Acupuncture

Evidence of ginger's potentials against COVID-19

Sun, 28 Nov 2021 19:46:31 GMT

Highlights

• Hyper-inflammation and direct SARS-CoV-2-mediated impacts promote tissue damage.

• Ginger can exert anti-SARS-CoV-2 effects and interferes with inflammation.

• Ginger modulates oxidative stress and prostaglandins as harmful factors in COVID-19.

• Unbalanced responses of effector T cells contribute to the COVID-19 pathogenesis.

• Ginger is capable to modulate improper effector T cell responses in COVID-19.

Abstract(Source: Therapeutic potential of ginger against COVID-19: Is there enough evidence?/ Journal of Traditional Chinese Medical Sciences Volume 8, Issue 4, October 2021, Pages 267-279)

In addition to the respiratory system, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strikes other systems, including the digestive, circulatory, urogenital, and even the central nervous system , as its receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is expressed in various organs, such as lungs, intestine, heart, esophagus, kidneys, bladder , testis , liver, and brain. Different mechanisms, in particular, massive virus replication, extensive apoptosis and necrosis of the lung-related epithelial and endothelial cells , vascular leakage, hyper-inflammatory responses, overproduction of pro-inflammatory mediators, cytokine storm , oxidative stress , downregulation of ACE2, and impairment of the renin-angiotensin system contribute to the COVID-19 pathogenesis. Currently, COVID-19 is a global pandemic with no specific anti-viral treatment. The favorable capabilities of the ginger were indicated in patients suffering from osteoarthritis , neurodegenerative disorders, rheumatoid arthritis , type 2 diabetes, respiratory distress, liver diseases and primary dysmenorrheal. Ginger or its compounds exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative influences in numerous animal models. This review provides evidence regarding the potential effects of ginger against SARS-CoV-2 infection and highlights its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and immunomodulatory impacts in an attempt to consider this plant as an alternative therapeutic agent for COVID-19 treatment.

Introduction

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an enveloped virus with single-stranded, positive-sense RNA in its genome, which has affected more than 212 countries and territories. 1 SARS-CoV-2 has four fundamental structural proteins, which are called spike (S), nucleocapsid, envelope and membrane proteins, as well as a number of accessory proteins, among them the surface-exposed S protein plays a principal role in the attachment of the virus to its target cells. 2 The S protein has a receptor-binding domain (RBD) that binds to its receptor, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is expressed in various organs, such as lungs, intestine, heart, esophagus, kidneys, bladder , testis , liver, and brain. 3 , 4 The brain vascular endothelial cells express ACE2, which provides a direct path for the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into this organ. 5 Therefore, in addition to the respiratory system, SARS-CoV-2 can infect the digestive, cardiovascular, urogenital, and nervous systems. 3 , 6

The COVID-19 symptoms, including dyspnea, fever, nonproductive cough, pneumonia, fatigue, and myalgia emerge following an incubation stage of 2–14 days. 7 , 8 Clinically, the symptomatic types of COVID-19 include the following: the mild form (80.0%), which exhibits non-specific minor signs that do not progress to more severe disease; the moderate form (15.0%), which displays localized lung inflammation and pneumonia with or without hypoxia ; and severe infection (5.0%), which exhibits systemic hyper-inflammation and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with the risk of fatal outcome in critical cases (1–2%). 9 Various pathways, in particular, massive virus replication, extensive apoptosis and necrosis of the lung-related epithelial- and endothelial cells , vascular leakage, hyper-inflammatory responses, overproduction of the pro-inflammatory mediators, cytokine storm , oxidative stress , ACE2 downregulation, and impairment of the renin-angiotensin system contribute to the COVID-19 pathogenesis. 10 , 11

Currently, no specific therapy such as relevant anti-viral drugs is available for COVID-19. Herbs can provide valuable sources of components that have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and antiviral properties , exerting beneficial effects on the systems that are affected by the virus. 12 Experimentally and clinically, ginger (the rhizome of Zingiber officinale) has exhibited numerous therapeutic activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-fungal, anticancer, neuroprotective , antimigraine , hepatoprotective, hypo-cholesterolemic, cardiovascular protective, respiratory protective, anti-obesity, antidiabetic , anti-nausea, and anti-emetic effects. 13 Ginger also displays direct anti-viral effects,14‒19 and can have a protective role against ARDS, 20 , 21 which is the major cause of mortality in patients with severe COVID-19. Thus, ginger can have beneficial impacts on many organs that are affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review provides evidence concerning the potential effects of ginger against SARS-CoV-2 infection and underlines its antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and immunomodulatory impacts in an effort to consider this plant as an alternative therapeutic agent for COVID-19 treatment.

Effects of moxibustion for COVID-19 convalescence A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 11:41:02 GMT

Background:

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still spreading around the world. Moxibustion, as a significant therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been widely used to treat COVID-19, especially in recovery period. The study will aim to assess the efficacy and safety of moxibustion for COVID-19 convalescence.

