References: Acupuncture & Scalp Acupuncture [Medline]

[Guest guest]

Hi Shahzad

 

> Hi Attilio,Phil,Holmes and All, Can any one give me references on

> studies conducted showing icreased blood flow to brain and various

> body parts in response to body acupuncture, scalp acupuncture &

> auricular acupuncture. Please give author's name, year,publication

> journal or site and any contact information of the authors. Best

> regards, Dr Shahzad.

 

 

I searched Medline just now for the profile:

acup* AND (brain OR cerebr*) AND blood AND (perfus* OR

circulation OR oxygen)

 

Here are the hits:

 

Backer M, Hammes M, Sander D, Funke D, Deppe M, Tolle TR,

Dobos GJ.|Changes of cerebrovascular response to visual

stimulation in migraineurs after repetitive sessions of

somatosensory stimulation (AP): a pilot study.| Headache. 2004

Jan;44(1):95-101.|Department of Internal Medicine V, Kliniken

Essen Mitte, Germany.|OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of

repetitive somatosensory stimulation (AP) on cerebrovascular

response in migraineurs by functional transcranial Doppler.

METHODS: Changes of cerebral blood flow velocity in the right

posterior and left middle cerebral arteries were measured by

functional transcranial Doppler during visual stimulation (flickering

light over 57 seconds) in 10 migraineurs before and after 10 AP

sessions. The same stimulation paradigm was performed in 10

control subjects. Cerebral blood flow velocity data were analyzed

with a previously validated technique based on automated stimulus-

related averaging. To evaluate the clinical effect of the treatment, a

headache diary monitored the frequency and intensity of the

migraine attacks. A positive treatment effect was defined as a

reduction of at least 50% in the attack frequency or the mean

headache intensity (or both). RESULTS: Before treatment,

migraineurs showed overshooting cerebral blood flow velocity

changes at the beginning and at the end of the stimulation and a

delayed decline to baseline compared with control subjects. After

treatment, this response pattern was significantly diminished

(P</=.05) in those who benefited from treatment (n = 6). Those who

did not benefit from treatment (n = 4) showed a significantly

(P</=.05) more marked alteration of the cerebral blood flow velocity

pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Data indicate that repetitive

somatosensory stimulation (AP) might positively influence the

abnormal cerebrovascular response in migraineurs. In a subgroup

of migraineurs, however, the dysfunction of the cerebrovascular

system might deteriorate under the treatment.|Publication Types:

Clinical Trial Controlled Clinical Trial PMID: 14979891 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Belitskaia RA, Luk'ianiuk EV, Vasilenko GF, Krasnova LB,

Popkova EV.|[The effect of scalp AP on the blood biochemical

indices of healthy volunteers] [Article in Russian]| Vopr Kurortol

Fizioter Lech Fiz Kult. 1996 Jul-Aug;(4):27-9.||Scalp AP effects on

blood biochemistry were investigated in 10 healthy volunteers. The

results provided evidence for the absence of negative changes in

function of neurohumoral systems of the body which may become

factors of risk for patients with thrombogenic disturbances of

cerebral circulation.|PMID: 8975474 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

Bikbaeva AI, Gabbasova NG, Tsyglin AA.|[Cerebral and peripheral

hemodynamics after complex therapy, including AP, of patients

with chronic suppurative mesotympanitis] [Article in Russian]|

Vestn Otorinolaringol. 1987 Jan-Feb;(1):23-6.|||PMID: 3564256

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Cao XD, Xu SF, Lu WX.|Inhibition of sympathetic nervous system

by AP.| Acupunct Electrother Res. 1983;8(1):25-35.||The central

and peripheral sympathetic activities were measured both

physiologically and biochemically in either human subjects or

conscious rabbits. AP reduced NE levels in perfusates of certain

brain areas as well as in blood circulation, accompanied with a rise

of pain threshold, and changes of certain physiological indices

(palm temperature, fingerplethysmogram and pain tolerance

threshold) which are related with functions of sympathetic nervous

system. These results suggest that the NE neurons of NE

ascending dorsal fasciculus has some antagonizing effect on AP

analgesic effect, AP inhibits sympathetic activities, and such

inhibition plays a favorable role in AP analgesia.|PMID: 6135301

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Chen A.|An introduction to sequential electric AP (SEA) in the

