Efficacy of the spirit-regulation method of Jin's three-needle therapy for post-stroke anxiety and its effect on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis

OBJECTIVES

To observe the clinical efficacy of the spirit-regulation method of Jin's three-needle therapy on post-stroke anxiety and its effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

METHODS

Fifty-four patients with post-stroke anxiety were divided into spirit regulation (Jin's three needle therapy) group and sham-acupuncture group according to the random number table method, 28 cases in the spirit regulation and 26 cases in the sham-acupuncture group. The patients of the two groups received the same regimen of basic medication and rehabilitation, and the same acupoint prescription was adopted, including Sishenzhen (extra points, 1.5 cun to Baihui ［GV20］ at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o'clock positions), Shenting (GV24), Yintang (EX-HN3), and bilateral Shenmen (HT7), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4) and Taichong (LR3). The true acupuncture was delivered in the spirit regulation group and the sham acupuncture operated in the sham-acupuncture group. One treatment lasted for 30 min, once daily, 5 times a week. The duration of treatment was 3 weeks in the trial. Before treatment and on day 10 and day 21 of treatment, the changes in the score of Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and that of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were compared between the two groups separately. Using ELISA, the contents of adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) and cortisol (CORT) in the serum were detected, and the adverse reactions were recorded.

RESULTS

In the within-group comparison before and after treatment, HAMA score and NIHSS score dropped on day 10 and day 21 after treatment in the spirit regulation group (P<0.05)；HAMA score and NIHSS score in the sham-acupuncture group were decreased on day 21 of treatment (P<0.05). After 21 days of treatment, HAMA score and NIHSS score in the spirit-regulation group were decreased significantly than those in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.05) and the contents of ACTH and CORT in the serum decreased when compared with those before treatment and those of the sham-operation group (P<0.05). No obvious adverse events occurred in the spirit-regulation group and the sham-acupuncture group.

CONCLUSIONS

Using sham acupuncture as a control, it is preliminarily confirmed that the spirit regulation method of Jin's three-needle therapy is effective on post-stroke anxiety. In association of the downtrend of serological indicators, it is speculated that the underlying mechanism of this therapy is related to HPA axis.

[ZHUANG Li-xing's experience in treatment of dyskinesia of Parkinson's disease with acupuncture at triple-acupoint prescription]

The paper introduces professor ZHUANG Li-xing's clinical experience in treatment of dyskinesia of Parkinson's disease with acupuncture at triple-acupoint prescription. In pathogenesis, dyskinesia of Parkinson's disease refers to yang deficiency and disturbing wind. In treatment, acupuncture focuses on warming yang, promoting the circulation of the governor vessel, regulating the spirit and stopping trembling; and Baihui (GV 20), Suliao (GV 25) and Dingchanxue (Extra) are selected to be "trembling relief needling". In combination with Jin's three needling, named "three-trembling needling" "three-governor-vessel needling" and "three-spasm needling", the triple-acupoint prescription is composed. To ensure the favorable therapeutic effect, this prescription is modified according to the symptoms and the specific techniques of acupuncture are combined such as conducting qi, harmonizing yin and yang, and manipulating gently for reinforcing and reducing.

[Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's experience of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders]

Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's diagnosis and treatment method and manipulation key points of mind-regulation acupuncture for psychosomatic disorders are summarized. Professor ZHUANG proposes that psychosomatic disorders can be subdivided into "mind-body disorder" and "body-mind disorder". The former requires treatment aimed at regulating the mind. The main acupoints are Sishenzhen, Shenting (GV 24), Yintang (GV 24⁺), Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The additional acupoints are Suliao (GV 25), Shuigou (GV 26), Shenmai (BL 62), Zhaohai (KI 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3), etc. The latter requires treatment aimed at improving the original diseases, supplemented by regulating the mind (row acupuncture on the governor vessel). Acupoint selection is based on the theories of brain-mind, and the emphasis is placed on the governor vessel; in the meanwhile, regulating zangfu and qi-blood should be valued. After the arrival of qi, the Daoqi Tongjing method (the specific technique for directing qi and preserving essence) is applied, combined with auricular point sticking and fire needling at affected part to enhance the curative effect.

Efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of Parkinson's disease-related constipation (PDC): A randomized controlled trial

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in treating Parkinson's disease-related constipation (PDC).

Materials and methods

This was a randomized, controlled trial in which patients, outcome assessors, and statisticians were all blinded. Seventy-eight eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the manual acupuncture (MA) or sham acupuncture (SA) groups and received 12 sessions of treatment over a 4-week period. Following treatment, patients were monitored until the eighth week. The primary outcome was the change in weekly complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) from baseline after treatment and follow-up. The Constipation Symptom and Efficacy Assessment Scale (CSEAS), the Patient-Assessment of Constipation Quality of Life questionnaire (PAC-QOL), and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) were used as secondary outcomes.

Results

In the intention-to-treat analysis, 78 patients with PDC were included, with 71 completing the 4-week intervention and 4-week follow-up. When compared to the SA group, weekly CSBMs were significantly increased after treatment with the MA group (P < 0.001). Weekly CSBMs in the MA group were 3.36 [standard deviation (SD) 1.44] at baseline and increased to 4.62 (SD, 1.84) after treatment (week 4). The SA group's weekly CSBMs were 3.10 (SD, 1.45) at baseline and 3.03 (SD, 1.25) after treatment, with no significant change from baseline. The effect on weekly CSBMs improvement in the MA group lasted through the follow-up period (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Acupuncture was found to be effective and safe in treating PDC in this study, and the treatment effect lasted up to 4 weeks.

Clinical trial registration

http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx, identifier ChiCTR2200059979.

[Standardized Jin's three-needle therapy for stroke: a randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of standardized Jin's three-needle therapy on limb motor function and nerve function defect in stroke patients, and to evaluate the placebo control method.

METHODS

A total of 66 patients with stroke were randomly divided into a Jin's three-needle group (33 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a placebo needle group (33 cases, 4 cases dropped off). All the patients were treated with conventional medication and rehabilitation treatment. In addition, the patients in the Jin's three-needle group were treated with standardized Jin's three-needle therapy at temporal three points, spirit four points, hand three points, foot three points, upper extremity spasm three points, lower extremity spasm three points, etc.; while the patients in the placebo needle group were treated with placebo needling at identical points. All the treatments were given once a day, 5 days a week, and 3-week treatment was given with an interval of 2 days between weeks. The scores of Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) and National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS) were observed before treatment, 10 d and 21 d into treatment, and the blind evaluation was conducted after treatment.

RESULTS

On the 10 d and 21 d into treatment, the FMA scores in both groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.01), and the NIHSS scores were lower than those before treatment (P<0.01). On the 10 d and 21 d into treatment, the FMA scores in the Jin's three-needle group were higher than those in the placebo needle group (P<0.05); on the 10 d into treatment, the NIHSS score in the Jin's three-needle group was were lower than that in the placebo needle group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups on judging the type of treatment (P>0.05), and the consistency with the real situation was poor (Cohen's kappa coefficient<0.20).

CONCLUSION

The standardized Jin's three-needle therapy could effectively improve the limb motor function and nerve function defect in stroke patients. The placebo control method used in this study shows good clinical operability and masking effect.

Effect of electroacupuncture for Pisa syndrome in Parkinson’s disease: A case report

BACKGROUND

Pisa syndrome (PS) refers to marked lateral flexion of the trunk with a Cobb angle greater than 10°, which is typically mobile and can be resolved by lying down. PS is one of the most common postural deformities secondary to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and can aggravate scoliosis in the advanced stages of PD.