Methods:

We will systematically search the relevant randomized controlled trials in the 7 databases from inception to February 2021, including PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Clinical Trials Database, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database. No language and publication status restrictions will be applied. Two reviewers will independently conduct and screen all included studies and the meta-analysis will be performed with RevMan V5.3 (The Cochrane Collaboration, Oxford, England).

Results:

The study will provide a high-quality convincing assessment of the efficacy and safety of moxibustion for the treatment of COVID-19 convalescence, which will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Conclusion:

Our study will give more comprehensive evidence of the effectiveness of moxibustion for COVID-19 convalescence.

Source: https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2021/04090/Effects_of_moxibustion_for_COVID_19_convalescence_.72.aspx

How Do You Boost Resilience During the Current COVID-19 Pandemic

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 12:31:51 GMT

COVID-19 also causes neurologic signs

Acupuncture—a member of the traditional and complementary medicine family—is an effective treatment modality that sends electrical signals to regulate functions in different organ systems in the human body.1 Many studies exist to prove the efficacy of acupuncture for treating chronic and acute pain. The World Health Organisation has also endorsed the effectiveness of acupuncture for addressing various systemic disorders, thus not restricting the use of acupuncture to just pain management.2

The most characteristic symptom of COVID-19 is respiratory distress and difficulty in spontaneous breathing. A recent study showed that COVID-19 also causes neurologic signs, such as headache, nausea, and vomiting.3 The same study also showed that COVID-19 is not always confined to the respiratory tract and can also invade the central nervous system, inducing neurological problems. Acupuncture's lack of side-effects is a distinct advantage in application of this therapy for such cases.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is necessary to tonify the Qi, dispel the Wind–Heat, and relieve toxicity, which can be collectively termed (in Western medicine) as treating an upper respiratory–tract infection and improving the upper respiratory mucosal immune system and the body's immune regulatory effects.4 Several studies have proven that acupuncture is more effective than many antihistamine drugs for relieving respiratory distress.5–9 Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is effective for relieving the breathlessness, headache, sneezing, sore throat, fever, nasal congestion, cough, and general pain that occurs in anhidrosis.10–12

Acupuncture can be helpful for improving immunity, relieving respiratory distress, and addressing neurologic and digestive symptoms. The points that may be used are as follows.

CV 17 (Danzhong), BL 13 (Feishu), LU 9 (Taiyuan), PC 6 (Neiguan), PC 5 (Jianshi), ST 36 (Zusanli),

LU 1 (Zhongfu)

The patient is asked to lie down in a supine position. LU 9, PC 5, PC 6, and ST 36 are needled bilaterally. Needles can be left in for 20 minutes and Deqi should be attained at all points. Moxibustion is given at CV 17 and LU 1 for 2–5 minutes, based on the sensitivity of the patient. After 20 minutes, the needles are removed and the patient is asked to lie in a prone position with an exposed back, so it can be needled on BL 13 bilaterally for 20 minutes. 1 cun, locally manufactured, filiform needles, with a 0.38-mm diameter and a 2.5-mm length, can be used for the treatment.

Several clinical trials show that acupuncture lessened digestive and nervous system reactions greatly and also showed protection against hematopoiesis. For certain conditions, acupuncture has been more effective than atropine13 and some antibiotics.14–16 Current evidence suggests that acupuncture does not cure COVID-19. However, research on the effects of acupuncture treatments that stimulate the immune system suggest that acupuncture may be of use in conjunction with other medical therapies for treating infections.15,1

References

1. Kovich F. A new definition of an acupuncture meridian. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2019;12(1):37–41.

2. World Health Organisation (WHO). Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Reports on Controlled Clinical Trials. Geneva: WHO. Online document at: https://chiro.org/acupuncture/FULL/Acupuncture_WHO_2003.pdf. Accessed March 28, 2020.

3. Li Y-C, Bai W-Z, Hashikawa T. The neuroinvasive potential of SARS-CoV2 may play a role in the respiratory failure of COVID-19 patients. J Med Virol. 2020;March 11:e-pub ahead of print.

4. Yang Y, Islam MS, Wang J, Li Y, Chen X. Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of patients infected with 2019-new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2): A review and perspective. Int J Biol Sci. 2020;16(10):1708–1717.

5. Brinkhaus B, Witt CM, Jena S, Liecker B, Wegscheider K, Willich SN. Acupuncture in patients with allergic rhinitis: A pragmatic randomized trial. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2008;101(5):535–543.

6. Huang YQ. Therapeutic effect of acupuncture treatment in 128 cases of hay fever [in Chinese]. Chin Acupunct Moxibustion. 1990;10(6):296–297.

7. Jin R. Clinical observation of 100 cases with allergic rhinitis treated by acupuncture [in Chinese]. Chin Acupunct Moxibustion. 1989;9(4):185–186.

8. Liu DX. Acupuncture at Biqiu in the treatment of allergic rhinitis [in Chinese]. Chin Acupunct Moxibustion. 1995;15(6):292–293.

