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Traditional Chinese Medicine Topical Acne Treatment

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Qing Dai and acupuncture help to clear the skin from acne.

External pastes for the treatment of acne complement internal herbal medicine and acupuncture. A great external paste for the treatment of acne is comprised of Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis) mixed with either fresh bitter melon or cucumber juice.

Qing Dai enters the Lung, Liver and Stomach channels. Qing Dai clears heat and toxins, cools the blood and stops bleeding. Order Qing Dai in the powdered raw herb form. It is best to avoid raw herbs that have been processed with sulfur and phosphates, please check with your supplier.

The patient takes the paste and generously applies it to the areas where the acne is located. It is best to leave the paste on the affected regions for at least twenty minutes but longer periods are preferred. Next, the patient carefully washes off the paste. It is best to repeat this process everyday until the acne resolves.

Qing Dai imparts a temporary green color to the skin, which is not permanent. The patient should be prepared to wash thoroughly in order to remove all of the green coloring. In addition, the patient needs to know that Qing Dai stains clothing and that it is often best to wear an old shirt when applying the paste. To learn more about Traditional Chinese Medicine dietetics and the treatment of acne, visit the blog item on that topic.

Health CMI

Acupuncture Beats Drug for Post-Stroke Constipation Relief

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Acupuncture outperforms lactulose for the alleviation of post-stroke constipation and the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones. Qujing First People’s Hospital researchers investigated the benefits of a liver-soothing and qi-regulating acupuncture protocol and a drug for the treatment of post-stroke constipation. Acupuncture provided superior short and long-term relief from post-stroke constipation and improvements in relevant gastrointestinal hormone levels.

The treatment group received conventional acupuncture. The control group was given lactulose oral solutions. Both groups underwent treatment for 6 weeks with a 4-week follow-up examination.

One acupuncture session was applied every day, for a grand total of 6 weeks.

Summary
Objective and subjective data indicates that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of post-stroke constipation.

Looking at the point selection made by the research team, they chose traditional acupoints often used for the treatment of constipation and then tested it with a modern scientific method. Essentially, the clinical study attempted to adhere to traditional acupuncture techniques within the parameters of a controlled investigation seeking to limit variables.

 

References:
[1] Gao YH, Li JM, Su M, Li YL. Acupuncture with smoothing liver and regulating qi for post-stroke slow transit constipation and its gastrointestinal hormone level [J]. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2017,37(02):125-129.
[2] Hutson JM, Chow CW, Borg J. Intractable constipation with a decrease in substance P-immunoreactive fibres: is it a variant of intestinal neuronal dysplasia? [J]. J Pediatr Surg. 1996 Apr;31(4):580-3.
[3] Fahrenkrug J. Transmitter role of vasoactive intestinal peptide [J]. Pharmacol Toxicol. 1993 Jun;72(6):354-63.
[4] Koch TR, Carney JA, Go L, Go VL. Idiopathic chronic constipation is associated with decreased colonic vasoactive intestinal peptide [J]. Gastroenterology. 1988 Feb;94(2):300-10.
[5] Chinese Neuroscience Society, Chinese Neurosurgical Society. Diagnostic criteria for various cerebrovascular diseases[J]. Chinese Journal of Neurology, 1996, 29 (6): 379-381.
[6] The Anorectal Surgery Group of Surgery Branch of Chinese Medical Association. Constipation symptoms and evaluation of curative effects[J]. Chinese Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery, 2005, 8(4): 355-356.

Retrieved from Health CMI

Acupuncture: Effective Test Anxiety Relief Confirmed

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Acupuncture: Effective Test Anxiety Relief Confirmed by Research

Acupuncture alleviates test anxiety. Changchun University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers conducted a clinical trial consisting of undergraduate students with test anxiety, a type of performance anxiety. The results demonstrate that acupuncture reduces pre-examination anxiety and reduces sleep disturbances. [1]

Outcomes
After one week,  scores in all groups reduced slightly. After two weeks, scores in the non-treatment control group remained relatively stable, while scores in the traditional and scalp acupuncture groups fell further. After four weeks, scores in the control group were close to starting values, while the traditional and scalp acupuncture groups fell to about 1/4 of starting values respectively. One week post-treatment, respective HAMA scores for the three groups were sustained. The results indicate that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of test anxiety.

