Acupuncture abstracts from Medline

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See acupuncture abstracts from Medline:

 

Burklein M, Banzer W. | Noninvasive Blood Flow Measurement over

Acupuncture Points (GB21): A Pilot Study. | J Altern Complement Med.

2007 Jan;13(1):33-8. | Institute of Sports Sciences, Dept of Sports

Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Univ, Frankfurt/Main, Germany. |

Objective: Noninvasive evaluation of the cutaneous (cBF) and

subcutaneous (sBF) blood flow over the AP point (AP) GB21 to assess a

characteristically increased microcirculation at AP. Background: AP show

several anatomic, histologic and physiologic peculiarities that indicate a

specifically elevated microcirculation. Nevertheless cBF and sBF over AP

have not yet been established by noninvasive measurements. The laser

Doppler spectroscope O2C(©) allows a direct and real-time detection of

the local cBF (depth: 1 mm) and sBF (depth: 8 mm) in vivo. Methods: In 28

subjects (41.1+/-9.8 years) the glass fiber probes of the O2C were placed

over GB21 and an adjacent asymptomatic reference point (RP) at the

Trapezius Muscle. The relative blood flow was measured over a period of 3

minutes in each case. Microcirculation comparisons over AP and RP were

made using multivariate analysis of variance. Results: The results showed

significantly higher sBF compared to cBF over GB21 (F = 89.95, p< 0.01)

and RP (F = 88.47, p< 0.01). A significantly higher microcirculation was

evaluated for all subjects over GB21 compared to RP (cBF: F = 7.35, p<

0.05; sBF: F = 8.56, p< 0.01). Conclusion: The employment of the O2C

permitted for the first time noninvasive evidence of a significantly increased

cBF and sBF over AP (GB21). This evaluation of an initial microcirculatory

state of AP should be determined for several AP and larger sampling sizes.

The results could be the basis for following controlled AP trials. Regarding a

close correlation of AP with myofascial trigger points (TP), further studies in

patients with myoskeletal pain could quantify noninvasively a decreased

perfusion in the area of TP that might indicate a pathologic condition. The

findings of this study encourage the implementation of the laser Doppler

spectroscope O2C as a reliable diagnostic tool for various pain syndromes

in prevention, therapy, and rehabilitation. | PMID: 17309375 [PubMed - in

process]

 

Chen W, Gu HW, Ma WP, Li QS, Yu Q, Liu XQ, Liu SH, Li WH, Liu HL, Dai

MT. | [Multicentral randomized controlled study on effects of acupuncture at

Zusanli (ST36) and Xuanzhong (GB39) on cerebrovascular function in the

patient of ischemic stroke] [Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006

Dec;26(12):851-3. | Hubei Higher Training School of TCM, Jingzhou

434020, China. wenxiao111 | OBJECTIVE: To explore effect of

AP at Zusanli (ST36) and Xuanzhong (GB39) on cerebrovascular function in

the patient of ischemic stroke. METHODS: Three central, single blind,

randomized controlled trial method was adopted, and 160 cases were

randomly divided into an AP group and a control group, 80 cases in each

group. The two groups were treated by routine treatment for ischemic stroke

with AP at Zusanli (ST36) and Xuanzhong (GB39) added in the AP group.

Changes of TCD cerebrovascular blood flow indexes before and after

treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, TCD indexes

significantly improved in the AP group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) with a significant

difference as compared with that in the control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: AP at Zusanli (ST36) and Xuanzhong (GB39) can

significantly improve cerebral vasomotoricity, cerebral blood flow auto-

regulative function, cerebral hemisphere collateral circulation comprehental

function in the patient of ischemic stroke. | Publication Types: English

Abstract PMID: 17313004 [PubMed - in process]

 

Everke H. | [Preliminary summarization of a new method, extrinsic shock

wave acupuncture and moxibustion] [Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhen

Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):893-5. | Ph. D Heinrich Everke Ambulatorium,

Germany. Dr.H.Everke | In medical field, extrinsic shock wave

is only used to crush KI stone to pieces. In recent years, a new instrument

has been produced, which outputs a more gentle extrinsic shock wave that

also can be used for treatment of pain excitation region in the muscular

system. This shock wave is called rectilinear ballistic extrinsic shock wave.

In 2002, the author designed an instrument, which could generate the

rectilinear ballistic extrinsic shock wave and was used at acupoints. The

author used the instrument for treatment of over 500 patients and proved

that the method had a better effect than that of simple AP and moxibustion

for many kinds of diseases. Extrinsic shock wave AP and moxibustion is

another method for stimulating acupoints, besides AP, moxibustion,

massage of acupoints, Electro-AP and Laser-AP. | Publication Types:

English Abstract PMID: 17313015 [PubMed - in process]

 

Fu ZH, Wang JH, Sun JH, Chen XY, Xu JG. | Fu's Subcutaneous Needling:

Possible Clinical Evidence of The Subcutaneous Connective Tissue in

Acupuncture. | J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jan;13(1):47-52. | Dept of

Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing Univ, Nanjing, China. | Objectives:

Recently it was reported that the loose connective tissue in the

subcutaneous layer responded rapidly to mechanical forces evoked by AP,

massage, and normal physical movements. However, there were no clinical

studies to substantiate these findings so far. Fu's Subcutaneous Needling

(FSN) is the innovative needling strategy acting specifically in the

subcutaneous layer. A single-blinded and randomized trial was designed to

compare the immediate effects of FSN with different needling directions on

myofascial trigger points (MTrP) in the neck. Design: For simplicity, we

chose two mutually perpendicular needle directions in this study. In one

group, the needle was along the local muscle fibers and pointed to the

MTrP (Along Group). In the other group, the needle was across the local

muscle fibers and also pointed to the MTrP (Across Group). Subjects: Forty-

seven (47) patients were randomly divided into two groups: the Along Group

(n = 22) and the Across Group (n = 25). There were no significant

differences with respect to age, duration of pain, and gender between the

two groups. Interventions: FSN needles were inserted and swayed in the

subcutaneous layer 200 times in 2 minutes. Results: Before and after FSN

treatment, patients were subjected to the assessment of the following three

parameters: motion-related pain, pain under pressure, and the range of

cervical movement. All three parameters were reduced after the FSN

intervention. There were no significant differences in variation of the three

parameters between the two groups. Conclusion: Immediate effects of FSN

on alleviating MTrP in the neck were not relevant to the needling directions.

