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Objective to explore the differences in the central response after acupuncture and moxibusbution at Zusānlĭ (足三里ST36) in treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD) based on the analysis of fractional amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (fALFF) of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rfMRI). Methods a total of 60 patients with FD were randomized into an acupuncture group and a moxibustion group, 30 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was applied to bilateral ST36. In the moxibustion group, moxibustion was exerted at bilateral ST36. The treatment was given once a day, 5 times a week, totally for 4 weeks in each group, including 20 treatments with acupuncture or moxibustion. Separately, before and at the end of treatment, rfMRI scanning was conducted in two groups. Using data processing assistant for resting-state fMRI (DPARSF) software and MATLAB data platform, rfMRI data were collected for preprocessing and fALFF analysis. Results compared with the data before treatment, after treated with acupuncture at ST36 in FD patients, fALFF value was reduced in the right superior frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus, left inferior frontal gyrus, right cuneus, left precuneus, right middle occipital gyrus, left middle occipital gyrus, etc., and it was increased in the left parahippocampus, right parahippocampus, left cerebellum, etc (all P Conclusion the differences in central function responses are induced in treamtent with acupuncture and moxibustion, which is probably related to the resting-state default network associated with targeted regulation and ventral attention of brain areas in functional dyspepsia.

To compare the efficacy difference between moxibustion at sensitized-acupoints and non-sensitized-acupoints using the same group of acupoints. A total of 139 patients with chronic superficial gastritis were divided into a sensitized acupoint group (102 cases) and a non-sensitized acupoint group (37 cases) based on whether acupoint sensitization occurred. The SPSS version 19.0 statistical software propensity score matching function was used to balance the baseline data between the groups. Finally, 29 pairs of matched patients were included, namely 29 cases in the sensitized acupoint group and 29 cases in the non-sensitized acupoint group. Both groups were treated with moxibustion therapy. The treatment lasted for 30 min per time, and was performed every other day for 8 weeks. Changes in the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score and the short-form 36-item health survey (SF-36) score in both groups were observed before and after treatment, as well as the clinical efficacy. The covariates of age, course of disease, TCM symptom score and SF-36 score in the two groups were balanced after matching (all P

To observe the difference in clinical efficacy between acupuncture with point selection based on syndrome differentiation along the meridians and acupuncture at non-meridian and non-acupoint points for functional dyspepsia (FD). A total of 74 FD patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 37 cases in each group. Both groups received acupuncture treatment. Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiguan (PC 6) were selected in the observation group, with Taichong (LR 3) and Neiting (ST 44) added for excess syndrome, and Gongsun (SP 4) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) added for deficiency syndrome. Four non-meridian and non-acupoint points were selected in the control group. The treatments in both groups were performed once a day with a 2-day break after 5 consecutive treatments, which constituted one treatment course. A total of 4 courses were performed. The scores of Nepean dyspepsia index (NDI) and Leeds dyspepsia questionnaire (LDQ) were recorded before and after treatment, and during follow-up (8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks after recruitment) to assess the clinical efficacy. The NDI scores in the two groups after treatment and at each time point during follow-up were higher than those before treatment (all P

To observe the effects of laurocapram and borneol as transdermal penetration enhancers applied to herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on liver lipids, hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) and hydroxymethylglutaryl CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase in hyperlipidemia rabbits. Forty New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups using the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Rabbits in the blank group were fed routinely with a normal diet; rabbits in the other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model. Rabbits in the blank and the model groups were not given any intervention. After the model was prepared successfully, rabbits in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion without transdermal penetration enhancers; rabbits in the laurocapram group and the borneol group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion with laurocapram or borneol respectively. After 4 weeks of treatment, the serum was isolated and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was applied for the detection of HSL and HMG-CoA reductase. The liver tissues were isolated, and total cholesterol (TC) and triglycerides (TG) were measured by enzymatic methods. One-step method was applied for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) detection, and transmission turbidimetry was for apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1) and apolipoprotein B (Apo-B) detection. The serum concentrations of the drugs in the laurocapram and the borneol groups were significantly higher than those in the non-transdermal penetration enhancer group (both P

Objective: To observe the lipid-lowering effect of different transdermal absorption enhancers applied to the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in hyperlipidemia model rabbits, and to explore the possible mechanism. Methods: Forty New-Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 5 groups using the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. Rabbits in the blank group were fed routinely with normal diet; rabbits in the other groups were fed with high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model. Rabbits in the blank and the model groups were not treated. After the model was prepared, rabbits in the non-transdermal absorption enhancer group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion without transdermal absorption enhancer; rabbits in the laurocapram group and the borneol group received herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion with laurocapram or borneol respectively. After 4 weeks of treatment, serum was collected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the liver tissues were isolated for immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western-blotting (WB) detection. Results: Serum ELISA results showed that leptin was significantly decreased in the model group compared with the blank group (P 0.05). The qPCR results of rabbit liver tissues showed that the mRNA expressions of leptin, Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the model group were significantly lower than those in the blank group (all P

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of treating infantile diarrhea due to spleen deficiency with five-step pediatric tuina of Huxiang school. Methods: Using a randomized controlled trial design, sixty eligible kids with diarrhea due to spleen deficiency were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 30 cases in each group. The observation group was intervened by the five-step pediatric tuina method of Huxiang school, and the control group received conventional tuina treatment. The intervention was conducted once a day, consecutive 5-day treatment as 1 course, at a 2-day interval between courses, successively for a total of 4 courses. Changes in the primary and secondary symptoms of diarrhea due to spleen deficiency were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated. Results: After treatment, the scores of primary and secondary symptoms and the general score of diarrhea due to spleen deficiency were improved; the improvements in fecal form and frequency, decreased appetite, bloating after meals and fatigue and sluggishness were more significant in the observation group than in the control group. Conclusion: The five-step pediatric tuina method of Huxiang school and conventional tuina both can improve the primary and secondary symptoms in infantile diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, while the former one can produce more significant efficacy.

