[Clinical observation of Tiaoshen acpuncture for dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the curative effect of Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears and artificial tears alone for dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney. METHODS: A total of 70 patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney were randomized into an acupuncture combined with medication group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a medication group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the medication group, 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drop was applied, 3 times a day, 1 drop each time. On the basis of the treatment as the medication group, Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Shenting (GV 24), Shenmen (HT 7), Benshen (GB 13), Taixi (KI 3), Taichong (LR 3), Guangming (GB 37), Fengchi (GB 20), Tongziliao (GB 1), Yuyao (EX-HN 4) in the acupuncture combined with medication group, Tongziliao (GB 1) and Yuyao (EX-HN 4) were connect with electroacupuncture, the needles were retained for 30 min, once a day, 6 times a week. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Before and after treatment, the clinical symptom score, SchirmerⅠtest (SⅠT), break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (FL) score and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was compared in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the clinical symptom scores, corneal FL and HAMA scores were decreased (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT were increased after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, the clinical symptom score, FL and HAMA scores in the acupuncture combined with medication group were lower than the medication group (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT in the acupuncture combined with medication group were higher than the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture combined with medication group was 90.9% (30/33), which was higher than 71.9% (23/32) in the medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears could promote the secretion of tears for patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney, repair corneal defect and prolong tear film break-up time, and alleviate anxiety state, its curative effect is better than simple artificial tears.

Clinical observation of Tiaoshen acpuncture for dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the curative effect of Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears and artificial tears alone for dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney.@*METHODS@#A total of 70 patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney were randomized into an acupuncture combined with medication group (35 cases, 2 cases dropped off) and a medication group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off). In the medication group, 0.1% sodium hyaluronate eye drop was applied, 3 times a day, 1 drop each time. On the basis of the treatment as the medication group, Tiaoshen acupuncture was applied at Shenting (GV 24), Shenmen (HT 7), Benshen (GB 13), Taixi (KI 3), Taichong (LR 3), Guangming (GB 37), Fengchi (GB 20), Tongziliao (GB 1), Yuyao (EX-HN 4) in the acupuncture combined with medication group, Tongziliao (GB 1) and Yuyao (EX-HN 4) were connect with electroacupuncture, the needles were retained for 30 min, once a day, 6 times a week. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Before and after treatment, the clinical symptom score, SchirmerⅠtest (SⅠT), break-up time (BUT), corneal fluorescein staining (FL) score and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy was compared in the two groups.@*RESULTS@#Compared before treatment, the clinical symptom scores, corneal FL and HAMA scores were decreased (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT were increased after treatment in the two groups (P<0.05). After the treatment, the clinical symptom score, FL and HAMA scores in the acupuncture combined with medication group were lower than the medication group (P<0.05), the levels of SⅠT and BUT in the acupuncture combined with medication group were higher than the medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture combined with medication group was 90.9% (30/33), which was higher than 71.9% (23/32) in the medication group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Tiaoshen acupuncture combined with artificial tears could promote the secretion of tears for patients of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney, repair corneal defect and prolong tear film break-up time, and alleviate anxiety state, its curative effect is better than simple artificial tears.

Chinese Medicine Syndromes and Stages of Early Breast Cancer: Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Implication for Clinical Practice.

Background: Chinese medicine (CM) has been widely used for women's health, including those with early breast cancer. Contemporary literature varies in descriptions of the CM syndromes that are critical for determining CM treatment options for breast cancer patients. However, the corresponding syndromes have not been standardized to align with the conventional medicine treatment stages. This review aimed to address this knowledge gap to enhance the quality and consistency of CM interventions for early breast cancer patients. Methods: In total, eight Chinese and English language databases were searched, and textbooks and clinical care documents were gathered. Sources were classified according to five treatment stages: preoperative, postoperative, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and endocrine therapy. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the syndromes, and hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to investigate clusters of signs and symptoms. Results: The CM syndrome of dual deficiency of qi and Blood was one of the most common syndromes across all treatment stages, whereas lack of strength and lassitude were the most common clinical presentations throughout all stages, except the preoperative stage. Cluster analyses identify three or four syndromes in each treatment stage. Cluster results for the preoperative stage were: Blood stasis, Liver depression and qi stagnation, and Kidney yin deficiency. Dual deficiency of qi and Blood existed at different stages except for the preoperative stage. In the postoperative stage and chemotherapy stages, some symptoms were categorized into clusters that related to the Spleen and Stomach. Syndromes such as yin deficiency with fire toxin and yin deficiency with fluid depletion were unique to the radiation therapy stage. Clusters for endocrine therapy stage included the dual deficiency of Spleen and Kidney, Liver depression and qi stagnation, and Kidney yin deficiency. Conclusions: Systematic review of the contemporary literature for early breast cancer revealed that the most frequently seen CM syndromes and cluster results have some similarities but some important distinctions. Clinical data are needed to confirm whether the syndromes described in contemporary literature reflect those seen in women with early breast cancer.

