Dysphagia is a common complication of stroke. Combining the principles of traditional Chinese medicine with modern research findings， it is proposed that "latent pathogen in the cerebral collaterals" constitutes the core pathogenesis of post-stroke dysphagia （PSD）. In clinical practice， treatment is tailored according to the location of PSD. During the oral stage， when the pathogen invades the face and mouth， resulting in excessive salivation， acupoints are primarily selected from the foot shaoyin （少阴） kidney channel， in combination with ren mai （任脉） ， du mai （督脉）， chong mai （冲脉） and the spleen channel， to replenish essence and fill the marrow， dispel dampness and unblock the channels. In the pharyngeal stage， as the pathogen obstructs the throat， disrupting normal swallowing， the therapy emphasizes dredging the shaoyang （少阳） channel and warming and tonifying the jueyin （厥阴） channel， by taking acupoints mainly from the hand and foot shaoyang channels， along with the jueyin channels， so as to soothe the liver and promote bile secretion， regulate and harmonize qi and blood. During the esophageal stage， where the pathogen damages the esophagus， impeding food passage， the treatment emphasizes activating the yangming （阳明） channels and regulating taiyin （太阴） channels； acupoints are mainly selected from the foot yangming stomach channel， along with the taiyin channels， aiming to warm yang， unblock the channels and dispel stasis.

A novel fumigation moxibustion device has been designed to enable adjustable and controllable moxa smoke temperature, maintaining a relatively stable fumigation temperature while improving the utilization efficiency of moxa smoke. The device consists of five main components: a temperature control chamber, fumigation outlet, temperature measurement module, moxa smoke filtration chamber, and elastic band. It is compact, refined, and easy to operate. The device allows users to set the desired fumigation temperature according to therapeutic needs and simultaneously filters and eliminates residual moxa smoke after treatment. This design addresses the challenges of traditional fumigation moxibustion therapy, including unstable moxa smoke temperature, difficulty in regulation, low utilization efficiency, and high dependence on manual operation. It contributes to the promotion and application of fumigation moxibustion therapy and supports the establishment of a standardized moxibustion system.
Moxibustion/methods* ; Humans ; Equipment Design ; Fumigation ; Temperature

Based on his extensive clinical experience and the team's mechanistic research, Professor XU Nenggui has proposed the academic concept that "the governor vessel governs the brain and treats cerebral viscus diseases", and established a novel acupuncture approach for encephalopathy treatment centered on the integrated theory of "governor vessel-brain-mind", and developed a staged acupuncture protocol of "governor vessel regulating spirit" for ischemic stroke. This article introduces the academic features of this method in treating post-stroke dysphagia from four aspects: theoretical framework, treatment principles and point selection, mechanistic research, and clinical case studies. In clinical application, the method emphasizes syndrome differentiation based on meridians, harmonization between the conception and governor vessels; precise acupoint selection to treat both form and spirit; stage-specific differentiation with targeted needling. Furthermore, Professor XU integrates basic research with clinical practice, focusing on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the efficacy of acupuncture in treating post-stroke dysphagia.
Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Humans ; Deglutition Disorders/psychology* ; Stroke/complications* ; Meridians ; Acupuncture Points

OBJECTIVE: To review the current research status and hotspots of acupuncture-assisted tumor chemotherapy and provide references for clinical and basic research in this field. METHODS: The relevant literature on acupuncture-assisted tumor chemotherapy from the inception of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science (WoS) databases to December 10, 2023, was retrieved. CiteSpace6.2.R4 and VOSviewer1.6.20 software was used to analyze publication volume, authors, institutions, source journals, and keywords, etc. and to create visualized mapping. RESULTS: A total of 2 116 articles were included (1 829 from CNKI and 287 from WoS), showing an overall upward trend in publication volume. The scope of acupuncture-assisted tumor chemotherapy has expanded, with a growing variety of research types. In CNKI, the most prolific authors and institutions were from Henan University of CM, forming core research teams. In WoS, the most prolific author was Bao T, and the leading institution was Kyung Hee University in South Korea, although author and institution distribution was more scattered, with close inter-regional collaboration. There were 602 keyword nodes in CNKI and 383 in WoS, with high-frequency keywords in both databases mainly focusing on treatment protocols, cancer types, and chemotherapy-related adverse reactions. CNKI publications highlighted frequent use of acupoints, with more diverse acupoint protocol options, while WoS focused more on different research methods. Recent CNKI studies have focused on improving immune function and quality of life, while "systematic review" emerged as a key term in WoS. CONCLUSION Research on acupuncture-assisted tumor chemotherapy should further strengthen collaboration and communication, focus on improving clinical evidence, and promote wider application of acupuncture in integrative oncology research.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Bibliometrics ; Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Antineoplastic Agents ; China