treatment of stress related physical and mental disorders.|

Acupunct Electrother Res. 1992 Oct-Dec;17(4):273-

83.|Department of Anesthesiology, Wayne County General

Hospital, Westland, Michigan.|A method of sequential electrical

stimulation to certain AP loci was found to be effective in the

treatment of stress related physical and mental disorders. Recent

research found that cerebral serotonin has anti-depressant and

analgesic effects. It was reported that cerebral serotonin can be

released by the stimulation of certain AP loci. Omura reported that

the stimulation of ST36 and GB20 increased intracephalic blood

flow. Increasing intracephalic blood flow may indirectly increase the

quantity of serotonin released. The release of serotonin can be

enhanced further by sequential stimulation of these AP loci. A

marked degree of mental relaxation by SEA was shown in this

study of 85 clinical cases of chronic physical disorders, e.g.

intractable pain, headache, with most disorders complicated by

reactive depression. Some of the cases were psycho-somatic

disorders. The percentage of improvement from slight to remarkable

between mental disorders (78.8%) and physical disorders (77.1%)

is about equal. The method of treatment and schematic of the SEA

device are discussed and shown.|Publication Types: Clinical

Trial PMID: 1362037 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Chen GS, Erdmann W.|Effects of AP on tissue oxygenation of the

rat brain.| South Med J. 1978 Apr;71(4):392-5, 398.||AP has been

claimed to be effective in restoring consciousness in some

comatose patients. Possible mechanisms to explain alleged AP-

induced arousal may include vasodilatory effects caused by

smypathetic stimulation which leads to an augmentation of

cerebral microcirculation and thereby improves oxygen supply to

the brain tissue. Experiments were performed in ten albino rats

(Wistar) employing PO2 microelectrodes which were inserted into

the cortex through small burholes. Brain tissue PO2 was

continuously recorded before, during, and after AP. Stimulation of

certain AP points (Go-26) resulted in immediate increase of PO2 in

the frontal cortex of the rat brain. This effect was reproducible and

was comparable to that obtained with increase of inspiratory CO2

known to induce arterial vasodilatation and thus capillary perfusion

pressure. The effect was more significant as compared to tissue

PO2 increases obtained after increase in inspiratory oxygen

concentration from 21% to 100%. It appears that AP causes

increased brain tissue perfusion which may be, at least in part,

responsible for arousal of unconscious patients.|PMID: 635615

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Chen KZ.|[Observations on changes in intracranial pressure during

craniotomy under AP and general anesthesia] [Article in Chinese]|

Zhonghua Shen Jing Jing Shen Ke Za Zhi. 1984 Jun;17(3):153-

4.|||PMID: 6510153 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Esina IIu, Filina TF.|[Analysis of the effectiveness of reflexotherapy

in patients with osteochondrosis of the cervical spine] [Article in

Russian]| Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova.

1990;90(4):23-6.||An original method of reflex therapy is depicted. It

lies in electric stimulation of the vertebral artery point (along with

traditional AP points) with currents alternating in frequency. The

positive dynamics attained was supported by the data of

instrumental methods, attesting to the improvement of cerebral

circulation.|PMID: 2167580 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Evtushenko SK, Omel'ianenko AA.|[The therapy of non-traumatic

vegetative state syndrome in children] [Article in Russian]| Zh

Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 2001;101(11):19-25.||Twenty

nine non-traumatic appalic syndrome (AS) cases of various

etiology were observed in children aged from 3 to 14 years. The

clinical picture study was carried out, along with brain structure

visualization in vivo (CT and MRT), EEG and cerebral blood flow

detection with transcranial ultrasonic dopplerography. All the cases

were studied in dynamics in relation to influence of complex course

therapy developed by the authors, including vasoactive drugs,

nootropics, craniopuncture, AP and electrostimulation of

craniopuncture zones. Five patients (17.2%) had a distinct positive

dynamics with complete consciousness rehabilitation on the

background of moderate neurological deficit regress. In general, CT-

data and changes of EEG and cerebral blood flow in AS were not

found to have any prognostic value and to be etiologically specific.

