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Chae Y, Chang DS, Lee SH, Jung WM, Lee IS, Jackson S, Kong J, Lee H, Park HJ, Lee H, Wallraven C. Inserting Needles Into the Body: A Meta-Analysis of Brain Activity Associated With Acupuncture Needle Stimulation. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2013; 14:215-22. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2012.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2012] [Revised: 11/25/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Using microPET imaging in quantitative verification of the acupuncture effect in ischemia stroke treatment. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1070. [PMID: 23323213 PMCID: PMC3545224 DOI: 10.1038/srep01070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 01/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Acupuncture has been indispensable in Chinese medicine. However, its function still remains elusive. This paper studies the effect of acupuncture in ischemia stroke treatment using the Sprague Dawley rat animal model. We induced focal cerebral ischemia in rats using the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) procedure. For each rat in the real acupuncture group (n = 63), the sham acupoint treatment group (n = 62), and the blank control group (n = 30), we acquired 3-D fluorodeoxyglucose-microPET images at baseline, after MCAO, and after treatment, respectively. Then, we measured the changes of the injury-volume in the right hemisphere of these rats. The measurements showed that real acupuncture slightly reduced the injury-volume, sham acupoint treatment increased the injury-volume, and blank control had no obvious effect in reducing the injury-volume. Statistical tests also confirmed that acupuncture was more effective than random stimulus in improving the metabolic recovery after stroke.
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Takamoto K, Urakawa S, Sakai K, Ono T, Nishijo H. Effects of Acupuncture Needling with Specific Sensation on Cerebral Hemodynamics and Autonomic Nervous Activity in Humans. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 111:25-48. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-411545-3.00002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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You Y, Bai L, Dai R, Zhong C, Xue T, Wang H, Liu Z, Wei W, Tian J. Acupuncture induces divergent alterations of functional connectivity within conventional frequency bands: evidence from MEG recordings. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49250. [PMID: 23152881 PMCID: PMC3494681 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As an ancient Chinese healing modality which has gained increasing popularity in modern society, acupuncture involves stimulation with fine needles inserted into acupoints. Both traditional literature and clinical data indicated that modulation effects largely depend on specific designated acupoints. However, scientific representations of acupoint specificity remain controversial. In the present study, considering the new findings on the sustained effects of acupuncture and its time-varied temporal characteristics, we employed an electrophysiological imaging modality namely magnetoencephalography with a temporal resolution on the order of milliseconds. Taken into account the differential band-limited signal modulations induced by acupuncture, we sought to explore whether or not stimulation at Stomach Meridian 36 (ST36) and a nearby non-meridian point (NAP) would evoke divergent functional connectivity alterations within delta, theta, alpha, beta and gamma bands. Whole-head scanning was performed on 28 healthy participants during an eyes-closed no-task condition both preceding and following acupuncture. Data analysis involved calculation of band-limited power (BLP) followed by pair-wise BLP correlations. Further averaging was conducted to obtain local and remote connectivity. Statistical analyses revealed the increased connection degree of the left temporal cortex within delta (0.5-4 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz) and gamma (30-48 Hz) bands following verum acupuncture. Moreover, we not only validated the closer linkage of the left temporal cortex with the prefrontal and frontal cortices, but further pinpointed that such patterns were more extensively distributed in the ST36 group in the delta and beta bands compared to the restriction only to the delta band for NAP. Psychophysical results for significant pain threshold elevation further confirmed the analgesic effect of acupuncture at ST36. In conclusion, our findings may provide a new perspective to lend support for the specificity of neural expression underlying acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youbo You
- Intelligent Medical Research Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lijun Bai
- Intelligent Medical Research Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruwei Dai
- Intelligent Medical Research Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chongguang Zhong
- Intelligent Medical Research Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Xue
- Life Science Research Center, School of Electronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hu Wang
- Intelligent Medical Research Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Liu
- Intelligent Medical Research Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjuan Wei
- Intelligent Medical Research Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Intelligent Medical Research Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Life Science Research Center, School of Electronic Engineering, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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Napadow V, Dhond RP, Purdon P, Kettner N, Makris N, Kwong KK, Hui KKS. Correlating acupuncture FMRI in the human brainstem with heart rate variability. CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS : ... ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2012; 2005:4496-9. [PMID: 17281236 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2005.1615466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Past neuroimaging studies of acupuncture have demonstrated variable results for important brainstem nuclei. We have employed cardiac-gated fMRI with T1-variability correction to study the processing of acupuncture by the human brain. Furthermore, our imaging experiments collected simultaneous ECG data in order to correlate heart rate variability (HRV) with fMRI signal intensity. Subjects experienced one of three stimulations over a 31.5 minute fMRI run: (1) electro-acupuncture at 2Hz/15Hz over the acupoint ST-36 (2) electro-acupuncture at a sham non-acupoint, or (3) sensory control tapping over ST-36. The ECG was analyzed with power spectral methods for low frequency and high frequency components, which reflect the balance in the autonomic nervous system. The HRV data was then correlated with the time-varying fMRI signal intensity. Our data suggests that fMRI activity in the hypothalamus, the dorsal raphe nucleus, the periaqueductal gray, and the rostroventral medulla showed significant correlation with LF/HF ratio calculated from simultaneous HRV data. The correlation of time-varying fMRI response with physiological parameters may provide insight into connections between acupuncture modulation of the autonomic nervous system and neuroprocessing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitaly Napadow
- Member IEEE, Massachusetts General Hospital, Department of Radiology, Boston, MA 02129 USA (phone: 617-724-3402; fax: 617-726-7422; e-mail: )
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Mashelkar RA. Second World Ayurveda Congress (Theme: Ayurveda for the Future)-Inaugural Address: Part II. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 5:243-5. [PMID: 18830457 PMCID: PMC2529393 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nen014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2008] [Accepted: 01/31/2008] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
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Yang J, Zeng F, Feng Y, Fang L, Qin W, Liu X, Song W, Xie H, Chen J, Liang F. A PET-CT study on the specificity of acupoints through acupuncture treatment in migraine patients. Altern Ther Health Med 2012; 12:123. [PMID: 22894176 PMCID: PMC3480944 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background In the field of acupuncture research, the topic of acupoint specificity has received increasing attention, but no unified conclusion has been reached on whether or not acupoint specificity exists. Furthermore, the majority of previous acupuncture neuroimaging studies have been performed using healthy subjects. In this study, patients with migraine were used to investigate acupoint specificity. Methods Thirty patients with migraine were enrolled and randomized into three groups: Traditional Acupuncture Group (TAG), Control Acupuncture Group (CAG), and Migraine Group (MG). The TAG was treated by acupuncture stimulation at Waiguan (TE5), Yang Lingquan (GB34), and Fengchi (GB20). The CAG was treated at Touwei (ST8), Pianli (LI6), and Zusanli (ST36). The MG received no treatment. Positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET-CT) was used to test for differences in brain activation between the TAG and CAG versus MG, respectively. Results Traditional acupuncture treatment was more effective for pain reduction than control acupuncture treatment. The TAG showed higher brain metabolism than the MG in the middle temporal cortex (MTC), orbital frontal cortex (OFC), insula, middle frontal gyrus, angular gyrus, post-cingulate cortex (PCC), the precuneus, and the middle cingulate cortex (MCC). Metabolism decreased in the parahippocampus, hippocampus, fusiform gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and cerebellum in the TAG compared with the MG. In the CAG, metabolism increased compared with the MG in the MTC, supratemporal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and MCC, whereas metabolism decreased in the cerebellum. Conclusions Acupuncture stimulation of different points on similar body regions in migraine patients reduced pain and induced different levels of cerebral glucose metabolism in pain-related brain regions. These findings may support the functional specificity of migraine- treatment-related acupoint. Trial registration The number of our clinical trial registration is: ChiCTR-TRC-11001813, and the protocol and inclusion criteria have already been registered as ChiCTR-TRC-11001813.
