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Objective: To investigate the neural connections between Shenmen (HT7)-heart and the brain by observing the tracing viruses co-labeled brain nuclear groups after injection of the pseudorabies viruses (PRV), the reverse transsynaptic virus tracer carrying different fluorescent protein genes, into the myocardium and Shenmen (HT7) point, respectively.Methods: Pseudorabies virus 531 (PRV531) carrying the green fluorescent protein gene and pseudorabies virus 724 (PRV724) carrying the red fluorescent protein gene were injected into the left ventricular wall and Shenmen (HT7) point area of the left forelimb of six C57BL/6 mice, respectively. After 120 h, whole brain tissue was extracted under 4% paraformaldehyde perfusion to prepare brain sections. Neuronal co-labeling with the tracing viruses was observed under fluorescence microscopy. Results: Co-labeled signals from the mouse ventricular wall and Shenmen (HT7) point region were found at all levels of the mouse central nervous areas, such as the cerebral cortex, hypothalamus, midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata. The number of co-labeled neurons was higher in the primary motor area, the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus, the subceruleus nucleus, and the paramedian reticular nucleus. Conclusion: There is a neural connection between Shenmen (HT7), the heart, and the brain, which may be most closely related to the autonomic nervous system.
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Objective: To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subtype 2B (NR2B) in the hippocampus of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rats, and to explore the analgesic mechanisms of moxibustion in RA treatment. Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a moxibustion group, a moxibustion + NMDA receptor antagonist (AP-5) group, and a moxibustion + NMDA receptor agonist (NMDA) group, with 12 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, rats in the other four groups were treated with complete Freund's adjuvant in a windy, cold, and damp environment to replicate RA models. Rats in the moxibustion group received suspended moxibustion with moxa sticks at Shenshu (BL23) and Zusanli (ST36), and the two points were used alternately. After intraperitoneal injection of AP-5 or NMDA, rats in the moxibustion + AP-5 group and the moxibustion + NMDA group received the same moxibustion intervention as in the moxibustion group, once a day for 15 d. The thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) of rats in each group was detected before and after modeling and after the 15-day intervention. After the 15-day intervention, hematoxylin-eosin staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in knee joints. The real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect the mRNA expression of NR2B in the hippocampus; Western blotting assay was used to detect the protein and the phosphorylated protein expression of hippocampal NR2B. Results: The synovial tissue was proliferated, the synovial lining was significantly thickened, the pannus was formed, and the cartilage and bone tissues were significantly damaged in the model group. After intervention, the pathological morphology of the knee joints in the moxibustion group, the moxibustion + AP-5 group, and the moxibustion + NMDA group was significantly improved, and the improvement in the moxibustion + AP-5 group was more notable than that in the moxibustion + NMDA group. Compared with the normal group, the TWL was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the TWL of each intervention group was significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the moxibustion group, the TWL was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly decreased in the moxibustion + AP-5 group (P<0.01); the TWL was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA, protein, and phosphorylated protein expression levels of hippocampal NR2B were significantly increased in the moxibustion + NMDA group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion reduces hyperalgesia in RA inflammatory rats. The analgesic effect may be related to the decrease in the expression and phosphorylation levels of NR2B in the hippocampus.
