The Mechanism Study of Moxa Combustion Products on Regulating Vascular Endothelial Function in Atherosclerotic Mice.

Objective: To evaluate the anti-atherogenic effect of moxa combustion products (MCPs) and whether it is mediated through improving the vascular endothelial function in ApoE-/- mice. Methods: A total of 60 male ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into the moxa smoke (MS) group, filtered moxa smoke (FMS) group, moxa floss volatile (MFV) group, essential oil of Artemisia argyi (EOAA) group, and model group (n = 12/group), while 12 male C57BL/6 mice were used as the control group. The six groups were intervened for 20 min/day, 6 days/week. After 14 weeks of intervention, the mice were euthanized and their blood lipids were measured. The aortic roots and thoracic aortas were collected for haematoxylin and eosin (HE) or Oil Red O staining, respectively. The contents of AMPK, PI3K, Akt, and eNOS mRNA in the thoracic aortas were examined by RT-qPCR. Results: The MS group and FMS group showed significantly lower plaque area percentage in the aortic roots and thoracic aortas and higher contents of AMPK-mRNA and eNOS-mRNA in the thoracic aortas compared with the model group. Conclusion: MS and FMS equally suppressed the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE-/- mice. It was suggested that the particulate matter in MS may not be the key components of moxibustion.

Effect of Moxibustion on Hyperhomocysteinemia and Oxidative Stress Induced by High-Methionine Diet.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of moxibustion on the animal model of oxidative stress and cardiovascular injury induced by high-methionine diet (2% methionine and 3.5% fat on the basis of ordinary maintenance feed) during 12 weeks. METHODS: 53 mice were divided into four groups: mice in the Control group (n = 8), mice in the Met group (n = 8), mice in the Met group (n = 8), mice in the Met group (n = 8), mice in the Met group (. RESULTS: Compared with the Met group, our results indicated that through moxibustion intervention, the content of serum Hcy and its intermediate metabolite SAH can be reduced to a certain extent, and SOD, HO-1, and ox-LDL can be increased. CONCLUSION: This study showed moxibustion's ability to enhance the body's antioxidation and protect vascular endothelial function, thus playing an early role in the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis.

Literature analysis on moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) for insomnia / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize and analyze the clinical literature regarding moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) for insomnia, and to provide clinical evidence of moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) for insomnia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>With "moxibustion" "acupuncture-moxibustion" "Yongquan (KI 1)" "insomnia" and "sleep disorder", etc. as key terms, the clinical literature regarding moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) for insomnia was retrieved in CNKI, and VIP databases, and reviewed, summarized and analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 27 clinical papers were retrieved, including 14 randomized controlled trials. In recent years, the number of clinical papers had increased. Few papers selected moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) as independent treatment for insomnia; most papers combined moxibustion with acupuncture, massage, etc. Moxibustion was commonly manipulated by patients or family members, and few papers applied moxibustion instruments to make the manipulation easier and safer.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Moxibustion at Yongquan (KI 1) for insomnia has attracted more and more attention. It is suggested to apply convenient and safe moxibustion instruments in clinical treatment, which is benefit to clinical generalization, but also provides convenient manipulation for further study regarding its clinical effect and mechanism.</p>

Teaching method of the basic ability of acupuncture in training the manipulation skills in / 中国针灸

Through checking the ancient books and the articles at the modern times and combining the disciplinary characteristics of techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion, the training of manipulation skills was discussed. It is proposed that during the teaching of the techniques of acupuncture and moxibustion, the most basic ability of needling technique should be trained in the first place. This ability includes the ability of spiritual cultivation, the ability of tactile perception and the specific training for the needling techniques. The ability of spiritual cultivation refers to the consciousness concentration to the patient when providing acupuncture, which may promotes and conducts to the affected area. The ability of tactile perception refers to the different feelings of different tissues under the hands before and after acupuncture, the perception to the different needling sensations corresponding to the chief complains of patients as well as the different body responses after acupuncture. In order to ensure the better learning results, the specific manipulations of needling techniques should be provided accordingly on the base of these basic training skills of acupuncture.