| PMID: 17309377 [PubMed - in process]

 

Gao J, Fu W, Jin Z, Yu X. | Acupuncture pretreatment protects heart from

injury in rats with myocardial ischemia and reperfusion via inhibition of the

beta(1)-adrenoceptor signaling pathway. | Life Sci. 2007 Jan 20; [Epub

ahead of print] | Dept of Physiology, Institute of Acupuncture, China

Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, PR China. | Our previous study

showed that pretreatment with Electro-AP (EA) at bilateral Neiguan

acupoints (PC06) had a cardioprotective effect and propranolol diminished

the effect of EA; propranolol is a nonspecific antagonist of beta-

adrenoceptors (beta-ARs) which are the most powerful cardiac receptors,

indicating an involvement of beta-ARs. The present study explored further

the signalling mechanism underlying the cardioprotective effect of AP

pretreatment in rats subjected to myocardial ischemia and reperfusion

(MIR). Myocardial ischemia was achieved by ligating the left anterior

descending coronary artery and reperfusion by releasing the ligation. Adult

rats were divided into three groups, namely, a normal control (NC) group, a

group subjected to ischemia and reperfusion (IR) only, and a group given

EA before IR. For EA, bilateral Neiguan points (PC06) of the rats were

stimulated for 30 min once/day for 3 consecutive days. The ST segment of

ECG, the ratio of infarct size over risk zone, and the contents of beta(1)-

adrenoceptor (beta(1)-AR), Gsalpha protein and cAMP in ischemic

myocardium were compared among the three groups. IR increased the

elevation of ECG ST segment, myocardial infarct size, contents of beta(1)-

AR, Gsalpha protein and cAMP. EA pretreatment at bilateral Neiguan

acupoints attenuated these effects. The present results indicate that EA has

a cardioprotective effect against IR that may be mediated via the beta(1)-

AR-Gs-protein-cAMP pathway. | PMID: 17303176 [PubMed - as supplied by

publisher]

 

Gibson D, Bruton A, Lewith GT, Mullee M. | Effects of acupuncture as a

treatment for hyperventilation syndrome: a pilot, randomized crossover trial.

| J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jan;13(1):39-46. | Physiotherapy Dept,

Southampton Univ Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Southampton,

Southampton, UK., School of Health Professions and Rehabilitation

Sciences, Univ of Southampton, Southampton, UK. | Background:

Sustained and subtle hyperventilation can result in a wide variety of

symptoms, leading to a chronic condition that has been termed

hyperventilation syndrome (HVS). Treatment options include physiotherapy,

in the form of breathing retraining (BR), but additional approaches aim to

reduce the anxiety that is recognized as being a frequent component of this

condition. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether AP is

an appropriate treatment for HVS to reduce anxiety, and whether a

crossover trial is an appropriate study design to evaluate AP in this

condition. Design: A single-blind crossover trial was carried out comparing

the effects of 4 weeks (30 minutes twice weekly) AP and BR on patients

with HVS. Subjects: Ten (10) patients diagnosed with HVS were recruited to

the trial and randomized into two groups. Both groups received AP and BR

with a washout period of 1 week. Outcome measures: The primary outcome

measure used was the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale. Other

outcome measures used were the Nijmegen questionnaire and Medical

Research Council Dyspnea scale. Results: The results showed statistically

significant treatment differences between AP and breathing retraining, in

favor of AP. Reductions were found in the HAD A (anxiety) (p = 0.02) and

Nijmegen (symptoms) (p = 0.03) scores. There was no statistical evidence

of any carryover effects. However, when graphically examining individual

anxiety scores, in those who received AP first, there was a reduction in

anxiety levels which persisted through the washout period, suggesting that

there may have been some carryover effect from this treatment.

Conclusions: This study suggests that AP may be beneficial in the

management of HVS in terms of reducing anxiety levels and symptom

severity. However, there may be some carryover effect, after AP treatment,

which went undetected because the small sample size. This preliminary

study provides the basis for a larger, sufficiently powered and

methodologically sound trial. | PMID: 17309376 [PubMed - in process]

 

He QY, Zhang J. | [Professor ZHANG Ji's clinical experience] [Article in

Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):890-2. | College of

Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Univ of TCM, Beijing 100029, China.

heqingyong | Professor ZHANG Ji has unique experience on

therapeutic methods for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and

obstinate facial palsy. (1) In AP and moxibustion, he adopts the Dumai (GV)

and etiological analysis and differentiation, local AP three step acupoint

selection for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis; and supplementing LV & KI

and strengthening the GV and tonifying Yang for ankylosing spondylitis; and

dispelling Wind and removing Damp, dredging Channels and activating

Collaterals for obstinate facial palsy. (2) In Chinese drugs, on the basis of

50 year's clinical practice, he summarizes recipes Guanjie No. I and No. II.

Modified Guanjie No. I is mainly used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,

and modified Guanjie No. II mainly for ankylosing spondylitis, and

Qianzheng Powder combined with drugs for clearing away heat and toxic

substances are used for treatment of obstinate facial palsy. | Publication

Types: English Abstract PMID: 17313014 [PubMed - in process]

 

Hou LQ, Xiong KR. | [Effect of different needle-retained time of

electroacupuncture on expression of nitric oxide synthase in the septum of

the rat] [Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):879-82. |

Dept of Anatomy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui 241001, China. |

OBJECTIVE: To probe into the relationship of different needle-retained time

with therapeutic effects. METHODS: 40 rats were randomized evenly into 5

groups, Electro-AP (EA) at " Zusanli " (ST36) for 5 min, 15 min, 30 min and

60 min groups, who received EA for 5, 15, 30 and 60 min respectively, and

a control group who did not receive EA. Nicotinamide adenosine

dinucleotide phosphate diaphorase (NADPH-d) method and computer

image analysis system were used to detect the meangray of nitric oxide

synthase (NOS) positive neurons in the septum. RESULTS: NOS positive

neurons in the septum did not change as the EA for 5 min group compared

with the control group (P > 0.05); the number of heavily staining NOS

positive neurons increased significantly (P < 0.05) and the meangray of the

NOS positive neurons significantly decreased (P < 0.01) in some septal

subnuclei (lateral septum, and medial septum, vertical diagnonal band) after

EA for 15, 30, 60 min as compared with the control group, and the numbers

and the meangray of the NOS positive neurons in the septum were not

significantly difference among the 3 EA groups. CONCLUSION: NOS

expression in the septum increases and keeps a same level from EA for 15

min to 60 min. | Publication Types: English Abstract PMID: 17313012

[PubMed - in process]

 

Huang CL, Tsai PS, Wang TY, Yan LP, Xu HZ, Huang CJ. | Acupuncture

stimulation of ST36 (Zusanli) attenuates acute renal but not hepatic injury in

lipopolysaccharide-stimulated rats. | Anesth Analg. 2007 Mar;104(3):646-

54. | Acupuncture and Moxibustion Institute, Nanjing Univ of Traditional

, Nanjing, China. | BACKGROUND: We sought to

determine the effects of ST36 AP on sepsis-induced KI and LV injuries.

