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In TCM theory, acupoint is not a fixed point but a portal with dynamic characteristics where the channelqienters and flows out. The dynamic characteristics have been verified primarily by detecting the tenderness reaction onDiji(SP 8) in primary dysmenorrhea patients. In this study, finger pressing and algometer were applied inDiji(SP 8) area of participants in menstrual period and nonmenstrual period, respectively, to detect the tenderness occurrence rate, the VAS score of the tenderest point, the tenderness threshold of the tenderest point, and the location of the tenderest point. The result suggests that the acupoint may not be a fixed location but a point in a dynamic state within a certain range in time and space varying with different physiological and pathological status.

To observe the improvements in constipation differentiated as intestine system syndrome and lung system syndrome treated with electroacupuncture (EA) and explore their correlation.Seventy cases of severe functional constipation were randomized into an EA group and a pseudo-EA group, 35 cases in each one. In the EA group, the needles were inserted deeply at Tianshu (ST 25) and Fujie (SP 14) on bilateral sides, and directly went to parietal peritoneum. EA was attached to the needles, dense-disperse wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz, and 0.1 to 1.0 mA. The perpendicular insertion was done at Shangjuxu (ST 37), 25 mm in depth. After qi arrival, the needle was lifted, thrusted and rotated once every 10 min, for 3 times totally. The needles were retained for 30 min. In the pseudo-EA group, the pseudo-points lateral to Tianshu (ST 25), Fujie (SP 14) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) on bilateral sides were punctured shallowly. The electric stimulation was pretended to connect but with the electric wire cutting off. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given 5 times weekly in the first two weeks and 3 times weekly in the later 6 weeks. Totally, 28 treatments were required. TCM intestine and lung syndrome scale was used for evaluation. The changes in TCM syndromes were observed before and after treatment in the patients of the two groups.The total score of intestine and lung syndrome and the score of individual syndrome were all reduced after treatment as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (both P0.01). The improvements of the EA group in the total score of intestine system syndrome, the scores of large. intestine syndrome and stomach syndrome, the total score of lung system syndrome and the score of lung dysfunction in dispersing and descending syndrome were superior to those of the pseudo-EA group (P0.01, P0.05). The differences in the scores of lung qi deficiency syndrome and throat syndrome were not significant between the two groups (all P0.05). Simultaneously, the very strong positive correlation (P0.01) and positive linear correlation (P0.01) were presented in the total score of intestine and lung syndrome of the two groups.EA obviously improves in intestine system syndrome (including large intestine syndrome and stomach syndrome), as well as lung system syndrome (lung dysfunction in dispersing and descending) in the treatment of constipation. But the improvements are not apparent in the treatment of lung qi deficiency and throat disorder. Additionally, the obvious correlation is displayed in the improvements in intestine and lung syndrome.

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine about "close association between the lung and the large intestine", the present study was designed to investigate the functional relationship between the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians and the colorectum by using electrophysiological methods.A total of 40 SD rats were used in the present study. Under anesthesia, the cardiopulmonary branch of the left sympathetic nerve (CPSN) was separated for recording the electrical activities with a pair of platinum wire electrodes. Intra-colorectal pressure was recorded using a water-balloon inserted into the anus and connected to a pressure-transducer for observing rectocolonic pressure changes (mobility). Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation was applied to bilateral "Taiyuan" (LU 9)- "Jingqu" (LU 8) of the Lung Meridian, "Yangxi" (LI 5)-"Pianli" (LI 6) of the Large Intestine Meridian, and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37)-"Zusanli" (ST 36) of the Stomach Meridian, respectively. Colorectal distension (CRD, visceral pain stimulation, 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg) was performed using an air-balloon for observing its influence on EA stimulation of LU 9- LU 8 induced changes of electrical activities of CPSN.Under anesthesia conditions, no spontaneous electrical activities of the CPSN were found in rats. After EA stimulation (3 times of the threshold intensity) of the bilateral "Taiyuan" (LU 9)- "Jingqu" (LU 8) of the Lung Meridian, and "Yangxi" (LI 5)-"Pianli" (LI 6) of the Large Intestine Meridian, the evoked discharge numbers of the cardiopulmonary sympathetic nerve were (11.26 +/- 2.34) and (10.73 +/- 2.62) spikes, respectively, without significant differences between the two groups (P0.05). Compared with pre-stimulation, the colorectal motility (amplitudes of the intra-colorectal pressure waves) was obviously increased following EA stimulation of LU 9-LU 8 of the Lung Meridian, LI 5-LI 6 of the Large Intestine Meridian and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37)-"Zusanli" (ST 36) , Lower-Ho (Sea) acupoints of the Large Intestine Meridian (P0.05). After CRD stimulation at 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg, the LU 9- LU 8-stimulation evoked discharge rates of CPSN were reduced by 43.46% and 67.42%, respectively.EA stimulation of LU 9- LU 8 of the Lung Meridian and LI 5-LI 6 of the Large Intestine Meridian can activate discharges of CPSN, and increase the colorectal motility in the rat. CRD stimulation inhibits the activated effect of EA on electrical activities of CPSN. These results show a functional communication or cross-talk between the lung and the colorectum.

