Brief discussion of the differences in the acupoint location between Meridians and Acupoints and Acupuncture and Moxibustion. / æµ è®®ã€Šç»ç»œè §ç©´å­¦ã€‹å’Œã€Šé’ˆç¸å­¦ã€‹"十四五"规划教材经穴定位差异.

There are the differences in the location of some acupoints between textbooks Meridians and Acupoints and Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Both of the textbooks are in the category of the "14th Five-Year Plan". The differences in acupoint location have brought some confusion for students, full-time teachers and researchers in the field of traditional Chinese medicine. In the paper, based on GB/T 12346-2021： Nomenclature and Location of Meridian Points, published in2021, and in reference with GB/T 12346-2006： Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points, published in 2006, the discrepancy in the acupoint location was systematically collated in the aspects of the expression style and layout, text expression and potential difference of location between these two textbooks, published by China Press of Traditional Chinese Medicine, People's Medical Publishing House and China Science Publishing. Based on the historical evolution and the academic controversy of acupoint positioning, the reasons of the differences in acupoint location were analyzed, the potential influences on the teaching, examination, competition and research of Chinese medicine acupuncture were explored, and the suggestions for solution were proposed.

Acupressure bladder meridian alleviates anxiety disorder via HMGB1.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acupressure bladder meridian (ABM) on anxiety in rats with chronic stress. METHODS: The sugar water preference (SPF), tail suspension time (TST) and forced swimming time (FST) of rats were measured. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), myeloperoxidase (MPO) in hippocampus tissue, oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory cytokines were detected. Underlying mechanisms of ABM on anxiety were detected. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated PC12 cells were adopted in vitro. HMGB1 knockdown were used in PC12 cells, and related signaling was further detected. RESULTS: ABM significantly increased SPF, decreased TST and FST. ABM decreased ROS, MPO levels, decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, ABM decreased the levels of oxidative stress index. ABM reduced the expression of inflammation-related proteins mediated by HMGB1, increased nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1). In vitro PC12 cells, Rat serum (RS-ABM) treated with ABM significantly decreased LPS induced inflammation-related proteins and increased Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. HMGB1 knockdown inhibited LPS-induced PC12 cell inflammatory signaling pathway and increased Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that ROS-dependent HMGB1 plays an important role in anxiety, and ABM exhibits inhibited inflammation in anxiety.

Acupuncture in Sports Medicine.

Acupuncture is gaining popularity and wider acceptance as a treatment modality within the field of sports medicine. Our objective was to provide a comprehensive review of the existing literature pertaining to acupuncture in sports medicine to shed light on approaches utilized in acupuncture while revealing its personalized nature and its impact on athletes' preparation, performance, and recovery. We evaluated acupuncture research in the context of medicine and sports-related injury treatment, assessing its impact on athletic performance across demographics of athletes. Athletes participating in most sports have shown positive outcomes from acupuncture interventions. Acupuncture improves peak oxygen levels, maximum heart rate, delayed-onset muscle soreness, pain, swelling, explosive force production, and joint mobility. Furthermore, the efficacy of acupuncture appears to be similar regardless of age and sex. Lastly, the acceptance of acupuncture is influenced by cultural factors, with Western and traditional East Asian cultures exhibiting distinct perspectives on its rationale and mechanisms of action. Traditional East Asian acupuncturists typically employ qi and meridian theories in their acupuncture practices, with the recent incorporation of Western concepts. Acupuncture shows promise as an effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain and neuropathies in athletes across different age groups and for addressing injuries in various sports. Our comprehensive review will enhance our understanding of acupuncture's potential as a complementary or distinct therapeutic approach compared to conventional therapies. Additionally, our review explores its specific applications within different sports and delves into the cultural dimensions involved in integrating this practice into modern sports medicine.

The Improvement in Function of Poststroke Spasticity by Vibrational and Heated Stone-Needle Therapy and Meridian Dredging Exercise: A Randomized, Controlled, Preliminary Trial.

