The Chinese managed to interpret not only the natural rhythms of cosmic and seasonal cycles but the chrono-biological rhythms present in human body. What since long ago was merely taken to be a pre-scientific traditio...The Chinese managed to interpret not only the natural rhythms of cosmic and seasonal cycles but the chrono-biological rhythms present in human body. What since long ago was merely taken to be a pre-scientific tradition has currently become a tangible reality. Nowadays, the specific frequencies pulsating along each meridian can be measured in hertz—according to its own resonance—as Acupuncture determined thousands of years ago. Their effort to establish a taxonomic classification of all environmental and human phenomena is closely related to Mathematics propositions of Euclid Five Regular Polyhedra, in order to consolidate the axiomatic-deductive model which we can now relate to the Chinese Theory of the Five Elements and their constant changes. As presented in OMICS Group Traditional Medicine-2015 Conference in Birmingham, it could be also proved that there also exists an inescapable relationship between Pythagoras and the Mathematical foundation of the Pentatonic Chinese Musical Scale. A simple way to incorporate the ideal frequency rhythm for each channel to correct its unbalanced situation is to insert said frequencies through the needles, by way of “antennae”, restructuring the meridian’s resonance affected and through it, of the Element it belongs to. Therapeutic Acupunctural Resonance therefore finds effective application when pins are used as “resonators”, putting the frequency of said Element of the channel in line, so that they transmit by means of punctures pure vibratory patterns which shall recondition the Qi flow frequency which has been altered by the Chinese syndrome diagnosed to be treated.展开更多
With the deepening of traditional Chinese medicine’s(TCM)“going global”strategy,acupuncture,a representative therapy of TCM,has been widely spread and recognized worldwide.The World Health Organization has included...With the deepening of traditional Chinese medicine’s(TCM)“going global”strategy,acupuncture,a representative therapy of TCM,has been widely spread and recognized worldwide.The World Health Organization has included it in the global blueprint for traditional medicine development,and many countries have integrated it into their national healthcare systems.展开更多
Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize...Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize electrical stimulation to directly or indirectly target specific brain regions,modulating neural activity and influencing broader brain networks,thereby regulating cognitive function.Regulating cognitive function involves an understanding of aspects such as perception,learning and memory,attention,spatial cognition,and physical function.To enhance the application of cognitive regulation in the general population,this paper reviews recent publications from the Web of Science to assess the advancements and challenges of invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods in modulating cognitive functions.This review covers various neuromodulation techniques for cognitive intervention,including deep brain stimulation,vagus nerve stimulation,and invasive methods using microelectrode arrays.The non-invasive techniques discussed include transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial direct current stimulation,transcranial alternating current stimulation,transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation,and time interference stimulation for activating deep targets.Invasive stimulation methods,which are ideal for studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,tend to cause greater trauma and have been less researched in the context of cognitive function regulation.Non-invasive methods,particularly newer transcranial stimulation techniques,are gentler and more appropriate for regulating cognitive functions in the general population.These include transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation using acupoints and time interference methods for activating deep targets.This paper also discusses current technical challenges and potential future breakthroughs in neuromodulation technology.It is recommended that neuromodulation techniques be combined with neural detection methods to better assess their effects and improve the accuracy of non-invasive neuromodulation.Additionally,researching closed-loop feedback neuromodulation methods is identified as a promising direction for future development.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of multiple acupuncture therapies in the treatment of allergic rhinitis(AR)using a network Meta-analysis.METHODS:This network Meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA-NMA ...OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of multiple acupuncture therapies in the treatment of allergic rhinitis(AR)using a network Meta-analysis.METHODS:This network Meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA-NMA guideline.Eight databases were systematically searched from inception to December 31,2023,and retrieved references were managed using End Note 20.The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed with the Cochrane Ro B 2.0 tool(ROB 2.0).Data analysis was performed using R 4.2.1 and STATA 15.1.RESULTS:A total of 56 studies that had enrolled 4859 patients with AR were included.Hand acupuncture(HA)combined with acupoint catgut embedding(AE),hand acupuncture with heat sensitive moxibustion(HA+HSM),and acupoint application were the most effective in attaining the clinical effective rate.HA+AE,hand acupuncture with indirect moxibustion(HA+IM),and electroacupuncture(EA)with AE ranked the highest with respect to the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire Score.HA+IM,HA,and HA+EA yielded the best Total Nasal Symptom Score,whereas HA+AE,EA+AE,and HA had the best results for the Total NonNasal Symptom Score.However,subgroup analyses of clinical efficacy revealed that HA+HSM had the best therapeutic effects in the short term,whereas HA+AE was the most effective in the medium to long term.CONCLUSION:Combined acupuncture and moxibustion therapy may be a safe and effective intervention for patients with AR.HA+IM and HA+AE exhibited the most desirable therapeutic effects compared with other acupuncture and moxibustion therapies.展开更多
Aconitines are a group of highly bioactive and toxic compounds found in aconitum species.[1]It is clinically used to treat rheumatism,rheumatoid arthritis,osteoarthritis,and cancer.[2]In folk medicine,aconitine is oft...Aconitines are a group of highly bioactive and toxic compounds found in aconitum species.[1]It is clinically used to treat rheumatism,rheumatoid arthritis,osteoarthritis,and cancer.[2]In folk medicine,aconitine is often soaked in white wine to make medicinal wine,which is used to treat rheumatism,joint pain,and other diseases.[3]Improper use of aconitine can cause adverse effects in the nervous system and digestive system,as well as cardiovascular dysfunction,especially arrhythmia.[4]Because of its high toxicity when it is improperly handled,aconitine has attracted widespread attention.展开更多
The US opioid crisis has become a serious public health issue,causing tens of thousands of deaths and tremendous economic loss annually.Acupuncture,as a traditional non-pharmacological method of analgesia,has demonstr...The US opioid crisis has become a serious public health issue,causing tens of thousands of deaths and tremendous economic loss annually.Acupuncture,as a traditional non-pharmacological method of analgesia,has demonstrated extraor-dinary value in addressing this crisis.This paper systematically elucidates the causes and impacts of the US opioid crisis and deeply explores the neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia,including the activation of the endogenous opioid system,neurotransmitter regulation,and anti-inflammatory and immune modulation via multiple pathways.By analyzing the clinical evidence for acupuncture in the management of acute and chronic pain,opioid dosage reduction,and addiction treatment,we demonstrate the feasibility and effi cacy of acupuncture as an alternative to opioid therapy.Research shows that acupuncture can not only eff ectively relieve various types of pain but also reduce opioid consumption and treat opioid dependence and addiction.However,the promotion of acupuncture in the US still faces multi-faceted challenges,including issues of standardization,limited insurance coverage,and insuffi cient high-quality evidence.Future eff orts should focus on strengthening multidisciplinary research collaboration,improving standardized treatment protocols,and integrating acupunc-ture into comprehensive pain management systems to provide a safer,more cost-eff ective,non-pharmacological alternative for resolving the opioid crisis.展开更多
