1.Mechanical Loading Improves Qi-Blood Nourishment in "Sinew Wei (痿)"via Mitochondrial Regulation
Xili CHANG ; Sipeng HUANG ; Wuquan SUN ; Mengni SHI ; Chengheng YOU ; Min FANG ; Qingguang ZHU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(7):725-729
This study focuses on the core pathology of sinew wei (痿), which is mainly characterized by the fai-lure of qi and blood to nourish the sinews. A mechanical-biological response framework is constructed with mitochondria as a key component, explaining the modern interpretation of the disease location of sinew transmitting to qi and blood pathology. Mechanical loading, as a physical stress stimulus applied to the body, manifests primarily as passive loading formed by external forces such as massage, and active loading resulting from voluntary muscle contractions, such as dao yin (导引). Mechanical loading can regulate mitochondrial function through two pathways, mechanical signal transduction and metabolic demand-driven regulation. Skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction is regarded as the core microscopic basis of qi imbalance in sinew wei, highlighting the intrinsic connection between qi and mitochondrial energy metabolism, as well as between blood and microcirculatory efficiency. Accordingly, distinct regulatory patterns of mechanical loading are identified. Wei associated with qi stagnation may correspond to mitochondrial network fragmentation and can be treated by regulating qi through passive loading, such as tuina, to restore mitochondrial dynamics. In contrast, wei caused by qi deficiency is attributed to insufficient mitochondrial biogenesis and may be treated by tonifying qi through active loading, such as dao yin, to promote mitochondrial biogenesis. This framework reveals the biological differences in mitochondrial regulation induced by distinct mechanical loading modalities and provides a microscopic mechanism-based explanation for the principle of "treating the same disease with different methods" in sinew wei.
2.Effect of Tuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" on Spinal Microglial Activation-related Proteins and the IL-10/β-EP Pathway in a Rat Model of Chronic Sciatic Nerve Compression Injury
Tianwei ZHANG ; Xiangqian LYU ; Yani XING ; Liuchen ZHU ; Qingguang ZHU ; Lingjun KONG ; Yanbin CHENG ; Zhen YAN ; Wuquan SUN ; Min FANG ; Zhiwei WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(7):734-740
ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic effect of Tuina at the "Weizhong (BL 40)" on neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve and its potential central spinal mechanisms. MethodsThirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats in each group), sham-operated group, model group, Tuina group, and blockade group. The CCI model was established in the model group, Tuina group, and the blockade group by ligating the sciatic nerve with catgut, while the sham-operated group underwent only sciatic nerve exposure without ligation. From postoperative day 4 to day 14, rats in the Tuina group and the blockade group received Tuina manipulation at the "Weizhong (BL 40)" using a dynamic pressure distribution measurement system (5 N pressure, 2 Hz frequency, 10 min per session, once daily). The blockade group also received intraperitoneal injections of the microglial inhibitor minocycline (10 mg/kg) once daily. The sham-operated and the model group underwent the same handling and fixation as the Tuina group without actual Tuina. Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were measured before surgery and on day 3, 7, 10, and 14 post-surgery. Transmission electron microscopy was used to evaluate sciatic nerve injury and repair, measuring axon diameter and total myelinated fiber diameter to calculate the g-ratio. Western Blotting was performed to detect the protein levels of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), CD206, CD68, interleukin-10 (IL-10), and β-endorphin (β-EP) precursor pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed significantly reduced MWT and PWL on day 3, 7, 10, and 14 (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tuina group and the blockade group showed increased MWT and PWL on day 10 and 14 (P<0.05). Compared with the Tuina group, the blockade group exhibited higher MWT on day 7, 10, and 14, and higher PWL on day 10 (P<0.05). Sciatic nerve pathological morphology revealed intact and well-structured myelin in the sham-operated group, while the model group exhibited myelin collapse, distortion, and myelin ovoid formation. The Tuina group displayed partially irregular myelin with occasional myelin collapse, whereas the blockade group exhibited partial myelin irregularities and phospholipid shedding. Compared with the sham-operated group, the model group showed a decreased g-ratio and increased levels of Iba-1 and CD68 in the spinal dorsal horn (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Tuina group and the blockade group exhibited an increased g-ratio and reduced Iba-1 and CD68 levels. Additionally, the Tuina group showed elevated levels of CD206, IL-10, and POMC, whereas the blockade group had decreased CD206 levels (P<0.05). ConclusionTuina at "Weizhong (BL 40)" alleviates neuropathic pain in CCI rats, potentially by regulating microglial activation in the spinal cord, inhibiting M1 polarization while promoting M2 polarization, and activating the IL-10/β-EP pathway to exert analgesic effects.