Reference:
Guo-juan Dong, Di Cao, Yue Dong, Jing Zhang, Fu-chun Wang (2018). “Scalp acupuncture for sleep disorder induced by pre-examination anxiety in undergraduates,” World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, vol. 28, pp. 156-160.

Source: HealthCMi

Acupuncture Reduces Post-Stroke Depression, Restores Function

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Acupuncture Reduces Post-Stroke Depression, Restores Function

Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers find acupuncture effective for the alleviation of post-stroke depression and the restoration of neurological functions. The research, conducted at the university’s Shuguang Affiliated Hospital, compared outcomes from two groups: acupuncture and control. Both groups received treatment according to the China Guidelines for Prevention and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease. This included medications to control blood pressure, improve cerebral circulation, reduce inflammation, promote neuronal regeneration, and for secondary complications such as respiratory infections and pressure sores. In addition, the acupuncture group received a pre-selected set of acupuncture points.

The incidence of depression in each group was also taken into consideration. At baseline, 22 patients in the acupuncture group and 24 in the control group were classified as suffering from depression. After one week of treatment, these figures fell to 17 and 22 respectively. After four weeks of treatment, just seven patients in the acupuncture group were classified as depressed compared with 20 patients in the control group (p<0.05).

Discussion
The outcomes of this study indicate that acupuncture reduces both the incidence and severity of post-stroke depression while simultaneously improving neurological recovery, and is more effective than usual care alone. Treatment may be more effective when administered as early as possible once cerebral bleeding has stopped and the patient is in a stable condition.

 

Reference:
Chen Aiwen, Gao Yuan, Wang Guantao, Li Jia, Shen Weidong (2018) “Effect of early acupuncture on post-stroke depression: a randomized controlled trial” Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion Vol.38 (11) pp. 1141-1144.

Source: HealthCMi

 

Acupuncture And Herbs Beat Hormones For Menstrual Irregularity

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Acupuncture And Herbs Beat Hormones For Menstrual Irregularity

Research demonstrates that acupuncture plus herbs outperform hormone drugs for the treatment of irregular menstruation. A study conducted at the People’s Hospital of Zhangwu County (Liaoning) tested the efficacy of a modified version of the herbal formula Xiao Yao San combined with acupuncture. In a controlled clinical trial, the results of the combined acupuncture and herbal medicine therapy were compared with patients receiving hormonal medications.

The drug therapy group achieved an 80% total effective rate. The acupuncture plus herbs group achieved a 92% total effective rate. Women in the acupuncture plus herbs group experienced significantly fewer adverse effects than those in the hormone medication group,  indicating that the Chinese medicine treatment protocol has a high efficacy rate and is also well-tolerated by patients.

Summary
The results of this study indicate that acupuncture and herbs offer significantly greater relief from menstrual irregularity and its associated symptoms when compared with conventional oral hormonal treatments. The treatment is well-tolerated and has a low risk of adverse effects. For more information, contact your local, licensed acupuncturist.

Reference:
1. Peng Dan, Du Anyang (2018) “Therapeutic effect of Xiao Yao San combined with acupuncture on patients with menstrual irregularity due to liver depression and spleen deficiency” World’s Latest Medical Information Digest Vol. 18 (82) pp. 145.

Source: HealthCMi

Acupuncture Beats Drug For Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

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Acupuncture Beats Drug For Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment

 

Acupuncture outperforms drug therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers compared the effect of acupuncture with donepezil drug therapy for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. [1] Acupuncture produced superior patient outcomes compared with the drug therapy. In addition, acupuncture did not produce any serious adverse effects.

After treatment,  scores in both groups were increased compared with those before treatment. Acupuncture yielded better treatment results regarding all parameters compared with the drug therapy and there was a significant difference between the two groups.

While donepezil is effective, the downside is that the medication caused one case of stomach discomfort and eight cases of low appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and insomnia. The medication is contraindicated for patients with epilepsy, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It also increases the risk of developing gastric ulcers. [2] The researchers conclude, “Acupuncture is applicable to the vast majority of patients and has very limited side effects.”

