COMMENTS ON THE STUDY OF ACUPOINT COMBINATION AND REMEDIES FOR TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLITUS WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

In the present paper, the author reviews the progresses in the study on acumoxi (acupuncture-moxi-bustion) treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM) from Chinese ancient classical works, Chinese and foreign journals. The therapeutic results reveal that acupuncture treatment of DM is effective in improving DM patients' symptoms via vagal-nerve reflex, regulation of neuroendocrine and immune functions. The author holds that ① correct selection of acupoints in accordance with syndrome differentiation and the related meridians and combined application of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicines (for oral administration) are the key points for raising the therapeutic effect; and ②acupoint combination and curative methods need to be researched further.     

COMMENTS ON THE STUDY OF ACUPOINT COMBINATION AND REMEDIES FOR TREATMENT OF DIABETES MELLTIUS WITH ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

In the present pater ,the author reviews the progresses in the study on acumoxi(acupuncture-moxi-bustion)treatment of diabets mellitus(DM) from Chinese ancient classical works.Chinese and foreign journals.The therapeutic results reveal that acupuncture treatment of DM is effective in improving DM patients‘ symptoms via vagal-nerve reflex,regulation of neuroendocrine and immune functions,The author holds that （1） correct selection of acupoints in accordance with syndrome differentiation and the related meridians and combined application of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicaines (for oral administration)are the key points for raising the therapeutic effect;and (2) acupoint combinaton and curative methods need to be researched further.     

DEVELOPMENT OF CLINICAL STUDIES ON ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF SHOULDER PAIN IN PATIENTS WITH WIND STROKE

In the present paper, the authors review some new results of acupuncture treatment of shoulder pain in stroke patients from ① application of filiform needle with different needling manipulations, ② selection and combination of acupoints, and ③ some special needling methods including point-injection. Generally, if acupuncture therapy is used in combination with other rehabilitation methods, the therapeutic effect of shoulder-pain-relief will be much better. Regarding the acupoint selection, both local acupoints and those of the yang meridians are primarily used in clinical practice. Further studies on treating shoulder pain of hemiplegia based upon the basic theory of TOM are necessary.     

CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE SELECTION OF ABDOMINAL ACUPOINTS TO RELIEVE LOWER LUMBAR PAIN

This paper discusses the selection of abdominal area kidney and meridian acupoints120 patients suffering from lower lumbar pain using the fingers to press the acupoints. Althoughthe types of ailments, mildness or severity of the patients' conditions f and duration of illness var-ied, in all cases satisfactory treatment results were achieved. The average effective rate was 97.5%. The average rate of cure (complete recovery rate) was 73.3%. Patients who had sufferedfrom symptoms for a period of less than one year and patients afflicted with mild or moderate con-ditions enjoyed the most outstanding treatment results. The advantages of this treatment method or technique are as follows: 1. This method ortechnique brings the distinctive dynamics of traditional Chinese medicine theory and meridian the-ory into full play. 2. This method of treatment uses neither acupuncture needles nor moxibus-tion. It merely utilizes the fingers to press certain acupoints. It is simple, convenient and easy toimplement.It is sa     

The Combined Use of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicines for Treatment of Menopausal Syndrome --A Clinical Report of 63 Cases

Objective： To evaluate therapeutic effects of the combined use of acupuncture and Chinese medicines in 63 cases of menopausal syndrome. Methods： Ninety-three cases of menopausal syndrome were randomly divided into 2 groups. Sixty-three cases of the treatment group were treated by the combined use of acupuncture and Chinese medicines. Thirty cases in the control group were only given Western medicines. Results： The total effective rate was 96：83% in the treatment group, and 73.33% in the control group. Conclusions： The combined use of acupuncture and Chinese medicines is more effective for treating menopausal syndrome.     

