OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of thread-embedding at the combined lower he-sea and front-mu points for functional constipation with intestinal excess heat. METHODS: A total of 80 patients with functional constipation of intestinal excess heat were randomly divided into a thread-embedding group (40 cases, 2 cases dropped out) and a Chinese patent medication group (40 cases, 1 case dropped out). Based on the theory of combined lower he-sea and front-mu points for diseases of fu organs, Zhongwan (CV12), Guanyuan (CV4) and bilateral Zusanli (ST36), Shangjuxu (ST37), Tianshu (ST25), Xiajuxu (ST39) were selected and thread-embedding therapy was delivered in the thread-embedding group, once a week. Maren Runchang pill was given orally in the Chinese patent medication group, 6-12 g each time, twice a day. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of constipation assessment scale (CAS), Bristol stool form scale (BSFS), patient-assessment of constipation quality of life (PAC-QOL) and TCM syndrome were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment in the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the CAS scores and the TCM syndrome scores were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), while the BSFS scores were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05) in the two groups; the total scores, as well as the physical discomfort and psychosocial discomfort scores of PAC-QOL were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05) in the two groups, the worry and anxiety, and the satisfaction scores of PAC-QOL were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05) in the thread-embedding group. After treatment, the CAS score, the total score and item-scores of PAC-QOL, as well as the TCM syndrome score in the thread-embedding group were lower than those in the Chinese patent medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 78.9% (30/38) in the thread-embedding group, which was higher than 56.4% (22/39) in the Chinese patent medication group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Thread-embedding at the combined lower he-sea and front-mu points can effectively treat functional constipation with intestinal excess heat and improve quality of life.
Humans ; Constipation/physiopathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult ; Intestines/physiopathology* ; Quality of Life

The Fragment of Dunhuang Ancient Tibetan Moxibustion Therapy contains rich content on fire moxibustion therapy of Tubo-period Tibetan medicine, characterized by distinctive clinical features of Tibetan acupuncture and strong regional attributes. This paper systematically reviews the relevant materials on moxibustion in the Fragment and summarizes the findings as follows: Tibetan fire moxibustion mainly uses mugwort as the material, and terms like "fine mugwort", "broad bean" and "sheep dung pellet" refer to the size of the moxa cone. The number of moxa cones used is predominantly odd numbers, usually ranging from 5 to 21. The main indications for fire moxibustion cover internal medicine, external medicine, gynecology, pediatrics, and various pain syndromes. The therapy advocates for treating acute conditions and heat syndromes with moxibustion. The manuscript also records detailed contraindications, including time-based and seasonal taboos. Moxibustion is applied to both local and distal acupoints, reflecting the therapeutic concept of treating both proximal and distal regions. Furthermore, it documents simple and practical acupoint localization methods such as surface anatomical markers, proportional bone measurement, finger measurement, and hand-span measurement. Compared with contemporaneous Chinese medical moxibustion techniques, the moxibustion methods recorded in this Fragment are rich in content and present unique Tibetan theoretical characteristics. It provides valuable data and evidence for the excavation, application, and further research of Tibetan acupuncture and moxibustion.
Moxibustion/instrumentation* ; Humans ; History, Ancient ; Medicine, Tibetan Traditional/history* ; Tibet ; Acupuncture Points

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a common neurodegenerative disease.Traditional Chinese medicine is effective in treating AD.The combination of disease and syndrome with animal model is the basis and premise of related research.In this paper,studies on non-transgenic AD animal models and AD disease and syndrome combined animal models are summarized.It was found that,there are eight common non-transgenic AD animal models,including aging type(natural aging type,rapid aging type and induced aging type)and injection-induced injury type(Aβ injection animal model,Tau damage type,damage model of cholinergic system,neuroinflammatory model and aluminum poisoning induction model).AD disease and syndrome combined with animal models include kidney deficiency/kidney deficiency and essence deficiency/kidney deficiency and pulp emptying,phlegm turbidity blocking orifice,blood stasis blocking collaterals,phlegm stasis interlocking,liver depression and phlegm fluid stagnation heat.In this paper,the advantages and disadvantages of each model replication method are reviewed,in order to provide reference and support for the future study of AD disease and syndrome combined with animal models.

