Problemy sotsial'noi gigieny, zdravookhraneniia i istorii meditsinyV G Zilov, L V Kosmodemyansky
The article considers placement of methods of traditional and complementary medicine in the public health system of the Russian Federation, focusing on prevention and management of chronic non-communicable diseases. The analysis of the evidence base on key methods of traditional and complementary medicine (acupuncture, phytotherapy, homeopathy, manual therapy, osteopathy) was carried out, including differentiated estimate of level of evidence for forms of homeopathy based on the latest systematic review of meta-analyses. The legal framework of its application in Russia are explored. The corresponding collisions and barriers are identified. The following proposals concerning integrative health care model are formulated: differentiated register of methods, clinical guidelines, pilot integration into compulsory health insurance system and enhancement of research.
Pakistan journal of pharmaceutical sciencesQi Wu, Hui-Jun Xie, Xiao-Peng Chen, Zi-Ying Wang, Na Li, Bei-Li Chen, Ling-Yun Zhong, Jing Zhu, Song-Hong Yang
BACKGROUND: Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma (NRR), derived from Panax notoginseng, serves as both a functional food and a key medicinal material in traditional Chinese medicine. Its bioactivity is largely attributed to saponins, which undergo significant chemical transformations during processing (e.g., steaming), altering its pharmacological profile. OBJECTIVE: This review aims to systematically consolidate experimentally verified metabolites from authenticated NRR, elucidate the chemical transformations induced by processing and clarify the resulting shift in pharmacological effects, thereby providing a scientific basis for its targeted application. METHOD: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using CNKI, Wanfang Data, National Science and Technology Library, the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, PubMed and Web of Science. Keywords included Panax notoginseng (Burk.) F. H. Chen; Pharmacological activities; Phytochemisity; Saponin transformation; Traditional processing; Traditional Chinese medicine. Data were also sourced from classic texts, dissertations and unpublished materials. RESULTS: Processing, particularly steaming, converts high-polarity saponins into less polar ones via deglycosylation, dehydration and hydroxylation. This chemical shift underlies a functional transition: raw NRR primarily promotes blood activation and stasis dispersion, while processed NRR exhibits enhanced blood-nourishing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. CONCLUSION: The integration of ethnopharmacological knowledge with modern scientific perspectives clarifies the metabolite pathways and mechanistic basis for processing-induced changes in NRR. This review provides a reliable foundation for the precise use and further development of NRR in functional foods, nutraceuticals and evidence-based therapy.
The Tokai journal of experimental and clinical medicineKazushi Uneda, Tetsuhiro Yoshino, Hidenori Ito, Seiya Imoto, Tatsuya Nogami
OBJECTIVE: Japanese Traditional (Kampo) Medicine (JTM) relies on traditional diagnostic patterns (sho). However, half of Japanese physicians do not consider Kampo patterns when prescribing, increasing the risk of improper use and adverse events. This study evaluated the accuracy and challenges of KAMPO365, a diagnostic support system for JTM, by comparing its outputs with diagnoses and prescriptions by certified physicians of the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine. METHODS: Twenty outpatients at two hospitals participated by inputting clinical data into KAMPO365, which generated Kampo pattern diagnoses and formula recommendations. Specialists, blinded to KAMPO365 outputs, conducted independent diagnoses and prescribed five candidate Kampo formulas. RESULTS: The results showed a 35% concordance rate between KAMPO365-recommended formulas and specialists' selections, with higher agreement in pharmacological classification (45%). Concordance rates for diagnostic patterns were 55% for deficiency/excess and 65% for cold/heat. For qi, blood, and fluid disturbance patterns, fluid retention had the highest concordance (75%), while qi counter flow and blood deficiency had the lowest (30%). CONCLUSION: KAMPO365 demonstrated potential in aiding non-specialists, though improvements in diagnostic algorithms and the coverage of Kampo formulas are needed. Despite its limitations, this study suggests the potential utility of KAMPO365 for diagnosing Kampo patterns and providing precise prescriptions.
