Exploring the mechanism of agarwood moxa smoke in treating sleep disorders based on GC-MS and network pharmacology.

Background: Agarwood moxibustion is a folk therapy developed by individuals of the Li nationality in China. There is evidence that agarwood moxa smoke (AMS) generated during agarwood moxibustion therapy can treat sleep disorders via traditional Chinese medicines' multiple target and pathway characteristics. However, the specific components and mechanisms involved have yet to be explored. Objective: GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) and network pharmacology were used to investigate AMS's molecular basis and mechanism in treating sleep deprivation. Method: GC-MS was used to determine the chemical composition of AMS; component target information was collected from TCMSP (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology), PubChem (Public Chemical Database), GeneCards (Human Gene Database), and DisGeNet (Database of Genes and Diseases) were used to identify disease targets, and JVenn (Joint Venn) was used to identify the common targets of AMS and sleep disorders. STRING was used to construct a protein interaction network, Cytoscape 3.9.1 was used to build a multilevel network diagram of the "core components-efficacy targets-action pathways," the targets were imported into Metascape and DAVID for GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analyses and Autodock was used for molecular docking. This research used a network pharmacology methodology to investigate the therapeutic potential of Agarwood Moxa Smoke (AMS) in treating sleep problems. Examining the target genes and chemical constituents of AMS offers insights into the molecular processes and targets of the disease. Result: Nine active ingredients comprising anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidants, such as caryophyllene and p-cymene, found seven sleep-regulating signaling pathways and eight targets linked to sleep disorders. GC-MS was used to identify the 94 active ingredients in AMS, and the active ingredients had strong binding with the key targets. Key findings included active components with known medicinal properties, such as p-cymene, eucalyptol, and caryophyllene. An investigation of network pharmacology revealed seven signaling pathways for sleep regulation and eight targets linked to sleep disorders, shedding light on AMS's effectiveness in enhancing sleep quality. Conclusion: AMS may alleviate sleep disorders by modulating cellular and synaptic signaling, controlling hormone and neurotransmitter pathways, etc. Understanding AMS's material basis and mechanism of action provides a foundation for future research on treating sleep disorders with AMS. According to the study, Agarwood Moxa Smoke (AMS) may improve sleep quality by modifying cellular and synaptic signaling pathways for those who suffer from sleep problems. This might lead to the development of innovative therapies with fewer side effects.

Postpartum uterine involution promoted by penetrating-moxibustion therapy: a randomized controlled trial. / é€ç¸æ³•ä¿ƒè¿›äº§åŽå­å®«å¤æ—§ï¼šéšæœºå¯¹ç §è¯•éªŒ.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effect of penetrating-moxibustion therapy on postpartum uterine involution. METHODS: Eighty puerpera were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each one. In the control group, oxytocin injection was administered by intravenous drip, 20 U each time, once daily. In the observation group, on the base of the treatment as the control group, the penetrating-moxibustion therapy was used at Shenque (GV 8), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV 4), 30 min to 40 min each time, twice a day. The intervention of each group started from the first day after childbirth and lasted 3 days. The uterine volume before and after treatment, and in 42 days of postpartum, the height decrease of the fundus of the uterus, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS) for uterine contraction, the volume of lochia rubra in 1 to 3 days of treatment, and lochia duration were compared between the two groups; and the clinical effect was evaluated. RESULTS: The uterine volume in the observation group was smaller than that of the control group after treatment (P<0.01). In 1 to 3 days of treatment, the height decrease of the fundus of the uterus in the observation group was larger (P<0.01), VAS scores of uterine contraction were lower (P<0.05, P<0.01), the lochia rubra volume was less (P<0.01) than those in the control group. The duration of lochia rubra and lochia was shorter (P<0.01) in the observation group when compared with that of the control group. The favorable rate of uterine involution in the observation group was 95.0% (38/40), higher than that of the control group (75.0%, 30/40, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating-moxibustion therapy accelerates the recovery of the uterine volume, relieves uterine contraction, shortens the duration of lochia, reduces the lochia volume and promotes the postpartum uterine involution.