CASE SUMMARY

Here, we present the case of a 53-year-old woman who presented with lateral curvature for 6 mo. Full spine X-ray films in the correct position showed that the thoracolumbar spine was bent to the right without any rotation of the vertebrae. The patient was diagnosed with Pisa syndrome. After receiving a month’s treatment with electroacupuncture, the Cobb angle decreased from 18.14° to 13.41°.

CONCLUSION

This case demonstrates that electroacupuncture can effectively improve Pisa syndrome secondary to PD with few side effects and a low risk of recurrence. Additionally, early accurate diagnosis and timely intervention are meaningful for the prognosis of PS.

[Effect of Daoqi Tongjing needling method on intra-uterine residue after drug abortion from the perspectives of Hegu (LI 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6)]

The paper introduces professor ZHUANG Li-xing's clinical experience in treatment of intra-uterine residue and lochia after drug abortion. Professor ZHUANG believes that this disorder is related to "dysfunction of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel, qi deficiency and blood stagnation, and retention of turbid qi in the uterus" in pathogenesis. The treating principle should focus on "regulating the functions of the thoroughfare vessel and the conception vessel, tonifying qi and eliminating stasis, as well as promoting qi movement". Besides Hegu (LI 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6), the acupoints are added from the conception vessel. The Daoqi Tongjing needling technique (the specific technique for directing qi and preserving essence) is exerted flexibly instead of traditional reinforcing and reducing technique of acupuncture to tonify qi and remove stasis.

Acupuncture for Parkinson's disease: From theory to practice

Advances in molecular biology and biochemistry have improved the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). There has been extensive evidence on the benefit of standard treatment (e.g., deep brain stimulation, levodopa, and dopamine agonists) and acupuncture for PD. This article aims to distill the similarities and differences in the treatment concepts between Chinese and Western medicine from the perspective of reinforcing the deficiency and purging the excess, summarize the latest evidence on the benefits of acupuncture for PD from theory to practice, and propose prospective treatment options for PD.

[An auxiliary device for double-blind placebo acupuncture research]

This device is an auxiliary device with reasonable design for placebo acupuncture research, so as to make double-blind placebo acupuncture control possible. This new auxiliary acupuncture device includes an acupuncture device and a placebo acupuncture device with exactly the same appearance. Both of them are composed of a hemispherical base and a telescopic tube. Through the rotation of the telescopic tube in the notch of the base, the insertion angle of needles can be adjusted from 15 degrees to 165 degrees. The operation of twisting and lifting and inserting can be carried out through the horizontal rotation and vertical sliding of the telescopic tube. A silicone needle pad is arranged in the base, which can simulate the blocking feeling of skin and muscle during needle insertion. The bottom of the base is attached with hydrogel, which has good fixity. The auxiliary device is applicable to multiple parts of the human body and can effectively reduce the risk of unblinding.

Is single acupoint Sanyinjiao (SP 6) effective in managing insomnia? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

Insomnia is a symptom of physical or mental disorder and refers to decreased sleep time and potentially low quality. There is evidence showing that acupuncture could enhance management of insomnia, and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) is one of the promising acupoints. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of stimulating single acupoint SP 6 in managing insomnia. The study was registered under PROSPERO CRD42019140855. English and Chinese databases were searched for randomized controlled trials on single acupoint SP 6 stimulation in management of insomnia. Quality of methodology was assessed by two authors independently using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool, and reporting quality was assessed by the STRICTA checklist. The primary outcome was the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and secondary outcomes were improvement in clinical effect and sleep duration assessed by polysomnogram (PSG). The extracted data were pooled and meta-analyzed with RevMan 5.3 software. Four trials involving 288 participants were included in this review. The findings showed that SP 6 stimulation could improve sleep quality (MD -0.30, 95% CI [-0.52, -0.08]), lengthen deep sleep duration (MD 80.46, 95% CI [56.47, 104.45]), rapid eye movement (REM) duration (MD 91.53, 95% CI [68.41, 114.65]), and increase improvement in clinical effect. Quality of reporting and methodology was limited in all included trials. Some limited evidence showed that single acupoint stimulation of SP 6 could improve sleep quality, lengthen deep sleep and REM duration of patients with insomnia. However, the findings in this review should be interpreted with caution due to methodological limitations.

