The meridians,nervous system,and circulatory system are important components of tra‐ditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine.The meridians have a high degree of consistency with the distribution of the nervous a...The meridians,nervous system,and circulatory system are important components of tra‐ditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine.The meridians have a high degree of consistency with the distribution of the nervous and circulatory systems in modern medi‐cine,and are closely related in the process of disease treatment.Therefore,people often confuse the three.Based on the great advantages of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of nervous system and circulatory system diseases,the author has made diver‐sified exploration on its relevance in terms of origin,physiological anatomy,physiological function and clinical application.It is believed that meridians have their relative indepen‐dence,and the nervous and circulatory systems cannot completely replace meridians.However,meridians are closely related to the nervous and circulatory systems,and in clinical practice,meridians can be combined with the nervous and circulatory systems to guide the treatment of diseases.展开更多
Objective To compare the clinical therapeutic effects on scapulohumeral periarthritis between kinetic acupuncture on the distal points of the affected meridians and shoulder three-needle therapy.Methods Fifty cases of...Objective To compare the clinical therapeutic effects on scapulohumeral periarthritis between kinetic acupuncture on the distal points of the affected meridians and shoulder three-needle therapy.Methods Fifty cases of scapulohumeral periarthritis were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,25 cases for each.The cases in observation group were treated with kinetic acupuncture on the distal points of the affected meridians.For example,the case of Hand-Taiyin type was treated with Yújì （鱼际 LU 10） and the case of Hand-Yangming type was treated with Hégǔ （合谷 LI 4）,etc.The cases in control group were treated with shoulder three-needle therapy,in which,Jiānqián （肩前 Extral）,Jiānyú （肩髃 LI 15） and Jiānliáo （肩髎 TE 14） were selected;7 days of treatment made one session,totally 2 sessions were required.Results In observation group,the curative rate based on ROM of shoulder joint was 72.0% （18/25）,which was superior to that of 40.0% （10/25） in control group （P0.05）.After treatment,the improvements of McGill SF-MPQ score,VAS and PPI in observation group were all superior to those in control group （all P0.05）.Conclusion The kinetic acupuncture on the distal points of the affected meridians is advantageous at analgesia and motor improvements of shoulder joint in treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis as compared with shoulder three-needle therapy.展开更多
Objective To compare differences in therapeutic effects between acupuncture accelerating qi-flow along meridians （AQF） and conventional acupuncture （CA） in treating periarthritis of shoulder to find better acupunc...Objective To compare differences in therapeutic effects between acupuncture accelerating qi-flow along meridians （AQF） and conventional acupuncture （CA） in treating periarthritis of shoulder to find better acupuncture methods. Methods Sixty-four patients were randomly divided into two groups： group AQF, and group CA with 32 cases in each group. Jiānyú （肩髃 LI 15）, Jiānliáo （肩髎 TE 14）, Jiānzhēn （肩贞 SI 9）, Bìnào （臂臑 LI 14）, Qūchí （曲池 LI 11） and Wàiguān （外关 TE 5） on the affected side were used in both groups, and the two acupuncture methods were respectively used in the two groups for consecutive 2 courses. Pain and moving functions of shoulder and ability in daily life （ADL） were used as indices for evaluating therapeutic effects. Results The total effective rate was 96.9% （31/32） and 81.3% （26/32） in group AQF and group CA, respectively, showing superiority of AQF to CA （P〈0.05）. Scores reflecting pain and moving functions of shoulder and ADL were all improved after treatment in both groups （all P〈0.05）, and the improvement in group AQF was more obvious than those in group CA （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion In treating periarthritis of shoulder, the acupuncture accelerating qi-flow along meridians was better than conventional acupuncture in alleviating pain of the shoulder, improving its moving function and elevating abilities in daily life.展开更多
The common acupoints and meridians for gynecology as well as their biophysical characteristics were summarized,the importance of biophysical characteristics for common meridians and acupoints were pointed out,some new...The common acupoints and meridians for gynecology as well as their biophysical characteristics were summarized,the importance of biophysical characteristics for common meridians and acupoints were pointed out,some new research fields for fundamental study on common acupoints in gynecology were put forward,such as proteomics,genomics,transcriptomics,and other fields,and further evidence support for large-sample randomized controlled trials were appealed.展开更多
OBJECTIVE:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture along fascia,meridians,and nerves combined with ultrasound-guided nerve blockage in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.METHODS:A total of 61 outpatients w...OBJECTIVE:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture along fascia,meridians,and nerves combined with ultrasound-guided nerve blockage in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.METHODS:A total of 61 outpatients with post-chest and back herpes zoster neuralgia were recruited in the Department of Pain at the Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from May 2019 to June 2021.They were randomly divided into two groups.Thirty-one patients in the control group were treated with ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral nerve block(PVB)alone,one patient declined to continue during treatment(n=30),and thirty patients in the observation group received the acupuncture along the fascia,meridians,and nerves combined with ultrasound-guided PVB treatment(n=30).Both control and observation group received treatment weekly for 4 weeks.The medical history data such as age,sex,presence or absence of comorbidities and disease course were analyzed.The visual analog scale(VAS)score was used to assess the pain degree of two groups at T0(before treatment),T1(1-time treatment ended),T2(2 times treatment ended),T3(3 times treatment ended),and T4(4 times treatment ended).The sleep state was examined by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)before and after the study.RESULTS:There was no significant difference in general conditions between the control group and the observation group(P>0.05).The VAS score in both control and observation group was decreased in a time-dependent manner after 1-4 weeks of treatment.There were no significant differences in VAS scores between the two groups after 1 or 2 weeks of treatment(P>0.05).After 3 and 4 weeks of treatment,the VAS score was significantly decreased in the observation group compared with that in the control group(P<0.001).In addition,the reduction in VAS score(after treatment-before treatment)between the two groups was statistically significant[D value:-1.53,95%CI(-2.32,0.74),P<0.001].Furthermore,the sleep state of patients in both groups markedly improved and much obvious in the observation group than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:These results suggest that a combination of acupuncture along fascia,meridians,and nerves with ultrasound-guided PVB treatment is more effective than ultrasound-guided PVB treatment alone.展开更多
