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- The Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Bell’s Palsy
Sequelae
Abstract: Publication date: Available online 1 April 2019Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian StudiesAuthor(s): Canan Ertemoğlu Öksüz, Ahmet Kalaycıoğlu, Özlem Uzun, Şahi Nur Kalkışım, Nihat Burak Zihni, Ahmet Yıldırım, Cavit Boz
- Acupuncture Management for Patients with Sleep Disturbances: A Case Report
with Inflammatory Cytokine Levels Evaluation
Abstract: Publication date: Available online 14 March 2019Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian StudiesAuthor(s): Yun Jin KimAbstractSleep disturbance is one of the most common risk factors and symptoms of other negative physical health outcomes, and it is defined as self-reported poor quality of sleep, short sleep duration, daytime sleepiness, and insomnia symptoms. It is a common risk factor for depression and anxiety. Here, a case of sleep disturbance that received 72 sessions of acupuncture treatment delivered is reported. After acupuncture treatment, the patient's Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, and Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale score decreased, as well as the plasma tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels are reduced. No adverse effects were observed. The findings of clinical studies provide evidence base that supports the effects of acupuncture in reducing sleep disturbance in a patient.
- Response to the Article “Comparison of the Cost-Utility Analysis of
Electroacupuncture and Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs in the
Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain”
Abstract: Publication date: February 2019Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 12, Issue 1Author(s):
- Differential Gene Expression by RNA-Seq Analysis of the Primo Vessel in
the Rabbit Lymph
Abstract: Publication date: February 2019Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 12, Issue 1Author(s): Jun-Young Shin, Sang-Heon Choi, Da-Woon Choi, Ye-Jin An, Jae-Hyuk Seo, Jong-Gu Choi, Min-Suk Rho, Sang-Suk LeeAbstractFor the connectome of primo vascular system, some long-type primo vessels dyed with Alcian blue injected into inguinal nodes, abdominal node, and axially nodes were visualized, which passed over around the vena cava of the rabbit. The Alcian blue dye revealed primo vessels and colored blue in the rabbit lymph vessels. The length of long-type primo vessels was 18 cm on average, of which diameters were about 20–30 μm, and the lymph vessels had diameters of 100–150 μm. Three different tissues of pure primo vessel, mixed primo + lymph vessel, and only lymph vessel were made to undergo RNA-Seq analysis by next-generation sequencing. We also analyzed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the RNA-Seq data, in which 30 genes of the primo vessels, primo + lymph vessels, and lymph vessels were selected for primo marker candidates. From the plot of DEG analysis, 10 genes had remarkably different expression pattern on the Group 1 (primo vessel) vs Group 3 (lymph vessel). With Fragments Per Kilobase of exon per Million the cutoff p-value for each gene was < 0.05. Fragments Per Kilobase of exon per Million of the 10 genes such as IGHM, HLA-DRA, HIST1H41, LPL, CD36, SRGN, DGAT2, SNCG, CD48, and GPD1 for primo vessels compared with those of lymph vessels increased twice or thrice. These results suggest that the selected genes could be used for the specific marker to construct primo connectome of circuit system in the rabbit.
- Expression of Genes in Primo Vasculature Floating in Lymphatic Endothelium
Under Lipopolysaccharide and Acupuncture Electric Stimulation
Abstract: Publication date: February 2019Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 12, Issue 1Author(s): Jun-Young Shin, Jong-Ok Ji, Da-Woon Choi, Sang-Heon Choi, Jong-Gu Choi, Min-Suk Rho, Ji Yoon Lee, Sang-Suk LeeAbstractIt is known that the primo vascular system (PVS) includes the primo nodes and vessels. However, the relevant genes in the PVS system for both pathologic and physiologic condition are poorly understood. Here, we first examined the gene expression in primo vessels (PVs) floating in lymphatic endothelium by isolation of PVS and lymphatic vessels (LVs) containing PVS. To investigate therapeutic effects, both PVs and LVs containing PVS were isolated after lipopolysaccharide injection and acupuncture electric stimulation at two acupoints Joksamni (ST36) and Hapgok (LI04) following lipopolysaccharide injection. We used reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction to examine expression of lymphatic endothelial cell markers and inflammatory related genes. We found that lymphatic endothelial cell markers such as fms-related tyrosine kinase 4 (Flt4), lymphatic vessel endothelial receptor (Lyve-1), prospero homeobox protein 1 (Prox-1), and podoplanin (Pdpn) were highly expressed in PV compared to that of lymphatic endothelium, suggesting pivotal roles of PV in LV under inflammation. Furthermore, lymphatic-related genes including metal-response element-binding transcription factor 2 (Mtf2), hypoxia inducible factor (Hif1a), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (Agtr1), and angiotensin II type 2 receptor (Agtr2) were also overall increased in PV, and remarkably increased and these genes except peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (Pparg) after acupuncture electric stimulation in two acupoints implying central role of PV by gene activation.
