THE EFFECT AND SAFETY OF DEEP ACUPUNCTURE AT TIANSHU FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTIPATION:A MULTI-CENTER RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective: To assess the effects and safety of deep acupuncture at Tianshu(ST25) for functional constipation Methods: A total of 475 patients with functional constipation were randomized to deep acupuncture group, shallow acupuncture group and lactulose controlled group.Participants were assessed a week for inclusion, treated for 4 weeks and followed up for 12 weeks.Primary outcome: compared with baseline, the change of mean weekly SBM frequency during 4 weeks of treatment and 12 weeksof follow-up.Secondary outcomes: evaluation of constipation-related symptoms.Results: ① Primary outcome: Compared with baseline, the mean weekly SBM frequency was increased in all three groups during 4 weeks of treatment and 12 weeks of follow-up(P0.01,all).The mean weekly SBM frequency in the deep acupuncture group over 4-week treatment were gained by 2(1.75) times,from 2(2) at baseline to 4.25(1.5), which were increased more than the shallow acupuncture group(P0.05); however, statistical difference was not seen between the deep acupuncture group and lactulose group(P0.05).Mean weekly SBM frequency during12-week follow-up in the deep acupuncture group was 4(2) times,increased by 2(2.5) compared with baseline.The deep acupuncture group showed a larger improvement than the lactulose group(P0.01).Statistical difference was not showed between two acupuncture groups(P0.05).② Secondary outcomes: After 4 weeks of treatment, the deep acupuncture group had better effect in improving incomplete defecation, abdominal distention, and Cleveland Clinic Score(CCS) than the shallow acupuncture group and lactulose group(P0.05, all).Compared with lactulose group,two acupuncture groups both improved the stool character better(P0.01).Nevertheless, statistical difference was not showed among the three groups in furthering the degree of straining during defecation(P0.05).③ Safety: There were no obvious adverse events of the deep and shallow acupuncture groups.Conclusion: Deep acupuncture at Tianshu for functional constipation can increase the weekly SBMs effectively, improve the constipation-related symptoms, and be safe.These improvements can last for 12 weeks.     

Acupuncture combined with tuina treatment for infantile diarrhea

Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture combined with Tuina for infantile diarrhea. Methods: One hundred and twenty patients met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two groups at the ratio of 2:1, and there were 80 cases in the treatment group while 40 cases in the control group. The patients in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture combined with tuina, while those in the control group were treated with medication. The effects of two groups were compared after a 3-day treatment. Results: The total effective rate was 97.5% in the treatment group, versus 87.5% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). After 48-hour treatments, the antidiarrheal effect of the treatment group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture combined tuina treatment is effective for infantile diarrhea and works fast.     

Clinical efficacy evaluation of body acupuncture and scalp acupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave for scapulohumeral periarthritis

Objective:To observe the short-and long-term clinical efficacy differences of body acupuncture and scalp acupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave and simple extracorporeal shock wave.Methods:Sixty patients with scapulohumeral periarthritis were randomly divided into two groups:the treatment group and control group,30 cases in each one.Both groups underwent basic rehabilitation training.Patients in the treatment group were treated with body acupuncture and scalp acupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave.Yújì(鱼际 LU10),Hégǔ(合谷L14),Zhōngzhǔ(中渚TE3),Hòuxī(后溪SI3).There were three needles for the scalp acupuncture with the first between Shéntíng(神庭 GV24)and Yìntáng(印堂 EX-HN3),and the other two straightly through the inner canthus and parallel to the first needle.Shock wave treatment was intensively applied in some pressure points around shoulder joint.The control group used the same shock wave therapy as the treatment group.Both groups were all treated once a day,6 times a week.Patients were treated for one course which lasted for 4 weeks.VAS score,the Constant-Murley score and the HAMA(the Hamilton Anxiety Scale)are as therapeutic effect index.30 days telephone investigation followed-up after the treatment course was evaluated.Results:Totally 28 cases completed the clinical observation in the treatment group,and 29 cases in the control group.The total effective rate of the treatment group was 85.7%(24/28),which was higher than 69.0%(20/29)of the control group(P0.05).VAS score:There were significant statistical differences before and after the treatment in the two groups(the treatment group:6.67 ± 1.43 vs 3.47 ± 1.35,the control group:7.57 ± 1.31 vs 5.36 ± 1.45,both P0.05).There were significant statistical differences before the treatment and at the follow-up in the two groups(the treatment group:6.67 ± 1.43 vs2.68±0.81,the control group:7.57±1.31 vs 4.56±1.35,both P0.05).The VAS scores of the treatment group after treatment and at the follow-up were respectively lower than those of the control group(both P0.05).Shoulder joints activity score:There were significant statistical differences before and after the treatment in the two groups(the treatment group:54.65±1.65 vs 65.54±2.19,the control group:54.32 ± 2.31 vs 61.01 ± 0.95,both P0.05).There were significant statistical differences before treatment and at follow-up in the two groups(the treatment group:54.65 ± 1.65 vs 66.18± 1.35,the control group:54.32 ± 2.31 vs 62.11 ± 1.49,both P0.05).The shoulder activity scores of the treatment group after treatment and at follow-up were respectively higher than those of the control group(both P0.05).HAMA scores:There were singificant statistical differences before and after treatment in the two groups(the treatment group:16.83 ± 1.56 vs 13.26 ± 2.36,the control group:17.04 ± 1.84 vs 15.23 ±3.17,both P0.05).There were significant statistical differences before treatment and at follow-up in the two groups(the treatment group:16.83 ± 1.56 vs 11.01 ± 3.20,the control group:17.04 ± 1.84 vs 13.68 ± 2.49,both P0.05).The HAMA scores of the treatment group after treatment and at follow-up were lower than those of the control group(both P0.05).Conclusion:Body acupuncture and scalp acupuncture combined with extracorporeal shock wave can relieve the clinical symptoms of patients with scapulohumeral periarthritis,ease anxiety and improve daily life activities.     