Effects of five-element acupuncture on clinical symptoms, brain metabolism and immunoglobulin levels in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the effect of five-element acupuncture on clinical symptoms, brain metabolism and immunoglobulin level in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.Methods:It was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 94 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome in our hospital from January 2021 to January 2022 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method, with 47 in each group. The conventional western medicine group was treated with conventional western medicine, and the five-element acupuncture group was treated with five-element acupuncture on the basis of the conventional western medicine group. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the serum levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), corticosterone (CORT), IL-2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) were detected by ELISA; the levels of natural killer (NK) cells, CD4 +, CD8 +, IgG and IgM were detected by flow cytometry; the whole body superconducting MRI scanner was used to scan T2 Flair, T2WI and TlWI sequences of the hippocampus, and the spectral curves and the areas under the peak of N-acetylaspartic acid (NAA), creatine (Cr) and choline (Cho) were obtained, and the ratios of Cho/Cr and NAA/Cr were calculated. the fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were used to evaluate the fatigue state of the patients, and the Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were used to evaluate the anxiety state of the patients. Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Somatic and Mental Health Report Score (SPHERE) were used to evaluate the quality of life of patients. And the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results:After treatment, the levels of IgG, CD4 + and NK in the five-element acupuncture group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 4.76, 3.65, 6.42, respectively, P<0.01), and the level of IgM, CD8 + was significantly lower than that in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 7.30, 4.79, P<0.01); the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and 5-HT in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 7.60, 4.05, 2.79, respectively, respectively, P<0.01), and the level of CORT was significantly lower than that in the conventional western medicine group ( t=6.72, P<0.01); the NAA/Cr levels in the left [(1.10±0.04) vs. (1.05±0.03), t=6.86] and right [(1.18±0.02) vs. (1.21±0.03), t=8.23] hippocampus of the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the conventional western medicine group ( P<0.01), and the Cho/Cr levels in the left [(1.08±0.04) vs. (1.03±0.03), t=5.70] and right [(1.17±0.02) vs. (1.20±0.03), t=5.71] hippocampus of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the conventional western medicine group ( P<0.01). After treatment, the scores of physical fatigue, mental fatigue and FSS in the five-element acupuncture group were significantly lower than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 8.08, 9.08 and 7.07, respectively, P<0.01). The scores of DASS-21, BAI, SCL-90 and SPHERE in the conventional western medicine group were significantly lower than those in the conventional western medicine group ( t values were 3.63, 5.77, 8.74, 5.92, respectively, P<0.01).The total effective rate was 95.74% (45/47) in the five-element acupuncture group and 82.98% (39/47) in the conventional western medicine group, and there was no significant difference between the two groups ( χ2=2.80, P=0.094). Conclusion:Five-elements acupuncture can improve the expression of T lymphocytes, increase the levels of immunoglobulin and NK, reduce the level of CORT, regulate the brain metabolism of NAA in the left and right hippocampus, improve the clinical symptoms and negative emotions, and improve the clinical efficacy and quality of life in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Discussion on syndrome differentiation and treatment of acupuncture-moxibustion encephalopathy based on Shi's Xingnao Kaiqiao theory / 国际中医中药杂志

By exploring the core ideas of the "Xingnao Kaiqiao" theory, analyzing the relationship between the "Xingnao Kaiqiao" theory and the TCM encephalopathy, and exploring the necessity of acupuncture for the treatment of TCM encephalopathy, in order to clarify how to diagnose and treat brain diseases in acupuncture and moxibustion. The "Xingnao Kaiqiao" is the core of the theory of the "Tiaoshen", the acupuncture of "Xingnao Kaiqiao" was based on the principle of "Xingnao","Xingshen" and "Tiaoshen", the idea of the "Tiaoshen" was inseparable from the diagnosis and treatment of the TCM encephalopathy. Based on the special features of acupuncture therapy and complexity and particularity of TCM encephalopathy, acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of encephalopathy was supposed to have their own unique system of syndrome differentiation and treatment. During the practice of acupuncture, the diagnosis and treatment of TCM encephalopathy should be based on "brain", "Xingnao Tiaoshen" as a general rule, adding and subtracting from the main points of the "Xingnao Kaiqiao", and the different brain diseases are matched with appropriate treatments.