9. Yu JL. Effect of acupuncture treatment in 230 cases of allergic rhinitis [in Chinese]. Chin Acupunct Moxibustion. 1994;14(5):241–242.

10. Jobst K, Chen JH, McPherson K, et al. Controlled trial of acupuncture for disabling breathlessness. Lancet. 1986;328(8521–8522):1416–1419.

11. Cheng Y, Gao B, Jin Y, Xu N, Guo T. Acupuncture for [sic] common cold: A systematic review and meta-analyze protocol. Medicine. 2018;97(10):e0061.

12. Deng G, Giralt S, Chung DJ, et al. Acupuncture for reduction of symptom burden in multiple myeloma patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A randomized sham-controlled trial. Support Care Cancer. 2018;26(2):657–665.

13. Shi XL. Acupuncture treatment of gastrointestinal spasm [in Chinese]. Chin Acupunct and Moxibustion. 1995;15(4):192–193.

14. Xu BQ. Experimental studies on acupuncture treatment of acute bacillary dysentery—the role of humoral immune mechanism. In: Zhang XT, ed. Research on Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Acupuncture–Anaesthesia [in Chinese]. Beijing, Science Press; 1986:573–578.

15. Wang XY. Acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of asymptomatic hepatitis B virus carriers by strengthening the body resistance to eliminate pathogenic factors: A clinical experimental study. Int J Clin Acupunct. 1991;2(2):117–125.

Randomized controlled trials for treatment of 30 cases of ordinary psoriasis by acupuncture and moxibustion

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 12:24:19 GMT

Acupuncture in combination with Chinese herbs

Eighty patients with psoriasis were treated with acupuncture in combination with Chinese herbs. Acupoints were Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). In the case of blood-heat type, the medicinal principle was clearing away heat and removing toxic substance. In the case of blood-dryness type, the medicinal principle was enriching the blood and moistenting the skin. The total effective rate was 91.3% after 5-course’s treatments.

OBJECTIVE:

To observe the therapeutic effect of acu-moxibustion for ordinary psoriasis, so as to find a better curative method for it.

METHODS:

A total of 60 cases of psoriasis were equally randomized into medication group[(8. 67 - 6. 53) months in duration of disease, (39. 25+/- 10. 21) years in age] and acu-moxibustion group [(9. 16 7. 37) months in duration of disease, and (37. 38 +/- 11. 36) years in age] according to a random number table. For patients of acu-moxibustion group, main acupoints used were Feishu (BL13), Geshu (BL17), Ganshu (BL18), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23), combined with other acupoints [Hegu (LI 4), Weizhong (BL 40), etc. ] according to the affected part of the body. Moxibustion was applied to Shenshu (BL 23) and the injured skin area for about 3 min every time. Acu-moxibustion treatment was given once every other day continuously for 12 weeks. Patients of the medication group were treated with oral administration of Acitretin capsules (20 mg/d, for 12 weeks). The therapeutic effect was evaluated by using psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) scoring method. Results After the treatment, the integrative scores of PASI in both medication and acu-moxibustion groups decreased significantly (P<0. 01), and that of the acu-moxibustion group was significantly lower than that of the medication group (P<0. 05). Of the both 30 psoriasis patients in the medication and acu-moxibustion groups, 1 (3. 33%) and 4 (13. 33%) were cured basically, 15 (50. 00%) and 17 (56. 67%) were improved significantly, 12 (40. 00%) and 6 (20. 00%) were effective, and 2 (6. 67%) and 3 (10. 00%) invalid, with the effective rates being 93. 33% and 90. 00%, respectively. The cured plus markedly effective rate of the acu-moxibustion group was significantly higher than that of the medication group (P<0. 05).

CONCLUSION:

Acu-moxibustion therapy is effective in the treatment of psoriasis and is remarkably superior to that of medication.(Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2011 Feb;36(1):62-5. source; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21585062)

Others

Source;Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science,February 2004, Volume 2, Issue 1, pp 16–17

Evidence showing Acupuncture works in Cancer treatments

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 12:20:03 GMT

The evaluation and application of acupuncture

Cancer is not just one of those words that stops you in your tracks; it’s an expression that immediately shocks a person into the meaning of life, not just for themselves, but the family. I believe it’s a journey, one that many have undertaken and survived, one that some of us will undertake and one that some have journeyed on and with I’m sure love and care, transitioned the human body. So why is it that some survive and some don’t? It is one of the most funded areas of research in our world and yet with all our knowledge and technology we have yet to overcome this unfortunately growing condition. Perhaps, the answer lies in a combination of two systems of medicine, Western and Chinese.

Back in early 2000, a report entitled ‘Acupuncture: Review and Analysis of Controlled Clinical Trials’ was published by the World Health Organisation. The publication is for the intended use of the following.

‘This publication is intended to facilitate research on and the evaluation and application of acupuncture. It is hoped that it will provide a useful resource for researchers, health care providers, national health authorities and the general public.