The peripheral driver stimulating theory states that as a driver passes along a certain meridian during acupuncture; the driver provokes nerve sense devices along the meridian, resulting in the nerve impulse entering ...The peripheral driver stimulating theory states that as a driver passes along a certain meridian during acupuncture; the driver provokes nerve sense devices along the meridian, resulting in the nerve impulse entering the central nervous system. Accordingly, volunteers have reported propagated sensations along the meridians （PSM）. The present study was designed to utilize a cortical somatosensory-evoked potential （CSEP） topographic map for determining whether stimulation expansion occurs in somatosensory area I when sensation was provoked in individuals with obvious PSM. The sensation was blocked by mechanical compression, and the sensation was imitated in individuals without PSM. Results revealed a red, high-potential signal in the representative area of the lower limbs in individuals with obvious PSM symptoms when the Gall Bladder Meridian （GBM） sensation passed to the head and face. This representative area was near the middle line of the CSEP topographic map, and a red, high-potential signal, which jumps over the representative area of the upper limbs, also appeared in the representative face area, which was at the external region of the CSEP topographic map. However, in individuals exhibiting no PSM, only a red high-potential signal appeared in the representative lower limb area. When Hegu （LI 4） was stimulated in individuals without PSM, an obvious evoked response appeared only in the representative upper limb area. However, when Hegu was stimulated in individuals exhibiting PSM, the response area was larger in the representative upper limb area and extended to the representative face area. When Guangrning （GB 37） was stimulated in PSM individuals, the face representation response disappeared and was confined to a foot representation of the somatosensory area I when PSM was blocked by mechanical pressure. Results suggested that mechanical compression blocked PSM, and corresponding changes were exhibited in the CSEP topographic map. These results provide compelling evidence for the hypothesis that peripheral driver stimulation is the key element in producing PSM.展开更多
Objective To explore the relationship between connexin 43 and acupoints and meridians. Methods we detected one major skin gap junction connexin （connexin43, Cx43） in meridians and acupoints, and studied the expressi...Objective To explore the relationship between connexin 43 and acupoints and meridians. Methods we detected one major skin gap junction connexin （connexin43, Cx43） in meridians and acupoints, and studied the expression of Cx43 in Zusanli （足三里 ST 36） acupoints compared with control non-acupoint regions in rats after acupuncture treatments. The expression of Cx43 was detected by using immunohisto- chemistry, immunoblotting, and RT-PCR for Cx43 protein and mRNA level. Results The results showed much more abundant Cx43 expression in some cells in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of rat at ST 36 acupoints and bladder and kidney meridians than that of in the controls. The mRNA and protein levels of Cx43 in acupoints were significantly higher than those of in the control points in non-acupuncture groups and even more so after acupuncture treatments. Conclusion Our research implied that connexins and gap junctions could have a close relationship to acupoints and meridians, and gap junctional intercellular communication might play an important role in the effect of acupuncture.展开更多
Background:Continuous and porous low hydraulic resistance channels(LHRCs)are important structures of meridians in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).In this study,based on the previous research on LHRCs along meridian ...Background:Continuous and porous low hydraulic resistance channels(LHRCs)are important structures of meridians in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).In this study,based on the previous research on LHRCs along meridian paths(LHRCMs)in mini-pig,we aimed to detect the low hydraulic resistance point(LHRP)and display the LHRCMs in rats.Methods:A technique for measuring interstitial hydraulic resistance(Rh)in rats was established to detect and measure the Rh along the conception vessel(CV)in TCM,and Alcian Blue(AB)solution was injected into the LHRP along the CV.The interstitial fluid pressure(IFP)of the LHRP was measured before and after AB injection.Then,the distribution characteristics of the AB solution were investigated to explore the relationship between AB tracks and meridian paths in TCM.Results:The positions of the LHRPs coincided with the low impedance points(LIPs)of the rat skin along the CV.The Rh value along the CV(10.37,1.26,×10^(6)dyne s cm^(-5))was significantly lower than that in the non-meridian area(19.13±1.37,×10^(6)dyne s cm^(-5),P<0.01).After AB injection,the IFP of the LHRP was 2.52 mmHg,which was higher than that before AB injection.The AB tracks(ABT)along the CV,spleen meridian,and kidney meridian appeared in one or two directions,with single or multiple paths and uneven thickness and length.The appearance rate was 73.33%.Conclusions:LHRCMs existed not only in minipigs but also in rats.The LHRCMs could be observed after AB injection into the LHRP in the subcutaneous connective tissues of rats.展开更多