BACKGROUND: Poststroke spasticity (PSS) is a common complication of stroke. Current PSS treatments have been linked to high costs, lack of long-term effectiveness, and undesirable side effects. Vibrational and heated stone-needle therapy (VHS) has not been utilized to treat PSS, and its safety and effectiveness have yet to be proven by high-quality clinical research. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of VHS combined with meridian dredging exercise (MDE) in patients with PSS. METHODS: One hundred participants with stroke were included and randomly assigned to a treatment group (VHS plus MDEs) and a control group (MDEs alone). Patients in both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The primary outcome measures were the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), while the secondary outcome measures were the Activity of Daily Living (ADL) Scale and Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL). The evaluations were at baseline (T0) at 4 weeks of treatment (T1) and at 12 weeks of follow-up without treatment (T2). RESULTS: At T1 and T2, there were significant differences in MAS between the two groups (p = 0.001). From the perspective of distribution, the VHS plus MDE group had significant changes, and the group-time interactions of upper and lower extremities in FMA, ADL, and SS-QOL were statistically significant (p < 0.001), indicating that patients' symptoms improved after treatment. But the overall effect size is small, especially the effect size of improvement in SS-QOL at T1. CONCLUSION: VHS in combination with MDE can consistently alleviate PSS, enhance limb function, and improve the quality of life of patients with PSS. But we need to optimize the device further and observe the improvement of patients for a more extended period.Spastik nach Schlaganfall (PSS; post-stroke spasticity) ist eine häufige Komplikation des Schlaganfalls. Gegenwärtige PSS-Behandlungen sind mit hohen Kosten, mangelnder langfristiger Wirksamkeit und unerwünschten Nebenwirkungen in Verbindung gebracht worden. Vibrierende und erhitzte Steinnadeln (VHS) sind bisher nicht zur Behandlung des PSS eingesetzt worden, und der Nachweis ihrer Sicherheit und Wirksamkeit durch hochwertige klinische Forschung steht noch aus.Beurteilung der Wirksamkeit von vibrierenden und erhitzten Steinnadeln (VHS) in Kombination mit Meridian-Ausbagger-Übungen (MDE) bei Patienten mit PSS.100 Patienten mit Schlaganfall wurden eingeschlossen und per Randomisierung auf eine Behandlungsgruppe (VHS plus MDEs) und eine Kontrollgruppe (nur MDE) aufgeteilt. In beiden Gruppen wurden die Patienten 4 Wochen lang behandelt. Die primären Messinstrumente waren die Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) und das Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), als sekundäre Messinstrumente wurden die Activity of Daily Living Scale (ADL) und die Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) erhoben. Die Beurteilungszeitpunkte waren bei Baseline (T0) nach 4 Wochen Behandlung (T1) und nach 12 Wochen Nachbeobachtung ohne Behandlung (T2).Bei T1 und T2 bestanden signifikante Unterschiede bei der MAS zwischen den Gruppen (p = 0.001). Aus der Perspektive der Distribution zeigte die "VHS plus MDE"-Gruppe signifikante Veränderungen, und die Gruppe*Zeit-Interaktionen der oberen and unteren Extremitäten bei FMA, ADL und SS-QOL waren statistisch signifikant (p < 0.001), was darauf hindeutet, dass die Beschwerden der Patienten sich nach der Behandlung besserten. Die Effektstärke ist allerdings gering, insbesondere die der SS-QOL-Verbesserung bei T1.Die Anwendung von vibrierenden und erhitzten Steinnadeln in Kombination mit Meridian-Ausbagger-Übungen kann PSS durchgängig lindern, die Funktion der Extremitäten verbessern und die Lebensqualität der Patienten mit PSS erhöhen. Jedoch muss das Produkt weiter optimiert werden, und die Verbesserungen bei den Patienten müssen über einen längeren Zeitraum beobachtet werden.

Basic research of meridian-tendon based on fascia: review and prospects. / åŸºäºŽç­‹è†œçš„ç»ç­‹åŸºç¡€ç ”ç©¶ï¼šè¿°è¯„ä¸Žå±•æœ›.

