Articles
ONLINEARTICLES 1,098
-
Perspective Article2024-08-31
A Perspective on the Identity of the Acupoint
Bong Hyo Lee*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(4): 111-115 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.4.111AbstractRecently, several previously undiscussed concerns in acupuncture research have been brought to light. Among these, the core issue stems from the ambiguity surrounding the identity of acupoints. Hence, the question “What is the identity of acupoints?” remains of particular importance in acupuncture research. To answer this question, we reviewed the original concept of acupoints explained in Oriental medicine, from which acupuncture treatment originated, and examined scientific research on acupuncture and acupoints. We then proposed a perspective on the identity of acupoints and speculated about a possible reason for their elusive nature: qi, which congregates at and flows in and out of acupoints, might be bioelectricity, making these points inherently difficult to measure anatomically or histologically. Consequently, acupoints are suggested to be spaces where bioelectricity congregates, thus inevitably exhibiting electrical characteristics.
-
Systematic Review Protocol2024-08-31
The Effectiveness and Safety of Yi Shen Juan Bi Pill on Rheumatoid Arthritis: a Protocol for Systematic Review and/or Meta-Analysis
Gyoungeun Park1, Jeong-Hyun Moon1, Seo-Hyun Park2, Joo-Hee Kim3, Byung-Kwan Seo4, Seung-Deok Lee5, Won-Suk Sung6,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(4): 116-122 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.4.116AbstractImportance: The Yi Shen Juan Bi (YSJB) pill has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with several studies reporting its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to prevent bone destruction. However, the lack of evidence regarding the effectiveness and toxicity of individual components of YSJB limits its widespread use.Objective: This protocol outlines a systematic review and/or meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of YSJB.Data Resources: We will search worldwide electronic databases, including MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, CiNii, J-STAGE, KoreaMed, Korean Medical Database, Korean Studies Information Service System, National Digital Science Library, Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information, and Oriental Medicine Advanced Searching Integrated System. In addition, we will conduct manual searches, and, if necessary, contact authors directly. The search will cover publications until June 2024.Study Selection: We will select randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compare the use of YSJB for the treatment of RA against other treatments.Study Extraction and Synthesis: Data from the selected RCTs will be extracted, including sample size, patient characteristics, intervention details, and outcome measures. We will perform a meta-analysis using Review Manager software.Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): The primary outcome measures will include disease activity scores such as effective rate, swollen joint count, tender joint count, and morning stiffness. Secondary outcome measures will include blood test results and adverse events.Results: The results will reveal the effectiveness and safety of YSJB for the treatment of RA.Conclusions and Relevance: The findings will provide an evidence-based review of the use of YSJB for RA.S.
-
Review Article2024-08-31
Application Development of Baihui (GV20) Moxibustion in Ancient China: a Data Analysis Study Based on Ancient Books
Ma Yueying1,2, Chen Liming1,2,*, Qu Changcheng1, Ji Jun2,3J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(4): 123-132 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.4.123AbstractImportance: We compile and analyze ancient literature related to Baihui (GV20) moxibustion and summarize the development of its ancient clinical application.Observations: The Chinese Medical Classic (5th edition) was used as the search source to screen and organize articles related to Baihui moxibustion to establish a database. We created indexing norms according to study characteristics and indexed books, dynasties, literary styles, disease key words, matching acupoints, combinations, moxibustion amounts, and moxa cone sizes. SPSS version 24.0 software was used to calculate the index results. A total of 320 articles that met the requirements were finally included and were attributed to 99 ancient books, spanning from the Western Han Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. A total of 45 keywords were used for disease evidence: the most frequent occurrences were internal medicine (primary category), limb meridians (secondary category), and head diseases (specific patterns).Conclusions and Relevance: Baihui moxibustion has been updated and developed in the literature over the ages, and the method of Baihui moxibustion is diverse. The main treatment rule of Baihui moxibustion considers the whole body and close treatment of partial diseases. Baihui moxibustion also has the rule of following meridian indications, with treatment based on syndrome differentiation and compatible application. Baihui moxibustion alone has a relatively strong effect of raising yang and lifting the sunken, which can treat the sinking of qi and deficiency.