[Clinical observation of eye acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture on dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney].

OBJECTIVE: To verify the efficacy of eye acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture in the treatment of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney. METHODS: A total of 90 patients with dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney were randomly divided into an eye acupuncture combination with conventional acupuncture group (eye acupuncture combination group), a conventional acupuncture group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each group. In the western medication group, sodium hyaluronate eye drops were used 3 times a day, each time 1-2 drops, 10 days as one course for 3 courses; conventional acupuncture was applied at Jingming (BL 1), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Chengqi (ST 1), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Guangming (GB 37) in the conventional acupuncture group; on the basis of the treatment in the conventional acupuncture, eye acupuncture was added at Shangjiao, Gan (liver), Shen (kidney), Pi (spleen) in the eye acupuncture combination group. The treatment in the eye acupuncture combination group and the conventional acupuncture group were given once a day, 10 days as one course, and a total of 3 courses were needed. Subjective symptom score was performed before treatment and every 10 days during treatment. Ocular surface analyzer was used before and after treatment. RESULTS: The subjective symptom scores in the three groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05). Compared with the conventional acupuncture group and the western medication group, the subjective symptom score after 30 d of treatment in the eye acupuncture combination group was decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the tear film break up time (BUT) was prolonged and the tear meniscus height increased in the eye acupuncture combination group and the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). Compared with the conventional acupuncture group and the western medication group, the tear film break up time was prolonged and the tear meniscus height increased in the eye acupuncture combination group (P<0.05). Corneal staining were better in all three groups than that before treatment (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the eye acupuncture combination group, was better than 86.7% (26/30) in the conventional acupuncture group and 73.3% (21/30) in the western medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Eye acupuncture combined with conventional acupuncture can significantly improve the clinical symptoms of dry eye syndrome with yin deficiency of liver and kidney, increase the secretion of tears, prolong the break up time of tear film, and restore the integrity of corneal epithelium.

[Characteristics and principles of acupoint selection in auricular plaster therapy for hypertension based on literature analysis].

The characteristics and principles of acupoint selection in auricular plaster therapy for hypertension were explored. By searching CNKI (search time from 1950 to November of 2015), VIP database (search time from 1989 to November of 2015) and WanFang Database (search time from 1983 to November of 2015), the clinical research literature regarding auricular plaster therapy for hypertension was collected, and frequency statistics method was used for analysis. As a result, totally 117 articles were included. The auricular points with frequency from high to low were Jiangyagou, Shenmen (TF4), Gan (CO12), Xin (CO15), Shen (CO10), Jiaogan (AH6a), Pizhixia (AT4), Jiangyadian and Neifenmi. The TCM syndromes with frequency from high to low were excessive accumulation of phlegm-dampness syndrome, upper hyperactivity of liver yang syndrome, yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity syndrome and excessive liver-fire syndrome. In conclusion, based on cross-reference of TCM and modern medicine combination of zangfu and meridians differentiation and valuing the auricular points from clinical experience, the auricular plaster therapy for hypertension was characterized with "treating the principal and subordinate symptoms simultaneously and respectively" and "differentiation-based selection of auricular points to regulate zangfu", which could fully take the anti-hypertension advantages of non-pharmacotherapy.

[Effect of acupuncture for pain threshold among the groups of different constitutions].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the difference in acupuncture for pain threshold at different time points among the groups of 9 TCM constitutions. METHODS: The cross-sectional survey was adopted to investigate TCM constitutions among 600 subjects and determine 9 TCM constitution types (neutral constitution, qi-deficiency constitution, yang-deficiency constitution, yin-deficiency constitution, phlegm-damp constitution, damp-heat constitution, blood-stagnation constitution, qi-stagnation constitution, special diathesis constitution). The same acupuncture manipulation was applied to Zusanli (ST 36) on the left side in the subjects and the needle was retained for 30 min. The tenderness threshold was detected with 2390 type Von Frey apparatus at different time points, named before acupuncture, at the moment after qi arrival, in 10 min of needle retaining, in 30 min of needle retaining and in 15 min after needle withdrawal in the subjects of 9 TCM constitutions. RESULTS: The interactive effect happened between the constitution type and time point (P < 0.05). Among the groups of 9 TCM constitutions, the pain threshold values at the moment after qi arrival (except blood-stagnation constitution, qi-stagnation constitution, special diathesis constitution) in 10 min of needle retaining and in 30 min of needle retaining were increased as compared with those before acupuncture separately (P < 0.01), among which, the value increase was the most significant in 30 min of needle retaining. The differences in the pain thresholds were significant in 15 min after needle withdrawal in the groups of neutral constitution and damp-heat constitution as compared with those before acupuncture (both P < 0.01). In 10 min of needle retaining and in 30 min of needle retaining, as compared with the group of neutral constitution, the changes in pain thresholds of the rest abnormal constitutions were apparently lower (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) presents different effects among the groups of different constitution types. The effect maintaining durations are different.