Objective:The objective of the study is to explore the effect of flapping‑meridians combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion in the treatment of upper limb dysfunction after stroke.Materials and Methods:This randomized,...Objective:The objective of the study is to explore the effect of flapping‑meridians combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion in the treatment of upper limb dysfunction after stroke.Materials and Methods:This randomized,single‑blind,controlled trial included 140 patients with stroke.According to the random number table,the patients were divided into four groups:the control group(receiving conventional nursing alone),the intervention group 1(receiving conventional nursing combined with flapping‑meridians),the intervention group 2(receiving conventional nursing combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion),and the intervention group 3(receiving conventional nursing,flapping‑meridians,and thunder‑fire moxibustion).All four groups were intervened 4 weeks,6 days a week.The outcome indicators(Fugl‑Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity and body mass index of shoulder abduction,elbow extension,and wrist flexion)were assessed at the beginning and the end of treatment.Results:The effect of the intervention group 3 was better than that of the intervention group 2,intervention group 1,and control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The flapping‑meridians combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion can significantly improve the upper limb motor function and muscle strength of stroke patients with hemiplegia,and its effect is better than that of single treatment.展开更多
Through study on articles of fMRI and acupuncture-moxibustion of the recent 10 years, application of fMRI on specificity studies of meridians and acupoints such as comparison of single acupoint, point group, various m...Through study on articles of fMRI and acupuncture-moxibustion of the recent 10 years, application of fMRI on specificity studies of meridians and acupoints such as comparison of single acupoint, point group, various manipulations, essence of needling sensation and indications of acupuncture, etc. were summarized. And it is held that the future study should be focused on the entire meridian. The principle of the relationship among meridians, the centre nerve and Zang-fu organs should be explored as well at a new level so as to promote the further studies on essence of meridian.展开更多
In recent years,with the change of rhythm and eating habits of the public,the number of patients with anorectal diseases has gradually increased,and postoperative urinary retention has also become more common.Urinary ...In recent years,with the change of rhythm and eating habits of the public,the number of patients with anorectal diseases has gradually increased,and postoperative urinary retention has also become more common.Urinary retention refers to the symptoms of anorectal diseases and is caused by improper urination and incompletion of urination due to surgical and pain causes that result in bladder and urine filling and are accompanied by lower abdominal distention and pain.In traditional Chinese medicine,acupuncture is simple and effective as a treatment.In this article,we focus on five meridians that pass through the lower abdomen Ren meridian,kidney meridian,spleen meridian,stomach meridian,and liver meridian,namely the"five meridians,"and study the mechanism of action so as to provide new therapeutic ideas for clinical acupuncture treatment of postoperative urinary retention of anorectal diseases.展开更多
Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases is an ancient guideline for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) clinicians which classified all diseases into six meridians.In Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases, many syndromes ar...Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases is an ancient guideline for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) clinicians which classified all diseases into six meridians.In Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases, many syndromes are enunciated in simple vocabularies without physiology and pathology, which is always criticized.It seems that a bridge is necessary for physiological and pathological understanding on Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases.In past decade, two definition of life in cell and in our body are presented respectively.In both definitions, energy conversion is the core pathways for all organisms which can be regarded as motion of qi.Moreover, metabolism of energy agents can be seen as yang while gene expression and stem cell proliferation & differentiation(SCPD) should be seen as yin in cell and in our body respectively.The both definitions also outline the physiology and pathology of six meridians in Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases, which can be unveiled as followings: taiyang meridian-elimination of energy and end metabolites;yangming meridian-acquiring energy agents;shaoyin meridian-the conversions of energy agents;taiyin meridian-new born somatic cell attending the metabolism of energy agents and then going to die;shaoyin meridian-storage and activity of stem cell;jueyin meridian-proliferation & differentiation of stem cell to produce somatic cell.These definitions will ignite new physiological and pathological understandings on Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases.展开更多
Forty-five cases of apoplexy were treated by electroacupuncture only at the points of Yin Meridians (i.e. the Hand- and Foot-Taiyin Meridians), and the other 30 cases as the controls were treated only at the points of...Forty-five cases of apoplexy were treated by electroacupuncture only at the points of Yin Meridians (i.e. the Hand- and Foot-Taiyin Meridians), and the other 30 cases as the controls were treated only at the points of Yang Meridians (i.e. the Hand- and Foot-Yangming Meridians). The total effective rate was 91.1% in the former and 86.7% in the latter, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups, indicating that acupuncture only at the points of Yin-Meridians is also an effective therapy for apoplexy.展开更多
According to the theory of "Hour-Prescription of Acupoints" of midnight-noon ebb-flow (Zi Wu Liu Zhu), clinically, acupuncture therapy based on differentiation of diseased meridians was summarised and used f...According to the theory of "Hour-Prescription of Acupoints" of midnight-noon ebb-flow (Zi Wu Liu Zhu), clinically, acupuncture therapy based on differentiation of diseased meridians was summarised and used for treatment of periodical diseases, with unique therapeutic effects. It is worthy to be popularized.展开更多