3.The Role of tryptophan metabolism in modulating microbiota-gut-brain communication in chronic fatigue syndrome
Ming JIN ; Sitong FANG ; Lingjun KONG ; Qingguang ZHU ; Min FANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(23):3786-3792
The pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS)remains poorly defined,and while the tryptophan metabolic pathway is closely associated with the development of CFS,the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood.This review examines the alterations in tryptophan metabolites and related enzymes in both peripheral and central systems of CFS patients,with a particular focus on the involvement of the tryptophan pathway in the gut-brain axis(GBA).Furthermore,it provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanistic roles of tryptophan metabolites in modulating the progression of CFS,aiming to elucidate the current evidence and potential driving mechanisms linking the tryptophan metabolic pathway to CFS,thereby promoting new insights and advancements in this research domain.
4.Analysis on Surface Electromyography Characterization of Upper Limb-Related Muscle Groups in Rolling Manipulation in Traditional Chinese Tuina
Jintian CHEN ; Xin ZHOU ; Yiming SHAN ; Qingguang ZHU ; Wuquan SUN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(1):134-139,147
Objective To study the characterization of surface electromyographic signals of upper limb force-generating muscles operated by rolling manipulation of Tuina doctors.Methods Surface electromyographic signals during rolling manipulation were collected from beginners and proficient operators for comparative analysis,and the patterns,similarities,and differences were summarized.Results The iEMG ratio of the ulnar lateral wrist extensor muscle in the proficient group was significantly higher than that in the beginner group(P<0.05),while that of the middle deltoid fascicle in the beginner group was significantly higher than that in the proficient group(P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in the iEMG ratios of other muscle groups(P>0.05).The proficient group mainly used the ulnar wrist extensors,lateral head of triceps brachii,pectoralis major,and ulnar wrist flexors,while the beginner group mainly used the lateral head of triceps brachii,pectoralis major,and radial wrist flexors.Conclusions The proficient group and the beginner group shared common features in the electromyographic signals of the rolling manipulation.The proficient group increased the angle of ulnar deviation by recruiting more ulnar wrist extensors to increase the angle of palmar flexion and the dorsal contact area of the hand,and the proficient group used the middle and posterior deltoid fasciculus muscles less intensively and mastered the'sinking shoulder'principle better.
