{"title":"Acupuncture for Osteoporosis: a Review of Its Clinical and Preclinical Studies.","authors":"Yimiao Tian, Lili Wang, Tianshu Xu, Rui Li, Ruyuan Zhu, Beibei Chen, Hao Zhang, Bingke Xia, Yiwen Che, Dandan Zhao, Dongwei Zhang","doi":"10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.281","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.281","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acupuncture has gained growing attention in the management of osteoporosis (OP). However, a comprehensive review has not yet been conducted on the efficacy and challenges of acupuncture in preliminary research and clinical trials. Therefore, an extensive literature search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed), CNKI (www.cnki.net), and Web of Science, for studies published from the beginning of 2000 to the end of May 2022. Combinations of synonyms for OP, acupuncture, traditional Chinese medicine, clinical trial, preclinical study, and animal experiments were searched. A total of 290 papers were consulted, including 115 reviews, 109 clinical observations, and 66 preclinical studies. There is accumulating evidence to support the beneficial role of acupuncture in preserving bone quality and relieving clinical symptoms based on clinical and preclinical investigations. The top ten most commonly used acupoints are BL23, ST36, BL20, BL11, CV4, GV4, SP 6, KI3, BL18, and GB39. The underlying mechanisms behind the benefits of acupuncture may be linked with the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (adrenal) axis and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin and OPG/RANKL/RANK signaling pathways. In summary, strong evidence may still come from prospective and well-designed clinical trials to shed light on the potential role of acupuncture in preserving bone loss. Future investigations are needed to explore the potential underlying mechanisms, long-term clinical efficacy, and compliance of acupuncture in OP management.</p>","PeriodicalId":46854,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10371559","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}
Maria Eliza Consolação Soares, Alessandra de Souza Araújo, Isabela Carvalhaes Lagares Pinto, Luiza Silveira Araújo Barbosa, Maria Cristina Borsatto, Rodrigo Galo
{"title":"Effect of Acupressure on Dental Anxiety in Children: a Pilot Study for a Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Maria Eliza Consolação Soares, Alessandra de Souza Araújo, Isabela Carvalhaes Lagares Pinto, Luiza Silveira Araújo Barbosa, Maria Cristina Borsatto, Rodrigo Galo","doi":"10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.307","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.307","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Anxiety is an important problem in children in dental clinics. Acupressure may be a useful tool to assist in dental procedures in anxious children.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This pilot study was performed to examine the effects of acupressure on dental anxiety in children undergoing restorative procedures.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fourteen children aged 7-10 years and with at least one primary molar with caries on the dentine were included in the study. The participants also needed to score at least one point on the modified Venham Picture Test (VPTm) for the determination of anxiety. The children were randomly allocated to two groups: group A - non-documented points for the reduction of anxiety and induction of relaxation; group B - documented points (EX-HN3, Shen Men of auricular acupuncture). The anxiety scale was administered on three occasions: prior to the application of acupressure; immediately after sitting in the dental chair to undergo restorative treatment; and after removal of acupressure at the end of the restorative procedure. Heart rate (HR) was measured when each child sat in the dental chair, after the removal of carious tissue, and after the removal of acupressure.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After the procedure, HR (as an indicator of anxiety) was statistically significantly lower in group B than group A (<i>p</i> = 0.02). However, there was no significant difference between the groups regarding anxiety before and during the restorative procedure (VPTm and HR: <i>p</i> > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The children who received acupressure on documented points for the reduction of anxiety had a significantly lower HR after the restorative procedure. No significant between-group difference was found regarding anxiety measured using a psychometric evaluation (VPTm).</p>","PeriodicalId":46854,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10371561","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":"Warm Cupping in Combination with Standard Therapy in COVID-19: Correspondence.","authors":"Rujittika Mungmunpuntipantip, Viroj Wiwanitkit","doi":"10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.279","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.279","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46854,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10371562","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}
Michelle Catarina Pires, Guilherme Antonio Moreira de Barros, Lucas Guimarães Ferreira Fonseca, Murilo Moreira Thom, Paulo do Nascimento Junior, Norma Sueli Pinheiro Módolo
{"title":"Effects of Preoperative Acupuncture on Prevention of Nausea and Vomiting and Plasma Serotonin Values in the Hysterectomy Postoperative Period: a Randomized Clinical Trial.","authors":"Michelle Catarina Pires, Guilherme Antonio Moreira de Barros, Lucas Guimarães Ferreira Fonseca, Murilo Moreira Thom, Paulo do Nascimento Junior, Norma Sueli Pinheiro Módolo","doi":"10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.300","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.300","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nausea and vomiting are frequent complications of anesthesia in the postoperative period. Acupuncture at the pericardium point 6 (PC6) is known to be effective in preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objective of the present study is to investigate the effects of acupuncture performed at the PC6 point in the prevention of PONV in women undergoing elective open hysterectomy under general inhalational anesthesia and to assess its association with plasma serotonin levels.