Basis
The researchers provide a brief synopsis of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) understanding of Alzheimer’s disease. In TCM, Alzheimer’s disease falls under the Chi Dai (mental deficiency), Yu Chi (lack of cognitive ability), Shan Wang (forgetfulness), or Yu Zheng (depression) class of disorders. According to TCM principles, Alzheimer’s disease is related to three major organs: heart, kidney, brain. It is written in the Su Wen (the Plain Questions) that the “heart governs the bright spirit” and that the “brain is the house of the original spirit.” Here, the bright spirit refers to life activities, including both mental and physical activities. The original spirit refers mainly to mental activities, such as learning, reading, and thinking. [3]

In the Ling Shu (Magic Pivot), it is written that the “Kidney stores essence, essence generates marrow, and the brain is the sea of marrow…. deficiency in the sea of marrow can cause mental deficiency and loss of memory.” The treatment principle is to boost qi, move the blood, regulate the spirit, and sharpen cognition.

The researchers also provide a historical context for the protocol used in the study. Baihui and Shenting are located on the du meridian (governing vessel). According to the Nan Jing (Classic of Difficult Issues), the du meridian “finally enters into the brain.” Needling Baihui and Shenting boosts qi, moves the blood, regulates the spirit, and sharpens cognition. Needling Fengchi and Wangu quiets the spirit, wakens the brain, sharpens hearing, and brightens the eyes. Needling Danzhong, Zhongwan, and Qihai courses the liver, resolves depression, boosts qi, and moves the blood. Xuehai is located on the foot taiyin spleen meridian. Zusanli is located on the foot yangming stomach meridian. Needling Xuehai and Zusanli strengthens the spleen and stomach, which also helps to boost qi and move the blood.

Summary
Modern research supports the use of acupuncture for the treatment of AD. Acupuncture improves cognitive functions and living ability for AD patients without causing severe side effects. Given that acupuncture outperforms donepezil, it is worthwhile to test a combination of acupuncture and donepezil in an integrated protocol to determine whether or not the combination is synergistic. The hope is that a comprehensive treatment strategy will yield substantial results in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.

References
[1] Gu W, Jin XX, Zhang YJ, Li ZJ, Kong Y. Clinical observation of Alzheimer’s disease treated with acupuncture [J]. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2014,34(12):1156-1160.
[2] Kuang BP. Drug science for neurological disease [M]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2008: 560-561.
[3] Li SH, Chen BG. Brief discussion on “heart governs the bright spirit” [J]. Tianjin Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, ,2009,26(05):396-397.

Source: HealthCMi

Acupuncture For Autism Found Effective

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Acupuncture For Autism Found Effective

 

Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a double-blind randomized controlled trial, University of Hong Kong researchers reveal that electroacupuncture improves core functions in children with ASD, especially language comprehension and self-care ability. True acupuncture was compared with sham acupuncture and only true acupuncture provided significant clinical outcomes. Based on the evidence, University of Hong Kong researchers conclude that “acupuncture might be a useful adjunctive therapy in early interventional programs for children with ASD.” [1]

The research is among the first double-blind randomized clinical trials investigating the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for the treatment of ASD.

Design
A total of 55 patients participated in the study and underwent post-treatment assessment. The treatment group received electroacupuncture on acupoints upon the scalp.

For the sham acupuncture group, the total number of needles, electroacupuncture settings, and duration of treatment time were identical to those of the true acupuncture group; however, sham acupuncture patients received needling at non-meridian sites that were 3–5 cm lateral to the selected acupoints for the true acupuncture group. Both groups received conventional intervention or educational programs for ASD. Two patients from the EA group also received neuroleptic drugs during the study.

Evaluations
Multiple instruments were used to measure patient outcomes.  The researchers add that the measurement tools were chosen based on the researchers’ 25 years of experience with ASD interventions. In addition, assessment tools were applied by parents and professional assessors that were blind to the allocation of groupings. Parents were instructed on how to properly use the assessment tools.

The researchers conclude, “A short, four-week (12 sessions) course of electroacupuncture is useful to improve core functions in children with ASD, especially for language comprehension and self-care ability.”

Results
The researchers reference a report noting that “About 40% of ASD children have used complementary and alternative medicine, with acupuncture being the most common modality.” [3] The results of the current investigation showed significant changes in favor of true acupuncture treatment, including improvements in language comprehension, self-care assistance, social initiation, receptive language, motor skills, coordination, and attention span. They add that most patients demonstrated good compliance with very limited side effects.

