The Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science,a peerreview journal with an international scope(ISSN 1672-3597,CN 31-1908/R,Bimonthly),is indexed in Emerging Sources Citation Index(ESCI),Western Pacific Region Index Med...The Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science,a peerreview journal with an international scope(ISSN 1672-3597,CN 31-1908/R,Bimonthly),is indexed in Emerging Sources Citation Index(ESCI),Western Pacific Region Index Medicus(WPRIM),Springer-Verlag GmbH Database,Index of Copernicus(IC),Chemical Abstracts(CA),Chinese Science Citation Database(CSCD),and Chinese Scientific and Technical Papers and Citations Database(CSTPCD).You can search the text on https://link.springer.com/journal/11726.展开更多
Objective:To observe the efficacy of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese herbs in the treatment of poststroke vascular dementia(VD)and the effects on serum interleukin(IL)-6 and superoxide dismutase(SOD).Met...Objective:To observe the efficacy of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese herbs in the treatment of poststroke vascular dementia(VD)and the effects on serum interleukin(IL)-6 and superoxide dismutase(SOD).Methods:A total of 240 patients with poststroke VD were selected and randomly divided into two groups according to the random number table method,with 120 cases in each group.Both groups received Hua Tan Tong Luo(phlegmresolving and collateral-activating)formula,once daily;the observation group was additionally treated with Yi Shen Tiao Du(kidney-tonifying and Governor Vessel-regulating)acupuncture once daily for 6 consecutive days,followed by 1 d of rest.Both groups were treated for 15 d as one course,for a total of 2 courses.After treatment,the total effective rate was compared.Changes in scores of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptoms,clinical dementia rating(CDR),National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS),and Chinese version of mini-mental state examination(MMSE),and serum levels of IL-6 and SOD were observed in both groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,TCM symptom,CDR,and NIHSS scores,and serum IL-6 levels in both groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),while MMSE scores and serum SOD levels were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,the observation group showed lower TCM symptom,CDR,and NIHSS scores,and serum IL-6 levels than the control group(P<0.05),and higher MMSE scores and serum SOD levels than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Compared to Hua Tan Tong Luo formula alone,Yi Shen Tiao Du acupuncture combined with Hua Tan Tong Luo formula demonstrates better efficacy in reducing dementia severity,improving cognitive and neurological function,and inhibiting inflammation in patients with poststroke VD.展开更多
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion plus traditional Chinese herbs in treating depression after ischemic stroke and its effects on monoamine neurotransmitter levels.Methods:A tota...Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion plus traditional Chinese herbs in treating depression after ischemic stroke and its effects on monoamine neurotransmitter levels.Methods:A total of 80 patients with depression after ischemic stroke were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method,with 40 cases in each group.The two groups were treated with Wen Yang Jie Yu Tang(decoction for warming Yang and relieving depression).The observation group was treated with additional acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.The therapeutic effect was evaluated after 4 weeks of treatment.The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)main symptoms and depression symptoms were scored before and after 4 weeks of treatment.Neurological function was assessed using the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS),depressive symptoms were evaluated by the 17-item Hamilton depression scale(HAMD-17),and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI).Meanwhile,the serum levels of monoamine neurotransmitters,including 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),noradrenaline(NE),and dopamine(DA),were measured.The incidence of adverse reactions during treatment was compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rates in improving depression symptoms and TCM main symptoms in the observation group were both higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the scores of each TCM main symptom,NIHSS,HAMD-17,and PSQI in both groups were all lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the serum levels of 5-HT,NE,and DA in both groups were all higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the serum levels in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).During the treatment period,there was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion plus traditional Chinese herbs has significant efficacy in treating depression after ischemic stroke;it can effectively relieve the symptoms,improve neurological function and sleep quality,increase monoamine neurotransmitter levels,and has high safety.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
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
Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription on the rehabilitation of cervical radiculopathy(CR).Methods:A total of 159 patients diagnosed with CR wer...Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription on the rehabilitation of cervical radiculopathy(CR).Methods:A total of 159 patients diagnosed with CR were enrolled in a prospective study.They were randomly divided into an acupuncture group,an exercise group,and a combined group using the random number table method,with 53 cases in each group.All three groups received routine Western rehabilitation training.In addition,the acupuncture group was treated with“Si Tian Xue”[four points with“Tian”in their names,including Tianyou(TE16),Tianchuang(SI16),Tianrong(SI17),and Tianding(LI17)]acupuncture.The exercise group practiced according to the Thirteenposture Tai Chi exercise prescription.The combined group received“Si Tian Xue”acupuncture combined with the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription.All interventions lasted for 12 weeks in three groups.The neck disability index(NDI)and visual analog scale(VAS)scores were compared among the three groups before treatment and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment.Before treatment and after 12-week treatment,the range of motion(ROM)of cervical in left rotation,right rotation,extension,and flexion,as well as the mean power frequency(MPF)of surface electromyography(sEMG)signals of the erector spinae and trapezius,the average blood flow velocity of the vertebral and basilar arteries,and the short-form 36-item health survey(SF-36)score was compared among the three groups.Results:After 6 and 12 weeks of treatment,the NDI and VAS scores of the three groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the NDI and VAS scores of the combined group were significantly lower than those of the acupuncture group and the exercise group at the same time points(P<0.05).After treatment,the cervical ROM in left rotation,right rotation,extension,and flexion in the three groups was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the combined group was significantly higher than the acupuncture group and the exercise group(P<0.05).After treatment,the MPF of the erector spinae and trapezius and the average blood flow velocity of the vertebral and basilar arteries in the three groups were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the combined group was significantly higher than the acupuncture group and the exercise group(P<0.05).After treatment,the SF-36 score of the three groups was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and it was significantly higher in the combined group than in the acupuncture group and the exercise group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Compared to“Si Tian Xue”acupuncture or the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription alone,the combination of the two can more effectively improve cervical function and microcirculation,relieve pain,and improve the quality of life in patients with CR.展开更多
