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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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Wang TH, Wang MH, Shih CC, Lu YH, Zheng HX, Tseng YT, Hu WL, Chang TC, Hung YC. Comparison of physical electrical conductivity and acupuncture de-qi sensation between stainless steel needling and supercritical fluid-treated needling. Biomed J 2020; 44:S267-S274. [PMID: 35300944 PMCID: PMC9068558 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background While acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, modern technology to develop new needle materials has rarely been discussed. We aim to explore a new acupuncture needle material and compare the differences in the needling sensations between the acupuncture needle surface treated with nitrogen applied supercritical fluid (SCF–N) and conventional stainless steel needles. Methods This was a double-blind cohort study. The acupuncture needles were randomly used in this experiment, including the SCF-N-treated needles and the control stainless steel needles. LI 4 (Hegu) and LI 11 (Quchi) acupuncture points in the Yangming Large Intestine Meridian of Hand were treated. Physical electrical resistance, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometry, and visual analog scale (VAS) score including the sensations of soreness, numbness, distention, and heaviness were assessed. Results The proportion of nitrogen (N) was significantly higher in the SCF-N-treated needles than in the stainless steel needles group (2.3 ± 0.2% vs 0.0 ± 0.0%, P < 0.01). The cumulative de-qi sensation score at the LI 4 Hegu acupoint (1.87 ± 1.88 vs 1.54 ± 1.62, P = 0.014), especially the sensation of soreness score (2.76 ± 2.06 vs 2.13 ± 1.85, P = 0.045), revealed statistically significant differences between both groups. SCF-N surface treatment of acupuncture needles may lower the electrical resistance more than the control stainless steel needles (24.67 ± 0.88 kW vs 26.45 ± 0.75 kW, p < 0.01). Conclusion Acupuncture needles modified with SCF-N surface treatment can enhance de-qi sensations to improve electrical conductivity of the meridian and therapeutic effects on the Yangming Large Intestine Meridian of Hand. SCF-N surface treated needles can be as a new acupuncture needle material in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Hao Wang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Hui Wang
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Cheng Shih
- Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsin Lu
- Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Xuan Zheng
- Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Tseng
- Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Long Hu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Fooyin University College of Nursing, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Kaohsiung Medical University of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chang Chang
- Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Chiang Hung
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Kaohsiung, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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Hung YC, Chen WC, Chang TC, Zheng HX, Liu YW, Tan YF, Lin SK, Lu YH, Hu WL, Tsai TM. Meridian study on the response current affected by electrical pulse and acupuncture. NANOSCALE RESEARCH LETTERS 2020; 15:146. [PMID: 32651748 PMCID: PMC7352033 DOI: 10.1186/s11671-020-03373-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture and its meridians are important components of traditional Chinese medicine, and numerous opinions have been previously expressed regarding these meridians. This study aims to explore the phenomenon of meridians from the perspective of electronic physics by studying these meridians for the response current affected by electrical pulse and acupuncture. In this study, acupuncture which applies an electrical pulse was used to research the physical properties of the meridians. Different kinds of pulses were applied to the human body to realize abnormal electrical signals. Comparing these electrical measurement results with the isothermal transient ionic current (ITIC) theory, we found that the transmission of meridian messages may be related to ion conduction. The movement of ions induced by acupuncture and electrical stimulation can lead to drift and diffusion currents through the meridians. The ionic conduction of meridian hypothesis is proved in that the substances delivered by meridians are in fact ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chiang Hung
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123 Dapi Road, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan.
- School of Chinese medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 259, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Chung Chen
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70 Lienhai Rd, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Chang Chang
- Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70 Lien-hai Road, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan.