Meridian-tendon is a central concept in meridian theory of TCM, and its basic research has been increasingly emphasized. While there is no unified understanding of the essence of meridian-tendon, the concept that function of fascia could partially reflect the functions of meridian-tendons has reached consensus in the academic community. This article suggests that under the guidance of meridian-tendon theory, based on previous research foundation of fascia, focusing on adopting fascia research methods, the mechanisms of tender point hyperalgesia and abnormal proliferation related to meridian lesions should be adopted to explain yitong weishu (taking the worst painful sites of muscle spasm as the points), and the mechanisms of meridian intervention efficacy should be adopted to explain yizhi weishu (feelings from patients and acupuncture operators). Furthermore, this article provides an analysis of the future trends in basic research of meridian tendons.

Harmonic effects of sham acupuncture at Tsu San Li (St-36) in the radial pulse wave.

Background and aim: Acupuncture has been criticized as a theatrical placebo for the sham effect. Unfortunately, sham tests used in control groups in acupuncture studies have always ignored the underlying biophysical factors, including resonance involved in acupuncture points and meridians. Experimental procedure: In this study, the effects of sham acupuncture at Tsu San Li (St-36) were examined by analyzing noninvasive 30-sec. recordings of the radial arterial pulses for 3 groups of patients treated with different probes (blunt, sharp, and patch) on the superficial skin of the acupuncture point. The 3 groups were then treated with the sharp probe for 3 different periods (16, 30, and 50 s). Then we compared the harmonics of the radial arterial pulse after Fourier transformation before and after the treatment. Results: Our results indicated that different probes have effects similar to needle insertion at Tsu San Li. Meanwhile, the harmonic effect of the sharp probe strengthened as time increased. Conclusions: This study revealed that the meridian effect of sham testing from mechanical stimulation, even from simple touch, on an acupuncture point, should not be overlooked. Thus, even simple touch can be added to electrical or laser acupuncture.

[Application and Development of a Chinese Medicine Meridian and Acupoint Intervention in Nursing Practice].

Chinese medicine advocates a holistic and comprehensive approach that emphasizes differential diagnosis, treatment, and nursing as well as a diverse range of healthcare options. Within Chinese medicine, acupuncture techniques targeting meridians and acupoints are recognized as a suitable healthcare modality for promoting health, preventing diseases, and managing existing conditions. This article was designed to explore the practical application and advancement of acupuncture related to meridians and acupoints in the field of nursing. After introducing the development and current landscape of Chinese medicine healthcare, the application of acupoint stimulation within the context of Chinese medicinal nursing is discussed, taking into account clinical expertise, patient preferences, and safety concerns. Next, empirical findings on the impact of acupoint stimulation interventions are presented in hopes of translating clinical knowledge into evidence-based practice. Lastly, future prospects and investments in Chinese medicinal nursing are outlined. Within the realm of professional nursing practice, attaining proficiency in meridian and acupoint interventions requires comprehensive expertise and skills. Healthcare professionals in the nursing field should contemplate enhancing their knowledge and competencies in Chinese medicinal nursing. By providing the best evidence-based care, possessing specialized expertise, and taking patient preferences into account, the quality and completeness of evidence-based healthcare may be improved.

Infrared Imageries of Human Body Activated by Tea Match the Hypothesis of Meridian System.

Human meridian (Jingluo) system was hypothesized by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years, suggesting 12 normal meridian channels going through respective organs, carrying fluid and energy, and laying thermal effects. Some treatments based on meridians have been proved effective. However, existence of meridians has never been confirmed, let alone the lack of measurement for meridian phenotypes. Thermal effect is one of the major phenotypes of meridian metabolism. Infrared photograph was employed to display the picture of meridians since 1970. Unfortunately, no satisfactory results have been obtained. It is possible that only when a certain meridian is activated will there be thermal effect for successful infrared photograph. In this study, 13 types of tea were selected out of the herbs to activate the hypothesized 12 meridians for imagery taking. Forty-two volunteers took part in the experiment lasted for 13 days. Different tea was tested in different day. Infrared imageries of the human bodies were taken immediately after each tea was drunk. The highest temperatures of the fingers, palms, and above the organs were derived from the imageries and analyzed. The temperatures of the organs and fingers possibly connected by 12 hypothesized meridians rose together significantly following the meridian hypothesis. Infrared imageries showed quite clear shapes of the organs activated by different kinds of tea, e.g., heart and kidneys by yellow tea, etc. Some high temperature lines also matched the hypothetic meridians. Our work displayed the probable imageries of all the 12 hypothetic meridians for the first time, and proved with data that different foods may activate different organs following the meridian hypothesis, shedding light on a possible new method of targeted drug designs. Measurements of meridian phenotypes can be developed based on this method of activation. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43657-022-00090-x.