To systematically elucidate the central role of the cardiac autonomic nervous system(ANS)in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis,analyze the pathological mechanisms underlying its dysregulation,integrate multidiscip...To systematically elucidate the central role of the cardiac autonomic nervous system(ANS)in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis,analyze the pathological mechanisms underlying its dysregulation,integrate multidisciplinary research findings from the U.S.stimulating peripheral nerves to alleviate disease symptoms(SPARC)program,and evaluate the unique advantages and current limitations of acupuncture in modulating cardiac ANS function,ultimately proposing novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize current knowledge on the fundamental regulatory mechanisms of the cardiac ANS,the SPARC program's innovative contributions to neuroanatomy and neural pathway mapping,as well as clinical and experimental evidence supporting acupuncture's modulation of the ANS.The SPARC program has made significant progress in elucidating the anatomical organization and neural circuitry of the cardiac ANS through interdisciplinary collaboration,offering novel insights and methodological frameworks for studying cardiac autonomic regulation.Acupuncture,as a cornerstone of traditional medicine,has demonstrated both specificity and multi-target regulatory effects on the cardiac ANS through clinical and experimental studies.However,challenges remain,including an incomplete mechanistic understanding,technical limitations in research methodologies,and difficulties in translating findings into clinical practice.Future research on acupuncture should build upon its inherent strengths while advancing its integration with modern scientific and technological approaches.Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and leveraging artificial intelligence can open new frontiers in mechanistic exploration and technological innovation.These efforts will facilitate the internationalization of acupuncture research and contribute innovative perspectives and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.展开更多
Objective:Based on the theory of“Taiyang governs tendons”,to explore the effect of acupuncture at points of the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang on the expression of serum inflammatory factors in rabbit models of ce...Objective:Based on the theory of“Taiyang governs tendons”,to explore the effect of acupuncture at points of the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang on the expression of serum inflammatory factors in rabbit models of cervical spondylosis.Methods:Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,and a treatment group,with 10 rabbits in each group.The models of cervical spondylosis in the model group and treatment group were established by long-term head-down flexion combined with cold-damp stimulation.After modeling,the treatment group received acupuncture at three points(Kunlun,Weizhong,and Feishu)on the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang,once a day for 20 minutes each time,for 14 consecutive days;the model group and blank group received no therapeutic intervention.After the intervention,cardiac blood was collected from all rabbits to detect the expression levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β.Meanwhile,cervical muscle tissue was collected,stained with HE,and the morphological changes of the posterior cervical muscle tissue in each group were observed under an optical microscope.Results:After modeling,the levels of inflammatory factors in the serum of rabbits in the model group and treatment group were significantly increased compared with those before modeling,with a statistically significant difference(p<0.01).After intervention,the serum inflammatory factors in the treatment group decreased significantly compared with those in the model group,and the difference was statistically significant(p<0.01).Conclusion:Acupuncture at points of the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang in rabbit models of cervical spondylosis can reduce the serum levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6.展开更多
Mainstream medicine commonly categorizes acupuncture as“alternative and complementary,”a designation that reflects conceptual gaps in existing treatment classification systems.Integrating complementary medicine into...Mainstream medicine commonly categorizes acupuncture as“alternative and complementary,”a designation that reflects conceptual gaps in existing treatment classification systems.Integrating complementary medicine into the mainstream medical system requires a conceptual adjustment.Here,Ⅰ propose a mechanism-based 5R classification—Removing,Repairing,Replacing,Replenishing,Regulating—to systematically categorize therapies.Based on this classification,acupuncture and its related interventions fall under functional regulation therapy.This framework offers a unified,functional perspective that facilitates the integration of complementary medicine into mainstream medical taxonomy.展开更多
International patients are flocking to Hainan for healing through the ancient technique of traditional Chinese medicine.SAREN,a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)doctor,keeps vipbooks filled with warm messages in var...International patients are flocking to Hainan for healing through the ancient technique of traditional Chinese medicine.SAREN,a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)doctor,keeps vipbooks filled with warm messages in various languages in her consulting room at Sanya International Friendship Sanatorium of TCM.These expressions of gratitude not only document a long medical career,but also vividly testify to how a Chinese doctor has used acupuncture to cure patients from around the world.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To investigate Acupuncture-herb therapy modulates gut microbiota in abdominal obesity.METHODS:A randomized controlled trial was designed in accordance with standard protocols.Abdominally obese subjects were ...OBJECTIVE:To investigate Acupuncture-herb therapy modulates gut microbiota in abdominal obesity.METHODS:A randomized controlled trial was designed in accordance with standard protocols.Abdominally obese subjects were randomized into four groups:A2(Control):double placebo,A1(Needle):press needle+placebo herb,A3(herb):herbal medicine(Huatan Lishi Fang化痰利湿方)+placebo needle,A4(Combination):press needle+herbal medicine.After 12 weeks of treatment,groups were relabeled B1-B4.Weight,waist circumference,and body mass index were measured monthly.Gut microbiota was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing for diversity and abundance.RESULTS:Combined needle-herb therapy significantly reduced waist circumference(P<0.05).All treatments altered gut microbiota composition.The combination group showed significant changes in diversity(Chao1,Shannon,Simpson;P<0.05).Needle therapy increased Bacteroidia;herbs reduced Lachnospiraceae and Megamonas.All results were significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Combined needle-herb treatment modulated 25 key gut flora across multiple taxonomic levels in abdominal obesity.It reduced Firmicutes and Bacteroidota.Bacteroidota,Actinobacteriota,and Prevotellaceae may suppress obesity,whereas Proteobacteria,Lachnospiraceae,and Megamonas may promote it.The combination specifically altered Bacteroidaceae,Lachnospiraceae,Bacteroidia,and Megamonas.展开更多