[Analysis of Medication Laws for Chinese Medicine Treating Hypertension Patients with Yin Defi- ciency Yang Hyperactivity Syndrome Based on Literatures].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze medication laws of Chinese medicine (CM) treatment in hypertension patients with yin deficiency yang hyperactivity syndrome. METHODS: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI, Jan. 1979-Dec 2014), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP, Jan 1989-Dec2014), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM, Jan.1978-Dec.2014), Wanfang Database (Jan 1990-Dec 2014) were retrieved by using "hypertension", "CM", "Chinese herbs", "syndrome" as keywords. Totally 149 literatures concerning CM treatment for hypertension patients with yin deficiency yanghyperactivity syndrome were included in this study. The herbs database was established by SPSS20.0,and correlation laws were analyzed by SAS9.3. With the Pajek3.1, results were presented visually withcomplex networks. RESULTS: There were 149 literatures including 131 kinds of herbs with 1,598 frequencies. The conventional compatibility program of herbs for asthenic yin and predominant yang syndrome of hypertension were two toothed achyranthes root, tall gastrodia rhizome, Cassia obtusifolia L., eucommiabark, baikal skullcap root, and so on, about 29 kinds. Of them, core herbs were two toothed achyranthes root, tall gastrodia rhizome, Cassia obtusifolia L., poria, prepared rhizome of rehmannia, oriental water-plantain tuber, asiatic cornelian cherry fruit, Uncariae Rhynchophylla, common yam rhizome, the rootbark of the peony tree, and so on. CONCLUSION: Medication laws of CM treatment in hypertension patientswith yin deficiency yang hyperactivity syndrome obtained by analysis of complex networks reflected thetherapeutics of nourishing yin to suppress yang, which could further provide reference for clinical studies.

[Clinical efficacy on xerosis conjunctivitis of liver and kidney yin deficiency treated with SHI's acupuncture manipulation].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of the patients of xerosis conjunctivitis with liver and kidney yin deficiency among the combined therapy of acupuncture and Shi's manipulation, common acupuncture and artificial tears therapy. METHODS: One hundred and eight patients were randomized into an acupuncture group, a SHI's manipulation group and an artificial tears group, 36 cases in each group. A total of 15 cases dropped out before the end of the study, including 4 cases in the acupuncture group, 6 cases in the SHI's manipulation group, and 5 cases in the artificial tears group. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to Jingming (BL 1) and Qiuhou (EX-HN 7) on the affected side, and the bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taixi (KI 3). The needles were retained for 20 min. In the SHI's manipulation group, on the basis of the treatment as the acupuncture group, Shuigou (GV26) was added and stimulated with SHI's acupuncture manipulation. In these two groups, acupuncture was given 3 times a week totally for 3 weeks. In the artificial tears group, sodium hyaluronate eye drops were used, 5 times a day, for 3 weeks totally. Separately, before treatment, at the moment after the 1st treatment and 3 weeks after treatment, the subjective symptom score, Schirmer I test, breakup time (BUT) of tear film were observed in each group. RESULTS: (1) Subjective symptom score: at the moment after the 1st treatment and 3 weeks after treatment, the scores in each group were all reduced significantly as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). At the moment after the 1st treatment, the score in the SHI's manipulation group and the artificial tears group was reduced apparently as compared with that in the acupuncture group (both P < 0.05). In 3 weeks of treatment, the score in the SHI's manipulation group was reduced apparently as compared with the acupuncture group and the artificial tears group (both P < 0.05). (2) For Schirmer I test, at the moment of the 1st treatment, the result in the SHI's manipulation group and the artificial tears group was improved significantly as compared with that before treatment (both P < 0.05). In 3 weeks of treatment, the result in the acupuncture group and the SHI's manipulation group group was improved significantly as compared with that before treatment (both P < 0.05). At the moment of the 1st treatment, the result in the artificial tears group was improved significantly as compared with the acupuncture group and the SHI's manipulation group (both P < 0.05). In 3 weeks of treatment, the result in the acupuncture group and the SHI's manipulation group was better than that in the artifi-cial tears group separately (both P < 0.05). (3) For BUT, the result in the acupuncture group and the SHI's manipulation group was prolonged significantly as compared with that before treatment and was prolonged apparently as compared with that in the artificial tears group (both P < 0.05) in 3 weeks of treatment. CONCLUSION: The intervention of SHI's acupuncture manipulation relieves the subjective symptoms of xerosis conjunctivitis of liver and kidney yin deficiency and achieves the same efficacy as the common acupuncture and artificial tears treatment. It does not present the apparent advantages as the common acupuncture in the short term for promoting the tear secretion and tears film repair.

