Medical Acupuncture最新文献

{"title":"Structure-Based Medical Acupuncture: New Perspective on an Ancient Technique.","authors":"Chi-Tsai Tang, Ling Guan","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0125","DOIUrl":"10.1089/acu.2024.0125","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>With more recent research into the neuromyofascial system, one can begin to surmise how acupuncture may work through modulating nerves, muscles, and fascia. Pain relief from acupuncture is thought to involve the release of endogenous opioids and monoamines. Various different peripheral nerves are stimulated with acupuncture, and there are also specific effects on the brain that can be seen on functional magnetic resonance imaging. Acupuncture has long been used to treat muscular pain from trigger points, and there is now research that can objectively quantify these trigger points. Needling therapies have been shown to improve trigger point status and improve patients' pain and function. Fascia is an often overlooked structure that can contribute to pain and various other symptoms. Fascia is a multilayered structure that interpenetrates and surrounds muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels, binding all of these together, and acupuncture has been shown to have specific effects on the fascia. There is evidence for the existence of myofascial meridians that span the body where separate muscles are mechanically linked through the fascia. Structure-based medical acupuncture (SMA) is based on the idea that the targets for acupuncture treatment are actual structures. Some meridians are myofascial meridians such as the Bladder (BL) and Gallbladder (GB) meridian, whereas others may be blood vessels or nerves, such as the Lung (LU) and Pericardium (PC) meridians, respectively. SMA was developed in China but utilizes both ancient and modern, Chinese and Western medicine concepts and understandings of human structure. Principles include that anatomy is foundational, manual manipulation is essential, tools (the needle) are an extension of the hand, and exercise and rehabilitation are the ways to prevent recurrences and maintain efficacy. SMA differs from more traditional TCM acupuncture in that imaging and physical exams are used to guide treatment, immediate pain relief is expected after treatment, and fewer treatment sessions are typically needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 3","pages":"176-181"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12179381/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144477241","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integrating Medical and Traditional Acupuncture Education in the United States: Enhancing Patient Care Through Combined Expertise.","authors":"Weidong Lu","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0140","DOIUrl":"10.1089/acu.2024.0140","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In the United States, acupuncture education is divided into two primary pathways: medical acupuncture for licensed physicians and traditional acupuncture rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for nonphysician practitioners. These pathways reflect the distinct educational needs and historical development of acupuncture in the United States.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To compare medical and traditional acupuncture educational systems, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, and the potential for integration to enhance patient care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This narrative review utilized comprehensive literature searches, analyzing peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and accreditation documents. The study focused on programs approved by the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture and accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Medical acupuncture programs are shorter and emphasize evidence-based practice, allowing physicians to integrate acupuncture into conventional medical treatment. These programs focus on Western medical terminology and concepts but may lack depth in TCM principles. Traditional acupuncture programs offer extensive training in TCM principles and practices, including herbal medicine, with comprehensive clinical training but may lack emphasis on modern medical science and research-based evidence. There is a significant workforce disparity between licensed traditional acupuncturists and the much smaller number of medical acupuncturists in practice.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Integrating both educational pathways can enhance patient care through comprehensive treatment approaches. Successful integration examples demonstrate improved patient outcomes. Future efforts should focus on developing joint training programs, promoting research collaboration, and increasing hospital-based internships to foster interdisciplinary learning and practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 2","pages":"112-123"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038309/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143986979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"TCM Academy-Online Platform for Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine Education: Advancing Global Standards.","authors":"Yair Maimon, Guy Traiber","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0122","DOIUrl":"10.1089/acu.2024.0122","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This article presents the educational strategies and global impact of the TCM Academy (TCMA), an online platform established to advance global standards in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) education.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>TCMA integrates evidence-based pedagogy, a multidisciplinary teaching team, and innovative e-learning techniques-including video chunking, interactive quizzes, and worksheets. The curriculum is built upon three pillars: Western medicine, Chinese medicine, and evidence-based research. Specialized certificate programs, such as Oncology and Pediatric Acupuncture, are delivered via recorded lectures, live webinars, and real-time assessments. The platform utilizes technology to track learner progress and enhance engagement and retention.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Since its launch, TCMA has collaborated with over 100 international experts, offering more than 1200 hours of online content. Its Oncology Acupuncture program has graduated over 700 students worldwide, including medical doctors and TCM practitioners. The annual international oncology symposium draws more than 1,300 participants. Feedback indicates improved practitioner confidence, knowledge retention, and clinical application. Tools to support motivation, time management, and accessibility have mitigated common challenges in online education, fostering an inclusive learning environment across six continents.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>TCMA demonstrates that high-quality, scalable online education in TCM is achievable and impactful. Its model supports and advances global standardization of acupuncture training, enhances clinical practice, and fosters a collaborative international community. The platform serves as a benchmark for future online integrative medical education, combining technological innovation with clinical depth to shape the future of TCM and integrative healthcare.