Introduction To further promote the modernization and global dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),the editorial board of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine(AHM),in collaboration with several leading institu...Introduction To further promote the modernization and global dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),the editorial board of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine(AHM),in collaboration with several leading institutions,has continued the annual selection of the“World Top 50 High-Impact Research of Traditional Medicine.”This initiative aims to showcase cutting-edge advances,foster international collaboration,and accelerate the translation of scientific achievements into clinical and industrial applications.The 2025 selection was jointly organized by Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China,the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and Wolters Kluwer.The final list was announced on April 23,2025,at the opening ceremony of the Fourth High-Quality Development Conference of Traditional Chinese Medicine,to facilitate global sharing of research achievements in TCM modernization.展开更多
This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 3:Mouse.This standard was released by the China Associ...This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 3:Mouse.This standard was released by the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on May 15,2020,implemented on October 31,2020,and published by Standards Press of China.The standard was drafted by the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.Principal draftsmen:Xiang-hong JING and Xing-bang HUA.Participating draftsmen:Wan-zhu BAI,Bin XU,Dong-sheng XU,Yi GUO,Tie-ming MA,Xin-jun WANG,and Sheng-feng LU.展开更多
This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 2:Rat.This standard was released by the China Associat...This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 2:Rat.This standard was released by the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on May 15,2020,implemented on October 31,2020,and published by Standards Press of China.The standard was drafted by the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.Principal draftsmen:Xiang-hong JING and Xing-bang HUA.Participating draftsmen:Wan-Zhu BAI,Bin XU,Dong-sheng XU,Yi GUO,Tie-ming MA,Xin-jun WANG,and Sheng-feng LU.展开更多
Objective The analgesic effect of acupuncture has been widely accepted.Nevertheless,the mechanism behind its analgesic effect remains elusive,thus impeding the progress of research geared toward enhancing the analgesi...Objective The analgesic effect of acupuncture has been widely accepted.Nevertheless,the mechanism behind its analgesic effect remains elusive,thus impeding the progress of research geared toward enhancing the analgesic effect of acupuncture.This paper investigated the role of acupuncture needle surface textures on acupuncture’s analgesic effect by creating four experimental acupuncture needles with different patterns of surface augmentation.Methods Four types of acupuncture needles with different surface textures(the lined needle,circle needle,sandpaper needle,and threaded needle)were designed.Additionally,the force/torque measurement system used a robot arm and mechanical sensor to measure the force on the needle during insertion and manipulation.To perform acupuncture analgesia experiments,four experimental acupuncture needles and a normal needle were inserted into the Zusanli(ST36)acupoint of rats with inflammatory pain.By comparing the force and torque and the analgesic efficacy of the different acupuncture needles,these experiments tested the role of acupuncture needle body texture on acupuncture analgesia.Results The analgesic effects of different acupuncture needle body textures varied.Specifically,the force required to penetrate the skin with the lined needle was not greater than that for the normal needle;however,the needle with inscribed circles and the sandpaper-roughened needle both required greater force for insertion.Additionally,the torque of the lined needle reached 2×10^(-4)N·m under twisting manipulation,which was four times greater the torque of a normal needle(5×10^(-5)N·m).Furthermore,the lined needle improved pain threshold and mast cell degranulation rate compared to the normal needle.Conclusion Optimizing the texture of acupuncture needles can enhance acupuncture analgesia.The texture of our experimental acupuncture needles had a significant impact on the force needed to penetrate the skin and the torque needed to manipulate the needle;it was also linked to variable analgesic effects.This study provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the analgesic efficacy of acupuncture through the modification of needles and promoting the development of acupuncture therapy.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To propose an automatic acupuncture robot system for performing acupuncture operations.METHODS:The acupuncture robot system consists of three components:automatic acupoint localization,acupuncture manipulati...OBJECTIVE:To propose an automatic acupuncture robot system for performing acupuncture operations.METHODS:The acupuncture robot system consists of three components:automatic acupoint localization,acupuncture manipulations,and De Qi sensation detection.The OptiTrack motion capture system is used to locate acupoints,which are then translated into coordinates in the robot control system.A flexible collaborative robot with an intelligent gripper is then used to perform acupuncture manipulations with high precision.In addition,a De Qi sensation detection system is proposed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture.To verify the stability of the designed acupuncture robot,acupoints'coordinates localized by the acupuncture robot are compared with the Gold Standard labeled by a professional acupuncturist using significant level tests.RESULTS:Through repeated experiments for eight acupoints,the acupuncture robot achieved a positioning error within 3.3 mm,which is within the allowable range of needle extraction and acupoint insertion.During needle insertion,the robot arm followed the prescribed trajectory with a mean deviation distance of 0.02 mm and a deviation angle of less than 0.15°.The results of the lifting thrusting operation in the Xingzhen process show that the mean acupuncture depth error of the designed acupuncture robot is approximately 2 mm,which is within the recommended depth range for the Xingzhen operation.In addition,the average detection accuracy of the De Qi keywords is 94.52%,which meets the requirements of acupuncture effect testing for different dialects.CONCLUSION:The proposed acupuncture robot system streamlines the acupuncture process,increases efficiency,and reduces practitioner fatigue,while also allowing for the quantification of acupuncture manipulations and evaluation of therapeutic effects.The development of an acupuncture robot system has the potential to revolutionize low back pain treatment and improve patient outcomes.展开更多
Acupuncture-moxibustion can promote recovery from the sequelae of ischemic stroke.However,its mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated.This paper introduces the mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion in all...Acupuncture-moxibustion can promote recovery from the sequelae of ischemic stroke.However,its mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated.This paper introduces the mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion in alleviating rehabilitation of ischemic stroke sequelae.The regulatory mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion was analyzed for limb movement disorders,cognitive impairment,depression,epilepsy,dysphagia,and insomnia after stroke from four aspects(promoting neuronal growth and cell proliferation,regulating cerebral blood flow,modulating neurochemicals,and suppressing cell apoptosis).This study provides theoretical support for the wide application of acupuncture-moxibustion in rehabilitation after ischemic stroke.展开更多