- The Primo Vascular System as a Possible Exosomal Route Across the Body:
Implications for Tumor Proliferation and Metastasis
Abstract: Publication date: February 2019Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 12, Issue 1Author(s): Chiara GhironAbstractThis literature study article will present the possibility of a correlation between the energy meridians of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which can be traced back to the recently described primo vessels (formerly known as Bong-Han ducts), their composition, and the ability of tumors to proliferate and metastasize. It is proposed that microvesicular bodies such as exosomes, known to be involved in cell-to-cell communication, immune response, and tumor proliferation, could be moving across the body via the primo vascular system. The ubiquity of the primo vascular system and its penetration through the blood–brain barrier could also explain the ability of some peripheral tumors (e.g., breast tumor) to metastasize in the brain.
- Modeling Meridians Within the Quantum Field Theory
Abstract: Publication date: February 2019Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 12, Issue 1Author(s): Larissa Brizhik, Enrico Chiappini, Patrizia Stefanini, Giuseppe VitielloAbstractWe present here a model of meridians in the formalism of the gauge theory paradigm of quantum field theory with spontaneous breakdown of symmetry. We discuss the origin and dynamic self-focusing propagation of the electromagnetic field in coherent states and the role it plays in our meridian modeling. Within this frame, we consider the formation of solitary waves on proteins and anatomical filamentary structures and discuss nondissipative energy transport. Finally, we analyze the relation of meridians with anatomical filamentary structures, the reciprocal actions between meridians, and biochemical activity and the key role played by free energy, internal energy, and entropy.
- A New Definition of an Acupuncture Meridian
Abstract: Publication date: February 2019Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 12, Issue 1Author(s): Fletcher KovichAbstractThis article provides a new definition of an acupuncture meridian. It suggests that a meridian consists of a distal tract of tissue that is affected by organ function. In the 1960s, Kim discovered the primo vascular system and regarded the superficial primo vessels as equating to the meridians. Instead, this article suggests that the superficial primo vessels merely underlie the meridians, in that they enable their creation, which is why some meridians are said to occur along the paths of superficial primo vessels. But the meridians themselves do not have a dedicated anatomical structure; instead they are merely tracts of tissue whose normal function is impeded when the related abdominal organ is stressed. It is hypothesized that the organ information is communicated in electrical waves that may travel through the connective tissue sheaths of the superficial primo vessels. Hence, the primo vessels serve as an inadvertent transport for this information, but the organ information is independent of the physiological purpose of the primo vascular system, as are the resultant meridians.
- Putative Primo-Vascular System in Rabbit Placenta
Abstract: Publication date: February 2019Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 12, Issue 1Author(s): Fatma El-Zahraa A. MustafaAbstractThe primo vascular system (PVS) is a very important topic of study nowadays because of their role in transport and regeneration of tissue and in cell migration and cancer metastasis. The PVS was detected in different organs of the rabbit but not in the placenta. In this work, we observe the PVS inside the blood vessels of the placenta for the first time. The main characteristic features of the primo vessels (PVs) from the rabbit placenta were in agreement with the PVS in different organs of animals, including the rod-shaped nuclei and their arrangement.
- Laser Acupuncture in Open-Angle Glaucoma Treatment: A Retrospective Study
of Eye Blood Flow
Abstract: Publication date: Available online 7 December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian StudiesAuthor(s): Marzio Vanzini, Michele GallaminiAbstractGlaucoma patients can show blood flow anomalies at the eye vessels’ level. A causal relationship is reasonably expected, but, so far, it has not been demonstrated. Traditional Chinese Medicine indicates that acupuncture can promote specific blood perfusion in specific body districts. Ninety-eight patients with open-angle glaucoma were treated with an ultralow light-level laser, according to a specific acupuncture protocol, and their blood flow was measured before and after a 6-week treatment cycle. Doppler measurements showed significant modifications in both pulsatility and resistivity indexes. The most relevant outcome of this study is that the applied treatment demonstrated its effectiveness not only in vasodilation but also in the perfusion control that seems to restore appropriate functionality. The protocol can therefore be applied in this and perhaps in other blood perfusion–related pathologies.