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 2","pages":"96-99"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038351/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144045141","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Clinical Training in Acupuncture Schools-From Virginia University of Integrative Medicine to International Perspectives.","authors":"Lixing Lao, Yaron Cohen, John Yoo","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0104","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2024.0104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acupuncture is widely practiced globally, with significant variations in the length and quality of clinical training across different countries and regions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This article examines the acupuncture program at the Virginia University of Integrative Medicine to illustrate typical training in the United States. It also compares acupuncture training in mainland China and Hong Kong.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>By identifying the strengths and weaknesses of these programs, this study aims to propose strategies to enhance the quality of acupuncture education.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It is essential for US acupuncture schools to collaborate closely with hospitals and medical schools to improve acupuncture education and training.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 2","pages":"92-95"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038354/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144023865","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Exploration of Mainstreaming Acupuncture by Employing Evidence-Based Medicine Teaching in Acupuncture Education-A Needs Assessment Study.","authors":"Dongcheng Li, Karen Karp","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0042","DOIUrl":"10.1089/acu.2024.0042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>  There is often a disconnect between standard medical treatment in the United States and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. While acupuncture has gained public attention, its integration into mainstream U.S. healthcare remains limited. Physicians rarely refer patients to acupuncture, and the profession is not well integrated into the American healthcare system. Despite the increasing number of licensed non-physician acupuncturists and accredited acupuncture programs, practitioners in private outpatient settings face significant challenges when attempting to integrate into inpatient hospital environments.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to identify the opportunities and barriers to mainstreaming acupuncture in the U.S. healthcare system by conducting a needs assessment among both licensed non-physician acupuncturists and mainstream medical practitioners.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Licensed acupuncturists and mainstream medical professionals participated in surveys and interviews to assess the factors influencing acupuncture's integration into mainstream medicine.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings from the needs assessment highlighted several barriers to acupuncture integration. Key challenges included inconsistencies in professional competence among acupuncture practitioners, particularly in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as a lack of awareness among mainstream medical professionals regarding reliable, evidence-based acupuncture treatments.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results underscore the need for standardization in acupuncture education and greater awareness of its evidence-based benefits among mainstream medical professionals. Addressing these barriers may facilitate acupuncture's integration into the U.S. healthcare system and improve interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 2","pages":"155-165"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038308/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144024082","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture Education for Nonphysician Practitioners in the UK: An Overview.","authors":"Vivien Shaw, Nina Paterson, Felicity Moir","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0133","DOIUrl":"10.1089/acu.2024.0133","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acupuncture is not regulated in the United Kingdom, and in this review article, we look at how voluntary regulation, predicated on accredited degree-level acupuncture courses, is structured for professional nonphysician acupuncturists. These are practitioners for whom acupuncture is their primary mode of treatment, and who do not have an additional medical qualification.</p><p><strong>Overview of education: </strong>We describe how acupuncture education is set up and accredited, at the common syllabus shared by accredited acupuncture colleges, and how best teaching practices are employed.</p><p><strong>Regulation: </strong>Patient safety is an essential component of any healthcare training program, and we explore how professional acupuncturists meet the same standards required of other healthcare professionals through registration with the UK government Professional Standards Authority. There are also a number of nonaccredited courses available within the United Kingdom that do not meet this standard, and we explain how a patient can ensure that they find an appropriately qualified practitioner.</p><p><strong>Impact beyond the uk: </strong>The voluntary accreditation system that underpins the high-level college education available in the United Kingdom also makes it possible for there to be reciprocal agreements with organisations globally, such as the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in the United States. These reciprocal agreements allow students from around the world to come to the United Kingdom to train, knowing that their qualifications will be recognized in their home country.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 2","pages":"100-105"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038304/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144029604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Challenges and Issues in Acupuncture Education in Malaysia.","authors":"Yun Jin Kim","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0096","DOIUrl":"10.1089/acu.2024.0096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practice, has become globally recognized as a complementary therapeutic approach for various health conditions. In Malaysia, acupuncture occupies a significant role in the country's diverse healthcare system, reflecting its cultural heritage. However, the education and training of acupuncture practitioners face numerous challenges, including variability in educational approaches, accreditation, and integration with conventional medical practices.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This article aims to explore the complexities of acupuncture education in Malaysia, providing an overview of the current landscape. It addresses the regulatory frameworks, educational challenges, and the implications these have on professional standards and patient care. The article also highlights potential solutions for improving acupuncture education in the country.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive review of existing literature, regulatory frameworks, and educational practices related to acupuncture in Malaysia is presented. The article examines the variability in training programs, accreditation standards, and the integration of acupuncture with conventional healthcare models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The education and training of acupuncture practitioners in Malaysia are hindered by inconsistent curricula, lack of standardized guidelines, and differing levels of accreditation. These challenges contribute to variations in educational quality across institutions, complicating efforts to ensure competent practitioners. Furthermore, acupuncture's integration with mainstream medical practices remains unclear, affecting its overall acceptance and effectiveness within the broader healthcare system.