Articles
ONLINEARTICLES 1,053
-
Review Article2023-02-28
Acupuncture for Management of Endodontic Emergencies: a Review
Gaurav Kumar1,†, Sanjay Tewari2,*,†J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(1): 1-10 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.1.1Abstract : Root canal treatment (RCT) employed for painful endodontic conditions like apical periodontitis and irreversible pulpitis is associated with a high incidence of postoperative pain. Pharmacological management for this purpose is effective, but not entirely free from side effects and in some cases may fail to provide adequate relief. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the transmission of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) as a result of the aerosols generated and prolonged chair side time required for RCT. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy commonly employed as an alternative for the treatment of pain. And what’s more, the use of acupuncture has been recently reported as treatment for the management of endodontic pain as well as on the anesthetic success in patients with irreversible pulpitis. This review aims to evaluate the current evidence for acupuncture in endodontics and its potential role in emergency pain relief and management for patients. To combat this, a thorough search for literature within the field was performed in five electronic databases. Retrieved studies were screened according to the pre-defined eligibility criteria. After both an electronic and manual search, five studies were selected for review. These studies reported the beneficial effects of acupuncture in reducing the failure of nerve block in patients with irreversible pulpitis and in controlling both intraoperative and postoperative pain following RCT. In addition, it was also reported to reduce anxiety surrounding the dental procedure and minimized the intake of analgesics after the endodontic procedure, which can result in some unwanted side effects. However, more in depth clinical research is required before any recommendation regarding the application of acupuncture in endodontic patients can be made.
Abstract -
Research Article2023-02-28
Lipid Profile Response to Acupuncture in Obese Patients with Subjective Tinnitus: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Ali Mohamed Ali Ismail*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(1): 11-19 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.1.11Abstract : Background: Blood lipid levels have been reported as novel biomarkers for chronic subjective tinnitus (CST), with their levels being higher in patients with CST.Objectives: This trial aimed to determine the change in lipid profile and tinnitus-related quality of life (TR-QoL) responses to 8-week acupuncture treatment in patients with CST.Methods: Sixty obese patients with CST were randomly assigned to group A (treatment group; n = 30; mean age = 44.10 ± 3.69 years) or group B (sham group; n = 30; mean age = 45.53 ± 3.62 years). Patients in group A (n = 30) received manual stimulation at the TE3, TE5, TE17, TE18, TE19, TE20, TE21, TE22, GB2, GB8, GB20, LI4, LI11, KI3, SP6, ST36, CV4, CV9, and CV12 acupoints through in-site acupuncture needles thrice weekly. Furthermore, the bilateral abdominal ST25 and GB28 acupoints were electrically stimulated through in-site acupuncture needles. Group B (n = 30) received the same acupuncture protocol as group A but the insertion of needles was a sham insertion. Anthropometrics such as body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC), TR-QoL (assessed via tinnitus handicap inventory), blood lipid levels such as high-density lipoprotein (HDLs), low-density lipoprotein (LDLs), cholesterol (C), and triglycerides (TGs), and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for tinnitus severity, were assessed prospectively.Results: Only group A showed significant within-group improvements. Except for HDLs, BMI, and WC, unpaired between-group comparisons showed significantly greater improvements in other outcome measures of all patients with tinnitus (TR-QoL, LDLs, TGs, C, and VAS) in group A than in group B.Conclusion: Safe acupuncture treatment not only improves anthropometrics and TR-QoL, but also helps resolve hyperlipidemia and reduces the severity of tinnitus in obese patients with CST.
Abstract -
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.2023.16.1.20Abstract : Background: 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.
Abstract -
Research Article2023-02-28
Evaluation of Newly Developed Sham Acupuncture Needle with a Special Focus on Needling Sensation: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Daiyu Shinohara1, Namiki Shinozaki1, Ryo Takahashi1, Kenji Imai1,2,3,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2023; 16(1): 30-39 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2023.16.1.30Abstract : Background: Most non-penetrating sham and placebo acupuncture needles comprise a traditional pedestal for fixing the guide tube that makes these needles difficult to operate independently. We developed a simple sham acupuncture needle to overcome this problem and focused on managing the needling sensation.Objectives: To ascertain how differently participants feel sham and real needles and to evaluate whether sham needles are effective in clinical trials.Methods: After enrolling 64 healthy volunteers who had experienced and were knowledgeable about acupuncture, the practitioner randomly used real and sham needles at four sites (bilateral LI4 and LI10) on the participants’ forearms. A custom-made sham blunt stainless acupuncture needle (40 mm, 0.80 mm) that was inserted into a guide tube was used. Immediately after needling, the participants were questioned in regard to their identification of the needle, skin penetration sensation, and de qi.Results: The sham needle resulted in 62.5% blinding. Inequivalent sensations were elicited by the sham needles compared to the real needles. Women reported similar needling sensations from the sham and real needles.Conclusion: This study achieved comparatively higher sham-needle blinding and is therefore worthy of use in clinical trials. The mutual independence of the sham needle from the real needle was mediated presumably by interindividual differences among the participants and the needling sites. Sex differences in sensation were likely related to the blinding capability of the sham needle.
Abstract -
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.2023.16.1.40Abstract : Background: 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.
Abstract