Clinical study on heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with kneading and massage manipulation at pain points in treating patients with lumbar disc herniation and chronic low back pain / 国际中医中药杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with kneading and massage manipulation at pain points in treating patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and chronic low back pain (LBP).Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 91 patients with LDH and LBP who were admitted to Lu'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as the observation subjects. They were divided into the experimental group (46 cases) and the control group (45 cases) by random number table method. The control group was treated with conventional massage manipulation, while the experimental group was treated with heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with kneading and massage manipulation at pain points. Both groups received 4 weeks of continuous treatment. The degree of lumbar pain was evaluated with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the degree of lumbar dysfunction was evaluated with modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Plasma viscosity, hematocrit, whole blood low shear viscosity and whole blood high shear viscosity were measured using a blood rheometer. Clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:The total clinical effective rates in the experimental group and the control group were 93.48% (43/46) and 77.78% (35/45), with a statistical significance between groups ( χ2=4.58, P=0.032). After treatment, the VAS score [(3.81±0.74) vs. (4.29±0.85), t=2.88] and ODI score [(8.79±2.65) vs. (11.25±3.74), t=3.63] of the experimental group were lower than those of the control group ( P<0.01). Plasma viscosity [(1.35±0.06) mPa?s vs. (1.41±0.08) mPa?s, t=4.05], hematocrit [(37.46±2.38)% vs. (40.15±2.94)%, t=4.80], whole blood low shear viscosity [(7.41±1.53) mPa?s vs. (8.64±1.72) mPa?s, t=3.61] and whole blood high shear viscosity [(3.81±0.29) mPa?s vs. (4.07±0.31) mPa?s, t=4.13] were lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Heat-sensitive moxibustion combined with kneading and massage manipulation at pain points can effectively relieve LBP in patients with LDH and chronic LBP, improve lumbar dysfunction and hemodynamic status, and enhance clinical efficacy.

Research and development of a new type of moxibustion apparatus for purifying smoke and controlling temperature / 中国医学装备

To develop a new type of moxibustion treatment equipment based on moxibustion heat,light and smoke factors.It was composed of three parts:upper cylinder,middle cylinder and lower cylinder,which integrated multiple functions such as temperature control,ash collection,adsorption,and anti-scalding,and all parts could be disassembled.It is convenient to use,convenient for clinical treatment and health care,can overcome the problem of not being able to adjust the temperature of moxibustion therapy and easy to burn in the process of moxibustion,reduce the irritation and pollution of moxa smoke smell and smoke dust on doctors,patients and the diagnosis and treatment environment,and make moxibustion therapy more convenient,efficient and safe.

