conclusions The finding indicated that five acupuncture methods may be all effective in the treatment of primary insomnia, and scalp acupuncture seems to be the best treatment. However, the overall quality of the included trials could only be ranked as medium to low quality, and higher quality RCTs are warranted for sufficient evidence.

Characteristics of Warm Acupuncture Reported in Experimental Studies: A Descriptive Narrative Review

Background: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between heat transmission and intervention factors for warm acupuncture (such as features of acupuncture material and moxa, the treatment method, and clinical symptoms). Methods: Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese databases were analysed. Experimental studies that explored the association between thermal stimulation delivery and warm acupuncture intervention factors were included. The peak temperature, time to reach the peak temperature, and time of the effective stimulus, were set as the major parameters and analysed. Results: A total of 12 studies were included. Two studies were associated with the acupuncture needle material, 4 studies associated with the moxa mass, 1 study associated with the moxa density, 2 studies associated with the location of ignition, and 1 study associated with treatment environment were reviewed. The reporting quality of the 12 studies was low. Conclusion: This study provided limited information because of the heterogeneity of materials and parameters depending on each experiment. Further studies should clarify the correlation between heat transmission and intervention factors for warm acupuncture. ©2019 Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Warming acupuncture combined with moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) for knee osteoarthritis with kidney-marrow deficiency: a randomized controlled trial

To compare the clinical effect between warming acupuncture combined with moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) and simple warming acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis with kidney-marrow deficiency. A total of 66 patients of knee osteoarthritis with kidney-marrow deficiency were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 33 cases in each one. Warming acupuncture was applied at Neixiyan (EX-LE 4), Dubi (ST 35), Zusanli (ST 36) and Xuanzhong (GB 39) on the affected side in both of the groups. In the observation group, mild moxibustion at bilateral Yongquan (KI 1) was adopted additionally. Each treatment lasted for 30 min, 3 times a week (once every other day), and the consecutive 6 weeks of treatment were required. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score (such as joint pain, stiffness and physical function), the amount of joint effusion and the serum contents of interleukin-1β(IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.3% (28/30), which was superior to 87.1% (27/30) in the control group (P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the pain scores, stiffness scores, physical function scores, the amount of joint effusion and the contents of IL-1β, TNF-α and hs-CRP after treatment were significantly reduced in the two groups (P<0.05), and the improvements of these indices in the observation group were superior to the control group (P<0.05). Warming acupuncture combined with moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) can improve joint function, reduce the amount of joint effusion and the contents of inflammatory response indices for knee osteoarthritis with kidney-marrow deficiency. The therapeutic effect of warming acupuncture combined with moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) is better than simple warming acupuncture.

Evaluation of clinical efficacy of silver-needle warm acupuncture in treating adults with acute low back pain due to lumbosacral disc herniation: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAs a common cause of low back pain, lumbosacral disc herniation (LDH) is usually dealt with using non-surgical interventions. In the face of concerns about prescription opioid abuse, alternative and complementary treatments may be promising, among which silver-needle warm acupuncture is considered as an upgrading option for its potential anti-inflammatory and strong analgesic effect for patients with chronic pain. In this proposed study, we aim to assess its clinical efficacy in comparison with conventional stainless steel filiform-needle warm acupuncture.Methods/designThis is a randomized, two-armed, patient- and assessor-blinded trial. One hundred and sixty eligible patients recruited from December 2018 to June 2020 in three centers will be assigned for warm acupuncture treatment with either stainless steel filiform or silver needles. Nine sessions of 20-min treatment will be conducted during 3 consecutive weeks. Assessments with instruments including the Oswestry Disability Index, the visual analog scale, and the Japanese Orthopedic Association Back Pain Evaluation Questionnaire will be performed at four time points to explore the difference of clinical efficacy between two groups.DiscussionIf the results show that participants treated with silver-needle warm acupuncture gain a greater improvement in terms of pain intensity, physical function, and quality of life, this study is expected to offer reliable evidence to widely push this treatment for LDH in clinical practice.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800019051. Registered on 24 October 2018.

Comparison of effectiveness between warm acupuncture with local-distal points combination and local distribution points combination in breast cancer-related lymphedema patients: a study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, controlled clinical trial

BackgroundLymphedema is the most common complication after breast cancer treatment, but management of lymphedema remains a clinical challenge. Several studies have reported the beneficial effect of acupuncture for treating breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Our objective is to verify the effectiveness of warm acupuncture on BCRL and compare the effectiveness of a local distribution acupoint combination with a local-distal acupoint combination for BCRL.MethodsThis is a study protocol for a multicenter, three-arm parallel, assessor blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 108 participants diagnosed as BCRL will be randomly allocated in equal proportions to a local distribution acupoint (LA) group, a local-distal acupoint (LDA) group, or a waiting-list (WL) group. The LA and LDA groups will receive 20 acupuncture treatment over 8 weeks with local distribution acupoint combination and local-distal acupoint combination, respectively. The WL group will receive acupuncture treatment after the study is concluded. The primary outcome is the mean change in inter-limb circumference difference from baseline to week 8. The secondary outcomes include volume measurement, skin hardness, common terminology criteria for adverse events 4.03 (edema limbs criteria), stages of lymphedema from the International Society of Lymphology, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, and the Medical Outcome Study 36-item Short-form Health Survey.DiscussionThis study aims to provide data on warm acupuncture as an effective treatment for BCRL and at the same time compare the effectiveness of different acupoint combinations.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: Identifier NCT03373474. Registered on 14th December 2017.