- The Effects of Wet Cupping Therapy on the Blood Levels of Some Heavy
Metals: A Pilot Study
Abstract: Publication date: December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 11, Issue 6Author(s): Nafisa K. Umar, Sherali Tursunbadalov, Serdar Surgun, Menizibeya O. Welcome, Senol DaneAbstractBackground and aimHeavy metals have been recognized as toxins for centuries. Cupping therapy has been shown to aid in the excretion of accumulated fluids and toxins from the interstitial fluid. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of wet cupping therapy on blood levels of heavy metals.MethodsThirteen healthy male individuals [mean age ± standard deviation, 28.47 ± 6.18] participated in this study. Venous blood samples were collected 5 min before and 30 days after the wet cupping therapy. Five points of the posterior neck and bilateral perispinal areas of the neck and thoracic spine were selected for cupping therapy. The levels of aluminium (Al), zinc (Zn), and cadmium (Cd) were measured using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer.ResultsThe levels of heavy metals (Al, Zn, and Cd) after cupping therapy were significantly lower than the levels before therapy.ConclusionsThese results suggest that wet cupping therapy has an excretory effect on the kidney. Wet cupping therapy may clear blood from excess heavy metals.
- Pragmatic Combinations of Acupuncture Points for Lateral Epicondylalgia
are Unreliable in the Physiotherapy Setting
Abstract: Publication date: December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 11, Issue 6Author(s): Danielle T. Alvim, Arthur S. FerreiraAbstractThis study describes the reliability of pragmatic combinations of acupuncture points for lateral epicondylalgia (LE) as prescribed by physiotherapists who were experts in acupuncture. Raters (n = 14; 33–59 years) independently prescribed acupuncture points for 30 simulated human patients with LE who were surveyed via a printed questionnaire. The frequency and cooccurrence of acupuncture points prescribed for patients with lateral epicondylitis were assessed. Absolute agreement and Light's kappa (κLight) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to quantify the interrater agreement. Raters prescribed 103 unique acupuncture points in different combinations with a median (min–max) of 5 (0–11) acupuncture points. The most prescribed acupuncture point was LI-11 (297 of 420; 71%), and the most common cooccurring acupuncture points were LI-11 and LI-4 (160 of 420; 38%). The absolute agreement for prescribing the acupuncture points ranged from 70% (point GB-20) to 0% (points LI-10, SP-6, LI-11, GB-34, LI-12, and LI-4). Point LR-3 showed the highest interrater reliability for prescribing the acupuncture points [κLight = 0.112, 95% CI = (0.055–0.194)], whereas point LI-4 showed the lowest reliability [κLight = −0.003, 95% CI = (−0.024 to 0.024)]. These findings suggest that pragmatic prescriptions of acupuncture points for LE are unreliable among physiotherapists who are experts in acupuncture. Explicit, high-level evidence-based rules for prescribing and teaching combinations of acupuncture points for LE are warranted.
- Effect of Acupressure on Preoperative Cesarean Section Anxiety
Abstract: Publication date: December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 11, Issue 6Author(s): Foziyeh Abadi, Faezeh Abadi, Zhila Fereidouni, Mehdi Amirkhani, Shahnaz Karimi, Majid Najafi KalyaniAbstractAnxiety is a common preoperative problem in cesarean section candidates. Nonpharmacologic anxiety control has been demonstrated to be more suitable in pregnant women. The current study was a randomized, single-blind clinical trial which evaluated the effect of acupressure on preoperative C-section anxiety. In this study, 60 patients facing surgery were randomly divided into two groups of 30 patients each. Those patients in the intervention group received simultaneous acupressure at the Yintang and HE-7 acupoints for 5 minutes before surgery, and patients in the control group received intervention at a sham acupoint. The anxiety level of patients was preoperatively assessed twice using the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The mean anxiety scores of the two groups were shown to be insignificantly different before the intervention (p = 0.859), whereas a significant difference between the mean anxiety scores of the two groups was observed after the intervention (p = 0.001), suggesting that acupressure reduced the anxiety of patients before surgery.