Die NaturwissenschaftenAmna Bibi, Sheikh Zain Ul Abidin, Salman Majeed, Raees Khan, Iman Zaffar, Shehla Nawaz, Naimat Ullah, Khuzin Dinislam
In the present study, quantitative ethnobotanical knowledge of medicinal plants utilized by the local communities for treating different human ailments in selected rural villages of Punjab, Pakistan has been documented. Semi-structured interviews and field surveys were employed to conduct field investigations from March 2024 to April 2025, with a total of 105 informants aged 18-70 years. The total number of plant species recorded and reported for the cure of 14 human ailments was 50 belonging to 25 families. Fabaceae was the dominant family with 6 species, among the documented families. The most abundant life form was herbs (26 species) and the most common part used was leaves (16 species). The highest Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC = 0.34) was found in Bombax ceiba, Cenchrus echinatus and Sonchus oleraceus. Spinacia oleracea had the highest Use Value (UV = 0.08) while the lowest UV was 0.03. Mentha canadensis recorded the highest Fidelity Level (FL = 93%) for the treatment of hyperacidity and diarrhea whereas Azadirachta indica recorded the lowest FL (69%) in the treatment of scabies and pimples. Three species recorded the highest FC (36) while three other species recorded the lowest FC (24). The results showed a high diversity of medicinal plants in the study area and significant traditional ethnobotanical knowledge. There were not enough up-to-date health care facilities in rural areas, so local residents heavily depended on the use of medicinal plants for basic health care. The study emphasized the need to maintain the knowledge of the indigenous people and conserve medicinal plants resources for sustainable use and future exploration in medicine.
MedicineTailai Shi, Zhaoqi Chen, Mengmeng Wang, Danna Chen
A large number of functional disorders and uncomfortable symptoms often remain following ischemic stroke (IS). Existing drug therapy is not ideal for the direct improvement of symptoms, which often leads to poor patient compliance with physical rehabilitation therapy. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) is a famous prescription that is effective in treating IS, especially during the sequela stage of IS. We analyzed the therapeutic mechanism of BYHWD through network pharmacology. This study aims to investigate the potential active ingredients, targets, and signaling pathways of BYHWD for the treatment of IS, utilizing network pharmacology and molecular docking technology. The active ingredients of 7 Chinese herbs in BYHWD were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology and HERB databases, and IS-related disease targets were searched in the DisGeNET, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. The protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database and analyzed by Cytoscape 3.10.2 software. Additionally, the target genes were uploaded to the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery website for Gene Ontology alongside Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. With the assistance of AutoDockTools and PyMOL software (Schrödinger, Inc.), a validation of molecular docking results and a visualization of the results were performed. The results showed that there were 190 intersection targets between the active drug components and IS, corresponding to 61 active components, among which the top 5 target genes were tumor suppressor protein 53, Jun proto-oncogene, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, and estrogen receptor alpha. The PI3K-Akt signaling pathway is one of the top 10 pathways. The molecular docking results indicated that most of the top 5 targets had good affinities for the 8 core compounds. This computational analysis suggests that BYHWD may treat IS through multiple targets and pathways. It may play a neuroprotective role by regulating the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and vascular endothelial homeostasis. The identification of core effective components provides a theoretical foundation and candidate compounds for further investigation into new drugs for the treatment of sequelae after IS.