To investigate the roles of Th17 lymphocytes and its inflammatory cytokines in airway inflammation exacerbation of murine asthmatic model.Twenty mice were randomized into control group and asthma group. For the murine asthma model, the mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). The control mice were given normal saline alone under the same conditions as the asthma group. We observed the changes in cellular proportions in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) under a light microscope and the histological changes in lung tissue by HE staining. The levels of IL-4, IFN-γ and IL-17 were detected by ELISA. Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells in the peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry. We did a correlation analysis between Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells in the peripheral blood and neutrophils in BALF.The total cell number and the percentages of neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes in BALF of the asthmatic mice were significantly higher than those in the control mice (P0.05). The neutrophils and eosinophils infiltration in pulmonary tissue was also dramatically detected in asthmatic mice. The levels of IL-4 and IL-17 were significantly higher than those in the control mice (P0.05), while the level of IFN-γ was much lower than in the control mice (P0.05). Besides, the percentages of Th2 and Th17 cells in peripheral blood were significantly higher in the asthmatic mice than in the control mice (P0.05). The expression of Th17 was positively correlated with the levels of neutrophils in BALF(r(Th17);=0.394, P0.05), and the expression of Th1 was negatively correlated with the level of neutrophils in BALF (r(Th1);=-0.446, P0.05).Th17 cells could induce the recruitment of inflammatory cytokines and neutrophils into airways, which might aggravate the asthmatic inflammation and be related with asthma exacerbation.

To observe the improvement of the quality of life (QOL) of patients with bronchial asthma treated with acupuncture based on the interior-exterior relationship of the lung and large intestine, in terms of meridian-collateral theory and through the lung and large intestine meridians.According to the random number table, 52 cases of bronchial asthma at chronic persistent stage of the middle degree in accordance with the inclusive criteria were divided into a lung meridian acupoint group (group A), a large intestine meridian acupoint group (group B), a lung and large intestine meridian acupoint group (group C) and a control group at the ratio of 1:1:1 = 1, 13 cases in each one. In the control group, according to the requirement, Ventolin aerosol was used, one spray/time,or = 4 times/day. The treatment of 12 weeks was required. In the first 3 groups, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, acupuncture was supplemented. In group A, Chize (LU 5), Kongzui (LU 6), Lieque (LU 7), etc. were selected. In group B, Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Tianshu (ST 25), etc. were selected. In group C, Chize (LU 5), Kongzui (LU 6), Lieque (LU 7), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI4), etc. were selected. Acupuncture was given once every two days, 3 times a week. Totally, 12 treatments made one session and 3 sessions (12 weeks) were required. The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) was adopted to assess the total score and four subscales, named activity limitation, environment stimulation, emotion and symptom, and determine the efficacy.In comparison before and after treatment in the same group, AQLQ total score, emotion score and symptom score were all increased significantly in group A and group C separately (P0.05, P0.01). The environment stimulation score was increased in group C (P0.05). In group B, AQLQ total score and the activity score were increased remarkably (both P0.05). In comparison among groups: compared with the control group, AQLQ total score and symptom score in group A and group C were improved obviously (P0.05, P0.01); the emotion score was increased obviously in group B and group C (both P0.01) and the environment stimulation score was increased obviously in group C (P0.05). Compared with group B, the symptom score was improved much obviously in group C (P0.05).Acupuncture improves the quality of life much more obviously for the patients with bronchial asthma in terms of the lung and large intestine theory.

