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Ghanad E, Yang C, Weiß C, Goncalves M, Santos MJ, Correia N, Reissfelder C, Greten HJ, Herrle F. Personalized checkpoint acupuncture can reduce postoperative pain after abdominal surgery-a STRICTA-conform pilot study. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2023; 408:391. [PMID: 37814175 PMCID: PMC10562323 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-023-03051-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimal pain management is one of the core elements of Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) protocols and remains a challenge. Acupuncture (AC) is an effective treatment for various pain conditions. Systematic and personalized allocation of acupoints may be decisive for efficacy. METHODS Based on the predominant pressure sensitivity of six gastrointestinal (GI) checkpoints (G1-G6), we devised a method to detect personalized patterns of pain and a corresponding set of acupoints. We performed a single AC treatment with semi-permanent needles and assessed the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, pain threshold based on pressure algometry (PA), and temperature changes on abdominal skin areas before and 5 min after AC. RESULTS Between April and June 2021, thirty-eight patients were prospectively included in this pilot study. The mean reduction in subjective pain sensation as assessed by VAS was 86%, paralleled by an augmentation of the pain threshold as measured by PA by 64%. A small but significant increase in the skin temperature was observed above the abdominal surface. These effects were independent of the type of surgery. CONCLUSION Checkpoint acupuncture may be a complementary tool for postoperative pain management. Further investigations are needed to explore this analgesic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Ghanad
- Department of Surgery, University Medicine Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Surgery, University Medicine Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christel Weiß
- Department of Medical Statistics and Biomathematics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | | | - Nuno Correia
- TCM Research Centre, Piaget Institute, Gaia, Portugal
| | - Christoph Reissfelder
- Department of Surgery, University Medicine Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | | | - Florian Herrle
- Department of Surgery, University Medicine Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
- Department of Surgery, Prien Hospital on Chiemsee, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany.
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Ghanad E, Staff S, Weiß C, Goncalves M, Santos MJ, Correia N, Vassilev G, Herrle F, Reissfelder C, Greten HJ, Otto M, Yang C. Reduction of Pain After Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery by Personalized Checkpoint Acupuncture-Data of a STRICTA Conform Pilot Study. Obes Surg 2023; 33:2176-2185. [PMID: 37246204 PMCID: PMC10289919 DOI: 10.1007/s11695-023-06654-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It remains challenging in clinical practice to perform optimal pain management following bariatric surgeries. Acupuncture (AC) is an effective method of postoperative pain management, but its clinical efficacy depends on the rationale used to select AC points. METHODS We developed a method to identify individual patterns of pain and a corresponding set of acupoints (corrAC) based on the relative pressure sensitivity of six abdominal visceral pressure points, i.e., the gastrointestinal (GI) checkpoints (G1-G6). Patients with moderate to severe pain were included and received a single AC treatment following surgery. The visual analog scale (VAS) score, pain threshold, and skin temperature were assessed before AC and at 5 min, 1 h, and 24 h following AC. AC was performed with 1-mm-deep permanent needles. RESULTS From April 2021 to March 2022, 72 patients were included in the analysis. Fifty-nine patients received corrAC, whereas 13 received a noncorresponding AC (nonAC) as an internal control. Patients receiving corrAC showed a significant reduction (74%) in pain at 5 min after treatment (p < 0.0001) and a significant increase (37%) in the pain threshold (p < 0.0001). In this group, a significant increase in skin temperature above G1, G3, G4, and G5 was observed. Patients receiving nonAC showed neither significant pain reduction nor significant changes in pain threshold. The skin above G3 and G4 did not reveal temperature changes. CONCLUSION Checkpoint AC may be an effective tool in postoperative pain therapy after bariatric surgery. Vegetative functional involvement might be associated with pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erfan Ghanad
- Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Sophie Staff
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christel Weiß
- Department of Medical Statistics and Biomathematics, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mario Goncalves
- Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Nuno Correia
- Institute Piaget, Gaia, 4405-678, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Georgi Vassilev
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Florian Herrle
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Christoph Reissfelder
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Henry Johannes Greten
- Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Institute Piaget, Gaia, 4405-678, Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - Mirko Otto
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Cui Yang
- Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University Medicine Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, 68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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Mendo B, Gonçalves M, Lopes L, Matos LC, Machado J. Can Yoga, Qigong, and Tai Chi Breathing Work Support the Psycho-Immune Homeostasis during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10101934. [PMID: 36292380 PMCID: PMC9601556 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Breathing is crucial in life; nevertheless, the healthcare community often overlooks the health potential of breathing techniques. Conscious manipulation of breathing to achieve specific health goals is found in yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi. This paper reviews the value of breathing exercises as a foremost mechanism for promoting, recuperating and maintaining health. Practices involving breathing techniques are described, and their prophylactic or therapeutic characteristics are explored. The main goals of this review are: (i) to summarize the evidence supporting the hypothesis that breathing practices have a significant beneficial impact on human health; (ii) to provide a deeper understanding of traditional biofeedback practices, particularly yoga, Qigong and Tai Chi, and outline their focus on breathing techniques; (iii) to outline specific immune-related responses, relevant for COVID-19 disorders; and (iv) to call for committed attention and action from the scientific community and health agencies in promoting the implementation of a practical and costless health program based on breathing techniques. This review shows the health potentials of breathing practices and exercises, which, by having a high benefit-cost ratio, could be selected and implemented as a primary standard routine in public health programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Mendo
- ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Mário Gonçalves
- ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lara Lopes
- ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luís Carlos Matos
- CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
- CTEC–Centro Transdisciplinar de Estudos da Consciência, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Machado
- ICBAS–Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CBSin–Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4250-105 Porto, Portugal
- LABIOMEP–Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
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Mental Health Benefits of a Traditional Vegetative Biofeedback Therapy Online Program during the COVID-19 Lockdown: A Controlled Trial. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10101843. [PMID: 36292291 PMCID: PMC9601422 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mandatory lockdown resulting from a pandemic may be effective against the physical impact of the virus; however, the resulting mental strains can lead to the development of several mental disturbances. Taijiquan and Qigong are considered traditional vegetative biofeedback therapies that allow the practitioner to control the functions and processes of the body through specific movements or stances, breathing techniques, and meditative exercises. This study aims to understand if these techniques can be applied as an online distance therapeutic option to reduce the psychological impact of home confinement and social distancing. Sixty-four participants were recruited and allocated to three groups. The experienced and novice Taijiquan and Qigong participants’ groups received the intervention for 8 weeks while the control group did not receive any intervention. The outcomes were psychological well-being and psychological distress levels and were assessed by the Mental Health Inventory and a written interview. The experienced Taijiquan and Qigong participants achieved significant improvements in psychological well-being and psychological distress. Novice Taijiquan and Qigong participants achieved a significant improvement in anxiety levels. Additionally, the control group showed a significant decrease in psychological well-being. This study suggests that this distance online program of Taijiquan and Qigong is feasible and may benefit the mental health of participants during a lockdown.