Metabolomics : Official journal of the Metabolomic SocietyHiroshi Mitsumoto, Ken Cheung, Takashi Matsumoto, Ian Lanza, Björn Oskarsson, Stephen Johnson, Xuan-Mai T Petterson, Grace E Jang, Howard F Andrews
INTRODUCTION: Most patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal motor neuron disease, experience painful muscle cramps. Our recent pilot trial of the Japanese Kampo medicine TJ-68 suggested its efficacy in improving muscle cramps in patients with ALS. OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed plasma metabolomic changes to identify the underlying mechanisms of muscle cramps in ALS and the effects of TJ-68. METHODS: Plasma was obtained from 11 participants with ALS in the repeated crossover trial at five time points (baseline, two placebo phases, and two TJ-68 phases). Metabolites were analyzed using mass spectrometry. Linear mixed-effects models were applied to identify metabolite changes associated with muscle cramps, determine the effects of TJ-68 on metabolites, and predict which participants would respond to TJ-68. RESULTS: Higher glutamine/glutamate, arginine, and leucine levels were associated with more severe muscle cramps. TJ-68 treatment increased tryptophan and aconitate levels but reduced serotonin and acetylcarnitine levels. Long-chain acylcarnitine levels were correlated with muscle cramp severity, and their levels tended to decrease with treatment. Uric acid, β-aminoisobutyric acid, α-aminoadipic acid, and acetylcholine emerged as predictors of the efficacy of TJ-68. CONCLUSION: This study identified the metabolite profile of muscle cramps in ALS and the changes in metabolite levels after TJ-68 treatment. Several baseline metabolites were associated with the prediction of the response to muscle cramps following TJ-68 treatment. Uric acid might be particularly useful because of its easy measurement in standard assays. Our study affirms the value of metabolomic technology for future pharmacotherapy and studies in ALS.
PloS oneJaber Hamad Jaber Amin, Mohamedelmustafa Yahya Mohamed Eldouma, Sakshi Kumari, Ahmed Alshafei Elmahi Ahmed, Alshafee Mohammed Jebreel Sulyman, Amna A Eltayeb, …
BACKGROUND: Traditional uvulectomy (TU) is the removal of the uvula, either partially or totally, by the traditional healer. It is prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by cultural beliefs and perceived therapeutic benefits, despite the risks of complications such as bleeding, infections, and death, and limited data exist. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence and practice of traditional uvulectomy among Sudanese children and adolescents, along with maternal perceptions, and identify associated risk factors. METHOD: A descriptive community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between January and April 2025 across more than ten states on mothers of children and adolescents (≤18 years). Data were collected via face-to-face interviews using a validated structured questionnaire to assess the socio-demographics, TU perception regarding TU, practice pattern, and reported complications. A convenience sampling technique was used. Statistical analyses were performed using R software, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 1,135 mothers of children and adolescents (≤18 years) were interviewed face-to-face. The overall prevalence of TU was 15%, with higher rates among children <6 years (16%) and adolescents aged 12-18 years (17%). Maternal belief in TU varied significantly by child age (p < 0.001). Commonly cited reasons included breastfeeding difficulties (18%), cultural tradition (16%), and failure to thrive (13%). Mothers (45%) and grandmothers (41%) were the primary decision-makers, while traditional healers performed 55% of procedures, frequently using unsterilized instruments. Reported complications included fever (35%), feeding difficulties (21%), and bleeding (13%). TU practice was significantly associated with younger maternal age, lower educational attainment, higher parity, and strong adherence to tribal traditions (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Traditional uvulectomy remains prevalent in Sudan due to deeply rooted cultural beliefs, intergenerational influence, and gaps in healthcare access. Targeted, culturally sensitive interventions engaging tribal leaders, grandmothers, and traditional healers, alongside improved health education and service accessibility, are essential to reduce associated child health risks.
Drug design, development and therapyXiaodan Jiang, Yafeng Qi, Jingnan Yan, Yeyuan Liu, Xixi Huang, Yaya Li, Yangyang Li, Zhongyang Song, Liying Zhang, Zhiming Zhang
Bicaudal-C homolog 1 (BICC1) is an essential RNA-binding protein that plays a significant role in cellular signaling and gene expression regulation. Recent research has linked the BICC1 gene to the initiation and advancement of tumors. Current investigations primarily aim to elucidate its structural characteristics and functional roles, while its precise involvement in tumorigenesis and its viability as a therapeutic target are still being explored. This review delves into the structure and functions of BICC1, emphasizing its participation in tumor cell growth, programmed cell death, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), blood vessel formation, maintenance of stem cells, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, it examines progress in developing drugs that target BICC1 for cancer therapy and evaluates the potential advantages of traditional Chinese medicine in mediating anti-tumor effects through BICC1 modulation, offering perspectives for future targeted treatment strategies.