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the regional homogeneity (ReHo) of resting-state brain function in the healthy subjects of gastric distention treated with acupuncture at the back- and front- points of the stomach, Weishu (BL 21) and Zhongwan (CV 12) and the correlation with gastric motility so as to explore the mechanism on the central integration of the front- and back- points of the stomach.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The crossover test design was adopted. Twenty-four healthy subjects were assigned to a Weishu group, a Zhongwan group and a combined-point group separately, 8 cases in each one in each of the three times. Totally, 24 subjects were included in each group. Under the water load condition, the subjects received acupuncture at Weishu (BL 21), Zhongwan (CV 12) and the combined Weishu (BL 21) and Zhongwan (CV 12). Before and after each acupuncture, the resting-state brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan and electrogastrogram (EGG) test were applied. The ReHo value was calculated in the collected fMRI imaging data. The changes in ReHo values were analyzed and compared before and after acupuncture in each group, as well as among the groups. The gastric motility was analyzed before and after acupuncture. Additionally, the correlative analysis was conducted between the gastric motility and ReHo changes before and after acupuncture.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) After acupuncture, EGG amplitudes in the subjects of each group were lower remarkably as compared with those before acupuncture (all <0.01). The EGG frequencies were not different significantly as compared with those before acupuncture (all >0.05). The EGG amplitudes in the Weishu group and the Zhongwan group were higher than those in the combined-point group (both <0.05). (2) As compared with the conditions before acupuncture, acupuncture at the combined front- and the back- points as well as Weishu (BL 21) and Zhongwan (CV 12) separately all induced the changes in the brain ReHo. Acupuncture at the combined front- and the back- points significantly increased Reho values in the right inferior temporal gyrus, the left thalamus, the precuneus and the posterior cingulate gyrus (all <0.05) and remarkably reduced the ReHo values in the the middle temporal gyrus of the right temporal pole, sulcus calcarinus and precuneus (all <0.05). Compared with the single point groups, acupuncture at the combined front- and the back- points induced the increase of ReHo value in the posterior cingulate gyrus and the decrease of ReHo in the temporal pole (all <0.05). (3) The correlative analysis showed that the changes in the ReHo values in the posterior cingulate gyrus, the thalamus and the precuneus were positively correlated to the changes of the gastric motility amplitudes. The changes in the ReHo values in the temporal pole was negatively correlated to the changes of the gastric motility amplitudes.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture at the combined back- and front- points of the stomach, as well as acupuncture at single Weishu (BL 21) and Zhongwan (CV 12) induce the ReHo changes in the different brain regions. Acupuncture at the combined back- and front- points of the stomach may induce the ReHo changes in some new brain regions as compared with the acupuncture at the single point. The thalamus, the posterior cingulate gyrus and the precuneus may be the the important integrated brain regions for acupuncture at the back- and the front- points in regulating the gastric motility. The effects of acupuncture at the back- and the front- points for the regulation of the gastric motility are closely related to the thalamus, the limbic system and the default network of the brain regions.</p>
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Humans , Acupuncture Points , Acupuncture Therapy , Brain , Diagnostic Imaging , Physiology , Cross-Over Studies , Electroencephalography , Gastrointestinal Motility , Healthy Volunteers , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , StomachABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the partial action mechanism and the myocardial protective effect differences between electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning at "Neiguan"(PC 6) and "Taiyuan"(LU 9) in rats with acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Ninety-six Wistar rats were randomly assigned into a sham-operation group, a model group, a Neiguan group and a Taiyuan group, 24 rats in each one. The rats in the Neiguan group and Taiyuan group were treated with EA (2 Hz in frequency, 1 mA in intensity) at "Neiguan" (PC 6) and "Taiyuan" (LU 9) respectively, 20 min per treatment, once a day for consecutive 7 days. The rats in the sham-operation group and model group were treated with immobilization for the same time, and no EA was given. The model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury was established in the model group, Neiguan group and Taiyuan group 24 h after the end of EA, while the rats in the sham-operation group were treated with sham operation (no ligation was made during surgery). The myocardial ischemic size, infarction size, activity of protein kinase C (PKC) and expression of aquaporin1 (AQP1) in each group were detected.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with sham-operation group, the myocardial ischemic size, infarction size, AQP1 expression and PKC activity in the model group were significantly increased (all<0.01); compared with the model group and Taiyuan group, the myocardial ischemic size, infarction size, PKC activity and AQP1 expression were significantly decreased in the Neiguan group (<0.01,<0.05). By Pearson correlation analysis, the changes of AQP1 expression were positively correlated with those of PKC activity after EA preconditioning.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>EA preconditioning at "Neiguan" (PC 6) could significantly decrease myocardial AQP1 expression and PKC activity in rats with acute myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injuing, but the effect of EA preconditioning at "Taiyuan"(LU 9) is not obvious; its protective effect is likely to be achieved by inhibiting PKC activity and AQP1 expression.</p>