It must be emphasized that the list of diseases, symptoms or conditions covered here is based on collected reports of clinical trials, using the descriptions given in those reports. Only national health authorities can determine the diseases, symptoms and conditions for which acupuncture treatment can be recommended.

The data in the reports analysed were not always clearly recorded. We have made every effort to interpret them accurately, in some cases maintaining the original wording in the text and summary table presented here. Research on traditional medicine, including acupuncture is by no means easy. However, researchers should be encouraged to ensure the highest possible standards of study design and reporting in future research in order to improve the evidence base in this field.’

Now, clinical trials can always be criticised whether it’s from a Western perspective or a Chinese perspective. Either way, there is some evidence which was obtained over a period of fourteen to fifteen years that shows the value of acupuncture not just for cancerous conditions but for other conditions too. Specifically within this report for cancers it states;

‘No controlled study has been reported on the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of cancer itself. However, acupuncture still has uses in cancer treatments. One is to relieve cancer pain, and the other is to control the adverse reactions to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For cancer pain, it has been reported that acupuncture provided an immediate analgesic effect similar to that of codeine and pethidine, with a more marked effect after use for two months (230). The effect was comparable with that achieved using the analgesic steps recommended by WHO (231). For radiotherapy and chemotherapy, acupuncture can greatly lessen the adverse reactions in the digestive and nervous systems, as well as providing protection against damage to haematopoiesis (232–237)’

As a reminder, this information is now dated, but it shows that back as far as the year 1999, acupuncture has been used alongside the traditional Western treatments of Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Since this time there is more evidence to support the use of acupuncture with Chinese herbs in the treatments of cancerous conditions today. However this is for another article.

The diseases or disorders for which acupuncture therapy has been tested in controlled clinical trials reported in the recent literature can be classified into four categories as shown below.

Diseases, symptoms or conditions for which acupuncture has been proved—through controlled trials—to be an effective treatment:

Adverse reactions to radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy, Leukopenia, Nausea and vomiting

Specifically the results of four of the major trials show the following statistics using Acupuncture in slightly different ways compared to a control group that received no acupuncture. The test group is the group that received acupuncture.

Acupuncture during radiotherapy

Acupuncture greatly lessened digestive and nervous system reactions (anorexia, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fatigue) due to radiotherapy and showed protection against damage to haematopoiesis.

Manual plus electric acupuncture

Gastrointestinal reactions were cured in significantly more of the acupuncture group:

93.2% of test group after 5.8 ± 2.7 days of treatment

65.2% of control group after 9.4 ± 3.4 days of treatment.

Magnetic plus electric acupoint stimulation

Acupoint stimulation therapy was comparable with intravenous metoclopramide for gastrointestinal reactions, and with dexamethasone and cysteine phenylacetate (leucogen) for leukopenia. The treatment was effective in: 87.5% of the test group, 75.0% of the control group,Body acupuncture (manual)

The treatment was effective in: 85.6% of the test group,61.1% of the control group.

There is more evidence published within this report, however, since this report we have grown in our application, understanding and evidence that acupuncture does work. There are many differing theories, but the most interesting is quite simply to ensure that the body is stronger than the cancer, the tumour, the sarcoma. We already live with these cells in our bodies. It’s when they become too strong that the body becomes weakened. That is why acupuncture works alongside western treatments. This raises another question. Does acupuncture and Chinese medicine work alone? There is evidence to support that, but that is for another day.

Acupuncture in Cancer Treatment

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 12:13:03 GMT

Can acupuncture help me?

A frequently asked question by patients undergoing cancer treatment is, "Can acupuncture help me?"

The issue then becomes: is there a place for acupuncture in the vast field of cancer with its diverse treatment modalities?

"Vast" since cancer is not one disease but over 300 different malignancies, each with its own unique histology, patho-physiology, and clinical behavior. 'Diverse" because of the different chemotherapeutic classes of agents, hormonal agents, types of High-energy particle beam generators, and various delivery systems for radiation treatment. "Diverse" also because it encompasses various types of surgical procedures, nutritional support, and the body-mind holistic approach.

Timely diagnosis and early surgery offer the most favorable possibility of a cure for solid tumors. The germinal cancers and Hodgkin's lymphoma, along with some hematologic malignancies such as childhood leukemia, are the few exceptions. These are treated with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation singly or in combination. Some of the latter are the most predictably curable malignancies with or without surgery.

If the diagnosis is late, surgery unsuccessful, or should the tumor recur after surgery, then the chance of a cure, with rare exceptions, is considered lost This class of patients, along with those not amenable to surgical approaches, are treated palliatively. Palliative therapies also consist of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation therapy and/or palliative surgery.

The role of acupuncture in the curative group is in its adjunctive use in anesthesia, in post-operative pain control, and in aiding and hastening recovery from the side effects of the various therapies. Acupuncture is effective for control of pain, of local swelling post-operatively, for shortening the resolution of hematoma and tissue swelling and for minimizing use of medications and their attendant side effects. Energetic acupuncture, an approach consisting of the use of needles with electricity and moxibustion (a form of local heating with herbs imparts a sense of well being and accelerates patients' recovery. In conjunction with nutritional support, its use is routinely employed in some cancer institutions.