[Characteristics of Deqi Induced by Needling Zusanli (ST 36) in 527 Healthy Volunteers with Different Constitutions].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the theory of constitution in terms of Chinese medicine and clinical efficacy of acupuncture treatment via analyzling the characteristics of Deqi during acupuncture stimulation of Zusanli (ST 36) in healthy volunteers with different constitutions. METHODS: In the present study, a total of 527 healthy undergraduate student volunteers (267 girls and 260 boys) were recruited. They received questionnaire first about their constitutions in accordance with Professor WANG Qi's Classification and Determination of Constitution in terms of Chinese medicine. Then, the subjects were asked to take a supine position on a check-bed, a qualified acupuncturist held a sterilized fifiform needle to rapidly insert it into ST 36 and manipulated the acupuncture needle with uniform reinforcing-reducing technique at a frequency of about 60-90 times/min and an amplitude of 0.3-0.5 cm. The status of Deqi was assessed by using visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Needling sensations mainly involve soreness, numbness, heaviness, distension, dull pain and propagated sensations along meridian (PSC). During acupuncture stimulation, most subjects experienced distension sensation, accounting for 90.3%, followed by soreness, accounting for 45.9%. Except for PSC reaction, the rest 5 needling sensations had no statistical difference in their occurrence rates in those subjects with different constitutions (P>0.05). The PSC appeared a higher incidence in yin-yang harmony(balanced) constitution subjects than in qi- deficiency, yang-deficiency, blood-stagnation and qi-stagnation constitution subjects (P<0.05). The intensity of soreness was obviously stronger in the balanced constitution subjects than in qi-deficiency, yang-deficiency, yin-deficiency, phlegm-damp, damp-heat and qi-stagnation constitution subjects (P<0.05), while the intensity of distension sensation was apparently stronger in the balanced constitution subjects than in simpleyang-deficiency subjects (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Except for PSC, the Deqi sensations of soreness, numbness, heaviness, distension and dull pain induced by acupuncture stimulation of ST 36 are comparable in the occurrence rates in healthy volunteer subjectswith different (9 types of) constitutions in terms of Chinese medicine, whereas the intensity of soreness may be the important factor for acupuncture induced pain relief. A certain correlation between the constitution and acupuncture effectiveness exists, suggesting that acupuncture treatment should vary from patient to patientin clinical practice.

[Effects of Electroacupuncture on Joint Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients of Liver- and Kidney-Yin Deficiency Type].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects between electroacupuncture (EA) plus western medicine and simple western medicine in improving clinical symptoms and local joint function of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with yin deficiency of Liver and Kidney. METHODS: A total of 68 RA patients of yin deficiency of Liver and Kidney were equally randomized into EA+medication group and medication group (n=34 in each group). Both groups were given once-a-week methotrexate (7.5 mg/time) and once-a-day leflunomide (10 mg/time), while EA+medication group was additionally treated by EA at bilateral Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Zusanli (ST 36), Taichong (LR 3), Hegu (LI 4) 3 times/week. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS, for assessing rest pain), swollen joint count (SJC), tender joint count (TJC), patient's global assessment (PGA), physician's global assessment (PhGA), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scoring, 28 joints activity index (disease activity score, DAS 28), American College of Rheumatology 20 (ACR 20, i.e. 20% of clinical improving rate), and health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) were assessed and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were examined for comparison. RESULTS: Statistical differences were observed in before-after-treatment comparisons in both groups in reducing rest pain, SJC, TJC, serum CRP content, PGA and PhGA, HAQ scoring and DAS 28 (P<0.05, P<0.01). The ESR in the medication group and TCM symptom scoring of the EA+medication group were also significantly decreased after the treatment (P<0.05).The effects of the EA+medication group were superior to those of the medication group in reducing rest pain, SJC, TJC, TCM symptom and HAQ score, and the total effetive rate (P<0.05,90.9% vs 66.67%). Adverse reactions as pharyngeal obstruction sensation, anorexia, abdominal distension, etc. can be reduced by EA therapy coordinated with western medicine. CONCLUSIONS: EA is effective in relieving symptom and joint function in RA patients with yin deficiency of Liver and Kidney.