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You Y, Bai L, Dai R, Xue T, Zhong C, Feng Y, Wang H, Liu Z, Tian J. Differential neural responses to acupuncture revealed by MEG using wavelet-based time-frequency analysis: a pilot study. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2012; 2011:7099-102. [PMID: 22255974 DOI: 10.1109/iembs.2011.6091794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Acupoint specificity, lying at the core of the Traditional Chinese Medicine, still faces many controversies. As previous neuroimaging studies on acupuncture mainly adopted relatively low time-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology and inappropriate block-designed experimental paradigm due to sustained effect, in the current study, we employed a single block-designed paradigm together with high temporal-resolution magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology. We applied time-frequency analysis based upon Morlet wavelet transforming approach to detect differential oscillatory brain dynamics induced by acupuncture at Stomach Meridian 36 (ST36) using a nearby nonacupoint (NAP) as control condition. We observed that frequency power changes were mainly restricted to delta band for both ST36 group and NAP group. Consistently increased delta band power in contralateral temporal regions and decreased power in the counterparts of ipsilateral hemisphere were detected following stimulation at ST36 on the right leg. Compared with ST36, no significant delta ranges were found in temporal regions in NAP group, illustrating different oscillatory brain patterns. Our results may provide additional evidence to support the specificity of acupuncture modulation effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youbo You
- Intelligent Medical Research Center, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Zhang G, Yin H, Zhou YL, Han HY, Wu YH, Xing W, Xu HZ, Zuo XN. Capturing amplitude changes of low-frequency fluctuations in functional magnetic resonance imaging signal: a pilot acupuncture study on NeiGuan (PC6). J Altern Complement Med 2012; 18:387-93. [PMID: 22515798 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to examine amplitude changes of low-frequency oscillations (fALFF) in the blood-oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal associated with acupuncture on NeiGuan (PC6). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Ten (10) healthy adults participated in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (i.e., nuclear medicine; fMRI) study. During the brain-imaging procedure, the participants were instructed to lie quietly; they did not perform any cognitive task. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Three (3) fMRI scans were conducted for each participant: a first resting-state scan (R1), a stimulating-acupoint scan (AP), and a second resting-state scan (R2) after AP. Individual fALFF maps were calculated for each scan. RESULTS During R1, consistent with previous studies, the default network regions showed significantly detectable fALFF amplitudes. Acupuncture on PC6 increased fALFF amplitudes within the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), occipital fusiform gyrus, posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus (PCC/PCU). In contrast, during R2, fALFF within PCC is still significantly higher than R1 while ACC and cerebellum showed decreased fALFF. CONCLUSIONS These findings imply that stimulating PC6 can change the amplitude of the intrinsic cortical activity of the brain. In particular, a continuous and temporally consistent effect of acupuncture within PCC not the common brain circuit of pain including ACC and cerebellum was observed. Considering the cognitive functions and deficits of the relevant areas in mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer disease, acupuncture on PC6 could potentially affect both psychiatric and neurological disorders. Thus, stimulating PC6 may be a candidate method for improving cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture, No. 1 Affiliated Hospital, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
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Liu B, Chen J, Wang J, Liu X, Duan X, Shang X, Long Y, Chen Z, Li X, Huang Y, He Y. Altered small-world efficiency of brain functional networks in acupuncture at ST36: a functional MRI study. PLoS One 2012; 7:e39342. [PMID: 22761766 PMCID: PMC3382219 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0039342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Acupuncture in humans can produce clinical effects via the central nervous system. However, the neural substrates of acupuncture’s effects remain largely unknown. Results We utilized functional MRI to investigate the topological efficiency of brain functional networks in eighteen healthy young adults who were scanned before and after acupuncture at the ST36 acupoints (ACUP) and its sham point (SHAM). Whole-brain functional networks were constructed by thresholding temporal correlations matrices of ninety brain regions, followed by a graph theory-based analysis. We showed that brain functional networks exhibited small-world attributes (high local and global efficiency) regardless of the order of acupuncture and stimulus points, a finding compatible with previous studies of brain functional networks. Furthermore, the brain networks had increased local efficiency after ACUP stimulation but there were no significant differences after SHAM, indicating a specificity of acupuncture point in coordinating local information flow over the whole brain. Moreover, significant (P<0.05, corrected by false discovery rate approach) effects of only acupuncture point were detected on nodal degree of the left hippocampus (higher nodal degree at ACUP as compared to SHAM). Using an uncorrected P<0.05, point-related effects were also observed in the anterior cingulate cortex, frontal and occipital regions while stimulation-related effects in various brain regions of frontal, parietal and occipital cortex regions. In addition, we found that several limbic and subcortical brain regions exhibited point- and stimulation-related alterations in their regional homogeneity (P<0.05, uncorrected). Conclusions Our results suggest that acupuncture modulates topological organization of whole-brain functional brain networks and the modulation has point specificity. These findings provide new insights into neuronal mechanism of acupuncture from the perspective of functional integration. Further studies would be interesting to apply network analysis approaches to study the effects of acupuncture treatments on brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Liu
- Department of Radiology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China.
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Integrative laser medicine and high-tech acupuncture at the medical university of graz, austria, europe. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:103109. [PMID: 22570669 PMCID: PMC3337619 DOI: 10.1155/2012/103109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
At the moment, modernization of acupuncture has a high priority. On the traditional side, acupuncture has only recently been awarded the status of Intangible Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO. On the innovative side, high-tech acupuncture is a registered trademark in Austria. Acupuncture has been used for medical treatment for thousands of years. A large number of empirical data are available but the technical quantification of effects was not possible up to now. Using electroacupuncture, needle, or laser stimulation and modern biomedical techniques, it was possible for the first time to quantify changes in biological activities caused by acupuncture.
This paper which serves as introduction for the special issue “High-Tech Acupuncture and Integrative Laser Medicine” of the present journal, focuses on the latest innovative aspects that underline the further enhancement and development of acupuncture. Special emphasis is given to new methodological and technical investigations, for example, results obtained from all kinds of acupuncture innovations (e.g., teleacupuncture) and integrative laser medicine.