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Matos LC, Machado JP, Monteiro FJ, Greten HJ. Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis Be Parameterized and Standardized? A Narrative Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:177. [PMID: 33562368 PMCID: PMC7914658 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9020177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in Western health systems and research requires a rational communicable theory, scientific proof of efficacy and safety, and quality control measures. The existence of clear definitions and the diagnosis standardization are critical factors to establish the patient's vegetative functional status accurately and, therefore, systematically apply TCM therapeutics such as the stimulation of reflex skin areas known as acupoints. This science-based conceptualization entails using validated methods, or even developing new systems able to parameterize the diagnosis and assess TCM related effects by objective measurements. Traditionally, tongue and pulse diagnosis and the functional evaluation of action points by pressure sensitivity and physical examination may be regarded as essential diagnostic tools. Parameterizing these techniques is a future key point in the objectification of TCM diagnosis, such as by electronic digital image analysis, mechanical pulse diagnostic systems, or the systematic evaluation of acupoints' electrophysiology. This review aims to demonstrate and critically analyze some achievements and limitations in the clinical application of device-assisted TCM diagnosis systems to evaluate functional physiological patterns. Despite some limitations, tongue, pulse, and electrophysiological diagnosis devices have been reported as a useful tool while establishing a person's functional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Carlos Matos
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- CBSIn—Centro de Biociências em Saúde Integrativa, Atlântico Business School, 4405-604 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;
- CTEC—Centro Transdisciplinar de Estudos da Consciência da Universidade Fernando Pessoa, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Pereira Machado
- CBSIn—Centro de Biociências em Saúde Integrativa, Atlântico Business School, 4405-604 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal;
- ICBAS—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Fernando Jorge Monteiro
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal;
- INEB—Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Henry Johannes Greten
- ICBAS—Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- German Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany
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Rodrigues JM, Lopes L, Gonçalves M, Machado JP. Taijiquan and qigong as a mindfulness cognitive-behavioural based therapy on the treatment of cothymia in school-age children - A preliminary study. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2020; 26:329-338. [PMID: 33992266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development and well-being of children are directly linked to several aspects. Among those aspects, physical activity, an adequate nutrition, and a healthy mind, seem to be of crucial importance. Psychopathologies, such as anxiety and depression, have a negative impact on life, especially when co-occurring (mixed-anxiety depression disorder/cothymia), and the clinical implications include a higher risk of suicide and psychiatric hospitalization, elevated disability, decreased compliance with medical treatment, and considerably increased usage of medical services. Thus, research in conventional and nonconventional modalities is necessary to address this issue. The main objective of this study was to understand if TJQ and QG could be effective as a mindfulness cognitive-behavioural based therapeutic tool with body movement, for the treatment of children suffering from cothymia. METHODS In this small study, six selected children, four males and two females aged between 7 and 11 years old, were taught a set of exercises of TaijiQuan (TJQ) and Qi Gong (QG). To obtain the results, the Achenbach Teacher's Report Form (TRF) was applied at the beginning of the experimental period, as well as at the ending of the experimental period. The resulting scores were analysed to observe the difference between both moments of evaluation. RESULTS Results showed some improvements in symptoms, with an average improvement of 46%. CONCLUSION TJQ and QG seem to be a promising complementary therapeutic tool in cognitive-behavioural approaches for children who suffer from cothymia, as well as prevention and control for children who may not display symptoms at a clinical level. However, further research is needed in order to understand the full potential of these therapeutic exercises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues
- ICBAS-UP - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Portuguese Institute of Taiji and Qigong, Urbanização da Bouça Grande Rua E, nº102, 4470-765, Maia, Portugal; CBSin - Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Lara Lopes
- ICBAS-UP - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Portuguese Institute of Taiji and Qigong, Urbanização da Bouça Grande Rua E, nº102, 4470-765, Maia, Portugal; CBSin - Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, Porto, Portugal
| | - Mário Gonçalves
- ICBAS-UP - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; German Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Karlsruher Straße, 12, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany; Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, Karlsruher Straße, 12, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jorge Pereira Machado
- ICBAS-UP - Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo, 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; CBSin - Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, Porto, Portugal; LABIOMEP - Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, Portugal, Rua Dr. Plácido Costa, 91, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal
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Gonçalves M, Matos LC, Duarte L, Machado J, Greten HJ, Franconi G. Problems of scientific methodology related to placebo control in Qigong studies: A systematic review. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2020; 24:261-270. [PMID: 33218521 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Qigong is widespread in the West and used for preventive care, stress-induced conditions, emotional and vegetative symptoms like migraine and hypertension, as well as for better coordination in the elderly and quality of life enhancement in severe disease such as cancer. Adequate controls for Qigong research are lacking, compromising the level of efficacy evidence. Adequate Qigong placebo control exercises should match clear and standardized criteria. METHODS Three computerized databases were assessed in January 2018 (Scopus, Web of Science and MEDLINE on PubMed) using the following keywords or their combinations: (Qigong OR Qi Gong OR Gong Qi OR Chi Kung OR Kung Chi OR Kiko OR Ki Gong OR Ki Kong) AND placebo. In addition, all reference lists were scanned for further relevant articles. Literature was examined for the effects of Qigong as compared to a control intervention. RESULTS 110 articles were found, 78 of which were excluded after examining the title and abstract, and 16 because they were duplicates. Four more articles were found by searching in the bibliographies of published papers. A total of 20 studies were included in this systematic review. We found that, to the best of our knowledge, no criteria for placebo controls have been published in peer-reviewed journals so far. CONCLUSION Placebo controls should be developed by the usage of vegetative functional assessments such as heart rate variability, thermography, and electrophysiological measurements, thus excluding major vegetative effects of the exercise, as well as by the usage of psychometric tests and other quantitative evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mário Gonçalves
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; DGTCM - German Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany; HSCM - Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Luís Carlos Matos
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; Centro Transdisciplinar de Estudos da Consciência da Universidade Fernando Pessoa (CTEC-UFP), 4249-004, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leonel Duarte
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Machado
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; LABIOMEP - Biomechanics Laboratory of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-450, Porto, Portugal
| | - Henry Johannes Greten
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; DGTCM - German Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany; HSCM - Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Giovanna Franconi
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
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Consentino R, Santos MJ, Matos LC, Machado JP. Bibliometric Analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Scientific Production between 1982 and 2016 Indexed in PubMed. MEDICINES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2018; 5:E41. [PMID: 29751517 PMCID: PMC6023452 DOI: 10.3390/medicines5020041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be understood as a system of sensations and findings designed to establish the functional vegetative state of the body. This state may be treated by several therapeutic methods such as acupuncture, Chinese pharmacotherapy, dietetics, Tuina, and Qigong. Nowadays, as a result of several evidence-based reported beneficial effects over specific pathological conditions, there is an increasing tendency to integrate some of these practices in Western medicine. The main goal of this study was to perform a bibliometric analysis of TCM scientific production between 1982 and 2016 indexed in PubMed, by analyzing several parameters including time and location distribution, publication quality, experimental design, and treatment methods. Methods: The methodology was based on the quantitative inventory of published scientific research indexed in PubMed medical subject headings (MeSH), sorted within the broad term “Traditional Chinese Medicine” and integrating the following criteria as limit filters: “Species: Humans”, “Article Type: Clinical Trial”. In addition, the articles’ triage was ruled by temporal limitations set between 1945 and 2016. Results: The overall analysis of data allowed observation of an average annual growth of approximately 33%, with a productive peak of 122 articles in 2007. The scientific production was distributed in 27 countries, led by China (76.1%), followed by the United States of America (3.0%) and South Korea (2.1%). A significant amount of references were published in Chinese journals: more than 50%; however, these journals had a low impact factor. The most cited treatments in the keywords section of the articles were phytotherapy (55%) and acupuncture (40%). Conclusion: The increasing demand for TCM seems to be due to factors such as lower side effects and greater efficacy in some patients not responding well to conventional therapy. As a result, a considerable amount of TCM science-based literature has been produced, supporting the rational integration of these practices in Western healthcare systems and research. Our results show that the quality of TCM research and inherent publications have been increasing over the last decades, with a higher incidence of studies published in well-ranked journals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Consentino
- ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Maria João Santos
- ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Luís Carlos Matos
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Jorge Pereira Machado
- ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- LABIOMEP-Porto Biomechanics Laboratory, University of Porto, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal.