5.Biomechanical Characteristics of One-Finger Zen Push Method Applied at the Fengchi Acupoint in Traditional Chinese Tuina Therapy
Mengni SHI ; Wuquan SUN ; Jingxian LI ; Lei GUO ; Zhiwei WU ; Min FANG ; Qingguang ZHU
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(2):456-461
Objective To systematically investigate biomechanical characteristics of one-finger Zen push method applied at the Fengchi acupoint under different force conditions,in order to provide precise quantitative data and enhance the treatment efficacy.Methods Ten senior Tuina practitioners were recruited.The German Novel Pliance-X 32 Expert dynamic pressure distribution system was used to record the mechanical parameters during the application of one-finger Zen push at the Fengchi acupoint under three force intensities:light,medium,and heavy,for 3 minutes.Data from the stable 1-minute segment of the mechanical output was selected for data analysis,and key biomechanical parameters such as the maximum force,average force,peak pressure,mean pressure,force-time integral(FTI),pressure-time integral(PTI),and operational frequency were evaluated.Results Under light,medium,and heavy force conditions,the mean maximum force applied by senior Tuina practitioners at the Fengchi acupoint were 6.31,9.45,and 18.27 N,respectively,while the mean force were 3.31,5.64,and 9.05 N,respectively.The mean peak pressures were 26.10,34.80,and 70.00 kPa,while the mean pressures were 11.95,21.00,and 26.15 kPa,respectively.The mean FTIs were 55.65,182.10,and 225.21 N·s,and the mean PTIs were 167.10,489.59,and 795.83 kPa·s,respectively.The mean operational frequencies were 156.00,150.60,and 154.80 times/min,respectively.Conclusions Ten senior Tuina practitioners showed a high degree of consistency between their subjective definitions of light,medium,and heavy force and the objectively measured mechanical parameters.This reflected their precise control over the applied force under different force conditions,verifying the practicality and reproducibility of the one-finger Zen push method in clinical applications.This study provides a reliable basis for quantitative research and development of standardized clinical operation guidelines.
6.Biomechanical Characteristics of One-Finger Zen Push Method Applied at the Fengchi Acupoint in Traditional Chinese Tuina Therapy
Mengni SHI ; Wuquan SUN ; Jingxian LI ; Lei GUO ; Zhiwei WU ; Min FANG ; Qingguang ZHU
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(2):456-461
Objective To systematically investigate biomechanical characteristics of one-finger Zen push method applied at the Fengchi acupoint under different force conditions,in order to provide precise quantitative data and enhance the treatment efficacy.Methods Ten senior Tuina practitioners were recruited.The German Novel Pliance-X 32 Expert dynamic pressure distribution system was used to record the mechanical parameters during the application of one-finger Zen push at the Fengchi acupoint under three force intensities:light,medium,and heavy,for 3 minutes.Data from the stable 1-minute segment of the mechanical output was selected for data analysis,and key biomechanical parameters such as the maximum force,average force,peak pressure,mean pressure,force-time integral(FTI),pressure-time integral(PTI),and operational frequency were evaluated.Results Under light,medium,and heavy force conditions,the mean maximum force applied by senior Tuina practitioners at the Fengchi acupoint were 6.31,9.45,and 18.27 N,respectively,while the mean force were 3.31,5.64,and 9.05 N,respectively.The mean peak pressures were 26.10,34.80,and 70.00 kPa,while the mean pressures were 11.95,21.00,and 26.15 kPa,respectively.The mean FTIs were 55.65,182.10,and 225.21 N·s,and the mean PTIs were 167.10,489.59,and 795.83 kPa·s,respectively.The mean operational frequencies were 156.00,150.60,and 154.80 times/min,respectively.Conclusions Ten senior Tuina practitioners showed a high degree of consistency between their subjective definitions of light,medium,and heavy force and the objectively measured mechanical parameters.This reflected their precise control over the applied force under different force conditions,verifying the practicality and reproducibility of the one-finger Zen push method in clinical applications.This study provides a reliable basis for quantitative research and development of standardized clinical operation guidelines.
7.The Role of tryptophan metabolism in modulating microbiota-gut-brain communication in chronic fatigue syndrome
Ming JIN ; Sitong FANG ; Lingjun KONG ; Qingguang ZHU ; Min FANG
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(23):3786-3792
The pathogenesis of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS)remains poorly defined,and while the tryptophan metabolic pathway is closely associated with the development of CFS,the underlying mechanisms are not yet fully understood.This review examines the alterations in tryptophan metabolites and related enzymes in both peripheral and central systems of CFS patients,with a particular focus on the involvement of the tryptophan pathway in the gut-brain axis(GBA).Furthermore,it provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanistic roles of tryptophan metabolites in modulating the progression of CFS,aiming to elucidate the current evidence and potential driving mechanisms linking the tryptophan metabolic pathway to CFS,thereby promoting new insights and advancements in this research domain.