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Jia J, Yu Y, Deng JH, Robinson N, Bovey M, Cui YH, Liu HR, Ding W, Wu HG, Wang XM. A review of Omics research in acupuncture: the relevance and future prospects for understanding the nature of meridians and acupoints. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2012; 140:594-603. [PMID: 22322253 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2012.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 01/16/2012] [Accepted: 01/21/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
RELEVANCE Acupuncture is an intrinsic part of traditional Chinese medicine. The current understanding of the acupuncture meridian system, acupoints and the potential utilizing Omics technologies are summarized in this review. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic search for acupuncture involving Omics technologies was carried out using multiple online literature databases. The records retrieved were from the full collections of each database dated to September 2011. Data produced from functional genomic technologies were extracted from the collected acupuncture/moxibustion studies and subjected to evaluation. Analyses and comments were summarized on the advances in experimental research in acupuncture/moxibustion-related studies, and the future for strategies and approaches in the era of functional genomics highlighted. RESULTS An overview of articles indicated that several diseases or symptoms with evidence of effectiveness had been piloted for using functional genomic technologies, such as Parkinson's disease, allergic disorders, pain, and spinal cord injury, most of which are chronic "difficult diseases". High-throughput genomic and proteomic profiling of gene expression in tissues has been able to identify potential candidates for the effects of acupuncture and provide valuable information toward understanding the possible mechanisms of the therapy. However, without further holistic and sophisticated analyses in the context of metabolomics and systems biology, the current attempts and the foreseeable developments appear to be insufficient to produce firm conclusions. Noticeably, the recent rapid advances in functional molecular imaging targeting specific metabolites have shown great promise and if combined with other post-genomic technologies, could be extremely helpful for the acupuncture studies in human subjects. CONCLUSION This review suggest that disease-oriented studies using the approach of multi-indexed high-throughput technologies and systems biology analyses will be a preferred strategy for future acupuncture/moxibustion research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Jia
- Department of Physiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, PR China
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de Souza DE, Senna-Fernandes V, de Carvalho Brito L, de Souza RSS, França D, Manoel CV, de Almeida MC, Bernardo-Filho M. Acupuncture Stimulation at Sanyinjiao: Effect on the Sodium Pertechnetate Bioavailability in Rats. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 35:977-86. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x07005442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In clinical acupuncture, when acupuncture points are stimulated, several types of reflex responses can be evoked. Consequently, different categories of physiological responses are induced, which include changes in the activities of internal organs and tissues. The acupuncture point Sanyinjiao (SP6) has been used successfully to treat different human gastrointestinal conditions. The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of end-organ response induced by acupuncture point SP6 on the bioavailability of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate ( Na 99 m TcO 4) in Wistar rats. Healthy rats were allocated into 2 groups, control-CG and treated-TG. TG was bilaterally stimulated at acupuncture point SP6 with stainless steel needles. Ocular plexus administration of Na 99 m TcO 4 (3.7MBq) was carried out 10 min after every needle insertion in all animals. Ten minutes later, the animals were killed, the organs were isolated, the radioactivity was determined in a well gamma counter, and the percentage of injected dose per gram of tissue (%ID/g) was determined for each organ. The %ID/g was significantly altered ( p < 0.05) in the small intestine of TG (0.56 ± 0.09) when compared to CG (0.82 ± 0.18). These results may suggest that this stimulation might induce physiological responses capable of altering the bioavailability of the radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate. These findings aid in providing a better understanding of acupuncture and its effects on various organs and tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deise Elisabete de Souza
- Laboratório de Radiofarmácia Experimental, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Academia Brasileira de Arte e Ciência Oriental, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Vasco Senna-Fernandes
- Laboratório de Radiofarmácia Experimental, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Academia Brasileira de Arte e Ciência Oriental, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Lavínia de Carvalho Brito
- Laboratório de Radiofarmácia Experimental, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Raphael Sancho Sisley de Souza
- Laboratório de Radiofarmácia Experimental, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daisy França
- Laboratório de Radiofarmácia Experimental, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Academia Brasileira de Arte e Ciência Oriental, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Viana Manoel
- Laboratório de Radiofarmácia Experimental, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Marcela Ceciliano de Almeida
- Laboratório de Radiofarmácia Experimental, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mario Bernardo-Filho
- Laboratório de Radiofarmácia Experimental, Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Academia Brasileira de Arte e Ciência Oriental, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Câncer, Centro de Pesquisa Básica, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Effects of Electroacupuncture at BL60 on Formalin-Induced Pain in Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:324039. [PMID: 22550540 PMCID: PMC3328898 DOI: 10.1155/2012/324039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture was used to treat symptoms of pain in the ancient orient. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at the BL60 acupoint on male Sprague-Dawley rats. Each rat received EA at BL60 acupoint before formalin injection. Behavioral responses were recorded using a video camera and c-Fos immunohistochemistry was performed thereafter. Treatment of EA at BL60 significantly inhibited flinching behavior and c-fos expression induced by formalin injection into the paw, compared to a control group. These results suggest that electroacupuncture at BL60 acupoint may be effective in relieving inflammatory pain.
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Kim MS, Kim HD, Seo HD, Sawada K, Ishida M. The Effect of Acupuncture at PC-6 on the Electroencephalogram and Electrocardiogram. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 36:481-91. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x08005928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to examine the effect of acupuncture stimulation of an acupuncture point (PC-6) and nonacupuncture point on electroencephalograms (EEGs) and electrocardiograms (ECGs). We used EEG in 10 healthy subjects to investigate cortical activation during stimulation of acupuncture points (neiguan: PC-6) and nonacupuncture points. Our most interesting finding was the marked differences of amplitude of EEG power between acupuncture points and nonacupuncture points stimulation. Wavelet transform was used as the EEG signal processing method, because it has advantages in a time domain and frequency domain characteristics analysis. EEGs were collected from 16 channels, and the α-wave (8–13 Hz), β-wave (13–30 Hz), θ-wave (4–8 Hz) and δ-wave (0.5–4 Hz) were used as standards for frequency bands. According to the experiment results, EEG signals increased considerably after acupuncture stimulation; in each frequency band, the average amplitude was higher after acupuncture stimulation; ECG heart rates were faster by at least 10% after acupuncture stimulation. Consequently, it will be possible to verify the function of acupuncture stimulation on neiguan (acupuncture points; PC-6) more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Soo Kim
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan 441-858, Japan
| | - Hak Dong Kim
- Kim Hag Dong Oriental Medical Clinic, Nam-gu, Pohang, Kyongbuk, Republic of Korea 790-825, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Don Seo
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Yeungnam University, 214-1 Dae-dong, Kyungsan-si, Kyongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kazuaki Sawada
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan 441-858, Japan
| | - Makoto Ishida
- Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1 Hibarigaoka, Tempaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi, Japan 441-858, Japan
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Ho SC, Chiu JH, Yeh TC, Hsieh JC, Cheng HC, Cheng H, Ho LT. Quantification of Electroacupuncture-Induced Neural Activity by Analysis of Functional Neural Imaging with Monocrystalline Iron Oxide Nanocolloid Enhancement. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 36:493-504. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x0800593x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the neural activity of electroacupuncture (EA) quantitatively. The responses of Sprague–Dawley rats' brain to EA on acupoints — Hegu (LI 4) and Neiguan (PC 6) — were detected by monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticle (MION)-enhanced functional magnetic resonance imaging (MION-fMRI), which is a 1.5 T horizontal spectrometer equipped with a circular polarized extremity coil. During EA at LI 4, neural activities were analyzed by analysis of functional neural images (AFNI). Neural activation was detected at the structures of hypothalamus, thalamus, hippocampus, and the cortex, while neural deactivation existed at the areas adjacent to the activated sites. EA on PC 6 activated the structures of thalamus and the cortex but deactivated the structures of hypothalamus and hippocampus. The brain responses to EA existed in different areas of activation and deactivation despite stimulating the same acupoint. Additionally, distinct brain neuroimages were produced through stimulating different acupoints. This study suggests that fMRI with AFNI is a good approach to quantifying brain activities. This innovative method brings new perspective into the mechanisms of acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Chang Ho
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Hwey Chiu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Integrated Brain Research Unit, Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Cheng Yeh