But changes of EEG and cerebral blood flow in response to the

treatment appear to be positive prognostic sign. The prognosis for

AS due to meningoencephalitis is worse than one for AS due to

hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The non-traumatic AS duration

for more than 2 months corresponds to unfavorable

outcome.|PMID: 11765607 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Gao H, Guo J, Zhao P, Cheng J.|The neuroprotective effects of

EAP on focal cerebral ischemia in monkey.| Acupunct Electrother

Res. 2002;27(1):45-57.|National Laboratory of Medical

Neurobiology, Institute of AP Research, WHO Collaborating Center

for Traditional Medicine, Medical Center of Fudan University,

Shanghai, PR China.|The present study was designed to

investigate whether the EAP (EA) is beneficial to extenuate

cerebral ischemic injuries following the middle cerebral artery

occlusion (MCAO) in monkey. The results indicated that after

MCAO. the EEG was severely inhibited, while the EEG recovery

was slow after reperfusion compared with the control group. EA,

given between the AP points Baihui Point (GV. 20) and Renzhong

Point (GV. 26) with a dense-sparse waveforms,which can be

transformed into each other when dense or sparse wave is

terminated, facilitated the recovery of EEG after ischema. The local

cerebral blood flow (ICBF) in the striatum decreased during MCAO,

whereas EA improved the ICBF significantly. The neurological

deficit scale significantly decreased after ischemia but increased in

EA group. The brain swelling coefficient (right/left) increased

significantly in the ischemia group, but EA attenuated this

increase. The neuropathological study showed that EA could

significantly decrease the infarct area (p<0.05) and increase the

percentages of the residual cells in the ipsilateral striatum and

cortex (p<0.05 respectively). These results implied that EA is

effective to extenuate cerebral ischemic injuries following the

transient middle artery occlusion in monkeys.|PMID: 12044020

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Gareus IK, Lacour M, Schulte AC, Hennig J.|Is there a BOLD

response of the visual cortex on stimulation of the vision-related

acupoint GB 37?| J Magn Reson Imaging. 2002 Mar;15(3):227-

32.|Department of Radiology, Section of Medical Physics,

University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.

isabel_gareus|PURPOSE: To determine whether or

not AP of guangming (GB 37) produces a significant response of

the visual cortex detectable by means of functional magnetic

resonance imaging (fMRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This

study investigates the activation of the visual cortex elicited by a

soft and an intensified stimulation of GB 37, an acupoint

documented to influence vision-related disorders. Three different

paradigms were carried out to detect any possible modulation of

the Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD)-response in the

visual cortex to visual stimulation through AP. RESULTS: The

percentage signal changes in the visual stimulation cycles did not

significantly differ before vs. during AP. CONCLUSION: Whereas

no BOLD-response correlating with AP was detected in the visual

cortex, BOLD-signal-changes in response to needle twisting were

detected in different cortical areas. Further studies are necessary

to clarify whether these clusters correlate to inevitable

somatosensory stimulation accompanying AP or represent an AP-

specific response.|PMID: 11891966 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

Han FY, Wang ZP, Dong XJ.|Effects of digital acupressure on the

capillary arteriolar flow in cerebral pia mater of the dog.| J Tradit

Chin Med. 1989 Jun;9(2):135-9.||Effects of digital acupressure on

the blood flow in the capillary arterioles of the cerebral pia mater

covering the posterior sigmoidal gyrus in domestic dog (Canis

familiaris) were observed. The speed of blood flow was found

increased to 185% after continuous digital acupressure for 20

minutes. The increase was most prominent 15 minutes after the

acupressure was completed; the effect subsided in 30 minutes. It

was also found that in cases of low basal speed of flow before

digital acupressure, the increase in the speed of blood flow after

acupressure was more pronounced.|PMID: 2779277 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Higuchi T, Fukunaga M, Umeda M, Ebisu T, Tanaka C, Naruse S,

Ueda S.|[Functional brain mapping in motor task and

somatosensory stimulation using echo planar MRI] [Article in

Japanese]| Nippon Rinsho. 1997 Jul;55(7):1688-93.|Department of

Neurosurgery, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine.|Functional

brain mapping was performed with a 1.5T clinical MRI apparatus.