The Mofeng Ointment Formulation （MOF， 摩风膏方） is recorded in the Dunhuang manuscript Unnamed Treatise on the Pulse （《亡名氏脉经》） and stands as a representative ancient external therapeutic formula in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. Known for dispelling wind， activating blood circulation， warming the meridians， and relieving pain， it is particularly effective in treating rheumatic arthralgia. Through literature research， this paper systematically reviews the composition， preparation techniques， and clinical application characteristics of MOF. In recent years， advancements in modern pharmaceutical technology have led to the development of various innovative ointment-based formulations derived from the traditional recipe， such as Dunhuang Xiaoding Ointment （敦煌消定膏）， Dunhuang Xiaozhong and Zhentong Ointment （Patch） （敦煌消肿镇痛膏/贴）， Xiaoding Ointment （消定膏） gel patch， and Xiaoding Ointment （消定膏） cataplasm. These innovations explore pathways for transforming classical prescriptions into modern applications， providing a theoretical basis for the external TCM treatment of pain-related and orthopedic conditions.

Objective Through studying the chemical composition changes before and after the compatibility of Hedysari Radix Paeparata Cum Melle(HRPCM)-vinegar processed Curcumae Rhizoma(VPCR);To discuss the significance of the compatibility of HRPCM and VPCR;To establish the fingerprints before and after their compatibility.Methods ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column was used;acetonitrile-0.01%phosphoric acid water was set as mobile phase,with gradient elution;column temperature was 30℃;detection wavelength was 214 nm;sample injection was 10 μL,which was used to investigate the content difference of major chemical components such as vanillic acid,calycosin-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,ononin,calycosin,onocerin,curdione,cincumol and germacrone,and establish the fingerprint of HRPCM,VPCR and HRPCM-VPCR.Results HPLC chromatographic conditions were established for the determination of 8 components in HRPCM-VPCR.Meanwhile,fingerprints were established before and after the compatibility of HRPCM-VPCR.26 common peaks were identified,among which 11 components such as vanillic acid were derived from HRPCM,14 components such as curcuma zedoariae were derived from VPCR,and 1 component was shared by both.Conclusion The material basis of the compatibility of HRPCM-VPCR differs from that of HRPCM and VPCR.The content of most chemical components decreases while the content of some components increases.The established HPLC method for content determination and fingerprint is simple,stable and reproducible,which can be used to evaluate and control the quality of HRPCM and VPCR.

Objective Through studying the chemical composition changes before and after the compatibility of Hedysari Radix Paeparata Cum Melle(HRPCM)-vinegar processed Curcumae Rhizoma(VPCR);To discuss the significance of the compatibility of HRPCM and VPCR;To establish the fingerprints before and after their compatibility.Methods ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 column was used;acetonitrile-0.01%phosphoric acid water was set as mobile phase,with gradient elution;column temperature was 30℃;detection wavelength was 214 nm;sample injection was 10 μL,which was used to investigate the content difference of major chemical components such as vanillic acid,calycosin-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,ononin,calycosin,onocerin,curdione,cincumol and germacrone,and establish the fingerprint of HRPCM,VPCR and HRPCM-VPCR.Results HPLC chromatographic conditions were established for the determination of 8 components in HRPCM-VPCR.Meanwhile,fingerprints were established before and after the compatibility of HRPCM-VPCR.26 common peaks were identified,among which 11 components such as vanillic acid were derived from HRPCM,14 components such as curcuma zedoariae were derived from VPCR,and 1 component was shared by both.Conclusion The material basis of the compatibility of HRPCM-VPCR differs from that of HRPCM and VPCR.The content of most chemical components decreases while the content of some components increases.The established HPLC method for content determination and fingerprint is simple,stable and reproducible,which can be used to evaluate and control the quality of HRPCM and VPCR.

The theory of"eyes as the convergence of various meridians"recorded in the Ling Shu Kouwen chapter is the theoretical basis for acupuncture treatment of eye diseases.This article explained the theoretical connotation of"eyes as the convergence of various meridians"from this perspective:eyes rely on the circulation of the twelve meridians and the nourishment of qi and blood to maintain the divine radiance;the penetrating operation of the twelve meridians enhances the close connection between the eyes,the brain,and various related organs.Based on the above theoretical basis,the basic pathogenesis of amblyopia patients with"lack of dependence on qi and unclear visual perception"was summarized.The treatment principle is"regulating qi and meridians,improving vision",and the application of the regulating qi and improving vision acupoint formula has shown good efficacy.The article also expounded the acupoint selection rules and basis from the perspective of meridian syndrome differentiation,in order to provide reference for the selection and compatibility of acupoints for amblyopia.