Diabetes is a major global metabolic disorder,with the type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)population in China expected to reach 168 million by 2050.Electroacupuncture(EA)and auricular acupuncture represent safe,accessible,...Diabetes is a major global metabolic disorder,with the type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)population in China expected to reach 168 million by 2050.Electroacupuncture(EA)and auricular acupuncture represent safe,accessible,and multitargeted strategies for glycemic control with strong translational potential.Clinical studies indicate that EA,targeting trunk and limb acupoints,can significantly reduce fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin.Mechanistically,EA modulates the neuro-endocrine-immune axis,regulates gut microbiota,and activates insulin signaling pathways.Auricular acupuncture,through vagal innervation,may also exert rapid effects on glucose homeostasis via autonomic modulation.The review’s objective is to synthesize and critically evaluate current clinical trials and animal studies on EA and auricular acupuncture for glycemic control in diabetes,particularly T2DM,and to highlight translational implications,mechanistic insights,and evidence gaps.This review also emphasizes translational considerations by highlighting species differences between rodents and humans-an underappreciated yet critical factor influencing the clinical applicability of preclinical findings.Through the integration of recent research advances,the present review not only consolidates clinical and preclinical evidence but also advances a deeper mechanistic framework and underscores the importance of species-specific factors in bridging experimental research and patient care.Future progress requires rigorously designed,adequately powered,multicenter randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols to validate efficacy and define their role in precision diabetes management.展开更多
The creation of a national unified textbook on acupuncture was a critical effort by China to standardize traditional Chinese medicine.In the early People’s Republic of China,the development of acupuncture textbooks f...The creation of a national unified textbook on acupuncture was a critical effort by China to standardize traditional Chinese medicine.In the early People’s Republic of China,the development of acupuncture textbooks followed a complex trajectory.It began with Zhu Lian’s(朱琏)Xin Zhen Jiu Xue(《新针灸学》New Acupuncture and Moxibustion),extending the Yan’an(延安)tradition,and moved to Zhen Jiu Xue(《针灸学》Acupuncture and Moxibustion,1957),a localized effort from the Jiangsu Provincial Chinese Medicine School.This culminated in the national Zhen Jiu Xue Jiang Yi(《针灸学讲义》Lectures on Acupuncture and Moxibustion).This process reflects a shift from regional teaching to a standardized national model,as well as a pedagogical transformation from a scientific approach to a return to classical sources.The textbook centers on Bian Zheng Lun Zhi(辨证论治treatment based on pattern differentiation),blending systematic,scientific,and practical elements,and represents the era’s fusion of Chinese and Western medicine,helping to shape a modern acupuncture framework.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
Identifying key acupuncture elements is essential for optimizing sham acupuncture controls.Based on the characteristics and current state of acupuncture therapy,this paper categorizes key acupuncture elements into typ...Identifying key acupuncture elements is essential for optimizing sham acupuncture controls.Based on the characteristics and current state of acupuncture therapy,this paper categorizes key acupuncture elements into types and contents.Taking the former as a clue,it examines the current understanding of key acupuncture elements and underscores the need for further refinement to ensure that sham acupuncture controls more closely approximate physiological inertness.Additionally,it explores strategies and methodologies for advancing the understanding of key acupuncture elements from both the type and content perspectives.Key acupuncture elements should expand the number of included element types.Elements such as acupuncture needles,point selection,point combination,needle insertion,needle manipulation,and needle withdrawal should all be included,and they should be reported in a standardized manner in the trials.Regarding element content,improvements should be made in three key areas to enhance selection accuracy:1.Strengthening the comprehensiveness of relevant theoretical frameworks.2.Emphasizing the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)diagnosis and acupoint palpation methods in trial application and reporting.3.Continuously investigating the mechanisms underlying both the specific efficacy and the placebo efficacy of acupuncture.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,a therapeutic practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and integrated with modern neuroscience,achieves its effects by stimulating sensory nerves at specific anatomical points known as acupoints.Thi...Acupuncture,a therapeutic practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and integrated with modern neuroscience,achieves its effects by stimulating sensory nerves at specific anatomical points known as acupoints.This review systematically explores the therapeutic components of acupuncture,emphasizing the interplay between sensory nerve characteristics and neural signaling pathways.Key factors such as acupoint location,needling depth,stimulation intensity,retention time,and the induction of sensations(e.g.,Deqi)are analyzed for their roles in neural activation and clinical outcomes.The review highlights how variations in spinal segment targeting,tissue-specific receptor activation,and stimulation modalities(e.g.,manual acupuncture,electroacupuncture,moxibustion)influence therapeutic effects.Emerging evidence underscores the significance of ion channels,dermatomes,myotomes,and genespecific pathways in mediating systemic effects.Additionally,the differential roles of mechanical,thermal and nociceptive stimuli and the temporal dynamics of sensory and immune responses are addressed.While insights from animal models have advanced our understanding,their translation to clinical practice requires further investigation.This comprehensive review identifies critical parameters for optimizing acupuncture therapy,advocating for individualized treatment strategies informed by neuroanatomical and neurophysiological principles,ultimately enhancing its precision and efficacy in modern medicine.展开更多