The dreaded nausea and vomiting which commonly occurs in some patients undergoing chemotherapy and inevitably, with the use of certain classes of agents, can often be worse than the disease itself. Most oncologists have experienced the patients who start vomiting at the thought of their next clinic visit. At the University of Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine, a well-controlled study completed over two Years ago, the authors of the published paper reported significant reduction of nausea and vomiting when pre-treated with. It is now routinely administered before, after and in between chemotherapy treatment sessions for control or nausea and emesis. Such treatments are relatively simple and easily executed in an outpatient setting. Its effectiveness helps in minimizing the use of standard, expensive multi-drug anti-nausea regimens with their attendant side effects, given along with the chemotherapeutic agents.

That acupuncture is a powerful tool for general pain control is widely known. . Less known is its success use in some cancer-related pain and in reducing narcotic use and thereby minimizing the side effects confusion, disturbed mentation, behavioral changes, nausea and severe constipation.

Needling a variety of trigger and painful points, percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, and osteo-puncture, along with whole body energetic acupuncture support, .are approaches available to the acupuncturists. In the acupuncture paradigm, any chronic disease process depletes the energy level in the organism. Such depletion can be ameliorated, at least temporarily, by tonification, a process of imparting energy into the system. This is deemed necessary for more durable, successful pain control. It can also add to the patients' sense of well being and decrease the malaise associated with any chronic disease, especially cancer.

Nutritional support as an aid in boosting immune response in cancer patients, along with minimizing the immune and white blood cell suppression that occurs with most chemotherapeutic agents, has been receiving greater attention and funding for research.. Kenneth Conklin, M.D., Ph.D., an anesthesiologist at UCLA working with the Oncology Department, reports gratifying results utilizing nutrition and supplements combined with energetic acupuncture.

Energetic acupuncture repletes energy level to the organism as a whole, reestablishes homeostasis by re-balancing energy distribution and un-blocking energy flow. This systems approach to deal with system wide patho-physiology can be complemented by distinct meridian acupuncture, which directs healing energy to specific organ pathology and is a routine approach in treating diseased organs such as liver, pancreas kidney, including those ravaged by cancers.

While the degree of beneficial results from acupuncture treatment is dependent on various clinical factors such as presenting symptoms, clinical staging, timing of the encounter in the course of the illness, areas of involvement, the answer to the opening question "can acupuncture help me?" is, in all probability, that it can help in the care of the cancer patient.

Eugene Mak, MD /Board Certified Oncologist and MARF Board Member

source: http://www.medicalacupuncture.org/For-Patients/Articles-By-Physicians-About-Acupuncture/Acupuncture-in-Cancer-Treatment

Introduction of Auricular Acupuncture in Elderly Patients Suffering from Major Depression

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 12:08:17 GMT

Depression and potential side effects of the prescribed drug

Background

Due to an increasing number of elderly people suffering from major depression and potential side effects of the prescribed drugs, the introduction of new therapeutic approaches is needed.

Currently, in Germany, auricular acupuncture is no part of clinical care for gerontopsychiatric patients. Based on promising clinical experiences and existing evidence for treating addiction and trauma, a benefit of auricular acupuncture integrated in existing treatment programs in elderly patients may be hypothesized.

Within this project auricular acupuncture according to the National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) will be integrated in the multimodal treatment regime for elderly patients with major depression in a daytime ward setting. Methods/Design.

To evaluate the feasibility and acceptance a mixed method approach is used. In a day clinic, a sample of 20 psychogeriatric patients with the diagnosis of major depression will be enrolled.

The patients will receive a total of nine auricular acupuncture treatments according to the standardized NADA protocol in a group setting.

The therapeutic process, its organization, the experience, and the willingness of patients to participate will be evaluated by interviews with patients and the therapeutic team.

Data will be analyzed qualitatively using content analysis. Additionally, quantitative outcome parameters will be measured by standardized questionnaires.

Read more : http://www.hindawi.com/journals/bmri/2015/678410/

Acupuncture may help breast cancer patients

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 12:04:09 GMT

Reduce nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy and can also relieve pain

(CNN) – Acupuncture has been practiced in China and other Asian countries for thousands of years. Research has shown the practice can reduce nausea and vomiting after chemotherapy and it can also relieve pain. Now doctors are looking to see if it can help certain breast cancer patients.

When Titi Ariyo was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, her doctors put her on a treatment that caused her to have some serious side effects.

Titi said, “I had joint pain, my knees and my ankles and my entire body just hurt.”

So her physicians recommended she take part in a trial study that looked at acupuncture as a way to relieve some of her pain. She says it worked.

“I was sleeping better and also the pain reduced.”

