15 November 2012

A new study finds acupuncture more effective than paroxetine (Aropax, Paxil, Pexeva, Seroxat, Sereupin) for relief of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to earthquake trauma. Researchers from the Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Chengdu Military General Hospital conducted a randomized, controlled clinical investigation of 138 patients with earthquake induced PTSD. Electro-acupuncture was applied to the treatment group at GV20 (Baihui), Sishencong (Ex-HN 1), GV24 (Shenting) and GB20 (Fengchi). The medication group received oral administration of paroxetine. The medication group showed improvement. However, the reduction scores of PTSD including specific scores for anxiety and depression reduction were better in the electro-acupuncture group than the paroxetine group. Based on this investigation, the researchers recommend further studies to measure the biological effects of electro-acupuncture on PTSD patients.

Reference:
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative MedicineVolume 2012 (2012), Article ID 431279, 7 pages. doi:10.1155/2012/431279. Clinical Studies on Treatment of Earthquake-Caused Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Using Electroacupuncture. Yu Wang,1 You-ping Hu,2 Wen-chun Wang,1 Ri-zhao Pang,1 and An-ren Zhang1.

Author Affiliations:
1. Department of Rehabilitation, Chengdu Military General Hospital, No.270, Road Rongdu, Jinniu District, Chengdu, China.
2. Acupuncture and Tuina College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.

13 November 2012

Researchers conclude that acupuncture significantly reduces intestinal disruptions after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. A randomized group of 165 patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 received electroacupuncture at St36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu) and SJ6 (Zhigou). Group 2 received sham Acupuncture at Heguacupuncture, a type of simulated acupuncture used to rule out the placebo effect. Group 3 was the control group and received no acupuncture. The time to defecation was significantly reduced in the acupuncture group over the other groups. Secondary benefits of acupuncture were a reduced need for pain medications, decreased recovery time needed prior to walking and a decrease in the length of stay at the hospital.

About HealthCMi: Authors and presenters provide acupuncture continuing education for acupuncture CEUs online and publish the HealthCMi web news service.

Reference:
Electroacupuncture Reduces Duration of Postoperative Ileus After Laparoscopic Surgery for Colorectal Cancer. Simon S.M. Ng, Wing Wa Leung, Tony W.C. Mak, Sophie S.F. Hon, Jimmy C.M. Li, Cherry Y.N. Wong, Kelvin K.F. Tsoi, Janet F.Y. Lee. Gastroenterology. Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong. 31 October 2012. published online 08 November 2012.

12 November 2012

A new MRI study shows that needling acupuncture point LR3 (Taichong) activates “areas of the visual cortex.” Acupuncture point LR3, located on the foot, is traditionally indicated for the treatment of visual disorders. The researchers note that the “results provide more evidence regarding the credibility of acupuncture therapy” and suggest the need for additional research.

About LR3 (Liver 3, Great Rushing)
AcupunctureLR3 is a Source point, Shu-Stream point and Earth point on the Liver channel. It is located on the dorsum of the foot in the fossa distal to the junction of the 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones. It is traditionally indicated for the treatment of head and eye disorders. This research maps MRI responses to needling LR3 and provides empirical evidence that acupuncture benefits vision. LR3 is commonly used for the treatment of menstruation irregularities and general disorders of the lower jiao. One of the chief actions of LR3 is to regulate the Liver Qi, subdue Liver Yang and wind and to benefit Liver Blood and Yin. The four gates treatment, a combination of LR3 and LI4, is a common treatment for the reduction of pain.

About HealthCMi: Authors and presenters provide acupuncture continuing education for acupuncture CEUs online and publish the HealthCMi web news service.

Reference:
Liu H, Xu J, Shan B, Li Y, Li L, et al. (2012) Determining the Precise Cerebral Response to Acupuncture: An Improved fMRI Study. PLoS ONE 7(11): e49154. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0049154. Editor: Wang Zhan, University of Maryland.

10 November 2012

New research concludes that acupuncture “significantly improves the quality of life” for multiple sclerosis patients. Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the brain and spinal cord that causes a wide range of symptoms including pain, numbness, visual problems, speech problems, cognitive impairment, muscle spasms and depression. Acupuncture was shown to reduce both pain and depression. In addition, acupuncture significantly improved mobility in the eyes.

Acupuncture at Yintang Another group in the study received sham acupuncture, which only simulates acupuncture therapy. The sham acupuncture group did not show sustained improvement in pain, depression and eye mobility. By contrast, the true acupuncture group showed improvement in all three areas and also demonstrated an overall improvement in the quality of life. Other notable improvements in the acupuncture group included improved sleep and appetite. Acupuncture also reduced incontinence, constipation and leg spasms.

All participants in the study, in both the sham and true acupuncture groups, were receiving care under a doctor including the immunomodulatory drugs interferon-beta and glatiramer acetate. No subject in the study received acupuncture prior to the investigation and all subjects were randomized into a true acupuncture group and a sham acupuncture group.

The true acupuncture group received treatment at acupoints ST36 (Zusanli), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), LI4 (Hegu), LI11 (Quchi) and Yintang (EX-HN3). Electroacupuncture was applied to all points, except for Yintang, at 4 Hz with a pulse width of 0.5ms. The sham acupuncture group was needled one centimeter laterally to the true acupuncture points at a superficial needle insertion depth of less than 0.2cm with no electrical stimulation.

An interesting clinical result presented during the investigation. The sham acupuncture group showed temporary pain reduction. However, only the true acupuncture group demonstrated pain reduction measured at six months following the acupuncture treatments.

Reference:
Impact of electroacupuncture on quality of life for patients with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis under treatment with immunomodulators: A randomized study. Juan G Quispe-Cabanillas, Alfredo Damasceno, Felipe Glehn, Carlos O Brandão, Benito P Damasceno, Wanderley D Silveira and Leonilda M Santos. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2012, 12:209 doi:10.1186/1472-6882-12-209. Published: 5 November 2012.

08 November 2012

The Color Atlas of Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture is the definitive acupuncture zone and point location book for the Zhu system. Beautifully designed, its easy reference system enables acupuncturists to quickly locate exact acupuncture areas for the treatment of specific conditions. Written by Prof. Ming Qing Zhu, L.Ac. and Moyee Siu, L.Ac., this book features semi-transparent overlays, zone and point location helpers and easy reference tables for finding specific medical indications.

Acupuncture NeedlesIn many ways, this book is indispensable for anyone using the Zhu scalp acupuncture system. The pictorial layout of this holographic acupuncture system makes the Zhu scalp acupuncture system both accessible and memorable. This book enhances clinical precision and is both stimulating and engaging.

Perhaps one of the most important principles of the Zhu scalp acupuncture system is the application of Qi to the acupuncture zone. The Chouqi and Jingqi acupuncture needling methods, developed by Prof. Zhu, are central to achieving clinical successes. These techniques are reducing and reinforcing techniques specific for the regulation of Qi in the application of scalp acupuncture. Prof. Zhu continues to lecture and provide workshops in which he teaches these and other important acupuncture needling techniques.

Skillful application of the Chouqui and Jingqi techniques combined with the knowledge in The Color Atlas of Zhu’s Scalp Acupuncture opens up significant clinical possibilities. At HealthCMi, we applaud the effort that went into creating a book that takes the complexity of scalp acupuncture and presents it with artistic simplicity. It is always a pleasure to have access to clear, precise, accurate and well organized medical information that translates into improved patient outcomes.