BACKGROUND Acupuncture,an ancient practice,is gaining recognition as a complementary and alternative medicine,especially in assisted reproductive technology.It plays a crucial role in enhancing embryo transfer success...BACKGROUND Acupuncture,an ancient practice,is gaining recognition as a complementary and alternative medicine,especially in assisted reproductive technology.It plays a crucial role in enhancing embryo transfer success rates.Research indicates that acupuncture can improve blood flow,increase endometrial receptivity regulate pressure,and affect neuroendocrine activities in the ovaries and uterus during embryo implantation,therefore improving pregnancy outcomes.AIM To highlight recent developments related to acupuncture's influence on embryo transfer and elucidating the precise mechanisms by which acupuncture influences embryo transfer.METHODS We searched database including PubMed,Cochrane Library up to September 2024 for relevant studies and patents to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on women undergoing in vitro fertilization(IVF).The experimental design included an intervention group using needling,and a control group consisting of no needling or sham needling.The main outcome is clinical pregnancy rate(CPR),while secondary includes live birth rate(LBR)and biochemical pregnancy rate(BPR).We examined the influence of adjunctive needling on pregnancy outcomes by analyzing variations in the main outcomes.RESULTS A total of 145 randomized controlled trials involving 27748 participants were analyzed.Data revealed that the overall CPR was significantly elevated in all acupuncture cohorts compared to the control group[relative risk(RR):1.21,95%CI:1.07-1.38,P=0.01].In contrast,the aggregated LBR did not exhibit a corresponding increase,and notable statistical heterogeneity was observed among the studies.Acupuncture-assisted frozen-thawed embryo transfer enhanced the BPR(RR:1.51,95%CI:1.21-1.89,P=0.03)and improved endometrial morphology(RR:1.41,95%CI:1.13-1.75,P=0.01).Furthermore,IVF outcomes were significantly superior in the acupuncture group when acupuncture was administered during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(RR:1.71,95%CI:1.08-2.13,95%CI:1.08-4.21,P=0.03).CONCLUSION We find that acupuncture positively influences pregnancy rates in women receiving IVF treatment.Nonetheless,there are no established guidelines for optimal acupuncture protocols.Considering the methodological limitations identified in current research,there is a need for larger,methodologically rigorous studies.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To take Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)targeting inflammatory response to regulate migraine as an example to describe a new method for studying the mechanism of stimulating acupoints.METHODS:The target informa...OBJECTIVE:To take Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)targeting inflammatory response to regulate migraine as an example to describe a new method for studying the mechanism of stimulating acupoints.METHODS:The target information of Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)was retrieved,and after intersection with migraine,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG),Reactome,and Uni Prot Keywords were used for functional enrichment.After selecting the main pathway,rats were selected and nitroglycerin was used for modeling,and the behavioral scores,inflammatory factors,heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1),protein kinase B(AKT1),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(P-ERK1/ERK2)and other states of the rats in the acupuncture,twisting,and electroacupuncture groups were compared.RESULTS:A total of 135 Baihui(GV20)targets and 27 Fengchi(GB20)targets were collected.A total of 73 target information were obtained after the intersection of these targets in migraine.These 73 targets have three main pathways:hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)signaling pathway,signaling by interleukins and inflammatory response.The main targets in the pathway were verified and found that interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and HMOX1,AKT1,STAT3,P-ERK1/ERK2 can be regulated by Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20).CONCLUSION:Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)can regulate migraine by regulating inflammatory factors and HMOX1,AKT1,STAT3,P-ERK1/ERK2 and other changes in HIF-1 signaling pathway,Signaling by Interleukins and Inflammatory response pathways.Based on systems biology and network pharmacology,and with the model of"acupoint-target-disease",explore the research methods of systematic acupuncture and moxibustion.We believe this is a usable research direction for exploring the mechanism of acupuncture stimulation.展开更多
Sham acupuncture,as a control intervention in acupuncture studies,has been widely conducted to eval-uate the specific effect of acupuncture.However,there was no relevant particular reporting guideline,so the reporting...Sham acupuncture,as a control intervention in acupuncture studies,has been widely conducted to eval-uate the specific effect of acupuncture.However,there was no relevant particular reporting guideline,so the reporting quality of sham acupuncture was low,which could hinder the precise understanding and interpretation of details and implementation background of sham acupuncture by researchers.In order to standardize the reporting of sham acupuncture and improve its quality,SHam Acupuncture REporting guidelines and a checklist in clinical trials(SHARE)was developed by a research team from Beijing Univer-sity of Chinese Medicine.The SAHRE standardizes the reporting of sham acupuncture from 10 categories,including brief name,rationales,details of sham acupuncture,treatment regimen of sham acupuncture,the information informed or explained to patients,practitioner information,modifications of protocol,communication between practitioner and patient,practitioner adherence and blinding.This article elab-orates the development process and key content of SHARE in order to facilitate its application by re-searchers.展开更多