Background:The use of inserted sham acupuncture as a placebo in randomized controlled trials(RCTs)is controversial,because it may produce specific effects that cause an underestimation of the effect of acupuncture tre...Background:The use of inserted sham acupuncture as a placebo in randomized controlled trials(RCTs)is controversial,because it may produce specific effects that cause an underestimation of the effect of acupuncture treatment.Objective:This systematic survey investigates the magnitude of insert-specific effects of sham acupuncture and whether they affect the estimation of acupuncture treatment effects.Search strategy:PubMed,Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify acupuncture RCTs from their inception until December 2022.Inclusion criteria:RCTs that evaluated the effects of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture and no treatment.Data extraction and analysis:The total effect measured for an acupuncture treatment group in RCTs were divided into three components,including the natural history and/or regression to the mean effect(controlled for no-treatment group),the placebo effect,and the specific effect of acupuncture.The first two constituted the contextual effect of acupuncture,which is mimicked by a sham acupuncture treatment group.The proportion of acupuncture total effect size was considered to be 1.The proportion of natural history and/or regression to the mean effect(PNE)and proportional contextual effect(PCE)of included RCTs were pooled using meta-analyses with a random-effect model.The proportion of acupuncture placebo effect was the difference between PCE and PNE in RCTs with non-inserted sham acupuncture.The proportion of insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture(PIES)was obtained by subtracting the proportion of acupuncture placebo effect and PNE from PCE in RCTs with inserted sham acupuncture.The impact of PIES on the estimation of acupuncture's treatment effect was evaluated by quantifying the percentage of RCTs that the effect of outcome changed from no statistical difference to statistical difference after removing PIES in the included studies,and the impact of PIES was externally validated in other acupuncture RCTs with an inserted sham acupuncture group that were not used to calculate PIES.Results:This analysis included 32 studies with 5492 patients.The overall PNE was 0.335(95%confidence interval[CI],0.255-0.415)and the PCE of acupuncture was 0.639(95%CI,0.567-0.710)of acupuncture's total effect.The proportional contribution of the placebo effect to acupuncture's total effect was 0.191,and the PIES was 0.189.When we modeled the exclusion of the insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture,the acupuncture treatment effect changed from no difference to a significant difference in 45.45%of the included RCTs,and in 40.91%of the external validated RCTs.Conclusion:The insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture in RCTs represents 18.90%of acupuncture's total effect and significantly affects the evaluation of the acupuncture treatment effect.More than 40%of RCTs that used inserted sham acupuncture would draw different conclusions if the PIES had been controlled for.Considering the impact of the insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture,caution should be taken when using inserted sham acupuncture placebos in RCTs.展开更多
Objective:This study aimed to observe the effects of xiusanzhen acupuncture(olfactory three-needling therapy)on the behavior,hippocampal histopathology and microglial(MG)activation of rats with vascular dementia(VD),a...Objective:This study aimed to observe the effects of xiusanzhen acupuncture(olfactory three-needling therapy)on the behavior,hippocampal histopathology and microglial(MG)activation of rats with vascular dementia(VD),and to assess the role of the trigeminal nerve.Methods:Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly assigned to the sham-operation,model,xiusanzhen,and trigeminal neurotomy groups(n=15 per group).Bilateral common carotid artery ligation was performed to prepare the VD models.Models of trigeminal neurotomy were prepared through the excision of the frontal nerve and infraorbital nerve.Xiusanzhen acupuncture was delivered via electric stimulation.The acupoints selected were bilateral“Yingxiang(LI20)”and“Yintang(EX-HN3)”,and the stimulation parameters were as follows:disperse-dense wave,at a frequency of 2/15HZ and intensity of 1 mA.The course of treatment was once daily,with one course lasting five days,followed by an interval of two days,yielding a total of four courses.Behavioral changes were detected using the Morris water maze,changes in histomorphology in the hippocampal CA1 region were determined with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining,and MG activation in the hippocampal CA1 region was detected using immunofluorescence.Results:The escape latency:From days 3 to 5,the escape latency was higher in the model group compared to the sham-operation group(P<0.05),but was lower in the xiusanzhen group compared to the model and trigeminal neurotomy groups(P<0.05).The frequency for platform crossing and swimming distance:both were reduced in the model group compared to the sham-operation group(P<0.01);and were elevated in the xiusanzhen group compared to the model group and trigeminal neurotomy group(P<0.01).Hippocampal pathomorphological changes:In the sham-operation group,the morphological structure and nucleoli were well-defined;in the model group and the trigeminal neurotomy group,cell numbers were reduced and karyopyknosis increased;while in the xiusanzhen group,the cell numbers were elevated and karyopyknosis was reduced compared with the model group.MG:the positive rate was higher in the model group compared to the sham-operation group(P<0.05);lower in the xiusanzhen group compared to the model group(P<0.05);and higher in the trigeminal neurotomy group compared to the xiusanzhen group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Xiusanzhen acupuncture attenuates cognitive impairment in VD rats,inhibits MG activation,and reduces hippocampal tissue damage.Its effects depend on the structural integrity of the trigeminal nerve.展开更多
文摘The Chinese managed to interpret not only the natural rhythms of cosmic and seasonal cycles but the chrono-biological rhythms present in human body. What since long ago was merely taken to be a pre-scientific tradition has currently become a tangible reality. Nowadays, the specific frequencies pulsating along each meridian can be measured in hertz—according to its own resonance—as Acupuncture determined thousands of years ago. Their effort to establish a taxonomic classification of all environmental and human phenomena is closely related to Mathematics propositions of Euclid Five Regular Polyhedra, in order to consolidate the axiomatic-deductive model which we can now relate to the Chinese Theory of the Five Elements and their constant changes. As presented in OMICS Group Traditional Medicine-2015 Conference in Birmingham, it could be also proved that there also exists an inescapable relationship between Pythagoras and the Mathematical foundation of the Pentatonic Chinese Musical Scale. A simple way to incorporate the ideal frequency rhythm for each channel to correct its unbalanced situation is to insert said frequencies through the needles, by way of “antennae”, restructuring the meridian’s resonance affected and through it, of the Element it belongs to. Therapeutic Acupunctural Resonance therefore finds effective application when pins are used as “resonators”, putting the frequency of said Element of the channel in line, so that they transmit by means of punctures pure vibratory patterns which shall recondition the Qi flow frequency which has been altered by the Chinese syndrome diagnosed to be treated.