PRIMARY RESEARCH ON FRACTAL GEOMETRY OF MERIDIAN THEORY

In meridian theory of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),the geometrical descrip-tions can be traced back to the remote ancient times in China,mainly in The Yellow Emperor‘s In-ternal Classic(The Internal Classic in short).Euclid‘s geometry,topology and other classic mathe-matics are all at their wit‘s end to explain the high complexity and non-clinear phenomenon of the meridian .In recent over2000years.the meridian phenomenon has been being the challenge to funda-mental mathematics.Fractral geometry,founded by Mandelbrot(1975),is a branch of learning for investigating irreg-ular geometrical curves.It has successfully solved some qualitative and quantitative problems about the topographical structure of molecular Brown‘s movement curve and other irregular complicated curves and geomtrical characters.The characteristics of geometrical topographical structure of meridian and its phenomenon belong to the research category of Fractal Geometry.The author of this paper believes that Fractal Geometry may provide a useful mathematical tool and a possible way for revealing the enigma of acup-moxibus-tion meridian theory.The human body is of basic characters of Fractal Geonetry in structure,while meridian is the ex-pression form of Fractal structure of the human body.The basic Fractal geometrical characters of meridian are:self-similarity,self-affinity,symmetry,minute structure and self-avoidance,which has bee applied for thousands of years in clinic,suchas“taking the acupoints on the right side of the body in cases of disorders appearing on the left side and vice versa”.The basic characters of meridians are1)symmetry of the 12regular meridians on the bilateral sides of the body(symmetry);2)similarity in characters and actions of acupoints of the same one meridian(self-similarity);3)taking acupoints on the lower part of the body when disorders occuring on the upper part of the body;and taking acupoints on the upper part of the body if disordera appear-ing on the lower part(self-affinity);4)micro-acupuncture system including hand-acupuncture,foot-acupuncture,scalp-acupuncture,auricular acupuncture and eye-acupuncture(minute structure);and acupuncture,scalp-acupuncture,auricular acupuncture and eye-acupuncture(minute structure);and acupuncture,scalp-acupuncture,auricular acupuncture and eye-acupuncture(minute structure);and acupuncture,scalp-acupuncture,auricular acupuncture and eye-acupuncture(minute structure);and acupuncture,scalp-acupuncture,auricular acupuncture and eye-acupuncture(minute structure);and5)systematical running of needling sensation(self-avoidance).     

Clinical Practice Guideline of Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy

Backgroud: Acupuncture is common used for Bell’s palsy in clinic, however, recent systematic reviews all shows that there is no sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of acupuncture for Bell’s palsy because ofthe poor quality and heterogeneity. It’s urgently necessary to develop a guideline of acupuncture for Bell’s palsy based on principles of evidence-based medicine to optimize acupuncture treating, standardize outcomes evaluating and to improve the quality of acupuncture for patients with Bell’s palsy under general circumstances. Objective: To improve the accuracy of diagnosing and managing Bell’s palsy, optimize acupuncture treating and outcomes evaluating for patients with Bell’s palsy, and to improve the quality of acupuncture for patients with Bell’s palsy in most instances. Methods: This guideline was developed using an explicit and transparent a priori protocol based on supporting evidences and experts’ consensus. The guideline developing Group followed the protocol through all stages of the development process: proposed clinical questions, searched clinical evidences, evaluated levels of evidences, developed recommendations, peer reviewed and consummated, and finally formed the draft of this guideline. Results: (1)The guideline development group made a Grade A recommendation that ①With a course of Bell’s palsy within 3 months, the patients with mild facial palsy may be treated with any one of acupuncture, western drugs, or acupuncture combing with western drugs, whereas the patients with severe facial palsy may be treated with acupuncture or acupuncture combing with western drugs. With a course of more than 3 months, acupuncture is more suitable. ②Acupuncture should be applied as early as possible for Bell’s palsy. ③The principle of selecting acupoints for Bell’s palsy is to select local points, points of corresponding meridians and those according to differentiation. Generally, the points of yangming meridians are the main ones. ④The various methods of acupuncture and moxibustion are adopted for Bell’s palsy, including filiform needling, moxibustion, electro-acupuncture, etc. Two or more methods are usually used together in clinical practice. (2) The development group formed expert consensus on the principles of acupuncture treatment for Bell’ palsy. Bell’s palsy is suitably treated according to the stages, differentiation and symptoms.     

Notice of the 5th International Conference on the Demonstration of Specific Acupuncture Manipulation and Therapy

Acupuncture ＆ moxibustion is considered as the most invaluable treasure in Chinese culture, in which, the special acupuncture manipulation and therapy is especially exotic, presenting the incredible efficacy and playing the significant role in prevention and treatment of diseases. Aiming to extend the popularity of acupuncture ＆ moxibustion, conduct the researches of the theories and new technology of acupuncture ＆ moxibustion, and constantly expand the technological service scope of acupuncture ＆ moxibustion, Journal Center of the Institute of Acupuncture ＆ Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, and the Professional Committee of Specific Acupuncture Manipulation Research, Chinese Folk Association of Chinese Medicine will co-hold the 5th International Conference on the Demonstration of Specific Acupuncture Manipulation and Therapy. The relevant matters are notified as follows.     