To observe the clinical efficacy of balance-impact tuina therapy for lumbar intervertebral disc herniation (LIDH). A total of 118 eligible LIDH patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group by the random number table method, with 59 cases in each group. The observation group was intervened by balance-impact tuina therapy, while the control group was intervened by conventional tuina therapy, both for consecutive two weeks. The scores of visual analog scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index (ODI), quality of life questionnaire-core 30 (QOL-C30) were observed before and after treatment; the relapse rate was estimated at the sixth month and twelfth month following the treatment. The data were statistically analyzed. After intervention, the total effective rate was 96.6% in the observation group versus 91.5% in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant (P

To observe the effect of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on liver X receptor alpha (LXRα) in rabbits with atherosclerosis. Thirty-six male New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and a simvastatin group according to the random number table method, with 9 rabbits in each group. Rabbits in the model group, the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group and the simvastatin group were modeled by high fat feeding method which took 12 weeks. After verification of the successful model, rabbits in the normal group were not treated, in the model group were bundled, in the herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group were treated with herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion, and those in the simvastatin group were treated with simvastatin, all for a total of 4 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the aorta and liver were observed for pathological changes; serum and liver were used to detect lipid levels; Western blot (WB) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were used to detect LXRα protein and mRNA expression levels, respectively. Compared with the normal group, the structure of aorta was disordered, the wall was rough and thick, the intima was unsmooth, and the vascular smooth muscle cells were arranged closely and disorderly in the model group, which was consistent with the characteristics of the rabbit model of aortic atherosclerosis. Compared with the model group, the aortic structure was clear, the degree of hepatocyte degeneration was reduced, the serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein levels were significantly decreased (all P

To observe the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST 36), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Ashi points on adjuvant arthritis rats, and explore the mechanism of EA treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sixty male rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a methotrexate group and an EA group, with 15 rats in each group. Rats in the normal group and the model group were routinely raised and did not receive treatment; rats in the methotrexate group received methotrexate at a dose of 0.35 mg/(kg·bw), twice a week for 3 weeks; rats in the EA group received acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), Guanyuan (CV 4) and Ashi points, and the bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Ashi points were connected to EA apparatus, once a day for 3 weeks. The general status, the swelling degree of the toe, the arthritis index (AI) score, the pathological morphology of the ankle joint, and the mRNA expressions of cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein (c-IAP) 1 and c-IAP2 in joint synovial tissue cells of the rats in each group were observed. The swelling degree of the toe, AI score and mRNA expressions of c-IAP1 and c-IAP2 in the model group were significantly higher than those in the normal group (all P

Objective To discuss the topical action characteristics of the biological transmission of moxibustion heat via temperature collection and numerical modeling.

A pneumonia infected with the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019- nCoV) causes an acute respiratory infectious disease that the World Health Organization has announced 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) by the WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on February 11, 2020. Fever, fatigue, and dry cough are the main manifestations of COVID-19. A few patients have congestion, runny nose, Pain and diarrhea. The presence of humanto- human infection of COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through respiratory droplets and contact, and may also be transmitted through aerosols, and the population is generally susceptible [1].

Objective To observe the influence of acupuncture stimulus and thermal stimulus on the expression of mast cells (MCs) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in local acupoint area of Guānyuan (关元 CV 4) and serum 5-HT in rats. Methods Thirty-nine male C57BL/6 rats were randomly divided into blank control group, acupuncture stimulus group and thermal stimulus group, with 13 rats in each group. The rats were stimulated by manual acupuncture at CV 4 for 5 min in acupuncture stimulus group, while those in thermal stimulus group were stimulated by adopting a thermal moxibustion apparatus on CV 4 for 30 min. The expression of MC and 5-HT in the skin in the acupoint area of CV 4 before and after acupuncture stimulus and thermal stimulus was observed and analyzed via adopting toluidine blue staining method and immunofluorescence histochemical method (5 rats were selected from each group), and the 5-HT content in serum before and after stimulus was determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (8 rats were selected from each group). The influence of acupuncture stimulus and thermal stimulus on the contents of MC and 5-HT in the skin and serum 5-HT in rats was analyzed and compared. Results ① After acupuncture stimulus or thermal stimulus on CV 4 of C57BL/6 rats, the number of MC in the acupoint area significantly increased when compared with that in blank group (the acupuncture stimulus group 12.40 ± 2.07 vs. the blank group 3.00 ± 5.96; thermal stimulus group 26.20 ± 10.85 vs. the blank group 12.40 ± 2.07, both P Conclusion Both acupuncture stimulus and thermal stimulus can cause the aggregation and degranulation of MCs and high expression of 5-HT in the acupoint area. The effect of thermal stimulus was superior to that of acupuncture stimulus in degranulation.

The suspended magnetic moxibustion cupping therapy, as a specific moxibustion method which collects moxibustion, cupping, infrared and magnetic therapy into one, and integrates with the warming and heating effect of moxibustion, sucking effect of cups, and effect of infrared light energy and magnetic energy, is a particularly unique method for weight loss. This article introduces the basic situation and mechanism of suspended magnetic cupping therapy for weight loss. For pathogenesis of deficiency, phlegm, stagnation and cold in obesity, Shuang Long Xi Zhu (two dragons playing a ball) moxibustion, abdominal Jiu Gong (nine palaces) moxibustion, San Yang Kai Tai (auspicious beginning) moxibustion and Chang Long (long dragon) moxibustion were given respectively. This therapy has inspired the clinical idea of Chinese medicine for obesity.

By taking the holism and differentiation concepts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as the guidance, physical, mental and workplace factors were recruited in the observation of depression in employees, and were systematically classified to establish a workplace-related Liver Meridian-depression scale, for providing an evaluation index for depression in employees. NVIVO 11 software was adopted to assort ancient TCM classics. Based on the holism and differentiation concepts of TCM and well-developed scales, the item pool was determined via brain storm and screened by Delphi method after classified; a Wechat questionnaire was handed out 240 times via the online system ‘Wen Juan Xing’, and the results were statistically analyzed by the SPSS 17.0 version software. Five dimensions consisting of 80 items were obtained after classification, and 60 items were selected by Delphi method; a total of 216 questionnaires were returned and the return rate was 90%. Of which, 215 questionnaires were valid ones, and the valid rate was 99%. By exploratory factor analysis (EFA), 44 items were obtained, and the aggregate split-half reliability coefficient was 0.922. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the five dimensions, i.e. Liver Meridian, relevant meridians, basic psychological activities, work cognition and emotional reactions, was respectively 0.841, 0.842, 0.914, 0.836 and 0.839, indicating a content internal consistency. The score of each item was highly correlated with the corresponding dimension, and the intercommunity was between 0.474 and 0.801. Nine factors were generated, 2 in the dimension of Liver Meridian, 3 in the dimension of relevant meridians, 2 in the dimension of basic psychological activities, 1 in the dimension of work cognition, and 1 in the dimension of emotional reactions, and the load of each factor was between 0.438 and 0.859. The reliability and validity of the scale were well examined. The scale can be applied to evaluate the qi activities of Liver Meridian and depression symptoms related to workplace.