[ZHUANG Li-xing's experience of using mind-regulation acupuncture for postherpetic neuralgia]

Professor ZHUANG Li-xing's clinical experience of using mind-regulation acupuncture for postherpetic neuralgia is summarized. Professor ZHUANG believes that the physical pain symptoms in patients could cause negative emotions, which often lead to a series of mental symptoms, which in turn aggravate or induce pain. Therefore, the treatment for this disease should start with mind regulation, with Baihui (GV 20) through Sishenzhen, Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmai (BL 62), Zhaohai (KI 6), Siguan (Hegu (LI 4) and Taichong (LR 3)), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shuigou (GV 26) and Suliao (GV 25) as main acupoints to regulate mind and relieve pain, in combination of local analgesia and ear acupuncture, which has obtained satisfied curative effect.

[Clinical Efficacy and Safety of Heat-sensitive Moxibustion Therapy for Lumbar Disc Herniation:A Meta-analysis]

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the effectiveness and safety of heat-sensitive moxibustion (HSM) therapy in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).

METHODS

Papers of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) concerning the effectiveness and safety of HSM therapy for LDH published in both Chinese and English before November 17, 2015 were collected from PubMed, EMBase, Cochrane library, CNKI, CBM, WanFang Data and VIP databases according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and by using key words of "thermal moxibustion" "heat-sensitive acupoint" "lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH)" "lumbar disc herniation (LDH)" and "lumbago backache", followed by screening, data extracting and methodological quality assessing. Then, the Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Twenty RCTs were included eventually, containing a total of 1 861 cases treated by HSM therapy in the treatment of LDH patients. The Meta-analysis shows that the effectiveness and safety of HSM therapy for LDH are superior to those of other therapies, which is drawn from total effective rate of treatment group[RR=1.13, 95%CI(1.09,1.18), P<0.001], M-JOA score[MD=-3.17, 95%CI(-3.88, -2.47), P<0.001], M-JOA score difference of various subgroups:daily life ability effect difference[MD=1.04, 95%CI(0.44, 1.64), P<0.001], subjective effect symptoms difference[MD=0.58, 95%CI (0.23, 0.92),P=0.001], objective effect symptoms difference[MD=1.12, 95%CI(0.58, 1.65),P<0.001], VAS score[MD=-1.17,95%CI(-1.78, -0.57), P<0.001], the recurrence rate[RR=0.54, 95%CI(0.37, 0.80), P=0.002], and no adverse reactions mentioned in the reported results. The sensitivity analysis showed a greater homogeneity in literature and the results were stable, but funnel plot analysis showed a publication bias.

CONCLUSIONS

The HSM therapy is effective and safe in the treatment of LDH patients.

[Post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome treated with floating-needle therapy combined with rehabilitation training: a randomized controlled trial]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the clinical efficacy in the treatment of post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome between floating-needle therapy and conventional acupuncture on the basis of rehabilitation training.

METHODS

One hundred cases of post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome were randomized into a floating-needle group and an acupuncture group, 50 cases in each one. The passive and positive rehabilitation training was adopted in the two groups. Additionally, in the floating-needle group, the floating-needle therapy was used. The needle was inserted at the site 5 to 10 cm away from myofasical trigger point (MTrP), manipulated and scattered subcutaneously, for 2 min continuously. In the acupuncture group, the conventional acupuncture was applied at Jianqian (EX-UE), Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14), etc. The treatment was given once every two days, 3 times a week, and 14 days of treatment were required. The shoulder hand syndrome scale (SHSS), the short form McGill pain scale (SF-MPQ) and the modified Fugl-Meyer motor function scale (FMA) were used to evaluate the damage severity, pain and motor function of the upper limbs before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