- Integrated Brain Research Unit, Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Chuen Hsieh
- Integrated Brain Research Unit, Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Cheng Cheng
- Integrated Brain Research Unit, Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Henrich Cheng
- Neural Regeneration Lab., Department of Neurosurgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Low-Tone Ho
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Jeun SS, Kim JS, Kim BS, Park SD, Lim EC, Choi GS, Choe BY. Acupuncture Stimulation for Motor Cortex Activities: A 3T fMRI Study. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 33:573-8. [PMID: 16173531 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x0500317x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The acupoint, GB34, located in the back of the knee, is known to be effective in recovering motor function after a stroke. This study uses a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study with 3T scanner to investigate whether or not acupuncture of GB34 produces a significant response of the modulation of somatomotor areas. A fMRI of the whole brain was performed in ten normal healthy subjects during two task stimulations of acupuncture manipulation on GB34 and sham points, inserting and twisting the needle for 25 seconds at a rate of approximately 120 times per minute; the needle manipulation was paused for a duration of 25 seconds as a control state. The process was repeated four times to have four epochs of stimulation. Bilateral sensorimotor areas (BA 3, 4, 6 and 7) showed approximately 6% of stimulation-related BOLD signal contrast, whereas very few areas were activated when sham stimulation was given. Acupuncture stimulation in GB34 modulates the cortical activities of the somatomotor area in humans. The present findings may shed light on the CNS mechanism of motor function by acupuncture, and form a basis for future investigations of motor modulation circuits in stroke patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sin-Soo Jeun
- Department of Neurosurgery, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
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Neural acupuncture unit: a new concept for interpreting effects and mechanisms of acupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:429412. [PMID: 22474503 PMCID: PMC3310280 DOI: 10.1155/2012/429412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2011] [Revised: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
When an acupuncture needle is inserted into a designated point on the body and
mechanical or electrical stimulation is delivered, various neural and neuroactive
components are activated. The collection of the activated neural and neuroactive
components distributed in the skin, muscle, and connective tissues surrounding the
inserted needle is defined as a neural acupuncture unit (NAU). The traditionally defined
acupoints represent an anatomical landmark system that indicates local sites where NAUs
may contain relatively dense and concentrated neural and neuroactive components, upon
which acupuncture stimulation would elicit a more efficient therapeutic response. The
NAU-based local mechanisms of biochemical and biophysical reactions play an important
role in acupuncture-induced analgesia. Different properties of NAUs are associated with
different components of needling sensation. There exist several central pathways to
convey NAU-induced acupuncture signals, Electroacupuncture (EA) frequency-specific
neurochemical effects are related to different peripheral and central pathways transmitting
afferent signals from different frequency of NAU stimulation. More widespread and intense
neuroimaging responses of brain regions to acupuncture may be a consequence of more
efficient NAU stimulation modes. The introduction of the conception of NAU provides a
new theoretical approach to interpreting effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in
modern biomedical knowledge framework.
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70
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Park KH, Baik JK, Yoo TW. What is Evidence-Based Acupuncture? A Comparative Review of Traditional Acupuncture and Korean Hand Acupuncture Therapy. Med Acupunct 2012. [DOI: 10.1089/acu.2011.0817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kyu Hyun Park
- Department of Neurology, Pusan National University, Busan, South Korea
| | | | - Tae Woo Yoo
- Korean Hand Acupuncture Therapy Institute, Seoul, South Korea
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71
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The Limbic-Prefrontal Network Modulated by Electroacupuncture at CV4 and CV12. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:515893. [PMID: 22291848 PMCID: PMC3265182 DOI: 10.1155/2012/515893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Revised: 09/22/2011] [Accepted: 10/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
fMRI studies showed that acupuncture could induce hemodynamic changes in brain networks. Many of these studies focused on whether specific acupoints could activate specific brain regions and were often limited to manual acupuncture at acupoints on the limbs. In this fMRI study, we investigated acupuncture's modulation effects on brain functional networks by electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints on the midline of abdomen. Acupoints Guanyuan (CV4) and Zhongwan (CV12) were stimulated in 21 healthy volunteers. The needling sensations, brain activation, and functional connectivity were studied. We found that the limbic-prefrontal functional network was deactivated by EA at CV4 and CV12. More importantly, the local functional connectivity was significantly changed during EA stimulation, and the change persisted during the period after the stimulation. Although minor differences existed, both acupoints similarly modulated the limbic-prefrontal functional network, which is overlapped with the functional circuits associated with emotional and cognitive regulation.
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73
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Dong M, Qin W, Sun J, Liu P, Yuan K, Liu J, Zhou G, von Deneen KM, Tian J. Tempo-spatial analysis of vision-related acupoint specificity in the occipital lobe using fMRI: an ICA study. Brain Res 2011; 1436:34-42. [PMID: 22197696 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2011] [Revised: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Functional acupoint specificity is one of the most debated topics in acupuncture neuroimaging research. Conventional studies investigating vision-related acupoint specificity empirically assume that acupuncture-induced hemodynamic response can be defined a priori and thus concentrate on distinguishing the spatial variations of response patterns across acupoints in the occipital lobe. However, evidence suggests that acupuncture-invoked BOLD signal changes are independent of a priori time shape. Additionally, temporal profiles reflect how a stimulus corresponds with the brain, implying the hemodynamic coherence induced by stimulation. Therefore, temporal information carried in acupuncture-related neural activity may be more crucial to specificity issues. This paper initiates the detection into tempo-spatial dimension and the goal of this study is to detect functional acupoint specificity by uniquely comparing the temporal activities of the occipital lobe among vision-related acupoints (VRA) and a non-acupoint (NAP). We utilized the independent component analysis (ICA) to extract temporal patterns of occipital response by stimulating a VRA, i.e. GB37, and a NAP. As an improvement over previous ones, another VRA, i.e., BL60 was employed to consolidate our findings. Results showed that although all groups showed V1 activity in the occipital lobe, dissociable temporal activities in this region categorized GB37 and NAP (r=0.05, p=0.64). This finding was replicable with regard to BL60 and NAP (r=-0.03, p=0.77). Intriguingly, stimulation at two VRAs induced highly correlated temporal activities (p<0.0001). This study adds positive evidence to the issue of vision-related acupoint specificity. The utilization of ICA and consideration of temporal dynamics may shed light on future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghao Dong
- Life Sciences Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, China
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Liu P, Zhou G, Yang X, Liu J, Sun J, Dong M, Yuan K, Zhang Y, Qin W, Tian J. Power estimation predicts specific function action of acupuncture: an fMRI study. Magn Reson Imaging 2011; 29:1059-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2011.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 06/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Yang ES, Li PW, Nilius B, Li G. Ancient Chinese medicine and mechanistic evidence of acupuncture physiology. Pflugers Arch 2011; 462:645-53. [PMID: 21870056 PMCID: PMC3192271 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-011-1017-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2011] [Accepted: 08/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been widely used in China for three millennia as an art of healing. Yet, its physiology is not yet understood. The current interest in acupuncture started in 1971. Soon afterward, extensive research led to the concept of neural signaling with possible involvement of opioid peptides, glutamate, adenosine and identifying responsive parts in the central nervous system. In the last decade scientists began investigating the subject with anatomical and molecular imaging. It was found that mechanical movements of the needle, ignored in the past, appear to be central to the method and intracellular calcium ions may play a pivotal role. In this review, we trace the technique of clinical treatment from the first written record about 2,200 years ago to the modern time. The ancient texts have been used to introduce the concepts of yin, yang, qi, de qi, and meridians, the traditional foundation of acupuncture. We explore the sequence of the physiological process, from the turning of the needle, the mechanical wave activation of calcium ion channel to beta-endorphin secretion. By using modern terminology to re-interpret the ancient texts, we have found that the 2nd century b.c. physiologists were meticulous investigators and their explanation fits well with the mechanistic model derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and confocal microscopy. In conclusion, the ancient model appears to have withstood the test of time surprisingly well confirming the popular axiom that the old wine is better than the new.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward S Yang
- Time-Medical Systems, G/F Bioinformatics, Science Park, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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76