Objective To explore the relationship between the receptor temperature and moxibustion distance of mild moxibustion, and provide evidence for clinical moxibustion distance. Methods Mild moxibustion was carried out for 15min by adopting moxibustion shelf, and the moxibustion ash was shook off automatically for once every 3 min. The distance between moxa stick and temperature sensor was set as 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm and 5 cm, respectively, by ruler. The temperature was recorded for once every 2 s with photothermal detection system for moxibustion combustion to form a temperature profile. The initial temperature, maximum temperature and average temperature were observed, and the experimental data were analyzed via SPSS18.0 statistical software. Results The initial receptor temperature was (25.33±0.29) °C when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, (25.29±0.05) °C when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, (25.43±0.17) °C when the moxibustion distance was 4cm, and (25.16±0.22) °C when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm, respectively. The maximum temperature was (74.96±1.20) °C when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, (51.70±0.74) °C when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, (49.33±0.40) °C when the moxibustion distance was 4 cm, and (42.50±0.26) °C when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm, respectively. The average temperature was (62.40±7.84) °C–(62.68±7.58) °C when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, (44.77±3.31) °C–(45.11±3.21) °C when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, (42.72±3.86) °C–(43.12±3.54) °C when the moxibustion distance was 4 cm, and (38.45±1.67) C–(38.50±1.63) °C when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm, respectively. The temperature curve showed that the fluctuation range was the maximum when the moxibustion distance was 2 cm, larger when the moxibustion distance was 3 cm, smaller when the moxibustion distance was 4 cm, and minimum when the moxibustion distance was 5 cm. There was no significant difference in the initial temperature of mild moxibustion at different distances, however, the maximum temperature, average temperature and the fluctuation range of temperature curve were closely related to the moxibustion distance. Conclusion The nearer the distance is, the higher the maximum temperature and average temperature as well as the larger the fluctuation range will be, and the farther the distance is, the lower the maximum temperature and average temperature as well as the smaller the fluctuation range will be. According to preliminary analysis, the temperature will be the most suitable when the moxibustion distance is 3 cm–4 cm.

To observe the effect of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion on the expressions of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK1/2) and extracellular regulatory protein kinase (ERK1/2) in gastric tissues of rats with spleen deficiency syndrome, and to explore the possible mechanisms of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion in treating spleen deficiency syndrome. Sixty Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a blank control group (group A), a model group (group B), a ranitidine group (group C), and a herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion group (group D) by random digit, 15 rats in each group. Rat models of spleen deficiency syndrome were made by intragastric administration of 4 °C 200% concentrated Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei). After successful modeling, the rats in group C were treated with 25 mg/(kg·bw) ranitidine by intragastric adminstration and rats in group D were treated with herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) and Zhongwan (CV 12), for 8 d. Excepted for rats in group A, all the other rats were treated with indomethacin at 5 mg/(kg·bw) at 8:00 a.m. on the second day after finishing all the intervention and sacrificed 7 h later to isolate the stomach. Histopathological changes of the gastric tissues were observed under light microscope after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The protein expressions of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 in the gastric tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. After intervention, the gastric mucosal injury in group B was significantly severer than that in group A, with large breakage and ablating; the damage of gastric mucosa was decreased in group C compared with group B; the gastric mucosal surface remained relatively complete, and the status of breakage and ablating was significantly improved. After intervention, compared with group A, the protein expressions of MEK1/2 and ERK1/2 in gastric tissues of the other groups were significantly higher (P

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that has been found useful for treating various diseases. The treatments involve the insertion of fine needles at acupoints along specific meridians (meridian specificity). This study aims to investigate the metabolic basis of meridian specificity using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)-based metabolomics. Electro-acupuncture (EA) stimulations were performed at acupoints of either Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (SMFY) or Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang (GMFS) in healthy male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats. 1H-NMR spectra datasets of serum, urine, cortex, and stomach tissue extracts from the rats were analysed by multivariate statistical analysis to investigate metabolic perturbations due to EA treatments at different meridians. EA treatment on either the SMFY or GMFS acupoints induced significant variations in 31 metabolites, e.g., amino acids, organic acids, choline esters and glucose. Moreover, a few meridian-specific metabolic changes were found for EA stimulations on the SMFY or GMFS acupoints. Our study demonstrated significant metabolic differences in response to EA stimulations on acupoints of SMFY and GMFS meridians. These results validate the hypothesis that meridian specificity in acupuncture is detectable in the metabolome and demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of a metabolomics approach in understanding the mechanism of acupuncture.

To explore the beneficial regulatory effect of mild moxibustion from different distances at Zusanli (ST 36) of healthy population on the functions of temperature-related brain regions. In 20 recruited healthy subjects, the change of the temperature-related brain regions induced by mild moxibustion from different distances at Zusanli (ST 36) was observed by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In comparison of the values in amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) during and before moxibustion, it has been found that in moxibustion of 2 cm distance, fALFF value increased in the brain regions of the left anterior cingulated cortex and lateral surrounding cerebral regions, and fALFF value decreased in the cerebral regions of the peripheral cortex of the calcarine fissure; in moxibustion of 3 cm distance, fALFF value increased in the brain regions of the right and medial side and paracingulated gyrus, and fALFF value decreased in the cerebral zone of the left middle temporal gyrus; in moxibustion of 4 cm distance, fALFF value increased in the brain regions of the right and medial and paracingulated gyrus; and in moxibustion of 5 cm distance, fALFF value increased in the brain regions of the left hippocampus. In comparison of the value of regional homogeneity (ReHo), it has been found that in moxibustion of 2 cm distance, ReHo value increased in the cerebral zone of the posterior lobe of the right cerebellum, and ReHo value decreased in the cerebral zone of the right occipital lobe; in moxibustion of 3 cm distance, ReHo value increased in the brain regions of the left cerebellar posterior lobe and left frontal lobe, and ReHo value decreased in the cerebral zone of the right inferior temporal gyrus; in moxibustion of 4 cm distance, ReHo value increased in the brain regions of the right superior frontal gyrus and ReHo value decreased in the brain regions of the right parietal lobe and angular gyrus; in moxibustion of 5 cm distance, ReHo value increased in the cerebral zone of the right frontal lobe and ReHo value decreased in the cerebral zone of the right brainstem. In moxibustion of 3 cm distance, the changes in the brain regions basically conform to the transmission route of body trunk temperature.

