Advances in the study of endocannabinoid receptors in experimental acupuncture analgesia

The endocannabinoid system, an important biological network for maintaining and balancing various functions of the human body, is involved in many physiological functions such as pain, emotion, learning and memory, etc. Among which the endocannabinoid receptors ［including type I (CB1) and type II (CB2) receptors］ play an important role in the regulation of pain and have become an important target in the mechanism research of acupuncture analgesia. CB1 is mainly distributed in the central nervous system, including the spinal cord, cerebral cortex, amygdala, insular cortex, and basal ganglia, etc. CB2 is mainly distributed in peripheral immune tissues, such as spleen, bone, skin, etc. In the central and peripheral nervous systems, acupuncture can activate CB1 and CB2 receptors respectively, which is involved in the transmission of central nociceptive signals and related transmitters as well as the peri-pheral pro-nociceptive inflammatory response, thereby alleviating the nociceptive hypersensitivity in animal models. In this paper, we systematically summarize the roles of the above mechanisms in different types of animal models (inflammatory pain, neuropathological pain, visceral pain, etc.), so as to provide new ideas for the study of the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture analgesia.

[Empirical analysis on lumbar disc herniation treated with "sinew-bone three needling technique" of Chinese medicine]

The paper presents professor WU Han-qing's experience in treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) with "sinew-bone three needling technique" of Chinese medicine. Based on the theory of meridian sinew, the points are located by "three-pass method" in terms of the distribution of meridian sinew and syndrome/pattern differentiation. The cord-like muscles and adhesion are relieved by relaxing technique to work directly on the affected sites and alleviate the local compression to the nerve root. The needle technique is operated flexibly according to the affected regions involved, due to which, the needling sensation is increased while the safety ensured. As a result, the meridian qi is enhanced, the mind and qi circulation is regulated; and the clinical effect is improved.

[WU Han-qing's theory and clinical application of "three regions, nine needles and twelve methods"]

The paper introduces the theory and the clinical application of "three regions, nine needles and twelve methods" summarized by professor WU Han-qing. On the basis of traditional nine needles and in association with taiji longguan needling technique handed down from family generations, WU Han-qing innovated "three regions, nine needles and twelve methods". According to the treating location and anatomical structure, the needling techniques are classified in terms of three regions, i.e. the needling technique of cutaneous region, that of sinew region and that of periosteum region. Nine kinds of needle devices are developed, including two categories, i.e. miniature sinew-bone needle and grand sinew-bone needle. Based on the three-region needling techniques, 12 acupuncture methods are summarized for different areas and layers of diseases. This acupuncture technique is applicable for the treatment of chronic pain such as injury of sinews, pain in the neck, shoulder, lumbar region and leg and sequela of apoplexy.