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<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the difference in the clinical therapeutic effects of the regulation of subhealthy condition between the mild moxibustion on alternate days and Chinese herbal medicine.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Seventy-two participants of subhealthy condition were assigned into a mild moxibustion group (36 cases) and a medication group (36 cases) according to random number table. In the mild moxibustion group, the intervention of mild moxibustion with moxa stick was applied to Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), once every other day. In the medication group,granules were prescribed for oral administration, three times a day. The treatment was continued for 2 months. Before and after treatment, the levels of IgA, IgM and IgG, SOD (superoxide dismutase), the total score of fatigue scale 14 (FS-14) and the score of nailfold microcirculation were observed separately.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the results before treatment, the immune indices, the total score of FS-14 and the scores of nailfold microcirculation were all improved after treatment in the two groups, indicating the significant differences (<0.05,<0.01). In comparison between the two groups after treatment, the levels of immune globulin, e.g. IgM, IgG and SOD in the mild moxibustion group were higher in tendency than those in the medication group, but without significant differences (all>0.05). The total score of FS-14 after treatment in the mild moxibustion group was lower than that in the medication group (<0.05). After treatment, in the mild moxibustion group, for the nailfold microcirculation, the flow state score, the periloop score and the total score were all reduced more apparently as compared with those in the medication group (<0.01,<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Mild moxibustion with moxa stick on alternate days apparently relieves fatigue state, immune dysfunction and microcirculatory impairment in the subhealthy group. The results are apparently superior to the treatment withgranules.</p>
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Objective] This paper aims to excavate the acupuncture clinical characteristics of Hua Tuo and its clinical value, in order to promote the inheritance and development of acupuncture and moxibustion science. [Methods] To summarize the acupuncture clinical characteristics of Hua Tuo through arranging and epurating from classical books which recording about Hua Tuo. [Results] The clinical characteristics in acupuncture of Hua Tuo are scattered in several classic medical or non-medical books, including Records of Three Kingdoms, History of the Later Han Dynasty, Hua Tuo Biography, Zhongzang Canon, Internal Illumination Method, Hua Tuo Shen Yi Mi Chuan, Prescriptions for Emergent Reference and so on. The acupuncture clinical characteristics of Hua Tuo are shown in several aspects:choose the best acupoints and pay attention to spirit management, not constrained by Yellow Emperor ’s Canon of Medicine and set up Hua Tuo Jiaji Point, advocate moxibustion and good at treatment of emergency, apply moxibustion according to the condition and pay attention to dosages of moxibustion, skillfully acupuncture manipulation and familiar under the needle;combined acupuncture and moxbustion and flexible application. [Conclusion] Hua Tuo had distinct characteristics in acupoint selection, mental state regulation, acupuncture manipulation, moxibustion method and so on, and played guiding role on contemporary acupuncture clinical and research work.
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Three points on the inheritance,innovation and belongingness of acupuncture-moxibustion research are discussed in the paper,including the inheritance of acupuncture-moxibustion culture showing the soul of the development of acupuncture,the improvement of acupuncture-moxibustion presenting the close relationship with the innovation and its development belonging to the origin. It is considered that the inheritance of acupuncture-moxibustion culture takes the priority of its development. Innovation must be realized in order to exist better in the future medicine. The study of acupuncture-moxibustion can not be limited to the traditional acupuncture-moxibustion theory,but need to be in line with it. Explore actively the value of traditional acupuncture-moxibustion culture and its theory. The research and education of acupuncture-moxibustion must belong to TCM. With all the above condition,the innovation and development of acupuncture-moxibustion could be better achieved.
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Objective To compare the effects of mild moxibustion at different frequencies on sub-health state, and to discuss the effectiveness and dose-response relationship of moxibustion in treating sub-health state. Method Totally 108 subjects were divided by using random number table into group Ⅰ (36 cases), group Ⅱ (36 cases) and group Ⅲ (36 cases). Same acupoints were selected for the three groups, including Guanyuan (CV3), bilateral Zusanli (ST36), and bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP6). A moxa stick was ignited at one end to treat the corresponding points, 3-4 cm away from the skin, making the topical area hot but without burning pain. Each point was treated for 10 min, till the skin flushed. The 3 groups were respectively treated once a day, once every other day, and once a week, 1 month as a treatment course, totally for 2 courses. The Sub-health Symptoms Scale, immunoglobulins IgA, IgM and IgG, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated and statistically analyzed before and after intervention. Result The total effective rate was 87.9% in group Ⅰ, 84.8% in group Ⅱ, and 34.3% in group Ⅲ. The paired comparisons showed that there was no significant difference between group Ⅰ and Ⅱ (P>0.05), while group Ⅰ and group Ⅱ were both significantly different from group Ⅲ (P0.05). Conclusion The therapeutic efficacy of mild moxibustion for sub-health is related to the treatment frequency, and frequencies at once a day and once every other day both can produce significant efficacies, which are superior to that of moxibustion at once a week.