To explore the correlation between moxibustion sensation and distance of moxa stick and provide reference for clinical practice. A total of 16 healthy volunteers aged 18-35 years old in college were recruited and given mild moxibustion at Shousanli (LI 10), Zusanli (ST 36), Shenshu (BL 23) and Tianshu (ST 25) with moxa stick, and the occurrence and frequency of moxibustion sensation were recorded at distances of 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm and 2 cm. Mild moxibustion scale was used to count the score. Warm was the main moxibustion sensation, burning pain and soreness decreased with the rise of distance; for the same acupoint, score of mild moxibustion scale increased with the decrease of distance; score ranged between 5.5 and 6.5 at distance 3 cm, which was the most comfortable distance for volunteers. The distance of 3 cm is the most comfortable distance in mild moxibustion

To compare and analyze functional brain response characteristics by applying acupuncture or moxibustion to Zusanli (ST 36) in patients with functional dyspepsia (FD) and investigate the differences of central action mechanism resulting from acupuncture or moxibustion. A total of eligible 24 FD cases were divided into two blood-oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) sequences for functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. The amplitude of low frequency fluctuation (ALFF) analyses were conducted on the data of location phase, structure phase, resting state before acupuncture/moxibustion, working state during acupuncture/moxibustion and resting state after acupuncture/moxibustion using Data Processing Assistant for Resting-State fMRI (DPARSF) software. Acupuncture and moxibustion produced significant differences in functional brain response. The working state during acupuncture/moxibustion mainly decreased ALFF values in the right supramarginal gyrus, right superior parietal lobule, right frontal gyrus, upper right occipital lobe, right precuneus and right cingulate gyrus. At the same time, it increased ALFF values in the left cerebellum, right caudate nucleus, right cerebellum and left inferior gyrus. The differences during the resting state after acupuncture/moxibustion were significantly smaller than the working state in intensity and size. It mainly resulted in decrease in ALFF values in the right postcentral gyrus and right supramarginal gyrus and increase in ALFF values in the left precuneus, orbital part of inferior frontal gyrus and right cerebellar peduncles. Needling and moxibustion at Zusanli (ST 36) can produce significant differences in immediate functional brain response.

The contents about the central action mechanisms of needling Zusanli (ST 36) were sorted by summarizing the relevant literatures published in the past 10 years, and it was found that: by comparing acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36), other acupoints or sham points, most studies showed that Zusanli (ST 36) had relatively specific characteristics in the brain function response; studies on the central action mechanisms of Zusanli (ST 36) were mainly focused on sequelae of cerebral apoplexy, pain, gastrointestinal diseases, weight loss and drug addiction withdrawal and so on; acupuncture manipulations, stimulation methods, individual differences, stimulation quantity, and stimulation duration, etc. could also induce different brain function responses; acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) had an after-working effect, also called long-term effect, but with poor repeatability. So, it was suggested that the future studies should focus on the factors that affect the clinical efficacies and experimental results, including the compatibility effects of the acupoints, reproducibility of research results, sample size, acupuncture methods, long-term effects and disease entities.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy of tuina combined with moxibustion for treatment of lung-wei insecurity-type sweating syndrome in children. Methods Infantile tuina combined with moxibustion was conducted for 28 cases of lung-wei insecurity-type sweating syndrome in children. Tuina was carried out for once every other day, and moxibustion was conducted for once every other three days. Clinical efficacy was observed after treatment for 4 weeks. Results The total effective rate of tuina combined with moxibustion for treatment of lung-wei insecurity-type sweating syndrome in children was 92.85%. Conclusion The efficacy of tuina combined with moxibustion for treatment of lung-wei insecurity-type sweating syndrome in children is definite, which is worthy of being popularized clinically.

To observe the clinical effect of wheat grain-sized cone moxibustion combined with fire needle therapy in the treatment of dorsal wrist ganglion (DWG). A total of 63 patients with DWG were randomized into a treatment group (n=32) and a control group (n=31). Cases in the control group were treated with fire needle therapy. Based on the therapy given to the control group, cases in the treatment group were additionally given wheat grain-sized cone moxibustion therapy. Then the therapeutic efficacies and recurrence rate were evaluated. After treatment, the overall effective rate was 93.8% in the treatment group, versus 77.4% in the control group, and the between-group comparison showed a statistical significance (P

Increasing evidence supports that acupuncture intervention is an effective approach for intraoperative and postoperative pain. Neuron–microglia crosstalk, mediated by the purinergic P2X7 receptor (R)/fractalkine/CX3CR1 cascade in the spinal cord dorsal horn, plays a pivotal role in pain processing. However, its involvement in the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) remains unclear. In this study, a rat neck-incision pain model was established by making a longitudinal incision along the midline of the neck and subsequent repeated mechanical stimulation. EA stimulation was applied to bilateral LI18, LI4-PC6, or ST36-GB34. The thermal pain threshold, cervicospinal ATP concentration, expression levels of purinergic P2XR and P2YR subunits mRNAs, and fractalkine, CX3CR1 and p38 MAPK proteins, were detected separately. The neck incision induced strong thermal hyperalgesia and upregulation of spinal ATP within 48 h. No significant change was found in thermal hyperalgesia after a single session of EA intervention. However, a single session of EA dramatically enhanced the neck incision-induced upregulation of ATP and upregulated the expression of P2X7R, which was reversed by two sessions of EA. Two sessions of EA at bilateral LI18 or LI4-PC6 attenuated hyperalgesia significantly, accompanied with downregulation of P2X7R/fractalkine/ CX3CR1 signaling after three sessions of EA. EA stimulation of LI18 or LI4-PC6 alleviates thermal hyperalgesia in neck-incision pain rats, which may be associated with its effects in regulating the neck incision-induced increase of ATP and P2X7R and subsequently suppressing fractalkine/CX3CR1 signaling in the cervical spinal cord.