[Exploration on the treatment of xiaoke in terms of the conception vessel].

Diabetes is in the category of xiaoke in TCM, which is mainly discussed in light of yin deficiency. The conception vessel is the sea of yin meridians, acting on regulating the accumulation and irrigation of qi and blood of twelve meridians and collaterals. The physiological function of the conception vessel is closely related to the pathogenesis of xiaoke, its running course is highly coincident with the location of xiaoke and the symptoms of xiaoke are relevant with the indications of the conception vessel. Hence, harmonizing qi and blood of the conception vessel may be an effective approach to the prevention and treatment of xiaoke.

[Scrapping therapy combined with Qingxin Zishen Decoction for perimenopausal syndrome with pattern of fire excess from yin deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the efficacy difference between scrapping therapy combined with Qingxin Zishen Decoction and the single application of Qingxin Zishen Decoction for perimenopausal syndrome (PMS) with pattern of fire excess from yin deficiency. METHODS: Eighty patients were assinged into an observation group and a control group, 40 cases in each one. Patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of Qingxin Zishen Decoction to clear heart heat and nourish kidney. One dose of the decoction was taken by two times within one day. Based on the treatment of the control group, patients in the observation group were additionally treated with scrapping therapy along the urinary bladder meridian of foot-taiyang, heart meridian of hand-shaoyin and kidney meridian of foot-shaoyin; the scrapping therapy was performed at Back-shu points, Shenmen (HT 7), Yongquan (KI 1), Taixi (KI 3), Zhaohai (KI 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36), etc.; the treatment was given once every week. Four weeks of treatment were taken as one course in two groups, and totally 2 courses were given. The modified Kupperman score, menopausal quality of life (MENQOL), level of serum estrogen (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) before and after treatment as well as the clinical efficacy were valuated between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, each item score and total score of modified Kupperman were reduced apparently in the two groups (P<0.01,P<0.05) except dyspareunia score in the control group. The score of hot flash and sweating, paresthesia, depression, fatigue, arthralgia, palpitation, formication, urinary symptoms and total score in the observation group were superior to those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment, the total score and each dimension score of MENQOL were obviously decreased in the two groups (all P<0.01), and the scores of vasomotor symptoms, psychosocial condition and physical condition in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.01, P<0.05). There were no significant differences of serum hormone levels before and after treatment between the two groups (all P>0.05), however, after treatment, the serum E2 level had the tendency to raise and serum LH, FSH levels had the tendency to decrease in the observation group. The total effective rate was 97.4% (37/38) in the observation group, which was higher apparently than 81.1% (30/37) in the control group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The scrapping therapy combined with Qingxin Zishen Decoction or the simple application of Qingxin Zishen Decoction can both improve PMS symptoms and the quality of life, delay the ovary recession; the combination of scrapping therapy and Qingxin Zishen Decoction achieve superior efficacy on PMS syndrome to the simple application of Qingxin Zishen Decoction.

[Effects of Electroacupuncture Stimulation of Zhongwan (CV 12) on Skin Microcirculatory Blood Perfusion Levels along the Conception Vessel in Yin-deficiency Constitution Volunteers].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation at Zhongwan (CV 12) on the skin microcirculatory blood flow along the Conception Vessel (CV) in yin-deficiency constitution volunteers. METHODS: A total of 16 yin-deficiency constitution volunteers (9 woman and 6 men) from 200 students of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine finished a body constitution questionnaire and showed a yin-deficiency constitution. Skin microcirculatory blood perfusion units (MBPU) at Danzhong (CV 17), Xiawan (CV 10) , and Qihai (CV 6) of the CV were measured by using a Laser Doppler Flowmetry (Peri Flux 5000) in normal constitution, before and after EA stimulation of Zhongwan (CV 12) for 20 min. RESULTS: Under normal condition, the cutaneous MBPU values were significantly lower in the Qihai (CV 6) than in both Danzhong (CV 17) and Xiawan (CV 10) (P < 0.01). After EA stimulation of CV 12 for 20 min, the MBPU values were significantly decreased in the CV 17 and CV 6 acupoint regions compared with pre-stimulation (P < 0.05). No significant changes of skin MBPU were found in Xiawan (CV 10) after EA stimulation of CV 12 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: EA at Zhongwan (CV 12) can reduce the skin MBPU values of CV 6 and CV 17 of the Conception Vessel in yin-deficiency constitution volunteers.