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Addressing the challenges in acupuncture education is crucial for enhancing the competence of practitioners and ensuring quality patient care. Key areas for improvement include the standardization of curricula, strengthening accreditation processes, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and increasing public awareness. Proactive efforts in these areas can enhance the quality of acupuncture education in Malaysia and foster better integration of acupuncture into the national healthcare framework.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 2","pages":"127-131"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038326/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144041233","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Education of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina in Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.","authors":"Jinhong Yuan, Yunchuan Wu","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0121","DOIUrl":"10.1089/acu.2024.0121","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In contemporary China, acupuncture and moxibustion education is a part of higher education. A complete system of acupuncture education has been established.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This article provides a detailed account of the curriculum system, teaching mode, practical requirements, the path to obtaining the qualification of a practicing physician, employment situation, and the challenges faced by acupuncture education in the Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina major at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina major at Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine covers both university degree education (including international education) and non-degree education. The teaching mode includes both online and offline teaching. The majority of acupuncture and moxibustion practitioners have undergone rigorous and systematic university training, obtained a university diploma, and passed the examination for practicing Chinese medicine physicians to become licensed acupuncturists. Academic groups of acupuncture regularly hold various forms of continuing education and exchanges in acupuncture. Participation in continuing education is a necessary condition for practitioners to renew their licenses and also provides learning opportunities for non-degree education enthusiasts of acupuncture.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Taking Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine as an example, the acupuncture education system in China ensures the educational quality and high-level development trend of the acupuncture profession and is also an important participant in the global exchange of acupuncture.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 2","pages":"132-138"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038305/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144057359","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Brazilian Auriculotherapy Practitioners' Training Profiles, Perceptions of Efficacy, and Technique-Related Side Effects: An Exploratory Study.","authors":"Mayra Evelise Dos Santos, Larissa Bachir Polloni, Leonardo Intelangelo, Denys Batista Campos, Kariny Realino do Rosário Ferreira, Maria de Cassia Gomes Macedo, Ana Clara Leal, Gabriela Lopes Gama, Michelle Almeida Barbosa, Alexandre Carvalho Barbosa","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0092","DOIUrl":"10.1089/acu.2024.0092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To assess the auriculotherapy practitioners' training profile, their baseline characteristics, how they perceive the auriculotherapy efficacy, and the technique's adverse effects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 193 participants answered a structured survey containing their baseline and training characteristics, along with an adapted version of the Clinical Global Impressions questionnaire, to assess the practitioners' perceptions of illness severity, symptom changes, and technique efficacy.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The cohort was composed of a multidisciplinary group of middle-aged, female auriculotherapy practitioners who predominantly treated adults and older adults at their private practice using auriculotherapy ∼1-2 times per week. The training was >40 hours online formatted, considered sufficient for clinical purposes. Auriculotherapy was perceived as highly effective in treating mild and moderate symptoms, improving symptoms' severity, patients' functionality, quality of life, and treatment satisfaction, with no or very mild adverse effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Practitioners perceived auriculotherapy as effective in improving patients' symptomatology. Gender characteristics were a feature of practitioners' characteristics, along with training time, private practicing environment, and the incoherent perception/management of the mild adverse effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 2","pages":"166-174"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144020624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Research Supports the Integration of Acupuncture in Mainstream Health Care for the Management of Chronic Diseases.","authors":"James E Williams, Yun Kim, Jacques Moramarco","doi":"10.1089/acu.2024.0108","DOIUrl":"10.1089/acu.2024.0108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To address the role of acupuncture in mainstream health care for symptom relief, condition outcome, pain management, and shared therapy in resolving chronic diseases. This article explores how acupuncture education can adapt to meet the standards required for inclusion in conventional health care.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To discuss the future of acupuncture education and its part in training providers for inclusion in a comprehensive health care system that involves physician acupuncturists and licensed acupuncturists for treating and managing specific chronic diseases. To strategize the future of acupuncture education at an advanced clinical level that fosters incorporating acupuncture therapy into selected allopathic settings. To encourage the recognition of translational research for promoting the acceptance of acupuncture by providers and insurers.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Translational research employs clinical evidence to support acupuncture therapy when incorporated into selected areas of allopathic practices, including pain management, palliative care for patients with end-stage cancer, sleep disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress, female hormonal conditions such as premenstrual syndrome and menopausal syndrome, as well as chronic fatigue syndromes including Myalgic encephalomyeltitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Long COVID. Advanced clinical training in acupuncture schools and postgraduate certification courses are required to prepare acupuncturists to safely and effectively provide the specialized integrative acupuncture services needed in these clinical areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":45511,"journal":{"name":"Medical Acupuncture","volume":"37 2","pages":"106-111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12038303/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144045139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}