Observation on clinical effect of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture plus acupoint injection and laser radiation on the nasal cavity for allergic rhinitis. Methods： Ninety patients with allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 45 cases in each group. The treatment group was treated by acupuncture, acupoint injection method and He-Ne laser radiation on the nasal cavity. The control group was treated by Triamcinolone Acetonide nasal spray. The clinical effects were assessed after two courses of treatment. Results： The clinical curative rate was 88.9% and the total effective rate was 100.0% in the treatment group, versus 57.8% and 80.0% in the control group. The clinical curative rate and total effective rate were remarkably higher in the treatment group than those in the control group （P〈0.05）. In comparison of the therapeutic effects in the different courses between the two groups, the curative rates in the one course and two courses were higher in the treatment group than those in the control group （P〈0.05）. In the follow-up visit of the cured patients of the two groups for half a year, the recurrence rate was 2.5% in the treatment group versus 34.6% in the control group, with a statistical difference between the two groups （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Acupuncture plus acupoint injection and laser radiation on the nasal cavity for allergic rhinitis has better clinical effect and long-term effect, and can obviously shorten the course, enhance the clinical effect and reduce the recurrence rate.     

Effects of Acupuncture at 7-9 am and 3-5 pm on Plasma Thromboxane and Prostaglandin in Patients with Ischemic Cerebrovascular Disease

Objective：To observe the effects of acupuncture at different times on plasma thromboxane（TXB2） and prostaglandin 6-Keto-PGF1a（6-K-P） in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease.Methods：Totally 90 patients were randomly divided into a group acupunctured at 7-9 am,a group acupunctured at 3-5 pm and a drug control group,with 30 cases in each group.The contents of plasma TXB2 and 6-K-P from venous blood before treatment were compared with those 15 days after treatment.Results：The plasma TXB2 levels of the two acupuncture groups were obviously lower than those before treatment（P〈0.05,P〈0.01） ,but the 6-K-P levels of both the acupuncture groups were remarkably higher than those before treatment（P〈0.05,P〈0.01） . And the TXB2 level in the 3-5 pm acupuncture group was obviously lower than that in the 7-9 am acupuncture group（P〈0.05） ,and the 6-K-P level of the former was obviously higher than that of the latter（P〈0.05） .Conclusion：Acupuncture can promote functional recovery in patients with ischemic cerebrovascular disease and enhance their survival quality.     

EFFECT OF ACUPUNCTURE ON PLASMA β-EP IN PATIENTS WITH ISCHEMIC STROKE

In the present study, the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Shuigou (GV 26), Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) in treatment of 30 cases of ischemic cerebral apoplexy patients and its action on plasma β-EP (endorphine) level were observed. After treatment, of the 30-inpatients, 16 cases were cured basically, 9 had marked improvement, 4 had slight improvement and the rest one had no any changes. The significantly effective rate was 83.3% and the total effective rate was 96.7%. Before acupuncture treatment, the content of plasma β-EP inpatients with ischemicstroke increased significantly in comparison with that of normal group (P＜0.01). While after treatment, plasma β-EP level decreased to approach to the normal level, which may be one of the mechanisms of acupunct。ure in alleviating stoke patients.     