International journal of nanomedicineChi Teng, Miao He, Yufang Tang, Qingya Zhang, Zimeng Song, Yaru Xu, Haoyang Du, Xiaohong An, Yanjun Yang, Liang Feng
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin disease, for which traditional treatments are constrained by limited efficacy, high relapse rates, and poor long-term safety. The gut-skin axis has emerged as a critical regulatory network linking intestinal homeostasis and skin health, and is increasingly recognized as a potential contributor to the onset and progression of AD. It plays a multifaceted regulatory role in maintaining immune homeostasis, reconstructing barrier functions, and mediating microbial metabolite signaling. Within this conceptual framework, this review summarizes recent advances in multi-scale transdermal delivery strategies for AD. It particularly emphasizes the unique value of multi-scale transdermal delivery strategies of active components in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in immune balance and barrier repair. Building on this, we highlight the integrated innovation of modern delivery technologies, emphasizing the unique advantages of multiscale transdermal systems in regulating the skin barrier, improving active components bioavailability, and modulating cross-compartment biological signaling. Importantly, while emerging studies suggest potential interactions between transdermal delivery systems and gut-skin axis-related pathways, experimentally validated evidence directly linking multi-scale transdermal systems with gut-skin axis regulation remains limited. Therefore, this review also critically discusses current knowledge gaps and highlights the need for further mechanistic and experimental validation. Unlike prior reviews centered on single mechanisms or delivery methods, this work provides a structured overview of active components, intestinal-cutaneous communication, and multi-scale delivery technologies, and proposes a conceptual framework for their potential integration. This perspective aims to support future experimental efforts toward establishing a mechanistically validated link between advanced transdermal systems and gut-skin axis regulation, facilitating the translation of TCM-derived bioactive compounds combined with advanced delivery platforms for AD treatment.
Global health actionNgcwalisa Amanda Jama, Maureen Joffe, Keletso Mmoledi, Seemela D Malope, Gugulethu Tshabalala, Charmaine Blanchard, Elizabeth F Msoka, Shane A Norris
BACKGROUND: Despite the rising cancer burden in Soweto, South Africa and the recognized role of Traditional Health Practitioners (THPs) in the pluralistic health system, their role in cancer care remains underexplored. This study provides novel insights into THPs' understanding of cancer and their potential contribution to community awareness and early detection within complex sociocultural and health system contexts. OBJECTIVE: To explore THPs perceptions of cancer and the factors influencing their role in community cancer awareness and early detection in Soweto. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative design was adopted. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to recruit 13 THPs in Soweto. Each participated in two in-depth interviews. Data were transcribed, coded, and thematically analyzed using Dedoose. RESULTS: Seven of the 13 THPs had encountered clients with cancer-related symptoms. The THPs described navigating cancer care with mixed certainty, drawing on experiential, spiritual, and limited biomedical knowledge. They often referred clients to biomedical facilities when symptoms appeared serious or unclear. Participants saw themselves as accessible community figures, offering psychosocial support and helping patients navigate the health system. While motivated to contribute to cancer awareness and early detection, they reported challenges related to limited recognition and legitimacy within the formal health sector. CONCLUSION: Traditional Health Practitioners play an informal but important intermediary role in community cancer care in Soweto. Their contributions are shaped by knowledge gaps, social dynamics, and systemic barriers. Strengthening their role in early detection requires interventions that improve training, build trust in biomedical services, and support integration within the health system.