文摘With the deepening of traditional Chinese medicine’s(TCM)“going global”strategy,acupuncture,a representative therapy of TCM,has been widely spread and recognized worldwide.The World Health Organization has included it in the global blueprint for traditional medicine development,and many countries have integrated it into their national healthcare systems.
基金supported by STI 2030-Major Projects,No.2021ZD0201603(to JL)the Joint Foundation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences,No.8091A170201(to JL)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.T2293730(to XC),T2293731(to XC),T2293734(to XC),62471291(to YW),62121003(to XC),61960206012(to XC),62333020(to XC),and 62171434(to XC)the National Key Research and Development Program of China,Nos.2022YFC2402501(to XC),2022YFB3205602(to XC).
文摘Neuromodulation techniques effectively intervene in cognitive function,holding considerable scientific and practical value in fields such as aerospace,medicine,life sciences,and brain research.These techniques utilize electrical stimulation to directly or indirectly target specific brain regions,modulating neural activity and influencing broader brain networks,thereby regulating cognitive function.Regulating cognitive function involves an understanding of aspects such as perception,learning and memory,attention,spatial cognition,and physical function.To enhance the application of cognitive regulation in the general population,this paper reviews recent publications from the Web of Science to assess the advancements and challenges of invasive and non-invasive stimulation methods in modulating cognitive functions.This review covers various neuromodulation techniques for cognitive intervention,including deep brain stimulation,vagus nerve stimulation,and invasive methods using microelectrode arrays.The non-invasive techniques discussed include transcranial magnetic stimulation,transcranial direct current stimulation,transcranial alternating current stimulation,transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation,and time interference stimulation for activating deep targets.Invasive stimulation methods,which are ideal for studying the pathogenesis of neurological diseases,tend to cause greater trauma and have been less researched in the context of cognitive function regulation.Non-invasive methods,particularly newer transcranial stimulation techniques,are gentler and more appropriate for regulating cognitive functions in the general population.These include transcutaneous acupoint electrical stimulation using acupoints and time interference methods for activating deep targets.This paper also discusses current technical challenges and potential future breakthroughs in neuromodulation technology.It is recommended that neuromodulation techniques be combined with neural detection methods to better assess their effects and improve the accuracy of non-invasive neuromodulation.Additionally,researching closed-loop feedback neuromodulation methods is identified as a promising direction for future development.
基金Supported by Guangxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine High-Level Key Discipline in Traditional Chinese Medicine-Acupuncture and Moxibustion Project(No.2025013-03-05)Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine Guangxi School Apricot Grove Top Talents Project(No.2022C017)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of multiple acupuncture therapies in the treatment of allergic rhinitis(AR)using a network Meta-analysis.METHODS:This network Meta-analysis adhered to the PRISMA-NMA guideline.Eight databases were systematically searched from inception to December 31,2023,and retrieved references were managed using End Note 20.The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed with the Cochrane Ro B 2.0 tool(ROB 2.0).Data analysis was performed using R 4.2.1 and STATA 15.1.RESULTS:A total of 56 studies that had enrolled 4859 patients with AR were included.Hand acupuncture(HA)combined with acupoint catgut embedding(AE),hand acupuncture with heat sensitive moxibustion(HA+HSM),and acupoint application were the most effective in attaining the clinical effective rate.HA+AE,hand acupuncture with indirect moxibustion(HA+IM),and electroacupuncture(EA)with AE ranked the highest with respect to the Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire Score.HA+IM,HA,and HA+EA yielded the best Total Nasal Symptom Score,whereas HA+AE,EA+AE,and HA had the best results for the Total NonNasal Symptom Score.However,subgroup analyses of clinical efficacy revealed that HA+HSM had the best therapeutic effects in the short term,whereas HA+AE was the most effective in the medium to long term.CONCLUSION:Combined acupuncture and moxibustion therapy may be a safe and effective intervention for patients with AR.HA+IM and HA+AE exhibited the most desirable therapeutic effects compared with other acupuncture and moxibustion therapies.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82360387)the Key Laboratory of Emergency Medicine of Yunnan Province(202449CE340015).
文摘Aconitines are a group of highly bioactive and toxic compounds found in aconitum species.[1]It is clinically used to treat rheumatism,rheumatoid arthritis,osteoarthritis,and cancer.[2]In folk medicine,aconitine is often soaked in white wine to make medicinal wine,which is used to treat rheumatism,joint pain,and other diseases.[3]Improper use of aconitine can cause adverse effects in the nervous system and digestive system,as well as cardiovascular dysfunction,especially arrhythmia.[4]Because of its high toxicity when it is improperly handled,aconitine has attracted widespread attention.