Measurement report on the horizontal position relationship between the umbilicus and the 2nd lum- bar spinal process in adults / 中国针灸

The impact factors were explored to determine the horizontal positional relationship between the umbilicus and the 2nd lumbar spinal process in adults and to verify the accuracy of the localization of Shenshu (BL 23) via the umbilicus. The position of the umbilicus and the 2nd lumbar spinal process was measured in 100 participants and the data were analyzed through SPSS 20.0 software. It was found that the umbilicus and the 2nd lumbar process were not positioned horizontally. The positional relationship of these two sites was not apparently correlated with gender, age, body weight, body height, BMI, waistline and discomfort of lumbar region. The umbilicus was commonly and posteriorly projected on the site between the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebra. It is explained that the localization of Shenshu (BL23) via the umbilicus is not accurate.

Effects of Moxibustion and Moxa Smoke on Blood Lipids, and Hepatic Pathologic Morphology and CD36 and ABCA1 Expressions in ApoE-/-mice / 上海针灸杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the intervention effects of moxibustion and moxa smoke on blood lipids,hepatic pathological changes and intrahepatocytic molecules related to cholesterol metabolism and analyze the regulating effects of moxibustion and moxa smoke on cholesterol metabolism and explore the mechanisms of actions of moxibustion and moxa smoke. MethodFifty-one 8-week-old ApoE-/-mice were randomized into model, moxa smoke and moxibustion groups, 17 mice each. Twenty C57BL/6 mice comprised a blank control group. The normal and model groups of mice were routinely grabbed and fastened. The moxa smoke group of mice was exposed to 10-15 mg/m3moxa smoke circumstances. The moxibustion group of mice was given moxibustion on point Guanyuan(CV4). All interventions were made 20 min daily, 6 times a week, for 12 consecutive weeks. Total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Hepatic pathologic morphology was observed by HE staining. Hepatic CD36 and ABCA1 expressions were determined by immunohistochemical method.ResultIn the model group of mice, serum TG and LDL-C contents were significantly higher than in the normal group (P=0.003;P=0.001);HDL-C content was significantly lower than in the normal group (P=0.007); TC content had no significant difference compared with the normal group (P>0.05). In the moxibustion group of mice, serum TG and LDL-C contents were significantly lower than in the model group (P=0.03;P=0.001) and HDL-C content had no significant difference compared with the model group (P=0.11). In the moxa smoke group of mice, serum TG and LDL contents were significantly lower than in the model group (P=0.01;P=0.008) and HDL content had no significant difference compared with the model group (P=0.11). There were no significant differences in various blood lipid indicators between the moxibustion and moxa smoke groups (P>0.05). There were hepatic cell cord and sinusoid derangement and obvious hepatocytic swelling in the model group of mice. In the moxa smoke and moxibustion groups, hepatocytic swelling subsided significantly, and inflammatory cell infiltration reduced compared with the model group. In the model group,CD36 expression was significantly higher than in the normal group (P=0.004) and ABCA1 expression was significantly lower than in the normal group (P=0.001). In the moxibustion group, CD36 expression had no significant difference compared with the model group (P=0.09) and ABCA1 expression was significantly higher than in the model group (P=0.03). In the moxa smoke group, CD36 expression was significantly lower than in the normal group (P=0.02) and ABCA1 expression was significantly higher than in the model group (P=0.002). There were no significant differences in CD36 and ABCA1 expressions between the moxibustion and moxa smoke groups (P>0.05).ConclusionEarly moxibustion on point Guanyuan can regulate disorders of blood lipid metabolism, delay the occurrence of hepatic lesions and reduce intrahepatic accumulation of cholesterol to a certain extent in an ApoE-/-mouse model of atherosclerosis. That may be one of the mechanisms by which moxibustion therapy prevents atherosclerosis. Moxa smoke as the product of moxibustion is an effective factor in moxibustion producing a therapeutic effect.

Reflection and prospect on acupuncture- moxibustion in treating Hashimoto’s thyroiditis / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To categorize and summarize the clinical and mechanism studies of the past 30 years on the treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) with moxibustion, moxibustion plus medication, and acupuncture plus medication, etc., and to analyze the current problems. Methods: The clinical and laboratory studies related to the treatment of HT with acupuncture-moxibustion therapies published before June 2015 were retrieved from MEDLINE, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database (Wanfang) and Chongqing VIP Database (CQVIP). Results:Moxibustion, moxibustion plus medication, and acupuncture plus medication can produce certain therapeutic effects in treating HT. Conclusion:The research on the treatment of HT with acupuncture-moxibustion therapies is rather limited in the amount and content. In the future, standardization should be fortified, specific moxibustion research needs deepening, and the action mechanism of moxibustion should be emphasized.