Effects of acupuncture and moxibustion at Feishu(BL13)on inflammatory responses and intestinal short-chain fatty acids in asthma model rats / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion at Feishu(BL13)on inflammatory responses and intestinal short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs)in rats with asthma. Methods:Fifty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a normal group(16 rats)and a modeling group(40 rats).Rats in the modeling group were subjected to establishing asthma models using ovalbumin(OVA).Model evaluation was conducted using 4 rats from each group.The remaining rats that successfully developed asthma were then randomly divided into a model group,an acupuncture group,and a moxibustion group,with 12 rats in each group.Rats in the acupuncture group received acupuncture treatments,and those in the moxibustion group received moxibustion treatments,both at Feishu(BL13)for 30 min.Following the treatments,the rats were exposed to atomization excitation with a 1%OVA solution for 20 min daily for 14 consecutive days.At the end of the experiment,inflammatory markers in the rats'peripheral blood were analyzed using a biochemical method.In addition,inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)were counted using Wright-Giemsa staining.The lung tissue of rats was examined under a light microscope after staining with hematoxylin-eosin to observe morphological or pathological changes.Furthermore,real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized to measure the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors in the lung tissue.Lastly,the concentration of SCFAs in the rat's feces was determined using gas chromatography-hydrogen flame ionization. Results:The levels of eosinophils(Eos),neutrophils(Neu),and lymphocytes(Lym)in the peripheral blood,as well as Eos and Neu in the BALF,and the expression of interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13,IL-33,and thymic stromal lymphopoietin(TSLP)mRNAs in the lung tissue were all found to be significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01);the lung tissue structure displayed severe injuries;the levels of acetic acid,propionic acid,isobutyric acid,butyric acid,and valeric acid in the feces decreased significantly in the model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the peripheral blood levels of Eos,Neu,and Lym,as well as Eos in the BALF,and the mRNA expression levels of IL-4 and IL-5 in the lung tissue decreased significantly in both the acupuncture group and the moxibustion group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).This reduction was accompanied by alleviated pathological damage in the lung tissue.Additionally,there were significant increases in the levels of acetic acid,propionic acid,isobutyric acid,and butyric acid in the feces in both the acupuncture group and the moxibustion group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In the acupuncture group,the expression levels of Lym in the BALF and IL-13 mRNA in the lung tissue decreased significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In the moxibustion group,the mRNA expression levels of IL-33 and TSLP in the lung tissue also reduced significantly(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Furthermore,the level of valeric acid in the feces increased notably in the moxibustion group(P<0.01).Compared with the acupuncture group,it was found that the mRNA levels of IL-5 and IL-13 in the lung tissue,as well as the acetic acid level in the feces,were significantly higher in the moxibustion group(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Conclusion:Both acupuncture and moxibustion were effective in reducing abnormal inflammation and regulating intestinal SCFAs in asthma model rats.Acupuncture demonstrated superiority in inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors,particularly IL-5 and IL-13,while moxibustion exhibited better regulation on intestinal metabolites SCFAs,especially acetic acid.

A summary of Professor JIA Chunsheng's clinical experience in treating cubital tunnel syndrome / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

The article summarizes the clinical experience of Professor JIA Chunsheng in treating cubital tunnel syndrome with various traditional Chinese medicine therapies,including superficial point-toward-point auricular acupuncture,ordinary acupuncture,fire-needle therapy,and oral Chinese medication,to inherit his academic characteristics,such as meridian-identified and stage-identified treatments,stressing the patient's body constitution and state,and emphasizing the holistic treatment,and to provide references for the popular science education and clinical treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.

Clinical effect of acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster on post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain. / 姜黄天灸膏穴位贴敷治疗脑卒中偏瘫肩痛临床疗效观察.

OBJECTIVES: To observe the effects of acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster on pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and upper limb motor function in the patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain (PSHSP). METHODS: Eighty-two patients with PSHSP were randomly divided into an observation group (41 cases, 1 case was eliminated, 4 cases dropped out) and a control group (41 cases, 2 cases were eliminated and 2 cases dropped out). The routine treatment, nursing care and rehabilitation training were performed in the control group. On the basis of the intervention as the control group, in the observation group, the turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster was applied to bilateral ashi points, Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14), Binao (LI 14), Shousanli (LI 10) and Hegu (LI 4), once a day, remained for 6 hours each time. This moxibustion therapy was operated 5 times weekly, one course of treatment consisted of 2 weeks and 2 courses were required. Separately, before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS), shoulder ROM and the score of upper limbs in Fugl-Meyer assessment (U-FMA) were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: VAS scores were lower (P<0.05), ROM in shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation was larger (P<0.05), and U-FMA scores were higher (P<0.05) after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment when compared with those before treatment in the two groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, VAS score decreased (P<0.05), and ROM in shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation and U-FMA score increased (P<0.05) in comparison with those after 2 weeks of treatment in either group. In the observation group, VAS scores were dropped (P<0.05) after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment respectively, and ROM of shoulder flexion and abduction enlarged after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05) when compared with those in the control group. After 4 weeks of treatment, ROM in shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation in the observation group was larger (P<0.05) and U-FMA score was higher (P<0.05) than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster may effectively reduce the degree of shoulder pain and improve the shoulder range of motion and the upper limb motor function in the patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain.