Objective To explore the clinical effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST 36) and Fenglong (ST 40) in treating senile dementia.

Objective To observe the effects of moxibustion pretreatment on the protein expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), phosphorylation extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) and activated protein-1 (AP-1), the key factors of extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling transduction pathway in gastric tissue of rats with stress-induced gastric mucosal damage, and to discuss the mechanisms of moxibustion therapy in promoting the restoration of damaged gastric mucosa.

To investigate the effects of moxibustion on the serum metabolism in healthy human body based on the 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) metabolomics technology, and to find the differences in metabolites, as well as to elucidate the effects of moxibustion on healthy human body from the viewpoint of global metabolism. Sixty subjects of healthy young men from the enrolled students were randomly divided into a moxibustion group and a control group using random number table, with 30 cases in each group. Subjects in the moxibustion group accepted mild moxibustion on the right Zusanli (ST 36), once a day, 15 min for each time, and continuous treatment for 10 d; those in the control group did not receive any intervention. There were 28 cases in the moxibustion group and 23 cases in the control group after interventions. On the 1st day, 5th day and 10th day of the intervention, serum samples were collected from subjects of the two groups, and metabolic spectra were obtained by the 1H NMR technology. Before and after the intervention, serum 1H NMR of the moxibustion group was significantly different, while the difference was insignificant in the control group. Metabolite changes in the moxibustion group were mainly in low density lipoprotein (LDL)/very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), valine, isoleucine, leucine, lactic acid, glutamine, citric acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, creatine, glycine, glycerol, glucose, tyrosine, histidine, formic acid, alanine, lysine, acetic acid, and glutamic acid. Moxibustion can cause changes of serum metabolic patterns in healthy human by influencing the concentrations of branched-chain amino acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and other metabolites to strengthen body's metabolisms of amino acids and fatty acid.

Objective The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in pain relief and quality of life improvement of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) patients. Methods The following databases will be searched: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese Nation Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, the Chongqing VIP from inception to May 1, 2020. All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) used acupuncture or moxibustion to relieve pain and improve quality of life (QoL) among KOA patients will be included. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment and assessment of risk bias will be performed by 2 reviewers independently. Data synthesis will be performed using Review Manager V5.3 software. A meta-analysis will be performed when there is sufficient available data. Prospero registration number CRD42020169724.

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, which is commonly treated with antidiarrhoeal, antispasmodics, serotonergic agents or laxative agents. These treatments provide relief for IBS symptoms but may also lead to undesired side effects. Previously, herb-partitioned moxibustion (HPM) treatment has been demonstrated to be effective in ameliorating symptoms of IBS. However, the underlying mechanism of this beneficial treatment is yet to be established. The aim of the current study was to systematically assess the metabolic alterations in response to diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) and therapeutic effect of HPM. Methods Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H NMR)-based metabolomics approach was used to investigate fecal and serum metabolome of rat model of IBS-D with and without HPM treatment. Results The current results showed that IBS-induced metabolic alterations in fecal and serum sample include higher level of threonine and UDP-glucose together with lower levels of aspartate, ornithine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, 2-hydroxy butyrate, valine, lactate, ethanol, arginine, 2-oxoisovalerate and bile acids. These altered metabolites potentially involve in impaired gut secretory immune system and intestinal inflammation, malabsorption of nutrients, and disordered metabolism of bile acids. Notably, the HPM treatment was found able to normalize the Bristol stool forms scale scores, fecal water content, plasma endotoxin level, and a number of IBS-induced metabolic changes. Conclusions These findings may provide useful insight into the molecular basis of IBS and mechanism of the HPM intervention. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13020-019-0240-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Objective: To investigate the influence of electroacupuncture (EA) preconditioning at Nei Guan point (PC6) on the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPTP) of rabbits with myocardial ischemia-reperrfusion injury, and its underlying mechanism that protects myocardium from injury. Methods: 18 New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to pseudo-operation, model and EA groups， 6 in each group. Setting up models by ligation of coronary artery and electrically stimulating the rabbits in EA group 20 min per day in 5 days before modeling. Testing the activity of serum SOD with the method of actinochemistry, testing changes of mitochondrial transmembrane potential of myocardial cells with the method of synchronous spectrometry, using spectrophotometry to test the changes of the absorption of mitochondria at the spectrum of 520nm to check the opening of MPTP, and testing the apotosis of cells by means of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Results: Compared with model groups, the SOD activity of myocardial cells was significantly enhanced, and the apotosis index (AI) was reduced（P＜0.01），mitochondrial transmembrane potential was significantly increased （P＜0.05），absorption of mitochondria was significantly decreased（P＜0.01). Conclusion: EA can remarkably improve myocardial ischemia - reperfusion injury, and protect myocardium.

Objective: To systematically review the effectiveness of Balance Acupuncture for the Pain in Neck, Shoulder, Low-back and Legs (PNSLL). Methods: Web-based search on databases such as PubMed（2008.1.～2014.11）、Web of Science（2008.1.～ 2014.11）、Wan Fang Data（2008.1.～2014.11）、CNKI（2008.1.～2014.11）to collect literature of randomized controlled trials (RCT) on Balance Acupuncture for PNSLL. Literature selection, data extraction and methodological quality assessment of the included studies were conducted by two reviewers independently. The meta-analysis was performed by using Rev Man 5.2 software. Results: A total of 6 studies involving 816 participants were included. Meta-analysis showed that Balance Acupuncture treatment of the PNSLL is superior to traditional Acupuncture, with significant differences (OR=0.12, 95%CI=[0.08,0.15], Z=5.83, P Conclusion: Balance Acupuncture is an effective and safe way for treating PNSLL, though it may need further demonstration by more large-scale and well-designed RCT due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies.