Effects of Moxa Smoke Versus Tobacco Smoke on Autonomous Behaviors and Hippocampal GFAP Expression in Apolipoprotein E Gene Knockout Mice / 上海针灸杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of moxa smoke versus tobaccosmoke on autonomous behaviors and hippocampal expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in apolipoprotein E gene knockout (ApoE-/-) mice.Method Thirteen 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice constituted a blank control group. Twenty-seven ApoE-/-mice of the same age were randomized into ApoE-/-model, moxa smoke and tobacco smoke groups. The tobacco smoke and moxa smoke groups of mice were exposed to smoke 5-15 mg/m3circumstances. Every group of mice was intervened in 20 min. daily, six days a week, for atotal of 12 weeks. A behavioral test was conducted in week 13. The animals were then sacrificed to take the materials. Hippocampal GFAP in the brain was measured by an immunohistochemical method.ResultAutonomous activities were significantly more in theblank group than in the model group (P0.05). Moving distance was longer in the moxa smoke group than in the model group (P<0.05). Standing-up number was smaller in the moxa smoke group than in the blank group (P<0.05). Integral optical density of GFAP immune reaction products in the hippocampus was significantlyhigher in the model group of mice than in the blank and moxa smoke groups (P<0.05). Hippocampal GFAP expression was significantly higher in the group of mice than in the moxa smoke and blank groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Moxa smoke can increase the excitability of central nervous system in mice and reduce hippocampal GFAP expression in a mice model of Alzheimer disease.

Effects of Different Waveform Electroacupuncture on the 5-HT, Glu and CABA Contents of the Hypothalamus in Rats with PCPA-induced Insomnia / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture of different stimulation waveforms on the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), glutamic acid (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (CABA) contents of the hypothalamus in rats with para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)-induced insomnia and explore the difference in the effects and the mechanism of its action. Methods Fifty SD rats were randomly allocated to a normal group of 10 rats, a model group of 10 rats and an electroacupuncture group of 30 rats. The electroacupuncture group was then randomly divided to electroacupuncture groups 1, 2 and 3, 10 rats each. A rat model of insomnia was made using PCPA in all groups of rats except the normal group. All the electroacupuncture groups received electroacupuncture treatment. Of them, electroacupuncture group 1 received sparse wave treatment; electroacupuncture group 2, dense wave treatment;electroacupuncture group 3, sparse-dense wave treatment. After 6 days of treatment, every group of rats was sacrificed by cervical dislocation. The 5-HT, Glu and CABA contents of the hypothalamus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The 5-HT content of the brain decreased significantly in the model group of rats compared with the blank group (P<0.01) and increased significantly in electroacupuncture group 3 of rats compared with the model group (P<0.01). There was a statistically significant difference in brain 5-HT content between electroacupuncture group 2 or 3 of rats and electroacupuncture group 1 (P<0.05,P<0.01) and between electroacupuncture groups 3 and 2 of rats (P<0.01). The Glu and CABA contents of the cerebral cortex and the ratio of Glu/CABA increased significantly in the model group of rats compared with the blank group (both P<0.01) and decreased significantly in electroacupuncture group 3 of rats compared with the model group (both P<0.01). There were statistically significant differences in the Glu and CABA contents of the cerebral cortex between electroacupuncture group 2 or 3 of rats and electroacupuncture group 1 ((P<0.05,P<0.01) and between electroacupuncture groups 3 and 2 of rats (P<0.01). Conclusions Electroacupuncture can regulate hypothalamic monoamine neurotransmitter 5-HT content and amino acid neurotransmitters Glu and CABA contents and reduce intracerebral amino acid toxicity to produce a therapeutic effect on insomnia in insomnia rats. The therapeutic effect of sparse wave electroacupuncture is superior to that of dense wave or sparse-dense wave electroacupuncture.

