[Objective] We examined whether the meridian test is useful for diagnosis and assessment, other than treatment.
[Method] Participants were patients and therapists in acupuncture and moxibustion facilities. We gave them the meridian test before and after treatment, and carried out the questionnaire survey for the test time, impressions and others.
[Results and Discussion] The time of the meridian test was suitable for the patients and therapists. This test detected unconscious disorders in locomotive organs. It also clarified unconscious therapeutic effects. Furthermore, we obtained affirmative answers on the test from patients and therapists. From these results, it was suggested that the meridian test is a useful method in addition to treatment.

[Objective]For the possibility of the spread of acupuncture treatment in the future, we did a questionnaire survey for the dialysis facilities in Mie Prefecture, and clarified dialyzed patient's complaints, the problems existing in the background, and the problem related to it.
[Method]We sent questionnaire forms to representatives in the dialysis facilities (50 facilities as of February 2007) of Mie Prefecture. The survey contents were the situation of dialysis patients and acupuncture treatment for them.
[Results]In 6.0%of the dialysis facilities in Mie Prefecture, acupuncture treatment had been introduced. No facility answered that acupuncture treatment is not recommended for patients, and some facilities were interested in acupuncture treatment (15.4%). Most patients were suffering from itching and pain, which would be a target of acupuncture treatment. The problem in the spread was treatment effect and safety.
[Conclusion]Itching and pain, which are embarrassing symptoms, would be the target of acupuncture treatment. There are no facilities where acupuncture treatment had been introduced in Mie Prefecture. The possibility that acupuncture treatment introduction may not be low because there are no facilities where acupuncture treatment is not recommended and it had interest. For the spread of acupuncture in dialysis facilities, it is necessary to solve the problem of "Safety"and lack of the interface, and to construct an information network.

[Objective] The understanding and cooperation of dialysis medical staff are indispensable for the widespread introduction of acupuncture treatment in maintenance dialysis medical treatment. In this study, we tried to clarify the level of understanding of acupuncture of dialysis medical staff We also tried to examine change in their opinion of acupuncture after experiencing it. We discussed the possibility of using acupuncture treatment in maintenance dialysis medical treatment.
[Method] At first, we distributed the questionnaire concerning the level of understanding of the acupuncture of dialysis medical staff (n=105) who visited the experience corner. Next, we investigated whether the staff who had experienced acupuncture treatment changed their opinion of it. We also investigated the method and effect of acupuncture.
[Results & Conclusion] Few staff had experienced acupuncture previously. They had fears regarding acu- puncture regardless of their experiences, but these fears were alleviated after acupuncture experience. From these results, it is believed that dialysis staff have an insufficient understanding acupuncture. On the other hand, we considered the possibility that acupuncture could positively contribute to dialysis medical treatment because many staff approved the safety and hygiene levels of acupuncture. It will be necessary to educate staff concerning the effect of acupuncture on maintenance dialysis patients in order that they may be able to effec- tively administer acupuncture in the future.

[Objective]To investigate whether acupuncture is effective to prevent fatigue and oxidative stress in distance runners.
[Methods]A total of 17 runners were recruited and randomized to receive acupuncture (Press Tack Needle) or placebo treatment. Subjects received treatment from licensed acupuncturists before a 10 km race. The primary outcome measures were oxidative stress, as determined by electron spin resonance (ESR), and fatigue, as assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Secondary outcome measures were GOT, LDH, and CPK.
[Results]Fatigue was significantly increased in both groups after the race. There was no difference in both groups.
Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity tended to increase in both groups after the race.
[Conclusion]The study found no useful acupuncture aspects of oxidative stress and fatigue.