Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society最新文献

{"title":"The importance of the local twitch response during needling interventions in spinal pain associated with myofascial trigger points: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas,&nbsp;Gustavo Plaza-Manzano,&nbsp;Jorge Sanchez-Infante,&nbsp;Guido F Gómez-Chiguano,&nbsp;Joshua A Cleland,&nbsp;José L Arias-Buría,&nbsp;Marcos J Navarro-Santana","doi":"10.1177/09645284211056346","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09645284211056346","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare the clinical effects of needling interventions eliciting local twitch responses (LTRs) versus needling without eliciting LTRs when applied to muscle trigger points (TrPs) associated with spinal pain of musculoskeletal origin.</p><p><strong>Databases and data treatment: </strong>Electronic databases were searched for randomized or non-randomized clinical trials where one group received needling intervention where LTRs were elicited and was compared with another group receiving the same intervention without elicitation of LTRs in spinal pain disorders associated with TrPs. Outcomes included pain intensity, pain-related disability, and pressure pain thresholds. The risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool or ROBINS-I tool, methodological quality was assessed with the PEDro score, and quality of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six trials were included. The application of a needling intervention eliciting LTRs was associated with a significant reduction in pain intensity immediately after treatment (mean difference (MD): -2.03 points, 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.77 to -0.29; standardized MD (SMD): -1.35, 95% CI: -2.32 to -0.38, <i>p</i> = 0.02) when compared to the same needling intervention without elicitation of LTRs. No effect at short-term follow-up (MD: -0.20 points, 95% CI: -1.46 to 1.06, <i>p</i> = 0.75) was observed. No significant differences based on elicitation or non-elicitation of LTRs were found in related disability (SMD: -0.05, 95% CI: -0.41 to 0.30, <i>p</i> = 0.77) or pressure pain thresholds (MD: 23.39 kPa, 95% CI: -13.68 to 60.47, <i>p</i> = 0.22).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Low-level evidence suggests an immediate effect of obtaining LTRs during needling interventions on pain intensity, with no significant effects on related disability or pressure pain sensitivity in spinal pain disorders associated with muscle TrPs.</p><p><strong>Registration number: </strong>OSF Registry-https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5ZX9N.</p>","PeriodicalId":378725,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society","volume":" ","pages":"299-311"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39716303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture suppresses spinal nerve ligation-induced neuropathic pain via regulation of synaptic plasticity through upregulation of basic fibroblast growth factor expression.","authors":"Kecheng Zhou,&nbsp;Qiaoyun Wu,&nbsp;Jingjing Yue,&nbsp;Xiaolan Yu,&nbsp;Xinwang Ying,&nbsp;Xiaolong Chen,&nbsp;Ye Zhou,&nbsp;Guanhu Yang,&nbsp;Wenzhan Tu,&nbsp;Songhe Jiang","doi":"10.1177/09645284211066499","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09645284211066499","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Improving synaptic plasticity is a good way to alleviate neuropathic pain. Electroacupuncture (EA) is currently used worldwide to treat this disease, but its specific mechanisms of action need further investigation. Evidence has suggested that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays an important role in promoting nerve regeneration and can promote the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>In this study, we examined the effects of EA on synaptic plasticity and its underlying mechanism.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A spinal nerve ligation (SNL) rat model was established. NSC37204 (a specific inhibitor of bFGF) was used to determine the relationship between bFGF and putative EA-mediated improvements in synaptic plasticity. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were assessed to evaluate hyperalgesia in rats with SNL. Tissue morphology was detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Nissl staining, while neural plasticity and its molecular mechanisms were examined by Western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), dual-label immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We found that EA improved synaptic plasticity, consistent with higher levels of expression of bFGF and VEGF. Contrary to the beneficial effects of EA, NSC37204 promoted synaptic reconstruction. Furthermore, EA-induced improvements in the neurobehavioral state and improved synaptic plasticity were blocked by NSC37204, consistent with lower expression levels of bFGF and VEGF.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings indicate that EA suppresses SNL-induced neuropathic pain by improving synaptic plasticity via upregulation of bFGF expression.</p>","PeriodicalId":378725,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society","volume":" ","pages":"379-388"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39738071","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Teaching self-acupuncture survey report.","authors":"Catrina Davy,&nbsp;John Hughes","doi":"10.1177/09645284211056658","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09645284211056658","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People have been teaching self-acupuncture (SA) in the United Kingdom since 1977. More recently, a small body of research has been conducted on SA. However, detailed guidelines on teaching and delivery of SA have so far, to our knowledge, not been developed.