Role and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy on pain relief through NOX-ROS-NLRP3 pathway in CCI rats models.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy on pain relief in sciatica rats and to explore the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effect. METHODS: SPF grade 4-6-week-old Kunming rats were randomly divided into 5 groups including a blank group, sham-operated group, model group, acupuncture, and moxibustion (AnM) group, and positive group. A total of 10 rats were included in each group. The model group, the AnM group, and the positive group were prepared by ligating the left sciatic nerve. AnM group was used for acupuncture and moxibustion therapy intervention, and the positive group was rendered to quick-acting sciatica pills once a day for 7 days (3 courses of treatment). The blank group, sham-operated group, and model group were not treated. The changes in thermal and mechanical pain thresholds were observed before and after the operation, and the morphological changes of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in the lumbosacral region of the rats in each group were observed by HE staining after the courses of treatment finished. The contents of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α were measured by ELISA and the expressions of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and NLRP3 genes were detected by RT-qPCR while the protein expressions of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4 and NLRP3 were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS: The AnM and positive group showed a significant increase in thermal and mechanical pain thresholds after treatment, while there was no significant change in the model group. As compared to the control group, the contents of IL- 1ß, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, as well as the relative expressions of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and NLRP3 genes were significantly increased in the model group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). As compared to the model group, the contents of IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α, as well as the relative expressions of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and NLRP3 genes significantly decreased in the AnM and positive groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The pathological changes of inflammatory infiltration of tissue cells in the dorsal horn of the lumbosacral spinal cord were slowed in the AnM group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy have a positive effect on pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects in CCI sciatica rats, which may point to the regulation of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and NLRP3 expressions, and inhibition of ROS.

[Exploration of the thinking and methods in treatment of cancer pain with acupuncture and moxibustion on the base of the fascia theory].

There is a commonality between jingjin (muscle region of meridian) and the fascial network for coordinating the balance in the body. The occurrence and the progression of tumor may disrupt the overall coordination between the fascial network and jingjin directly or indirectly, thereby, the impairment of this coordination may result in cancer pain. Rooted on the theory of overall balance of the fascial network, and combined with understanding of pain in jingjin theory, professor HUANG Jin-chang emphasizes the importance of "relaxing the knot" in treatment of cancer pain. It is recommended to select the fascia reaction point as the target point, in accordance with the principle of balance adjustment and apply various acupuncture and moxibustion therapies, such as Fu's subcutaneous needling, small-needle scalpel therapy, fire needling, and moxibustion.

Acupuncture and moxibustion for diminished ovarian reserve: A scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) refers to the decreased number and quality of oocytes in the ovary. Acupuncture and moxibustion has a certain effect on DOR; however, the number of studies and reports of research evidence are limited. This study aimed to conduct a scoping review of the clinical research status of acupuncture and moxibustion for treating patients with DOR. METHOD: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Excerpta Medica database, Allied and Complementary Medicine Database, Chinese Biological Medicine, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, and Wanfang database were searched from January 2010 to May 2022 using keywords and medical subject heading terms. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant studies were selected. Structured tables and descriptive charts were made to visually express research features by using Excel, Original, IBM SPSS Model 18.0, Adobe Illustrator and other software packages. Report quality was evaluated for Cochrane bias using Review Manager 5.3. RESULTS: Overall, 851 studies were identified; of these, 90 met the inclusion criteria. The results extracted from these studies were classified into four categories: research characteristics, study type, acupuncture and moxibustion prescriptions, and efficacy observation. CONCLUSIONS: The quality assessment of acupuncture and moxibustion for DOR is not ideal. Therefore, standardisation and normalisation should be strengthened, and high-quality evidence is needed to further demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. Due to heterogeneity in DOR diagnosis, the observation index should be updated with reference to the latest research to improve efficacy evaluation.