- The Center of Crystal Research, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, 804, Taiwan.
| | - Hao-Xuan Zheng
- Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70 Lien-hai Road, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Wen Liu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123 Dapi Road, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Fang Tan
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70 Lienhai Rd, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Kai Lin
- Institute of Electronics Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Hsin Lu
- Department of Physics, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70 Lien-hai Road, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Long Hu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 123 Dapi Road, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
- School of Chinese medicine, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 259, Wenhua 1st Rd., Guishan Dist., Taoyuan, 33302, Taiwan
- College of Nursing, Fooyin University, 151, Jinxue Rd, Kaohsiung, 83102, Taiwan
- Kaohsiung Medical College of Medicine, 100, Shiquan 1st Rd., Kaohsiung, 80708, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Ming Tsai
- Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, 70 Lienhai Rd, Kaohsiung, 80424, Taiwan
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Matos LC, Machado J, Greten HJ, Monteiro FJ. Changes of skin electrical potential in acupoints from Ren Mai and Du Mai conduits during Qigong practice: Documentation of a clinical phenomenon. J Bodyw Mov Ther 2019; 23:713-720. [PMID: 31733752 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Qigong is a therapeutic method of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that combines slow, soft movements and postures with breath control and a special mental state of 'awareness'. TCM holds that the practice of Qigong promotes the 'circulation of qi' in the human body, the 'flow' of upward yang qi and downward yin qi to establish 'balance'. In Western terms, this may be generally equivalent to vegetative homeostasis and the emotionally balanced state induced thereby. Researchers have often attempted to evaluate the functional movements of qi using measurements of the skin's electrical resistance. However, these methodologies have proven difficult to gauge, validate, repeat, and interpret. We aimed to overcome these limitations by measuring the skin's electrical potential between two points of the same system. The main goal of this study was to assess the skin's electrical potential changes in acupoints from the Ren Mai and Du Mai conduits, or meridians, as well as in other points of interest, during Qigong practice. While participants performed a specific Qigong exercise called 'White Ball', we observed significant changes in the skin electrical potential on Mìngmén (GV 4), Shèndáo (GV 11) and Baihuì (GV 20), from the Du Mai conduit, as well as on Huiyin (CV 1), Qìhai (CV 6), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Dànzhong (CV 17), from Ren Mai. These observations are in accordance with TCM theory and may contribute to the explanation of the vegetative physiological changes that are associated with 'qi flow' in TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Carlos Matos
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Jorge Machado
- ICBAS - Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-030, 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, 4099-030, Porto, Portugal; DGTCM - German Society of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany; HSCM - Heidelberg School of Chinese Medicine, 69126, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Fernando Jorge Monteiro
- Faculdade de Engenharia da Universidade do Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias s/n, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal
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Liu AJ, Li JH, Li HQ, Fu DL, Lu L, Bian ZX, Zheng GQ. Electroacupuncture for Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2016; 43:1541-66. [PMID: 26621442 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x15500883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is an extension technique of acupuncture based on traditional acupuncture combined with modern electrotherapy. Here, we conducted a systematic review specifically to assess the effectiveness and safety of EA for acute ischemic stroke. Eight databases were searched for randomized-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) of EA for acute ischemic stroke published from inception to June 2013. Ultimately, 67 studies claimed to be RCTs. Eighteen studies with 1411 individuals were selected for the analyses, which got [Formula: see text] “yes” in the domains of Cochrane risk of bias tool. The meta-analysis showed a significant effect of EA for improving Barthel Index ([Formula: see text]), Fugl–Meyer Assessment ([Formula: see text]), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ([Formula: see text]) and Revised Scandinavian Stroke Scale ([Formula: see text]) compared with western conventional treatments (WCTs). In an analysis of the total clinical efficacy rate, there was a significant difference between EA and WCTs ([Formula: see text]). Adverse effects were monitored in 6 studies, and were well tolerated in all stroke patients. According to the GRADE approach, the quality of evidence was mostly high or moderate. In conclusion, this systematic review revealed the evidence in support of the use of EA for acute ischemic stroke, although further larger sample-size and rigorously designed RCTs are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ju Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ji-Huang Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui-Qin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Deng-Lei Fu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lin Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zhao-Xiang Bian
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guo-Qing Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325027, Zhejiang, China
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