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Ngai SPC, Jones AYM, Cheng EKW. Lung meridian acupuncture point skin impedance in asthma and description of a mathematical relationship with FEV1. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2011; 179:187-91. [PMID: 21856454 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2011] [Revised: 07/24/2011] [Accepted: 08/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Alteration in acupoint skin impedance is purportedly associated with health impairment. This study examined lung meridian acupoint skin impedance in healthy individuals and patients with controlled asthma and the relationship if any with Forced Expiratory Volume in 1s (FEV(1)). Twenty-eight subjects diagnosed with asthma and 28 age and gender-matched healthy subjects had their FEV(1) and skin impedance, at acupoints LU 7 (Lieque) and LU 9 (Taiyuan) on the lung meridian, measured. Skin impedance was significantly higher in subjects with asthma (p<0.05) and negatively correlated with percent predicted FEV(1) (r=-0.34 to -0.40, p<0.005). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) suggested the cutoff point for logarithm-transformed mean of skin impedance for asthma was ≥3.59 unit (sensitivity=82.1%, specificity=82.1%) (AUC=0.878, p<0.001). A regression prediction equation of asthma was derived. This study suggests that acupoint skin impedance on the lung meridian may reflect the asthma condition. The use of skin impedance as an adjunctive, objective assessment in asthma screening and treatment monitoring, warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley P C Ngai
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong
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77
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Han JS. Acupuncture analgesia: areas of consensus and controversy. Pain 2011; 152:S41-S48. [PMID: 21078546 DOI: 10.1016/j.pain.2010.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2010] [Revised: 10/08/2010] [Accepted: 10/12/2010] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Sheng Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Peking University Health Science Center, Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, The Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
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78
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Manheimer E. Selecting a control for in vitro fertilization and acupuncture randomized controlled trials (RCTs): how sham controls may unnecessarily complicate the RCT evidence base. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2456-61. [PMID: 21570069 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.04.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Revised: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the theoretical and methodologic rationales for the use of sham acupuncture controls in trials of adjuvant acupuncture for in vitro fertilization (IVF), and to identify the drawbacks of using a sham acupuncture control that may have its own effects on the pregnancy outcome. BACKGROUND Acupuncture has typically been tested in trials that evaluate subjective, patient-reported outcomes such as pain. Ratings of pain and similar subjective states can be strongly influenced by respondents' prejudgments, preferences, and expectations about treatment benefits. Therefore, controlling for these expectations or "placebo effects" by using a sham acupuncture control group is critically important in trials of acupuncture for pain-related conditions. This need for sham acupuncture controls in trials of acupuncture for pain-related conditions may have led to the belief that sham acupuncture is always the most "rigorous" control, and that it should therefore be used for all acupuncture trials, including trials of adjuvant acupuncture for IVF. CONCLUSION(S) In trials of adjuvant acupuncture for IVF, the outcome is pregnancy, which is entirely objective and unlikely to be affected by a patient's expectations of a benefit of acupuncture. Because it seems unlikely that an IVF patient's knowledge of whether she was receiving adjuvant acupuncture would affect her ability to become pregnant from IVF, using sham acupuncture to control for expectation/placebo effects seems unnecessary in this context. Even if adjuvant acupuncture were to increase IVF success rates only through a psychosomatic effect mechanism, such as by reducing stress, this stress-reduction effect would be integral to the working mechanism by which adjuvant acupuncture increases IVF pregnancy rates; therefore, it seems inappropriate to control for and separate out any such stress-reduction effect by using a sham control. Because of the risk that the sham is not an inert placebo but rather an active treatment that may affect the pregnancy outcome, using sham acupuncture as the control may unnecessarily confuse rather than clarify the interpretation of the effects of IVF adjuvant acupuncture. Using both theoretical concerns and epidemiologic evidence, researchers should carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks of using sham acupuncture to blind patients in adjuvant acupuncture for IVF trials, and should question, rather than automatically accept, whether "placebo effects" are an important risk of bias in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Manheimer
- Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, USA.
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79
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Bai Y, Wang J, Wu JP, Dai JX, Sha O, Tai Wai Yew D, Yuan L, Liang QN. Review of evidence suggesting that the fascia network could be the anatomical basis for acupoints and meridians in the human body. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2011; 2011:260510. [PMID: 21584283 PMCID: PMC3092510 DOI: 10.1155/2011/260510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2010] [Revised: 02/04/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The anatomical basis for the concept of meridians in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has not been resolved. This paper reviews the evidence supporting a relationship between acupuncture points/meridians and fascia. The reviewed evidence supports the view that the human body's fascia network may be the physical substrate represented by the meridians of TCM. Specifically, this hypothesis is supported by anatomical observations of body scan data demonstrating that the fascia network resembles the theoretical meridian system in salient ways, as well as physiological, histological, and clinical observations. This view represents a theoretical basis and means for applying modern biomedical research to examining TCM principles and therapies, and it favors a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Bai
- Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jin-peng Wu
- Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jing-xing Dai
- Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ou Sha
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - David Tai Wai Yew
- Department of Anatomy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Lin Yuan
- Department of Anatomy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qiu-ni Liang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
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80
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Qin W, Bai L, Dai J, Liu P, Dong M, Liu J, Sun J, Yuan K, Chen P, Zhao B, Gong Q, Tian J, Liu Y. The temporal-spatial encoding of acupuncture effects in the brain. Mol Pain 2011; 7:19. [PMID: 21429192 PMCID: PMC3071327 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-7-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional acupoint specificity is crucial to the clinical efficacy of acupuncture treatment, such as pain relief. Whether acupuncture needling at a peripheral acupoint produces distinct patterns of brain responses remains controversial. RESULTS This fMRI study employed the complex network analysis (CNA) to test the hypothesis that acupuncture stimulation at an acupoint correspondingly induced activity changes in one or more intrinsic or resting-state brain networks. Built upon the sustained effect of acupuncture and its time-varying characteristics, we constructed a dynamic encoding system with the hub anchored at the posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus (PCC/pC). We found that needling at two visual acupoints (GB37 and BL60) and a non-visual acupoint (KI8) induced a spatially converging brain response, which overlapped at the PCC/pC. We also found distinct neural modulations during and after acupoint stimulation. During this period, the PCC/pC interacted with a visual resting-state network in different patterns. Furthermore, there was a delayed functional correspondence between the intrinsic visual network and manipulation over the visual acupoints (i.e., GB37 or BL60), but not the non-visual acupoint (KI8) via the PCC/pC, implicating a specific temporal-spatial encoding/decoding mechanism underlying the post-effect of acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS This study provided an integrated view exploring the functional specificity of acupuncture in which both the needling sensation and the following neural cascades may contribute to the overall effect of acupuncture through dynamic reconfiguration of complex neural networks.fMRI, acupoints, posterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, temporal-spatial encoding, resting-state networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Qin
- Medical Image Processing Group, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Life Sciences Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, China
| | - Lijun Bai
- Medical Image Processing Group, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
| | - Jianping Dai
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences, PR China
| | - Peng Liu
- Life Sciences Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, China
| | - Minghao Dong
- Life Sciences Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, China
| | - Jixin Liu
- Life Sciences Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, China
| | - Jinbo Sun
- Life Sciences Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, China
| | - Kai Yuan
- Life Sciences Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, China
| | - Peng Chen
- Beijing TCM Hospital affiliated to Capital University of Medical Sciences, China
| | | | - Qiyong Gong
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of Radiology, the Center for Medical Imaging, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
| | - Jie Tian
- Medical Image Processing Group, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190, China
- Life Sciences Research Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, China
| | - Yijun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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81
