Acupuncture: filling the effectiveness gaps in Western medicine?

Activation of the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for COVID-19

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) underlined the urgent need for alleviating cytokine storm. We propose here that activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a potential therapeutic strategy. However, there is currently no approved drugs targeting the regulatory pathway. It is evident that nicotine, anisodamine and some herb medicine, activate the CAP and exert anti-inflammation action in vitro and in vivo. As the vagus nerve affects both inflammation and specific immune response, we propose that vagus nerve stimulation by invasive or non-invasive devices and acupuncture at ST36, PC6, or GV20, are also feasible approaches to activate the CAP and control COVID-19. It is worth to investigate the efficacy and safety of the strategy in patients with COVID-19.

Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for hypertension: An overview of systematic reviews

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Acupuncture is widely used in the treatment of hypertension, yet its efficacy and safety for hypertension remain controversial. This overview aimed to summarize the evidence on acupuncture for hypertension.

METHODS

Eight databases were searched. The Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) tool and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach were performed.

RESULTS

Fifteen systematic reviews (SRs) were identified. Methodological quality and quality of evidence were unsatisfactory. Acupuncture combined with Western medicine (WM) was superior to WM in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), efficacy rate, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome. Acupuncture was more effective in treating SBP and DBP than sham acupuncture plus WM. Evidence regarding the benefit of acupuncture alone for SBP and DBP, efficacy rate and TCM syndrome was inconsistent. No serious adverse effects were identified.

CONCLUSION

High-quality SRs and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are required.

Guidelines for randomised controlled trials investigating Chinese herbal medicine

ETHNOGRAPHIC RELEVANCE: Clinical trials investigating Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) have been frequently criticised for their lack of scientific rigour. As part of the GP-TCM project a team of experienced clinical researchers and CHM practitioners have developed clinical trial guidelines for CHM that combine an appreciation for traditional methods of practice with detailed and practical advice on research methodology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This paper presents an executive summary of this work. It introduces the practice of CHM and the key considerations that need to be addressed whilst researching this traditional medical system.

RESULTS

These guidelines emphasise the importance of identifying best practice, and then developing and applying appropriate and rigorous research methodologies to investigate CHM as a whole system.

CONCLUSIONS

It is hoped that this will encourage a thoughtful and meticulous process of investigation that will clarify the contribution that CHM can make to our future healthcare. Innovative new approaches are considered including the application of the new "omic" technologies and systems biology as a way of enhancing our understanding of traditional practice.