-
Research Article2024-08-31
Effect of Acupoint Catgut Embedding at Yanglingquan (GB34) on the Bile Metabolism of Patients with Choledocholithiasis after Surgery
Lei Li1, Xiaofan Ji2, Xiaoyong Rao2, Dewei Luo2, Qiping Mao2, Hui Du2, Haihong Fang1,*, Hui Ouyang2,*, Yuan Zhang3,*J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(4): 133-140 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.4.133AbstractImportance: Choledocholithiasis, or bile duct gallstones, is effectively treated with surgery, which does not prevent relapse. A common adjuvant therapy is the stimulation of the Yanglingquan point (GB34). Acupoint catgut embedding (ACE), an acupoint stimulation therapy, may be a better treatment for choledocholithiasis.Objectives: To investigate the effect of ACE in stimulating GB34 on bile metabolism and its possible mechanism via metabonomics.Methods: In this study, we used ultrahigh performance liquid chromatographyquadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) to analyze the changes in bile metabolites, metabolic pathways, and liver function indicators in 16 patients with choledocholithiasis before and after ACE stimulation.Results: We identified 10 metabolites that exhibited significant differences in the bile before and after ACE, six of which significantly increased and four that significantly decreased. Moreover, six liver function indicators showed a downward trend. We identified related metabolic pathways as glycerophospholipid metabolism, steroid biosynthesis, and the citrate cycle (TCA cycle).Conclusions and Relevance: This study shows that ACE stimulation of GB34 can effectively help treat choledocholithiasis, which may be clinically applicable to ACE.
-
Clinical Study Protocol2024-08-31
Effect of Dry Needling Plus Static Stretching on Plantar Flexors Spasticity in Chronic Stroke Patients
Mahdi Esmaeeli1, Nastaran Ghotbi1,*, Kazem Malmir1, Noureddin Nakhostin Ansari1,2, Pablo Herrero3, Shohreh Jalaei1, Elham Loni4, Sajede Mazidi1J Acupunct Meridian Stud 2024; 17(4): 141-148 https://doi.org/10.51507/j.jams.2024.17.4.141AbstractImportance: Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is often accompanied by complications such as spasticity. Static stretching (SS) is a common physiotherapy intervention for reducing spasticity, whereas dry needling (DN) is a novel approach. However, the combined effects of DN and SS on spasticity have not been thoroughly investigated. Given the pivotal effect of spasticity on daily activities, mitigating spasticity can significantly contribute to restoring patient independence.Objective: This study will explore the impact of DN plus SS on spasticity, alpha motor neuron excitability, overall function, and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke.Design, Setting, and Population: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial will be conducted in patients with post-stroke spasticity in the plantar flexor muscles. Twentyeight participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention or control group. The intervention group will receive DN (60s × 3 days/week; 1 week) plus SS (20 min × 5 days/ week; 1 week). The control group will undergo sham DN (60s × 3 days/week; 1 week) and SS (20 min × 5 days/week; 1 week).Exposures: DN plus SS or sham DN plus SS.Main Outcomes and Measures: Both groups will be assessed at baseline, immediately post-treatment, and after 1 week of follow-up. Outcome measures will include the Modified Modified Ashworth Scale, H-reflex latency, Hmax/Mmax ratio, active and passive ankle dorsiflexion range of motion, timed up and go test, and the EuroQol questionnaire.Results: Results from this randomized, sham-controlled study will provide evidence for the effectiveness of DN in combination with SS for spasticity.Conclusions and Relevance: The additional impact of DN in conjunction with SS, a widely used method for reducing muscle tone, remains unclear and warrants investigation. This study, with a high level of evidence, aims to address this knowledge gap.