Treatment of apoplexy with brain-activating and orifice-opening acupuncture

Through summarizing clinical and experimental researches on brain-activating and orifice-opening acupuncture method and the clinical observation of the 9 005 patients in 40 years, the basic pathogenesis of apoplexy has been considered to be stagnant blood, liver wind and turbid phlegm resulting in obstruction of brain orifices, loss of vitality and failure to conduct qi. Therapeutic principles and needling methods have heen devised on that basis. The acupoints in the three yin meridians and the Governor Vessel are mainly selected and standardized quantification of needling techniques emphasized, which are quite different from traditional acupoint selection and needling methods for treatment of apoplexy. It is presented as follows.     

TREATMENT OF 150 CASES OF FACIAL PALSY WITH ACUPUNCTURE PLUS TDP IRRIDIATION

In the present paper,the author summarizes the results of treatment of 150 cases of facial palsy with acupuncture plus TDP irradiation.Main acupoints used are Bihui(GV 20),Yintang(EX-HN 3),Sibai(ST 2),Dicang (ST 4)and Hegu(LI 4),After insertion,the needles are retained but not manipulated,and the acupoints,are irradiated with TDP for 20-60 min every time.The treatment is conducted once daily,with 10 sessions being a therapeutic course.Following 6-28sessions of treatment,of the 150 cases,145 are cured,2 experience remarkable improvement and 3 have improvement,with the total effective rate being 100%.The fact indicates that acupuncture plus TDP irradiation is rather effective in the treatment of facial palsy.     

经络理论中穴位与脏腑的联系

The theory of interrelation between acupoints and viscera （IBAV） is one of the most important parts in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the key concept in the theory of Zangfu and Jingluo （meridians）. IBAV expresses the rule between body surface and inner organs which guides the diagnosis and treatment in acupuncture practice. Yellow Emperor said. ＂The twelve-channel is the passage of the flowing of the blood and energy in human body, it has close relation with the existence of the flowing of the blood and energy in human body, it has close relation with the existence of man, the forming of disease, the human health and the recovery of disease... ＂ （Chapter 11 Jing Bie Yellow Emperors Canon Internal Medicine） Early studies noted that IBAV is bi-direetional by reflex reaction to the aeupoints on body surface. Stimulation on the acupoints can simultaneously regulate visceral functions. Recent research showed that acupuncture stimulations induced neuronal nitric oxide expression in the brainstem. Nitric Oxide in the medulla medicates various physiological reflexes. In this Review, the evidence of the relationship between viscera and acupoints will be summarized and emphases on the study of interrelation between acupoints and viscera is not only for improving clinical effects, but also for clarifying the mechanisms of acupuncture-moxibustion. A main way to treat visceral illnesses is choosing acupoints based on differentiation of symptoms and signs.     

How is the motility of gastrointestinal sphincters modulated by acupmoxa？

Traditional Chinese medicine has been developing for more than 2500 years to prevent and treat diseases in Eastern cultures. Although acupmoxa (acupuncture and rv.oxibustion) has been recommended by World Health Organization in treatment of 43 disorders, the exact mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Due to the development of spinal gate theory, the discovery of opioid receptors and the endogenous opioid that resulted in a better understanding of the mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia, acupuncture is now proved to be effective in pain relief. Previous studies have shown that nonadrenergic noncholinergic (NANC) neuron is regarded as the main source of neurally induced relaxation of gzstrointestinal sphincters, including low esophageal sphincter (LES), the sphincter of Oddi (SO) and internal anal sphincter (IAS). The involvement of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide (NO) by NANC neurons has been documented to relax the above-mentioned sphincters. By using open-tip manometry in small animals, moxibustion can also be studied scientifically. Change of skin temperature on acupoints is postulated to be one of the therapeutic mechanisms for moxibustion. Application of local somatothermal stimulation (LSTS) on acupoints has been reported to induce an inhibitory response of SO in cats, rabbits and humans and to relax IAS in rabbits and humans. In these circumstances, the mechanism is speculated as a consequence of somatovisceral reflex through a heat-sensitive neural release of NO, which is temperature-dependent and stimulation site-specific. The electroacupuncture (EA)-induced SO motility changes are not inhibited by pretreatment with atropine, propranolol, phentolamine or naloxon, but are blocked by pretreatment with cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor antagonist, proglumide, and by injection of anti-CCK-8 antibody during EA with a dose-dependent relationship. The fact that an obvious elevation of plasma CCK level during EA stimulation on GB 24 and LR 14 acupoints suggests that F‘‘A causes a secretion of CCK which in turn affect biliary tract motility in rabbits and cats。 Viscero-visceral reflex regulation is a normal physiological response. A growing body of evidence suggests acupuncture and moxibustion may regulate visceral function and modulate immune response through a “somato-visceral regulation“ mechanism. Recent advance in the technology of functional magnetic resonance image analysis had made visualization of brain image possible at teh same time when sensory stimulation is applied at body surface. The effectiveness of acupuncture treatment can be well demonstrated in vivo and the lineage between somato-visceral regulation and corresponding brain function can thus be elucidated. The incorporation of Western innovations into traditional Chinese medicine will make acupmoxa an evidence-based medicine, which can withstand rigorous assessment of its effect and mechanism.     

