Aims and Scope
The Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies (JAMS) is a bimonthly, peer-reviewed and open access journal. JAMS aims to disseminate evidence-based scientific findings on the acupuncture and meridian to to researchers, clinicians, and engineers in the complementary and alternative medicine, and other health-related fields. JAMS publish scientific and technological studies on the biomedical, clinical, and humanities and social science aspects of acupuncture and meridians.
The journal welcomes the original articles on the acupuncture and related approaches including manual acupuncture, acupressure, electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping, pharmacopuncture and veterinary acupuncture. Articles on general health science and other modalities, such as anthroposophy, ayurveda, bioelectromagnetic therapy, chiropractic, herbology (herbal medicine), homeopathy, neural therapy and meditation, are also eligible for consideration if the articles are related to acupuncture and meridian studies.
The journal is indexed in MedLine/PubMed/Index Medicus, Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), SCOPUS, ScienceDirect, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Google Scholar, DOAJ, Korea Citation Index (KCI), SHERPA/RoMEO, EZB, and Research Bible. Its abbreviated title is J Acupunct Meridian Stud. This journal was supported by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies (KOFST) grant funded by the Korean Government (Ministry of Education).
JAMS is an open access journal: JAMS is supported by Medical Association of Pharmacopuncture Institute for Article Publishing Charge (APC). There is no charge to publish in this journal. Therefore, all articles will be immediately and permanently free for everyone to read and download. All articles published by Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies are made freely and permanently accessible online immediately upon publication, without registration barriers.
Scope
| Acupuncture and Related Approaches (Acupressure, Electroacupuncture, Laser Acupuncture, Moxibustion, Cupping, Veterinary Acupuncture) |
| Meridian |
| Pharmacopuncture |
JAMS Classification
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10 Biomedical Science
10 Biomedical Science 10.1 Meridian (general) 10.2 Acupuncture 10.2.1 Acupressure
10.2.2 Auricular acupuncture/acupressure
10.2.3 Electroacupuncture
10.2.4 Laser acupuncture
10.2.5 Pharmacopuncture
10.2.6 TENS
10.2.99 Other acupuncture-related techniques10.3 Moxibustion 10.4 Anatomy 10.5 Pathology 10.6 Pharmacology 10.7 Physiology 10.8 Molecular and cell biology 10.9 Biotechnology 10.10 Biochemistry 10.11 Herbal medicine 10.12 Toxicology 10.13 Brain and neuroscience 10.14 Liver and hepatology 10.15 Heart and cardiovascular system 10.16 Stomach, intestine and digestive system 10.17 Lung and pulmonary system 10.18 Kidney and urinary system 10.19 Imaging 10.20 Animal disease model 10.99 Others -
20 Clinical Science
20 Clinical Science 20.1 Accident and emergency medicine 20.2 Acupuncture 20.2.1 Acupressure
20.2.2 Auricular acupuncture/acupressure
20.2.3 Manual acupuncture
20.2.4 Electroacupuncture
20.2.5 Laser acupuncture
20.2.6 TENS
20.2.7 Pharmacopuncture
20.2.99 Other acupuncture-related techniques20.3 Anaesthetics 20.4 Autoimmune disease 20.5 Cancer 20.6 Cardiovascular disease 20.7 Cerebrovascular disease 20.8 Dermatological disease 20.9 Diabetes 20.10 Endocrinology 20.11 Epidemiology 20.12 Gastroenterology 20.13 Genetourinary medicine 20.14 Genetics 20.15 Geriatric medicine 20.16 Haematology 20.17 Health economics 20.18 Health services research 20.19 Hepatology 20.20 Herbal medicine 20.21 HIV and AIDS 20.22 Immunology 20.23 Infectious diseases 20.24 Intentive and critical care 20.25 Internal medicine 20.26 Moxibustion 20.27 Myofascial pain 20.28 Neonatology 20.29 Nephrology 20.30 Neurology 20.30.1 Dementia
20.30.2 Epilepsy
20.30.3 Migraine
20.30.4 Multiple sclerosis
20.30.5 Neurological pain
20.30.6 Neuromuscular disease
20.30.7 Neuroradiology
20.30.8 Parkinson's disease
20.30.9 Stroke20.31 Nursing 20.32 Obstetrics and gynaecology 20.33 Ophthalmology 20.34 Orthopaedics 20.34.1 Back pain
20.34.2 Bone diseases
20.34.3 Joints
20.34.4 Musculoskeletal disorders
20.34.5 Orthopaedic sports trauma
20.34.6 Paediatric orthopaedics
20.34.7 Spine20.35 Otolaryngology 20.36 Paediatrics 20.37 Pain medicine 20.38 Primary care 20.39 Palliative care 20.40 Psychiatry 20.40.1 Anxiety disorders
20.40.2 Depression and mood disorders
20.40.3 Schizophrenia and psychotic disorders
20.40.4 Substance misuse20.41 Psychology 20.42 Public health 20.43 Radiology and imaging 20.44 Rehabilitation medicine 20.45 Respiratory disease 20.46 Rheumatology 20.47 Sexual medicine 20.48 Sleep medicine 20.49 Social medicine 20.50 Sports medicine 20.51 Statistics and research methods 20.52 Systematic reviews and meta-analyses 20.53 Toxicology 20.54 Transplant medicine and surgery 20.55 Trauma management 20.56 Tropical medicine 20.57 Ultrasonography 20.58 Urology 20.59 Wound management 20.99 Others -
30 Veterinary Medical Science
30 Veterinary Medical Science 30.1 Acupressure 30.2 Acupuncture 30.3 Animal diseases 30.4 Electroacupuncture 30.5 Food therapy 30.6 Herbal medicine 30.7 Laser acupuncture 30.8 Moxibustion 30.9 Palliative care 30.10 Pharmacopuncture 30.11 Rehabiliation 30.99 Others -
40 Humanities and Social Science
40 Humanities and Social Science 40.1 History, society and culture 40.2 Regulations 40.3 Education 40.4 Theory 40.99 Others -
90 Others (Miscellaneous)
90 Others (Miscellaneous) 90.1 Anthroposophy 90.2 Aromatherapy 90.3 Ayurveda 90.4 Bioelectricomagnetic therapy 90.5 Biophoton 90.6 Chiropractic 90.7 Meditation 90.8 Neural therapy 90.99 Others
Journal Info
Editorial Office
Tel.+82-2-2658-9051~3
Fax.+82-2-2658-9136
E-mail.journalams@gmail.com
Society.http://www.mapi.or.kr/
Most Read / Downloaded
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Case Report2021-10-31
Role of Acupuncture and Fire Cupping in Reducing the Thyroxine Dose and Improving the Thyroid Function in Hypothyroidism Patients: A Case Series
Pradeep M. K. Nair1,*, Naga Jyothi2J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2021; 14(5): 200-205 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2021.14.5.200AbstractHypothyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders linked to various systemic diseases ranging from obesity to cancers. The present line of management is insufficient as reports suggest that there is persistence of symptoms and poor adherence that makes the management of said disease challenging. Acupuncture and other Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) therapies are proven to alleviate endocrine dysfunctions. However, reports on acupuncture and cupping therapy on hypothyroidism are very scarce. Here, we report 5 cases of hypothyroid patients aged between 38-44 yrs who were treated with acupuncture and fire cupping for a period of three months. At the baseline, the patients presented with either a weak, wiry or vacuum pulse which represents spleen Qi deficiency. Further, they presented with elevated levels of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), and higher Body Mass Index (BMI). Acupuncture treatment at ST36, LI4, SP6, and BL20 was given bilaterally whilst CV4, LR3, LR4, SP9, ST40, SP10, GV4, KI3, ST12, and SI17 were punctured unilaterally. At the end of the time period of three months, patients progressed to normal levels of TSH, reduction in BMI and had succeeded in tapering their medication doses. Supplementing this, the patients reported marked improvement in other symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, and cold feet post-treatment. The effects were consistent even during the three month follow-up period post-interventions. The results encourage the utilization of acupuncture and fire cupping in the management of hypothyroidism. However, large scale studies are warranted to strengthen this recommendation.
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Research Article2022-04-30
Trigger Point Acupuncture and Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adult: a Preliminary Randomized Clinical Trial
Yoichi Minakawa1,2,*, Shogo Miyazaki1,2, Hideaki Waki1,2, Naruto Yoshida1,2, Kaori Iimura3, Kazunori Itoh4J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(2): 143-151 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.2.143AbstractBackground: Exercise therapy is the first choice non-pharmacotherapeutic approach for musculoskeletal pain; however, it often interferes with the implementation and continuation of exercise due to fear-avoidance behaviors. Trigger point acupuncture (TrPAcp) has been reported to reduce musculoskeletal pain.Objectives: To examine the efficacy of exercise combined with TrPAcp compared to exercise alone for older patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), the most common subjective symptom reported by old people of both sexes in Japan.Methods: In this single-center randomized controlled trial conducted at Teikyo Heisei University, 15 men and women aged ≥ 65 years with low back pain for at least 3 months who met the eligibility criteria were included. The Ex+TrPAcp group received exercise and trigger point acupuncture, while the Ex group received only exercise for 3 months. The main outcome, pain intensity, was measured using the numerical rating scale (NRS). Improvement was defined as a decrease in NRS of ≥ 2 or less than moderate (NRS < 4).Results: The analysis included 7 of 8 cases in the Ex+TrPAcp group and 7 of 7 cases in the Ex group. NRS improved in 6 of 7 and 1 of 7 patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively, with a significant difference between groups (p = 0.03, φ = 0.71). Regarding adverse events due to acupuncture, one patient (14.3%) complained of heaviness after acupuncture. Nothing specific was reported with exercise.Conclusion: Compared with Ex alone, Ex+TrPAcp may be more effective therapy for older people with CLBP who do not have an exercise habit.
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Perspective Article2022-08-31
Correlation Between the Sinew Channels with the Myofascial System, Pathology, and Treatment
Pablo Nava Jaimes*, Alejandro Martínez Reyes, Daniel García Lara, Abel Cristian Patiño CoyucaJ Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(4): 201-213 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.201The sinew channels are a tendon and muscle network, and their description is based on the observation presented on the Huangdi Neijing Ling Shu. However, the myofascial system is an uninterrupted series of connective tissue that is comprised of layers that run in different directions. The similarities on these pathways are compared, such as a brief description on the myofascial pain syndrome and its similitude with the Impediment disorder from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Furthermore, we discuss the treatment of these conditions from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective.
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Research Article2021-12-31
Effect of Dry Cupping Therapy on Pain and Functional Disability in Persistent Non-Specific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Marianna de Melo Salemi1,*, Vanessa Maria da Silva Alves Gomes1, Laylla Marjorye Rebouças Bezerra1, Thania Maion de Souza Melo1, Geisa Guimarães de Alencar1, Iracema Hermes Pires de Mélo Montenegro2, Alessandra Paula de Melo Calado3, Eduardo José Nepomuceno Montenegro1, Gisela Rocha de Siqueira1J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2021; 14(6): 219-230 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2021.14.6.219AbstractBackground: Cupping therapy is used to treat musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain.Objectives: The study assessed the effects of dry cupping on pain and functional disability from persistent nonspecific low back pain. Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial, where participants were allocated to a cupping therapy (n = 19) or sham (n = 18) group, for five 10-minute sessions of cupping therapy, twice a week, to stimulate the acupoints related to low back pain (GV4, BL23, BL24, BL25, and BL30, BL40 and BL58) and emotional aspects (HT3 and ST36). All participants were assessed at baseline, post-treatment and follow up (a finalization period of four weeks) using a visual analogue scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Groups were compared using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and the effect size was calculated using Cohen̓s d. Results: The cupping therapy group presented a lower mean VAS when compared to the sham, at post-treatment (mean difference: –2.36; standard error [SE]: 0.58; p < 0.001; “large” effect size: –0.94) and follow up (mean difference: –1.71; SE: 0.81; p < 0.042; ‘large’ effect size: –0.83). The cupping therapy group presented a lower mean ODI when compared to the sham post-treatment (mean difference: –4.68; SE: 1.85; p: 0.017; ‘large’ effect size: –0.87), although in follow-up, there was no difference between the groups (mean difference: 4.16; SE: 2.97; p: 0.17; “medium” effect size: –0.70). Conclusion: Dry cupping was more effective in improving pain and functional disability in people with persistent nonspecific low back pain when compared to the sham.
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Perspective Article2022-08-31
Correlation Between the Sinew Channels with the Myofascial System, Pathology, and Treatment
Pablo Nava Jaimes*, Alejandro Martínez Reyes, Daniel García Lara, Abel Cristian Patiño CoyucaJ Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(4): 201-213 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.4.201The sinew channels are a tendon and muscle network, and their description is based on the observation presented on the Huangdi Neijing Ling Shu. However, the myofascial system is an uninterrupted series of connective tissue that is comprised of layers that run in different directions. The similarities on these pathways are compared, such as a brief description on the myofascial pain syndrome and its similitude with the Impediment disorder from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Furthermore, we discuss the treatment of these conditions from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective.
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Research Article2022-04-30
Trigger Point Acupuncture and Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adult: a Preliminary Randomized Clinical Trial
Yoichi Minakawa1,2,*, Shogo Miyazaki1,2, Hideaki Waki1,2, Naruto Yoshida1,2, Kaori Iimura3, Kazunori Itoh4J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2022; 15(2): 143-151 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2022.15.2.143AbstractBackground: Exercise therapy is the first choice non-pharmacotherapeutic approach for musculoskeletal pain; however, it often interferes with the implementation and continuation of exercise due to fear-avoidance behaviors. Trigger point acupuncture (TrPAcp) has been reported to reduce musculoskeletal pain.Objectives: To examine the efficacy of exercise combined with TrPAcp compared to exercise alone for older patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), the most common subjective symptom reported by old people of both sexes in Japan.Methods: In this single-center randomized controlled trial conducted at Teikyo Heisei University, 15 men and women aged ≥ 65 years with low back pain for at least 3 months who met the eligibility criteria were included. The Ex+TrPAcp group received exercise and trigger point acupuncture, while the Ex group received only exercise for 3 months. The main outcome, pain intensity, was measured using the numerical rating scale (NRS). Improvement was defined as a decrease in NRS of ≥ 2 or less than moderate (NRS < 4).Results: The analysis included 7 of 8 cases in the Ex+TrPAcp group and 7 of 7 cases in the Ex group. NRS improved in 6 of 7 and 1 of 7 patients in the intervention and control groups, respectively, with a significant difference between groups (p = 0.03, φ = 0.71). Regarding adverse events due to acupuncture, one patient (14.3%) complained of heaviness after acupuncture. Nothing specific was reported with exercise.Conclusion: Compared with Ex alone, Ex+TrPAcp may be more effective therapy for older people with CLBP who do not have an exercise habit.