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Irnich D, Salih N, Offenbächer M, Fleckenstein J. Is sham laser a valid control for acupuncture trials? EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2011; 2011:485945. [PMID: 21772922 PMCID: PMC3135659 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/neq009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2009] [Accepted: 01/18/2010] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Methodological problems of acupuncture trials focus on adequate placebo controls. In this trial we evaluated the use of sham laser acupuncture as a control procedure. Thirty-four healthy volunteers received verum laser (invisible infrared laser emission and red light, 45 s and 1 J per point) and sham laser (red light) treatment at three acupuncture points (LI4, LU7 and LR3) in a randomized, double-blinded, cross-over design. The main outcome measure was the ratio of correct to incorrect ratings of treatment immediately after each session. The secondary outcome measure was the occurrence of deqi-like sensations at the acupuncture points and their intensity on a 10-fold visual analog scale (VAS; 10 being the strongest sensible sensation). We pooled the results of three former trials to evaluate the credibility of sham laser acupuncture when compared to needle acupuncture. Fifteen out of 34 (44%) healthy volunteers (age: 28 ± 10.7 years) identified the used laser device after the first session and 14 (41%) after the second session. Hence, both treatments were undistinguishable (P = .26). Deqi-like sensations occurred in 46% of active laser (2.34 VAS) and in 49.0% of sham laser beams (2.49 VAS). The credibility of sham laser was not different from needle acupuncture. Sham laser acupuncture can serve as a valid placebo control in laser acupuncture studies. Due to similar credibility and the lack of sensory input on the peripheral nervous system, sham laser acupuncture can also serve as a sham control for acupuncture trials, in order to evaluate needling effects per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Irnich
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8A, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Norbert Salih
- Department of Pediatrics, Staedtisches Klinikum City of Munich/Harlaching, Germany
| | - Martin Offenbächer
- Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Prevention, Lindwurmstr, Munich, Germany
| | - Johannes Fleckenstein
- Multidisciplinary Pain Center, Department of Anaesthesiology, University of Munich, Pettenkoferstraße 8A, 80336 Munich, Germany
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82
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The Problem of Metal Needles in Acupuncture-fMRI Studies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2011; 2011:808203. [PMID: 21423640 PMCID: PMC3057644 DOI: 10.1155/2011/808203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2010] [Accepted: 01/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Acupuncture is a therapy based on sensory stimulation of the human body by means of metal needles. The exact underlying mechanisms of acupuncture have not been clarified so far. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has become an important tool in acupuncture research. Standard acupuncture needles, which are made of ferromagnetic steel, however, are problematic in acupuncture-fMRI studies for several reasons, such as attraction by the scanner's magnetic field, significant image distortions and signal-dropouts, when positioned close to the head or even heating due to absorption of radio frequency (RF). The aim of this study was to compare two novel types of acupuncture needles with a standard needle for their effect on MRI image quality. The standard needle severely reduced image quality, when located inside the RF coil. The nonferromagnetic metal needle may pose a risk due to RF heating, while the plastic needle has a significantly larger diameter. In conclusion, our recommendations are: (1) standard needles should not be used in MRI; (2) Nonferromagnetic metal needles seem to be the best choice for acupoints outside of the transmitter coil; and (3) only plastic needles are suited for points inside the coil. Laser acupuncture may be a safe alternative, too.
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83
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Beissner F, Henke C. Methodological problems in FMRI studies on acupuncture: a critical review with special emphasis on visual and auditory cortex activations. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2011; 2011:607637. [PMID: 19793834 PMCID: PMC3136715 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nep154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2009] [Accepted: 08/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used for more than a decade to investigate possible supraspinal mechanisms of acupuncture stimulation. More than 60 studies and several review articles have been published on the topic. However, till now some acupuncture-fMRI studies have not adopted all methodological standards applied to most other fMRI studies. In this critical review, we comment on some of the problems including the choice of baseline, interpretation of deactivations, attention control and implications of different group statistics. We illustrate the possible impact of these problems by focussing on some early findings, namely activations of visual and auditory cortical areas, when acupoints were stimulated that are believed to have a therapeutic effect on vision or hearing in traditional Chinese medicine. While we are far from questioning the validity of using fMRI for the study of acupuncture effects, we think that activations reported by some of these studies were probably not a direct result of acupuncture stimulation but rather attributable to one or more of the methodological problems covered here. Finally, we try to offer solutions for these problems where possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Beissner
- Brain Imaging Center, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Neuroradiology, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of Neuroradiology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
- Max-Planck-Institute of Biophysics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Henke
- Brain Imaging Center, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Neuroradiology, Schleusenweg 2-16, 60528 Frankfurt, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany
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84
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Beissner F. Functional magnetic resonance imaging studies of acupuncture mechanisms: a critique. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-7166.2010.01048.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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85
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Miller E, Maimon Y, Rosenblatt Y, Mendler A, Hasner A, Barad A, Amir H, Dekel S, Lev-Ari S. Delayed Effect of Acupuncture Treatment in OA of the Knee: A Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2010; 2011:792975. [PMID: 19124552 PMCID: PMC3137589 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nen080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2007] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
To assess the efficacy in providing improved function and pain relief by administering 8 weeks of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy to standard care in elderly patients with OA of the knee. This randomized, controlled, blinded trial was conducted on 55 patients with OA of the knee. Forty-one patients completed the study (26 females, 15 males, mean age ± SD 71.7 ± 8.6 years). Patients were randomly divided into an intervention group that received biweekly acupuncture treatment (n = 28) and a control group that received sham acupuncture (n = 27), both in addition to standard therapy, for example, NSAIDS, cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, acetaminophen, intra-articular hyaluronic acid and steroid injections. Primary outcomes measures were changes in the Knee Society Score (KSS) knee score and in KSS function and pain ratings at therapy onset, at 8 weeks (closure of study) and at 12 weeks (1 month after last treatment). Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction and validity of sham acupuncture. There was significant improvement in all three scores in both groups after 8 and 12 weeks compared with baseline (P < .05). Significant differences between the intervention and control groups in the KSS knee score (P = .036) was apparent only after 12 weeks. Patient satisfaction was higher in the intervention group. Adjunctive acupuncture treatment seems to provide added improvement to standard care in elderly patients with OA of the knee. Future research should determine the optimal duration of acupuncture treatment in the context of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehud Miller
- Unit of Complementary Medicine, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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86
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Electroacupuncture enhances cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation in young rat brains. Neurol Sci 2010; 32:369-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-010-0402-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2010] [Accepted: 08/28/2010] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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87
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Chang BH, Sommers E, Herz L. Acupuncture and relaxation response for substance use disorder recovery. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2010. [DOI: 10.3109/14659890903580466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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88
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Different brain network activations induced by modulation and nonmodulation laser acupuncture. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2010; 2011. [PMID: 20953400 PMCID: PMC2952336 DOI: 10.1155/2011/951258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2010] [Accepted: 07/01/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to compare the distinct cerebral activation with continued wave (CW) and 10 Hz-modulated wave (MW) stimulation during low-level laser acupuncture. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies were performed to investigate the possible mechanism during laser acupuncture stimulation at the left foot's yongquan (K1) acupoint. There are 12 healthy right-handed volunteers for each type of laser stimulation (10-Hz-Modulated wave: 8 males and 4 females; continued wave: 9 males and 3 females). The analysis of multisubjects in this experiment was applied by random-effect (RFX) analysis. In CW groups, significant activations were found within the inferior parietal lobule, the primary somatosensory cortex, and the precuneus of left parietal lobe. Medial and superior frontal gyrus of left frontal lobe were also aroused. In MW groups, significant activations were found within the primary motor cortex and middle temporal gyrus of left hemisphere and bilateral cuneus. Placebo stimulation did not show any activation. Most activation areas were involved in the functions of memory, attention, and self-consciousness. The results showed the cerebral hemodynamic responses of two laser acupuncture stimulation modes and implied that its mechanism was not only based upon afferent sensory information processing, but that it also had the hemodynamic property altered during external stimulation.
