[Objective]To investigate the effect of pressure stimulation at a site hemodynamically close to forearms
[Methods]Ten volunteers participated in this study. Hemodynamics (Oxy-and total-hemoglobin) was recorded by near-infrared spectroscopy. Pressure stimulation was performed on the forearms.
[Results]Oxy-hemoglobin increased significantly following 10 minutes of pressure stimulation. In contrast, total-hemoglobin was not changed.
[Conclusion]These results suggest that axon reflexes might be a possible mechanism for the action of pressure stimulation. It can be expected to have more effects when the pressure stimulation is performed for a long term.

Objectives—We tested the effect of a clinically applicable dose of moxibustion on adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) of rat, an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis.
Methods—Male Lewis rats were inoculated with Mycobacterium butyricum suspended in paraffin oil into the right hind paw to induce arthritis. Moxibustion (60°C) was applied to the right hind limb point, Tsu-san-Li (ST36), twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. The efficacy of the above treatment was determined by the measurements of paw swelling, arthritic score. The effects of moxibustion upon immune and inflammatory responses were analyzed by enumerating peripheral blood leukocyte subsets. The data were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U-test between the experimental and control groups.
Results—Moxibustion significantly suppressed paw swelling in the systemic phase, but not in the acute phase, of arthritis. Moxibustion also significantly suppressed the increase in T lymphocyte numbers in the late acute phase and that of neutroplils in the systemic phase.
Conclusion—After the treatment with moxibustion, significant alterations were observed in the numbers of peripheral blood leukocyte subsets in AIA, along with the amelioration of clinical signs. These observations suggest that suppression of AIA with moxibustion may be mediated through the suppression of proliferating number of T-cell and acceleration of decrease in number of neutrophils in the peripheral blood.

When performing aortic valve replacement (AVR) in patients with a past history of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using the internal thoracic artery (ITA), the patent ITA graft needs to be detached from the surrounding tissue and occluded to properly protect the myocardium. However, detaching the ITA graft from the surrounding tissue takes time, and caution must be exercised to avoid damaging the graft. Two patients with a past history of CABG using the ITA were scheduled to undergo AVR. To simplify AVR, a balloon was placed preoperatively, and was inflated during aortic occlusion to occlude the ITA graft. The myocardium was adequately protected in this manner. Furthermore, since adhesion detachment was limited to around the ascending aorta, operative duration was short and bleeding volume was low. Balloon occlusion of the ITA graft appears to be useful in reducing the invasiveness of AVR in patients with a past history of CABG.

(Object) We, in collaboration with Wacoal Corp., assessed the effects of human hemoglobin dynamics associated with pressure stimulus applied by half-ovoid protrusions lined on brassiere straps, which were developed with an intended use by females to safely alleviate shoulder stiffness and associated pain in a convenient manner, and compared them to those of conventional flat and round magnets (5 mm in diameter, 800 Gauss).
(Method) Six healthy females volunteered for each of the four experiments. The participants'thoracic circumference or band size was 70 cm (B70) for experiments one and two, and 80 cm (B80) for three and four. For experiments one and three, we obtained the control hemoglobin (Hb) values, by near-infrared spectroscopy, 20 minutes after participants had worn brassieres with the newly developed straps turned inside out;and were compared to the values obtained after the straps were worn with protrusions pressing down on the skin (Protrusion-lined Strap Group, PST). For experiments two and four, the control Hb values were obtained after the participants had worn generic brassiere straps, and were compared to Hb values obtained after the magnet-lined straps were worn (Magnet-lined Strap Group, MSG).
(Result) In the PSG (B70 &B80), both Oxy-Hb and Total-Hb values increased by stimulation with a 5%significant difference;however, no significant increase was observed in the MSG (B70 &B80). There was no significant difference depending on the band size.

(Discussion) In the present study, the post-stimulation increase of Hb values showed significant differences in PSG as a result of stimulation by protrusions. Stimulation by flat magnets demonstrated no such significance on Hb values, presumably due to the lower pressure to the skin. Stimulation by magnets showed no significant changes in total Hb values despite prior reports of it accelerating the blood flow. The shape with which pressure is applied against the skin may have relevance to the effect of stimulation.
Protrusions left post-stimulation depression marks and flare on the skin surface, suggesting the possible involvement of mechanothermal polymodal receptors.
(Conclusion) Stimulation with the protrusions we developed increased Hb values, showing a regional concentration of hemoglobin. This suggests that it is effective in alleviating shoulder stiffness and associated pain, and lining brassiere straps with the protrusions provides a means for females to self-apply such stimulation safely and conveniently.

[Objective] Instructional videos on five of the 17 acupuncture techniques (hereinafter referred to as "techniques") were created, and a questionnaire was distributed among acupuncture and moxibustion college teachers to evaluate the utility of the educational materials.[Methods] The sparrow pecking technique (straight and oblique stabbing), gyration, rotation and twisting techniques, as well as vibration stimulation, were performed and the hand was simultaneously imaged with a diagnostic ultrasound device and filmed with a video camera. The questionnaire and a QR code for viewing the videos were sent to training schools by mail. The questionnaire included open-ended and multiple-choice questions regarding the teaching status of the techniques, changes in perception of the techniques after viewing the video, and the value of using the video as a teaching tool.[Results] Responses were received from nine schools (14 teachers). Each technique was taught only once at five of the schools. For all the techniques featured in the videos, not all the respondents answered that the subcutaneous and muscular tissue movements were consistent with their perceptions. Meanwhile, only 35.7% of the respondents had perceptions that were congruent with the video on vibratory stimulation. According to 78.6% of the respondents, instructional videos on these techniques were deemed to be necessary.[Discussion and Conclusion] The minimal repetition on the education of acupuncture and moxibustion techniques implies a lack of emphasis regarding these skills. The dissonance between the subcutaneous and muscular tissue movements that were familiar to the instructors and those discussed in the video highlighted the significant differences in skills training among the various training institutions. Based on this feedback, instructional videos can be considered essential in accurately teaching acupuncture and moxibustion techniques by providing visual aids.