[Efficacy on nervous tinnitus of kidney deficiency treated with Zhuang medicine at Qineihuan point and conventional acupuncture therapy].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference of the clinical efficacy in treatment of nervous tinnitus of kidney deficiency between the combined therapy of Zhuang medicine at Qineihuan point combined with the conventional acupuncture and simple conventional acupancture. METHODS: Sixty patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. In the control group, the conventional acupuncture was applied to Taixi (KI 3), Zhaohai (KI 6), Tinggong (SI 19) and Waiguan (TE 5), etc. and the needles were retained for 30 min. In the observation group, on the basic treatment as the control group, Zhuang medicine acupuncture at Qineihuan point was added. The treatment was given once every day, 10 treatments made one session and there were 2 days of interval between the sessions. In 3 sessions of treatment, the changes of tinnitus were observed and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, tinnitus score and tinnitus grade were all improved as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (all P<0. 05) and the results in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all P<0. 05). The curative and remarkably effective rate was 63. 3% (19/30) and the total effective rate was 93. 3% (28/30) in the observation group, better than 30. 0% (9/30) and 73. 3% (22/30) in the control group (both P<0. 05). CONCLUSION: The combined therapy of Zhuang medicine at Qineihuan point and conventional acupuncture achieves the better efficacy on nervous tinnitus of kidney deficiency as compared with the simple conventional acupuncture.

[Treating ischemic stroke patients of deficiency of qi and yin syndrome and static blood obstructing collaterals syndrome by Yangyin Yiqi Huoxue Recipe: a clinical study of therapeutic effect].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of Yangyin Yiqi Huoxue Recipe (YYHR, the basic recipe of Yangyin Tongnao Granule) in treatment of ischemic stroke patients of deficiency of qi and yin syndrome (DQYS) and static blood obstructing collaterals syndrome (SBOCS). METHODS: Totally 312 patients were assigned to the control group (86 cases) and the treatment group (226 cases) using strati- fied randomized allocation method. Patients in the treatment group were treated with modified YYHR, while those in the control group took Xueshuan Xinmaining. The treatment course was 4 weeks for all. Constituent ratios of the acute stage and the recovery stage of DQYS and SBOCS and their complicated syndromes were observed in the two groups. Changes of the clinical curative effect, clinical symptoms integral, whole blood viscosity ratio, plasma viscosity ratio, hematocrit, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), total cho- lesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were detected in the two groups before and after treatment. RESULTS: There was statistical difference in constituent ratios of the acute stage and the recovery stage of DQYS SBOCS and its complicated syndromes between the two groups (P < 0.01). DQYS and SBOCS was basic syndrome types of the two groups. The cured and markedly effective rate was 71.24%(161/226) in the treatment group and 43.02% (37/86) in the control group. The total effective rate was 91.15% (206/226) in the treatment group, higher than that of the control group (76.74%, 66/86) with statistical difference (P < 0.01). There was statistical difference in the clinical symptoms integral, whole blood viscosity ratio, plasma viscosity ratio, hematocrit, ESR, TC, TG,HDL-C, and LDL-C (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms of ischemic stroke patients could be improved by modified YYHR. Indices such as the whole blood viscosity, plasma viscosity ratio, hematocrit, ESR, abnormal metabolism of blood lipids were also significantly improved. Pathological changes of blood stasis induced by qi-yin deficiency exist in ischemic stroke patients, and DQYS and SBOCS were basic syndrome types.