8.Analysis on Surface Electromyography Characterization of Upper Limb-Related Muscle Groups in Rolling Manipulation in Traditional Chinese Tuina
Jintian CHEN ; Xin ZHOU ; Yiming SHAN ; Qingguang ZHU ; Wuquan SUN
Journal of Medical Biomechanics 2025;40(1):134-139,147
Objective To study the characterization of surface electromyographic signals of upper limb force-generating muscles operated by rolling manipulation of Tuina doctors.Methods Surface electromyographic signals during rolling manipulation were collected from beginners and proficient operators for comparative analysis,and the patterns,similarities,and differences were summarized.Results The iEMG ratio of the ulnar lateral wrist extensor muscle in the proficient group was significantly higher than that in the beginner group(P<0.05),while that of the middle deltoid fascicle in the beginner group was significantly higher than that in the proficient group(P<0.05).There was no statistical difference in the iEMG ratios of other muscle groups(P>0.05).The proficient group mainly used the ulnar wrist extensors,lateral head of triceps brachii,pectoralis major,and ulnar wrist flexors,while the beginner group mainly used the lateral head of triceps brachii,pectoralis major,and radial wrist flexors.Conclusions The proficient group and the beginner group shared common features in the electromyographic signals of the rolling manipulation.The proficient group increased the angle of ulnar deviation by recruiting more ulnar wrist extensors to increase the angle of palmar flexion and the dorsal contact area of the hand,and the proficient group used the middle and posterior deltoid fasciculus muscles less intensively and mastered the'sinking shoulder'principle better.
9.Characteristics and treatment strategies of proprioception in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis
Bowen ZHU ; Qingguang ZHU ; Min FANG
Chinese Journal of Geriatrics 2024;43(10):1357-1361
Proprioception decline is extremely common in elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA), results in weakened patient control and balance of the knee joint, and affects their daily lives.The recovery of proprioception has become an important indicator to assess the degree of KOA rehabilitation.In recent years, with the development and upgrading of intelligent rehabilitation equipment and medical technology, our understanding of proprioception in the elderly with KOA has been continuously advancing, and treatment methods are abundant and diverse.This article offers a basic overview of knee proprioception, analyzes the causes of its decline, and reviews its treatment strategies.
10.Effects of rolling manipulation with different durations on erector spinae muscle tonus and low back pain in patients with lumbar muscle strain
Wenyang DONG ; Wuquan SUN ; Qingguang ZHU ; Shuaipan ZHANG ; Yiming SHAN ; Yuanhong LIU ; Jintian CHEN ; Fuqing ZHANG
Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science 2024;22(6):497-502
Objective:To observe the effects of rolling manipulation with different durations on erector spinae muscle tonus and low back pain in patients with lumbar muscle strain and to explore the best duration for rolling manipulation in treating lumbar muscle strain. Methods:A total of 75 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into a 5-minute rolling manipulation group,a 10-minute rolling manipulation group,and a 15-minute rolling manipulation group using the random number table method,with 25 cases in each group.All three groups were treated with the same rolling manipulation,while the treatment time was 5 min,10 min,and 15 min,respectively.The treatment was performed 3 times a week for 2 consecutive weeks.The muscle tonus of bilateral erector spinae and visual analog scale(VAS)score for low back pain were compared among the three groups before and after treatment. Results:A total of 63 patients completed the study.Before treatment and after the last treatment,there were no statistical differences in the muscle tonus of the left erector spinae and right erector spinae among the three groups(P>0.05).After the last treatment,bilateral erector spinae muscle tonus dropped compared with the baseline in all three groups(P<0.01).Before treatment and after the last treatment,there were no significant differences in comparing the low back pain VAS score among the three groups(P>0.05).After the last treatment,the VAS score for low back pain in all three groups decreased(P<0.01). Conclusion:Under the condition that the forward swing force is 50-70 N,the backward swing force is 20-40 N,and the frequency is 138 times/min,the 5-minute rolling manipulation can significantly reduce the muscle tonus of erector spinae and relieve low back pain.

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