I contrast Singh's subjective functionalism with structuralist-related approaches in anthropology, where "attractors" are not isolated packages of beliefs and practices but robust relationships between such packages within cultural systems. While impressive in its synthesis, Singh's account falls short of explaining a defining feature of human culture: its holistic nature. I use shamanism as an illustrative example.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), affecting 3%-8% of women of reproductive age. It is characterized by emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms during the luteal phase, primarily driven by neuroendocrine sensitivity to hormonal fluctuations and dysregulation of central neurotransmitter systems. Genetic predisposition and environmental stressors contribute to its onset. Although conventional treatments such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and hormonal therapies offer symptom relief, they are often accompanied by adverse effects and limited long-term efficacy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) posits that the core pathogenesis of PMDD lies in the dysfunction of liver's conveyance and dispersion, which may consistent with modern biological research evidence. TCM approaches, represented by Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture, may alleviate symptoms of PMDD by targeting and modulating its core modern pathogenic mechanisms. With its few side effects and the unique advantage of individualized treatment based on syndrome differentiation, TCM holds the potential to become a mainstream therapeutic option for PMDD. This narrative review synthesizes evidence from clinical trials, animal and pharmacological studies to explore the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of PMDD and compares these approaches with conventional therapies. Nonetheless, the integration of TCM into mainstream practice for PMDD is still hampered by challenges such as insufficient evidence-based medical data. Research in TCM focusing on biomarker identification, establishment of standardized treatment protocols, and refinement of efficacy evaluation systems is expected to drive its evolution into a mainstream treatment option for PMDD.
Molecular aspects of medicineShihao Zheng, Fan-E Cheng, Xiaoke Li, Hongbo Du, Peng Zhang, Xiaobin Zao, Yongan Ye, Xinyue Shi
Chronic liver disease represents a major global public health challenge, and its malignant progression to hepatocellular carcinoma is the leading cause of death among affected patients. Gut microbiota dysbiosis is a critical driver of this process. As the central hub of the "gut-liver axis," the gut microbiota, when disrupted, compromises the integrity of the intestinal mucosal barrier, promoting the translocation of microbial metabolites, such as lipopolysaccharides and aberrant secondary bile acids, to the liver. In turn, key signaling pathways become activated, including TLR4/NF-κB, Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt, sustaining persistent hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress. These pathological processes accelerate the progression from liver fibrosis to cirrhosis, promote genomic instability, and suppress tumor suppressor gene expression, paving the way for the malignant transformation of hepatocytes. Leveraging its holistic regulatory properties, characterized by multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway actions, Chinese medicine can intervene at multiple stages of this inflammation-to-cancer cascade by modulating both the structure and function of the gut microbiota. It does so first by enriching beneficial short-chain fatty acid-producing bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and members of the phylum Firmicutes, which helps restore the intestinal mucosal barrier, limit endotoxin translocation, and alleviate hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. In parallel, by normalizing bile acid metabolism and reestablishing gut microbial homeostasis, Chinese medicine counteracts the development of a tumor-permissive microenvironment marked by immune suppression and DNA damage in hepatocytes induced by microbial metabolites. At the same time, it enhances anti-tumor immune responses mediated by CD8+ T cells and other immune effectors. Drawing on evidence from multi-omics analyses and clinical studies, this review examines the core mechanisms and recent advances regarding how Chinese medicine monomers and formulations modulate the gut microbiota to impede the progression of chronic liver disease to HCC. It highlights gut microbiota dysbiosis as a key driver of hepatocarcinogenesis and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeted microbiota regulation by Chinese medicine, providing a conceptual foundation and strategic approaches for the precision prevention and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Complementary therapies in medicineYongcheng Cao, Lifang Qiu, Xiaodong Hu, Qi Su, Li-Qun Yao
BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are highly prevalent among post-stroke survivors, significantly hindering functional recovery and long-term quality of life. Traditional Chinese Exercises (TCEs), such as Tai Chi and Baduanjin, have emerged as promising non-pharmacological interventions; however, their integrated efficacy and impact on psychological comorbidities remain to be fully synthesized. OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the effects of TCEs on sleep quality, anxiety, and depression in post-stroke survivors. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted. We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, OVID, CINAHL, and three Chinese databases (CNKI, WanFang, VIP) from inception to April 2026. RCTs evaluating the effects of TCEs (Tai Chi, Baduanjin, Liuzijue, etc.) on sleep-related outcomes in post-stroke survivors were included. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool (RoB 2.0), and the certainty of evidence was appraised via the GRADE framework. Meta-analyses and narrative syntheses were performed. RESULTS: Nine RCTs involving 690 randomized participants were included. Meta-analysis revealed that TCE interventions led to significantly greater improvements in sleep quality compared to control groups (MD = -2.15, 95% CI -2.65 to -1.65; P < 0.00001), with low heterogeneity (I2 = 22%). Subgroup analysis revealed that TCEs significantly improved sleep quality against both active comparators and conventional care (active comparators: MD =-2.20, 95% CI: -2.81 to -1.58, P < 0.00001; conventional care: MD = -1.71, 95% CI: -3.03 to -0.40, P = 0.01). Furthermore, TCEs significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety (MD = -1.93; 95% CI: -2.82 to -1.05; P < 0.00001; I2 = 0%) and depression (MD = -2.21; 95% CI: -3.30 to -1.12; P < 0.00001; I2 = 30%). The overall certainty of evidence was rated as moderate for sleep quality, and low for both anxiety and depression. CONCLUSIONS: TCEs could be effective adjunct therapies for improving sleep quality and alleviating psychological distress in post-stroke rehabilitation. Nevertheless, future studies with rigorous methodological designs are needed to strengthen the evidence base.
Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysisXiao-Ya Shi, Ming-Tong Zhang, Xiao Ma, Juan Chen
In this work, α-glucosidase was successfully immobilized on commercially available cellulose filter paper and applied to screen inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicines combined with capillary electrophoresis analysis. For the immobilization of α-glucosidase, cellulose filter paper was employed as the carrier. Which was first coated with a chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol blend solution and subsequently activated with polyethyleneimine to introduce a positively charged surface. Finally, α-glucosidase was immobilized onto the modified cellulose filter paper via electrostatic adsorption. The carrier was characterized, and several parameters affecting the catalytic activity of immobilized enzymes were optimized. The results showed that the tensile strength of chitosan-polyvinyl alcohol-modified cellulose filter paper was 1.8 times that of the original cellulose filter paper, indicating that the mechanical properties of the carrier were enhanced. Moreover, the immobilized α-glucosidase showed good storage stability (retained 51.7 ± 0.43% of its initial activity after storing at 4℃ for 30 days), excellent reusability (retained 79.5 ± 1.18% of its initial activity after reusing 10 times), improved environmental tolerance (70°C and pH 8.0). In addition, the reliability of the immobilized enzyme for enzyme inhibitor screening was verified using acarbose as a model inhibitor, and its half-maximal inhibitory concentration was 0.85 ± 0.02 μM. Eventually, the immobilized α-glucosidase was used to screen inhibitors from 12 traditional Chinese medicine extracts combined with capillary electrophoresis analysis, and Sanguisorbae Radix exhibited the strongest inhibitory effect. This established platform provides a rapid and reliable strategy for screening α-glucosidase inhibitors from traditional Chinese medicine.
The diseases of the six fu organs and the main indications of acupoints are the crucial components of the theories related to meridians, acupoints and zangfu organs. Through analyzing the classic articles in Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) and modern literature, this article elaborates on the pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria and acupoint indications for the diseases of six fu organs. It systematically reviews and summarizes the current research status regarding the diseases of six fu organs and acupoint indications as described in Huangdi Neijing. It is discovered that pathogenic qi enters six fu organs through specific pathways from the medial sides of the limbs and yin meridians, for which, the prerequisite is the abundance and normal functioning of the essence and qi of five zang organs. The diseases of six fu organs are diagnosed in accordance with identifying the syndrome patterns of six fu organs and the characteristics of biao and ben of six yang meridians. In association with the yuan-source points of six fu organs and their corresponding lower he-sea points, the paper analyzes the rationale of the primary acupoints in treatment of diseases of six fu organs, and explains the acupuncture techniques for utilizing these lower he-sea points.