[Acupuncture Stimulation of Acupoints of Multiple Meridians for Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve of Both Yin and Yang Deficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture stimulation of acupoints of the Conception Vessel, Kidney Meridian, Spleen Meridian, and Bladder Meridian on menstrual cycles and duration, and serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and estrogen 2 (E(2)) levels in patients with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). METHODS: A total of 96 patients with DOR of both yin and yang deficiency were randomly divided into medication group and acupuncture group (n = 48 cases in each group). Patients of the medication group were treated by Estradiol Valerate tablets, 2 mg/d on the first 10 days, and Estradiol Cyproterone, 3 mg/d from day 11 to 21, followed by 5 -7 days' rest, and the next therapeutic course, continuously for 6 months. For patients of the acupuncture group, filiform acupuncture needles were separately inserted into every 5 points of the Conceptional Vessel, Kidney, Spleen and Bladder Meridians, manipulated with uniform reinforcing and reducing methods till Deqi, and retained for 40 min. The treatment was conducted once daily for consecutive 10 days in one menstrual cycle, beginning from the 10(th) day on after menstruation, which was repeated for 6 months. The integrative scores (normal = 0, mild=2, moderate=4 and severe=6 points) of menstrual cycle, menstrual duration, amount, color, quality [blood blot or ame- nia, symptoms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)] were assessed according to "Guiding Principles for Clinical Trials of New Drugs of Chinese Materia Medica". Serum FSH, LH and E(2) contents were detected by Roche's electrochemical luminescence method. RESULTS: After the treatment, of the two 48 cases in the medication and acupuncture groups, 12 (25.0%) and 20 (4.7) were cured, 11 (22.9 %) and 12 (25.0 %) experienced marked improvement in their symptoms, 20 (41.7%) and 10 (20.8%) were effective, and 5 (10.4%) and 6 (12.5%) failed, with the effective rate being 89.6% and 87.5%, respectively. The integral score of TOM symptoms, menstrual cycle, serum FSH, LH and E2 contents were considerably diminished in both groups after 6 months of treatment (P<0.05), and the TOM symptom score, menstrual cycle, and serum FSH, LH and E2 levels were significantly lower in the acupuncture group than in the medication group 6 months after cease of the treatment (P<0.05), while the menstrual duration in each cycle was notably longer in both groups after the treatment, and evidently longer in the acupuncture group than in the medication group 6 months after cease of the treatment (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the effective rate, score of TOM symptoms, menstrual cycle and duration, and serum FSH, LH and E(2) contents following the treatment (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture stimulation of acupoints of the Conception Vessel, Kidney, Spleen, and Bladder Meridians is effective in improving clinical symptoms of DOR patients with deficiency of both yin and yang, and has a longer effect, which may be closely associated with its functions in lowering serum FSH, LH and E(2) levels through regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis.

[Efficacy observation of acupuncture and tapping therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes of yin deficiency pattern combined with stasis in the patients].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture and tapping therapy in the treatment of type 2 diabetes of yin deficiency pattern combined with stasis in the patients. METHODS: One hundred and twelve patients were treated with acupuncture, followed by tapping method. The reinforcing method with lifting, thrusting and rotating needle technique was used at Taixi (KI 3), Shenmen (HT 7), Taibai (SP 3), Taiyuan (LU 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Zusanli (ST 36); and the even-needling technique was used at Taichong (LR 3), Hegu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10) and Fenglong (ST 40). The needles were remained for 30 min. After needle removal, the tapping method with plum-blossom needle was applied to Geshu (BL 17), Yishu (EX-B 3), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Pishu (BL 20), once every two days. The treatment of 3 months was required. The changes were observed before and after treatment in the relevant indices of fat-islet axis such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting leptin (FLP), fasting insulin (FINS), insulin sensitivity index (ISI), insulin resistance (Homa IR), insulin secretion index (Homa-beta) and the indices of obesity and blood lipids in the patients. RESULTS: After treatment, the total effective rate was 84.8% (95/112), in which the efficacy on the stasis predominated syndrome was better than that of yin deficiency predominated syndrome [92.9% (52/56) vs 76.8% (43/56), P < 0.05]. Before treatment, FPG, FLP, FINS, Homa-IR, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), body mass, body mass index (BMI), fat percentage (F%) and obesity degree in the patients were higher obviously than those in the normal group (all P < 0.01); high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and ISI were lower than those in the normal group (both P < 0.01). After treatment, FPG, FLP, FINS, Homa-IR, TC, TG, LDL-C, body mass, BMI, F% and obesity degree were all reduced obviously as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.01). ISI and HDL-C were increased apparently (both P < 0.01). The efficacy on mild obesity was superior to that on moderate and severe obesity, and the efficacy in the young patients was better than that in the elderly, the efficacy in the males was better than that in the females, but the differences were not significant (all P > 0.05). The efficacy in the cases with 10 years duration of sickness was superior to those with over 10 years duration of sickness (P < 0. 01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture and tapping therapy achieves the significant efficacy on type 2 diabetes of yin deficiency pattern combined with stasis and its effect mechanism is related to the positive regulation of glucose, lipid metabolism and fat-islet axis.