METHODS: A total of 120 rats were randomized into 10 groups: 1)

lipopolysaccharide (LPS), 2) normal saline (N/S), 3) LPS + ST36, 4) ST36,

5) LPS + P-ST36, 6) P-ST36, 7) LPS + Sham, 8) Sham, 9) LPS + P-Sham,

and 10) P-Sham groups. Rats in the LPS + ST36, ST36, LPS +Sham, and

Sham groups received ST36 (designated as " ST36 " ) or a nonacupoint

(designated as " Sham " ) AP for 30 min followed by LPS or N/S injection.

Rats in the LPS + P-ST36, P-ST36, LPS + P-Sham, and P-Sham groups

received LPS or N/S injection for 3 h followed by a 30 min of ST36 or a

" nonacupoint " AP. Rats were killed at 6 h after LPS injection. RESULTS:

LPS caused prominent KI and LV injuries. The renal and hepatic nitric oxide

(NO) concentrations and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression were

also increased by LPS. ST36 AP pretreatment significantly attenuated the

LPS-induced KI injury and the increases in renal NO concentration and

iNOS expression. However, ST36 AP pretreatment did not affect the LPS-

induced LV injury and increases in hepatic NO concentration or iNOS

expression. Furthermore, ST36 AP performed after LPS did not affect the

LPS-induced organ injuries or increases in NO concentration and iNOS

expression. CONCLUSIONS: ST36 AP pretreatment significantly attenuated

sepsis-induced KI, but not LV, injury in rats, whereas ST36 AP performed

after sepsis induction had no protective effects against sepsis-induced

organ injuries. | Publication Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

PMID: 17312224 [PubMed - in process]

 

Huang DE, Wu Q, Lin ZR, Lin D, Shen FF, Liu JZ. | [Effects of different

interference orders of acupuncture and exercise therapy on the amplitude of

somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) in the patient of hemiplegia after

stroke] [Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):869-72. |

Dept of TCM, Fuzhou General Hospital, Nanjing Military Area, Fujian

350025, China. | OBJECTIVE: To observe effects of different interference

orders of AP and exercise therapy on the therapeutic effect. METHODS:

The patients of hemiplegia after stroke in the stage of recovery were

randomly divided into two groups: raising handclasp of Bobath after Electro-

AP at Quchi (LI11) and Hegu (LI04) on the affected side or Electro-AP at

Quchi (LI11) and Hegu (LI04) on the affected side after raising handclasp of

Bobath. The changes of SEP on the affected side were recorded and

compared. RESULTS: SEP on the affected side significantly increased in

the patients after treatment of simple Electro-AP or exercise therapy (P <

0.01), with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05).

There was a very significant difference in SEP on the affected side between

the group of exercise treatment after Electro-AP and the group of Electro-

AP after exercise therapy (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Both Electro-AP and

exercise therapy can immediately improve SEP of the patient in the

recovery stage, and the groups of the different interference orders of

Electro-AP and exercise have different effects on SEP, and raising

handclasp of Bobath after Electro-AP is better for improvement in cerebral

function of the patient. | Publication Types: English Abstract PMID:

17313010 [PubMed - in process]

 

Kawakita K, Okada K. | Mechanisms of action of acupuncture for chronic

pain relief - polymodal receptors are the key candidates. | Acupunct Med.

2006 Dec;24 Suppl:S58-66. | | Therapeutic benefits of AP for chronic pain

patients have been clearly identified in recent clinical trials. Underlying

mechanisms of AP action mediated by endogenous opioids have been well

demonstrated. The existence of pain inhibitory systems in the central

nervous system has also been clarified and AP seems to be a potent

stimulus for activating the analgesic systems, although the pain

mechanisms in acute and chronic states are essentially different. On the

other hand, the exact nature of the AP point still remains unclear. Here, we

propose a key role of polymodal receptors (PMR) in AP and moxibustion

and offer a rational explanation of the AP point as a sensitised PMR.

Moxibustion (burning of moxa) therapy has been shown by medical

historians to predate the use of AP, and the meridian theory developed in

association with moxibustion treatment. A variety of sensory receptors are

activated by AP and/or moxibustion, but there are very few that can be

excited by both stimuli. PMRs are one of the most promising candidates.

The functional characteristics of PMRs correspond with those of AP action

in the periphery; and tender or trigger points, one of the primitive features of

AP points, are assumed to be the sites of sensitised PMRs. Diffuse noxious

inhibitory control (DNIC) is proposed as a possible mechanism of immediate

action of AP, and inputs for the development of DNIC seem to be the

PMRs. In our experimental model, repeated eccentric contractions of

muscle produced local tenderness at the palpable band and induced a

typical referred pain pattern on application of pressure. Repeated

indomethacin injections inhibited the production of the experimental trigger

point. These lines of evidence suggest that the AP points are the sites

where the PMRs are sensitised and that such conditions might be

repeatedly produced by various biomechanical stressors, insufficient blood

supply and metabolic products. | PMID: 17308511 [PubMed - in process]

 

Li SL, Bai Y, Li H, Zhang YW. | [Preliminary evaluation of acupuncture and

continuous multi-point pulse stimulation for treatment of subjective tinnitus]

[Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):859-62. | Dept

of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing

100029, China. zrlishiliang | OBJECTIVE: To put forward a

method for assessing therapeutic effect on tinnitus and to observe the

therapeutic effects of AP and continuous multi-point pulse stimulation on

subjective tinnitus. METHODS: Continuous multi-point pulse stimulation

was given at Ermen (SJ21)/ Tinggong (SI 19)/ Tinghui (GB02), Yifeng

(SJ17), Shenting (GV24), Baihui (GV20), Cong'er No 1-3, etc., once every

other day, thrice each week. The therapeutic effects were evaluated with a

selfstipulated " tinnitus questionaire " . RESULTS: Of the 98 cases, 11 cases

were cured, 36 cases were markedly effective, 28 cases were effective and

23 cases were ineffective with a cured rate of 11.2% and a total effective

rate of 76.5%. CONCLUSION: Combined AP and continuous multi-point

pulse stimulation has a better therapeutic effect on subjective tinnitus. |

Publication Types: English Abstract PMID: 17313007 [PubMed - in process]

 

Linde K, Streng A, Hoppe A, Jurgens S, Weidenhammer W, Melchart D. |

The programme for the evaluation of patient care with acupuncture (PEP-

Ac) - a project sponsored by ten German social health insurance funds. |

Acupunct Med. 2006 Dec;24 Suppl:S25-32. | | OBJECTIVE: The aim of the

Programme for the Evaluation of Patient care with AP (PEP-Ac) was to

investigate the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of AP in patients with the

following three indications: chronic headache, chronic low back pain and

chronic osteoarthritic pain. This article provides an overview of the results of

the whole programme. METHODS: The programme included five

randomised trials, a large observational study, a survey of physicians

providing AP, and three systematic reviews. RESULTS: The results show

that, for all three indications, AP, when compared to no treatment, produces

a clear benefit that lasts for at least several months. However the effects of

point-specific AP only offered a significant advantage over minimal AP in

the treatment of OA knee. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence from these trials

- on the one hand, a clear overall effect of AP and on the other hand, the

lack of evidence supporting its superiority over sham AP for all indications

except osteoarthritis of the knee - leaves a considerable amount of room for

interpretation. | PMID: 17308506 [PubMed - in process]

 

Liou JT, Liu FC, Hsin ST, Sum DC, Lui PW. | Broken needle in the cervical

spine: a previously unreported complication of xiaozendao acupuncture

therapy. | J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jan;13(1):129-32. | Dept of

Anesthesiology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan., Chang

Gung Univ, Taoyuan, Taiwan. | Xiaozendao (meaning " small-needle-knife, "

in Chinese) is a form of alternative medical instrument shaped like an AP

needle with a flat edge on the needle tip. It is widely used for the treatment

of many different disorders in Asian countries, especially in the People's

Republic of China. Its use has gained increasing popularity. To our

knowledge, there are no reports of practitioners' experiences or adverse

events related to " small-needle-knifed " therapy until now. We reported the

first case of spinal-cord injury with delayed onset of neurologic symptoms

from a broken small-needle-knife insertion into the spinal cord. | PMID:

17309387 [PubMed - in process]

 

Lu W, Hu D, Dean-Clower E, Doherty-Gilman A, Legedza AT, Lee H,

Matulonis U, Rosenthal DS. | Acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced

leukopenia: exploratory meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. | J

Soc Integr Oncol. 2007 Winter;5(1):1-10. | | Chemotherapy-induced

leukopenia and neutropenia are common side effects during cancer

treatment. AP has been reported as an adjunct therapy for this

complication. The current study reviewed published randomized controlled

trials of AP's effect and explored the AP parameters used in these trials. We

searched biomedical databases in English and Chinese from 1979 to 2004.

The study populations were cancer patients who were undergoing or had

just completed chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, randomized to either

AP therapy or usual care. The methodologic quality of trials was assessed.

From 33 reviewed articles, 682 patients from 11 eligible trials were included

in analyses. All trials were published in non-PubMed journals from China.

The methodologic quality of these trials was considerably poor. The median

sample size of each comparison group was 45, and the median trial

duration was 21 days. The frequency of AP treatment was once a day, with

a median of 16 sessions in each trial. In the seven trials in which white

blood cell (WBC) counts were available, AP use was associated with an

increase in leukocytes in patients during chemotherapy or

chemoradiotherapy, with a weighted mean difference of 1,221 WBC/muL on

average (95% confidence interval 636-1,807; p < .0001). AP for

chemotherapy-induced leukopenia is an intriguing clinical question.

However, the inferior quality and publication bias present in these studies

may lead to a false-positive estimation. Meta-analysis based on these

published trials should be treated in an exploratory nature only. | PMID:

17309808 [PubMed - in process]

 

Lundeberg T. | Some of the effects of acupuncture in knee pain may be due

to activation of the reward system. | Acupunct Med. 2006 Dec;24

Suppl:S67-70. | | AP is an ancient therapy with a variety of different

explanatory models. A cascade of physiologic effects has been reported,

both in the peripheral and the central nervous system, following the insertion

of a needle. Clinical trials testing the specific claims of AP have generally

tried to focus on testing the efficacy of applying specific techniques and/or

specified points. However, different conditions may respond differently to

different modes of stimulation. Also, insertion of needles into the body can

stimulate effects not dependent on the locations of stimulation. Recently, it

was demonstrated that both superficial and deep needling (with de qi/Hibiki)

resulted in amelioration of patellofemoral pain and an increased feeling of

wellbeing. One area in the brain that is affected by AP stimulation is the

limbic system. The limbic system consists of a group of brain structures,

including the hippocampus, amygdala, and their interconnections, and

connections with the hypothalamus, septal area, and portions of the

tegmentum. It contains many of the centres related to emotion and reward.

The pleasurable aspect of the AP experience has largely been ignored as it

has been considered to be part of its antinociceptive effects. It has

previously been reported that physical exercise and Electro-AP in animals

result in modulation of the peptidergic content in limbic structures. These

results are supported by recent animal studies in Japan that have clearly

demonstrated that AP results in the activation of the reward system. These

findings are supported by positron emission tomography studies in patients,

which showed that the insula ipsilateral to the site of needling was activated,

as well as the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate and the

midbrain. Taken together, these results suggest that AP, as well as the

patient's expectation and belief regarding a potentially beneficial treatment,

modulate activity in the reward system. | PMID: 17308512 [PubMed - in

process]

 

Manheimer E, Lim B, Lao L, Berman B. | Acupuncture for knee

osteoarthritis - a randomised trial using a novel sham. | Acupunct Med.