Effect of Mongolian warm acupuncture on the gene expression profile of rats with insomnia.

The mechanism of Mongolian warm acupuncture (MWA) for the treatment of insomnia has not been previously reported. To investigate the effect of MWA on gene expression profile in the p-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)-induced rat model of insomnia. A rat model of insomnia was established and the animals were divided into five groups: control, PCPA (untreated), PCPA+estazolam, PCPA+MA (manual acupuncture), and PCPA+MWA. The rats were euthanased at 7 days after treatment, and hypothalamic tissue was harvested to extract total RNA for the analysis of gene expression profile. Micro-array and Partek Genomics Suite analysis system were used to analyse differential expression of genes between groups. Furthermore, ingenuity pathways analysis was used to analyse the main regulators. After treatment, in rats with improved sleep, micro-array data from the follow-up phase compared with baseline showed that MWA down-regulated 11 genes compared with the control group and 16 genes compared with the PCPA group. Six genes were selected following the micro-array detection to perform quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) verification, and the results showed that the coincidence rate was up to 90%, which verified the reliability of the microarray results. Compared with the PCPA group, transcription levels of Egr 1, Btg2 and BDNF in the PCPA+MWA group were up-regulated (P<0.05). In combination, the findings of this study suggests that MWA is efficacious at improving sleep in an experimental rat model of insomnia.

Evaluation on therapeutic effect of needle warming moxibustion combined with Banxia-Xiexin decoction in diabetic gastroparesis

Objective To investigate the effect of warm acupuncture combined with Banxia-Xiexin decoction on diabetic gastroparesis (DGP). Methods A total of 86 DGP patients who met the selected criteria were divided into two groups by random number table method. The control group was treated with warm acupuncture. The observation group added Banxia-Xiexin decoction on the basis of the control group. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The clinical efficacy of motilin (MTL), somatostatin (SS) and leptin (LP) were evaluated by ELISA. Results The total effective rate of the observation group was 97.7% (42/43) and the control group was 88.4% (38/43). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (χ2=9.492, P<0.01). The post-treatment serum MTL (340.82 ± 51.32 ng/L vs. 422.42 ± 64.51 ng/L, t=43.184) and LP (1.98 ± 0.24 ng/ml vs. 2.78 ± 0.27 ng/ml, t=5.330) of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P<0.01), while the serum SS (47.62 ± 7.48 ng/L vs. 33.26 ± 5.09 ng/L, t=8.494) was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). Conclusions The warm acupuncture combined with Banxia-Xiexin decoction can obviously relieve the clinical symptoms of DGP patients, reduce the level of leptin, and there is no obvious adverse reaction. Key words: Needle warming therapy; Diabetic gastroparesis; Banxia-Xiexin decoction; Leptin

Effect of Warm Acupuncture on “Dinghui Acupoint” and “Heart Acupoint” in Traditional Mongolian Medicine on Behaviors and Hypothalamic Inammatory Cytokines in Rats with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Objective: To observe the effects of warm acupuncture on “Dinghui Acupoint” and “Heart Acupoint” in Traditional Mongolian Medicine on behavior and hypothalamic inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-r in Rats with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Methods: SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, warm acupuncture group and moxibustion positive control group. The latter three groups of rats were used to establish a model of rats with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) using a combination of physical fatigue and mental fatigue. When establishing the model of warm acupuncture group, “Dinghui Acupoint” and “Heart Acupoint” intervention was carried out; when establishing the model of moxibustion positive control group, “Zusanli Acupoint” intervention was carried out on both sides. Behavioral observations (body weight, exhaustive swimming time, tail suspension experiment, water maze) were performed before and after modeling. The hypothalamic inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-r were detected by ELISA method after warm acupuncture and moxibustion intervention. Results: After 21 days of modeling, the body weight of the rats in each group was significantly lower than that in the normal group, and there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.01); Compared with the model group, the weight of the rats in the warm acupuncture group increased significantly, and there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.01); Compared with the model group, the exhaustive swimming time of the rats in the warm acupuncture group was significantly prolonged, and there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.01); Compared with the moxibustion group, the exhaustion time of the rats in the warm acupuncture group was relatively prolonged, and there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.05); Compared with the normal group, the tail suspension time of the model group was significantly prolonged, and there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.05); Compared with the model group, there was a significant difference in the duration of the suspension of the warm acupuncture group and the moxibustion group (P&lt;0.01); Compared with the normal group, the total distance of the water maze test was shorter in the model group, and there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.01); Compared with the model group, both the warm acupuncture group and the moxibustion group were prolonged, and there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.05); Compared with the moxibustion group, the distance between the rats in the warm acupuncture group was relatively longer, but there was no significant difference (P&gt;0.05); Compared with the normal group, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-r increased significantly in the model group and there was a significant difference (P&lt;0.05); Compared with the model group, IL-1β and IL-6 in the warm acupuncture group was significantly decreased (P&lt;0.05), and the IL-6 in the moxibustion group was significantly different (P&lt;0.05); Compared with the model group, there was no significant difference between the IFN-r group and the moxibustion group (P&gt;0.05); Compared with the moxibustion group, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-r were not significantly different (P&gt;0.05). Conclusion: Warm acupuncture on “Dinghui Acupoint” and “Heart Acupoint” in Traditional Mongolian Medicine has the ability to improve the body’s defense and self-healing ability, improve chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and thus play a preventive role. The results of this research indicate that the warm acupuncture group and the moxibustion group have the same effect.