Effects of moxa smoke with different concentrations on expression of SOD and MDA in lung and serum of rats / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effects of intervention of moxa smoke with different concentrations on superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum and lung of male rats, so as to explore the safety concentration of moxa smoke.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 32 Wistar male rats were randomly divided into a control group, a low-concentration group, a moderate-concentration group and a high-concentration group, 8 rats in each one. All the rats were exposed in the full-automatic toxicant exposure cabinet, and the overshadow of moxa smoke was set at 0%, 10%, 40% and 70%, respectively. Each rat was exposed for 20 min per day. After 26 weeks, the activities of SOD and content of MDA in serum, lung organ and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were tested.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the control group, the activities of serum SOD in the high-concentration group were reduced (P< 0. 05), but those in the low-concentration group and moderate-concentration group were not significantly different (both P>0. 05). Compared with the control group, the content of serum MDA in the low-concentration group, moderate-concentration group and high-concentration group was increased insignificantly (all P>0. 05). There were no significant differences regarding activities of SOD and content of MDA in lung organ and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid among each moxa smoke group (all P>0. 05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>There is no obvious toxic reaction in the low-concentration group and moderate-concentration group; in the high-concentration group the antioxidant ability is damaged due to long-term exposure.</p>

Effect of electroacupuncture at different acupoints on hormones and neurotransmitters of hypotha- lamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in rats under simulated weightlessness / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the change pattern of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and related neurotransmitters under simulated weightlessness.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 40 clean-grade male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a tail-suspension group, an electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan (PC 6) group, an EA at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) group, 10 rats in each group. Rats in the tail-suspension group, EA at "Neiguan" (PC 6) group and EA at "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) group were treated with tail suspension to simulate weightlessness effect. Rats in the normal group were treated with normal diet. Rats in the tail-suspension group were treated with tail suspension for 28 d. During the time of tail suspension, rats in the EA at "Neiguan" (PC 6) group were treated with EA at "Neiguan" (PC 6), 30 min per treatment, once every two days for 14 treatments, while rats in the EA at "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) group were treated with EA at "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6), 30 min per treatment, once every two days for 14 treatments. Samples were all collected after 4 weeks. The contents of corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) , adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT) in as well as 5-hydroxy tryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE) were measured by using radioimmunoassay.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the normal group, in the tail-suspension group the content of ACTH in pituitary was significantly decreased (P< 0.05), and the content of 5-HT in hypothalamus was significantly decreased (P < 0.01); the content of CRH and 5-HT in hypothalamus was significantly decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) in the EA at "Neiguan" (PC 6) group; the content of CRH and 5-HT in hypothalamus was significantly decreased (P < 0.01), and the content of CORT in serum was significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the EA at "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) group. Compared with the tail-suspension group, the content of ACTH in hypothalamus was significantly decreased (P< 0.05) in the EA at "Neiguan" (PC 6) group; the content of CRH, ACTH and CORT was significantly decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05) in the EA at "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) group. Compared with the EA at "Neiguan" (PC 6) group, the content of CORT was decreased (P < 0.05) in the EA at "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>EA can regulate the content of 5-HT in hypothalamus in tail-suspension rats, inhibit the hyperactivity of the HPA axis, in which EA at "Sanyinjiao" (SP 6) had more significant effects than "Neiguan" (PC 6), but no obvious effects on NE and DA were observed.</p>

Effect of PM10 in Moxa Smoke on Apoptosis of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line-A549 Cells / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effect of PM10 (inhalable particles) in moxa smoke on apoptosis of human lung adenocarcinoma cell line-A549 cells, and explore the possible mechanisms of inducing apoptosisMethods The A549 cells were studied in vitro experiment method, which were stained by Hoechest33258 staining method. Their morphological changes of apoptosis were observed by the fluorescence microscopy. The levels of intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and expression of NF-κB p65 were also measured.Results Some apoptotic cells were observed after treated with moxa smoke PM10 in the concerntration of 400μg/mL. After 4 hours intervention by moxa smoke PM10 in A549 cells, the intracellular Ca2+ level increased significantly (P0.05). Compared with the blank control group, ROS level was significantly lower (P<0.05) in A549 cells after intervention of moxa smoke PM10.Conclusion PM10 in moxa smoke could induce apoptosis of A549 cells, could increase cytosolic Ca2+ level.