Since Huangdi Mingtang Jing (Yellow Emperor's Illustrated Manual of Acupuncture Points) proposed the localization of the three preauricular acupoints, namely Ermen (TE21), Tinggong (SI19), and Tinghui (GB2), the textual descriptions of their localization in ancient literature have basically remained unchanged. However, according to the consensus of ancient literature descriptions, the localization combined with anatomy differs from the current national standard for acupoint localization. By systematically collecting and organizing the localization descriptions of the three preauricular acupoints in literature throughout different dynasties, and combining them with the anatomy of the preauricular region, this paper re-localizes the three preauricular acupoints. Based on literature records, acupuncture bronze figures, and Mingtang diagrams, the evolution process of the localization of the three preauricular acupoints is discussed, and the important evolutionary nodes and reasons for their evolution are analyzed. In addition, modern descriptions of the indications of the three preauricular acupoints are basically copied or rewritten from acupuncture literature before the Ming dynasty, and their indications are in fact practical summaries of acupoint localization in ancient literature before the Ming dynasty. In view of this, combined with the anatomical structure of the preauricular region, the localization of the three preauricular acupoints should follow the localization determined by the consensus of ancient literature, namely, Ermen (TE21) is located in the depression anterior to the supratragic notch, Tinggong (SI19) is located on the tragus, and Tinghui (GB2) is located at the pulsation of the superficial temporal artery anterior to the tragus.
Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustionRong Hua, Bing Liu
Through literature tracing and theoretical analysis, this paper explores the connotation of the important proposition, "better to lose the acupoint than to lose the meridian", and reflects on its significance for clinical guidance, theoretical construction, and examination of acupuncture. First, the paper traces the origin of this proposition and elucidates its original intent of the theory, "interconnection between qi and meridian". Secondly, the paper explores the foundation of this concept formulation and content deepening. From the classical principles of "needling based on meridian" and "pressing the region where the affected meridian runs to adjust" in Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic), it gradually evolved into the core epistemological concept of "therapeutic scope of meridians" based on "where meridians pass, where diseases manifest". Based on this, the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches as well as practical value of "therapeutic scope of meridians" were systematically reviewed from two perspectives, "treatment according to meridian running" and "selecting the affected meridian directly". This study examines the dilemma of the weakened status of the principle "not to lose the meridian", in the application of meridian theory, and explores the key scientific questions of acupuncture and moxibustion such as "the continuity and the holisticity of meridian essences".
Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustionWeidong Tao, Bang Zhan, Lei Ji, Chuanliang Ruan
The xi-cleft points of Qiao and Wei meridians (heel and link vessels), were first described in Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), and their conceptual framework remain consistently elusive. During the development of meridian theory, the intrinsic meridian attribution of xi-cleft points of Qiao and Wei meridians gradually disappeared, and these points were subsequently reassigned to the various regular meridians distributed in the lower limbs. This study explores the commonness of Qiao and Wei meridians with regular meridians from the perspective of meridian evolution, and verifies the therapeutic content of xi-cleft points, so as to attempt reconstructing the system of xi-cleft points in Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing. It is proposed that the changes in meridian tropism of these xi-cleft points are based on meridian distribution and clinical manifestations, and such changes result from both the constraints of numerological system of meridian, and the requirement to establish the circulatory theory of fourteen meridians. It is summarized that the evolution of meridian tropism reflects the ancients' need to integrate meridian theory, and reveals the unique value of Qiao and Wei meridians as the early framework of meridian theory, thereby reevaluating the academic status of Qiao and Wei meridian that had been marginalized in history.
Zhongguo zhen jiu = Chinese acupuncture & moxibustionZhijie Xu, Sixian Wu, Fan Xu, Sihan Sun, Qian Song, Guiping Li, Yan Shen, Shu Wang
The classical statement, "feeling comfortable when acupoint is pressed" in Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic ) is regarded as the origin of acupoint theory. "Feeling comfortable" following "acupoint is pressed" refers to the subjective experiences of patient, which reflects a close connection among "acupoint sensitization, mental-physical response and deqi ". Centered on 3 essential links, "acupoint sensitization", "mental-physical response" and "deqi ", this study systematically reviews and comments on the current research of the local manifestations and brain mechanisms of deqi and acupoint sensitization; and it specially focuses on the research progress on acupoint and brain effect. This study aims to propose the idea of brain effect research from the perspective of the relationship among "acupoint sensitization, mental-physical response and deqi ", so as to provide theoretical basis and research framework for revealing the central mechanism and optimizing clinical efficacy of acupuncture intervention.