Objective:To stimulate tenderness points around knee joint in two metholds-corresponding acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians and anatomical structures,to compare the clinical efficacy of neddle knif...Objective:To stimulate tenderness points around knee joint in two metholds-corresponding acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians and anatomical structures,to compare the clinical efficacy of neddle knife of to cure early and middle stage knee osteoarthritis.Method:70 patients were randomly(Random Number Tables)divided into test group(acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians,n=35)and control group(anatomical structures,n=35),who were diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis.Observe the VAS(visual analogue scale),Lysholm,WOMAC(the Western Ontario and McMaster Unive rsities Osteoarthritis Index)and ROM(rang of motion)between two groups in first week,first month,third month after treatment.Recording the degree of improvement of knee joint’s pain,dysfunction and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rang of motion.Results:Within groups,the VAS,Lysholm,WOMAC and ROM were obviously different from pre-therapy scores in the third,sixth and twelfth week post-therapy(P<0.05).Between groups no significant difference were observed in the third week post-therapy about VAS,Lysholm,WOMAC scores(P>0.05).However,there were differences in the sixth,twelfth weeks post-therapy(P<0.05);compared with control group,the ROM of test group were difference in the third,sixth,twelfth weeks post-therapy(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical efficacy of stimulating corresponding acupoints tenderness points selected from recent regions along meridians to treat early and middle stage knee osteoarthritis was superior to anatomical structures,which can effectively relieve pain,dysfunction,symptoms of osteoarthritis of knee joint and rang of motion.展开更多
The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)was a newly discovered infectious respiratory disease and characterized by wide prevalence,high incidence rate and fast progress and dangerous,which belonged to the category of&qu...The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)was a newly discovered infectious respiratory disease and characterized by wide prevalence,high incidence rate and fast progress and dangerous,which belonged to the category of"cold-wet plague"in TCM.The onset of COVID-19 was caused by pestilence,which mingled with seasonal cold-dampness and invaded the human body when external defensive qi was weak and then leaded to the accumulation of Yang qi.Different from exogenous pathogenic factors transmitted from the external to the internal or followed the transmission law of Wei,Qi,Ying and Xue,the nature of pestilence belonged to the category of pathogenic fire,spreading as soon as possible,from the external to the internal and from the upper and lower part of triple energizer,even to every part.At the very beginning,the pestilence attacked from the Taiyang meridian into the Yangming meridian quickly,or straight into the three Yang meridian,which was called"triple-yang combination of diseases".Manifestations of fever,aversion to cold and pain of body were conformed to the exterior syndrome of Taiyang,as well as manifestations of fullness and discomfort in chest,vomiting and spitting and diarrhea were conformed to the syndrome of half-interior-half-exterior;And symptoms manifested as high fever,faint,and abdominal fullness and constipation were conformed to the syndrome of Yangming;But sometimes,there was cold-dampness surrounding the exterior at the beginning along with intense interior pathogenic fire.Or at the beginning,the exterior factors invaded into three Yin meridians quickly while have not been eliminated,which may lead to the syndrome of inner blocking causing collapse or Jue exhaustion.The most typical syndrome of COVID-19 was triple-yang combination of diseases,which was often seen in mild,moderate and part of severe cases.Hence"Qingfei Paidu Decoction"was prescribed especially for this kind of syndrome.Its accurate efficacy has been proved by that mild cases converting to severe cases in the mobile cabin hospital have been effectively restrained and thus the progression of the disease has blocked.Composition analysis showed that Mahuang decoction with Maxing Shigan decoction was to relieve exterior Taiyang syndrome,Xiaochaihu decoction was for harmonizing half-superficies and half-interior Shaoyang syndrome,and large dose of gypsum was used to clear interior heat of the Yangming meridian,and Shegan Mahuang decoction and Xiaoqinglong plus gypsum decoction was for lowering the adverse qi and resolving fluid,and Wuling San was for warming the triple energizer and transforming qi and draining water."Qingfei Paidu Decoction"was an syncretic innovation of classical prescriptions from Treatise on Febrile Diseases,which was not made up of herbs but multiple concordant prescriptions helping to get twice the result with half the effort,so that the"cold-wet plague"can be quickly discharged.展开更多
[Objectives]To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture on blepharospasm.[Methods]72 patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group with 36 cases in each group.In the treatment group,Shenmai,Z...[Objectives]To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture on blepharospasm.[Methods]72 patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group with 36 cases in each group.In the treatment group,Shenmai,Zhaohai,Fengchi,Taichong,Fuyang,Jiaoxin and Jingming were selected as the main acupoints,while in the control group,routine acupoints were selected.With 4 weeks as a course of treatment,the two groups were compared after a course of treatment.The clinical effect of primary blepharospasm,blepharospasm intensity and scores of Hamilton Depression Scale were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.[Results]After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups were significantly improved compared with that before treatment,the effective rate of the control group was 75.00%,the effective rate of the treatment group was 88.89%,indicating that the effective rate of control group was lower than that of the treatment group(P<0.05);after treatment,the degree of blepharospasm in both groups was significantly lower than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the treatment group had better effect in improving primary blepharospasm;the score of Hamilton depression scale in control group was lower than that in observation group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]The clinical curative effect of acupuncture at Yinqiao and Yangqiao meridians was better than that of conventional acupoints selected in relieving mild and moderate blepharospasm;it could definitely reduce the intensity of blepharospasm and relieve anxiety and depression of patients,so it is worthy of clinical promotion.展开更多