Objective:To observe any effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at acupoints CV23 and GV16 in activating c-Fos genes in the brain regions related to swallowing.Methods:Twenty C57 mice were randomly divided into a blank group, an EA at CV23 group, an EA at GV16 group and an EA at CV23+ GV16 group, each of 5. All except the mice in the blank group were given EA at the relevant acupoints CV23 or GV16 or both, respectively, for 15min. Samples were collected from all of the groups 50min after the EA treatment, and immunofluorescence staining was used to quantify the expression of the c-Fos gene in the brain regions controlling swallowing.Results:In the nucleus tractus solitarii the average number of c-Fos positive cells of the CV23 group was (445.1±43.14)/mm 2, significantly higher than the (297.47±25.54)/mm 2 of the GV16 group. No significant differences were observed in the average number of c-Fos positive cells in parabrachial nucleus. In the primary motor cortex the average number of c-Fos positive cells in the GV16 group was significantly higher than in the other two groups. In the primary sensory cortex the CV23+ GV16 group had a significantly higher average number. Conclusions:EA at the CV23 most strongly activates the c-Fos gene in the nucleus tractus solitarii. For c-Fos activation in the primary motor cortex GV16 is the most effective point. For c-Fos activation in the primary sensory cortex, EA at CV23 and GV16 together is recommended. These results may guide the selection of acupoints in treating dysphagia.

Rho-associated kinases (ROCKs) are serine-threonine protein kinases that act downstream of small Rho GTPases to regulate the dynamics of the actin cytoskeleton. Two ROCK isoforms (ROCK1 and ROCK2) are expressed in the mammalian central nervous system. Although ROCK activity has been implicated in synapse formation, whether the distinct ROCK isoforms have different roles in synapse formation and function in vivo is not clear. Here, we used a genetic approach to address this long-standing question. Both Rock1 and Rock2 mice had impaired glutamatergic transmission, reduced spine density, and fewer excitatory synapses in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. In addition, both Rock1 and Rock2 mice showed deficits in long-term potentiation at hippocampal CA1 synapses and were impaired in spatial learning and memory based on the water maze and contextual fear conditioning tests. However, the spine morphology of CA1 pyramidal neurons was altered only in Rock2 but not Rock1 mice. In this study we compared the roles of ROCK1 and ROCK2 in synapse formation and function in vivo for the first time. Our results provide a better understanding of the functions of distinct ROCK isoforms in synapse formation and function.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) with different frequencies based on the western conventional treatment and rehabilita tion training for stroke dysphagia.

METHODSSixty patients with dysphagia after stroke were randomized assigned into a low frequency (2 Hz) group and a high frequency (100 Hz) group, 30 cases in each one. Basic treatment was applied in the two groups. The acupoints were Fengfu (GV 16) and Lianquan (CV 23). EA with continuous wave and tolerant intensity were connected for 30 min, once a day for 14 days. The main index was video fluoroscopic swallowing study (VFSS) to detect passing time at oral stage, pharynx delay time at pharyngeal stage, passing time at pharynx stage. The second indexes were water swallow test rating and standardized swallowing assessment (SSA). The clinical effect was evaluated.