[ZHANG Wei-hua's clinical experience of Zhenjing Anshen method in treatment of insomnia].

The paper summarizes professor ZHANG Wei-hua's clinical experience in treatment of insomnia with Zhenjing Anshen (calming-down the spirit) method. It is believed that insomnia results from the unstable spirit in pathogenesis of TCM. The basic therapeutic principle is regulating the spirit, in which, stabilizing the primary spirit and tranquilizing the heart spirit are emphasized. Main acupoints are Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Yintang (GV 24+) to stabilize the primary spirit, located on the head; and Shenmen (HT 7) located on the wrist to calm-down the heart spirit, as well as Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Yongquan (KI 1) in the lower extremities to benefit yin and balance yang, and then to house the spirit eventually. The needles are inserted in different depths and to various directions. The external application of herbal plaster is combined at Yongquan (KI 1) and the supplementary acupoints are selected in terms of syndrome differentiation. This therapy is simple in acupoint selection and very effective in treatment of insomnia.

["Huayu Tongluo" moxibustion improves learning-memory ability and promotes myelin regeneration by regulating Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway in vascular dementia rats].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of "Huayu Tongluo" (resolving blood stagnation to dredge meridian-collaterals) moxibustion on remyelination and Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in the corpus callosum of vascular dementia (VD) rats, so as to explore its mechanisms underlying improvement of VD. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomized into sham-operation, model, medication and moxibustion groups, with 12 rats in each group.The VD model was established by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion. Moxibustion was applied to "Shenting"(GV24), "Baihui"(GV20) and "Dazhui"(GV14) for 20 min once a day, 7 d as a treatment course, for 3 courses, with one day's rest between every two courses. Rats of the medication group were treated by gavage of 10 mg/kg of chloromastine solution once a day, and the course of treatment was the same as that of the moxibustion group. The rat's learning-memory ability was assessed by Morris water maze test (escape latency). The neurological deficits were evaluated by using Longa's scale.The mRNA and protein expressions of Shh and Gli1 in the corpus callosum were measured by quantitative real-time fluorescence PCR and Western blot, separately. The ultrastructure of the myelin sheath and myelinated axons was observed under transmission electron microscopy (TCM). RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, the neurologic score and escape latency were significantly increased and prolonged (P<0.01), and the mRNA and protein expression levels of Shh and Gli1 and the number of myelinated axons were obviously decreased in the model group (P<0.01). In comparison with the model group, the escape latency was apparently shortened (P<0.05), while the mRNA and protein expression levels of Shh and Gli1 as well as the number of myelinated axons were strikingly increased in both moxibustion and medication groups (P<0.01). Results of TCM showed that in the model group, the arrangement of myelin coil structures was sparse and fuzzy, and some structures were bulged and disbanded. The oligodendrocytes were irregular, and the number of myelin sheath was rare. These situations were relatively milder in both moxibustion and medication groups. CONCLUSION: "Huayu Tongluo" moxibustion can promote the differentiation and maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells after cerebral ischemia by regulating the expressions of Shh and Gli1 in Shh signaling pathway, thus promoting the regeneration of cerebral white matter myelin sheaths in VD rats, which may contribute to improving learning-memory ability.