Biosystems are complex. Their physiology is well-controlled with various negative feedback signals and processes, it describes by opposite interfering effects which are characterized in the Eastern philosophy by Yin-Y...Biosystems are complex. Their physiology is well-controlled with various negative feedback signals and processes, it describes by opposite interfering effects which are characterized in the Eastern philosophy by Yin-Yang (Y-Y) pairs. Y-Y pairs could be described by the promoter-suppressor pairs in a wide range of physiologic signals creating the homeostasis of the complex system. This type of control appears as fluctuations from the average (mean) value of the signal. The mean carries an ineluctable fluctuation (called pink-noise or 1/f noise). All signals in homeostasis have equal entropy (SE = 1.8), which is the character of the complex equilibrium. The various controlling opposite signals (Y-Y) have different time-scales which change by aging. The processes with smaller time-scale are degraded by aging, but the pink-noise ensures that the deviations of the signals of the healthy homeostatic system remain constant. Meridians are connected to the general transport systems that combined the material and the information transport with the considerable transport networks, like blood, lymph, nerve, cell-junctions, mesenchymal “ground substance” cytoskeletons. The meridians in this meaning only virtual line averaged from multiple realized paths to connect two acupuncture points by the material, energy and information transport processes. The meridian network is designed by various coupling points (acupoints), which could be perturbed by actuating stimulus. Our objective is to describe the meridian system from complexity point of view.展开更多
Professor Li Ding studied his family knowledge of health preservation with Qigong(气功).And,in his early years,he consulted Mr.Jiang Weiqiao(蒋维乔)on this topic.This article explained the theory of meridian points re...Professor Li Ding studied his family knowledge of health preservation with Qigong(气功).And,in his early years,he consulted Mr.Jiang Weiqiao(蒋维乔)on this topic.This article explained the theory of meridian points related to Qigong’s theory,such as the location of the Dantian(丹田),the concepts of upper Dantian(上丹田)and lower Dantian(下丹田),the relation between the minor circulation(Xi ao Zhou Tian,小周天)and the conception/govemor vessels,as well as the relation between Yin/Yang heel vessels and Qigong.The article also collected one self-composed version health preservation,consisting of four parts ofwalking,sitting,lying,andnsing,which is fit for practical use.展开更多
Due to the limited cognition of meridian structure, the study of the essence of meridian phenomenon is faced with obstruction. This paper aims to expound on the multi-substantial structures of meridians and put forwar...Due to the limited cognition of meridian structure, the study of the essence of meridian phenomenon is faced with obstruction. This paper aims to expound on the multi-substantial structures of meridians and put forward hypothesis on multi-substantial structures of meridians based on embryology.展开更多
文摘The meridians,nervous system,and circulatory system are important components of tra‐ditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine.The meridians have a high degree of consistency with the distribution of the nervous and circulatory systems in modern medi‐cine,and are closely related in the process of disease treatment.Therefore,people often confuse the three.Based on the great advantages of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of nervous system and circulatory system diseases,the author has made diver‐sified exploration on its relevance in terms of origin,physiological anatomy,physiological function and clinical application.It is believed that meridians have their relative indepen‐dence,and the nervous and circulatory systems cannot completely replace meridians.However,meridians are closely related to the nervous and circulatory systems,and in clinical practice,meridians can be combined with the nervous and circulatory systems to guide the treatment of diseases.
文摘Objective To compare the clinical therapeutic effects on scapulohumeral periarthritis between kinetic acupuncture on the distal points of the affected meridians and shoulder three-needle therapy.Methods Fifty cases of scapulohumeral periarthritis were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group,25 cases for each.The cases in observation group were treated with kinetic acupuncture on the distal points of the affected meridians.For example,the case of Hand-Taiyin type was treated with Yújì （鱼际 LU 10） and the case of Hand-Yangming type was treated with Hégǔ （合谷 LI 4）,etc.The cases in control group were treated with shoulder three-needle therapy,in which,Jiānqián （肩前 Extral）,Jiānyú （肩髃 LI 15） and Jiānliáo （肩髎 TE 14） were selected;7 days of treatment made one session,totally 2 sessions were required.Results In observation group,the curative rate based on ROM of shoulder joint was 72.0% （18/25）,which was superior to that of 40.0% （10/25） in control group （P0.05）.After treatment,the improvements of McGill SF-MPQ score,VAS and PPI in observation group were all superior to those in control group （all P0.05）.Conclusion The kinetic acupuncture on the distal points of the affected meridians is advantageous at analgesia and motor improvements of shoulder joint in treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis as compared with shoulder three-needle therapy.
文摘Objective To compare differences in therapeutic effects between acupuncture accelerating qi-flow along meridians （AQF） and conventional acupuncture （CA） in treating periarthritis of shoulder to find better acupuncture methods. Methods Sixty-four patients were randomly divided into two groups： group AQF, and group CA with 32 cases in each group. Jiānyú （肩髃 LI 15）, Jiānliáo （肩髎 TE 14）, Jiānzhēn （肩贞 SI 9）, Bìnào （臂臑 LI 14）, Qūchí （曲池 LI 11） and Wàiguān （外关 TE 5） on the affected side were used in both groups, and the two acupuncture methods were respectively used in the two groups for consecutive 2 courses. Pain and moving functions of shoulder and ability in daily life （ADL） were used as indices for evaluating therapeutic effects. Results The total effective rate was 96.9% （31/32） and 81.3% （26/32） in group AQF and group CA, respectively, showing superiority of AQF to CA （P〈0.05）. Scores reflecting pain and moving functions of shoulder and ADL were all improved after treatment in both groups （all P〈0.05）, and the improvement in group AQF was more obvious than those in group CA （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion In treating periarthritis of shoulder, the acupuncture accelerating qi-flow along meridians was better than conventional acupuncture in alleviating pain of the shoulder, improving its moving function and elevating abilities in daily life.
文摘The common acupoints and meridians for gynecology as well as their biophysical characteristics were summarized,the importance of biophysical characteristics for common meridians and acupoints were pointed out,some new research fields for fundamental study on common acupoints in gynecology were put forward,such as proteomics,genomics,transcriptomics,and other fields,and further evidence support for large-sample randomized controlled trials were appealed.