Objective To identify core acupoint patterns and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of acupuncture for primary depressive disorder(PDD)through data mining and network analysis.Methods A comprehensive literature search...Objective To identify core acupoint patterns and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of acupuncture for primary depressive disorder(PDD)through data mining and network analysis.Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed,Embase,Ovid Technologies(OVID),Web of Science,Cochrane Library,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database(VIP),Wanfang Data,and SinoMed Database from database foundation to January 31,2025,for clinical studies on acupuncture treatment of PDD.Descriptive statistics,high-frequency acupoint analysis,degree and betweenness centrality evaluation,and core acupoint prescription mining identified predominant therapeutic combinations for PDD.Network acupuncture was used to predict therapeutic target for the core acupoint prescription.Subsequent protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and molecular complex detection(MCODE)analyses were conducted to identify the key targets and functional modules.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analyses explored the underlying biological mechanisms of the core acupoint prescription in treating PDD.Results A total of 57 acupoint prescriptions underwent systematic analysis.The core therapeutic combinations comprised Baihui(GV20),Yintang(GV29),Neiguan(PC6),Hegu(LI4),and Shenmen(HT7).Network acupuncture analysis identified 88 potential therapeutic targets(79 overlapping with PDD),while PPI network analysis revealed central regulatory nodes,including interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),IL-10,brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,C-XC motif chemokine ligand 10(CXCL10),mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3),and nitric oxide synthase 1(NOS1).MCODE-based modular analysis further elucidated three functionally coherent clusters:inflammation-homeostasis(score=6.571),plasticity-neurotransmission(score=3.143),and oxidative stress(score=3.000).GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated significant enrichment of the MAPK,phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt),and hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF)-1 signaling pathways.These mechanistic insights suggested that the antidepressant effects mediated through mechanisms of neuroinflammatory regulation,neuroplasticity restoration,and immune-oxidative stress homeostasis.Conclusion This study reveals that acupuncture alleviates depression through a multi-level mechanism,primarily involving the neuroinflammation suppression,neuroplasticity enhancement,and oxidative stress regulation.These findings systematically clarify the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture’s antidepressant effects and identify novel therapeutic targets for further mechanistic research.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of different acupuncture frequencies on the abstinence rate which could be used as a reference for optimizing acupuncture cessation programs.METHODS:From July 2018 to June 2022,a total ...OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of different acupuncture frequencies on the abstinence rate which could be used as a reference for optimizing acupuncture cessation programs.METHODS:From July 2018 to June 2022,a total of 220 smokers were recruited based on inclusion criteria and randomly divided into the high-frequency acupuncture group(HF group,n=110):5 times a week from the 1st to the 4th week,from weeks 5 to 8,three times a week and the low-frequency acupuncture group(LF group,n=110):3 times a week from the 1st to the 4th week,from weeks 5 to 8,twice a week,then treated for 8 weeks and followup at 1 month in Beijing.RESULTS:In total,162 subjects completed the whole study with a drop-out rate of 20.45%.The expiratory CO point abstinence rate was HF group 53/110(48.18%)vs LF group 41/110(37.27%)in Week 8(P=0.102)and HF group 46/110(41.82%)vs LF group 45/110(40.91%)in Week 12(P=0.891)and the HF acupuncture and LF acupuncture were nearly equal in the 8-week abstinence rate.In addition,both HF and LF acupuncture significantly reduced Fagerstr?m test for nicotine dependence scale(FTND)scores(P<0.05),Minnesota nicotine withdrawal scale(MNWS)scores(P<0.05),and Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges scale(QSU-Brief)scores(P<0.05),but HF acupuncture showed some superiority over LF acupuncture in relieving patients'smoking cravings(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:The study initially showed that both high-frequency acupuncture and low-frequency acupuncture treatment were safe and effective on smoking cessation for 8 weeks,but high-frequency acupuncture was advantageous in reducing smoking cravings.More accurate acupuncture frequency needs to be validated through larger clinical studies to optimize acupuncture smoking cessation programs.展开更多
Objective Previous studies indicated a close correlation between manual acupuncture(MA)analgesia and the mobilization of extracellular adenosine triphosphate(ATP)at the acupoints.This study attempted to investigate wh...Objective Previous studies indicated a close correlation between manual acupuncture(MA)analgesia and the mobilization of extracellular adenosine triphosphate(ATP)at the acupoints.This study attempted to investigate whether this relationship is altered with the manipulation patterns of MA.Additionally,we further testified whether these two events parallelly varied with different frequencies of electroacupuncture(EA).Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups:blank group,model group,MA group,and EA group.MA group was further divided into four sub-groups:standard MA,sham MA,lifting-thrusting MA,and shallow MA.Similarly,EA group was categorized based on current frequency into 2 Hz,2–100 Hz,100 Hz,and ARL67156+100 Hz sub-groups.For the behavioral tests,each group comprised 4–8 rats;for extracellular ATP assessment,each group consisted of 3–6 rats.Complete Freund’s adjuvant(CFA)was injected into the left ankle joint cavity to create an acute adjuvant arthritis(AA)model.A 20-minute session of either MA at left Zusanli(ST36)or EA at bilateral ST36 was administered on AA rats.Thermal hyperalgesia of the hind paw was determined.Extracellular ATP in the interstitial space at ST36(inters.ATP)was extracted using microdialysis and quantified via a luciferase-luciferin assay.Results Modeling induced tenderness at ST36(P<0.001)and higher ATP mobilization(P<0.05)in response to MA.Both standard MA(P<0.001)and lifting-thrusting manipulation(P<0.001)exhibited a remarkable analgesic effect,which was not observed with sham MA,deep insertion plus retention.Verum MA(P<0.001)rather than sham intervention,significantly elevated inters.ATP levels.Notably,shallow MA,penetrating the skin layer and needling with twirling-rotating,demonstrated analgesia and increasing inters.ATP level(P<0.05).Regarding EA,treatments at frequencies of 2 Hz(P<0.01),2–100 Hz(P<0.05),and 100 Hz(P<0.05)significantly alleviated pain.Only the 2–100 Hz(P<0.05)and 100 Hz(P<0.01)interventions,particularly in the latter,potentiated ATP mobilization.Preventing ATP hydrolysis dampened the analgesic effects of the standard MA and 100 Hz EA.Conclusion There is a general correlation between ATP mobilization at the acupoint and the analgesic effect of MA and EA.However,the underlying mechanisms related to shallow MA and 2 Hz EA remain to be elucidated.展开更多
文摘The Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science,a peerreview journal with an international scope(ISSN 1672-3597,CN 31-1908/R,Bimonthly),is indexed in Emerging Sources Citation Index(ESCI),Western Pacific Region Index Medicus(WPRIM),Springer-Verlag GmbH Database,Index of Copernicus(IC),Chemical Abstracts(CA),Chinese Science Citation Database(CSCD),and Chinese Scientific and Technical Papers and Citations Database(CSTPCD).You can search the text on https://link.springer.com/journal/11726.