 

Notes
[1] Wong V, Chen W X, Liu W L. Randomized Controlled Trial of Electro-Acupuncture for Autism Spectrum Disorder [J]. Alternative Medicine Review, 2010, 15( 2) :136－146.
[2] Chen W X, Liu W L, Wong V. Electroacupuncture for children with autism spectrum disorder: pilot study of 2 cases [J]. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine， 2008, 14(8) :1057－1065.
[3] Wong VC. Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD): comparison of Chinese and Western culture (Part A). J Autism Dev Disord 2009;39:454-463.

Source: HealthCMi

Acupuncture Plus Herbs Beat Ibuprofen For Menstrual Pain

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Acupuncture Plus Herbs Beat Ibuprofen For Menstrual Pain

 

Acupuncture and herbs outperform ibuprofen for menstrual pain relief. Jiangxi Maternal Health Hospital researchers conducted a controlled clinical trial comparing the effects of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine versus ibuprofen for the relief of menstrual related abdominal and lumbosacral pain. Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine produced a 91.7% total effective rate. Herbal medicine monotherapy produced an 86.7% total effective rate. Ibuprofen monotherapy produced a 73.3% total effective rate. The findings indicate that acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine is more effective than ibuprofen for the relief of dysmenorrhea. [1]

Dysmenorrhea
Diagnostic criteria for the study were abdominal or lumbosacral pain before, during, or after menstruation. Pain was described as dull, distending, or stabbing in nature, and was accompanied by nausea, vomiting, cold limbs, or cold sweats. The symptoms were cyclic in nature and, in some cases, so severe that they led to fainting.

The women were required to be ages 15–35 years, have a regular menstrual cycle lasting 25–34 days, and have received no related treatment in the month prior to the study. All women were approved by the hospital ethics committee and gave voluntary, informed consent to participate.

Exclusion criteria included secondary dysmenorrhea due to uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), recent analgesic treatment, damaged skin at acupoint sites, concurrent heart, liver, kidney, or hematologic diseases, psychiatric disorders, pregnancy, or lactation. Women having previously given birth were also excluded, as were those currently taking part in other clinical trials.

Outcomes
The women were asked to rate their menstrual pain using the numeric rating scale (NRS) and were given a dysmenorrhea severity score according to official Chinese medicine gynecology research guidelines. In the acupuncture plus herbs treatment group, there were 44 cured, 11 effective, and 5 ineffective cases, yielding a total effective rate of 91.7%. In control group 1, there were 39 cured, 13 effective, and 8 ineffective cases, yielding a total effective rate of 86.7%. In control group 2, there were 36 cured, 8 effective, and 16 ineffective cases, yielding a total effective rate of 73.3%. The results indicate significantly greater improvements in the acupuncture plus herbs treatment group compared with the two controls (p<0.05).

The results of this study indicate that the combination of acupuncture and herbs significantly reduces the severity of dysmenorrhea and performs better than ibuprofen or herbal medicine alone. The researchers determined that the acupuncture and herbal medicine treatment is safe and is not associated with adverse effects.

 

Reference
1. Peng Yao (2018) “Clinical Study on the Treatment of Primary Dysmenorrhea with Acupuncture Combined with Huo Xue Hua Yu Decoction” Jiangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine Vol.49 (430) pp.53-55.

Source: HealthCMi

Acupuncture Heals Stomach Ulcers And Alleviates Gastritis

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Acupuncture Heals Stomach Ulcers And Alleviates Gastritis

 

Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of gastric ulcers and chronic atrophic gastritis. Two independent research teams examined these digestive conditions and determined that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment modality.

In a study involving lab rats, acupuncture was used to treat after gastric ulcers were promoted. For the control group that did not receive acupuncture treatment, severe epithelial damage was identified. For the true acupuncture group, mild epithelial damage was identified. The microscopic images confirm that acupuncture prevents tissue damage. Acupuncture treatment commenced one day after the gastric ulcer model was established. Acupuncture was applied once per day, for a total of 7 days. Results showed via microscopic exam and biochemical markers that ulcer damage was reduced with acupuncture at Stomach 36 and Stomach 21 points.