Experts say more than 60 percent of women with early stage breast cancer suffer from hot flashes, joint and muscle pain and depression caused by their treatment. They thought if acupuncture could help these patients with some of their discomfort, it could eventually be used as therapy along with the medication.

What they found was both patients who were treated with acupuncture and sham acupuncture, which involves retractable needles, that are not placed in acupuncture pressure points, said they felt some relief.

Dr. Ting Bao said, “Our trial definitely shows there are minimum side effects, and this can potentially help them have significant symptom improvement, both in musculoskeletal symptoms and also hot flashes.”

Dr. Bao theorizes that the pricks from both real and sham acupuncture needles may stimulate the body which can relieve pain and sham or not, acupuncture may be a reasonable alternative to help these women.

Heart Meridian

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:58:52 GMT

The Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin

The Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin originates from the heart. Emerging it spreads over the “heart system”(1). It passes through the diaphragm to connect with the small intestine(2). The ascending portion of the meridian from the “heart system”(3) runs along side the esophagus (4) to connect with the “eye system”(5). The straight portion of the meridian from the “heart system” goes upward to the lung(6). It turns downward and emerges from the axilla (Jiquan, HT1) from there it goes along the posterior border of the medial aspect of the upper arm behind the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiying and the Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueying (7) down to the cubital fossa (8). From there it descends along the posterior border of the medial aspect of the forearm to the pisiform region proximal to the palm (9) and enters the palm (10). Then it follows the medial aspect of the little finger to its tip (11) and links with the Small Intestine meridian of Hand-Taiyang.

☞ Associated Organs: Heart., Lung, Small Intestine.

Eye system

Esophagus

☞ Function of the Heart ; dominates the blood and vessels, manifesting on the face, housing the mind and opening into the tongue.

Acute gastritis

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:56:21 GMT

Pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen

Pain and discomfort in the upper abdomen, reduced appetite or distension and belching as well as nausea and vomiting. Pertains to epigastralgia, vomiting and diarrhea in TCM. Caused by exogenous pathogenic factors and improper diet that lead to dysfunction of the spleen and stomach, failure of gastric qi to descend and upward adverse flow of turbid qi.

(1) cold-dampness attacking the middle energizer

Sudden onset of stomachache, severe pain, aversion to cold and preference for warmth, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea with thin fluid, or even watery diarrhea, or accompanied by aversion to cold and fever, light-colored tongue with white fur as well as taut and tense pulse.

(2) Retention of damp-heat in the middle

Burning sensation, distension and aggravation after meal, or postcibal vomiting, bitter taste and dryness in the mouth, urgent diarrhea or unsmooth diarrhea, burning sensation in the anus, red tongue with yellow and greasy fur as well as slippery and rapid pulse.

(3) Rentention of food

Distension and fullness in the epigastrium, unpressable pain, alleviation of pain after vomiting, unsmooth defecation with putrefaction and foul odor, thick and greasy tongue fur as well as taut and slippery pulse.

Body acupuncture : Zhongwan (CV 12), Neiguan (PC 6), Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36)

(1) Hegu and Yinlingquan;

(2) Hegu and Quchi;

(3) Neiting and Xuanji;

For acute epigastralgia: Lianqiu

ear acupuncture : Stomach, Large Intestine, Small Intestine and Sympathetic Nerve.

Performance

Each time 2 - 3 acupoints are selected, the needles are retained for 30 minutes and manipulated at intervals. or Wangbuliuxingzi( Semen Vaccariae) can be used for ear pressure.

Two ears are needled in alternation.

Rhinallergosis(Allergic Rhinitis)

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:51:48 GMT

Allergic reaction of the nasal mucus

Rhinallergosis refers to allergic reaction of the nasal mucus due to excessive sensitivity of the certain part of the body to the sensitinogen.

(1)The pollen enters the nasal cavity

(2)Stimulate the organism to produce specific antibody---IgE (Immunoglobulin E)

(3)IgE combined with labrocytes

(4)When the pollen enters the body again, the labrocytes release histamine etc.

(5)Histamine make the nasal mucus membrane secret more

The clinical manifestations : Paroxysmal nasal pruritus, Frequent sneezing, Nasal obstruction,Thin nasal discharge

This problem is caused by insufficiency of yang-qi in the lung, spleen and kidney, weakness of defensive qi and invasion of pathogenic wind and cold into the nose that lead to stagnation of pulmonary qi and obstruction of the nose.

Asthenia of the lung : Nasal pruritus, frequent sneezing, thin and profuse nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, sudden onset and disappearance; accompanied by cough, lassitude, no desire to speak, shortness of breath, low voice, spontaneous sweating, light-colored tongue with thin fur and weak pulse.

Asthenia of the spleen : Prolonged duration, repeated relapse of nasal pruritus and sneezing, thin and profuse nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, aggravation of the symptoms or occurrence after overstrain; accompanied by anorexia, abdominal distension, heaviness of the limbs, loose stool, light-colored tongue with tooth-prints on the margin, white or whitish greasy tongue fur and soft and weak pulse.