To explore the role of interleukin-25(IL-25) in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic asthma (EA) and non-eosinophilic asthma (NEA) through detecting its expression in serum, induced sputum and bronchial epithelial mucosa of asthmatic patients.Serum and induced sputum were collected from 55 untreated asthmatic patients and 27 healthy control subjects. The asthmatic patients were divided into EA and NEA groups according to sputum eosinophils(EOS) percentage (3% as a dividing point). The level of IL-25 in serum and induced spntum was determined by ELISA; the expression of IL-25 in bronchial epithelium was quantified by immunohistochemistry in biopsied specimens from 10 cases of EA, 10 NEA and 10 controls. Basement membrane thickness as an important index of airway remodeling was detected by HE staining.Compared with healthy control subjects, the lung function was impaired in patients with EA and NEA. ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-25 in the serum and induced sputum of asthmatic patients were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects (P0.05). But there were no statistic differences between EA and NEA patients (P0.05). The immunohistochemical results indicated that the expression of IL-25 was higher in asthmatic bronchial epithelium than in control ones. HE staining showed that the basement membrane thickness increased in EA and NEA patients(P0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the levels of IL-25 in serum and induced sputum were positively correlated with the average thickness of basement membrane in asthmatic patients.IL-25 secreted from epithelial cells has the potential to promote airway remodeling in asthma. EOS has nothing to do with the thickness of basement membrane, and it may not be necessary for airway remodeling in asthma.

In the present paper, the authors review the development of experimental and clinical studies on acupuncture treatment of bronchial asthma in recent 10 years. Regarding clinical studies, results showed that acupuncture could (1) regulate cardiac-pulmonary function; and (2) adjust immune state and relieve inflammatory reactions in bronchial asthma patients. Animal experiments showed that acupuncture could function in (1) improving pulmonary function; (2) reducing accumulation of the peripheral eosinophile granulocytes (EOS), relieving the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the air-passage mucosa and promoting the apoptosis of EOS in the lung and air-passages; (3) down-regulating the expression of air-passage remodeling-related protein insulin growth factor-1; (4) suppressing the secretion of tumor necrosis factor and endothelin; (5) attenuating allergic reaction; (6) regulating neuroendocrine activity; and (7) modulating intracellular second messenger activities. However, rigorous clinical study design is not enough, so that the reliability of the results is limited. In spite of many indicators of animal experiments have been selected, but their correlations are not in close association, resulting in poor complementation and mutual identification of the acquired findings. For this reason, its clinical efficacies need to be researched further according to principles of evidence-based medicine.

Through analysis and study of ancient literatures, it is primarily approved that there existed a connective subject, namely intermediate structure, between the "lung-lung meridian" and the "large intestine-large intestine meridian", which can promote the interior-exterior close relationship between the two. It mainly includes intermediate of the organism (throat, supraclavicular fossa, the bone formed elbow joint, nose, anus and skin), intermediate of acupoints (Luo-connecting points) and intermediate of zang-fu, meridians and collaterals (stomach and the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming, liver and Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin). The theory provides new thoughts for study on the interior-exterior relationship between the corresponding zang and fu organs.

Based on the optimum clinical evidence, consulting the international guide, the outstanding guidelines of acupuncture clinical practices is formulated in order to promote the process of acupuncture modernization and internationalization. According to consensus of experts, using the questionnaire method, integrating the characteristics and requirements for acupuncture clinical practices, the guidelines reflect the characteristics of acupuncture, for instance, applicability, inheritance, holism, and the discipline characteristics. Thus, the guidelines will standardize the treatments in acupuncture clinical practices, strengthen medical service quality management, control medical costs, and promote the process of acupuncture modernization and internationalization.

