Revista Internacional de Acupuntura最新文献

{"title":"Acupuncture in reproductive health: Evaluating its potential as an adjunct therapy","authors":"Eliane Pacheco Engler ,&nbsp;Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Infertility, defined as the inability to achieve conception through natural means, represents a significant global health issue impacting individuals globally. Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly acupuncture, has gained attention as a potential complementary therapy for infertility. This review examines the efficacy of acupuncture in treating both female and male infertility, analyzing current systematic evidence and underlying mechanisms.</div><div>For female infertility, acupuncture has shown promising results in conditions such as anovulatory infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and improving endometrial receptivity. Evidence suggests that acupuncture alone or in combination with conventional treatments can enhance pregnancy rates, ovulation rates, and endometrial thickness, although findings are sometimes inconclusive due to methodological limitations. Acupuncture appears to modulate reproductive hormones, improve ovarian function, and facilitate embryo implantation, offering a valuable therapeutic option for women.</div><div>In male infertility, acupuncture has demonstrated potential benefits in enhancing sperm quality, balancing hormones, and reducing testicular damage caused by abnormal hormone levels. Studies indicate that acupuncture may improve sperm motility, concentration, and overall semen quality by regulating endocrine functions and mitigating apoptosis in germ cells. Despite promising outcomes, the quality of existing studies varies, and further research with robust methodologies is necessary.</div><div>This review highlights the potential of acupuncture as a safe, non-invasive, and effective adjunctive therapy for infertility. Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine principles with modern medical practices could lead to more personalized and comprehensive infertility treatments, enhancing patient well-being and reproductive outcomes. Future research should focus on addressing current study limitations and further elucidating acupuncture's mechanisms in infertility treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 100296"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142356734","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 in acute COVID-19 treatment: A review of clinical evidence","authors":"Patrícia Soares Bernardo ,&nbsp;Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100298","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100298","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>By May 5 2023, WHO announced the end of the pandemic due to declining COVID-19 cases and deaths, coupled with high levels of immunity from vaccination and previous infections. However, the virus remains a global health threat with potential for new variants. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has shown promise in treating various conditions, including respiratory infections. This review investigates acupuncture's impact on acute COVID-19 infection and its potential as a complementary therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and CNKI, focusing on the impact of acupuncture on COVID-19 patients.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The search yielded 35 studies, with five meeting the inclusion criteria. These included two randomized clinical trials and three case reports, all incorporating acupuncture alongside conventional treatments.</div><div>Case reports and clinical trials indicated that acupuncture improved symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and cough in COVID-19 patients. Acupuncture was associated with elevated SpO2 levels, reduced heart rate, and an anti-inflammatory effect. Studies highlighted that acupuncture may activate neuro-immune pathways, leading to modulation of immune responses.</div><div>Common acupuncture points used included S 36 Zú sān lǐ, and LI 4 Hé gǔ. Techniques involved inserting needles at specific depths and angles to achieve the Deqi sensation, with treatments lasting 20–30 min per session.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture appears to be a valuable complementary therapy for managing acute COVID-19 infection. It enhances clinical outcomes by alleviating symptoms and reducing recovery time. Further research is warranted to fully integrate acupuncture into standard COVID-19 treatment protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 100298"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142655392","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 and its potential in enhancing mental well-being for breast cancer survivors: An evidence-based insight","authors":"Gisela Cruz ,&nbsp;Micaela Fonseca ,&nbsp;Raquel Silva ,&nbsp;Rodolfo Torres ,&nbsp;Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Breast cancer survivors often face long-term physical and psychological challenges post-treatment, including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has shown promise in addressing these issues. This paper reviews several studies investigating the effects of acupuncture on the mental health of breast cancer survivors. A 15-year NADA auricular acupuncture service demonstrated improvements in mood, somatic symptoms, anxiety, and sleep problems, with benefits sustained at 4-week and 18-week follow-ups. Another study found auricular acupuncture to be superior to psychoeducation in improving sleep quality, stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Complementary acupuncture treatment significantly improved cancer-related fatigue, depression, and sleep quality. Additionally, electro-acupuncture outperformed gabapentin in improving sleep quality in breast cancer survivors with hot flashes. The reviewed studies employed various acupuncture techniques, including auricular and electro-acupuncture, with differences in treatment duration, frequency, and point selection. Mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects on mental health remain complex and multifaceted, potentially involving modulation of neurotransmitter levels, neurotrophic factors, and pain pathways. However, the scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials and the lack of studies focusing specifically on mental health outcomes among breast cancer survivors highlight the need for further research in this area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 100297"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142428580","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":"Evidencias de