Research Article2020-12-01

Investigating the Effect of Acupressure on the Patients’ Anxiety Before Open-Heart Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Bagher Khoram ¹, Amin K. Yoosefinejad ², Mozhgan Rivaz ³, Seyed S. Najafi ^{3, *}

2020; 13(6): 169-173 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2020.11.001

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Abstract : Background: Anxiety is a common complaint of patients before diagnostic or therapeutic invasive procedures, especially before open-heart surgery. The most well-known method to reduce anxiety is the use of sedatives, which have pronounced side effects. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acupressure on anxiety in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. Method: This is a randomized clinical trial study conducted on 90 patients who were candidates for open-heart surgery. The patients were randomly assigned into either intervention or control groups. Acupressure intervention was applied at three real acupoints over two consecutive days in the intervention group. The control group received acupressure on sham points. We used Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess anxiety in our study. Results: The results showed that before acupressure, there was no statistically significant difference between state anxiety scores and intergroup traits, and this difference was only significant in state anxiety after the second intervention. State and trait anxiety were significant before and after the intervention in the test group, respectively include (p < 0.001) (p = 0.01), but these changes in the control group did not show a statistically significant difference. After completing the second phase of the intervention at the actual sites, systolic blood pressure (p = 0.007) and heart rate (p = 0.001) decreased significantly. However, acupressure did not have a significant effect on diastolic blood pressure in any of the groups. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, the application of acupressure in patients who are candidates for open-heart surgery can reduce their state anxiety. Further larger-scale and rigorous studies are warranted.

Research Article2020-12-01

Locating Specific Acupoints Large Intestine 4 (LI4) and Large Intestine 6 (LI6) in Cadavers Using Anthropometric and Cun Measurement Systems

Gregory P. Casey ^†

2020; 13(6): 174-179 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2020.11.003

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Abstract : Background: Anthropometric and anatomical Chinese inch measurement (CUN) systems are useful in understanding the location of acupoints; however, locating acupoints is challenging. Objectives: The study aimed to locate LI4 and LI6, to measure differences and similarities in body dimensions based on sex using anthropometric and CUN systems, and to observe the relationship between f-cun and b-cun. Methods: 25 forearms and hands from 16 embalmed cadavers had body dimensions measured using anthropometric and CUN systems. LI4 and LI6 were located using a combination of both systems. Data were compiled and calculated to observe any variation in means and ranges. Statistical analysis was performed using a paired t-test. Results: LI4 was found on the skin at the lateral border of the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. LI6 was found 3 cun or 74 ± 8 mm from LI5. Differences were observed between male and female cadavers and a large difference between f-cun and b-cun measurements of 1.5 to 3 cun. There were positive correlations between several body dimensions observed. Conclusions: LI4 was located on the dorsum of the hand, radial to the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone. LI6 was located 3 cun from LI5 with an error of 1 to ½ cun variation. The differences in f-cun and bcun in isolating LI6 seem to account for this error. Future studies using cadavers may need to take this error into consideration for variation and measuring differences.

Research Article2020-12-01

Effects of Acupressure and Acupuncture-Like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on Sleep Quality Among Pregnant Women

Ganiyu Sokunbi ^{1, *}, Ibrahim U. Takai ², Ifeoma B. Nwosu ³, Rasheedat Balarabe ¹

2020; 13(6): 180-186 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2020.10.003

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Abstract : Background: Despite the adverse consequences of poor sleep during pregnancy, relatively few safe interventions exist for improving sleep among pregnant women. Nonpharmacological interventions are increasingly gaining acceptance. However, the effects of acupressure and acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ACUTENS) have not been widely reported. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of low-frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, otherwise known as ACUTENS, and acupressure on sleep quality among pregnant women. Methods: Purposive sampling of 42 pregnant women with sleep disorders was conducted, and the participants were randomized into 3 groups, i.e., acupressure, ACUTENS, and usual care. interventions, which were carried out twice weekly for six weeks. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality index was used to determine the overall sleep quality. Results: The preintervention scores of sleep quality were 12.5 (3.75), 12.5 (4.0), and 13.0 (3.5) in the ACUTENS, acupressure, and usual care groups, respectively. The KruskaleWallis test did not show any significant difference in the preintervention sleep quality scores (H = 0.379, p = 0.827). Participants in the usual care group recorded the least improvement, with a score of 5.0 (2.25), the ACUTENS group recorded a score of 4.5 (3.0), and the greatest improvement was recorded in the acupressure group, with a score of 4.0 (2.2) after 6 weeks of intervention. The KruskaleWallis test did not show any significant difference in the postintervention sleep quality scores among the 3 groups (H = 0.666, p = 0.717). Conclusion: This study showed that ACUTENS and acupressure as an adjunct to usual care are not more effective than usual care alone in improving sleep quality among pregnant women.

Case Report2020-12-01

Acupuncture for Anaemia and Large Intestine Impaction Associated with Hind Limb Weakness in a Horse: A Case Report

María Resano-Zuazu

2020; 13(6): 187-190 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2020.11.002

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Abstract : A 24-year-old horse was presented with a clinical history of anaemia, large intestine impaction and hind limb weakness. Loss of body weight was also reported. Hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were low and piroplasmosis test was negative. Nasogastric intubation with laxative agents was performed and 50 ml of a red blood-cell-supplement was given daily during a month. An assessment following Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) principles was performed after the last episode of large intestine impaction. A swollen, pale and wet tongue was observed. A superficial, weak pulse combined punctually with a slippery pulse was detected on the right side. The pulse on the left side was very thin. BL18, BL20 and BL23 were the most sensitive acupoints on the right side. BL18 and BL23 were the most sensitive on the left. TCVM diagnosis was Qi/Yang Kidney Deficiency, Spleen Qi Deficiency with Stagnation and Blood Deficiency. It received acupuncture at Bai-Hui, KI3, KI7, KI10, BL23, GB39, ST36, BL17 and acupressure at SP10. The client reported a significant improvement after treatment and hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were normal. KI3, ST36, BL39 acupoints were treated 14 days later. The outcome was favourable and one acupuncture session per month was recommended. No previous case reports in equines have been documented with a combination of blood, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal problems in the same episode. This case is an example of an integrative approach to investigate the origin and the interdependent relation between body systems.