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Sousa CM, Coimbra D, Machado J, Greten HJ. Effects of self-administered exercises based on Tuina techniques on musculoskeletal disorders of professional orchestra musicians: a randomized controlled trial. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2015; 13:314-8. [PMID: 26343102 DOI: 10.1016/s2095-4964(15)60194-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musicians are frequently affected by playing-related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD). Common solutions used by Western medicine to treat musculoskeletal pain include rehabilitation programs and drugs, but their results are sometimes disappointing. OBJECTIVE To study the effects of self-administered exercises based on Tuina techniques on the pain intensity caused by PRMD of professional orchestra musicians, using numeric visual scale (NVS). DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS We performed a prospective, controlled, single-blinded, randomized study with musicians suffering from PRMD. Participating musicians were randomly distributed into the experimental (n=39) and the control (n=30) groups. After an individual diagnostic assessment, specific Tuina self-administered exercises were developed and taught to the participants. Musicians were instructed to repeat the exercises every day for 3 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pain intensity was measured by NVS before the intervention and after 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20 d of treatment. The procedure was the same for the control group, however the Tuina exercises were executed in points away from the commonly-used acupuncture points. RESULTS In the treatment group, but not the control group, pain intensity was significantly reduced on days 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20. CONCLUSION The results obtained are consistent with the hypothesis that self-administered exercises based on Tuina techniques could help professional musicians controlling the pain caused by PRMD. Although our results are very promising, further studies are needed employing a larger sample size and double blinding designs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Maria Sousa
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal; E-mail:
| | - Daniela Coimbra
- Porto Polytechnic Institute, Superior School of Music and PerformingArts, 4000-035 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Machado
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal
| | - Henry J Greten
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, University of Porto, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal.,German Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany
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Sousa CM, Moreira L, Coimbra D, Machado J, Greten HJ. Immediate effects of Tuina techniques on working-related musculoskeletal disorder of professional orchestra musicians. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE-JIM 2015; 13:257-61. [PMID: 26165370 DOI: 10.1016/s2095-4964(15)60181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Musicians are a prone group to suffer from working-related musculoskeletal disorder (WRMD). Conventional solutions to control musculoskeletal pain include pharmacological treatment and rehabilitation programs but their efficiency is sometimes disappointing. OBJECTIVE The aim of this research is to study the immediate effects of Tuina techniques on WRMD of professional orchestra musicians from the north of Portugal. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS We performed a prospective, controlled, single-blinded, randomized study. Professional orchestra musicians with a diagnosis of WRMD were randomly distributed into the experimental group (n=39) and the control group (n=30). During an individual interview, Chinese diagnosis took place and treatment points were chosen. Real acupoints were treated by Tuina techniques into the experimental group and non-specific skin points were treated into the control group. Pain was measured by verbal numerical scale before and immediately after intervention. RESULTS After one treatment session, pain was reduced in 91.8% of the cases for the experimental group and 7.9% for the control group. CONCLUSION Although results showed that Tuina techniques are effectively reducing WRMD in professional orchestra musicians of the north of Portugal, further investigations with stronger measurements, double-blinding designs and bigger simple sizes are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cláudia Maria Sousa
- University of Porto, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal
| | - Luis Moreira
- Jean Piaget Health Superior School, 4405-708 Gaia, Portugal
- Research in Education and Community Intervention - RECI, 3515-776 Viseu, Portugal
| | - Daniela Coimbra
- Porto Polytechnic Institute, Superior School of Music and PerformingArts, i2ads, 4000-035 Porto, Portugal
| | - Jorge Machado
- University of Porto, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal
| | - Henry J Greten
- University of Porto, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal
- German Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, 69126 Heidelberg, Germany
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Qigong as a Traditional Vegetative Biofeedback Therapy: Long-Term Conditioning of Physiological Mind-Body Effects. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:531789. [PMID: 26137485 PMCID: PMC4475564 DOI: 10.1155/2015/531789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
A contemporary understanding of Chinese Medicine (CM) regards CM diagnosis as a functional vegetative state that may be treated by vegetative reflex therapies such as acupuncture. Within this context, traditional mind-body exercises such as Qigong can be understood as an attempt to enhance physiological proprioception, by combining a special state of “awareness” with posture, movement, and breath control. We have formerly trained young auditing flutists in “White Ball” Qigong to minimize anxiety-induced cold hands and lower anxiety-induced heart rate. Functional changes occurred 2–5 min after training and were observed over the whole training program, allowing the children to control their symptoms. In our current work, we report that warm fingers and calm hearts could be induced by the children even without Qigong exercises. Thus, these positive changes once induced and “conditioned” vegetatively were stable after weeks of training. This may show the mechanism by which Qigong acts as a therapeutic measure in disease: positive vegetative pathways may be activated instead of dysfunctional functional patterns. The positive vegetative patterns then may be available in critical stressful situations. Qigong exercise programs may therefore be understood as an ancient vegetative biofeedback exercise inducing positive vegetative functions which are added to the individual reactive repertoire.