[Observation of the long-term clinical efficacy of "Fuyang Guben" acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on perennial allergic rhinitis and its effects on the total IgE and IL-4 in the serum].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the long-term clinical efficacy and safety of "Fuyang Guben" (supporting yang and consolidating root) acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR), and to explore its functioning mechanism. METHODS: The patients with PAR were randomly divided into acupuncture + western medicine group (n=30) and western medicine group (n=30). In the western medicine group, fluticasone propionate nasal spray was administered, one spray in each nostril in one treatment, once a day, for 6 weeks. On the basis of the western medicine group, fuyangguben acupuncture-moxibustion therapy was supplemented. Acupuncture was applied to Shangxing (GV23), Yintang (GV24+), and bilateral Yingxiang (LI20), Shangyingxiang (EX-HN8), Sibai (ST2), Hegu (LI4) and Chize (LU5); warm needling was applied at Dazhui (GV14). The patients of this group received 30 min of acupuncture-moxibustion therapy 3 times weekly during the first 4 weeks and twice a week in the last 2 weeks, totally for 6 weeks. Before treatment, after treatment, in week 10, 18 and 30 of follow-up visits, the reflective total nasal symptom score (rTNSS), the total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS), the total ophthalmic symptom score (TOSS), and the score of the rhinitis quality of life (RQLQ) scale were compared in the patients of the two groups separately. Using ELISA, the serum concentrations of total immunoglobulin E (IgE) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) were detected before and after treatment. RESULTS: After treatment, the rTNSS, TNNSS, TOSS, as well as RQLQ score were lower in comparison with those before treatment in each group (P<0.05).The rTNSS, TNNSS, TOSS and the score of RQLQ in the week 10, 18 and 30 of follow-up visits were reduced when compared with those before treatment in each group (P<0.05), and these scores in the acupuncture + western medicine group were remarkably lower than those of the western medicine group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum contents of total IgE and IL-4 were significantly decreased when compared with those before treatment in the acupuncture + western medicine group (P<0.05), and these indicators in the acupuncture + western medicine group were lower than those of the western medicine group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: On the base of treatment with fluticasone propionate nasal spray, "Fuyang Guben" acupuncture-moxibustion therapy is safe and effective on PAR, presenting a remarkably long-term efficacy. The functioning mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of total IgE and IL-4 in serum.

[Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's experience of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders].

Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's diagnosis and treatment method and manipulation key points of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders are summarized. Professor ZHUANG proposes that psychosomatic disorders can be subdivided into "mind-body disorder" and "body-mind disorder". The former requires treatment aimed at regulating the mind. The main acupoints are Sishenzhen, Shenting (GV 24), Yintang (GV 24+), Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The additional acupoints are Suliao (GV 25), Shuigou (GV 26), Shenmai (BL 62), Zhaohai (KI 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3), etc. The latter requires treatment aimed at improving the original diseases, supplemented by regulating the mind (row acupuncture on the governor vessel). Acupoint selection is based on the theories of brain-mind, and the emphasis is placed on the governor vessel; in the meanwhile, regulating zangfu and qi-blood should be valued. After the arrival of qi, the Daoqi Tongjing method (the specific technique for directing qi and preserving essence) is applied, combined with auricular point sticking and fire needling at affected part to enhance the curative effect.

Purinergic ATP triggers moxibustion-induced local anti-nociceptive effect on inflammatory pain model.

Purinergic signalling adenosine and its A1 receptors have been demonstrated to get involved in the mechanism of acupuncture (needling therapy) analgesia. However, whether purinergic signalling would be responsible for the local analgesic effect of moxibustion therapy, the predominant member in acupuncture family procedures also could trigger analgesic effect on pain diseases, it still remains unclear. In this study, we applied moxibustion to generate analgesic effect on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain rats and detected the purine released from moxibustioned-acupoint by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) approach. Intramuscular injection of ARL67156 into the acupoint Zusanli (ST36) to inhibit the breakdown of ATP showed the analgesic effect of moxibustion was increased while intramuscular injection of ATPase to speed up ATP hydrolysis caused a reduced moxibustion-induced analgesia. These data implied that purinergic ATP at the location of ST36 acupoint is a potentially beneficial factor for moxibustion-induced analgesia.

Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy for cognitive impairment: the microbiome-gut-brain axis and its role.

Cognitive impairment poses a significant burden on individuals, families, and society worldwide. Despite the lack of effective treatment strategies, emerging evidence suggests that the microbiome-gut-brain (MGB) axis may play a critical role in the pathogenesis of cognitive impairment. While targeted treatment is not yet comprehensive, recently, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy has participated increasingly in the treatment of degenerative diseases and has achieved a certain therapeutic effect. In this review, the possible mechanisms by which acupuncture and moxibustion therapy may improve cognitive impairment through the MGB axis are reviewed, including regulating gut microbial homeostasis, improving intestinal inflammation mediated by the neuroendocrine-immune system, and enhancing intestinal barrier function. We also discuss common acupoints and corresponding mechanism analysis to provide insights into further exploration of mechanisms that target the MGB axis and thereby intervene in cognitive impairment.

Exploration of the thinking and methods in treatment of cancer pain with acupuncture and moxibustion on the base of the fascia theory / 中国针灸

There is a commonality between jingjin (muscle region of meridian) and the fascial network for coordinating the balance in the body. The occurrence and the progression of tumor may disrupt the overall coordination between the fascial network and jingjin directly or indirectly, thereby, the impairment of this coordination may result in cancer pain. Rooted on the theory of overall balance of the fascial network, and combined with understanding of pain in jingjin theory, professor HUANG Jin-chang emphasizes the importance of "relaxing the knot" in treatment of cancer pain. It is recommended to select the fascia reaction point as the target point, in accordance with the principle of balance adjustment and apply various acupuncture and moxibustion therapies, such as Fu's subcutaneous needling, small-needle scalpel therapy, fire needling, and moxibustion.

Clinical effect of acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster on post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVES@#To observe the effects of acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster on pain, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and upper limb motor function in the patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain (PSHSP).@*METHODS@#Eighty-two patients with PSHSP were randomly divided into an observation group (41 cases, 1 case was eliminated, 4 cases dropped out) and a control group (41 cases, 2 cases were eliminated and 2 cases dropped out). The routine treatment, nursing care and rehabilitation training were performed in the control group. On the basis of the intervention as the control group, in the observation group, the turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster was applied to bilateral ashi points, Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14), Binao (LI 14), Shousanli (LI 10) and Hegu (LI 4), once a day, remained for 6 hours each time. This moxibustion therapy was operated 5 times weekly, one course of treatment consisted of 2 weeks and 2 courses were required. Separately, before treatment and after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment, the score of visual analogue scale (VAS), shoulder ROM and the score of upper limbs in Fugl-Meyer assessment (U-FMA) were observed in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#VAS scores were lower (P<0.05), ROM in shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation was larger (P<0.05), and U-FMA scores were higher (P<0.05) after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment when compared with those before treatment in the two groups. After 4 weeks of treatment, VAS score decreased (P<0.05), and ROM in shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation, external rotation and U-FMA score increased (P<0.05) in comparison with those after 2 weeks of treatment in either group. In the observation group, VAS scores were dropped (P<0.05) after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment respectively, and ROM of shoulder flexion and abduction enlarged after 2 weeks of treatment (P<0.05) when compared with those in the control group. After 4 weeks of treatment, ROM in shoulder flexion, abduction, internal rotation and external rotation in the observation group was larger (P<0.05) and U-FMA score was higher (P<0.05) than those in the control group.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Acupoint application with turmeric blistering moxibustion plaster may effectively reduce the degree of shoulder pain and improve the shoulder range of motion and the upper limb motor function in the patients with post-stroke hemiplegic shoulder pain.