Related Human Research
Pivoting to human clinical trials, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital researchers investigated the treatment efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis patients. The researchers determined that acupuncture produces better treatment results than conventional drug therapy. The researchers combined Stomach 36 with additional acupoints and successfully alleviated chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) in human subjects. [7]

The hospital researchers compared acupuncture with a drug therapy protocol. In powerful findings, acupuncture produced superior clinical outcomes over drug therapy. Acupuncture outperformed drug therapy in symptom improvement and quantifiable microscopic results. In addition, Helicobacter pylori clearance rates were similar.

Two groups were compared. In one group, acupuncture was administered. Acupuncture sessions were provided once per day. Patients received a consecutive 5-day treatment regimen plus a 2-day break each week. In the second group, patients received 20 mg omeprazole (once per day, administered in the morning), 500 mg amoxicillin (three times per day), 400 mg metronidazole (three times per day), and 100 mg of celecoxib (two times per day).

For both groups, each treatment course consisted of 6 weeks of treatment. All patients received 2 treatment courses in total.

Results
Acupuncture had a 92.5% total symptom improvement rate, while drug therapy had a 77.4% total symptom improvement rate (P<0.05). Acupuncture had an 88.7% total improvement rate in microscopic results, while drug therapy had a 73.6% total improvement rate in microscopic results (P<0.05). Acupuncture had an 84.9% Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) clearance rate and drug therapy had an 86.8% Helicobacter pylori clearance rate (P>0.05).

The results of the aforementioned research indicate that acupuncture is an effective treatment modality for the treatment of gastric ulcers. Researchers demonstrate that acupuncture alleviates relevant symptoms while simultaneously eliciting biochemical responses responsible for providing protective effects to the gastric mucosa.

 

References
[1] Zhang Y. Liu CC, Lian LY, Shen JC, He QD, Chen JL, Ma FQ, Yang ZB. Time-effect relationship and molecular mechanism of electroacupuncture for repair of gastric mucosal lesion [J]. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2018, 38(07): 747-752.
[2] Lanas A, Chan F. Peptic ulcer disease [J]. Lancet, 2017, 390(10094): 613-624.
[3] Guth PH, Aures D, Paulsen G. Topical aspirin plus HCl gastric lesions in the rat. Cytoprotective effect of prostaglandin, cimetidine, and probanthine [J]. Gastroenterology, 1979, 76(1):88-93.
[4] Strzalka W, Ziemienowicz A. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA): a key factor in DNA replication and cell cycle regulation [J]. Ann Bot, 2011, 107(7): 1127-1140.
[5] Zhao Q, Wang CQ, Qiao JO et al. Hydrogen sulfide promotes neurogenic inflammatory response in mouse lung tissue via substance P [J]. Chinese journal of Clinical Medicine, 2015, 22(3): 262-267.
[6] Di FP, He Y, Koenig M, et al. The discovery of indole full agonists of the neurotensin receptor 1 (NTSR1) [J]. Bioorg Med Chem Lett, 2014, 24(16): 3974-3978.
[7] Zhang Y, Xue ZX, Hu W. Effect of acupuncture on chronic atrophic gastritis complicated with Helicobacter pylori infection​ [J]. Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2016, 37(08): 1078-1079.

From Health CMI

Acupuncture Reduces Insomnia with Attention Deficits

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Acupuncture Mitigates Insomnia Attention Deficits

 

Acupuncture combats attention deficits in insomnia patients. One of the most significant problems for people with insomnia is daytime drowsiness and inattention, leading to an increased risk of mistakes and accidents. Researchers find that acupuncture has the potential to attenuate these symptoms, as well as improving overall sleep quality. [1]

A study conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine assessed the effects of acupuncture on insomnia and attention deficits. These outcomes were compared with those of healthy control subjects that did not undergo any intervention during the study.

The results of this study indicate that acupuncture is an effective treatment for attention deficit, a common issue caused by insomnia. Acupuncture improves sleep quality, but also enhances performance in cognitive tasks​, and positively influences neural activity. For more information, contact your local licensed acupuncturist.

 

Reference
1. Ren Zeqin, Yuan Xu, Zhao Rong, Xu Jinlong, Yang Zeguan, Ai Jian, Zuo Zhixiong, Cai Dingjun (2018) “Acupuncture for insomnia attention deficit and the influence of nerve electro-physiology” World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Vol.28 (2018) pp. 161-166.

Source: HealthCMi

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