Alzheimer's disease(AD)is a common neurodegenerative disease.Traditional Chinese medicine is effective in treating AD.The combination of disease and syndrome with animal model is the basis and premise of related research.In this paper,studies on non-transgenic AD animal models and AD disease and syndrome combined animal models are summarized.It was found that,there are eight common non-transgenic AD animal models,including aging type(natural aging type,rapid aging type and induced aging type)and injection-induced injury type(Aβ injection animal model,Tau damage type,damage model of cholinergic system,neuroinflammatory model and aluminum poisoning induction model).AD disease and syndrome combined with animal models include kidney deficiency/kidney deficiency and essence deficiency/kidney deficiency and pulp emptying,phlegm turbidity blocking orifice,blood stasis blocking collaterals,phlegm stasis interlocking,liver depression and phlegm fluid stagnation heat.In this paper,the advantages and disadvantages of each model replication method are reviewed,in order to provide reference and support for the future study of AD disease and syndrome combined with animal models.

The theory of"eyes as the convergence of various meridians"recorded in the Ling Shu Kouwen chapter is the theoretical basis for acupuncture treatment of eye diseases.This article explained the theoretical connotation of"eyes as the convergence of various meridians"from this perspective:eyes rely on the circulation of the twelve meridians and the nourishment of qi and blood to maintain the divine radiance;the penetrating operation of the twelve meridians enhances the close connection between the eyes,the brain,and various related organs.Based on the above theoretical basis,the basic pathogenesis of amblyopia patients with"lack of dependence on qi and unclear visual perception"was summarized.The treatment principle is"regulating qi and meridians,improving vision",and the application of the regulating qi and improving vision acupoint formula has shown good efficacy.The article also expounded the acupoint selection rules and basis from the perspective of meridian syndrome differentiation,in order to provide reference for the selection and compatibility of acupoints for amblyopia.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture (acupuncture for soothing the liver and regulating the spirit) on the protein kinase C/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/cAMP response element-binding protein (PKC/ERK/CREB) signaling pathway in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) of rats with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and to explore the mechanism of acupuncture on alleviating anxiety and fear in PTSD. METHODS: Fifty SPF-grade male SD rats were randomly divided into a blank group (10 rats) and a PTSD model group (40 rats). The PTSD model was induced by using a combination of closed electric shock and forced exhaustive swimming. Thirty successfully modeled rats were randomly assigned to a model group, a medication group, and an acupuncture group, with 10 rats in each group. The rats in the medication group were treated with paroxetine hydrochloride solution by gavage, once daily for 12 consecutive days. The rats in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at "Baihui" (GV 20) and bilateral "Neiguan" (PC 6), "Shenmen" (HT 7), "Taichong" (LR 3). "Baihui" (GV 20) was needled daily, while the other acupoints were alternately needled on the left side on odd days and the right side on even days, once daily for 12 consecutive days. Anxiety and fear behaviors changes were assessed by using the open field test and elevated plus maze test. Histological changes in the BNST were observed by using HE staining and Nissl staining. The expression of PKC, phosphorylated PKC (p-PKC), ERK1/2, phosphorylated ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), and p-CREB proteins in the BNST were detected by using Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with the blank group, the model group showed decreased time and total distance spent in the center of the open field and on the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<0.05); the BNST tissues in the model group exhibited a reduced number of neurons, disorganized cell arrangement, cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation, abnormal neuronal structure, uneven Nissl staining, and reduced Nissl bodies. The model group showed increased protein expression of p-PKC and p-PKC/PKC ratio (P<0.05) and decreased protein expression of p-ERK1/2, p-CREB, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the medication group and the acupuncture group showed increased time and total distance spent in the center of the open field and on the open arms of the elevated plus maze (P<0.05); the BNST tissues showed increased number of neurons, more organized cell arrangement, improved neuronal structure, and increased Nissl bodies; the medication group and the acupuncture group also showed decreased p-PKC protein expression and p-PKC/PKC ratio (P<0.05) and increased p-ERK1/2, p-CREB protein expression, and p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Shugan Tiaoshen acupuncture could alleviate anxiety and fear behaviors in PTSD rats, and improve neuronal damage in the BNST. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of the PKC/ERK/CREB signaling pathway in the BNST.
Animals ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Protein Kinase C/metabolism* ; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic/metabolism* ; Anxiety/metabolism* ; Cyclic AMP Response Element-Binding Protein/metabolism* ; Humans ; Septal Nuclei/metabolism* ; Signal Transduction ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism* ; Acupuncture Points ; Behavior, Animal