Caresses, whispers and affective faces: A theoretical framework for a multimodal interoceptive mechanism underlying ASMR and affective touch: An evolutionary and developmental perspective for understanding ASMR and affective touch as complementary processes within affiliative interactions.

Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) and affective touch (AT) are two phenomena that have been independently investigated from separate lines of research. In this article, I provide a unified theoretical framework for understanding and studying them as complementary processes. I highlight their shared biological basis and positive effects on emotional and psychophysiological regulation. Drawing from evolutionary and developmental theories, I propose that ASMR results from the development of biological mechanisms associated with early affiliative behaviour and self-regulation, similar to AT. I also propose a multimodal interoceptive mechanism underlying both phenomena, suggesting that different sensory systems could specifically respond to affective stimulation (caresses, whispers and affective faces), where the integration of those inputs occurs in the brain's interoceptive hubs, allowing physiological regulation. The implications of this proposal are discussed with a view to future research that jointly examines ASMR and AT, and their potential impact on improving emotional well-being and mental health.

[Exploration of the theory of Renying Cunkou pulse method recorded in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon].

Renying Cunkou pulse method is one of the classical pulse methods of acupuncture-moxibustion in the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon, which is also a classical clinical paradigm for diagnosing and treating meridian diseases in the ancient times. Based on comprehensive review of literature and clinical practice, this paper reveals that this method compares the size of the neck Renying pulse with hand Cunkou pulse to determine the change of yin-yang and excess-deficiency identifying the affected meridians. The jing-well, xing-spring, and shu-stream points of the surface and interior meridians of affected meridians are mainly selected to regulate deficiency and excess through reinforcing and reducing methods. The Renying Cunkou pulse method possesses a simple and practical medical theory, easy diagnostic procedure, and clear meridian selection for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment, warranting further exploration of its essence and diagnostic therapeutic principles.

[Electrophysiological appropriateness technique based on TCM meridian theory for postoperative pain after urethral reconstruction: A real-world study].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of electrophysiological appropriateness technique (EAT) therapy based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) meridian theory in managing postoperative pain after urethral reconstruction surgery. METHODS: Using the real-world study approach, we enrolled 61 male patients undergoing urethral reconstruction and divided them into a control group (n = 30) and an observation group (n = 31), the former receiving patient-controlled intravenous analgesia (PCIA), while the latter PCIA plus EAT at 4 pairs of acupoints (Hegu, Neiguan, Zusanli and Sanyinjiao bilaterally) and the Ashi point, with 100 mg tramadol hydrochloride given orally as remedial analgesia in both groups in case of postoperative Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score ≥4. We compared the VAS scores at 4, 12, 24 and 48 hours postoperatively, the dose of cumulative fentanyl used at 48 hours, the number of cases needing remedial analgesia, the time to first flatus and the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: The VAS scores were markedly lower in the observation than in the control group at 4, 12, 24 and 48 hours after surgery (P < 0.05), with statistically significant differences in time-dependent effect and interactive effect (P < 0.05). Significant reduction was observed in the doses of cumulative fentanyl (P < 0.05) and remedial tramadol analgesia (P < 0.05), time to first flatus (P < 0.05), and incidence of adverse reactions (P < 0.05) in the observation group in comparison with the controls. CONCLUSION: Electrophysiological therapy based on the TCM meridian theory can safely and effectively alleviate postoperative pain after urethral reconstruction, reduce opioid consumption, and decrease adverse events.

The Cellular Mechanism of Acupuncture for Ulcerative Colitis based on the Communication of Telocytes.