Some studies have proved that both acupuncture and moxibustion are very effective for the treatment of CAG. However, little is known about therapeutic mechanism of electro-acupuncture and moxibustion on CAG as well as the difference between them. On the other hand, metabolomics is a ‘top-down’ approach to understand metabolic changes of organisms caused by disease or interventions in holistic context, which consists with the holistic thinking of electro-acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. In this study, the difference of therapeutic mechanism between electro-acupuncture and moxibustion on CAG rats was investigated by a 1H NMR-based metabolomics analysis of multiple biological samples (serum, stomach, cerebral cortex and medulla) coupled with pathological examination and molecular biological assay. For all sample types, both electro-acupuncture and moxibustion intervention showed beneficial effects by restoring many CAG-induced metabolic changes involved in membrane metabolism, energy metabolism and function of neurotransmitters. Notably, the moxibustion played an important role in CAG treatment mainly by regulating energy metabolism in serum, while main acting site of electro-acupuncture treatment was nervous system in stomach and brain. These findings are helpful to facilitate the therapeutic mechanism elucidating of electro-acupuncture and moxibustion on CAG rats. Metabolomics is promising in mechanisms study for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Background: Acupuncture and moxibustion has been widely applied to hyperlipidemia treatment in clinical practice in China, serving as an alternative treatment to statins. Warm-needling acupuncture and medicinal cake-separated moxibustion have been separately reported with potential therapeutic effects on hyperlipidemia treatment in several studies but with limitations in study methodology. Combining these two modalities may provide a more advantageous strategy in treating hyperlipidemia. Therefore, a strict evaluation through well-designed randomized controlled trials (RCT) is necessary to determine their efficacy and safety on hyperlipidemia. Methods The study a multicenter, open-label, randomized, stratified, active-controlled, noninferiority trial with two parallel groups. Subjects with hyperlipidemia will be stratified into different groups by risk levels of heart diseases. They then will be instructed to the Therapeutic Lifestyle Change (TLC) diet. Those who have not reached the target lipid level will be randomly assigned to the treatments of either acupuncture and moxibustion or simvastatin with a 1:1 allocation. One hundred and thirty subjects are aimed to be recruited. The duration of intervention for this study will be 12 weeks, followed by another 4 weeks for post-treatment assessment. The primary outcome is percentage change from baseline to the end of the study in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Other indicators in lipid change, safety and adherence will also be assessed secondarily. The repeated measures, linear mixed-effects model will be applied to the analysis. Discussion Acupuncture and moxibustion could be a potentially effective treatment alternative for hyperlipidemia. A study with careful design is developed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined acupuncture and moxibustion, by integrating the traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) regimens with the standardized Western medicine appraisal approach. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02269046 . Registered on 26 September 2014.

The nucleus of the solitary tract (nucleus tractus solitarii; NTS) is a primary center for both visceral afferents and somatic afferents. Previous experiments have demonstrated that the NTS is closely connected to the stomach and acupoints in the Yangming Stomach Meridian of Foot (ST Meridian). In this study, extracellular recording and immunochemistry methods were used to analyze the discharge of neurons and c-Fos protein expression in the NTS following acupuncture at different acupoints and a nonacupoint. A total of 104 discharging neurons were detected in the NTS of 52 rats, of which 86 provided complete data. After acupuncture at Sibai (ST 2), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiting (ST 44), Quanliao (SI 18), and the nonacupoint, the neuron response rate in the NTS was 65.12%, 51.16%, 46.51%, 34.88% and 31.40% respectively. For neuron response rate, there was a significant difference among Sibai (ST 2), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiting (ST 44), Quanliao (SI 18), and the nonacupoint (p0.01 or p0.05). In the other 48 rats, the number of c-Fos immunoreactive neurons in the NTS by electroacupuncture (EA) at Sibai (ST 2) group was significantly higher than that EA at other acupoints and the nonacupoint (p0.05 or p0.01). EA at both Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiting (ST 44) increased c-Fos immunoreactive neurons significantly over EA at Quanliao (SI 18) and the nonacupoint (p0.05 or p0.01), while there was no difference between EA at Quanliao (SI 18) and the nonacupoint group (p0.05). The experiments demonstrated that the afferent convergence in NTS are different by body surface points stimulus, which suggests that the NTS might be a primary center in the central nervous system receiving acupoints stimulus from the ST Meridian.

Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a common gastrointestinal disease which has been considered as precancerous lesions of gastric carcinoma. Previously, electro-acupuncture stimulation has been shown to be effective in ameliorating symptoms of CAG. However the underlying mechanism of this beneficial treatment is yet to be established. In the present study, an integrated histopathological examination along with molecular biological assay, as well as 1H NMR analysis of multiple biological samples (urine, serum, stomach, cortex and medulla) were employed to systematically assess the pathology of CAG and therapeutic effect of electro-acupuncture stimulation at Sibai (ST 2), Liangmen (ST 21), and Zusanli (ST 36) acupoints located in the stomach meridian using a rat model of CAG. The current results showed that CAG caused comprehensive metabolic alterations including the TCA cycle, glycolysis, membrane metabolism and catabolism, gut microbiota-related metabolism. On the other hand, electro-acupuncture treatment was found able to normalize a number of CAG-induced metabolomics changes by alleviating membrane catabolism, restoring function of neurotransmitter in brain and partially reverse the CAG-induced perturbation in gut microbiota metabolism. These findings provided new insights into the biochemistry of CAG and mechanism of the therapeutic effect of electro-acupuncture stimulations.

Objective To observe the effect of moxibustion on the expressions of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) protein, and Smad4 protein and mRNA in rats with intestinal fibrosis in Crohn disease (CD), and to discuss the action mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion in treating intestinal fibrosis in CD from the perspective of TGF-β/Smads signal pathway.

ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism of Toll-like receptor (TLR4) inhibition in the delay of formation of atherosclerosis by herb-partition moxibustion.MethodSeventy-five rabbits were randomly assigned to one of five groups: blank, atherosclerosis (AS) model, direct moxibustion, herb-partition moxibustion, and drug treatment. With the exception of the blank group, all rabbits were given a high-fat diet in addition to immunologic injury to create the AS model. The experiments were carried out for 16 weeks, at which time the aorta was removed from each rabbit. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the gray level of the aortic TLR4 to observe the immunologic competence of its antigens. Fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of TLR4 messenger RNA (mRNA) in the aorta.ResultsThe gray-scale value of TLR4 and the TLR4 mRNA expression significantly decreased (p

Objective To observe the effects of moxibustion pretreatment on Glutathione Peroxidase (GSH-Px), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), and Malondialchehyche (MDA) in gastric mucosa of rats with stress ulcer, and to investigate the mechanism of moxibustion pretreatment preventing the oxidized injury of gastric mucosa.