文摘OBJECTIVE:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture along fascia,meridians,and nerves combined with ultrasound-guided nerve blockage in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia.METHODS:A total of 61 outpatients with post-chest and back herpes zoster neuralgia were recruited in the Department of Pain at the Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from May 2019 to June 2021.They were randomly divided into two groups.Thirty-one patients in the control group were treated with ultrasound-guided thoracic paravertebral nerve block(PVB)alone,one patient declined to continue during treatment(n=30),and thirty patients in the observation group received the acupuncture along the fascia,meridians,and nerves combined with ultrasound-guided PVB treatment(n=30).Both control and observation group received treatment weekly for 4 weeks.The medical history data such as age,sex,presence or absence of comorbidities and disease course were analyzed.The visual analog scale(VAS)score was used to assess the pain degree of two groups at T0(before treatment),T1(1-time treatment ended),T2(2 times treatment ended),T3(3 times treatment ended),and T4(4 times treatment ended).The sleep state was examined by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)before and after the study.RESULTS:There was no significant difference in general conditions between the control group and the observation group(P>0.05).The VAS score in both control and observation group was decreased in a time-dependent manner after 1-4 weeks of treatment.There were no significant differences in VAS scores between the two groups after 1 or 2 weeks of treatment(P>0.05).After 3 and 4 weeks of treatment,the VAS score was significantly decreased in the observation group compared with that in the control group(P<0.001).In addition,the reduction in VAS score(after treatment-before treatment)between the two groups was statistically significant[D value:-1.53,95%CI(-2.32,0.74),P<0.001].Furthermore,the sleep state of patients in both groups markedly improved and much obvious in the observation group than that in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:These results suggest that a combination of acupuncture along fascia,meridians,and nerves with ultrasound-guided PVB treatment is more effective than ultrasound-guided PVB treatment alone.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China, No.30973720the Science Research Foundation of Ministry of Health & United Fujian Provincial Health and Education Project for Tackling the Key Research of China, No.WKJ2005-2-004
文摘The peripheral driver stimulating theory states that as a driver passes along a certain meridian during acupuncture; the driver provokes nerve sense devices along the meridian, resulting in the nerve impulse entering the central nervous system. Accordingly, volunteers have reported propagated sensations along the meridians （PSM）. The present study was designed to utilize a cortical somatosensory-evoked potential （CSEP） topographic map for determining whether stimulation expansion occurs in somatosensory area I when sensation was provoked in individuals with obvious PSM. The sensation was blocked by mechanical compression, and the sensation was imitated in individuals without PSM. Results revealed a red, high-potential signal in the representative area of the lower limbs in individuals with obvious PSM symptoms when the Gall Bladder Meridian （GBM） sensation passed to the head and face. This representative area was near the middle line of the CSEP topographic map, and a red, high-potential signal, which jumps over the representative area of the upper limbs, also appeared in the representative face area, which was at the external region of the CSEP topographic map. However, in individuals exhibiting no PSM, only a red high-potential signal appeared in the representative lower limb area. When Hegu （LI 4） was stimulated in individuals without PSM, an obvious evoked response appeared only in the representative upper limb area. However, when Hegu was stimulated in individuals exhibiting PSM, the response area was larger in the representative upper limb area and extended to the representative face area. When Guangrning （GB 37） was stimulated in PSM individuals, the face representation response disappeared and was confined to a foot representation of the somatosensory area I when PSM was blocked by mechanical pressure. Results suggested that mechanical compression blocked PSM, and corresponding changes were exhibited in the CSEP topographic map. These results provide compelling evidence for the hypothesis that peripheral driver stimulation is the key element in producing PSM.
基金supported by grants from National Natural Science Foundation of China (No .90209009)National Basic Research Program(No .2006CB504502)~~
文摘Objective To explore the relationship between connexin 43 and acupoints and meridians. Methods we detected one major skin gap junction connexin （connexin43, Cx43） in meridians and acupoints, and studied the expression of Cx43 in Zusanli （足三里 ST 36） acupoints compared with control non-acupoint regions in rats after acupuncture treatments. The expression of Cx43 was detected by using immunohisto- chemistry, immunoblotting, and RT-PCR for Cx43 protein and mRNA level. Results The results showed much more abundant Cx43 expression in some cells in the skin and subcutaneous tissue of rat at ST 36 acupoints and bladder and kidney meridians than that of in the controls. The mRNA and protein levels of Cx43 in acupoints were significantly higher than those of in the control points in non-acupuncture groups and even more so after acupuncture treatments. Conclusion Our research implied that connexins and gap junctions could have a close relationship to acupoints and meridians, and gap junctional intercellular communication might play an important role in the effect of acupuncture.
基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Public Welfare Research Institutes:ZZ 20191606National Natural Science Foundation of China:82050006。
文摘Background:Continuous and porous low hydraulic resistance channels(LHRCs)are important structures of meridians in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).In this study,based on the previous research on LHRCs along meridian paths(LHRCMs)in mini-pig,we aimed to detect the low hydraulic resistance point(LHRP)and display the LHRCMs in rats.Methods:A technique for measuring interstitial hydraulic resistance(Rh)in rats was established to detect and measure the Rh along the conception vessel(CV)in TCM,and Alcian Blue(AB)solution was injected into the LHRP along the CV.The interstitial fluid pressure(IFP)of the LHRP was measured before and after AB injection.Then,the distribution characteristics of the AB solution were investigated to explore the relationship between AB tracks and meridian paths in TCM.Results:The positions of the LHRPs coincided with the low impedance points(LIPs)of the rat skin along the CV.The Rh value along the CV(10.37,1.26,×10^(6)dyne s cm^(-5))was significantly lower than that in the non-meridian area(19.13±1.37,×10^(6)dyne s cm^(-5),P<0.01).After AB injection,the IFP of the LHRP was 2.52 mmHg,which was higher than that before AB injection.The AB tracks(ABT)along the CV,spleen meridian,and kidney meridian appeared in one or two directions,with single or multiple paths and uneven thickness and length.The appearance rate was 73.33%.Conclusions:LHRCMs existed not only in minipigs but also in rats.The LHRCMs could be observed after AB injection into the LHRP in the subcutaneous connective tissues of rats.
基金This study was supported by Medical Innovation Project of Health and Family Planning Scientific Research Personnel Training Project in Fujian Province in 2018(No.:2018‑CX‑46).