2006 Dec;24 Suppl:S7-14. | | BACKGROUND: Evidence on the efficacy of

AP for reducing the pain and dysfunction of osteoarthritis is equivocal.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether AP provides greater pain relief and

improved function compared with sham AP or education in patients with

osteoarthritis of the knee. DESIGN: Randomised, controlled trial. SETTING:

Two outpatient clinics (an integrative medicine facility and a rheumatology

facility) located in academic teaching hospitals and one clinical trials

facility.

PATIENTS: 570 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee (mean age [+/-SD],

65.5 +/- 8.4 years). INTERVENTION: 23 true AP sessions over 26 weeks.

Controls received 6 two-hour sessions over 12 weeks or 23 sham AP

sessions over 26 weeks. MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcomes were

changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis

Index (WOMAC) pain and function scores at 8 and 26 weeks. Secondary

outcomes were patient global assessment, 6-minute walk distance, and

physical health scores of the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36).

RESULTS: Participants in the true AP group experienced greater

improvement in WOMAC function scores than the sham AP group at 8

weeks (mean difference, -2.9 [95% CI, -5.0 to -0.8]; P=0.01) but not in

WOMAC pain score (mean difference, -0.5 [CI, -1.2 to 0.2]; P=0.18) or the

patient global assessment (mean difference, 0.16 [CI, -0.02 to 0.34]; P>

0.2). At 26 weeks, the true AP group experienced significantly greater

improvement than the sham group in the WOMAC function score (mean

difference, -2.5 [CI, -4.7 to -0.4]; P=0.01), WOMAC pain score (mean

difference, -0.87 [CI, -1.58 to -0.16]; P=0.003), and patient global

assessment (mean difference, 0.26 [CI, 0.07 to 0.45]; P=0.02).

LIMITATIONS: At 26 weeks, 43% of the participants in the education group

and 25% in each of the true and sham AP groups were not available for

analysis. CONCLUSIONS: AP seems to provide improvement in function

and pain relief as an adjunctive therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee when

compared with credible sham AP and education control groups. | PMID:

17308513 [PubMed - in process]

 

Michalek-Sauberer A, Heinzl H, Sator-Katzenschlager SM, Monov G, Knolle

E, Kress HG. | Perioperative auricular electroacupuncture has no effect on

pain and analgesic consumption after third molar tooth extraction. | Anesth

Analg. 2007 Mar;104(3):542-7. | Dept of Anesthesiology and General

Intensive Care Medicine (B), Medical Univ of Vienna, Vienna General

Hospital, Vienna, Austria. andrea.michalek-sauberer |

BACKGROUND: Auricular AP (AA) has been shown to alleviate acute and

chronic pain. We investigated the effects of auricular Electro-AP (AE) on

pain and analgesic drug consumption in the first 48 h after unilateral

mandibular third molar tooth extraction under local anesthesia in a

prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 149

patients. METHODS: Patients received either AA with electrical stimulation

(AE, n = 76) or without (AA, n = 37) electrical stimulation at an alternating

frequency of 2/100 Hz or a sham AE with metal plates instead of needles

and no electrical stimulation, no-needle (NN, n = 36) at the AA points 1

(tooth), 55 (Shen men) and 84 (mouth) during the entire study period.

Regularly rated pain intensity (five-point verbal rating scale), consumption of

acetaminophen 500 mg tablets and additional rescue medication with

mefenamic acid 500 mg were assessed. RESULTS: The median fraction of

time when pain was rated as moderate or worse (upper and lower quartile):

AE: 33% (12%, 64%), AA: 22% (6%, 56%), NN: 30% (7%, 53%) did not

differ significantly among the treatment groups. There were no significant

differences in mean number of acetaminophen 500 mg tablets (range): AE:

5.2 (0-12), AA: 4.6 (0-11), NN: 5.4 (0-10) or percentage of patients requiring

additional mefenamic acid: AE: 19%, AA: 18%, NN: 19%. CONCLUSION:

We conclude that neither AE nor AA alone reduce either pain intensity or

analgesic consumption in a molar tooth extraction model of acute pain. |

PMID: 17312205 [PubMed - in process]

 

Sun YZ, Chen HL. | [Controlled study on Shu-Mu point combination for

treatment of endometriosis] [Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006

Dec;26(12):863-5. | The 4th Internal Medicine Ward, The Second Affiliated

Hospital, Heilongjiang Traditional Univ, Harbin 150001,

China. sunyuanzheng | OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic

effects of Shu-Mu point combination, routine needling method and western

medicine treatment on endometriosis (EM). METHODS: Ninety cases were

randomly divided into a Shu-Mu point combination group (n = 30) treated

with AP at Ganshu (BL18), Pishu (BL20), Shenshu (BL23), Qimen (LV14),

Zhangmen (LV13), Jingmen (GB25); a routine needling group (n = 30)

treated with AP at Hegu (LI04), Zhongji (CV03), Guanyuan (CV04),

Sanyinjiao (SP06) and a western medicine group treated with oral

administration of Danazol. Clinical symptoms and signs, tumor marker

serum CA125 values and adverse effects in the three groups were

investigated before and after treatment. RESULTS: The total effective rate

was similar in the three groups. The Shu-Mu point combination group was

superior to other two groups in improvement of dysmenorrhea, irregular

menstuation, lumbago and sacrodynia, anus engorgemant, etc. (P < 0.01).

After treatment, serum CA125 decreased significantly (P < 0.01) in the Shu-

Mu point combination group. CONCLUSION: Shu-Mu point combination

needling method has an obvious therapeutic effect on endometriosis, with

lower adverse effect than that of the western medicine group. | Publication

Types: English Abstract PMID: 17313008 [PubMed - in process]

 

Vas J, Mendez C, Perea-Milla E. | Acupuncture vs Streitberger needle in

knee osteoarthritis - an RCT. | Acupunct Med. 2006 Dec;24 Suppl:S15-24. |

| AIMS: To determine the effectiveness of AP as a therapy complementary

to the pharmacological treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. METHODS:

Randomised, single blind, placebo controlled trial. Patients with

osteoarthritis of the knee were randomly assigned to either 12 sessions of

true AP or 12 sessions of placebo AP (Streitberger needle), these sessions

taking place once a week. A baseline measurement was carried out,

followed by further observations at 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. The clinical

variables were the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities

Osteoarthritis) index, knee pain measured by a visual analogue scale (pain

VAS), the weekly consumption of diclofenac and the Profile of the Quality of

Life of the Chronically Ill (PQLC). The two groups were compared for each

of the clinical variables per protocol and by intention to treat. A multiple

linear regression model for the dependent variables was constructed.