The effect of acupuncture at the acupoints of 12 meridians on gastrointestinal and cardiac electricity in healthy adults was studied. Specific regulation between meridian points and viscera was also investigated. An electrogastrogram (EGG), electrointestinogram (EIG), carotid pulse graph, phonocardiogram and electrocardiogram were obtained in 30 healthy adults before and after acupuncture at various acupoints of 12 meridians. The effects of acupuncture on the amplitude and frequency of the EGG, EIG, pre-ejection period and the left ventricular ejection time were then analyzed. Acupuncture revealed that LR3 decreased the amplitude of the EGG while LI11 (Quchi), SJ5 (Waiguan), ST36 (Zusanli), SP9 (Yinlingquan) and SI6 (Yanglao) increased the amplitude. Multiple comparisons among the latter five acupoints indicated that there were significant differences between SP9, LI11, SJ5 and ST36 (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p < 0.05) and SI6, LI11 and SJ5 (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). SP9 effected EGG amplitude the most, followed by SI6, ST36, SJ5 and LI11. Four acupoints increased the amplitude of the EIG (p < 0.05), including HT5 (Tongli), GB34 (Yanglingquan), SP9 and SI6. No significant differences were observed between these acupoints, but SI6 showed the most obvious effect on EIG amplitude, followed by GB34, SP9 and HT5. No significant effects on the frequency of the gastrointestinal slow wave or on cardiac function indexes were observed. Effects were observed, however, on pre-ejection period and left ventricular ejection time. Routine acupuncture had no detrimental effects on the stomach, intestine and heart in healthy adults, but instead regulated physiological function within a normal range. These findings demonstrate the existence of specific connections between the meridian points and the viscera. The results suggest that multiple meridians control the same viscus, and the same meridian can regulate the functions of multiple viscera.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of serum derived from rats treated with electroacupuncture at stomach meridian acupoints on the expressions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling substances phospholipase C gamma-1 (PLC gamma-1), protein kinase C (PKC) and c-myc in gastric mucosal cells. METHODS: Sixty rats were randomly divided into normal group, stomach meridian group, gallbladder meridian group, stomach meridian plus PD153035 group and gallbladder meridian plus PD153035 group. Water-immersion and restrained stress methods were adopted for inducing gastric mucosal injury in the rats. Gastric mucosal cells were separated by using pronase digestion method, and incubated by PD153035, a EGFR inhibitor, and 100 ml/L serum. The expression of PLC gamma-1 in the gastric mucosal cells was tested by enzyme linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while the expression of PKC by isotope incorporate assay and the expression of c-myc by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay (RT-PCR). RESULTS: In gastric mucosal cells, weak expressions of PLC gamma-1, PKC and c-myc were seen in the normal group, and relatively strong expressions of PLC gamma-1, PKC and c-myc were seen in the stomach meridian group and the gallbladder meridian group, among which, the expressions of PLC gamma-1, PKC and c-myc in the stomach meridian group were the strongest, and there was a significant difference between the stomach meridian group and the gallbladder meridian group (P

The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is a primary center, not only for receiving visceral afferents, but also for somatic afferents. Previous experiments demonstrated that NTS might be a primary afferent center for connecting the Stomach Meridian (ST Medirian) and the Stomach. In this study, an extracellular recording method was used to analyze the firing neurons. The variety of NTS' neurons' responses to gastric distention (GD) and different body surface points were compared. In 52 rats, 104 firing neurons of NTS were recorded, in which there were 47 GD related neurons. For the 47 GD related neurons, there were 33 neurons responsive to acupuncture at Sibai (ST 2, belonging to ST Meridian). Therefore, in the 47 GD related neurons, the response neuron occurring rate (RNOR) for acupuncture at ST 2 was 70.21%. Meanwhile in the 47 GD related neurons, when acupuncture was performed at Quanliao (SI 18, belonging to Small Intestine Meridian) and non-acupoint respectively, there were 18 and 17 firing neurons, and the RNOR were 38.30% and 36.17% respectively. The experiment demonstrated that there were some varieties in the response of NTS neurons to GD stimuli and acupuncture at different body surface points, which suggested that the ST Meridian was more intimately linked to the Stomach and that the different acupoints do have some specificity.

To observe the effects of pre-moxibustion on apoptosis and proliferation of gastric mucosal cell in rats with stress-induced ulcer, and to analyze the relationship between those effects and the expression of heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70).Sixty healthy Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into four groups, namely group A, B, C and D. The animal model of stress ulcer was established by water immersion and restraint stress. The rats in group A, B, and D served as the restraint, model, and non-acupoint controls, respectively, while those in group C received moxibustion at Zusanli and Liangmen points. Immunohistochemical methodology was used to detect the expression of HSP70, apoptosis index (AI, multiply 10(-6)/microm(2)) and proliferation index (PCNA-LI, multiply 10(-6)/microm(2)). The mucosal expression of transforming growth factor alpha(TGF-alpha) was detected by radioimmunoassay.Moxibustion at Zusanli and Liangmen points significantly decreased the gastric injury and the apoptosis of gastric mucosal cells, while markedly increased the mucosal expression of TGF-alpha and HSP70 as well as the proliferation of gastric mucosal cells. Compared with group A, ulcer index (UI) (26.8 +/- 9.8 vs 12.0 +/- 5.9, P0.01), AI (9.6 +/- 4.2 vs 4.4 +/- 2.6, P0.05) and expression of HSP70 (9.6 +/- 4.2 vs 4.4 +/- 2.6, P0.05) were significantly increased, but the content of TGF-alpha (104.7 +/- 51.2 pg/mL vs 254.0 +/- 86.9 pg/mL, P0.01) and PCNA-LI (6.9 +/- 4.7 vs 14.9 +/- 4.6, P0.05) were significantly decreased in group B. However, ulcer index values (UI) and AI were obviously lower in group C compared to groups B and D (14.1 +/- 5.4 vs 26.8 +/- 9.8 and 26.2 +/- 7.7, P0.01; 3.0 +/- 1.6 vs 9.6 +/- 4.2 and 8.2 +/- 5.2, P0.05, respectively), but content of TGF-alpha (237.0 +/- 72.6 pg/mL vs 104.7 +/- 51.2 pg/mL and 154.1 +/- 61.3 pg/mL, P0.01) and expression of HSP70 (0.13 +/- 0.03 vs 0.08 +/- 0.06 and 0.06 +/- 0.04, P0.05) were higher in group C. Furthermore, the PCNA-LI was significantly higher in group C than in group B (21.6 +/- 4.1 vs 6.9 +/- 4.7, P0.01).Moxibustion at Zusanli and Liangmen points has a protective effect on rats gastric mucosa in stress-induced gastric ulcer, which is closely related to its actions in promoting synthesis of TGF-alpha and proliferation of gastric mucosal cells, suppressing gastric mucosal cell apoptosis, and up-regulating HSP70 expression.