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89
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Han JS, Ho YS. Global trends and performances of acupuncture research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2010; 35:680-7. [PMID: 20800613 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2010.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Revised: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was designed to evaluate the global scientific output of acupuncture research in the Science Citation Index-Expanded and to assess the tendencies and research performances of leading countries/territories and institutes. Articles referring to acupuncture were assessed by distribution of document types, languages, journals, subject categories, source countries, and source institutes. Results showed that 15 languages were represented in articles from 65 countries/territories. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine published the most articles, followed by American Journal of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture & Electro-Therapeutics Research which were listed in category of integrative & complementary medicine. In the study period of 1991-2009, USA was the top producing country, followed by China (mainland) with a sharply growth trend. In 2009, publication of China (mainland) ranked top one in the world. In addition, an acupuncture research trend was found in two phases in terms of the increase of number of SCI-expanded journals' articles. Among the acupuncture research, pain control has been the most prevalent direction of study, and brain imaging is attracting the most recent attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Sheng Han
- Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing 100191, People's Republic of China
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90
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Abstract
Though separated by different millennia, languages, levels of scientific advancement, and views of human physiology, both prehistoric and modern cultures have expressed concepts of evaluating and treating human illness that have remarkable overlap with those of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These similarities suggest these healing traditions likely are expressing a common, fundamental aspect of human anatomy and/or physiology. Prehistoric, ancient Egyptian, TCM, Mayan, myofascial pain, and myofascial meridian concepts of health and healing are discussed. Anatomical, clinical, and physiologic evidence is presented that suggests neuroanatomy is likely the common thread that unites these ancient and modern healing concepts. These findings should lead to an increased understanding of the anatomical and physiologic substrates of the beneficial clinical effects of acupuncture in treating pain and visceral disorders. This, in turn, should lead to novel, safer treatment techniques that combine modern technologies with ancient clinical acumen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T Dorsher
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA.
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91
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Is acupuncture an acceptable option in stroke rehabilitation? A survey of stroke patients. Complement Ther Med 2010; 18:143-9. [PMID: 20688260 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2010.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2008] [Revised: 02/13/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and stroke survivors make up the largest group of patients in rehabilitation. These individuals also have one of the longest lengths of stay in rehabilitation. It has been suggested that acupuncture may be beneficial in post-stroke rehabilitation and in this study we examine how stroke patients value acupuncture and their perceptions of acupuncture as a rehabilitation treatment option. DESIGN AND SETTING A questionnaire was distributed to individuals undergoing post-stroke rehabilitation at three rehabilitation centers attached to hospitals in Toronto, Canada. RESULTS Two hundred and seventy-three individuals completed the questionnaire with the respondent group comprising mainly males (62%) over 65 years of age (68%). Overall 29% had used acupuncture with 16% receiving acupuncture treatment for stroke related conditions. Almost all respondents (98%) wanted to know more about acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation and 87% would consider acupuncture as a treatment option. Few (8%) reported that they had advanced level knowledge about acupuncture, with most reporting a basic (48%) or intermediate (33%) level which recognized that acupuncture used fine needles to produce a therapeutic response. Those with prior acupuncture experience expected to pay more for treatment. The main factors influencing decisions to use acupuncture were practitioner competency (84%), cost (65%) and sterilization concerns (40%). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that there is willingness by patients attending conventional hospital-based rehabilitation centers to consider acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation and that lack of knowledge about this treatment is not a barrier to use.