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>97 patients undergoing elective open hysterectomy were randomly divided into two groups: acupuncture group (bilateral acupuncture at PC6, n = 49), and a control group (no acupuncture, n = 48). All patients prophylactically received ondansetron and dexamethasone and, as rescue medication, metoclopramide in case of occurrence of PONV. The primary outcome evaluated was occurrence of nausea and vomiting within 24 hours after surgery. Serotonin plasma levels were measured before and after acupuncture prior to anesthesia induction. For the control group, the repeat measurement was performed 30 minutes after admission to the preoperative unit.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Acupuncture at PC6 significantly reduced the incidence of nausea (29.2% vs. 6.1%; <i>p</i> > 0.003), and the need of rescue medication (metoclopramide) (33.3% vs. 10.2%; <i>p</i> > 0.006), but not vomiting (4.2 vs. 4.1; <i>p</i> > 0.98). The plasma serotonin levels between control and acupuncture groups did not differ.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study shows that acupuncture at PC6 resulted in a lower incidence of postoperative nausea in patients undergoing hysterectomy.</p>","PeriodicalId":46854,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10371563","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}
Xiao-Qing Zhang, Yi-He Wang, Li Sun, Bao-Qiang Dong, Yue-Jiao Sui, Jia-Zi Dong, Yang Han
{"title":"Electroacupuncture Promotes Motor Function Recovery in MCAO/R Rats by Activating Astrocyte-Related PI3K/AKT Pathway.","authors":"Xiao-Qing Zhang, Yi-He Wang, Li Sun, Bao-Qiang Dong, Yue-Jiao Sui, Jia-Zi Dong, Yang Han","doi":"10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.322","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.5.322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Electroacupuncture (EA) is a widely used traditional Chinese medicine method to manage various diseases, including cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI).</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We assessed the neuroprotective effects of EA and examined its mechanism in a rat model of the middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO/R). The gait analysis was performed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects. Western blot and immunohistochemistry assays were carried out to determine the molecular mechanisms of EA.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Male SD rats were randomly divided into the sham operation group, right MCAO/R group, and EA group. EA was administered every day (4/20 Hz, 10 min/1 d) at the following acupoints: Baihui (DU20), Yintang (EX-HN3), and Zusanli (ST36). Gait and motor function were analyzed from day 8 onward.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The plantar support and balance coordination of MCAO/R rats decreased, and the cellular structure of the ischemic penumbra was unclear. EA improved the gait dynamics of the rats, adjusted the cell structure, further activated astrocytes, and increased the expression and phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/PKB or AKT).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>EA promoted astrocyte-related effects in the rat model. Our findings suggest that the neuroprotective mechanism of EA may be related to the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. The intervention enhanced brain protection and improved motor functions.</p>","PeriodicalId":46854,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2022-10-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10381729","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}
Pablo Nava Jaimes, Alejandro Martínez Reyes, Daniel García Lara, Abel Cristian Patiño Coyuca
{"title":"Correlation Between the Sinew Channels with the Myofascial System, Pathology, and Treatment.","authors":"Pablo Nava Jaimes, Alejandro Martínez Reyes, Daniel García Lara, Abel Cristian Patiño Coyuca","doi":"10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.201","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.201","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The sinew channels are a tendon and muscle network, and their description is based on the observation presented on the Huangdi Neijing Ling Shu. However, the myofascial system is an uninterrupted series of connective tissue that is comprised of layers that run in different directions. The similarities on these pathways are compared, such as a brief description on the myofascial pain syndrome and its similitude with the Impediment disorder from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Furthermore, we discuss the treatment of these conditions from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective.</p>","PeriodicalId":46854,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10380214","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}
Han Chae, Yoona Oh, Ji Won Choi, Soo Kwang An, Yeon Hak Kim, Jun Hwan Lee, Eunseok Kim, Byung Ryul Lee, Gi Young Yang
{"title":"Treatment of Lumbosacral Radiculopathy with Acupuncture and Medical Herbs: Four Case Reports.","authors":"Han Chae, Yoona Oh, Ji Won Choi, Soo Kwang An, Yeon Hak Kim, Jun Hwan Lee, Eunseok Kim, Byung Ryul Lee, Gi Young Yang","doi":"10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.264","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.264","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Lumbosacral radiculopathy (LR) is a musculoskeletal disorder or pain syndrome that is generally linked to the compression or irritation of the nerve root. There is a growing interest in the development of efficient acupuncture-based treatments for LR comparable to western medicine. Structured traditional Korean medical treatments including intensified acupuncture stimulus on the EX-B2 point using the G-shaped posture modified from the sitting posture were applied to four LR patients, and the outcomes were evaluated based on objective clinical endpoints including a numeric rating scale (NRS), the Oswestry disability index (ODI), the manual muscle test (MMT), neurological symptoms, and plantar photography. Patients showed improvements in NRS, ODI, MMT, and neurological symptoms without adverse effects during hospitalization and follow-up visits. Moreover, we observed substantial dissolvement of hyperkeratinization and parchedness of the soles of the feet, which was not reported previously. These four cases demonstrate the clinical usefulness of traditional medicine and the diagnostic applicability of plantar photography. However, further randomized controlled trials are required to confirm our findings.