Electroacupuncture at Qiuxu （GB 40） for Treatment of Migraine --A Clinical Multicentral Random Controlled Study

Objective： To observe the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture （EA） at Qiuxu （GB 40） for treatment of migraine so as to provide clinical evidence for compilation of the Acupoints＇ Dictionary of the People＇s Republic of China. Methods： 275 migraine patients admitted in 3 hospitals were randomly divided into a treatment group treated by EA at Qiuxu （GB 40）, and a control group treated by EA at Tianshu （ST 25）. The indexes of the migraine symptoms and the 5-HT level were observed in both the groups before and after treatment. Results： There was an significant difference in VAS score between the two groups of the 3 clinical centers （P〈0.01）. The therapeutic effects of a 4-week treatment were much better in the treatment group than that of the control group. The 3-month follow-up survey showed that the long-term effects were in favor of the treatment group of the first and third clinical centers, though no significant difference was found in the treatment group of the second clinical center as compared with the control group. The results from the 6-month follow-up survey showed better effects in the treatment group of all the 3 clinical centers. Conclusion： EA at Oiuxu （GB 40） may show effect for migraine.     

Aligned acupuncture at muscle regions plus cutaneous needle for upper limb spasticity after stroke: A multicenter randomized controlled trial

Objective： To evaluate the clinical efficacy of aligned acupuncture at the muscle regions plus cutaneous needle for post-stroke upper limb spasticity. Methods： By adopting a design of multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial, 488 patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 244 in each group. In addition to rehabilitation training, the treatment group received aligned acupuncture at the muscle regions plus cutaneous needle therapy and the control group received conventional Western medicine. After successive 3-week treatments, the clinical efficacy, spasticity degree of the upper limb, joint function, and neurological defect degree were evaluated in the two groups. Results： The total effective rate was 93.4% in the treatment group versus 61.5% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant （P 〈 0.05）. The upper-limb spasticity degree, joint function, and neurological defect degree were improved significantly in both groups after intervention （P〈0.05）, and the improvements in the treatment group were more significant than those in the control group （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Aligned acupuncture at the muscle regions plus cutaneous needle therapy is effective in treating post-stroke upper limb spasticity.     

Efficacy observation on acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking treatment for primary dysmenorrhea

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking treatment for primary dysmenorrhea. Methods:Sixty-eight patients with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly divided into two groups, and 35 cases in the treatment group were treated by acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking, while 33 cases in the control group were only treated by acupuncture. The treatments for the patients in both groups began from one week before their menstruation and continued till the menstruation came. And the efficacy was observed after treatments of three consecutive menstrual cycles. Results:The total effective rate was 94.2% in the treatment group, versus 84.8% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with auricular point sticking treatment for primary dysmenorrhea is more effective than simple acupuncture.     

Clinical observation on treatment of 63 cases of enuresis by scalp acupuncture, body acupuncture plus moxibustion with box

To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of scalp acupuncture,body acupuncture plus moxibustion with box in treating enuresis.MethodsNinety-three patients were divided into treatment group of 63 cases and control group of 30 cases.Scalp acupuncture,body acupuncture plus moxibustion with box were used in treatment group.Routine western medicine therapy was used in control group.Results and ConclusionThe cured rate was 69.8% and the total effective rate was 95.3% in the treatment group and 33.3% and 76.7% in the control group.The therapeutic effect in treatment group was superior to that in control group(P＜0.05).     

Clinical efficacy and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine combined with Western Medicine in patients with diabetic acute ischemic stroke

OBJECTIVE： To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） com- bined with Western Medicine （WM） in patients with diabetic acute ischemic stroke. METHODS： Ninety patients with diabetic acute ischemic stroke were randomly divided into a treat- ment group and a control group. The 45 patients in the treatment group were given standardized treat- ment with TCM combined with WM. They received corresponding oral Chinese decoctions three times daily, according to their TCM syndromes, along with basic western medical treatment. The 45 patients in the control group were given non-stan- dardized treatment with TCM combined with WM. They received an oral Chinese decoction for promo- tion of blood circulation to inhibit hemostasis, regardless of their TCM syndromes, along with ba- sic western medical treatment. The treatments lasted for 4 weeks. Scores were evaluated on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale （NIHSS） score, activity of daily life （ADL） scores, and TCM symptoms before treatment and 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS： Analysis of variance for repeated mea- surements showed that there were significant dif- ferences in NIHSS and ADL score before and after treatment in both groups （P〈0.05）. There were also significant differences between the scores at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. There were signifi- cant differences in TCM syndrome scores before and after treatment in both groups （P〈0.05）. There were also significant differences between the scores at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. The X2 test showed no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups （P〉0.05）. CONCLUSION： Standardized treatment was supe- rior to non-standardized treatment for clinical efficacy of TCM combined with WM in patients with diabetic acute ischemic stroke, and the superiority was more obvious in improving neural dysfunction, ADL score, and TCM symptoms. The adverse reactions were similar in the two treatment groups.     