To probe into the correlativity of TCM syndromes to auricular points.Sixty-three cases of typical liver-qi stagnation syndrome and 52 healthy persons were divided into an observation group and a control group, respectively. The auricular points on both side were respectively detected by auricular point pressure pain method with spring pressure bar and a pressure of 50 g, and then the number of auricular points with positive response on both sides were respectively calculated and the positive rates between the two groups were compared.Can (liver), Shidao (esophagus), Sanjiao (triple energy), Pi (spleen), Yidan (pancreas and gall bladder), Tingzhong (center of superior concha), Wei (stomach), Shenmen had high tenderness positive rates, with significant differences between the liver-qi stagnation syndrome group and the healthy person group. The correlativity were GanShidaoSanjiaoPiYidanTingzhongWeiShenmen.TCM syndromes and auricular points have correlativity.

Introduction The objective of this review is to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of moxibustion for treating allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods and analysis The following databases will be searched from their inception to January 2015: MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, AMED, Web of Science, Ovid Healthstar, PubMed, SciELO, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, the Chinese Biomedical Database, the Wanfang Database, the Japanese Medical Research Database, and Korean Medical Databases. The methodological quality will be assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome is total nasal symptoms, which may be evaluated by any appropriate scores or other forms of measurement. Secondary outcome measures will include quality of life, total non-nasal symptoms, use of daily medication and laboratory indicators. Ethics and dissemination Because this study will not involve patients, institutional review body permission is not required. The systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. The review will also be disseminated electronically and in print to help guide healthcare practice and policy. Trial registration number PROSPERO CRD42014013275.

To study the basic therapeutic function of Tiaokou (ST 38).According to clinically multi-central randomized controlled and single-blind test principle, 257 cases of periarthritis of shoulder were divided into two groups, a test group (n = 124) treated with oral anti-inflammatory analgesic medicine combined with acupuncture at Tiaokou (ST 38), and a control group (n = 133) treated with oral anti-inflammatory analgesic medicine. Their therapeutic effects were compared.The total effective rate for stopping pain was 96.0% in the test group and 91.7% in the control group with a very significant difference between the two groups (P0.01). And the total effective rate for improvement of shoulder activity was 86.3% in the test group and 59.4% in the control group with a very significant difference between the two groups (P0.01).Oral anti-inflammatory analgesic medicine combined with acupuncture has obvious therapeutic effect on periarthritis of shoulder, which is better than that of simple oral anti-inflammatory analgesic medicine.

To observe the therapeutic effect of He's Santong needling method on neurological functional deficit in the patient of ischemic apoplexy, and search for an effective method for treatment of ischemic apoplexy.According to the randomized and multi-central trial principle, 319 cases enrolled were randomly assigned to an observation group of 161 cases and a control group of 158 cases. The observation group were treated with He's Santong needling method, i. e. blood letting, puncturing with a red-hot needle and filiform needle therapy by stages, and the control group were treated with acupuncture at 12 points of the hand and foot routinely selected in the department, once daily. After treatment of 30 days, changes of neurological functional deficit score were investigated in the two groups.The total effective rate was 91.93% in the observation group and 70. 25% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P0.05); there was no significant difference in changes of the neurological functional deficit score between the patients at the acute stage and the convalescence (P0.05).The therapeutic effect of He's Santong needling method on ischemic apoplexy at acute stage or convalescence is better than that of the routine point selection.

ObjectiveTo observe clinical effects of acupuncture combined with blood-letting by a three-edged needle for treating Bell's palsy of wind-heat syndrome at the acute stage.MethodsOne hundred patients were randomly divided into a treatment group (50 cases) treated by acupuncture plus blood-letting and a control group (50 cases) treated by simple acupuncture. Four courses of treatments were given in both groups. The main symptoms and signs were observed and clinical effects evaluated with scores after one week, 2 weeks and one month of treatments respectively.ResultsAfter treatment, the scores for symptoms and signs were significantly different from those before treatment in both groups (P