SHSS score, SF-MPQ score and FMA score were improved significantly after treatment in the two groups (all P < 0.01), and the improvements in the floating-needle group were superior to those in the acupuncture group (all P < 0.05). The total effective rate was 94.0% (47/50) in the floating-needle group, which was better than 90.0% (45/50) in the acupuncture group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The floating-needle therapy combined with rehabilitation training achieves a satisfactory efficacy on post-stroke shoulder-hand syndrome, which is better than the combined therapy of conventional acupuncture and rehabilitation training.

[Acupuncturists and their academic contributions in Lingnan area: a review]

The academic thoughts of Lingnan acupuncture and moxibustion have been an essential part of Lingnan medicine. By exploration and arrangement of Lingnan medicine and books, journals and literatures regarding acupuncture and moxibustion, the ancient and modern acupuncturists and their academic contributions in Lingnan area were reviewed. As a result, the number of Lingnan acupuncturists and their works was low before Qing Dynasty, while from the Republic of China era to People's Republic of China, a considerable amount of acupuncturists emerged with quite a lot of works. By exploration and arrangement of Lingnan acupuncturists and their works and academic opinion, the acupuncture-moxibustion school characterized by Lingnan could be formed and developed.

[Observation of long-term efficacy and life quality in allergic rhinitis treated with acupoint catgut embedding therapy combined with acupuncture-moxibustion therapy]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the impacts of acupoint catgut embedding therapy and acupuncture-moxibustion therapy on the long-term efficacy and patient's life quality in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

METHODS

Sixty-nine patients were randomized into the combined acupuncture-moxibustion and acupoint catgut embedding therapy group (combined therapy group, 36 cases) and an acupuncture-moxibustion group (33 cases). In the acupuncture-moxibustion group, acupuncture was applied at Yingxiang (LI 20), Shangyingxiang (EX-HN 8), Yintang (GV 29), Shangxing (GV 23), Tongtian (BL 7) and Zusanli (ST 36). Moxibustion was applied at Zusanli (ST 36), Feishu (BL 13), Dazhui (GV 14) and Fengmen (BL 12). In the combined therapy group, on the basis of the treatment as acupuncture-moxibustion group, the catgut embedding therapy was applied at Feishu (BL 13), Fengmen (BL 12), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Zhongwan (CV 12) and Qihai (CV 6). The treatment duration was 4 weeks in the two groups. The clinical efficacy of allergic rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score were observed before and after treatment as well as in the 4-weeks follow-up after the end of treatment respectively.

RESULTS

The markedly effective rate was 72.7% (24/33) in the combined therapy group and 48.4% (15/31) in the acupuncture-moxibustion group after treatment. The efficacy was similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). It was 57.6% (19/33) in the combined therapy group and was 22. 6% (7/31) in the 4-week follow-up after treatment, indicating the long-term efficacy in the combined therapy group was superior to that in the acupuncture-moxibustion group (P<0. 05). Scores of RQLO after treatment and in 4-week follow-up after treatment in both groups were improved as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). In 4-week follow-up, the improvements in sleep and affection in the combined therapy group were superior to the acupuncture-moxibustion group (3.27 +/- 3.23 vs 4.61 +/- 3.56, 3.48 +/- 3.67 vs 5.81 +/- 4.15, both P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The acupoint catgut embedding therapy combined with acupuncture-moxibustion therapy are safe and effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and display the more roles in the long-term efficacy.

[Efficacy observation on post-stroke spastic hemiplegia treated with temporal three-needle and spastic three-needle therapy]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the impacts on post-stroke spastic hemiplegia treated with temporal three-needle therapy, spastic three-needle therapy, and rehabilitative therapy as well as combined application.