文摘The US opioid crisis has become a serious public health issue,causing tens of thousands of deaths and tremendous economic loss annually.Acupuncture,as a traditional non-pharmacological method of analgesia,has demonstrated extraor-dinary value in addressing this crisis.This paper systematically elucidates the causes and impacts of the US opioid crisis and deeply explores the neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia,including the activation of the endogenous opioid system,neurotransmitter regulation,and anti-inflammatory and immune modulation via multiple pathways.By analyzing the clinical evidence for acupuncture in the management of acute and chronic pain,opioid dosage reduction,and addiction treatment,we demonstrate the feasibility and effi cacy of acupuncture as an alternative to opioid therapy.Research shows that acupuncture can not only eff ectively relieve various types of pain but also reduce opioid consumption and treat opioid dependence and addiction.However,the promotion of acupuncture in the US still faces multi-faceted challenges,including issues of standardization,limited insurance coverage,and insuffi cient high-quality evidence.Future eff orts should focus on strengthening multidisciplinary research collaboration,improving standardized treatment protocols,and integrating acupunc-ture into comprehensive pain management systems to provide a safer,more cost-eff ective,non-pharmacological alternative for resolving the opioid crisis.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82174513)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(ZZ-JQ2023003).
文摘To systematically elucidate the central role of the cardiac autonomic nervous system(ANS)in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis,analyze the pathological mechanisms underlying its dysregulation,integrate multidisciplinary research findings from the U.S.stimulating peripheral nerves to alleviate disease symptoms(SPARC)program,and evaluate the unique advantages and current limitations of acupuncture in modulating cardiac ANS function,ultimately proposing novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases.A systematic literature review was conducted to synthesize current knowledge on the fundamental regulatory mechanisms of the cardiac ANS,the SPARC program's innovative contributions to neuroanatomy and neural pathway mapping,as well as clinical and experimental evidence supporting acupuncture's modulation of the ANS.The SPARC program has made significant progress in elucidating the anatomical organization and neural circuitry of the cardiac ANS through interdisciplinary collaboration,offering novel insights and methodological frameworks for studying cardiac autonomic regulation.Acupuncture,as a cornerstone of traditional medicine,has demonstrated both specificity and multi-target regulatory effects on the cardiac ANS through clinical and experimental studies.However,challenges remain,including an incomplete mechanistic understanding,technical limitations in research methodologies,and difficulties in translating findings into clinical practice.Future research on acupuncture should build upon its inherent strengths while advancing its integration with modern scientific and technological approaches.Strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and leveraging artificial intelligence can open new frontiers in mechanistic exploration and technological innovation.These efforts will facilitate the internationalization of acupuncture research and contribute innovative perspectives and therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment.
基金Yunnan Provincial High-Level Traditional Chinese Medicine Talent Training ProjectYunnan Provincial Department of Science and Technology Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research Joint Special Project(Project No.:202101AZ070001-138)。
文摘Objective:Based on the theory of“Taiyang governs tendons”,to explore the effect of acupuncture at points of the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang on the expression of serum inflammatory factors in rabbit models of cervical spondylosis.Methods:Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into a blank group,a model group,and a treatment group,with 10 rabbits in each group.The models of cervical spondylosis in the model group and treatment group were established by long-term head-down flexion combined with cold-damp stimulation.After modeling,the treatment group received acupuncture at three points(Kunlun,Weizhong,and Feishu)on the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang,once a day for 20 minutes each time,for 14 consecutive days;the model group and blank group received no therapeutic intervention.After the intervention,cardiac blood was collected from all rabbits to detect the expression levels of serum inflammatory factors IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-1β.Meanwhile,cervical muscle tissue was collected,stained with HE,and the morphological changes of the posterior cervical muscle tissue in each group were observed under an optical microscope.Results:After modeling,the levels of inflammatory factors in the serum of rabbits in the model group and treatment group were significantly increased compared with those before modeling,with a statistically significant difference(p<0.01).After intervention,the serum inflammatory factors in the treatment group decreased significantly compared with those in the model group,and the difference was statistically significant(p<0.01).Conclusion:Acupuncture at points of the Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang in rabbit models of cervical spondylosis can reduce the serum levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α,IL-1β,and IL-6.
文摘Mainstream medicine commonly categorizes acupuncture as“alternative and complementary,”a designation that reflects conceptual gaps in existing treatment classification systems.Integrating complementary medicine into the mainstream medical system requires a conceptual adjustment.Here,Ⅰ propose a mechanism-based 5R classification—Removing,Repairing,Replacing,Replenishing,Regulating—to systematically categorize therapies.Based on this classification,acupuncture and its related interventions fall under functional regulation therapy.This framework offers a unified,functional perspective that facilitates the integration of complementary medicine into mainstream medical taxonomy.
文摘International patients are flocking to Hainan for healing through the ancient technique of traditional Chinese medicine.SAREN,a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)doctor,keeps vipbooks filled with warm messages in various languages in her consulting room at Sanya International Friendship Sanatorium of TCM.These expressions of gratitude not only document a long medical career,but also vividly testify to how a Chinese doctor has used acupuncture to cure patients from around the world.
基金Supported by National Key R&D Program of China:Clinical Evaluation Research on Intervention Technologies for Abdominal Obesitythe Role of Gut Microbiota in the Effects of Combined Acupuncture and Medication on Abdominal Obesity:an Exploration with 16S rRNA Technology(Project Code:2019YFC1710102)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To investigate Acupuncture-herb therapy modulates gut microbiota in abdominal obesity.METHODS:A randomized controlled trial was designed in accordance with standard protocols.Abdominally obese subjects were randomized into four groups:A2(Control):double placebo,A1(Needle):press needle+placebo herb,A3(herb):herbal medicine(Huatan Lishi Fang化痰利湿方)+placebo needle,A4(Combination):press needle+herbal medicine.After 12 weeks of treatment,groups were relabeled B1-B4.Weight,waist circumference,and body mass index were measured monthly.Gut microbiota was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing for diversity and abundance.RESULTS:Combined needle-herb therapy significantly reduced waist circumference(P<0.05).All treatments altered gut microbiota composition.The combination group showed significant changes in diversity(Chao1,Shannon,Simpson;P<0.05).Needle therapy increased Bacteroidia;herbs reduced Lachnospiraceae and Megamonas.All results were significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Combined needle-herb treatment modulated 25 key gut flora across multiple taxonomic levels in abdominal obesity.It reduced Firmicutes and Bacteroidota.Bacteroidota,Actinobacteriota,and Prevotellaceae may suppress obesity,whereas Proteobacteria,Lachnospiraceae,and Megamonas may promote it.The combination specifically altered Bacteroidaceae,Lachnospiraceae,Bacteroidia,and Megamonas.