Acupuncture can ameliorate or treat diseases according to the meridian theory in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); however, its mechanism has not been scientifically clarified. On the other hand, telocytes (TCs) are morphologically in accordance with the meridian system, which needs further cytological investigations and acupuncture confirmation. The present study showed that acupuncture could activate TCs in several ways, alleviating rabbit ulcerative colitis. TCs could cytologically communicate the acupoints, the acupuncture sites in skin with their corresponding large intestine by TC homo-cellular junctions, exosomes around TCs, and TC-mediated nerves or blood vessels. TCs expressed transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4, the mechanosensitive channel protein that can transduce the mechanical stimulation of acupuncture into biochemical signals transferring along the extremely thin and long TCs. Collectively, a cellular mechanism diagram of acupuncture was concluded based on TC characteristics. Those results also confirmed the viewpoint that TCs were the key cells of meridian essence in TCM.

[The skin surface microcirculation of conception vessel, governor vessel and thoroughfare vessel in patients with primary dysmenorrhea].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the skin surface microcirculation of acupoints of conception vessel, governor vessel and thoroughfare vessel in patients with primary dysmenorrhea using laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI), and provide acupoint selection basis of acupuncture-moxibustion for primary dysmenorrhea. METHODS: Ninety-nine healthy female college students with regular menstrual cycles (normal group) and 94 female college students with primary dysmenorrhea (dysmenorrhea group) were recruited. Before menstrual period, on the first day of menstruation, and on the third day after menstruation, LSCI was used to observe the surface microcirculation at the abdominal acupoints of conception vessel, i. e. Yinjiao (CV 7), Qihai (CV 6), Shimen (CV 5), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3) and Qugou (CV 2), acupoints of thoroughfare vessel, i. e. Huangshu (KI 16), Zhongzhu (KI 15), Siman (KI 14), Qixue (KI 13), Dahe (KI 12), Henggu (KI 11) and acupoints of lumbosacral region of governor vessel, i. e. Xuanshu (GV 5), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Yaoshu (GV 2) as well as two non-acupoints. RESULTS: Before menstrual period, there was no significant difference in the surface blood perfusion of the acupoints between the dysmenorrhea group and the normal group (P>0.05). On the first day of menstruation, the surface blood perfusion of Xuanshu (GV 5), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and right Huangshu (KI 16) in the dysmenorrhea group was higher than that in the normal group (P<0.05, P<0.01). On the third day after menstruation, the surface blood perfusion of the right Henggu (KI 11) in the dysmenorrhea group was lower than that in the normal group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: In patients with primary dysmenorrhea, on the first day of menstruation, the surface blood perfusion of Xuanshu (GV 5), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) of governor vessel, and the right Huangshu (KI 16) of thoroughfare vessel is increased, while on the third day after menstruation, the surface blood perfusion of the right Henggu (KI 11) of thoroughfare vessel is decreased. These findings might provide a basis for acupoint selection in the acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.

Cellular Evidence for Telocytes Mediating Electroacupuncture to Ameliorate Obesity in Mice.

Electroacupuncture has been generally applied to target obesity, the principle of which is based on the meridian in traditional Chinese medicine. Although Telocytes (TCs) have been reported as the potential essence of meridians, their specific role in the electroacupuncture treatment of obesity remains unclear. Thus, we investigated the cellular evidence for TC-mediated electroacupuncture to alleviate obesity. Mice were divided into three groups as follows: electroacupuncture group (EA), control group (CG), and normal group (NG). The present study showed that the weight of perirenal white adipose tissue (rWAT), the serum level of total cholesterol, and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were all significantly decreased after electroacupuncture. Ultrastructurally, the prolongations (telopodes, Tps) of TCs were in direct contact with adipocytes, and lipid droplets were distributed on the surface of Tps. The proportions of double-positive fluorescent areas of TCs (CD34 and PDGFRα) were significantly elevated with concomitant elongated Tps in EA mice, as compared to those in CG mice. The expression of Cx43 and CD63 (gap junction and exosome markers) was significantly enhanced. These characteristics facilitated the transmission of electroacupuncture stimulation from skin to rWAT. We conclude that electroacupuncture relieved obesity by activating TCs morphologically, upregulating the gap junctions between TCs, and increasing the exosomes around TCs.