Clinical study on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with massage combined with warm acupuncture

Clinical study on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with massage combined with warm acupuncture

Effect of warm acupuncture on pathological morphology and pain-induced inflammatory mediators in rats with myofascial pain trigger

Based on the establishment of a rat model of trigger point, this study was to intervene with warm acupuncture, and to evaluate the effect on pathological morphology and pain-induced inflammation of the rat model by microscopic pathology and microdialysis. Sixty-four SD rats were randomly divided into group A (blank control), group B (model control) and group C (model and intervention control). Groups A and B were divided into 3 groups (A0, A1, A2 and B0, B1, B2), the group C was divided into 2 groups (C1 and C2). The MTrPs model was established in both groups B and C, warm acupuncture intervention were given to the C1 group for 7 days and the C2 group for 15 days. Rats were sacrificed in batches. MTrPs were locally sampled and stained with hematoxylin-eosin after the preparation. The pathological changes were observed under light microscopy. The iocal interleukin-1β and prostaglandin E2 were detected by microdialysis technique. Microscopically, the muscle fibers of the model were arranged disorderly, broken, twisted, local fibrosis, contracture thickening and so on; macrophage and other inflammatory cell invasion in local area and a large area of adhesion occurred on the contracture nodule, the pathological state of local muscle fibers was significantly improved after warm needle intervention, local microvascular formation and maturation, local muscle fiber repair. After successful modeling, the amount of interleukin-1β and prostaglandin E2 in group B0 was significantly higher than that in group A0 before warm needle intervention (P<0.01). After warming intervention for 7 days, there was no significant difference in the amount of interleukin-1β and prostaglandin E2 between group C1 and group B1 (P>0.05). Group C1 and B1 were significantly higher than group A1 (P<0.01); warm needle intervention for 15 days, the amount of interleukin-1β and prostaglandin E2 in group C2 were lower than those in group B2 (P<0.05), but those in group C2 and B2 were significantly higher than group A2 (P<0.01), and the amount of interleukin-1β and prostaglandin E2 in group C2 was lower than group C1 (P<0.05). The modeling method of exercise combined hitting used in this study was proved to be effective by histopathology; warm acupuncture can improve the pathological and inflammatory state of local muscle fiber in myofascial pain trigger of rat, promote local microvascular formation and maturation, and help the trigger point local muscle fiber repair.

Indication rules of Baliao points based on the clinical literature research

To summarize the indication rules of Baliao points (bilateral BL 31, 32, 33 and 34) based on the clinical literature research. The relevant articles of clinical research on the treatment with Baliao points were retrieved electronically from CNKI (1979 to 2017), VIP (1989 to 2017), CBM (1979 to 2017) and PubMed (1966 to 2017). The paper were collected and analyzed. The indications, common therapeutic methods, common acupoint combination, treatment frequency, treatment duration and therapeutic effects of Baliao points were summarized. A total 160 articles were collected, of them, 43.75% (70/160) of the articles were related to the treatment of urinary diseases, followed by the gynecological diseases (34/160, 21.25%), proctologic diseases (23/160, 14.38%) and motor system diseases (16/160, 10.00%). Regarding the individual disease, the articles for post-stroke urination disorder were of the highest proportion (26/160, 16.25%), followed by neurogenic bladder induced by spinal injury (15/160, 9.38%), dysmenorrheal (14/160, 8.75%) and constipation (14/160, 8.75%). Regarding the therapeutic method, the electroacupuncture intervention accounts for 30.36% (34/112), followed by the common acupuncture (30/112, 26.79%), warm acupuncture (11/112, 9.82%) and tuina therapy (9/112, 8.04%). The treatment was given commonly once a day. The point combinations and the treatment duration were different in terms of individual case. The effective rates of common disorders were up to over 75%. In clinic, Baliao points are mainly used for the disorders in the urinary system, gynecological department, proctology department, motor system, andrology department, etc., or for particular diseases. The main indications are post-stroke urination disorder, neurogenic bladder induced by spinal injury, dysmenorrheal and constipation. Regarding the therapeutic method, electroacupuncture and common needling techniques are adopted generally. The treatment is given generally once a day. The point combination and treatment duration are different in individual case. The treatment with Baliao points is high in the effective rates for the common disorders, good in safety and less in adverse reactions.