</p>","PeriodicalId":46854,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10380218","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":"Use of Information and Communication Technologies to Enhance Self-Acupressure: a Literature Review.","authors":"Chan-Young Kwon, Chao Hsing Yeh","doi":"10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.214","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.214","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Currently, acupressure is widely accepted as a non-pharmacological therapy for managing pain, nausea and vomiting, and mental health conditions. Since acupressure can be self-administered, clinicians and researchers' interest in information and communication technologies (ICTs) for disseminating acupressure to manage symptoms has increased. This mini review was conducted to examine clinical studies of acupressure using ICTs, with a particular focus on self-acupressure. Through a search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL, all studies of self-acupressure using ICTs published before December 31, 2021 were collected. Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. More than half of the studies published since 2020 (4/7, 54.14%) were described as being related to COVID-19. As target conditions, musculoskeletal injuries or pain, cancer-related symptoms, dysmenorrhea, mental health issues, and obesity were considered. The most frequently used acupoints were LI4, LR3, and Shenmen. Moreover, smartphone applications were the most commonly used ICT method to support self-acupressure. In addition to the basic information of self-acupressure, other tools such as timers, reminders, and schedule checkers to facilitate its implementations have been incorporated into the smartphone applications. Recently, there have been some attempts to combine acupressure and ICTs. Although these studies mainly focus on musculoskeletal pain or injuries, recent studies related to mental health have emerged in relation to COVID-19. However, few studies have been conducted to date, making it difficult to fully grasp the trends in this field. Therefore, more studies are needed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of combining self-acupressure and ICTs in more diverse clinical areas.</p>","PeriodicalId":46854,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10371557","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}
Bianca P C R Santos, Jean G F Joaquim, Renata Navarro Cassu, José C F Pantoja, Stelio Pacca Loureiro Luna
{"title":"Effects of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Dogs with Neurological Sequels of Distemper Virus.","authors":"Bianca P C R Santos, Jean G F Joaquim, Renata Navarro Cassu, José C F Pantoja, Stelio Pacca Loureiro Luna","doi":"10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acupuncture (AP) has been empirically used to relieve post-canine distemper virus (CDV) infection neurological signs in veterinary clinics.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This clinical study aimed to investigate the effects of AP combined with electroacupuncture (EA) on neurological function in dogs infected by CDV.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-four CDV-infected dogs with neurological sequelae were recruited to receive weekly AP/EA sections for 24 weeks. Neurological improvements were assessed before each AP/EA session using a modified scoring system. Data were analyzed using the McNemar test, Friedman test, Fisher's exact test, and Kaplan-Meier curves (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Neurological scores improved from seven to 24 weeks after AP/EA treatment compared with pretreatment scores (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Significant improvements were recorded over time for functional limb recovery, cranial nerve deficits, mental status (<i>p</i> = 0.025 - 0.014), and urinary function (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Myoclonus was improved and entirely reversed in 75% and 25% of the dogs, respectively. At the end of treatment, the proportion of dogs with normal proprioception, posture, hopping (<i>p</i> < 0.001), and superficial pain sensation responses (<i>p</i> = 0.004) was greater than pretreatment values.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>AP/EA therapy promoted significant neurological recovery in CDV-infected dogs and may be considered within the chronic phase of the disease to improve motor and sensory rehabilitation. However, these results are preliminary and must be confirmed by further investigations.</p>","PeriodicalId":46854,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10380216","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":"Discovering Influential Core-Keywords, Researcher Networks and Research Trends of Acupuncture on Depression Using Bibliometric Analysis.","authors":"Jae-Ha Ahn, Mi-Yeon Song, Hi-Joon Park","doi":"10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.227","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.227","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Depression is a common illness worldwide. Acupuncture is used as an alternative to non-pharmacological therapy. This study aimed to identify the development and global trends in the study of acupuncture therapy for depression over the past two decades using a bibliometric analysis. Articles published between 2001 and 2020 on acupuncture for depression were retrieved from the Web of Science database. Extracted information included authors, organizations, countries, keywords, and journals. The VOSviewer program was used to visualize the impacts and network hubs of the keywords, authors, and affiliations. Analyses of 871 original and review articles revealed that the number of publications has continually increased over the past 20 years. China has published the maximum number of articles, followed by the United States and South Korea. As for research areas, integrative complementary medicine was most well represented in terms of the number of articles. Co-occurrence analysis of keywords indicated that each five sub-group cluster (including \"pain related to depressive symptoms,\" \"CAM therapies of depression,\" \"comorbid disease or symptoms of depression,\" \"clinical trials of depression,\" and \"mechanism of acupuncture on depression\") has its own impact keyword. The most recent keywords were \"protocol\" and \"systematic review,\" whereas early keywords were \"acupuncture analgesia\" and \"St john's wort.\" Co-authorship analysis of authors and organizations revealed 4 influential authors and 2 organizations in the field of acupuncture for depression. The present study provided influential keywords that show comorbid symptoms, treatments, and mechanism. Additionally, it revealed the influential persons or groups related to acupuncture therapy for depression.</p>","PeriodicalId":46854,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2022-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9163761","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}