Optimal acupuncture protocol improving symptoms of typical dry eye syndrome: meta-analysis and systematic review.

Previous meta-analyses have shown a superiority of acupuncture over artificial tear for treating typical dry eye syndrome (DES). However, given that the acupuncture protocols were quite diverse in the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in the meta-analyses, it is necessary to establish the acupuncture guidelines. Thus, the optimal acupuncture protocol involved in improvements of tear-film breakup time (BUT) or Schirmer tear test (STT) was examined by meta-analyses for RCTs in patients with typical DES. Eight databases until Jun 2018 were searched for 21 RCTs (n = 1542 eyes) comparing effectiveness of acupuncture versus artificial tear control. Indirect comparison of Bucher analysis was used to find specific acupoints (SAPs) improving BUT or STT by comparing the outcomes between subgroups of the RCTs including and excluding certain SAPs. Meta-analysis was examined for the outcomes in subgroups of the RCTs based on the number of SAPs, and network meta-analysis was for multiple pairwise comparisons across the protocols using the SAPs to yield relative effects. The Bucher analyses identified nine SAPs with positive effects on BUT or STT, and the positive relations of two SAPs involved in improvements of both BUT and STT suggested potential combinations of three ('KI3-LI4-SP6' or 'KI3-GB14-ST2') or four SAPs ('KI3-BL1-EX-HN7-SP6'). Subgroup meta-analyses showed the SAP-depending improvements of BUT or STT in the subgroups including more than three SAPs, compared with the artificial tear control. Meta-regression and network meta-analyses revealed significant correlations between the number of SAPs and the improvements of BUT and STT, and demonstrated that acupuncture using four SAPs for 21-30 days, particularly at two-three times per week, can be optimal for improving the symptoms of typical DES. These results provide useful information for guiding acupuncture in clinical trials for DES.

[Manifestations and distribution rules of jingjin lesions in neck-type cervical spondylosis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the manifestations of jingjin (sinews/fascia) lesions and summarize their distribution rules in the patients with neck-type cervical spondylosis so as to provide the evidences for the development of clinical diagnosis and treatment scheme of acupuncture for cervical spondylosis. METHODS: A total of 120 patients with neck-type cervical spondylosis were collected. The meridian diagnostic method was used to examine the upper back of each patient, the manifestation category of jingjin lesions, locations and the affected muscle regions of twelve meridians were recorded. RESULTS: (1) The punctate lesions of jingjin were detected in 15 regions, and the highest frequency of lesion occurred in the region from the inner upper corner of the scapula to Quyuan (SI 13) (113 cases, 94.2% of lesion frequency). The lesion frequency of 10 regions was ≥50.0%. The punctate lesions were mainly distributed in the muscle regions of hand-shaoyang (349 cases) and foot-taiyang (333 cases). (2) The linear lesions of jingjin were detected in 10 regions, and the highest frequency of lesion occurred in the region from the inner upper corner of the scapula to Quyuan (SI 13) (77 cases, 64.2% of lesion frequency). The lesion frequency of 2 regions was ≥50.0%. The linear lesions occurred mainly in the muscle region of foot-taiyang (251 cases). (3) Eight regions were examined to be the planar lesions of jingjin, and the highest frequency of lesion was found in the site of Jianjing (GB 21) (84 cases, 70.0% of lesion frequency). The lesion frequency of 3 regions was ≥50.0%. The muscle region of foot-taiyang (260 cases) was predominated in the planar lesions. (4) The distribution of all of the punctate, linear and planar lesions of jingjin was analyzed statistically. It was found that 25 regions were involved and those with the high lesion frequency were distributed in the area from the inner upper corner of the scapula to Quyuan (SI 13), the sites of Jianjing (GB 21) and Dazhui (GV 14), transverse processes of C3 to C5 and the area from the lateral border of the scapula to the teres minor, separately. The muscle regions of foot-taiyang, hand-shaoyang and hand-yangming were involved in various kinds of jingjin lesions. CONCLUSION: Jingjin lesions in patients with neck-type cervical spondylosis can be divided into three categories, namely, punctate, linear and planar lesions; of which, the punctate lesions are dominated. A majority of jingjin lesions is related to the muscle region of foot-taiyang, and the lesion frequency is higher compared with the lesions to the muscle regions of hand-shaoyang and hand-yangming. Jingjin lesions are commonly distributed in the area from the inner upper corner of the scapula to Quyuan (SI 13).