基金supported by the Research Cultivation Project of Beijing Municipal Hospital(北京市属医院科研培育课题,No.PZ2022015).
文摘Objective:To observe the efficacy of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese herbs in the treatment of poststroke vascular dementia(VD)and the effects on serum interleukin(IL)-6 and superoxide dismutase(SOD).Methods:A total of 240 patients with poststroke VD were selected and randomly divided into two groups according to the random number table method,with 120 cases in each group.Both groups received Hua Tan Tong Luo(phlegmresolving and collateral-activating)formula,once daily;the observation group was additionally treated with Yi Shen Tiao Du(kidney-tonifying and Governor Vessel-regulating)acupuncture once daily for 6 consecutive days,followed by 1 d of rest.Both groups were treated for 15 d as one course,for a total of 2 courses.After treatment,the total effective rate was compared.Changes in scores of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptoms,clinical dementia rating(CDR),National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS),and Chinese version of mini-mental state examination(MMSE),and serum levels of IL-6 and SOD were observed in both groups.Results:The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,TCM symptom,CDR,and NIHSS scores,and serum IL-6 levels in both groups were lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),while MMSE scores and serum SOD levels were higher than those before treatment(P<0.05).After treatment,the observation group showed lower TCM symptom,CDR,and NIHSS scores,and serum IL-6 levels than the control group(P<0.05),and higher MMSE scores and serum SOD levels than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Compared to Hua Tan Tong Luo formula alone,Yi Shen Tiao Du acupuncture combined with Hua Tan Tong Luo formula demonstrates better efficacy in reducing dementia severity,improving cognitive and neurological function,and inhibiting inflammation in patients with poststroke VD.
基金supported by the Science and Technology Research and Development Program Project of Qinhuangdao(秦皇岛市科学技术研究与发展计划项目,No.202301A067).
文摘Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion plus traditional Chinese herbs in treating depression after ischemic stroke and its effects on monoamine neurotransmitter levels.Methods:A total of 80 patients with depression after ischemic stroke were divided into a control group and an observation group using the random number table method,with 40 cases in each group.The two groups were treated with Wen Yang Jie Yu Tang(decoction for warming Yang and relieving depression).The observation group was treated with additional acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.The therapeutic effect was evaluated after 4 weeks of treatment.The traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)main symptoms and depression symptoms were scored before and after 4 weeks of treatment.Neurological function was assessed using the National Institutes of Health stroke scale(NIHSS),depressive symptoms were evaluated by the 17-item Hamilton depression scale(HAMD-17),and sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI).Meanwhile,the serum levels of monoamine neurotransmitters,including 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),noradrenaline(NE),and dopamine(DA),were measured.The incidence of adverse reactions during treatment was compared between the two groups.Results:The total effective rates in improving depression symptoms and TCM main symptoms in the observation group were both higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).After treatment,the scores of each TCM main symptom,NIHSS,HAMD-17,and PSQI in both groups were all lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).After 4 weeks of treatment,the serum levels of 5-HT,NE,and DA in both groups were all higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the serum levels in the observation group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).During the treatment period,there was no statistical difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion plus traditional Chinese herbs has significant efficacy in treating depression after ischemic stroke;it can effectively relieve the symptoms,improve neurological function and sleep quality,increase monoamine neurotransmitter levels,and has high safety.
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.
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Objective:To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription on the rehabilitation of cervical radiculopathy(CR).Methods:A total of 159 patients diagnosed with CR were enrolled in a prospective study.They were randomly divided into an acupuncture group,an exercise group,and a combined group using the random number table method,with 53 cases in each group.All three groups received routine Western rehabilitation training.In addition,the acupuncture group was treated with“Si Tian Xue”[four points with“Tian”in their names,including Tianyou(TE16),Tianchuang(SI16),Tianrong(SI17),and Tianding(LI17)]acupuncture.The exercise group practiced according to the Thirteenposture Tai Chi exercise prescription.The combined group received“Si Tian Xue”acupuncture combined with the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription.All interventions lasted for 12 weeks in three groups.The neck disability index(NDI)and visual analog scale(VAS)scores were compared among the three groups before treatment and after 6 and 12 weeks of treatment.Before treatment and after 12-week treatment,the range of motion(ROM)of cervical in left rotation,right rotation,extension,and flexion,as well as the mean power frequency(MPF)of surface electromyography(sEMG)signals of the erector spinae and trapezius,the average blood flow velocity of the vertebral and basilar arteries,and the short-form 36-item health survey(SF-36)score was compared among the three groups.Results:After 6 and 12 weeks of treatment,the NDI and VAS scores of the three groups were significantly lower than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the NDI and VAS scores of the combined group were significantly lower than those of the acupuncture group and the exercise group at the same time points(P<0.05).After treatment,the cervical ROM in left rotation,right rotation,extension,and flexion in the three groups was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the combined group was significantly higher than the acupuncture group and the exercise group(P<0.05).After treatment,the MPF of the erector spinae and trapezius and the average blood flow velocity of the vertebral and basilar arteries in the three groups were significantly higher than those before treatment(P<0.05),and the combined group was significantly higher than the acupuncture group and the exercise group(P<0.05).After treatment,the SF-36 score of the three groups was significantly higher than that before treatment(P<0.05),and it was significantly higher in the combined group than in the acupuncture group and the exercise group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Compared to“Si Tian Xue”acupuncture or the Thirteen-posture Tai Chi exercise prescription alone,the combination of the two can more effectively improve cervical function and microcirculation,relieve pain,and improve the quality of life in patients with CR.