- Using Ultrasonography Measurements to Determine the Depth of the GB 21
Acupoint to Prevent Pneumothorax
Abstract: Publication date: December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 11, Issue 6Author(s): Hsiao-Neng Chen, Chau-Yi Chang, Lian-Zen Chen, Yu-Jun Chang, Jaung-Geng LinAbstractIntroductionsPneumothorax is the most frequent severe acupuncture-related adverse event occurring at the GB 21 acupoint. This study used ultrasonography (US) to measure the depth of the GB 21 acupoint in adults and assessed its applicability for ensuring safe acupuncture practices.Materials and methodsA US probe was used to measure the vertical depth from the skin to the pleural line of the apex of the lungs at the right and left GB 21 acupoints. The sex, age, body weight, height, and body mass index of each person were recorded. Student t test and generalized estimating equations were used for statistical analysis.ResultsSixty women and 41 men with a median age of 29 years were included in this study. The depth of GB 21 increased with body weight, height, and body mass index (p
- The Application of Auriculotherapy to the Treatment of Chronic Spontaneous
Urticaria: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Abstract: Publication date: December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 11, Issue 6Author(s): Libing Zhu, Yunjin Kim, Zongbao YangAbstractAuriculotherapy has been extensively used for chronic spontaneous urticaria in China. However, the evidence of its effectiveness and safety for the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria is insufficient. Hence, we conducted this study to compare auriculotherapy or auriculotherapy joint treatment with Western medicine for the cure of chronic spontaneous urticaria. This meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials showed that auriculotherapy or auriculotherapy joint treatment was significantly superior to Western medicine in curing clinical signs and symptoms of chronic spontaneous urticaria [odds ration (OR), 2.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.54–4.43; p = 0.0004) and also better in total effect rate (OR, 3.81; 95% CI, 2.07–7.01; p＜0.0001). But, auriculotherapy or auriculotherapy joint treatment was similar to Western medicine in improving clinical signs and symptoms of chronic spontaneous urticaria (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.35–1.56; p = 0.42). Auriculotherapy or auriculotherapy joint treatment was safer than Western medicine for curing chronic spontaneous urticaria (OR, 0.26; 95% CI, 0.09–0.80; p = 0.02). Auriculotherapy alone or auriculotherapy joint treatment appears to be more effective and safer than Western medicine that contains antihistamines in the treatment of chronic spontaneous urticaria. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the unclear risk bias of methodological quality, and further studies with large-scale, better, and more rigorously designed protocol are necessary to prove these findings.
- Comment on the article “Comparison of the Cost-Utility Analysis of
Electroacupuncture and Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs in the
Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain”
Abstract: Publication date: December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 11, Issue 6Author(s): Zumi Mehta, Margaret English, Cecelia Trybus, Valerie Magda, Khalid Kamal
- Erratum to “English Translation of Bonghan Kim's 5th Report, of Blood
Cells” [J Acupuncture and Meridian Stud 9 (2016) 335–342]
Abstract: Publication date: December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 11, Issue 6Author(s): Kyung Aih Kang
- Erratum to “English Translation of Bonghan Kim's 5th Report, of Blood
Cells” [J Acupuncture and Meridian Stud 9 (2016) 335–342]
Abstract: Publication date: December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 11, Issue 6Author(s): Kyung Aih Kang
- Corrigendum to “Evaluation of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Restless
Legs Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial” [J Acupunct Meridian Stud
10 (2017) 346–350]
Abstract: Publication date: December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, Volume 11, Issue 6Author(s): Gholam R. Raissi, Bijan Forogh, Tannaz Ahadi, Samaneh Ghahramanpoori, Pouya Ghaboussi, Simin Sajadi
- Acupuncture Improves the Facial Muscular Function in a Case of
Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy
Abstract: Publication date: Available online 1 December 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian StudiesAuthor(s): Yutan Liu, Fei Xiao, Xibin LiangAbstractFacioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is a genetic muscle disorder in which muscles of the face, shoulder blades, and upper arms develop gradual and progressive weakness. There is no effective pharmacological treatment currently available for this disorder so far. We had an opportunity to treat a patient with FSHD using acupuncture. The patient was a 62-year-old female, who presented to us with symptoms such as weakness in her eyes, mouth, shoulder, and upper and lower limbs. Muscle atrophy could be found in multiple areas in her body including her face, shoulder, arm, chest, and lower limbs. Her diagnosis of FSHD muscular dystrophy was established a few years ago and was later genetically confirmed. After a long treatment course of about 10 months with acupuncture, this patient showed a significant restoration of her facial muscle function. However, acupuncture did not improve the function of other muscle groups. The potential mechanism that acupuncture improved the facial function but not the other muscles needs to be further investigated.