文摘Objective:The objective of the study is to explore the effect of flapping‑meridians combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion in the treatment of upper limb dysfunction after stroke.Materials and Methods:This randomized,single‑blind,controlled trial included 140 patients with stroke.According to the random number table,the patients were divided into four groups:the control group(receiving conventional nursing alone),the intervention group 1(receiving conventional nursing combined with flapping‑meridians),the intervention group 2(receiving conventional nursing combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion),and the intervention group 3(receiving conventional nursing,flapping‑meridians,and thunder‑fire moxibustion).All four groups were intervened 4 weeks,6 days a week.The outcome indicators(Fugl‑Meyer Assessment of the upper extremity and body mass index of shoulder abduction,elbow extension,and wrist flexion)were assessed at the beginning and the end of treatment.Results:The effect of the intervention group 3 was better than that of the intervention group 2,intervention group 1,and control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The flapping‑meridians combined with thunder‑fire moxibustion can significantly improve the upper limb motor function and muscle strength of stroke patients with hemiplegia,and its effect is better than that of single treatment.
文摘Through study on articles of fMRI and acupuncture-moxibustion of the recent 10 years, application of fMRI on specificity studies of meridians and acupoints such as comparison of single acupoint, point group, various manipulations, essence of needling sensation and indications of acupuncture, etc. were summarized. And it is held that the future study should be focused on the entire meridian. The principle of the relationship among meridians, the centre nerve and Zang-fu organs should be explored as well at a new level so as to promote the further studies on essence of meridian.
文摘In recent years,with the change of rhythm and eating habits of the public,the number of patients with anorectal diseases has gradually increased,and postoperative urinary retention has also become more common.Urinary retention refers to the symptoms of anorectal diseases and is caused by improper urination and incompletion of urination due to surgical and pain causes that result in bladder and urine filling and are accompanied by lower abdominal distention and pain.In traditional Chinese medicine,acupuncture is simple and effective as a treatment.In this article,we focus on five meridians that pass through the lower abdomen Ren meridian,kidney meridian,spleen meridian,stomach meridian,and liver meridian,namely the"five meridians,"and study the mechanism of action so as to provide new therapeutic ideas for clinical acupuncture treatment of postoperative urinary retention of anorectal diseases.
基金Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China(LY19H190004)
文摘Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases is an ancient guideline for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) clinicians which classified all diseases into six meridians.In Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases, many syndromes are enunciated in simple vocabularies without physiology and pathology, which is always criticized.It seems that a bridge is necessary for physiological and pathological understanding on Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases.In past decade, two definition of life in cell and in our body are presented respectively.In both definitions, energy conversion is the core pathways for all organisms which can be regarded as motion of qi.Moreover, metabolism of energy agents can be seen as yang while gene expression and stem cell proliferation & differentiation(SCPD) should be seen as yin in cell and in our body respectively.The both definitions also outline the physiology and pathology of six meridians in Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases, which can be unveiled as followings: taiyang meridian-elimination of energy and end metabolites;yangming meridian-acquiring energy agents;shaoyin meridian-the conversions of energy agents;taiyin meridian-new born somatic cell attending the metabolism of energy agents and then going to die;shaoyin meridian-storage and activity of stem cell;jueyin meridian-proliferation & differentiation of stem cell to produce somatic cell.These definitions will ignite new physiological and pathological understandings on Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases.
文摘Forty-five cases of apoplexy were treated by electroacupuncture only at the points of Yin Meridians (i.e. the Hand- and Foot-Taiyin Meridians), and the other 30 cases as the controls were treated only at the points of Yang Meridians (i.e. the Hand- and Foot-Yangming Meridians). The total effective rate was 91.1% in the former and 86.7% in the latter, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups, indicating that acupuncture only at the points of Yin-Meridians is also an effective therapy for apoplexy.
文摘According to the theory of "Hour-Prescription of Acupoints" of midnight-noon ebb-flow (Zi Wu Liu Zhu), clinically, acupuncture therapy based on differentiation of diseased meridians was summarised and used for treatment of periodical diseases, with unique therapeutic effects. It is worthy to be popularized.
基金Key Program of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2020-JYBZDGG-142-5)。
文摘Objective:To stimulate tenderness points around knee joint in two metholds-corresponding acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians and anatomical structures,to compare the clinical efficacy of neddle knife of to cure early and middle stage knee osteoarthritis.Method:70 patients were randomly(Random Number Tables)divided into test group(acupoints selected from recent regions along meridians,n=35)and control group(anatomical structures,n=35),who were diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis.Observe the VAS(visual analogue scale),Lysholm,WOMAC(the Western Ontario and McMaster Unive rsities Osteoarthritis Index)and ROM(rang of motion)between two groups in first week,first month,third month after treatment.Recording the degree of improvement of knee joint’s pain,dysfunction and symptoms of osteoarthritis and rang of motion.Results:Within groups,the VAS,Lysholm,WOMAC and ROM were obviously different from pre-therapy scores in the third,sixth and twelfth week post-therapy(P<0.05).Between groups no significant difference were observed in the third week post-therapy about VAS,Lysholm,WOMAC scores(P>0.05).However,there were differences in the sixth,twelfth weeks post-therapy(P<0.05);compared with control group,the ROM of test group were difference in the third,sixth,twelfth weeks post-therapy(P<0.05).Conclusion:The clinical efficacy of stimulating corresponding acupoints tenderness points selected from recent regions along meridians to treat early and middle stage knee osteoarthritis was superior to anatomical structures,which can effectively relieve pain,dysfunction,symptoms of osteoarthritis of knee joint and rang of motion.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81473592)Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine graduate student“JuJing Cup”academic research and innovation project(No.FK201922).