los efectos parasimpáticos y simpáticos de la acupuntura mediante la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca: implicaciones multisistémicas","authors":"Salvador Quiroz-González ,&nbsp;Emma López-Espinosa ,&nbsp;Zheng Liu ,&nbsp;Ruben Fossion","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100288","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acu.2024.100288","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Heart rate variability (HRV) indirectly reflects the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) on cardiac function, which is modified by both internal and external stimuli, reflecting the body's self-regulatory capacity. In this article we describe some general aspects of HRV and its implications for health and disease. Likewise, we show experimental evidence emphasizing that acupuncture under certain conditions increases vagal tone, to cope with the wear and tear generated by stressors, and in other conditions activates the sympathetic response to mobilize resources. We expose HRV as a tool to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, and its implications in other body systems. We propose that a mechanism of action of acupuncture to modulate the digestive, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, and gynecological systems, including conditions such as stress, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and metabolism, corresponds to the activity it exerts on the sympathetic branch and parasympathetic of the ANS, which can be evidenced by HRV.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 1","pages":"Article 100288"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141487356","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":"Mecanismos moduladores neuroinmunológicos de la acupuntura en el tratamiento de ortodoncia","authors":"Daniel Cuauhtémoc Gómez-Jiménez ,&nbsp;Samhara Gisell Escudero-Rodríguez ,&nbsp;Ilka Berenice Boscó-Gárate ,&nbsp;Mario Alberto Bautista-Hernández","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100286","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acu.2024.100286","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The main objectives of the orthodontic treatment are to generate correct occlusion and adequate dental alignment, which is reflected in the health of the orofacial tissues. During this treatment, dental movements are required to correct bite arches. These movements result from remodeling the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone in response to a mechanical load that generates local inflammation. This local inflammation can generate side effects that promote treatment abandonment if not adequately modulated. On the other hand, acupuncture through psychoneuroimmunological control mechanisms modulates inflammatory responses. Therefore, this review aims to analyze the acupuncture mechanisms of modulation of the immune system, give an overview of the possible applications of this medical specialty as a complement to orthodontic treatment to improve its efficiency, and open new questions that promote the generation of new lines of research.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 1","pages":"Article 100286"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141066876","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":"Auricle reflex system: A practical approach to diagnosis and treatment","authors":"Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues ,&nbsp;Kalina Simões ,&nbsp;Olga Moreira ,&nbsp;Gisela Cruz ,&nbsp;Patrícia Bernardo Soares ,&nbsp;Jorge Pereira Machado","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100287","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acu.2024.100287","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Auriculotherapy and auricular acupuncture are techniques that involve stimulating specific points on the ear to treat a variety of physical and psychological conditions. This technique is based on the principle that the ear is a microsystem of the body, with each point corresponding to a specific organ or system. The history of conditions being treated through the auricle can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of its use found in Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. However, it was not until the 20th century that modern auriculotherapy was developed. Since then, auriculotherapy has been the subject of extensive research, and there is now a growing body of evidence to support its effectiveness. In this article, we discuss the historical context, possible mechanisms, clinical implications for treatment and diagnosis, and conclude by presenting a simple observation case.</p><p>The use of the auricle reflex system for treatment and diagnosis seems to be a promising complementary method with potential value for healthcare providers. It may provide a wider understanding of a patient's health and guide the selection of appropriate treatment options. It may also provide a cost-effective preventive diagnosis assessment tool that can be employed in areas without access to top-of-the-line healthcare technologies. More research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms of action of the auricle microsystem and to further validate its effectiveness.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 1","pages":"Article 100287"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141487355","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":"Contralateral acupuncture, a technique to be explored. Considerations on its neurophysiological mechanism","authors":"Ana Cristina Campana ,&nbsp;Jordi Tomas Aliberas ,&nbsp;Leticia Alejandra Blanco ,&nbsp;Martin Vargas Aragon ,&nbsp;Maria Begonia Garcia Cenador","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100285","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acu.2024.100285","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this article, a selective and critical study of the contralateral acupuncture technique was conducted. Integrating essential information from a perspective of scientific evidence, which proposes an understanding of the neurophysiological mechanism of its action. Contralateral acupuncture proposes to puncture the side opposite to the diseased side of the patient.</p><p>In our review of the literature, the articles showed that the technique is able to stimulate brain regions involved in the pain process, such as the cingulate cortex and the cerebellum. Decrease the pattern of pain and provide an increase in the range of motion of the affected region.</p><p>In addition, an important observation is that there are no scientific studies that relate this technique to orofacial pain or to Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), except for one dissertation work.