METHODS

One hundred cases were randomized into a Jin's three-needle group (35 cases), a rehabilitation group (33 cases) and a combined therapy group (32 cases). Beside the basic treatment, the acupuncture therapy of temporal three-needle and spastic three-needle techniques, rehabilitation training, and the combined therapy of acupuncture and rehabilitation were applied in the Jin's three-needle group, the rehabilitation group and the combined therapy group, respectively. Before treatment, in 7 days and 14 days of treatment, the functional comprehensive assessment scale (FCA), clinical neurological defect score (NDS), four-limb simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and clinical spasm index (CSI) were adopted to assess the spastic degree and limb function, respectively.

RESULTS

In terms of FCA, NDS and FMA, in 7 days of treatment, except the rehabilitation group, the results in the other two groups were all improved as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). The results in the Jin's three-needle group and the combined therapy group were better than those in the rehabilitation group (all P < 0.05). In 14 days of treatment, the results in the three groups were improved as compared with those before treatment and in 7 days of treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The results in the combined therapy group were better than those in the other two groups (all P < 0.05). Regarding CSI assessment, in 7 days of treatment, the results of the three groups were all improved significantly as compared with those before treatment (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), and the results in the combined therapy group were better than those in the other two groups (all P < 0.05). In 14 days of treatment, CSI scores were further improved in the three groups, but the difference was not significant in comparison (all P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The Jin's three-needle therapy, rehabilitation therapy and the combined application all relieve the symptoms of post-stroke spastic hemiplegia. The effect in the Jin's three-needle group and the combined therapy group is achieved in 7 days of treatment, which is better than that in the rehabilitation group. The combined therapy a chieves the best effect on spasm in comparison with the single therapy.

[Evaluation on efficacy of Jin's "Sanzhen" therapy combined with rehabilitation training for hemiplegia of stroke patients by Fugl-Meyer scale]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the therapeutic effect of Jin's "Sanzhen" therapy combined with rehabilitation training on limb-motor function of stroke patients by using Fugl-Meyer scale.

METHODS

A total of 254 hemiplegic stroke outpatients and inpatients from 7 hospitals were randomly divided into Jin's "Sanzhen" (JSZ) group (n = 83), rehabilitation group (n = 84) and combination group (n = 87). Acupuncture was applied to acupoints of Jin's "Sanzhen" including Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (SJ 5) and Hegu (LI 4); Futu (ST 32). Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6); etc. The acupuncture needles were retained for 30 min after "Deqi". Rehabilitation training included passive joint movement, standing-sitting training, tapping-pressing stimulation, walking training, etc. The treatment was conducted once daily, 5 sessions a week and for 4 weeks. Fugl-Meyer scale composed of 100-point motor domain of the upper- and lower-extremity sections was used to assess the patients' motor function.

RESULTS

On day 28 after the treatment, of the 83.84 and 87 hemiplegic stroke patients in the JSZ, rehabilitation and combination groups, 48 (57.8%), 31 (36.9%) and 50 (57.5%) experienced marked improvement in their clinical symptoms and signs, 26 (31.3%), 44 (52.4%) and 31(35.6%) had an improvement, and 9 (10.8%), 9 (10.7%) and 6 (6.9%) failed in the treatment, with the total effective rates being 89.2%, 89.3% and 93.1%, respectively. The neurological deficit score (NDS) of the combination group was significantly lower than that of the rehabilitation group (P < 0.05). The Fugl-Meyer assessment score (FMAS) for extremity motor function of the combination group was apparently higher than those of the JSZ and rehabilitation groups (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found between the JSZ and rehabilitation groups in both NDS and FMAS (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Jin's "Sanzhen" therapy combined with rehabilitation training can significantly improve the limb motor function of hemiplegic stroke patients, and has a good synergistic effect.

[Effect of acupuncture and moxibustion of Shu- and Mu-acupoints on the quality of life in patients chronic superficial gastritis]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture plus moxibustion (EA-Moxi) of combined Shu- and Mu-acupoints on the symptoms and quality of daily life in chronic superficial gastritis (CSG) patients.