RESULTS: Ninety seven outpatients were selected, with 88 remaining for

the per protocol analysis; the analysis of homogeneity concluded that the

lost subjects were not significantly different from those that completed the

study. The multivariate per protocol model for the relative pain VAS variable

showed a difference in improvement of 43.7% (95% CI 29.4% to 58.0%) for

AP, compared with the control group. In an intention to treat analysis, the

relative improvement was 32.4% (20.3% to 44.4%). In a per protocol

analysis, the total WOMAC showed a relative decrease of 52.0% (34.3% to

69.6%) in favour of the AP group, or 37.6% (22.4% to 52.8%) in an intention

to treat analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The group treated with AP showed

significantly better effects, both clinically and statistically, in the

reduction of

pain intensity as measured by pain VAS, on the WOMAC index and in

decreased consumption of diclofenac. | PMID: 17308505 [PubMed - in

process]

 

Wang B, Liu JY, Han Y, Zhang N, Ren XQ, Zhai GR, Pan JF, Wang Y,

Zhou Y. | [study on effect of electroacupuncture at Hegu (LI04) on the

uterotonic time in parturients of uterus inertia] [Article in Chinese] |

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):843-6. | Institute of Acupuncture and

Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700,

China. | OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effect and applying value

of Hegu (LI04) for uterus inertia. METHODS: In three centers, 276 cases

enrolled were randomly assigned to a western medicine group and an AP

and western medicine group. The western medicine group were treated with

intravenous drip of oxytocin, and the AP and western medicine group were

treated with Electro-AP at Hegu (LI04) and intravenous drip of oxytocin.

Changes of inertia of uterus and duration and interval of uterine contraction

were investigated in the two groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was

97.1% in the AP group, and 70.3% in the western medicine group with a

very significant difference between the two groups (P < 0. 01). There was a

significant difference in the duration and the interval of uterine contraction

between the two groups (P < 0.1, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Electro-AP at

Hego (LI04) can be adopted for treatment of dystocia due to abnormality of

force of labor. | Publication Types: English Abstract PMID: 17313002

[PubMed - in process]

 

Wang XY. | [Effects of different stimulation intensities on hemotachogram of

the limbs of pain arthralgia] [Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006

Dec;26(12):866-8. | The Second Hospital of Jilin Univ, Changchun 130041,

China. wangxiaoyan410 | OBJECTIVE: To study on the

relationship between AP stimulating amount and hemotachogram in the

limbs of pain arthralgia. METHODS: Forty-one cases of pain arthralgia of

the lower limbs with cold pathogen as main were selected. After AP and

arrival of qi, twirling manipulation with a strong and a weak stimulating

intensities respectively given to a same person. Then hemotachogram of

the affected limb was investigated and the amplitudes were calculated and

compared. RESULTS: After strong stimulation of AP, the amplitude

decreased and after weak stimulation, the amplitude increased.

CONCLUSION: Different stimulating amount of AP can induce different

responses of vasomotorial functions of the affected limbs. | Publication

Types: English Abstract PMID: 17313009 [PubMed - in process]

 

White A, Foster N, Cummings M, Barlas P. | The effectiveness of

acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee - a systematic review. | Acupunct

Med. 2006 Dec;24 Suppl:S40-48. | | OBJECTIVE: To determine the

effectiveness of AP treatment for pain and function of patients with

osteoarthritis of the knee. METHODS: A systematic review of randomised

controlled trials was performed, including a meta-analysis which combined

the results of trials that used adequate AP treatment and used WOMAC

scores to measure the effect. The internal validity (quality) and

heterogeneity of studies were taken into account. RESULTS: Thirteen

studies were available, of which eight, involving 2362 patients, could be

combined. For both reduction of pain and improvement of function, AP was

significantly superior to sham AP (P<0.05 for all comparisons) in both the

short term and the long term. Compared with no additional intervention

(usual care), AP was again significantly superior for pain and function. The

treatment effects were maintained after taking account of quality and

heterogeneity in sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION: AP is an effective

treatment for osteoarthritis of the knee. Its overall effect size is 0.8, and it

can be considered instead of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for

patients whose symptoms are not controlled by education, exercise, weight

loss if appropriate and simple analgesics. Further research is necessary

into the most efficient way of delivering AP, and its longer term benefits. |

PMID: 17308508 [PubMed - in process]

 

White A, Kawakita K. | The evidence on acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis

- editorial summary on the implications for health policy. | Acupunct Med.

2006 Dec;24 Suppl:S71-76. | | Decisions on whether a health service

should provide a particular treatment are based on the evidence on three

questions: 1) whether the treatment can work, ie it is biologically active; 2)

whether the treatment is safe and effective in daily practice; and 3) whether

it is economically worthwhile. Evidence presented at the Kyoto conference

shows that AP for osteoarthritis of the knee has a biological effect, has a

large clinical effect in practice, has negligible risk, and has a cost

effectiveness which is well within the usual acceptable limit. On the present

evidence, AP is likely to offer an alternative to treatment with non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). | PMID: 17308514 [PubMed - in process]

 

White A. | The safety of acupuncture - evidence from the UK. | Acupunct

Med. 2006 Dec;24 Suppl:S53-57. | | BACKGROUND: Patients are attracted

to AP partly by its reputation for having low risks. The safety of AP should

be established by positive evidence. METHODS: Two prospective surveys

were conducted among different groups of professionals in the UK,

including doctors, physiotherapists and practitioners primarily trained in AP.

Participants monitored adverse events over a defined period of time, and

reported minor and significant events on purpose designed forms.

RESULTS: A total of 652 acupuncturists reported 6733 adverse reactions

including tiredness in 66 229 patients, an adverse event rate of 10.2%. The

most common events were tiredness (3%) bleeding or bruising (3%),

aggravation of symptoms (2%) and pain at the needling site (1%). There

were no serious adverse events. A total of 86 (0.1%) of the treatments was

associated with an event that the practitioner judged to be significant though

without persistent consequences for the patient's health. CONCLUSION:

The risks associated with AP can be classified as negligible, and AP is a

very safe treatment in the hands of competent practitioners. | PMID:

17308510 [PubMed - in process]

 

White A. | Osteoarthritis of the knee - an introduction. | Acupunct Med.