文摘Introduction To further promote the modernization and global dissemination of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),the editorial board of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine(AHM),in collaboration with several leading institutions,has continued the annual selection of the“World Top 50 High-Impact Research of Traditional Medicine.”This initiative aims to showcase cutting-edge advances,foster international collaboration,and accelerate the translation of scientific achievements into clinical and industrial applications.The 2025 selection was jointly organized by Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine,the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China,the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine,and Wolters Kluwer.The final list was announced on April 23,2025,at the opening ceremony of the Fourth High-Quality Development Conference of Traditional Chinese Medicine,to facilitate global sharing of research achievements in TCM modernization.
文摘This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 3:Mouse.This standard was released by the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on May 15,2020,implemented on October 31,2020,and published by Standards Press of China.The standard was drafted by the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.Principal draftsmen:Xiang-hong JING and Xing-bang HUA.Participating draftsmen:Wan-zhu BAI,Bin XU,Dong-sheng XU,Yi GUO,Tie-ming MA,Xin-jun WANG,and Sheng-feng LU.
文摘This paper introduces part of the content in the association standard,T/CAAM0002–2020 Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points for Laboratory Animals Part 2:Rat.This standard was released by the China Association of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on May 15,2020,implemented on October 31,2020,and published by Standards Press of China.The standard was drafted by the Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and the Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.Principal draftsmen:Xiang-hong JING and Xing-bang HUA.Participating draftsmen:Wan-Zhu BAI,Bin XU,Dong-sheng XU,Yi GUO,Tie-ming MA,Xin-jun WANG,and Sheng-feng LU.
基金funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.12172092,82174488,and 82305416)Shanghai Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function(No.21DZ2271800)+1 种基金Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission(No.23YF1418300)Scientific Research Project on Traditional Chinese Medicine of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission—Youth Guidance Category(No.2022QN018).
文摘Objective The analgesic effect of acupuncture has been widely accepted.Nevertheless,the mechanism behind its analgesic effect remains elusive,thus impeding the progress of research geared toward enhancing the analgesic effect of acupuncture.This paper investigated the role of acupuncture needle surface textures on acupuncture’s analgesic effect by creating four experimental acupuncture needles with different patterns of surface augmentation.Methods Four types of acupuncture needles with different surface textures(the lined needle,circle needle,sandpaper needle,and threaded needle)were designed.Additionally,the force/torque measurement system used a robot arm and mechanical sensor to measure the force on the needle during insertion and manipulation.To perform acupuncture analgesia experiments,four experimental acupuncture needles and a normal needle were inserted into the Zusanli(ST36)acupoint of rats with inflammatory pain.By comparing the force and torque and the analgesic efficacy of the different acupuncture needles,these experiments tested the role of acupuncture needle body texture on acupuncture analgesia.Results The analgesic effects of different acupuncture needle body textures varied.Specifically,the force required to penetrate the skin with the lined needle was not greater than that for the normal needle;however,the needle with inscribed circles and the sandpaper-roughened needle both required greater force for insertion.Additionally,the torque of the lined needle reached 2×10^(-4)N·m under twisting manipulation,which was four times greater the torque of a normal needle(5×10^(-5)N·m).Furthermore,the lined needle improved pain threshold and mast cell degranulation rate compared to the normal needle.Conclusion Optimizing the texture of acupuncture needles can enhance acupuncture analgesia.The texture of our experimental acupuncture needles had a significant impact on the force needed to penetrate the skin and the torque needed to manipulate the needle;it was also linked to variable analgesic effects.This study provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the analgesic efficacy of acupuncture through the modification of needles and promoting the development of acupuncture therapy.
基金Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine Project of National Key R&D Program of China:The construction of the theoretical system of Traditional Chinese Medicine nonpharmacological therapy based on body surface stimulation(2023YFC3502704)Sichuan Provincial Science and Technology Program Project:Research and Development of Chinese Medicine Intelligent Tongue Diagnosis Equipment for Digestive System Chinese Medicine Advantageous Diseases(2023YFS0327)+2 种基金Research and Development of Chinese Medicine Intelligent Detection System for Intestinal Functions(2024YFFK0044)Research and Application of Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Program for Herpes Zoster Treated by Shu Pai Fire Acupuncture(2024YFFK0089)Major Research and Development Project of The China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Innovation:Construction and application of the theoretical research mode of Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment of modern diseases(CI2021A00104)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To propose an automatic acupuncture robot system for performing acupuncture operations.METHODS:The acupuncture robot system consists of three components:automatic acupoint localization,acupuncture manipulations,and De Qi sensation detection.The OptiTrack motion capture system is used to locate acupoints,which are then translated into coordinates in the robot control system.A flexible collaborative robot with an intelligent gripper is then used to perform acupuncture manipulations with high precision.In addition,a De Qi sensation detection system is proposed to evaluate the effect of acupuncture.To verify the stability of the designed acupuncture robot,acupoints'coordinates localized by the acupuncture robot are compared with the Gold Standard labeled by a professional acupuncturist using significant level tests.RESULTS:Through repeated experiments for eight acupoints,the acupuncture robot achieved a positioning error within 3.3 mm,which is within the allowable range of needle extraction and acupoint insertion.During needle insertion,the robot arm followed the prescribed trajectory with a mean deviation distance of 0.02 mm and a deviation angle of less than 0.15°.The results of the lifting thrusting operation in the Xingzhen process show that the mean acupuncture depth error of the designed acupuncture robot is approximately 2 mm,which is within the recommended depth range for the Xingzhen operation.In addition,the average detection accuracy of the De Qi keywords is 94.52%,which meets the requirements of acupuncture effect testing for different dialects.CONCLUSION:The proposed acupuncture robot system streamlines the acupuncture process,increases efficiency,and reduces practitioner fatigue,while also allowing for the quantification of acupuncture manipulations and evaluation of therapeutic effects.The development of an acupuncture robot system has the potential to revolutionize low back pain treatment and improve patient outcomes.
基金Supported by Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Project of Heilongjiang Province:ZHY2020-062.
文摘Acupuncture-moxibustion can promote recovery from the sequelae of ischemic stroke.However,its mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated.This paper introduces the mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion in alleviating rehabilitation of ischemic stroke sequelae.The regulatory mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion was analyzed for limb movement disorders,cognitive impairment,depression,epilepsy,dysphagia,and insomnia after stroke from four aspects(promoting neuronal growth and cell proliferation,regulating cerebral blood flow,modulating neurochemicals,and suppressing cell apoptosis).This study provides theoretical support for the wide application of acupuncture-moxibustion in rehabilitation after ischemic stroke.
基金the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2023YFC3503300 and No.2023YFC3503304)National Natural Science Foundation of China for Distinguished Young Scholars(No.82225049)and Youths(No.82305045)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes(No.2020YJSZX-3)。
文摘Background:The use of inserted sham acupuncture as a placebo in randomized controlled trials(RCTs)is controversial,because it may produce specific effects that cause an underestimation of the effect of acupuncture treatment.Objective:This systematic survey investigates the magnitude of insert-specific effects of sham acupuncture and whether they affect the estimation of acupuncture treatment effects.Search strategy:PubMed,Embase and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched to identify acupuncture RCTs from their inception until December 2022.Inclusion criteria:RCTs that evaluated the effects of acupuncture compared to sham acupuncture and no treatment.Data extraction and analysis:The total effect measured for an acupuncture treatment group in RCTs were divided into three components,including the natural history and/or regression to the mean effect(controlled for no-treatment group),the placebo effect,and the specific effect of acupuncture.The first two constituted the contextual effect of acupuncture,which is mimicked by a sham acupuncture treatment group.The proportion of acupuncture total effect size was considered to be 1.The proportion of natural history and/or regression to the mean effect(PNE)and proportional contextual effect(PCE)of included RCTs were pooled using meta-analyses with a random-effect model.The proportion of acupuncture placebo effect was the difference between PCE and PNE in RCTs with non-inserted sham acupuncture.The proportion of insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture(PIES)was obtained by subtracting the proportion of acupuncture placebo effect and PNE from PCE in RCTs with inserted sham acupuncture.The impact of PIES on the estimation of acupuncture's treatment effect was evaluated by quantifying the percentage of RCTs that the effect of outcome changed from no statistical difference to statistical difference after removing PIES in the included studies,and the impact of PIES was externally validated in other acupuncture RCTs with an inserted sham acupuncture group that were not used to calculate PIES.Results:This analysis included 32 studies with 5492 patients.The overall PNE was 0.335(95%confidence interval[CI],0.255-0.415)and the PCE of acupuncture was 0.639(95%CI,0.567-0.710)of acupuncture's total effect.The proportional contribution of the placebo effect to acupuncture's total effect was 0.191,and the PIES was 0.189.When we modeled the exclusion of the insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture,the acupuncture treatment effect changed from no difference to a significant difference in 45.45%of the included RCTs,and in 40.91%of the external validated RCTs.Conclusion:The insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture in RCTs represents 18.90%of acupuncture's total effect and significantly affects the evaluation of the acupuncture treatment effect.More than 40%of RCTs that used inserted sham acupuncture would draw different conclusions if the PIES had been controlled for.Considering the impact of the insert-specific effect of sham acupuncture,caution should be taken when using inserted sham acupuncture placebos in RCTs.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation of China Young Scientists Fund:82004480。
文摘Objective:This study aimed to observe the effects of xiusanzhen acupuncture(olfactory three-needling therapy)on the behavior,hippocampal histopathology and microglial(MG)activation of rats with vascular dementia(VD),and to assess the role of the trigeminal nerve.Methods:Sprague-Dawley(SD)rats were randomly assigned to the sham-operation,model,xiusanzhen,and trigeminal neurotomy groups(n=15 per group).Bilateral common carotid artery ligation was performed to prepare the VD models.Models of trigeminal neurotomy were prepared through the excision of the frontal nerve and infraorbital nerve.Xiusanzhen acupuncture was delivered via electric stimulation.The acupoints selected were bilateral“Yingxiang(LI20)”and“Yintang(EX-HN3)”,and the stimulation parameters were as follows:disperse-dense wave,at a frequency of 2/15HZ and intensity of 1 mA.The course of treatment was once daily,with one course lasting five days,followed by an interval of two days,yielding a total of four courses.Behavioral changes were detected using the Morris water maze,changes in histomorphology in the hippocampal CA1 region were determined with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)staining,and MG activation in the hippocampal CA1 region was detected using immunofluorescence.Results:The escape latency:From days 3 to 5,the escape latency was higher in the model group compared to the sham-operation group(P<0.05),but was lower in the xiusanzhen group compared to the model and trigeminal neurotomy groups(P<0.05).The frequency for platform crossing and swimming distance:both were reduced in the model group compared to the sham-operation group(P<0.01);and were elevated in the xiusanzhen group compared to the model group and trigeminal neurotomy group(P<0.01).Hippocampal pathomorphological changes:In the sham-operation group,the morphological structure and nucleoli were well-defined;in the model group and the trigeminal neurotomy group,cell numbers were reduced and karyopyknosis increased;while in the xiusanzhen group,the cell numbers were elevated and karyopyknosis was reduced compared with the model group.MG:the positive rate was higher in the model group compared to the sham-operation group(P<0.05);lower in the xiusanzhen group compared to the model group(P<0.05);and higher in the trigeminal neurotomy group compared to the xiusanzhen group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Xiusanzhen acupuncture attenuates cognitive impairment in VD rats,inhibits MG activation,and reduces hippocampal tissue damage.Its effects depend on the structural integrity of the trigeminal nerve.