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Albrecht T, Wu S, Baumann I, Plinkert PK, Sertel S. Measurable impact of acupuncture on mucosal swelling of inferior turbinates: a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Acta Otolaryngol 2015; 135:169-76. [PMID: 25578128 DOI: 10.3109/00016489.2014.973533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CONCLUSIONS Sham acupuncture turned out to be more effective than expected. The effect of acupuncture cannot be assessed by optical rhinometry (ORM). OBJECTIVES In most cases nasal congestion is caused by hypertrophy of the inferior turbinate as a result of allergic and chronic rhinitis. Topical decongestants cause severe side effects. As a consequence, there is an increasing demand for alternative treatment options such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). METHODS A total of 25 patients with nasal congestion due to hypertrophic inferior turbinate were recruited. The mucosal swelling status of the inferior turbinate was assessed by continuous ORM for 20 min. Patients were asked to score the severity of their nasal congestion on a visual analogue scale (VAS) before and 10 and 20 min after acupuncture. Specific verum acupuncture points related to nasal congestion were tested against non-specific control sham acupuncture points. RESULTS Sham acupuncture improved VAS scores, whereas ORM measured an increase in nasal swelling. The ORM revealed a quicker onset of the effect of verum acupuncture on the nasal blood flow. Also, verum acupuncture reaches its maximum effect in a shorter time period, so that the net reaction time was much shorter. However, ORM could not prove a decongestant effect of verum acupuncture on inferior turbinate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Albrecht
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
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Effects of acupuncture on leucopenia, neutropenia, NK, and B cells in cancer patients: a randomized pilot study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2014; 2014:217397. [PMID: 25152759 PMCID: PMC4131450 DOI: 10.1155/2014/217397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Revised: 06/01/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy is one of most significant therapeutic approaches to cancer. Immune system functional state is considered a major prognostic and predictive impact on the success of chemotherapy and it has an important role on patients' psychoemotional state and quality of life. In Chinese medicine, chemotherapy is understood as “toxic cold” that may induce a progressive hypofunctional state of immune system, thus compromising the fast recovery of immunity during chemotherapy. In this study, we performed a standardized acupuncture and moxibustion protocol to enhance immunity in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and to assess if the improvement of immunity status correlates with a better psychoemotional state and quality of life.
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Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient holistic medicine based on the doctrine of Tao and Qi. Tao represents an alteration from which the polarity of Yin and Yang arises and Qi is the vitality which circulates through the body. Therapeutic concepts of TCM include acupuncture, herbal therapy, nutrition and Tuina, a form of manual therapy. TCM is now gaining increased acceptance in the Western society as a complementary therapy. Acupuncture and herbal therapy are the main forms of implementation of TCM in urology.
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Diagnosis and objective pain assessment of traditional Chinese medicine may be useful to demonstrate specific effects of acupuncture in low back pain: A prospective, randomized, controlled and single blinded pre-study. JOURNAL OF ACUPUNCTURE AND TUINA SCIENCE 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11726-013-0679-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Matos LC. Assessment of Qigong-related effects by infrared thermography: a case study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 10:663-6. [DOI: 10.3736/jcim20120610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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