2006 Dec;24 Suppl:S1-6. | | Osteoarthritis of the knee is common, and a

major cause of disability in older people that is likely to increase over time.

Some patients progress rapidly to needing surgery, whereas others will

have persistent pain for many years. The aims of conservative treatment

are to reduce pain and disability. There is evidence that several non-

pharmacological therapies such as exercise, education and weight loss can

have an effect in patients with knee pain, though the effect is usually only

modest. Ultrasound and short wave diathermy are widely available, but not

supported by evidence. Particular preparations of topical treatments are

effective, as too is oral paracetamol (acetaminophen). Glucosamine is

popular but not all trials have found it to have any effect. Non-steroidal anti-

inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective, though their effect is modest

and their longterm value is not established. They are associated with

significant adverse events, particularly gastrointestinal haemorrhage, which

has a substantial mortality. They are particularly dangerous in the elderly.

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors cause fewer gastrointestinal problems

but increase the risk of vascular events including myocardial infarction and

stroke. Herbal therapies have only sparse evidence in support. Intra-

articular injections of steroids may be effective, at least for a short period,

but hyaluronan has a longer duration of action. Patients prefer treatments

that are safe, and are willing to forgo some effectiveness in favour of safety.

In this context, AP is a potentially valuable treatment for OA knee, and the

evidence on effectiveness, safety and cost should be considered carefully. |

PMID: 17308504 [PubMed - in process]

 

Wick F, Wick N, Wick MC. | Morphological analysis of human acupuncture

points through immunohistochemistry. | Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2007

Jan;86(1):7-11. | Clinical Depts of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation,

Univ of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. | OBJECTIVE: At present, the functional

mechanism of AP is not yet fully understood. Analysis of the subanatomic

morphology of AP points (APs) could help compensate for this shortcoming.

In immunohistochemistry, the use of specific antibodies enables in situ

characterization of the molecular profile of tissue microenvironments. Thus,

as proof in principle for the utility of immunohistochemistry, we determined

whether the nerve density in biopsies of autopsied skin of a selected

standard AP differed from that of a control point (CP). DESIGN: We

analyzed pairs of skin samples from nine autopsy cases and studied the

presence and density of soluble protein 100 (S-100), neuron-specific

enolase (NSE), and neurofilament (NF) as markers of peripheral nerve

structures. Cross-sections of nerves were counted by conventional

microscopy and normalized to millimeters squared of subcutaneous fat,

followed by statistical analyses for formal comparisons. RESULTS:

Immunohistochemistry could clearly identify myelinated peripheral nerves.

The number of nerve structures expressing S-100 protein was significantly

reduced in APs compared with CPs (0.020 1 0.005 vs. 0.061 +/- 0.014; P <

0.006). The same pattern was seen in staining of NSE (AP: 0.011 +/- 0.003

vs. CP: 0.045 +/- 0.011) and NF (AP: 0.011 +/- 0.004 vs. CP: 0.054 +/-

0.015; both P < 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, we introduce

immunohistochemistry as a suitable technology for AP research. In addition,

our findings demonstrate that a human AP is not necessarily associated

with an increased but, rather, a significantly decreased number and density

of subcutaneous nerve structures compared with skin biopsies from

locations not recognized as effective for AP. This pilot study, executed on a

limited number of individuals and skin samples, justifies the application of

immunohistochemistry on a larger collection of biopsy material. | Publication

Types: Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't PMID: 17304683 [PubMed - in

process]

 

Witt CM, Brinkhaus B, Reinhold T, Willich SN. | Efficacy, effectiveness,

safety and costs of acupuncture for chronic pain - results of a large

research initiative. | Acupunct Med. 2006 Dec;24 Suppl:S33-39. | |

BACKGROUND: The aim of the 'AP Model Project of the Techniker

Krankenkasse' was to determine efficacy, effectiveness, safety and cost

effectiveness of AP treatment in standard medical care. METHODS: We

evaluated a total of 304 674 patients (34.5% men, aged 53.1+/-13.8 and

65.5% women, aged 49.5+/-14.2) who were in the care of over 10 000

physicians and received on average 10+/-3 AP treatments for chronic pain

(osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, low back pain, neck pain, headache)

during a period of three months. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Our

findings demonstrate that for the diagnoses examined, AP in addition to

usual care was an effective and safe treatment. Whether the effects of AP

can be attributed primarily to specific or nonspecific mechanisms appeared

to depend on the diagnosis, and should be investigated in further studies.

Using AP as an adjunctive treatment was more expensive than usual care

alone, but was cost-effective according to internationally accepted threshold

values. | PMID: 17308507 [PubMed - in process]

 

Wu RD, Lin LF. | [Clinical observation on wrist-ankle acupuncture for

treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia] [Article in Chinese] |

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):854-6. | Dept of TCM, Yongchun

Hospital of Quanzhou City, Fujian 362600, China. qylicb |

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect and prognosis of wrist-ankle

AP for treatment of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. METHODS:

Ninety-five cases of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia were randomly

divided into a wrist-ankle AP group (n = 55) and a control group (n = 40).

The treatment group were treated with AP at the points, Wanshang No. 1

and 2, and the control group with oral administration of diltiazem. After

being treated for 3 courses, their therapeutic effects were evaluated.