- Accuracy and Precision in Acupuncture Point Location: A Critical
Systematic Review
Abstract: Publication date: Available online 3 November 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian StudiesAuthor(s): Debra R. Godson, Jonathan L. WardleAbstractA number of studies have examined the accuracy and precision of acupuncture point location across various point location methods. Accuracy of point location is essential for safe, efficacious and reliable treatments and valid reproducible research outcomes. This review aims to identify, summarize, compare and critically appraise available empirical studies relating to the accuracy and precision of acupuncture point location. A comprehensive search of five electronic databases, World Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Google scholar was performed for studies investigating accuracy and precision in acupuncture point location. 771 studies were screened of which 14 studies were identified, including 9 studies that investigated the localization of acupoints and 5 studies that examined the cun measurement system. Considerable variation in localization of acupoints was reported among qualified medical acupuncturists. Variation in point location among qualified non-medical acupuncturists is unknown due to lack of any identified study. The directional method was found to be significantly inaccurate and imprecise in all studies that evaluated the method. Suitability of other methods for clinical and research purposes and influencing factors such as education, training and experience were identified as topics for future studies.
- Interaction of Energetic Points, Tendinomuscular Meridian, and Five
Elements in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee in Patients Aged
Above 45 Years: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Abstract: Publication date: Available online 18 October 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian StudiesAuthor(s): Tomás TegiacchiAbstractIntroductionAcupuncture had different approaches since its beginnings. Using traditional energetic points with an interaction of five elements and meridian theories with manual diagnosis of tender points has been proposed. This procedure can be an effective treatment for musculoskeletal disease, but its development is short.ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of energetic points of tendinomuscular meridian in the treatment of pain, quality of life, and function of the knee.DesignNonstandardized, double-blind, and randomized controlled trial. Inclusions criteria were being aged above 45 years, having had pain for more than 3 months, level II or greater in Kellgren–Lawrence, and suffering morning stiffness. Exclusion criteria were patients treated with arthroplasty, corticosteroids, and rehabilitation and patients having arthropathies, autoimmune diseases, and neuropathic pain.ResultsIntervention group showed significant improvement in average pain in the last 15 days at end of treatment (p
- Acupuncture for the Treatment of Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic
Review
Abstract: Publication date: Available online 27 July 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian StudiesAuthor(s): Rodrigo de Lima Pimentel, Alice P. Duque, Beatriz R. Moreira, Luiz F. RodriguesAbstractAcupuncture, for the westerns countries, is an innovative and low-cost therapy for treatment and prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, most of its effects and mechanisms are poorly understood. Thus, the objective of this work was to systematically review the literature regarding the clinical effects of acupuncture for the treatment and prevention of CVDs. A search for papers published in English or Portuguese in the past 20 years was conducted at PubMed, SciELO, and PEDro databases. Clinical trials conducted on the effects of acupuncture were included in this review. Two reviewers extracted the data independently from the remaining 17 articles after screening. The most used acupoint was PC6 (10 studies, 64.7%), followed by ST36 (6 studies, 35.3%) and auricular acupoints (4 studies, 23.5%). Among the clinical applications, hypertension was the most studied CVD, with acupuncture being the most reported method among the studies (70.6%). Only three articles reported no benefit in the treatment of CVDs for the methodology used. We conclude that although several studies indicated an improvement in the response of the cardiovascular system in CVDs by acupuncture, electroacupuncture, or electrostimulation treatment, the heterogeneity of the studies does not allow a standardization of its application for each specific disease, making further studies necessary for its use to become a reality.
- The Effect of Manual Acupressure (Point UB32) on Pain Associated with
Intramuscular Injections of Magnesium Sulfate
Abstract: Publication date: Available online 22 July 2018Source: Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian StudiesAuthor(s): Seyed S. Najafi, Setareh Nazaribin, Marzieh Momennasab, Amin Kordi YoosefinejadAbstractObjectivesTo determine the effect of acupressure on the severity of pain associated with intramuscular injections of magnesium sulfate administered by the Z-track technique in patients with eclampsia and preeclampsia.Materials and methodsForty-eight patients with eclampsia and preeclampsia participated in this single-group clinical trial, which was conducted in three stages. For each patient, three intramuscular injections were administered by the Z-track technique. The first injection was administered by the conventional method. The second injection at a sham control point and the third injection using acupressure (UB32) were administered. Pain severity was measured on a visual analogue scale.ResultsThe mean pain intensity was 7.22 in the first, 4.75 in the second and 1.94 in the third injections. The difference was statistically significant (p
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