Asthenia of the kidney : Prolonged duration, paroxysmal nasal pruritus and sneezing, thin nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, anosmia; accompanied by aversion to cold, cold limbs, aching and weakness of the loins and knees, seminal emission and immature ejaculation, loose stool, light-colored tongue with white fur and deep and thin pulse.

Five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:47:12 GMT

The theory of the five elements in medicine

The five elements refer to five categories in the natural world, namely wood, fire, earth, metal and water. The theory of the five elements holds that all phenomena in the universe correspond in nature either to wood, fire, earth metal or water and that these are in a state of constant motion and change. The theory of the five elements is applied to generalize and explain the nature of the Zang-fu organs, the inter-relationships between them, and the relation between human beings and the natural world. It serves to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment. Early times, the Chinese people recognized the wood, fire, earth, metal and water were indispensable in their daily lives a swell as having different natures.

The character of wood is to grow and flourish.

The character of fire is to be hot and flare up.

The character of earth is to give birth to all things.

The character of metal is to descend and be clear.

The character of water is to be cold and to flow downwards.

Early doctor applied the theory of the five elements in medicine and explain the complicated physiological and pathological relationships between the Zang-fu organs, and between the human body and the external environment. The law of movement of the five elements mainly manifests in the following way; interpromoting, interacting, overacting, counteracting, and mutual relation between mother and son.

Promoting implies promoting growth, wood promotes fire, fire promotes earth, earth promotes metal, metal promotes water and water promotes wood. This inter-promoting relationship of the five elements is known as the “mother and son” relationship. Each element being the “son” of the element is promotes it, and the “mother” of the one it promotes. The theory of the five elements is explains the physiological characteristics and functions of the five zang-organs.

Explaining interactions among the five zang-organs; the five zang-organs coordinate with each other physiologically and affect each other pathologically. Under pathological condition, disorder of one organ may be transmitted to another.

The theory of five elements is applied to analyze clinical data obtained through four diagnostic methods and determine pathological conditions according to natures and laws of the five elements.

Zang –Fu is the general term for the internal organs of the human body, and includes the six zang organs, the six fu organs and the extra fu organs. The six zang organs are heart, lung, spleen, liver, kidney and pericardium. The six fu organs are gallbladder, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, bladder and triple energizer. The extra fu organs are brain, marrow, bones, vessels, gallbladder and uterus are known as the extra fu organs.

The theory of Yin and Yang

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:39:04 GMT

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Originated in antiquity in China. Dealing with the origination of the universe as well the motion and variation of all things in the natural world. People in ancient China held that the original state of the universe was “Qi” and that the motion and variation of “Qi” produced two poles known as “yin” and “yang”. Since all the things in the universe are produced through the motion and variation of Qi, everything can be divided into the aspects of yin and yang, such as the heaven and the earth, the day and the night the water and fire upper and lower cold and heat as well as man and woman.

The original meaning of yin and yang is simple and specific, mainly referring to the sides facing and opposite to the sun.

The thing facing to the sun = Yang.

The thing opposite to the sun = Yin.

In China “Yang” means “sunshine”, and “Yin” means “shadow”

Also generally speaking: the upper part of the body is “Yang” and the lower part of the body is “Yin” and exterior is Yang and interior is Yin, back is Yang and chest and the abdomen is Yin, the lateral side of four limbs Yang the medial sides is Yin. In the five zang organs is Yin(they store essence, but never discharge it: liver, heart, spleen, lung, kidney) and the Six fu-organs is Yang(they transport and transform food, but never store it: gall-bladder, small-intestine, stomach, large-intestine, bladder)

Is Acupuncture Safe?

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:33:07 GMT

Completely safe

Acupuncture is a completely safe and effective form of treatment. All acupuncture needles are pre-sterilized and disposed of after each use. Consequently a patient can be confident that no infection can be transmitted. The use of acupuncture and TCM (Traditional Chinese Medical) in the hands of fully qualified and professional practitioners is entirely safe and free of any harmful side effects.

As a qualified member of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Council of Ireland (TCMCI), an acupuncturist adheres to the highest standards of medical safety and ethics.

How does Acupuncture work?

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:28:47 GMT

Acupuncture work

Today, acupuncture is an effective, natural and popular form of health care that is being used by people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds, for a range of disorders, in many areas of the world.

The theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine state that when healthy, our Qi or life force runs through our body in a network of channels or meridians. Perfect health is a free flow of Qi (pronounced chee). An interruption or blockage can create imbalance, blockage or stagnation, which itself can result in illness. The professional practitioner is trained to assess an individual, looking at all aspects of the person, to identify imbalances, and carry out a professional treatment in a holistic manner.

Acupuncture treatment involves the insertion of fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points along the body's meridians to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of Qi. The practitioner may also stimulate the acupuncture points using other methods, including, moxibustion, cupping, laser therapy, electro-stimulation and massage, in order to re-establish the flow of Qi.