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Acupuncturists were invited to participate in an online survey about their experiences of teaching SA. Data from the survey were extracted, analysed using descriptive statistics and translated into SA teaching guidelines.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>One hundred thirty-eight acupuncturists completed the survey. Nineteen percent of participants had taught SA. The most common symptoms for which acupuncturists taught SA were pain, nausea, anxiety, hot flushes, headaches/migraines and breathlessness. The six most commonly taught traditional acupuncture point locations were LI4, ST36, SP6, PC6, LR3 and TE5. No participants had received reports of adverse effects from their patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Acupuncturists who teach SA find it to be an acceptable and safe option for patients. The presented data have important implications for guiding the practice of SA.</p>","PeriodicalId":378725,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society","volume":" ","pages":"333-338"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39714111","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of dry needling on function, hypertonia and quality of life in chronic stroke: a randomized clinical trial.","authors":"Sandra Calvo,&nbsp;Natalia Brandín-de la Cruz,&nbsp;Carolina Jiménez-Sánchez,&nbsp;Elisabeth Bravo-Esteban,&nbsp;Pablo Herrero","doi":"10.1177/09645284211056347","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09645284211056347","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Persons with stroke commonly have impairments associated with a reduction in functionality. Motor impairments are the most prevalent, causing an impact on activities of daily life.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a session of dry needling (DN) applied to the upper extremity muscles on the sensorimotor function, hypertonia, and quality of life of persons with chronic stroke.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial was performed. Participants were randomly assigned into an intervention group that received a single session DN in the biceps brachii, brachialis, flexor digitorum superficialis and profundus, extensor digitorum, adductor pollicis and triceps brachii muscles, or into a control group that received the same treatment but with a sham DN intervention. Treatment outcomes included the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale for the upper extremity, the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, and the EuroQol-5D questionnaire. Measurements were carried out before, immediately after, and 14 days after intervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-three persons participated in the study. Significant differences between groups were observed after the intervention in the total wrist-hand motor score (p = 0.023) and sensorimotor score (p = 0.022), for hypertonia in the elbow extensors both after treatment (p = 0.002) and at follow-up (p = 0.018), and in quality of life at follow-up (p = 0.030).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A single session of DN improved total wrist-hand motor function and total sensorimotor function in persons with chronic stroke immediately after treatment, as well as quality of life 2 weeks after treatment.</p><p><strong>Trial registration number: </strong>NCT03546517 (ClinicalTrials.gov).</p>","PeriodicalId":378725,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society","volume":" ","pages":"312-321"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39715557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture improves metabolic and ovarian function in a rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome by decreasing white adipose tissue, increasing brown adipose tissue, and modulating the gut microbiota.","authors":"Feifei Zhang,&nbsp;Tong Ma,&nbsp;Xiaoyu Tong,&nbsp;Yanjun Liu,&nbsp;Peng Cui,&nbsp;Xiaoqing Xu,&nbsp;Jiemei Shi,&nbsp;Wei Hu,&nbsp;Wenhan Lu,&nbsp;Zhenle Pei,&nbsp;Minzhen Xu,&nbsp;Xin Li,&nbsp;Congjian Xu,&nbsp;Yi Feng","doi":"10.1177/09645284211056663","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09645284211056663","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 8%-15% of reproductive-age women and is associated with reproductive disorders, abdominal obesity, hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Acupuncture, as a traditional physical therapy method, could affect various metabolic disorders such as obesity, hyperplasia, gout, and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in clinical practice. Moreover, electroacupuncture (EA) has been shown to decrease body weight in rats with PCOS; however, the mechanism of weight loss and the relationship between adipose tissue and gut microbiota remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To explore the effect and mechanism of EA on white and brown adipose tissues and gut microbiota, and its follow-up effect on reproductive function, in a rat model of PCOS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Daily EA treatment was administered at ST29 and SP6 in a dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS-like rat model (PCOS + EA group). Effects of EA on in vivo and in vitro adipose volume and weight, organ weight coefficients, body weight, hormonal profiles, and estrous cyclicity were measured, and compared with untreated PCOS model rats (PCOS group) and healthy rats (control group). Microbial DNA was extracted from the fecal samples to analyze group abundance and diversity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>EA improved estrous cyclicity, decreased body weight, decreased visceral and subcutaneous fat content, and increased brown adipose tissue weight. EA also normalized serum DHT and progesterone levels and improved glucose tolerance. There were few significant differences in the composition or diversity of the gut microbiota between control, PCOS, and PCOS + EA groups, except for the relative abundances of Tenericutes at the phylum level and Prevotella_9 at the genus level, which were significantly different in the PCOS group before and after EA treatment. Both are important microflora, strongly related to body weight.