基金Supported by The National Natural Science Foundation,Youth Science Fund Project,No.82305376The Youth Talent Support Project of the China Acupuncture and Moxibustion Association,No.2024-2026ZGZJXH-QNRC005+3 种基金The 2024 Jiangsu Province Youth Science and Technology Talent Support Project,No.JSTJ-2024-3802025 Jiangsu Provincial Science and Technology Think Tank Program Project,No.JSKX0125035The National College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program,No.202410315020ZProvincial Undergraduate Innovation Training Program,No.202410315149Y.
文摘Diabetes is a major global metabolic disorder,with the type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)population in China expected to reach 168 million by 2050.Electroacupuncture(EA)and auricular acupuncture represent safe,accessible,and multitargeted strategies for glycemic control with strong translational potential.Clinical studies indicate that EA,targeting trunk and limb acupoints,can significantly reduce fasting plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin.Mechanistically,EA modulates the neuro-endocrine-immune axis,regulates gut microbiota,and activates insulin signaling pathways.Auricular acupuncture,through vagal innervation,may also exert rapid effects on glucose homeostasis via autonomic modulation.The review’s objective is to synthesize and critically evaluate current clinical trials and animal studies on EA and auricular acupuncture for glycemic control in diabetes,particularly T2DM,and to highlight translational implications,mechanistic insights,and evidence gaps.This review also emphasizes translational considerations by highlighting species differences between rodents and humans-an underappreciated yet critical factor influencing the clinical applicability of preclinical findings.Through the integration of recent research advances,the present review not only consolidates clinical and preclinical evidence but also advances a deeper mechanistic framework and underscores the importance of species-specific factors in bridging experimental research and patient care.Future progress requires rigorously designed,adequately powered,multicenter randomized controlled trials with standardized protocols to validate efficacy and define their role in precision diabetes management.
基金financed by the grant from major bidding project of National Social Science Foundation of China Major Historical Issues Research Project of Chinese Academy of History in 2024(No.24VLS013).
文摘The creation of a national unified textbook on acupuncture was a critical effort by China to standardize traditional Chinese medicine.In the early People’s Republic of China,the development of acupuncture textbooks followed a complex trajectory.It began with Zhu Lian’s(朱琏)Xin Zhen Jiu Xue(《新针灸学》New Acupuncture and Moxibustion),extending the Yan’an(延安)tradition,and moved to Zhen Jiu Xue(《针灸学》Acupuncture and Moxibustion,1957),a localized effort from the Jiangsu Provincial Chinese Medicine School.This culminated in the national Zhen Jiu Xue Jiang Yi(《针灸学讲义》Lectures on Acupuncture and Moxibustion).This process reflects a shift from regional teaching to a standardized national model,as well as a pedagogical transformation from a scientific approach to a return to classical sources.The textbook centers on Bian Zheng Lun Zhi(辨证论治treatment based on pattern differentiation),blending systematic,scientific,and practical elements,and represents the era’s fusion of Chinese and Western medicine,helping to shape a modern acupuncture framework.
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Identifying key acupuncture elements is essential for optimizing sham acupuncture controls.Based on the characteristics and current state of acupuncture therapy,this paper categorizes key acupuncture elements into types and contents.Taking the former as a clue,it examines the current understanding of key acupuncture elements and underscores the need for further refinement to ensure that sham acupuncture controls more closely approximate physiological inertness.Additionally,it explores strategies and methodologies for advancing the understanding of key acupuncture elements from both the type and content perspectives.Key acupuncture elements should expand the number of included element types.Elements such as acupuncture needles,point selection,point combination,needle insertion,needle manipulation,and needle withdrawal should all be included,and they should be reported in a standardized manner in the trials.Regarding element content,improvements should be made in three key areas to enhance selection accuracy:1.Strengthening the comprehensiveness of relevant theoretical frameworks.2.Emphasizing the role of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM)diagnosis and acupoint palpation methods in trial application and reporting.3.Continuously investigating the mechanisms underlying both the specific efficacy and the placebo efficacy of acupuncture.
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 the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea government(MSIT)(No.NRF-2020R1C1C1004107)。
文摘Acupuncture,a therapeutic practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and integrated with modern neuroscience,achieves its effects by stimulating sensory nerves at specific anatomical points known as acupoints.This review systematically explores the therapeutic components of acupuncture,emphasizing the interplay between sensory nerve characteristics and neural signaling pathways.Key factors such as acupoint location,needling depth,stimulation intensity,retention time,and the induction of sensations(e.g.,Deqi)are analyzed for their roles in neural activation and clinical outcomes.The review highlights how variations in spinal segment targeting,tissue-specific receptor activation,and stimulation modalities(e.g.,manual acupuncture,electroacupuncture,moxibustion)influence therapeutic effects.Emerging evidence underscores the significance of ion channels,dermatomes,myotomes,and genespecific pathways in mediating systemic effects.Additionally,the differential roles of mechanical,thermal and nociceptive stimuli and the temporal dynamics of sensory and immune responses are addressed.While insights from animal models have advanced our understanding,their translation to clinical practice requires further investigation.This comprehensive review identifies critical parameters for optimizing acupuncture therapy,advocating for individualized treatment strategies informed by neuroanatomical and neurophysiological principles,ultimately enhancing its precision and efficacy in modern medicine.
基金Supported by Funding from the Jiangsu Provincial Science and Technology Plan Special Foundation,No.BE2022712The Special Research Project on The Development Plan of Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology in Jiangsu Province,No.ZT202120.