METHODS

Sixty cases were randomly divided into EA-Moxi group (n = 30) and medication group (n = 30). For patients of the former group, EA (50 Hz, 3 mA) was applied to Zhongwan (CV 12), bilateral Weishu (BL 21), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), in combination with bilateral Ganshu (BL 18) and Qimen (LR 14) for patients with liver-stomach disharmony syndrome, and with moxibustion of Zhongwan (CV 12), bilateral Weishu (BL 21), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), Pishu (BL 20) and Zhangmen (LR 13) for those with spleen-stomach deficiency syndrome. The treatment was administrated once a day, five days a week for 4 weeks. The patients of medication group were treated with Omeperazole (20 mg, qd.) capsules. The total course of treatment was 4 weeks. Clinical therapeutic effects were evaluated according to some related standards, and the quality of life was assessed by SF-36 questionnaire.

RESULTS

After the treatment, of the 30 cases in EA-Moxi and medication groups, 6 (20.0%) and 3 (10.0%) were cured, 16 (53.3%) and 8 (26.7%) experienced marked improvement, 5 (16.7%) and 9 (30.0%) were effective, and 3 (10.0%) and 10 (33.3%) failed, with the effective rates being 90.0% and 66.7% respectively. The difference of the effective rates between two groups was significant (P < 0.05). Self-comparison showed a marked improvement in the quality of life including physical function (PF), role physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), social function (SF), role emotion (RE) and mental health (MH) in both groups after the treatment. The scores of health utility (HU), RP and RE in EA-Moxi group were evidently higher than those of medication group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

EA-Moxi of combined Shu- and Mu-acupoints can effectively relieve CSG patients' clinical symptoms and their quality of life.

[Effects of different intervention methods on behavior changes in depression rats]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the therapeutic effects of acupuncture, medication and acupoint catgut-embedding in the treatment of depression.

METHODS

A total of 60 adult SD rats were randomly divided into normal, model, medication, acupuncture and catgut embedding groups, with 12 cases in each group. Depression model was duplicated by abrosia, abstinence of water, tail-clipping, swimming in cool water, electrical shock stimulation, etc continuously for 21 days. For rats of medication group, intrgastric administration of Fluoxetine hydrochloride (2 mg/kg) was performed; for those of acupuncture group, "Baihui" mentioned 2 groups was carried out once daily, 21 days altogether. For those of catgut embedding group, a piece of sterilized cat-week, 3 times altogether. Changes of behavior (locomotor activity, crossing and rearing movement) were detected with open-field test, and sucrose consumption in 24 h was recorded.

RESULTS

Compared with normal group, the times of crossing and rearing movement in model group decreased significantly from the 7th day on after modeling, as well as sucrose consumption in 24 h decreased significantly from the 14th day on (P < 0.05, 0.01), while in comparison with model group, the times of crossing and rearing movement increased significantly on the 14th day in acupuncture and catgut embedding groups and 21st day on all the 3 treatment groups (P < 0.05, 0.01); correspondingly, sucrose consumption in 24 h increased considerably from the 14th day on in catgut embedding group and on the 21st day in acupuncture and catgut embedding groups (P < 0.05, 0.01). There were no significant differences among 3 treatment groups in the locomotor activity and sucrose consumption 21 days after the treatment (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Administration of Fluoxetine hydrochloride, acupuncture and catgut embedding all can improve the depression rats' locomotor behavior and sucrose solution consumption in 24 h. Thus acupoint catgut embedding method may be applicable in clinical treatment of depression.

[Effects of electroacupuncture on plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide and substance P in perennial allergic rhinitis patients]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the underlying neuroimmunological mechanism of electroacupuncture (EA) in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR).