Clinical observation of acupuncture plus patent Chinese medicine for post-stroke constipation

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus patent Chinese medicine in treating post-stroke constipation. Methods： Sixty eligible patients with post-stroke constipation were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 30 in each group. The treatment group was intervened by acupuncture plus Ma Zi Ren pill, while the control group was by Ma Zi Ren pill alone. The symptoms of constipation were observed before and after intervention. Results： After 2-week treatment, the constipation condition was improved in both groups, and the improvement in the treatment group was statistically more significant than that in the control group（P〈0.05）; respectively two weeks and a month after the intervention, the treatment group was superior to the control group in comparing the constipation score（P〈0.05）. However, acupuncture didn＇t show marked effect in improving defecation speed, initial defecation time, and spontaneous discharge frequency. The treatment group had a significantly higher short-term markedly-effective rate compared with the control group（P〈0.05）; the long-term therapeutic efficacy of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group（P〈0.05）. The adverse events happened in the treatment group were significantly less than those in the control group（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture at specific acupoints plus patent Chinese medicine can produce a content therapeutic efficacy.     

Therapeutic efficacy observation on point-toward-point acupuncture combined with herbs iontophoresis for knee osteoarthritis

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of point-toward-point acupuncture combined with herbs iontophoresis in treating knee osteoarthritis. Methods： A total of 100 patients were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 50 cases in each. Patients in the treatment group received point-toward-point acupuncture with long needle combined with herbs iontophoresis treatment; while those in the control group were only treated by point-toward-point acupuncture with long needle. Clinical efficacies of the two groups were compared after treatment. Results： The total effective rate was 92.0% in the treatment group, versus 82.0% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈O.05）. Conclusion： The point-toward-point acupuncture with long needle combined with herbs iontophoresis treatment for knee osteoarthritis has a significant effect.     

针刺加刺络与卡马西平治疗偏头痛效应差异的观察（英文）

Objective:To observe the clinical therapeutic effect on migraine treated with acupuncture combined with blood-letting therapy.Methods:A total of 90 patients of migraine were included in compliance with the requirement and divided into a blood-letting therapy group,a western medication group,an acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group,30 cases in each one according to the random number table.In the two control groups,the simple blood-letting therapy was exerted at Dazhui(大椎 GV14) and the oral administration with carbamazepine were provided respectively.In the acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group,acupuncture was exerted at Baihui(百会 GV20) and other points,with blood-letting therapy combined.The treatment was given once daily and 12 treatments were as one course.After 2 courses of treatment,the score of therapeutic effect on symptoms and signs,pain score of visual analogue scale(VAS) and clinical therapeutic effect were compared among the three groups before and after treatment.Results:At the end of treatment,the scores for symptoms and signs and VAS score were reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment in the three groups(all P 0.01).Compared with the blood-letting therapy group and the medication group,the scores for symptoms and signs and VAS score were all reduced more obviously in the acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group respectively(all P0.01) and the differences were not significant between the blood-letting therapy group and the medication group(P 0.05).The total effective rate in the acupuncture plus blood-letting therapy group was higher obviously than either the blood-letting therapy group or the medication group(both P 0.05).Conclusion:Acupuncture combined with blood-letting therapy achieves a better clinical therapeutic effect on migraine as compared with either simple blood-letting therapy or medication.Such combined treatment obtains a satisfactory therapeutic results and deserves to be promoted in clinical application.     

Biān stone hot compress combined with acupuncture at cervical Jiājǐ acupoint for axial pain after cervical LIF operation: A randomized controlled trial