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Objective: To observe the effect of mild-warm moxa stick moxibustion on fatigue, immune state and quality of life (QOL) in sub-health population. Methods: A total of 120 cases were randomly allocated into a moxibustion group (n=60) and a Chinese patent medicine (CPM) group (n=60). People in the moxibustion group were intervened with mild-warm moxa stick moxibustion, once a day; while people in the control group took oral Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Spleen/stomach-supplementing and Qi-boosting Pill), 3 doses a day. Two months made up a course of treatment. The fatigue, immune state and QOL were then observed after one treatment course, followed by a 12-month follow-up. Results: A total of 115 cases completed the clinical trial. After intervention, the fatigue scores, immune parameters and QOL scores were significantly increased in both groups, showing statistical significances (P<0.05). There were between-group significant differences in fatigue score, levels of immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, natural killer (NK) cell activity and QOL score (P<0.05). After the 12-month follow-up, there were still significant between-group differences in fatigue score, physical health, psychological, social relationships and overall perception of QOL and overall perception of health (P<0.05). Conclusion: Mild-warm moxibustion can markedly improve the fatigue, immune state and QOL in sub-health population.
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Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has been widely applied in clinical study of acupuncture and moxibustion, and the real-world study (RWS) has gradually become an important way of clinical research in the world in recent years. It is worthy of our in-depth study and discussion that how to evaluate the advantages and limitations of EBM and RWS as well as their reasonable application in clinical study of acupuncture and moxibustion. The characteristics and difference between RWS and EBM, and the situation of acupuncture clinical research methods are discussed in this paper. It is proposed that we should understand the advantages of RWS in acupuncture clinical research, fully realize the limitations of EBM and RWS, recognize the complexity and particularity of RWS, and apply EBM and RWS into acupuncture clinical research. Meanwhile acupuncture clinical manipulation standardization should be further promoted, which is benefit to develop clinical study, improve clinical efficacy and promote the popularization of acupuncture and moxibustion.
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Humans , Acupuncture Therapy , Reference Standards , Biomedical Research , Reference Standards , Evidence-Based Medicine , Reference Standards , Medicine, Chinese Traditional , Moxibustion , Reference StandardsABSTRACT
The academic contribution of HUA Tuo to acupuncture, such as HUA Tuo Jiaji points, the drawing of viscera and channels, "diagnosis by observing the eyes", focusing on the clinical application of moxibustion, being the first to treat headache with Geshu (BL 17), selecting essential acupoints and paying attention to spirit management, etc. were summarized in this paper. It was believed that HUA Tuo made an outstanding contribution to acupuncture, which still had important guiding significance and academic value for clinical acupuncture and research work.
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Humans , Acupuncture , History , Workforce , Acupuncture Points , Acupuncture Therapy , History , Books , History , China , History, Ancient , Medicine in LiteratureABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the changes in blood pressure and serum norepinephrine after stretching the superior cervical sympathetic ganglia.Methods The superior cervical sympathetic ganglia of 10 rabbits were stretched to simulate the physical stimulation of cervicogenic hypertension.The blood pressure and content of norepinephrine in serum were observed and the observations were correlated.Results The rabbits' blood pressure had risen significantly after the stretching.The content of norepinephrine in serum had also increased significantly.The changes in blood pressure and norepinephrine content showed significant correlation.Conclusion The changes in blood pressure and serum norepinephrine after stretching of the superior cervical sympathetic ganglia show significant correlation,at least in rabbits.
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To investigate the effects of manual acupuncture at Shenmen (HT7) or Taiyuan (LU9) on the attention function of the brain, and to lay an experimental foundation for researching brain function and integration mechanisms of the human brain in relation to acupuncture stimulation.
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To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (PC6) and Xinshu (BL15) on the nerve electrical activity in spinal dorsal root and norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) concentrations in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in rats with acute myocardial ischemia (AMI).