RESULTS: The total effective rate was 81.8% in the treatment group and

54.0% in the control group with a significant difference between the two

groups (P < 0. 05); the long-term therapeutic effect in the treatment group

was better than that in the control group. CONCLUSION: Wrist-Ankle AP

has obvious therapeutic effect on paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. |

Publication Types: English Abstract PMID: 17313005 [PubMed - in process]

 

Yamashita H, Masuyama S, Otsuki K, Tsukayama H. | Safety of

acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee - a review of randomised

controlled trials, focusing on specific reactions to acupuncture. | Acupunct

Med. 2006 Dec;24 Suppl:S49-52. | | In order to assess how many reported

adverse reactions to AP are truly associated with the physiological

mechanisms of AP, we performed a literature review of published RCTs of

AP for osteoarthritis of the knee. We searched for reports of RCTs using

two data sources: PubMed and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (Igaku

Chuo Zasshi). Of the twelve RCTs located, seven included information on

adverse events. No serious adverse events were reported. Joint swelling,

local inflammation, haematoma and back pain occurred more frequently in

the dummy Electro-AP or minimal AP group. We confirmed the possibility

that many adverse reactions to AP treatment reported in RCTs, at least for

the knee OA, are non-specific, and that not all reported events should be

attributed to the mechanism of action of AP. It is likely this is also true for

RCTs of AP in other conditions, and for prospective surveys on adverse

events of AP. | PMID: 17308509 [PubMed - in process]

 

Yang J, Li F, Zhang QP, Wang KM, Hong W, Wu SB, Zhou YP. | [Effect of

electroacupuncture combined with medication on vascular endothelial cells

in the compound hypertension and hyperlipemia rat] [Article in Chinese] |

Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):875-8. | Acupuncture Hospital

Affiliated to Anhui College of TCM, Hefei 230061, China.

yangzyun | OBJECTIVE: To explore the mechanism of

Electro-AP combined with medication for treatment of compound model of

hypertension and hyperlipemia (CMHH). METHODS: CMHH rat model was

made by the way of " 2K1C " combined with intragastric perfusion of high fat

diet, and a normal group and a pseudosurgery group were set up. After

modeling for 4 weeks, the successful model rats who had synchronously

increase of blood pressure (BP) and blood lipids were randomly divided into

a model group, a medication group , an Electro-AP group and an AP plus

medication group. After interference of 4 weeks, changes of BP, total

cholesterol (TC) and thiglyceride (TG) and contents of serum vWF, tissue

plasminogen activator (t-PA ) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAl-1)

were observed. RESULTS: After interference, the levels of BP, TC, TG,

vWF, t-PA and PAl-1 significantly changed in all the treatment groups as

compared with those in the model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) with most

significantly changed in the Electro-AP plus medication group.

CONCLUSION: Both Electro-AP and Electro-AP + medication can down-

regulate levels of BP, TC, TG, and decrease plasma vWF and PAl-1 levels,

increase t-PA content, so as to effectively prevent and treat CMHH and

possibly induced cerebral diseases. | Publication Types: English Abstract

PMID: 17313011 [PubMed - in process]

 

Zhang ZL, Ji XQ, Zhang YH, Yu SH, Xue L. | [Controlled study on the

needling method for regulating the spleen and stomach for treatment of

diabetic retinopathy] [Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006

Dec;26(12):839-42. | Section of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin

Hospital of TCM, Tianjin 300140, China. zhangzilongtj |

OBJECTIVE: To probe clinical therapeutic effect of AP on diabetic

retinopathy and the mechanism. METHODS: One hundred and twenty

cases of diabetic retinopathy were randomly divided into an observed group

and a control group, 60 cases in each group. On the basis of routine

diabetic treatment, the observation group were treated with the acupoints

for regulating the SP and ST, and the control group with the acupoints

around eye mainly. Clinical therapeutic effect was evaluated by eye fundus

condition, blood glucose, blood lipids, nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin (ET)

levels. RESULTS: The needling method for regulating the SP and ST not

only can improve the eye fundus condition, but also has benign regulative

action on metabolism of blood glucose and blood lipids, and NO and ET

levels, with significant differences as compared with those in the control

group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The needling method for

regulating the SP and ST is an effective therapy for diabetic retinopathy,

and the mechanism is possibly related with the regulation of levels of

vascular active substances, NO and ET. | Publication Types: English

Abstract PMID: 17313001 [PubMed - in process]

 

Zhou W, Wang LP, Zhang SY. | [Clinical application of acupoint sticking

therapy] [Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):899-

903. | Section of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Huguosi Hospital Affiliated

to Beijing Univ of TCM, Beijing 100035, China. dzhouwei |

OBJECTIVE: To summarize clinical application of acupoint sticking therapy

in various fields of Chinese medicine. METHODS: Review acupoint

selection, drug selection and problems of clinical studies in acupoint sticking

therapy. CONCLUSION: Acupoint sticking therapy has a good therapeutic

effect with no adverse effect, safety and convenient manipulation. |

Publication Types: English Abstract PMID: 17313017 [PubMed - in process]

 

Zhou YL, Zhang SQ, Sun GS, Chen JH, Liu P, Liu YJ, Lin GP, Hu B. |

[Clinical observation on ankle-three-needle for treatment of nerve root pain

of prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc] [Article in Chinese] | Zhongguo

Zhen Jiu. 2006 Dec;26(12):847-50. | Section of Prolapse of Intervertebral

Disc, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Henan College of Traditional Chinese

Medicine, Zhengzhou 450008, China. youlong666 |

OBJECTIVE: To observe the analgesic effect of ankle-three-needle on

nerve root pain of prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc. METHODS: Three

hundred and eighty cases were randomly divided into an ankle-three-needle

group, a routine AP group and a medication group. The ankle-three-needle

group were treated with ankle-three-needle therapy, i. e. according to

different prolapse segments, points Gentong No. 1, 2 and 3 were selected

with lifting-kneading needle insertion method used and the needle was

inserted along the skin; the routine AP group were treated with AP at

Shenshu (BL23), Qihaishu (BL24) and Jiaji (EX-B 2) of the prolapse

corresponding segment, and Ciliao (BL32), etc. with uniform reinforcing-

reducing manipulation; the medication group were treated with routine

buttock intramuscular injection of aspirin-DL-lysine plus saline. RESULTS:

The time inducing analgesia was 6 min in the ankle-three-needle group, 27

min in the routine AP group and 18 min in the medication group. The effect-

lasting time was 24.48 h in the ankle-three-needle group, 8.93 h in the

routine AP group and 6.36 h in the medication group, with a significant

difference as the ankle-three-needle group compared with both the routine

AP group and the medication group, but with no significant difference

between the routine AP group and the medication group. After treatment,

there were very significant differences in change tendency of the analgesic

score among the three groups at all the time points (P < 0.01). And there

was very significant differences in the changing tendency of straight-leg

raising test among the three groups at 0.5 h, 1 h, 24 h and 48 h (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Ankle-three-needle has obvious therapeutic effect on nerve

root pain induced by prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc. | Publication

Types: English Abstract PMID: 17313003 [PubMed - in process]

 

Best regards,