Can moxibustion, an ancient treatment modality, be evaluated in a double-blind randomized controlled trial? - A narrative review / 中西医结合学报

For thousands of years, moxibustion has been used for various diseases in China and other Asian countries. Despite the recent surge in Chinese herbal studies, few randomized controlled trials have been conducted on this modality, possibly due to the lacking of suitable double blinding methodology. This is a review of extant sham moxa devices and an introduction to a recently developed device that needs further validation.

Effect of Moxa Smoke on Amino Acids Neurotransmitters in Brain of Senescence Accelerated Mice / 中国中医药信息杂志

Objective To observe the effect of moxa smoke (Artemisia vulgaris) on amino acids neurotransmitters in the brain of senescence accelerated mouse (SAMP8) and explore the anti-aging effect of moxa smoke. Methods Totally 70 SAMP8 were randomized into one model control group and 6 intervention groups, and 10 SAMR1 mice were used as normal control group. There were low, medium and high concentrations of moxa smoke during intervention. Moxa smoke intervention was performed 15 min/30 min each day for 28 days. High performance liquid chromatographic method was used to determine the levels of Glu, Asp and GABA in the brain of the mice. Results Compared with the normal control group, the levels of Asp and Glu in the model control group were significantly higher, while the GABA was significantly lower. The levels of Asp and Glu in 6 intervention groups were significantly lower than those in the model control group, while GABA was significantly higher than or the same as the model control group. There was no significant difference among different intervention groups in the levels of Asp and Glu, while the 30 min-medium concentration moxa smoke had the most significant effect in increasing the level of GABA. Conclusion Moxa smoke intervention could decrease the high level of Asp and Glu, and increase the low level of GABA in SAMP8. It could achieve the effect of anti-aging through adjusting the abnormal metabolism of amino acids in the brain.

Volatile Constituents of Folium Artemisiae Argyi of Different Sources / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To compare the volatile constituents of folium artemisiae argyi in order to provide chemical evidence for quality standardization. Methods: Volatile oil was extracted from folium artemisiae argyi from five sources by vapour distillation and then detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to identify and semi-quantify its chemical constituents. Results: The folium artemisiae argyi in Qichun (Hubei Province) and Anguo (Hebei Province) contained many volatile constituents, with uniform and stable contents of these volatile constituents. Conclusion: The types and contents of volatile oil of folium artemisiae argyi are varied in different sources.

Changes of Electrical Property of the Twelve Source-points in Encephaloma Patients Before and After Surgery / 针刺研究

Objective To observe the changes of electrical property of the 12 Source-points in encephaloma patients undergoing surgery.Methods A total of 116 encephaloma patients and 60 healthy people who signed the informed consent were enlisted in the present study.The regional cutaneous electric resistance(CER) of the bilateral 12Yuan(Source)-points was measured in the afternoon(14:00-16:00) before and one week after surgery under room temperature [(22?3)℃,(55?10)% in humidity] by using "Meridian Energy Analysis Device".Results In comparison with normal subjects,CER values of the 12 Source-points on both sides of the body in encephaloma patients were significantly lower(P

Safety Concerns about the Application of Moxa / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective: To discuss the safety issues of moxibustion therapy in view of moxibustion materials. Methods: The analyses and assessment were performed based on the survey carried out on the use of moxa, modem and ancient records, modern studies, and clinical applications. Results:Moxa has been used as both a medicine and a food for a long history in China. Regarding moxibustion specifically, moxa has been proven to be the optimum choice for moxibustion therapy,through practices and experiments by doctors from different generations. No records have shown any side- or adverse-effects of moxa applied in moxibustion therapy. Conclusion: Moxa has been used in multiple ways for several thousands of years by Chinese people. As the main material for moxibustion therapy, its safety has been proven by documents and clinical practices.

Functions of Massage in Acupuncture Treatment / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

This article discusses the functions of massage in acupuncture treatment and argues that massage acts to diagnose diseases, locate acupoints, activate meridian qi before acupuncture treatment,protect healthy qi, dispel pathogenic factors, promote qi arrival and movement during acupuncture treatment, warm and nourish the body, and further promote qi movement and eliminate pathogenic factors after acupuncture treatment. Therefore, massage complements with acupuncture and becomes an essential method in acupuncture treatment.