</p><p>As a conclusion, it was possible to observe that this therapeutic tool has the capacity to act at a distance from the affected area, it is possible to puncture the healthy side of the individual and obtain therapeutic results on the affected side. Avoiding the spread of a possible infection and reassuring the patient that they do not have to endure being punctured in an already painful region. A useful technique that requires more dissemination and research.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 1","pages":"Article 100285"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141078623","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":"Eficacia de la auriculoterapia en el asma: reporte de un caso","authors":"Yadira Quetzali Bueno García,&nbsp;Abel Cristian Patiño Coyuca,&nbsp;Daniel García Lara,&nbsp;Rebeca Alejandra Avendaño Espina,&nbsp;Dimitrio Naranjo Reynosa","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2023.100266","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acu.2023.100266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease of the airways that presents clinical manifestations such as wheezing, respiratory distress, chest tightness and cough, while an asthmatic crisis is the variable limitation of expiratory airflow.</p><p>This pathology is increasing in the world and represents a global health problem with few studies on auriculotherapy. The World Health Organization estimates that 80% of deaths are from this cause. We present the case of a 33-year-old woman, with asthma detected at 6 years of age of six years, receiving basic treatment; oral salbutamol, aerosol 100–200 μg dose more than 8 times a day, presenting asthmatic attacks at least twice a month. After a treatment of auriculotherapy in the <em>Shenmen,</em> Lung, Bronchi, Asthma and Diaphragm points with 10 sessions, asthmatic symptoms and recurrence of asthmatic crises improved.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"17 4","pages":"Article 100266"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138413428","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":"Complementary/combined treatment of depression in rats: Aloe Vera, fluoxetine, acupuncture. An experimental study","authors":"Noor Hadi Farhan ,&nbsp;H.M. Abo Almaali ,&nbsp;Marwah Ali Zghair","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2023.100267","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acu.2023.100267","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Understanding the effects of natural remedies and alternative therapies on animal behavior is crucial for both scientific research and potential therapeutic applications. <em>Aloe vera</em>, a succulent plant known for its medicinal properties, has been widely studied for its potential benefits in various health conditions. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, involves the stimulation of specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. By assessing the behavioral changes in rats exposed to <em>Aloe vera</em> and acupuncture, this study aims to shed light on the potential benefits and mechanisms underlying these interventions.</p></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><p>This study aims to investigate the impact of <em>Aloe vera</em> and acupuncture on rat behavior using an experimental approach. The findings from this research may contribute to our understanding of alternative treatments and their potential applications in both human and veterinary medicine.</p></div><div><h3>Method</h3><p>In this experiment, rats were divided into eight groups: one control and seven treatment groups. The rats received drugs, <em>Aloe vera</em> extract, or acupuncture once daily orally for 2 weeks. Their behavior was evaluated using the Open Field Test and The Forced Swim Test on days 1, 7, and 14. Blood samples were collected from the rats' hearts and analyzed to assess kidney and liver function.</p></div><div><h3>Result</h3><p>The results of the study showed that <em>Aloe Vera</em> extract, particularly at a dose of 150 mg/kg, exhibited significant antidepressant effects. The combination of <em>Aloe Vera</em> extract, fluoxetine, and acupuncture therapy yielded the highest antidepressant effects compared to other groups. Additionally, the <em>Aloe Vera</em> extract showed positive effects on kidney and liver function.</p></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>the study suggests that <em>Aloe Vera</em> extract may have potential as an alternative or complementary treatment for depression. Its antidepressant effects were demonstrated, particularly at a dose of 150 mg/kg, and were further enhanced when combined with fluoxetine and acupuncture therapy. Further research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and understand the mechanisms behind these effects.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"17 4","pages":"Article 100267"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138439344","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 erectile dysfunction: Insights and future research directions","authors":"Kalina Simões ,&nbsp;Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2023.100269","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acu.2023.100269","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Erectile dysfunction<span><span><span> is a condition in which men have difficulty in obtaining or maintaining a satisfactory penile erection, affecting their sexual life and </span>quality of life<span>. It is a common condition and its prevalence is increasing due to lifestyle changes and psychosocial factors<span>. There are various approaches to treat erectile dysfunction, however many patients are not satisfied with conventional treatments<span> and seek alternatives. Acupuncture is a technique that involves the insertion of needles into specific points of the body to promote the regulation of several systems and improve well-being. Regarding erectile dysfunction, acupuncture seems to positively influence the regulation of the </span></span></span></span>hypothalamus, hormonal function, and local nervous function. Acupuncture is a promising therapeutic option, especially when combined with conventional therapies and by directly addressing mental health. However, the scientific evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture for erectile dysfunction is still limited.</span></p></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"17 4","pages":"Article 100269"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"138430898","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}