Objective:To compare the clinical effect differences of biān(砭) stone hot compress combined with acupuncture at cervical Jiājǐ(夹脊EX-B2) acupoint and simple acupuncture at cervical EX-B2 for axial pain after cervical laminectomy with implant fixation(LIF) operation.Methods:A total of 80 patients with axial pain after cervical LIF operation were randomly assigned into the biān(砭) stone hot compress combined with acupuncture at cervical EX-B2 group(Group A)and the acupuncture at cervical EX-B2 group(Group B),and 40 patients in each group.The group A was treated by biān(砭) stone hot compress and acupuncture at cervical EX-B2,while the group B was treated by acupuncture at cervical EX-B2.Both of groups were treated once a day,one course of treatment consisted of 7 days,6-day treatment plus 1-day rest,and there were 3 courses of treatment in total.The pain score(Visual analogue scale,VAS),neck dysfunction indices(NDI),and serum creatine phosphokinase(CPK) levels of patients were compared before and after the treatment,and their clinical effects were evaluated.Results:The VAS score,NDI,and CPK in patients of the two groups after treatment were all lower than those before treatment(all P0.05),and the indicators in the group A after treatment were all lower than those in the group B after treatment(all P0.05).The effective rate in the group A was 92.5%,higher than that(77.5%) in the group B,and there was statistically significant difference(P0.05).Conclusions:The biān(砭) stone hot compress combined with acupuncture at cervical EX-B2 acupoint was better than acupuncture at cervical EX-B2 alone in treatment of axial pain after cervical LIF operation.In the group A,therapeutic effects were improved by relieving pain,improving neck function,and repairing muscle injury.     

Moxibustion on Shenque （CV 8） Improves Effect of Acupuncture for Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome （IBS-D）. Methods： A total of 60 IBS-D patients were randomly allocated into a treatment group and a control group, 30 in each group. Patients in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture combined with ginger and salt-partitioned moxibustion on Shenque （CV 8）, whereas patients in the control group only received acupuncture treatment. Six days made up a course of treatment, and the clinical effects were statistically analyzed after 4 courses. Results： The overall response rate in the treatment group was 96.7%, versus 76.7% in the control group, showing a statistical significance （P〈0.05）. In the intra-group comparison of the symptom scores after treatment, there were statistical differences in both groups （both P〈0.01）, and in the inter-group comparison, the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture combined with ginger and salt-partitioned moxibustion on Shenque （CV 8） can obtain better effect for ISB-D than acupuncture alone.     

Clinical research on disciplinarian and character of treatment of zang-fu in syndrome differentiation on insomnia

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of insomnia with zang-fu in syndrome differentiation. Methods Seventy patients with insomnia according to the diagnostic sequence were randomly divided into two groups, the treatment group and the control group. Two groups received the therapeutic methods of acupuncture in syndrome differentiation and general acupuncture separately. After two courses of treatment and one month‘s follow-up, therapeutic effect was evaluated through statistical analysis. Resulds The therapeutic effects of the treatment group and the control group have significant differences which have statistical significance. Conclusion Zang-fu in syndrome differentiation may enhance the clinical therapeutic effect of insomnia.     

Effect of bloodletting therapy at local myofascial trigger points and acupuncture at Jiaji(EX-B 2) points on upper back myofascial pain syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of bloodletting therapy and acupuncture at Jiaji points for treating upper back myofascial pain syndrome(MPS), and compare this with lidocaine block therapy.METHODS: A total of 66 upper back MPS patients were randomly assigned to either the treatment group or the control group in a 1∶1 ratio. The treatment group(n = 33) were treated with bloodletting therapy at local myofascial trigger points and acupuncture at Jiaji(EX-B 2) points; one treatment course consisted of five, single 20-min-treatments with a 2-day break between each treatment. The control group(n = 33) were treated with a lidocaine block at trigger points; one treatment course consisted of five sessions of lidocaine block therapy with a 2-day break between each session. The simplified Mc Gill Scale(SF-MPQ) and tenderness threshold determination were used to assess pain before and after a course of treatment.RESULTS: After the third and fifth treatment, the SF-MPQ values were significantly decreased(P 0.01) and the tenderness thresholds were significantly increased(P 0.01) in both groups compared with before treatment. There were no significant differences in pain assessments between the two groups after three and five treatments(P 0.05). There were five cases with minor adverse reactions reported in the control patients, while no adverse reactions were reported in the treatment group.CONCLUSION: Bloodletting therapy at local myofascial trigger points and acupuncture at Jiaji points was effective in treating upper back MPS.Clinically, bloodletting and acupuncture therapy had the same efficacy as the lidocaine block therapy, with fewer adverse reactions.     

Clinical study on acupuncture in treating perimenopausal insomnia

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for insomnia in perimenopausal women. Methods： According to simple randomized controlled principle, sixty female patients with perimenopausal insomnia were randomized into two groups： 30 in the treatment group were intervened by acupuncture and the other 30 in the control group were intervened by taking sleeping pills. Therapeutic efficacies were compared between the two groups at the end of treatment. Results： The total effective rate was 100.0% in the treatment group versus 83.3% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture has better therapeutic efficacy than taking sleeping pills in treating perimenopausal insomnia.