METHODS

One hundred PAR outpatients were evenly randomized into EA group and medication group. Patients in EA group were treated with EA (5-10 mA, 80-100 Hz, and 30 min of stimulation) of Sphenopalatine ganglion area, Yingxiang (LI 20), Shangyingxiang (EX-HN 8), Yintang (EX-HN 3), supplemented with other acupoints according to syndrome-differentiation (once daily, 10 days being a therapeutic course). Patients of medication group were treated by Cetirizine (10 mg/times, t. i.d, peros). Before and after the treatment, blood samples of the ulnar vein were collected for detecting plasma vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and substance P (SP) contents with radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

After the treatment, of the two 50 cases in EA and medication groups, 20 (40%) and 16 (32%) had an obvious improvement, 28 (56%) and 24 (48%) had an improvement, 2 (4%) and 10 (20%) failed, with the total effective rates being 96% and 80% separately. The therapeutic effect of EA group was significantly superior to that of medication group (P < 0.05). Self-comparison of each group showed that after the treatment, both plasma VIP and SP levels of two groups lowered apparently (P < 0.05, 0.01). Comparison between two groups showed that after the treatment, the content of VIP in EA group was markedly lower than that of medication group, while no significant difference was found between two groups in plasma SP levels (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

EA can effectively relieve perennial allergic rhinitis patients' clinical symptoms, which is closely related to its functions in lowering plasma VIP and SP levels.

[A study on the time-effect relationship in the treatment of bronchial asthma with medicinal vesiculation therapy]

OBJECTIVE

To compare the therapeutic effects of medicinal vesiculation performed in the dog-days and ordinary-days, as well as "Xin"-days and "Geng"-days in the treatment of bronchial asthma.

METHODS

A total of 162 bronchial asthma patients were divided into ordinary-days group (n = 80) and dog-days group (n = 82) according to the time sequence. Plasters made up of Gansui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui), Baijiezi (Semen Sinapis Albae), Mahuang (Herba Ephedrae), Xixin (Herba Asari), etc. were applied to Feishu (BL 13), Fengmen (BL 12), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Pishu (BL 20) Shenshu (BL 23), etc. during ordinary days (spring, summer, autumn and winter), dog days (the 1st-, 2nd- and 3rd-10 day periods of the hot season) for each group, once every 10 days and with 3 times being a therapeutic course. After a course of treatment, the curative effect was assessed. Before and 5 days after the treatment, venous blood samples were collected for detecting serum immunoglobulin E (IgE), lymphocyte transformation rate (LTR) and the number of eosinophile granulocytes (Eos) separately. In addition, other 80 asthma patients were treated during "Geng"-days ( (n = 42) and "Xin"-days (n = 38) separately with the same methods mentioned above.

RESULTS

After one course of treatment, or the 82 and 80 cases in dog-days group and ordinary-days groups, 35 (43%) and 31(39%) experienced marked improvement in clinical symptoms, 41 (50%) and 37 (46%) had an improvement, 6 (7%) and 12 (15%) failed, with the effective rates being 93% and 85% respectively. After the treatment, serum IgE and Eos count of the two groups decreased significantly (P < 0.01, 0.05), and LTR of the two groups increased evidently (P < 0.01). No significant differences were found between two groups in the therapeutic effect and the 3 biochemical indexes. In other 80 asthma patients, of the 42 and 38 cases in "Geng"-days group and "Xin"-days group, 23 (54.76%) and 17 (44.74%) experienced marked improvement in their symptoms, 17 (40.47%) and 19 (50.00%) had an improvement, 2 (4.76%) and 2 (5.26%) failed, with the effective rates being 95.23% and 94.74% separately. No significant difference was found between two groups in the therapeutic effect (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Medicinal vesiculation therapy can effectively improve asthma patients' clinical symptoms, lower serum IgE and Eos count and raise LTR whenever performed in the ordinary days, dog days, "Xin" days or "Geng" days. Thus, this therapy is applicable all year round.