RESULTSAfter treatment, the passing time at oral stage, pharynx delay time at pharyngeal stage, passing time at pharynx stage were lower than those before treatment in the two groups (all<0.05), and the results in the low frequency group were better (all<0.05). After treatment, the water swallow test rating improved in the two groups (both<0.05), and that in the low frequency group was better (<0.05). The SSA score decreased in the two groups (both<0.05), and the improvement in the lower frequency group was superior to that in the high frequency group (<0.05). The total effective rate in the low frequency group was 93.3% (28/30), which was better than 66.7% (20/30) in the high frequency group (<0.05). .

CONCLUSIONThe effect of EA with lower frequency is better than that of EA with higher frequency for stroke dysphagia.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effects and safety on female depression treated with the combined therapy of acupuncture and the five-element music therapy. METHODS: A total of 120 female patients with depression were randomized into an electroacupuncture (EA) group, an acupuncture group, a five-element music therapy group and a group of the combined therapy of acupuncture and the five-element music therapy (combined therapy group), 30 cases in each one. In the EA group, the electric stimulation of acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3), with disperse-dense wave, 10 Hz/50 Hz, and 0.5 ms in wavelength. The needles were retained for 30 min. In the acupuncture group, the acupoints were same as the EA group, but without electric stimulation. In the five-element music therapy group, the music of tune was adopted in the treatment. In the combined therapy group, the acupuncture treatment and the five-element music therapy were same as the acupuncture group and the five-element music therapy group, in which the music therapy was followed after acupuncture treatment. The treatment was given once a day, at 2 days of interval after every 5 treatments in a week, totally for 8 weeks. The Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) before and after treatment and the treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS) after treatment were observed in each group. The clinical effects and safety were compared among the groups. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 86.7% (26/30) in the combined therapy group, better than 66.7% (20/30) in the EA group, 63.3% (19/30) in the acupuncture group and 53.3% (16/30) in the five-element music therapy group (<0.01, <0.05). After treatment, HAMD and HAMA scores were all reduced obviously in the patients of the 4 groups (all <0.01), and the scores in the combined therapy group were lower than the other 3 groups (all <0.01). The TESS score in the combined therapy group was lower than the other 3 groups (all <0.01) and the score in the five-element music therapy group was lower than the EA group and the acupuncture group (both <0.01). CONCLUSION In the female patients, the combined treatment with acupuncture and the five-element music therapy obviously reduces the severity of depression and anxiety, as well as the adverse reactions. The effects are better than the simple application of EA, acupuncture or music therapy.
Acupuncture Therapy ; Depression ; therapy ; Electroacupuncture ; Female ; Humans ; Music Therapy

To introduce the status and development of acupuncture in Thailand, and elaborate on the development of acupuncture education and acupuncture clinics in northern Thailand. It is pointed out that there are still a small number of Chinese medicine clinics in northern Thailand, a shortage of college acupuncturists, and there is no traditional Chinese medicine themes Confucius Institute and other issues. The author considered that through the cultivation of acupuncture skills and diagnosis and treatment ability, the development of Chinese medicine graduate education, the establishment of Confucius Institute of traditional Chinese medicine, to expand the influence of acupuncture in northern Thailand, hoping to provide references for the cooperation and exchanges between China and Thailand in acupuncture .
Acupuncture Therapy ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Thailand

Inverted horse acupuncture (acupuncture with three needles) at Hegu (LI 4) is different fromneedling, a traditional needling method. Based on's warmingand tonifyingby simultaneous acu-puncture at Linggu (Extra) and Dabai (Extra), we palpate points along the large intestine meridian of hand-, and Linggu (Extra), Hegu (LI 4), and Dabai (Extra) are pricked perpendicularly to smooth triple energizer directly. Thus, functions oforgans are holistically adjusted and clinical effect is better. We believe that Hegu (LI 4) is located on the radialis side of the forefinger, and changeable according to the body function states. While Linggu (Extra) and Dabai (Extra), two radialis points of the second metacarpal,are related to Hegu (LI 4) when it is moving pathologically. According to(a verse about the four general acupoints), Hegu (LI 4) is effective for face and mouth diseases, which reveals the close relationship between the acupoint and head and face. Acupuncture with three needles achieves better long-term effect than simple acupuncture at Hegu (LI 4) for face and mouth diseases, including mimetic convulsion.