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Liu P, Zhou G, Zhang Y, Dong M, Qin W, Yuan K, Sun J, Liu J, Liang J, von Deneen KM, Liu Y, Tian J. The hybrid GLM-ICA investigation on the neural mechanism of acupoint ST36: an fMRI study. Neurosci Lett 2010; 479:267-71. [PMID: 20573575 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2010.05.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2010] [Revised: 05/17/2010] [Accepted: 05/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ample clinical reports and neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that the acupuncture has sustained effects after manipulation. However, most previous fMRI studies of acupuncture have paid little attention to this issue, only investigating on the manipulation effects. In the current study, we attempted to explore both acupuncture effects, which have positive influence to therapeutic efficiency, to reveal the neural mechanism of acupuncture. This paper combined the conventional general linear model (GLM) and independent component analysis (ICA) to study the topography and the temporal feature of brain activity to detect the brain responses to stimulation at ST36 (Zusanli) and a sham acupoint. The results showed that the manipulation-related effects and the sustained acupuncture effects separately induced statistically significant increases/decreases in the cortical-subcortical areas, including the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC), supplementary motor area (SMA) primary/secondary somatosensory cortex (SI/SII), occipital cortices and midbrain. Our findings suggested that the analgesia effects of ST36 integrated sophisticated physiological and psychological procedures. In addition, our results have shed light on methodology in acupuncture research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- Life Science Research Center, School of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710071, China
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Li L, Qin W, Bai L, Tian J. Exploring vision-related acupuncture point specificity with multivoxel pattern analysis. Magn Reson Imaging 2010; 28:380-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mri.2009.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Revised: 09/15/2009] [Accepted: 11/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Maenaka T, Tano K, Nakanishi S, Tsukada H, Ishida T. Positron emission tomography analysis of the analgesic effects of acupuncture in rhesus monkeys. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2010; 34:787-801. [PMID: 17080545 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x06004296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine whether pain-induced brain activation was suppressed by acupuncture analgesia. We investigated the suppression of the pain-induced neuronal activation in specific brain areas of three male rhesus monkeys (aged four years old) using positron emission tomography (PET), in which changes in the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) were examined as an index of the neuronal activation. The brain areas such as the thalamus, insula and anterior cingulate cortex were activated by heating the tail of monkeys in 47 degrees C water compared to the heating at 37 degrees C. Those activations were suppressed by electroacupuncture (EA) with a 2 sec alteration of the frequency of 4 Hz/60 Hz at the right ST36 (the upper anterior tibial muscle) and the right LI4 (the back palm between the first and second metacarpal) acupoints. Meanwhile, this EA analgesic effect was confirmed by prolonging the tail withdrawal latencies from hot water in the temperature range from 45 to 50 degrees C.These brain areas were corresponded to the pain-related areas as reported in previous studies. In conclusion, we were able to visualize the acupuncture analgesia in the CNS. We also detected the brain areas activated or inactivated by acupuncture. The areas that responded to acupuncture stimulation at 47 degrees C water were different from the regions at 37 degrees C. We consider that this difference in the response to acupuncture may support the variation of the clinical efficacy of acupuncture in patients bearing pain or other disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Maenaka
- Graduate School of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Mie, Japan
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98
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Park SU, Shin AS, Jahng GH, Moon SK, Park JM. Effects of scalp acupuncture versus upper and lower limb acupuncture on signal activation of blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI of the brain and somatosensory cortex. J Altern Complement Med 2010; 15:1193-200. [PMID: 19922250 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2008.0602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this article is to investigate brain activity of scalp acupuncture (SA) as compared to upper and lower limb acupuncture (ULLA) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Ten (10) healthy right-handed female volunteers aged 20-35 were divided into 2 groups: a SA group and an ULLA group. The SA group had needles inserted at the left Sishencong (HN1), GB18, GB9, TH20, and the ULLA group at the right LI1, LI10, LV3, ST36 for 20 minutes, respectively. Both groups had tactile stimulation in the order of the right LI1, LI10, LV3, ST36 before and after acupuncture for a block of 21 seconds repeated 3 times. The blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI was used to observe the brain and somatosensory cortex signal activation. RESULTS We compared the signal activation before and after acupuncture needling, and the images showed signal activation after removing the acupuncture needles and the contralateral somatosensory association cortex, the postcentral gyrus, and the parietal lobe were more activated in the SA group. The right occipital lobe, the lingual gyrus, the visual association cortex, the right parahippocampal gyrus, the limbic lobe, the hippocampus, the left anterior lobe, the culmen, and the cerebellum were activated in the ULLA group. CONCLUSIONS We concluded that there were different signal activations of BOLD fMRI before and after SA versus ULLA, which can be thought to be caused by the sensitivity of acupoints and the different sensory receptors to acupuncture needling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Uk Park
- Department of Cardiovascular & Neurologic Disease (Stroke Center), East-West Neo Medical Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyunghee University, Seoul, Korea
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99
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LAI XS, TONG Z. A Study on the Classification and the ‘Catching’ of the ‘Arrived Qi’ in Acupuncture. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0254-6272(10)60001-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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100
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Walker EM, Rodriguez AI, Kohn B, Ball RM, Pegg J, Pocock JR, Nunez R, Peterson E, Jakary S, Levine RA. Acupuncture Versus Venlafaxine for the Management of Vasomotor Symptoms in Patients With Hormone Receptor–Positive Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Oncol 2010; 28:634-40. [PMID: 20038728 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.23.5150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Vasomotor symptoms are common adverse effects of antiestrogen hormone treatment in conventional breast cancer care. Hormone replacement therapy is contraindicated in patients with breast cancer. Venlafaxine (Effexor), the therapy of choice for these symptoms, has numerous adverse effects. Recent studies suggest acupuncture may be effective in reducing vasomotor symptoms in menopausal women. This randomized controlled trial tested whether acupuncture reduces vasomotor symptoms and produces fewer adverse effects than venlafaxine. Patients and Methods Fifty patients were randomly assigned to receive 12 weeks of acupuncture (n = 25) or venlafaxine (n = 25) treatment. Health outcomes were measured for up to 1 year post-treatment. Results Both groups exhibited significant decreases in hot flashes, depressive symptoms, and other quality-of-life symptoms, including significant improvements in mental health from pre- to post-treatment. These changes were similar in both groups, indicating that acupuncture was as effective as venlafaxine. By 2 weeks post-treatment, the venlafaxine group experienced significant increases in hot flashes, whereas hot flashes in the acupuncture group remained at low levels. The venlafaxine group experienced 18 incidences of adverse effects (eg, nausea, dry mouth, dizziness, anxiety), whereas the acupuncture group experienced no negative adverse effects. Acupuncture had the additional benefit of increased sex drive in some women, and most reported an improvement in their energy, clarity of thought, and sense of well-being. Conclusion Acupuncture appears to be equivalent to drug therapy in these patients. It is a safe, effective and durable treatment for vasomotor symptoms secondary to long-term antiestrogen hormone use in patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor M. Walker
- From the Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Center for Integrative Wellness, Henry Ford Health System, Southfield; Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Northville; Waterford Center for Integrative Medicine, Waterford; Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit; and Michigan Acupuncture, Novi, MI
| | - Alba I. Rodriguez
- From the Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Center for Integrative Wellness, Henry Ford Health System, Southfield; Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Northville; Waterford Center for Integrative Medicine, Waterford; Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit; and Michigan Acupuncture, Novi, MI
| | - Beth Kohn
- From the Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Center for Integrative Wellness, Henry Ford Health System, Southfield; Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Northville; Waterford Center for Integrative Medicine, Waterford; Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit; and Michigan Acupuncture, Novi, MI
| | - Ronald M. Ball
- From the Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Center for Integrative Wellness, Henry Ford Health System, Southfield; Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Northville; Waterford Center for Integrative Medicine, Waterford; Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit; and Michigan Acupuncture, Novi, MI
| | - Jan Pegg
- From the Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Center for Integrative Wellness, Henry Ford Health System, Southfield; Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Northville; Waterford Center for Integrative Medicine, Waterford; Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit; and Michigan Acupuncture, Novi, MI
| | - Jeffrey R. Pocock
- From the Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Center for Integrative Wellness, Henry Ford Health System, Southfield; Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Northville; Waterford Center for Integrative Medicine, Waterford; Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit; and Michigan Acupuncture, Novi, MI
| | - Ramon Nunez
- From the Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Center for Integrative Wellness, Henry Ford Health System, Southfield; Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Northville; Waterford Center for Integrative Medicine, Waterford; Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit; and Michigan Acupuncture, Novi, MI
| | - Ed Peterson
- From the Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Center for Integrative Wellness, Henry Ford Health System, Southfield; Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Northville; Waterford Center for Integrative Medicine, Waterford; Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit; and Michigan Acupuncture, Novi, MI
| | - Susan Jakary
- From the Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Center for Integrative Wellness, Henry Ford Health System, Southfield; Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Northville; Waterford Center for Integrative Medicine, Waterford; Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit; and Michigan Acupuncture, Novi, MI
| | - Robert A. Levine
- From the Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit; Center for Integrative Wellness, Henry Ford Health System, Southfield; Center for Integrative Medicine, Henry Ford Health System, Northville; Waterford Center for Integrative Medicine, Waterford; Department of Biostatistics and Research Epidemiology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit; and Michigan Acupuncture, Novi, MI
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