Meridian energy analysis may predict the prognosis of patients with advanced cancers receiving palliative care.

Background and aim: A better understanding of irreversible prognoses in palliative care is crucial for improving patients' quality of life and their sense of dignity. We examined whether measurements of meridian electrical conductance can noninvasively and objectively predict survival time in a hospice patient population. Experimental procedure: This was a single-center cohort study. Between 2019 and 2020, we measured skin conductance from 24 representative acupoints of 12 meridians on both sides of the body in 181 advanced cancer patients within 48 h of hospitalization and monitored their survival time. The Palliative Prognostic Score (PaP Score) was calculated for each patient, classifying them into one of three prognosis groups: Group A, B, or C. Factors associated with short-term and long-term survival were identified using multivariate regression analysis. Statistical differences in survival times were analyzed between the meridian electrical conductance measurements and PaP Scores. Results and conclusion: Analyses of the clinicopathological data from terminal cancer patients revealed that male sex, mean meridian electrical conductance measurements of ≤8.8 µA, and PaP Scores in Group C were independent predictors of short-term survival. Mean meridian electrical conductance measurements of ≤8.8 µA demonstrated good sensitivity (85.1%) and adequate specificity (60.6%) for short-term survival. A survival curve analysis revealed a mortality rate of 90.6% at 30 days among patients with meridian electrical conductance measurements of ≤8.8 µA. A mean meridian electrical conductance measurement of ≤8.8 µA can objectively assess short-term survival with advanced cancer and reduce nonbeneficial medical treatment.

[Regularity of meridian-acupoint reactions of foot three yin meridians in primary dysmenorrhea and secondary dysmenorrhea patients].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the meridian-acupoint reactions of foot three yin meridians in primary dysmenorrhea(PD) and secondary dysmenorrhea(SD) patients, so as to summarize the rules of meridian-acupoint reaction and acupoints selection. METHODS: Thirty-five patients with PD (PD group), 34 patients with SD (SD group) and 35 healthy subjects (healthy group) were recruited. The compression method was used to examine the lower leg segment of the foot three yin meridians. Positive reactions(palpable skin changes, including cords, nodules, depressions) and tenderness of meridians and acupoints were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the tenderness severity of acupoints. RESULTS: Compared with the healthy group, the probability of positive reactions and tenderness in foot three yin meridians were higher in PD and SD groups (P<0.01,P<0.05). Compared with the PD group, the probability of positive reactions in Spleen and Liver Meridians were higher in the SD group, with higher probability of tenderness in Liver Meridian(P<0.05). The probability of positive reactions and tenderness in the Spleen Meridian of PD and SD groups was significantly higher than that in the Kidney Meridian (P<0.01), while the probability of tenderness in the Spleen Meridian of the PD group was significantly higher than that in the Liver Meridian (P<0.05). Positive reactions and tenderness were concentrated at Yinlingquan (SP9), Diji (SP8) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) of Spleen Meridian and Xiguan (LR7) and Ligou (LR5) in Liver Meridian of PD and SD groups. In comparison with the PD group, the probability of positive reactions, tenderness and VAS score of SP8 and LR5 of the SD group were higher (P<0.05, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The positive reaction occurs most frequently in the Spleen Meridian, followed by the Liver Meridian, and least frequently in the Kidney Meridian. The acupoints with positive reaction are different between PD and SD, which suggests that the Spleen Meridian acupoints should be the main acupoints when treating the two kinds of dysmenorrhea, and acupoints should also be selected according to the meridian and acupoint examination results.