Acupuncture is an effective, natural and increasingly popular form of health care. It takes a holistic approach to understanding normal function and disease processes and focuses as much on the prevention of illness as on the treatment.

How does Acupuncture Feel?

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:24:31 GMT

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Acupuncture is surprisingly relaxing, allowing both the muscles of the body and the mind to unwind and de-stress. The insertion of the needles is painless and because of the small size does not present any discomfort. Once the needles are placed along the meridians patients often feel a sensation of warmth, a pleasant tingling or pressure as the energy begins to move and flow. It is a deeply relaxing sensation and only lasts a few seconds as the body once again becomes balanced. This sensation known in as De-Qi has been shown to have a proven effect on the human brain, stimulating the production of endorphins, the body's natural pain killers, and increasing the energy circulation around the area being treated promoting faster tissue regeneration.

What exactly is TCM?

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:18:31 GMT

Traditional Chinese Medicine: TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine is a discipline that deals with human physiology, pathology, diagnosis and the treatment and prevention of diseases.

TCM encompasses a specific, integrated system of theory, which comes from a history of several thousand years of clinical experience.

TCM develops from the experience of the Chinese people in their long struggle against diseases.

As a result, TCM has contributed a great deal to the promotion of health and prosperity of the Chinese nation and to the further development of medical sciences all over the world as well.

The theoretical system of TCM consists of the theories ofYin and Yang, the five elements, Zang Fu organs, meridians, pathogenesis, syndrome and techniques of diagnosis.

It also includes the therapeutic principles of health preservation and the six natural factors. It is a theoretical system much influenced by ancient materialism and dialectics, with the doctrine on Yin and Yang and the concept of integrated whole as its guiding principle.

This concept is based in the physiology and pathology of the Zang Fu organs and meridians. The diagnostic and therapeutic features of TCM include bianzheng lunzhi , which is a selection of treatment based on differential diagnosis.

TCM is not "new age", nor "alternative" - TCM is a complete medical system that has been practiced for thousand years and has a theoretical backgroud.

For those interested in further reading about TCM, we recommend a great publication by Mr Xu XiangCai from 2001: Principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. (an exerpt can be downloaded by clicking here)

Why use acupuncture?

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 11:11:30 GMT

The benefits of Acupuncture

As a natural form of healing, acupuncture has the following benefits:

1. provides drug-free pain relief

2. effectively treats a wide range of acute and chronic ailments

3. treats the underlying cause of disease and illness as well as the symptoms

4. provides an holistic approach to the treatment of disease and illness, treating the body, mind and spirit.

5. assists in the prevention of disease and the maintenance of general well-being

Moxibustion in North American Acupuncture

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 10:48:05 GMT

Moxibustion in North American Acupuncture: Historical Perspective

The Pacific Wellness Institute, Toronto, Ontario

Dept. of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tsukuba University of Technology, Japan

Tim H. Tanaka, Ph.D. December 14, 2006

Although moxibustion has been an integral part of the original concepts of acupuncture, I was surprised to learn that it is somewhat ignored by many acupuncturists in Western countries. A growing number of Canadians have experienced acupuncture, yet only a few have ever tried moxibustion treatment.

Why has this strange phenomenon occurred in North America? One reason could be related to one historical event that took place in China which opened many Westerners eyes to the hitherto unknown possibilities of non-western medicine.

In 1971 when President Nixon visited China, New York Times foreign correspondent James Reston wrote a personal account about how acupuncture reduced his post surgical abdominal pain. His well-publicized article is considered the first news of acupuncture to hit the mass English-speaking media. The curiosity and excitement generated further intensified shortly after when successful open heart surgery using only acupuncture as anesthesia was reported (1). A sharp incline in the number of acupuncture studies published in English has strengthened the case for acupuncture’s potential as a painkiller. The technique used in the Chinese hospital involved application of intense electric current using inserted acupuncture needles as electrodes. Since there is a similarity to conventional physiotherapy procedures, this modern version of acupuncture technique called electro-acupuncture was quickly adapted into many pain management clinics in North America as an additional analgesic method. Accordingly, a number of training courses in acupuncture have also been established. Most of the courses offered (especially the ones for medical professionals such as MDs, physiotherapists, Chiropractors, etc.) largely focus on electro-acupuncture and do not cover in depth many traditional acupuncture techniques such as moxibustion.

Although the initial excitement about acupuncture anesthesia three decades ago has long been over (surgery is rarely attempted with acupuncture alone, even in China1), electro-acupuncture is still very commonly used technique in North America today, especially for the temporal management of pain. It is interesting to note that electro-acupuncture is also one of the main techniques used by Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners (TCM is the most common acupuncture system used in the US and Canada. See www.acupuncture-treatment.com/styles.html to learn more about different acupuncture styles).

In my opinion, the history of acupuncture in North America basically began with the modern version of acupuncture called electro-acupuncture which does not typically involve Eastern diagnosis and other ancient techniques such as moxibustion. The influence has carried on thereafter.