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EA regulated the metabolic disorders and improved reproductive function in this PCOS-like rat model by adjusting visceral fat and brown fat, as well as intestinal flora.</p>","PeriodicalId":378725,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society","volume":" ","pages":"347-359"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39714110","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electroacupuncture alleviates anxiety and modulates amygdala CRH/CRHR1 signaling in single prolonged stress mice.","authors":"Jing Zhu,&nbsp;Chang Wang,&nbsp;Yu Wang,&nbsp;Chunxia Guo,&nbsp;Pingping Lu,&nbsp;Fangfang Mou,&nbsp;Shuijin Shao","doi":"10.1177/09645284211056352","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09645284211056352","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety-related psychiatric disorder, manifesting high comorbidity with anxiety disorders. Its underlying neurobiological mechanisms have been associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction and stress hormones. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is a primary stress hormone, expressed in the hypothalamus and amygdala. Electroacupuncture (EA) can improve mood disorders, but its mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of EA on PTSD and explore the related mechanisms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used single prolonged stress (SPS) mice to establish a PTSD model, and EA was performed after SPS or 7 days later for a week. Then we observed their fear and anxiety-like behavior through cue-induced fear condition tests, open field test and the elevated zero maze. CRH and CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1) protein levels in the amygdala were measured in SPS mice after EA intervention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We found that EA at ST36 and GV20 improved fear and anxiety behavior in SPS mice. The amygdala CRH and CRHR1 protein levels increased in the SPS mice, and this effect was reversed by the EA intervention. CRHR1 inhibition by the CRHR1 antagonist NBI 27914 alleviated anxiety behavior in SPS mice.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CRH/CRHR1 signaling in the amygdala may contribute to the anxiolytic effect of EA in SPS mice.</p>","PeriodicalId":378725,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society","volume":" ","pages":"369-378"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39832393","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Low-frequency electroacupuncture improves disordered hepatic energy metabolism in insulin-resistant Zucker diabetic fatty rats via the AMPK/mTORC1/p70S6K signaling pathway.","authors":"Xiao-Xiao Liu,&nbsp;Li-Zhi Zhang,&nbsp;Hai-Hua Zhang,&nbsp;Lan-Feng Lai,&nbsp;Yi-Qiao Wang,&nbsp;Jian Sun,&nbsp;Neng-Gui Xu,&nbsp;Zhi-Xing Li","doi":"10.1177/09645284211070301","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09645284211070301","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Disordered hepatic energy metabolism is found in obese rats with insulin resistance (IR). There are insufficient experimental studies of electroacupuncture (EA) for IR and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to probe the effect of EA on disordered hepatic energy metabolism and the adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)/ribosomal protein S6 kinase, 70-kDa (p70S6K) signaling pathway.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Zucker Diabetic Fatty (ZDF) rats were randomly divided into three groups: EA group receiving EA treatment; Pi group receiving pioglitazone gavage; and ZF group remaining untreated (n = 8 per group). Inbred non-insulin-resistant Zucker lean rats formed an (untreated) healthy control group (ZL, n = 8). Fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting insulin (FINS), C-peptide, C-reactive protein (CRP) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) indices were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was used to investigate the liver morphologically. The mitochondrial structure of hepatocytes was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Western blotting was adopted to determine protein expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), mTOR, mTORC1, AMPK, tuberous sclerosis 2 (TSC2) and p70S6K, and their phosphorylation. RT-PCR was used to quantify IRS-1, mTOR, mTORC1, AMPK and p70S6K mRNA levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared with the ZF group, FPG, FINS, C-peptide, CRP and HOMA-IR levels were significantly reduced in the EA group (<i>p</i> < 0.05, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Evaluation of histopathology showed improvement in liver appearances following EA. Phosphorylation levels of AMPK, mTOR and TSC2 decreased, and IRS-1 and p70S6K increased, in hepatocytes of the ZF group, while these negative effects appeared to be alleviated by EA.