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To establish a rat model of ulcerative colitis with syndrome of spleen deficiency and dampness stagnancy.
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Pathogenic dampness can cause many diseases, and that is why traditional Chinese medicine pays close attention to pathogenic dampness. In recent years many researches discovered that dampness diseases and aquaporin have close correlation. By analyzing the progress in research on correlation between dampness diseases and aquaporin, it is discovered that aquaporin has close correlation with urinary system, digestive system, respiratory system and central nervous system. Normal expression of aquaporin may be the molecular biological basis of dispelling dampness, while abnormal expression may be one of the main causes for dampness diseases. Studying the correlation between dampness diseases and aquaporin has quite important significance in understanding mechanism of dampness diseases and formulating treatment protocols.
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Objective: To observe the influence on IL-1β and IL-2 in rat models with rheumatoid arthritis after moxibustion on Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) points, and to discuss the mechanism of moxibustion. Methods: Fifty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 5 groups,control group, model group, drug group, moxibustion group, and laser group, 10 for each. Four groups except the normal group were built on the model of rheumatoid arthritis. The changes of body weight and plantar circumference were measured and the level of IL-1β、 IL-2 in sera were examined by ELISA. Results: Compared with the model group, the weight and plantar circumference of rats in the moxibustion group were improved significantly after treatment (P<0.01), and the improvement of plantar circumference also had significant differences compared with the drug group and the laser group (P<0.05). The level of IL- 1β、 IL-2 in sera were down regulated in the moxibustion group and the laser group, which had statistical differences compared with the model group (P<0.05), but no statistical differences were found when comparing with the drug group. Conclusion: Moxibustion obviously improves the toe tumefaction of the rats with rheumatoid arthritis, which is better than CO2 laser of 10.6μm. On the aspect of decreasing the amount of IL-1β、 IL-2, CO2 laser of 10.6 μm is similar with moxibustion.
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Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of combined acupuncture and psychological desensitization therapy for anxiety in those with heroin addiction.Methods:All 90 cases were randomly allocated into a treatment group (45 cases) and a control group (45 cases).Cases in the treatment group received 30 min of combined acupuncture and psychological desensitization therapy for each treatment,twice a week and 8 weeks in total,whereas cases in the control group received no treatment.After that,the anxiety score and state were observed.In addition,the mental state prior to and after cue-elicited heroin craving was evaluated.Results:The total and standard scores of anxiety in the treatment group were significantly reduced compared to the control group (P<0.05),coupled with a significant reduction of heroin craving (P<0.01).Conclusion:Combined acupuncture and psychological desensitization can alleviate anxiety and inhibit the short-term heroin craving.
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Objective: To observe the effects of moxibustion therapy at Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36) of rats with induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on the serumal intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICMA-1) and the pathological tissue, to discuss the mechanism of the warming and activating effect of moxibustion. Methods: After establishing the RA rats model, the induced rats were treated with moxibustion therapy on the acupoint Shenshu (BL 23) and Zusanli (ST 36), followed by analyzing the pathological section of the ankle of the hind limb and testing the ICAM-1 content with ELISA. Results: The plantar circumferences of the induced rat increased significantly compared with the rats in the control group (P<0.01), accompanying with the increase of the synovial layer, the erosion of phlogocytes to chondrocytes and the specific increase of ICAM-1 content. After the moxibustion therapy, the plantar circumferences decreased significantly (P<0.01) while the synovial layer tended to reduce. In addition, there was no pathological damage of the articular cartilage and the ICAM content decreased with significant deviation (P<0.01), compared to the model group. Conclusion: It was concluded that moxibustion therapy could inhibit the arthrosynovitis and hyperplasia, ameliorate the erosion of phlogocyte to cartilage, prevent articular periosteal lesions and delay the pathological course. The warming and activating effect of moxibustion therapy may involve the inhibition of the formation of ICAM-1 and pannus.
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This article gives a profound exploration on the theoretical origin, prohibitions and mechanisms of moxibustion for heat syndrome. Based upon the ancient and modem literature, this article also gives a classified summarization on diseases of moxibustion for heat syndrome, in order to obtain a thorough understanding about the theory and clinical application of moxibustion for heat syndrome, hence to further perfect the theory of moxibustion and guide the clinical practice.