文摘BACKGROUND Acupuncture,an ancient practice,is gaining recognition as a complementary and alternative medicine,especially in assisted reproductive technology.It plays a crucial role in enhancing embryo transfer success rates.Research indicates that acupuncture can improve blood flow,increase endometrial receptivity regulate pressure,and affect neuroendocrine activities in the ovaries and uterus during embryo implantation,therefore improving pregnancy outcomes.AIM To highlight recent developments related to acupuncture's influence on embryo transfer and elucidating the precise mechanisms by which acupuncture influences embryo transfer.METHODS We searched database including PubMed,Cochrane Library up to September 2024 for relevant studies and patents to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on women undergoing in vitro fertilization(IVF).The experimental design included an intervention group using needling,and a control group consisting of no needling or sham needling.The main outcome is clinical pregnancy rate(CPR),while secondary includes live birth rate(LBR)and biochemical pregnancy rate(BPR).We examined the influence of adjunctive needling on pregnancy outcomes by analyzing variations in the main outcomes.RESULTS A total of 145 randomized controlled trials involving 27748 participants were analyzed.Data revealed that the overall CPR was significantly elevated in all acupuncture cohorts compared to the control group[relative risk(RR):1.21,95%CI:1.07-1.38,P=0.01].In contrast,the aggregated LBR did not exhibit a corresponding increase,and notable statistical heterogeneity was observed among the studies.Acupuncture-assisted frozen-thawed embryo transfer enhanced the BPR(RR:1.51,95%CI:1.21-1.89,P=0.03)and improved endometrial morphology(RR:1.41,95%CI:1.13-1.75,P=0.01).Furthermore,IVF outcomes were significantly superior in the acupuncture group when acupuncture was administered during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation(RR:1.71,95%CI:1.08-2.13,95%CI:1.08-4.21,P=0.03).CONCLUSION We find that acupuncture positively influences pregnancy rates in women receiving IVF treatment.Nonetheless,there are no established guidelines for optimal acupuncture protocols.Considering the methodological limitations identified in current research,there is a need for larger,methodologically rigorous studies.
基金the Study on the Mechanism of Action of Dutong and Tiaoshen Acupuncture in Improving Upper Limb Motor Function After Ischemic Stroke based on Functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy Technology(Science and Technology Program of Panyu,2022-Z04-107)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To take Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)targeting inflammatory response to regulate migraine as an example to describe a new method for studying the mechanism of stimulating acupoints.METHODS:The target information of Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)was retrieved,and after intersection with migraine,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG),Reactome,and Uni Prot Keywords were used for functional enrichment.After selecting the main pathway,rats were selected and nitroglycerin was used for modeling,and the behavioral scores,inflammatory factors,heme oxygenase 1(HMOX1),protein kinase B(AKT1),signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3),phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2(P-ERK1/ERK2)and other states of the rats in the acupuncture,twisting,and electroacupuncture groups were compared.RESULTS:A total of 135 Baihui(GV20)targets and 27 Fengchi(GB20)targets were collected.A total of 73 target information were obtained after the intersection of these targets in migraine.These 73 targets have three main pathways:hypoxia-inducible factor 1(HIF-1)signaling pathway,signaling by interleukins and inflammatory response.The main targets in the pathway were verified and found that interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β),interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)and HMOX1,AKT1,STAT3,P-ERK1/ERK2 can be regulated by Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20).CONCLUSION:Baihui(GV20)and Fengchi(GB20)can regulate migraine by regulating inflammatory factors and HMOX1,AKT1,STAT3,P-ERK1/ERK2 and other changes in HIF-1 signaling pathway,Signaling by Interleukins and Inflammatory response pathways.Based on systems biology and network pharmacology,and with the model of"acupoint-target-disease",explore the research methods of systematic acupuncture and moxibustion.We believe this is a usable research direction for exploring the mechanism of acupuncture stimulation.
文摘Sham acupuncture,as a control intervention in acupuncture studies,has been widely conducted to eval-uate the specific effect of acupuncture.However,there was no relevant particular reporting guideline,so the reporting quality of sham acupuncture was low,which could hinder the precise understanding and interpretation of details and implementation background of sham acupuncture by researchers.In order to standardize the reporting of sham acupuncture and improve its quality,SHam Acupuncture REporting guidelines and a checklist in clinical trials(SHARE)was developed by a research team from Beijing Univer-sity of Chinese Medicine.The SAHRE standardizes the reporting of sham acupuncture from 10 categories,including brief name,rationales,details of sham acupuncture,treatment regimen of sham acupuncture,the information informed or explained to patients,practitioner information,modifications of protocol,communication between practitioner and patient,practitioner adherence and blinding.This article elab-orates the development process and key content of SHARE in order to facilitate its application by re-searchers.
文摘Objective To identify core acupoint patterns and elucidate the molecular mechanisms of acupuncture for primary depressive disorder(PDD)through data mining and network analysis.Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed,Embase,Ovid Technologies(OVID),Web of Science,Cochrane Library,China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database(VIP),Wanfang Data,and SinoMed Database from database foundation to January 31,2025,for clinical studies on acupuncture treatment of PDD.Descriptive statistics,high-frequency acupoint analysis,degree and betweenness centrality evaluation,and core acupoint prescription mining identified predominant therapeutic combinations for PDD.Network acupuncture was used to predict therapeutic target for the core acupoint prescription.Subsequent protein-protein interaction(PPI)network and molecular complex detection(MCODE)analyses were conducted to identify the key targets and functional modules.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)analyses explored the underlying biological mechanisms of the core acupoint prescription in treating PDD.Results A total of 57 acupoint prescriptions underwent systematic analysis.The core therapeutic combinations comprised Baihui(GV20),Yintang(GV29),Neiguan(PC6),Hegu(LI4),and Shenmen(HT7).Network acupuncture analysis identified 88 potential therapeutic targets(79 overlapping with PDD),while PPI network analysis revealed central regulatory nodes,including interleukin(IL)-6,IL-1β,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,toll-like receptor 4(TLR4),IL-10,brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,C-XC motif chemokine ligand 10(CXCL10),mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3),and nitric oxide synthase 1(NOS1).MCODE-based modular analysis further elucidated three functionally coherent clusters:inflammation-homeostasis(score=6.571),plasticity-neurotransmission(score=3.143),and oxidative stress(score=3.000).GO and KEGG analyses demonstrated significant enrichment of the MAPK,phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt),and hypoxia-inducible factor(HIF)-1 signaling pathways.These mechanistic insights suggested that the antidepressant effects mediated through mechanisms of neuroinflammatory regulation,neuroplasticity restoration,and immune-oxidative stress homeostasis.Conclusion This study reveals that acupuncture alleviates depression through a multi-level mechanism,primarily involving the neuroinflammation suppression,neuroplasticity enhancement,and oxidative stress regulation.These findings systematically clarify the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture’s antidepressant effects and identify novel therapeutic targets for further mechanistic research.
基金the Fund of Science and Technology Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Project:Self-service Acupuncture Smoking Cessation Research and Development(No.CI2021A03506)Fund of Capital Health Development Special Research Project:Research on Development and Clinical Applicalion of Wrist Acupuncture Smoking Cessation Instrument(No.2022-1-4281)。
文摘OBJECTIVE:To observe the effect of different acupuncture frequencies on the abstinence rate which could be used as a reference for optimizing acupuncture cessation programs.METHODS:From July 2018 to June 2022,a total of 220 smokers were recruited based on inclusion criteria and randomly divided into the high-frequency acupuncture group(HF group,n=110):5 times a week from the 1st to the 4th week,from weeks 5 to 8,three times a week and the low-frequency acupuncture group(LF group,n=110):3 times a week from the 1st to the 4th week,from weeks 5 to 8,twice a week,then treated for 8 weeks and followup at 1 month in Beijing.RESULTS:In total,162 subjects completed the whole study with a drop-out rate of 20.45%.The expiratory CO point abstinence rate was HF group 53/110(48.18%)vs LF group 41/110(37.27%)in Week 8(P=0.102)and HF group 46/110(41.82%)vs LF group 45/110(40.91%)in Week 12(P=0.891)and the HF acupuncture and LF acupuncture were nearly equal in the 8-week abstinence rate.In addition,both HF and LF acupuncture significantly reduced Fagerstr?m test for nicotine dependence scale(FTND)scores(P<0.05),Minnesota nicotine withdrawal scale(MNWS)scores(P<0.05),and Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges scale(QSU-Brief)scores(P<0.05),but HF acupuncture showed some superiority over LF acupuncture in relieving patients'smoking cravings(P<0.05).CONCLUSIONS:The study initially showed that both high-frequency acupuncture and low-frequency acupuncture treatment were safe and effective on smoking cessation for 8 weeks,but high-frequency acupuncture was advantageous in reducing smoking cravings.More accurate acupuncture frequency needs to be validated through larger clinical studies to optimize acupuncture smoking cessation programs.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China:8247464082174488+1 种基金Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai:22ZR1461500Shanghai Key Laboratory for Acupuncture Mechanism and Acupoint Function:21DZ2271800。
文摘Objective Previous studies indicated a close correlation between manual acupuncture(MA)analgesia and the mobilization of extracellular adenosine triphosphate(ATP)at the acupoints.This study attempted to investigate whether this relationship is altered with the manipulation patterns of MA.Additionally,we further testified whether these two events parallelly varied with different frequencies of electroacupuncture(EA).Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into four groups:blank group,model group,MA group,and EA group.MA group was further divided into four sub-groups:standard MA,sham MA,lifting-thrusting MA,and shallow MA.Similarly,EA group was categorized based on current frequency into 2 Hz,2–100 Hz,100 Hz,and ARL67156+100 Hz sub-groups.For the behavioral tests,each group comprised 4–8 rats;for extracellular ATP assessment,each group consisted of 3–6 rats.Complete Freund’s adjuvant(CFA)was injected into the left ankle joint cavity to create an acute adjuvant arthritis(AA)model.A 20-minute session of either MA at left Zusanli(ST36)or EA at bilateral ST36 was administered on AA rats.Thermal hyperalgesia of the hind paw was determined.Extracellular ATP in the interstitial space at ST36(inters.ATP)was extracted using microdialysis and quantified via a luciferase-luciferin assay.Results Modeling induced tenderness at ST36(P<0.001)and higher ATP mobilization(P<0.05)in response to MA.Both standard MA(P<0.001)and lifting-thrusting manipulation(P<0.001)exhibited a remarkable analgesic effect,which was not observed with sham MA,deep insertion plus retention.Verum MA(P<0.001)rather than sham intervention,significantly elevated inters.ATP levels.Notably,shallow MA,penetrating the skin layer and needling with twirling-rotating,demonstrated analgesia and increasing inters.ATP level(P<0.05).Regarding EA,treatments at frequencies of 2 Hz(P<0.01),2–100 Hz(P<0.05),and 100 Hz(P<0.05)significantly alleviated pain.Only the 2–100 Hz(P<0.05)and 100 Hz(P<0.01)interventions,particularly in the latter,potentiated ATP mobilization.Preventing ATP hydrolysis dampened the analgesic effects of the standard MA and 100 Hz EA.Conclusion There is a general correlation between ATP mobilization at the acupoint and the analgesic effect of MA and EA.However,the underlying mechanisms related to shallow MA and 2 Hz EA remain to be elucidated.