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>EA can effectively ameliorate IR and regulate energy metabolism in the ZDF rat model. AMPK/mTORC1/p70S6K and related molecules may represent a potential mechanism of action underlying these effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":378725,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society","volume":" ","pages":"360-368"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39824640","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of acupuncture on the symptoms and thermal imaging of idiopathic Horner's syndrome: a case report.","authors":"Min Hee Kim","doi":"10.1177/09645284211025987","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09645284211025987","url":null,"abstract":"Horner’s syndrome results from a disruption of the sympathetic nerves innervating the eye and is characterized by unilateral miosis, ptosis, anhidrosis, and enophthalmos.1 Blockade of sympathetic nerves induces vasodilation and increases skin temperature;1 this increased temperature can be detected by digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI). In most cases, it is acquired as a result of underlying causes that damage the oculosympathetic pathway. When the etiology is known, the management is directed at treating the underlying disease; however, in idiopathic cases, there is no specific treatment.1 Several studies have suggested an impact of acupuncture on autonomic function and blood circulation.2 However, we were unable to identify any published reports of the treatment of human Horner’s syndrome with acupuncture. Here, a case of a woman who showed improvement in symptoms and thermal imaging after acupuncture treatment is presented. Case report","PeriodicalId":378725,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society","volume":" ","pages":"730-732"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/09645284211025987","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"39230348","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture for acontractile bladder: a case report.","authors":"Bingying Zhou,&nbsp;Diyuan Ma,&nbsp;Huibo Yu,&nbsp;Baojin Han,&nbsp;Ran Pang","doi":"10.1177/09645284211009903","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/09645284211009903","url":null,"abstract":"Acontractile bladder (AcB) is one of the major causes of urinary retention (UR) among patients. The management of AcB is a challenge since both pharmacological and surgical approaches are limited in their effectiveness.1 Although acupuncture has been reported to be effective for UR, its therapeutic efficacy for AcB remains unclear. In this report, we explore the effect of acupuncture on bladder contractility in a patient with AcB based on urodynamic assessments.","PeriodicalId":378725,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society","volume":" ","pages":"716-717"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/09645284211009903","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"38905518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Additional value of auricular intradermal acupuncture alongside selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled preliminary clinical study.","authors":"Hong Wang,&nbsp;Xiao-Ru Liu,&nbsp;Xiao-Jing Wu,&nbsp;Ti-Zhen He,&nbsp;Dan Miao,&nbsp;Jin-Feng Jiang,&nbsp;Hui-Fen Qiao,&nbsp;Wing-Fai Yeung,&nbsp;Zhi-Ling Sun","doi":"10.1177/0964528421997155","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/0964528421997155","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>To evaluate the antidepressant effects of auricular intradermal acupuncture (AIA) of areas innervated by both the auricular branch of the vagus nerve and the trigeminal nerve.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-nine patients with depression were randomly allocated into an AIA group (<i>n</i> = 25) and a sham AIA group (<i>n</i> = 24). Both groups received selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as conventional treatment. The AIA group received AIA stimulation, and the sham AIA group received sham AIA, which constituted being subjected to an attached needle that did not penetrate the skin. The needles were retained for 4 h each session, with five sessions a week for a total duration of 2 weeks. The outcomes were assessed by the 17-item Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD-17), five factors (sleep disorder, retardation, cognitive dysfunction, anxiety/somatization, and weight) and self-rating depression scale (SDS) at weeks 0, 1, and 2.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifty-four patients were randomly assigned to the AIA (<i>n</i> = 27) and sham AIA group (<i>n</i> = 27), of whom 25 patients in the AIA and 24 patients in the sham AIA group were analyzed. AIA-treated patients displayed a significantly greater reduction from baseline in HAMD-17 scores (<i>p</i> = 0.03) and SDS scores (<i>p</i> = 0.02) at week 2 compared to patients receiving sham AIA. The AIA intervention also produced a higher rate of clinically significant responses in sleep disorders (<i>p</i> = 0.07) compared to sham AIA. No adverse events occurred in either group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>According to the findings of this preliminary study, AIA appears to have additional value compared to SSRIs alone in treating patients with depressive disorder.</p>","PeriodicalId":378725,"journal":{"name":"Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society","volume":" ","pages":"596-602"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2021-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/0964528421997155","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"25426597","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}