文摘The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)was a newly discovered infectious respiratory disease and characterized by wide prevalence,high incidence rate and fast progress and dangerous,which belonged to the category of"cold-wet plague"in TCM.The onset of COVID-19 was caused by pestilence,which mingled with seasonal cold-dampness and invaded the human body when external defensive qi was weak and then leaded to the accumulation of Yang qi.Different from exogenous pathogenic factors transmitted from the external to the internal or followed the transmission law of Wei,Qi,Ying and Xue,the nature of pestilence belonged to the category of pathogenic fire,spreading as soon as possible,from the external to the internal and from the upper and lower part of triple energizer,even to every part.At the very beginning,the pestilence attacked from the Taiyang meridian into the Yangming meridian quickly,or straight into the three Yang meridian,which was called"triple-yang combination of diseases".Manifestations of fever,aversion to cold and pain of body were conformed to the exterior syndrome of Taiyang,as well as manifestations of fullness and discomfort in chest,vomiting and spitting and diarrhea were conformed to the syndrome of half-interior-half-exterior;And symptoms manifested as high fever,faint,and abdominal fullness and constipation were conformed to the syndrome of Yangming;But sometimes,there was cold-dampness surrounding the exterior at the beginning along with intense interior pathogenic fire.Or at the beginning,the exterior factors invaded into three Yin meridians quickly while have not been eliminated,which may lead to the syndrome of inner blocking causing collapse or Jue exhaustion.The most typical syndrome of COVID-19 was triple-yang combination of diseases,which was often seen in mild,moderate and part of severe cases.Hence"Qingfei Paidu Decoction"was prescribed especially for this kind of syndrome.Its accurate efficacy has been proved by that mild cases converting to severe cases in the mobile cabin hospital have been effectively restrained and thus the progression of the disease has blocked.Composition analysis showed that Mahuang decoction with Maxing Shigan decoction was to relieve exterior Taiyang syndrome,Xiaochaihu decoction was for harmonizing half-superficies and half-interior Shaoyang syndrome,and large dose of gypsum was used to clear interior heat of the Yangming meridian,and Shegan Mahuang decoction and Xiaoqinglong plus gypsum decoction was for lowering the adverse qi and resolving fluid,and Wuling San was for warming the triple energizer and transforming qi and draining water."Qingfei Paidu Decoction"was an syncretic innovation of classical prescriptions from Treatise on Febrile Diseases,which was not made up of herbs but multiple concordant prescriptions helping to get twice the result with half the effort,so that the"cold-wet plague"can be quickly discharged.
文摘[Objectives]To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture on blepharospasm.[Methods]72 patients were randomly divided into treatment group and control group with 36 cases in each group.In the treatment group,Shenmai,Zhaohai,Fengchi,Taichong,Fuyang,Jiaoxin and Jingming were selected as the main acupoints,while in the control group,routine acupoints were selected.With 4 weeks as a course of treatment,the two groups were compared after a course of treatment.The clinical effect of primary blepharospasm,blepharospasm intensity and scores of Hamilton Depression Scale were compared between the two groups before and after treatment.[Results]After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups were significantly improved compared with that before treatment,the effective rate of the control group was 75.00%,the effective rate of the treatment group was 88.89%,indicating that the effective rate of control group was lower than that of the treatment group(P<0.05);after treatment,the degree of blepharospasm in both groups was significantly lower than that before treatment(P<0.05),and the treatment group had better effect in improving primary blepharospasm;the score of Hamilton depression scale in control group was lower than that in observation group(P<0.05).[Conclusions]The clinical curative effect of acupuncture at Yinqiao and Yangqiao meridians was better than that of conventional acupoints selected in relieving mild and moderate blepharospasm;it could definitely reduce the intensity of blepharospasm and relieve anxiety and depression of patients,so it is worthy of clinical promotion.
文摘Biosystems are complex. Their physiology is well-controlled with various negative feedback signals and processes, it describes by opposite interfering effects which are characterized in the Eastern philosophy by Yin-Yang (Y-Y) pairs. Y-Y pairs could be described by the promoter-suppressor pairs in a wide range of physiologic signals creating the homeostasis of the complex system. This type of control appears as fluctuations from the average (mean) value of the signal. The mean carries an ineluctable fluctuation (called pink-noise or 1/f noise). All signals in homeostasis have equal entropy (SE = 1.8), which is the character of the complex equilibrium. The various controlling opposite signals (Y-Y) have different time-scales which change by aging. The processes with smaller time-scale are degraded by aging, but the pink-noise ensures that the deviations of the signals of the healthy homeostatic system remain constant. Meridians are connected to the general transport systems that combined the material and the information transport with the considerable transport networks, like blood, lymph, nerve, cell-junctions, mesenchymal “ground substance” cytoskeletons. The meridians in this meaning only virtual line averaged from multiple realized paths to connect two acupuncture points by the material, energy and information transport processes. The meridian network is designed by various coupling points (acupoints), which could be perturbed by actuating stimulus. Our objective is to describe the meridian system from complexity point of view.
文摘Professor Li Ding studied his family knowledge of health preservation with Qigong(气功).And,in his early years,he consulted Mr.Jiang Weiqiao(蒋维乔)on this topic.This article explained the theory of meridian points related to Qigong’s theory,such as the location of the Dantian(丹田),the concepts of upper Dantian(上丹田)and lower Dantian(下丹田),the relation between the minor circulation(Xi ao Zhou Tian,小周天)and the conception/govemor vessels,as well as the relation between Yin/Yang heel vessels and Qigong.The article also collected one self-composed version health preservation,consisting of four parts ofwalking,sitting,lying,andnsing,which is fit for practical use.
文摘Due to the limited cognition of meridian structure, the study of the essence of meridian phenomenon is faced with obstruction. This paper aims to expound on the multi-substantial structures of meridians and put forward hypothesis on multi-substantial structures of meridians based on embryology.