Medical acupuncture modality: Principles, explanatory model, and scientific developments during 2005–2012

Medical acupuncture is a term given to a pragmatic treatment approach used within the public health services in North Western Europe and other Western countries. Its rationale and methods are derived from, but distinct from, classical traditional Chinese medicine as it is practiced in China and in Europe. The article summarizes 9 principles of the medical acupuncture modality, offers an explanatory model, and reviews international research during 2005 to 2012.     

Comments on selection of non-acupoints beyond meridians in studies of acupuncture and moxibustion

With the development of clinical research on acupuncture and moxibustion, clinical therapeutic effects must be scientifically evaluated. In clinical randomized trials, controlled methods are significant and nonacupoints beyond meridians are commonly used for sham acupuncture. Research on comparisons of acupoints along meridians and non-acupoints beyondmeridians has become an important subject,     

Treatment of Visceral Pain Associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome using Acupuncture: Mechanism of Action

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a relatively common condition characterized by abdominal pain, among other symptoms, that significantly impacts the quality of life of IBS patients. Therapeutic treatment of IBS results in limited success, and the focus is placed on relieving patients of some of the symptoms, visceral pain in particular. Acupuncture is commonly used as a treatment modality of choice. However, the debate on whether acupuncture can be effectively used for this purpose is ongoing. In this work, we critically review the available literature to establish a potential mechanism of action in treating visceral pain in IBS using acupuncture. The sources used are Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane Library and PubMed as well as Chinese database sources. The keywords used in the literature search are “acupuncture,” “IBS,” “Irritable Bowel Syndrome,” and “visceral pain.” We find that the literature strongly indicates that acupuncture, by stimulating points located on the dermatomes proximal to the spinal level of the area where the sympathetic outflow of the particular gut area affected by the pain is, can interfere with the efferent signal that transports information about the noxious stimuli and interrupt the “connectivity” between the gut and brain, and as a final result, reduce or stop IBS pain. Our findings justify that clinical trials are conducted to test the utility of acupuncture in treating abdominal visceral pain in IBS.     

Professor Jiping ZHAO's experiences in the differentiation and treatment of peripheral facial paralysis with acupuncture

Professor Jiping ZHAO has unique thoughts on the diagnosis and treatment of peripheral facial paralysis.She pays the great attention to clinical differentiation in treatment with acupuncture, especially meridian differentiation. She believes that the differentiation of lesion is core and the early judgment is critical for the better therapeutic effects on intractable facial paralysis. The local acupoints are selected in the guide of the theory of meridian sinew and stimulated on the base of three-needling theory. The distal acupoints are decided in light of the syndrome differentiation, of which, Hégǔ(合谷 LI 4), Zúsānlǐ(足三里ST 36) and Taichōng(太冲 LR 3) are the basic acupoints. Additionally, Professor ZHAO lays the emphasis on the 5 th branch of facial nerve(cervical branch) in diagnosis and treatment.     

Introduction to Mr. ZHANG Ren＇s Experience in Treating Eye Diseases by Extraordinary Acupoints

Mr. ZHANG Ren is an expert at clinical practice and an accomplished scholar in Chinese medical theory, and has a set of unique experience in the treatment of eye diseases by acupuncture. In clinical practice, he particularly focuses on the new acupoints, extraordinary acupoints as well as the arrival of Deqi.     

Hypothesis,modern researches and clinical applications of cutaneous regions in traditional Chinese medicine

As one of the most important concepts in traditional Chinese medicine, cutaneous regions have a close relationship with skin in modern medicine. According to the doctrine of traditional Chinese medicine, the cutaneous regions are the corresponding projections of twelve meridians in the superficial layer of the body and play an important role in body surface-viscera correlation. The symptoms of visceral disorders will reflect on cutaneous regions and one of the major patterns of manifestation is referred visceral pain accompanied by tenderness and hyperalgesia on the body surface. On the contrary, cutaneous regions participate in the treatment of visceral disorders. As major clinical applications of the cutaneous regions hypothesis, superficial acupuncture, subcutaneous needling, massage （tuina）, moxibustion, and wrist-ankle acupuncture have achieved favorable therapeutic outcomes in clinical practice. Modern researches have gained insights into the biological background of cutaneous regions, however, further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms.