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Research Article2023-02-28
Influence of Psychological Factors in Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients on De qi: a Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Ni-juan Hu1, Chun-hua Li1, Pei Wang2, Gui-wen Wu3, Liang-xiao Ma4,*, Jiang Zhu4,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(1): 20-29 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.1.20AbstractBackground: De qi , the needling sensation, is important in acupuncture treatment. Almost all studies believe that deep needling and manipulation could achieve a significant de qi sensation. However, relatively few studies have examined the effect of psychological factors on de qi, and those that did often reached different conclusions.Objectives: To explore the influence of psychologic factors on de qi in patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PD).Methods: Sixty-eight PD patients with cold and dampness stagnation were randomly allocated to de qi (deep insertion using thick needles, with manipulation, n=17) and non-de qi groups (shallow insertion using thin needles, without manipulation, n=51). Both groups received bilateral needling at Sanyinjiao (SP6) for 30 min. De qi was assessed using the Acupuncture De qi Clinical Assessment Scale (ADCAS). The patients’ acupuncture-related anxiety and their expectations of the relationship between needle sensation and curative effect were evaluated using a five-point and four-point scale, respectively.Results: Within the de qi group, all patients experienced the de qi sensation, although anxiety levels were unrelated to de qi. Patients’ expectations correlated negatively with de qi timing, and positively with electric sensation. Within the non-de qi group, 59.5% of patients experienced de qi. Between those who experienced it and those who did not, no significant differences were found in anxiety levels, although patients’ expectations differed significantly. Among patients who experienced de qi sensations in the non-de qi group, anxiety and throbbing were positively correlated. Additionally, patients’ expectations correlated positively with de qi intensity, as well as coldness, and numbness.Conclusion: Psychological factors should be considered when studying de qi since PD patients’ expectations could influence the de qi sensation at SP6.
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Clinical Study Protocol2023-02-28
Add-on Effect and Safety of Pharmacopuncture Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Yoona Oh1,†, Chang-Hyun Han2,3,†, Yeonhak Kim1, Jihun Kim1, Changsop Yang2, Young Eun Choi4, Byoung-Kab Kang2, Gi Young Yang1,5, Byung Ryul Lee1,5, Eunseok Kim1,5,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(1): 40-48 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.1.40AbstractBackground: Recently, Korean Medicine treatment with pharmacopuncture therapy (PPT) has been increasingly used in clinical practice to improve symptoms in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of PPT in addition to conventional Korean Medicine treatment (CKMT) for the treatment of patients with LSS, compared with CKMT alone.Methods: This study is designed as a pragmatic, randomized, two-armed, parallel, stratified (by sex), controlled pilot trial. Forty patients diagnosed with LSS will be randomly allocated to the PPT + CKMT group or the CKMT group. Patients in the two groups will receive treatment two times weekly for 5 weeks. The primary outcome will be the mean change in the 100-mm visual analog scale score from the baseline to the end of treatment (week 5). The secondary outcomes will include the clinically important difference, Zurich Claudication Questionnaire score, self-reported walking capacity, Modified–Modified Schober test, EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level questionnaire, and Patients’ Global Impression of Change. Adverse events will be assessed at each visit.Discussion: The results of this study will provide meaningful data to evaluate the add-on effect and safety of PPT in the medical care of patients with LSS.
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Research Article2024-02-29
Effect of Electroacupuncture Stimulation on Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis
Ting Li†, Meng Wu†, Junjian Tian , Yitong Li , Zhigang Li*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(1): 1-11 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.1.1AbstractBackground: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a unique thermogenic tissue in mammals mediated by uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). The energy generated by glucose and triglyceride metabolism is released and transmitted throughout the body as heat. Understanding the factors influencing BAT function is crucial to determine its metabolic significance and effects on overall health. Although studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) at specific acupoints (e.g., ST36) can stimulate BAT, its effects at other acupoints are not well understood. Further research is needed to investigate the potential effects of EA at these acupoints and their association with BAT activation.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of EA at the GV20 and EX-HN3 acupoints. Specifically, the effects of EA on BAT thermogenesis were analyzed by infrared thermography, western blotting, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: A total of 12 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the EA and control groups. The EA group received EA at GV20 and EX-HN3 for 20 min once daily for 14 days. The control group underwent the same procedure but without EA. The core body temperature was monitored. Infrared thermal images of the back of each mouse in both groups were captured. BAT samples were collected after euthanasia to analyze UCP1 protein and UCP1 mRNA. Results: The average skin temperature in the scapular region of the EA group was increased by 1.1℃ compared with that of the C group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the average temperature along the governor vessel in the EA group was increased by 1.6℃ (p = 0.045). EA significantly increased the expression of UCP1 protein (p = 0.001) and UCP1 mRNA (p = 0.002) in BAT, suggesting a potential link between EA and BAT thermogenesis. Conclusion: EA induced BAT thermogenesis, suggesting GV20 and EX-HN3 as potential acupoints for BAT stimulation. The experimental results also highlighted unique meridian characteristics as demonstrated by elevated skin temperature along the governor vessel in mice.

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Research Article2024-04-30
Efficacy of Acupuncture on Pain Severity and Frequency of Calf Cramps in Dialysis Patients: a Randomized Clinical Trial
Leila Sadat Mohamadi Jahromi1, Maryam Vejdanpak2, Rezvan Ghaderpanah3, Seyed Hassan Sadrian3, Alireza Dabbaghmanesh4, Sharareh Roshanzamir5,*, Mohammadhossein Dabbaghmanesh6J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(2): 47-54 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.2.47AbstractBackground: Patients with chronic kidney disease, as a common disorder, usually necessitate the implementation of hemodialysis. Muscle cramps are one of the most disabling complications affecting their quality of life.Objectives: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of acupuncture as a safe alternative to the management of pain severity and frequency of calf cramps in dialysis patients compared to a control group.Methods: Fifty dialysis patients experiencing calf cramps who met the eligibility criteria were randomly allocated to two groups. Group A received routine management, including analgesic consumption, stretching exercises, and nine acupuncture sessions, including acupoints BL57, GV26, CV4, CV6, LV3, KI 1, LU7, LU9, and GB34. Group B underwent sham acupuncture therapy at locations other than the primary acupoints in addition to following the specified routine management. The pain severity was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS), and the daily frequency of calf cramps was evaluated at baseline and one month after treatment completion.Results: VAS scores and the frequency of calf cramps were improved one month after treatment completion in both groups. However, the improvement was significant in group A (p < 0.001), while it was not statistically significant in group B (p > 0.05). There was also a significant difference between both groups regarding reducing pain and the frequency of calf cramps, which showed the efficacy of acupuncture compared to the control group (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: Acupuncture can decrease pain and frequency of calf cramps in dialysis patients.
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Clinical Study Protocol2023-04-30
Effectiveness and Safety of Adjunctive Pharmacopuncture to Acupuncture Treatment for Rotator Cuff Diseases: a Protocol for an Assessor-Blinded, Pragmatic Randomized Controlled, Pilot Trial
Hyun Ji Cha1,†, Chang-Hyun Han2,3,†, Ju Hyun Jeon1, Jeong Kyo Jeong1, Hong Kyoung Kim1, Changsop Yang2, Byoung-Kab Kang2, Min Ji Kim4, Young Eun Choi4, In-Hyuk Ha5, Young Il Kim1,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(2): 79-87 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.2.79AbstractBackground: Shoulder pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Treatment can be surgical or non-surgical. Korean Medicine, including acupuncture and pharmacopuncture, is a part of conservative treatment. Pharmacopuncture, combining acupuncture with herbal medicine, has been used for musculoskeletal disorders since the 1960s, but clinical evidence on its effectiveness is lacking.Objectives: This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of pharmacopuncture for rotator cuff disease.Methods: A two-group, parallel, single-center, pragmatic, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded trial will be conducted. A total of 40 patients will be recruited, starting in July 2022. All patients will be received acupuncture treatment, and pharmacopuncture will be applied to intervention group additionally. After eight treatments are delivered over four weeks, follow-up assessments will be performed.Results: Assessments will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these treatments at baseline and at weeks 2 (2 W), 4 (4 W), and 8 (8 W). The primary outcome will be a visual analog scale (VAS) evaluation of shoulder pain levels. Assessments will include shoulder pain and disability index (SPADI), shoulder range of motion (ROM), EuroQol 5-Dimension 5-Level (EQ-5D-5L), patient global impression of change (PGIC), ‘no worse than mild pain’, and drug consumption rates.Conclusion: This study may offer a rationale for a future full-scale trial on the effectiveness and safety of pharmacopuncture treatment for rotator cuff disease and provide data on non-surgical treatment for the disease.
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Research Article2023-12-31
Improving Upper Limb Spasticity in Patients with Stroke by Electroacupuncture Therapy: a Pre- and Post-Treatment Study
Sung Min Lim1, Eunji Go1, Jungsup Lee2, Go Eun Lee3, Eun Joo Kim4, Chihyoung Son3,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(6): 248-254 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.6.248AbstractBackground: Post-stroke upper limb spasticity (PS-ULS) causes a decline in the quality of life of patients by reducing their ability to perform normal daily activities.Objectives: We performed pre- and post-treatment analyses of the changes in stroke patients with ULS following constant electroacupuncture therapy (EAT). Methods: Thirty patients with PS-ULS underwent 12 sessions of EAT over 4 weeks. After performing acupuncture therapy at four acupoints on the affected arm (LI11, LI10, LI4, and TE5), electrostimulation (60 Hz) was performed for 20 min. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and the Fugl–Meyer assessment of the upper extremity (FMA-UE) were measured as the outcome variables. Results: Following EAT, there was a significant decrease in the elbow MAS score (p < 0.001), a significant decrease in the wrist MAS score (p < 0.01), and a significant increase in the FMA-UE score (p < 0.001). Adverse events related to EAT were not reported. Conclusion: EAT decreased upper limb spasticity and improved functional recovery at the elbow and wrist. Large-scale and rigorous clinical trials are needed to verify the efficacy of EAT.