[Efficacy observation on acupuncture for essential hypertension of yin deficiency due to yang hyperactivity pattern].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effects of essential hypertension treated with acupuncture at Siguan [Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3)], Quchi (LI 11) and Xingjian (LR 2). METHODS: Sixty cases of essential hypertension were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a medication group, 30 cases in each group. Two groups of acupoint, which were (1) Siguan [Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3)] and (2) Quchi (LI 11), Xingjian (LR 2), were selected alternatively in the acupuncture group, once everyday. In the medication group, captopril was prescribed for oral administration 25 mg per time, three times per day. Seven days made one session in both groups and totally three sessions were required. RESULTS: (1) After treatment, the blood pressure were decreased significantly in the two groups (all P < 0.01). Compared with the medication group, the diastolic pressure after 14 days, 21 days of treatment in the acupuncture group was decreased significantly (both P < 0.01). (2) In the terms of TCM syndrome score, the improvement of dizziness, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, palpitations was significant in the acupuncture group compared with that in the medication group(all P < 0.05). (3) The acupuncture group had less adverse reactions compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Hegu (LI4) and Taichong (LR 3), Quchi (LI 11) and Xingjian (LR 2) can effectively decrease blood pressure; the effect of controlling diastolic pressure is better than captopril. It can also improve the symptoms of dizziness, soreness and weakness of waist and knees, and palpitations.

Effects of Liuwei Dihuang Granule ([symbols; see text]) on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization pre-embryo transfer in infertility women with Kidney-yin deficiency syndrome and the proteome expressions in the follicular fluid.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Liuwei Dihuang Granule ([symbols; see text], LDG) for tonifying Kidney (Shen) on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization pre-embryo transfer (IVF-ET) of infertility women with Kidney-yin deficiency syndrome and to explore its mechanism by detecting the proteome expression in the follicular fluid. METHODS: Sixty-six infertility patients of Kidney-yin deficiency syndrome who would undergo IVF-ET, were randomly assigned to a treatment group and a control group according to a random number table, 33 cases in each group. Another 33 cases of non-Kidney-yin deficiency syndrome was taken as a syndrome-control group. Besides Western routine therapy, LDG was given 3 menstrual cycles before IVF to the treatment group, and a placebo granule to the control and syndrome-control groups. The scores of Kidney-yin deficiency symptoms (sore waist and knees, dry vagina, dysphoria with feverish sensation in the chest, palms and soles, etc.) were assessed, the number of retrieved oocytes, rates of high quality oocytes and embryos, fertility rate and clinical pregnancy rate were recorded, and the follicular fluid was collected on the day when the ovum was picked up, the differential protein expression was detected using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, and then, matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) was applied to identify the proteins. RESULTS: The syndrome score in the treatment group decreased significantly from 16.09±2.58 to 8.67±2.13, while it changed insignificantly in the control group, with a significant difference in the lowering score between the two groups (P<0.05); the high quality rates of oocytes and embryos and clinical pregnancy rate were all superior in the treatment group to the control group (82.29% vs 78.08%, 76.76% vs 68.79%, 63.64% vs 36.36%, all P<0.05). The protein expression map from the follicular fluid showed that compared with the control group, 33 differential protein expressions were found in the syndrome-control group, among which 18 were down-regulated, and 15 up-regulated; in the treatment group 28 differential protein expressions were found, among which 15 were down-regulated, and 13 up-regulated. Through MALDI-TOF-MS, 14 proteins were identified (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: For the infertility patients undergoing IVF, LDG could alleviate clinical symptoms, improve rates of high quality oocytes and embryos, so as to raise clinical pregnancy rate. The mechanism may be through regulating proteome expression in the follicular fluid to improve the developmental microenvironment for oocytes which would lead to a successful embryo implantation.

[Clinical observation on fuzhong (supporting the middle-jiao) manipulation of tuina for infantile anorexia].

OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical therapeutic effect of fuzhong (supporting the middle-jiao) manipulation of tuina for infantile anorexia. METHODS: Eighty-one children with anorexia were treated with fuzhong manipulation, including abdominal kneading, acupressure at Zhongwan (CV 12), Lanmen (Extra), Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), spine pinching, warm moxibustion and warm scraping with supporting-yang cupping, three times a week, six times as a session. Onset time, therapeutic effect and TCM symptom scores before and after treatment were observed after two sessions and differences of therapeutic effect among different patterns were compared. RESULTS: Seventy-two children had the effect in one session while 41 children had the effect within half of a session. 38 cases were clinically cured, 15 cases were markedly effective, 23 cases were effective and 5 cases were failed. The total effective rate was 93.8%. Compared with before treatment, TCM symptom scores, including appetite, food intake, complexion and defecation, were all obviously improved after treatment (all P < 0.001). The clinical cured rate was 45.2% (19/42) in the pattern of dysfunction of spleen in transportation, 45.8% (11/24) in the pattern of qi deficiency of spleen and stomach, 50.0% (4/8) in the pattern of yin deficiency of spleen and stomach, 57.1% (4/7) in the pattern of liver sufficiency and spleen insufficiency, which had no obvious differences among different patterns (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The fuzhong manipulation of tuina has quick onset time and satisfied clinical therapeutic effect, which could obviously improve symptoms and is fit for different patterns of infantile anorexia.