To investigate the effect of serum derived from rats treated with electroacupuncture at stomach meridian acupoints on the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in gastric mucosal cells.The stress-induced gastric mucosal injury in rat model was established by water-immersion and restrained stress methods. 52 rats were randomly divided into: normal group (n = 8), model group (n = 8), model serum group (n = 12), stomach serum group (n = 12), and gallbladder serum group (n = 12). The gastric mucosal cells were separated by pronase-EDTA digestion method and incubated with serum. The EGFR gene expression in gastric mucosal cells was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.Compared with normal group (0.6860 +/- 0.0594), the serum derived from rats of the stomach group (1.2272 +/- 0.0813, P = 0.000.01) and gallbladder group (0.9640 +/- 0.0387, P = 0.000.01) had a tendency to enhance the EGFR gene expression in gastric mucosal cells. Such tendency existed in the model group (0.7104 +/- 0.0457) but with no significant difference (P = 0.4950.05) and in model serum group (0.8516 +/- 0.0409) with an extremely obvious difference (P = 0.0010.01). Furthermore, the EGFR gene expression in stomach serum group was significantly higher than that in gallbladder serum group (P = 0.000.01).The present study shows that serum derived from rats treated with electroacupuncture at stomach meridian acupoints can distinctly increase the EGFR gene expression of gastric mucosal cells. Therefore, there is certain meridian specificity in the serum, which could provide a proof for the TCM theory "particular relation between meridian and internal organ".

To investigate electroacupuncture(EA) at the acupoints of Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming (SMFY), Gallbladder Meridian of Foot-Yangming (SMFY) on gastric mucosal intestinal trefoil factor (ITF) gene expression detection in stress-induced rats with gastric mucosal lesion, and to explore the regulatory mechanism and significance of EA-related gastric mucosal protective effect.Forty rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Blank group, Model group, Model group+EA at acupoints of SMFY group ("SMFY group"), and Model group+EA at acupoints of GMFY group(GMFY group). All rats (except blank group) were made model by water immersion and restraint stress (WRS). Then the gastric mucosa tissue in each rat was taken off after assessment of gastric mucosal lesion index(GUI), and the expression of ITF mRNA of the tissues was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method.Compared with Model group(54.3+/- 1.34), the GUI value in SMFY group (31+/- 2.21) decreased significantly(P0.01), so did that in GMFY group (39.8+/- 1.62, P0.05), meanwhile GUI value in SMFY group was significantly lower than in GMFY group(P0.01). Compared with Model group (0.65+/- 0.01), EA had a tendency to improve the expression of gastric mucosal ITFmRNA gene: such tendency existed in GMFY group (0.66+/- 0.01) but with no significant difference(P0.05), in SMFY group(0.76+/- 0.01) with an extremely obvious difference (P0.01), furthermore the expression in SMFY group was significantly higher than in GMFY group (P0.01).The gastric mucosal protective effect by EA at the acupoints of SMFY and GMFY was related to the expression variance of ITF, indicating certain meridian specificity exists. It could be one proof for the TCM theory "Relative particularity between SMFY and stomach".

Clinical practice has shown that acupuncture at facial acupoints has curative effects on some visceral diseases (especially gastrointestinal diseases). However, the physiological basis has not been clarified yet. In the present study, expression of c-fos in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) of rats following gastric distension and electroacupuncture (EA) at Yangbai (GB14) and Sibai (ST2) as well as Jiache (ST6) acupoints was observed by using immunohistochemistry technique. After EA at the three facial acupoints, c-fos immunoreactive (c-fos-IR) neurons were mainly distributed in the medial (mNTS) and intermediate subnucleus of the NTS, and a few were scatteredly distributed in the dorsalmedial and commissural subnucleus of the NTS. Furthermore, there is difference in the number of c-fos-IR neurons in the mNTS following EA at the three facial acupoints. The number in the EA at ST2 and GB14 group is the highest and the lowest, respectively. Gastric distension induces obviously the expression of c-fos, which is mainly confined in the mNTS. The results suggest that the noxious visceral and somatic afferent information from the stomach and face may converge in the mNTS, which may be involved in the effect of EA at facial acupoints on the gastrointestinal pain.

Acupuncture has been widely applied to treat gastrointestinal diseases in the clinic. However, its precise mechanism remains unknown. In the present study, effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli acupoints (ST36) on gastric myoelectric activity and substance P (SP) in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) were observed. EA at ST36 significantly increased the frequency of slow waves and the frequency of the spike potentials superimposed on the slow waves, which persisted for 90 min after cessation of EA and was completely abolished after bilateral vagotomy. Meanwhile, the mean optical density of SP immunoreactive fibers in the DVC increased following EA. The results suggested that EA at ST36 promoted the gastric myoelectric activity, which was regulated by the vagus, and SP in the DVC may be involved in the excitatory effects. Furthermore, EA had a relative long-term post-effect. We presumed that DVC may be a supraspinal center in the effect of EA on gastric function.

Dr. Kai-yun Liu devoted himself to the traditional Chinese medicine massage. He established the “Five-meridian massage”, and good at using “Ten methods of Liu’s massage” in treatment of pediatric diseases. And he also developed skills of infantile massage. However, the regionalism restricted the spread of Liu’s infantile massage, though the effectiveness and reputation of Liu’s infantile massage. This article is based on the clinical and academic experience of Dr.Kai-yun Liu. By combining the theory of evidence-based, data mining and “man-machine integration” together, we put forward the research inheritance of clinical experience and academic thoughts of Dr. Kai-yun Liu.