Single shot gradient echo echo-planar imaging (EPI) sequence was

employed. Normal volunteers were studied with the task of

grasping hand or opposition of fingers at the frequency of 3 Hz,

median nerve electro-stimulation, pure somatosensory stimulation

by roller for AP. Apparent signal increase was observed at

contralateral sensorimotor cortex with motor task. Signal changes

delayed about 5 seconds compared with the start and the

cessation of the task, which may suggest that regional changes of

CBF and blood oxygen level in capillary and/or in venule lag behind

electrical excitation. It was hard to detect the activated area with

median nerve electro-stimulation. On the other hand, roller

stimulation provoked distinct activated areas at contralateral

sensorimotor cortex. The activated areas caused by the roller

stimulation and the motor task coincided entirely, which suggests

the possibility of the intermixed localization of primary areas of

motor and somatosensory. It was also clearly demonstrated that

the activated area was broader with quick (3 Hz) and complicated

motor task (finger opposition) than with slow (1Hz) and simple

motor task (hand grasping).|PMID: 9233010 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

Hsieh JC, Tu CH, Chen FP, Chen MC, Yeh TC, Cheng HC, Wu YT,

Liu RS, Ho LT.|Activation of the hypothalamus characterizes the

AP stimulation at the analgesic point in human: a positron

emission tomography study.| Neurosci Lett. 2001 Jul

13;307(2):105-8.|Integrated Brain Research Unit, Department of

Medical Research and Education, Taipei Veterans General

Hospital, No.201, Section 2, Shih-Pai Road, 112, Taipei, Taiwan.

jchsieh|We performed a positron emission

tomography study, using regional cerebral blood flow as the index

of brain activity, to address the specificity of brain activation pattern

by AP stimulation of short duration at the classical analgesic point.

Needling manipulation at 2 Hz was performed at a classical point of

prominent analgesic efficacy (Li 4, Heku) and a near-by non-

classical/non-analgesic point, respectively, in normal subjects.

Regions activated by AP stimulation at Li 4 included the

hypothalamus with an extension to midbrain, the insula, the

anterior cingulate cortex, and the cerebellum. Of note, it was only

the stimulation at Li 4 that activated the hypothalamus under the

similar psychophysical ratings of AP sensation (deqi) as elicited by

the stimulation at the two points, respectively. The data suggested

that the hypothalamus might characterize the central expression of

AP stimulation at the classical analgesic point and serve as one

key element in mediating analgesic efficacy of AP

stimulation.|PMID: 11427311 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Jellinger KA.|[Principles and application of AP in neurology] [Article

in German]| Wien Med Wochenschr. 2000;150(13-14):278-

85.|Ludwig Boltzmann-Institut fur Klinische Neurobiologie, Wien.

kurt.jellinger|AP is a valuable method of

complementary medicine with broad application in neurology. It is

based on the experiences of TCM as well as on experimentally

proven biological (biochemical and neurophysiological) effects. AP-

induced analgesia is mediated by inhibition of pain transmission at

a spinal level and activation of central pain-modulating centers by

release of opioids and other peptides that can be prevented by

opioid antagonists (naloxone). Modern neuroimaging methods

(functional MRI) confirmed the activation of subcortical and cortical

centers, while transcranial Doppler sonography and SPECT

showed an increase of cerebral blood flow and cerebral oxygen

supply in normal subjects. Clinical experience and controlled

studies confirmed the efficacy of AP in various pain syndromes

(tension headache, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia, posttraumatic

pain, lumbar syndrome, ischialgia, etc.) and suggest favorable

effects in the rehabilitation of peripheral facial nerve palsy and after

stroke. Appropriate techniques, hygiene safeguards and knowledge

of contraindications will minimize the risks of rare side effects of

AP which represents a valuable adjunction to the treatment

repertoire in modern neurology. There is sufficient evidence of AP

to expand its use into conventional medicine and to encourage

further studies of its pathophysiology and clinical value.|Publication

Types: Case Reports Review Review, Tutorial PMID:

11075428 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Ji G, Zhao L, Shi R, Liu Y, Wang S, Wu F.|[Effects of electrical AP

on the cerebral blood flow and the pial microcirculatory blood flow

in dogs] [Article in Chinese]| Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 1996;21(2):43-

6.|Shandong College of TCM, Jinan.|Using electromagnetic

flowmeter and Laser Coppler Microcirculatory flowmeter, we

studied the effect of electrical AP at Zusanli (ST 36) and Quchi (LI

11) on cerebral blood flow and pial microcirculatory blood flow in

dogs. The results showed that the cerebral blood flow increased

remarkably, while the cerebral vascular resistance (CUR)

decreased 1 min. after the AP start and 20, 30, 60, 90 min. after

stopping of the stimulation, and the blood flow of the pial

microvessels increased 1, 5, 10 min. after starting of AP and 30

min. after stopping of the stimulation. It indicates that one of the

mechanisms of treatment of cerebral vascular diseases with AP is

that AP increases the cerebral blood flow and improve the pial

microcirculation.|PMID: 9387373 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Jiang DS.|[Effect of AP on cerebral blood flow of cats with

experimental cerebral ischemia] [Article in Chinese]| Zhong Xi Yi

Jie He Za Zhi. 1983 Jul;3(4):238-40.|||PMID: 6226445 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Lai FS.|[ischemic apoplexy treated with AP using the principle of

replenishing qi and promoting blood circulation] [Article in Chinese]|

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1992 Apr;12(4):216-8,

196.|AP Department of Xiyuan Hospital, Academy of TCM,

Beijing.|32 cases of ischemic apoplexy were treated by AP using

the principle of replenishing Qi and promoting blood circulation. The

clinical efficacy and the change of nail-fold microcirculation and

hemorheology before and after the treatment were observed.

Result: The total effective was 93.75%. Before the treatment, the

microcirculation of nail-fold was markedly abnormal, and the criteria

of hemorheology was abnormally elevated. But after the treatment,

together with the recovery of nail-fold microcirculation and

hemorheology, the clinical symptom and sign of the patients also

improved. Thus it showed that AP method had the function of

changing the microcirculation and the hypercoagulability of the

patients' blood, further promote the recovery of the function of

affected cerebral tissue.|PMID: 1498542 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

Lee JD, Chon JS, Jeong HK, Kim HJ, Yun M, Kim DY, Kim DI,

Park CI, Yoo HS.|The cerebrovascular response to traditional AP

after stroke.| Neuroradiology. 2003 Nov;45(11):780-4. Epub 2003

Aug 27.|Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Diagnostic

Radiology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 134 Shinchon-

dong, Seodaemun-gu, 120-752 Seoul, South Korea.

jdlee|AP is useful in treating the nausea and

vomiting related to chemotherapy, adult postoperative surgery pain

and postoperative dental pain. We obtained single-photon emission

computed tomography (SPECT) brain perfusion images of six

patients with middle cerebral artery occlusion obtained before and

after AP and compared the changes in regional cerebral blood flow

(rCBF) to those in normal control. Images were obtained before and

after AP at six traditional acupoints (LI 4, 10, 11, 15 and 16 and

TE5) in the affected arm. The baseline image was subtracted from

the postAP image, to produce a subtraction image displaying only

voxels with values >2 SD from the mean and those voxels were

coregistered to the baseline SPECT or T2-weighted MRI. Similar

images were obtained before and after AP of eight normal

volunteers. Statistical parametric mapping with a threshold of P

=0.001 and a corrected P of 0.05 was performed for group

comparison between postAP and baseline SPECT. Focally

increased CBF was seen in all patients especially in the

hypoperfused zone surrounding the ischaemic lesion, the ipsilateral

or contralateral sensorimotor area, or both. Normal subjects

showed increased rCBF mainly in the parahippocampal gyrus,

premotor area, frontal and temporal areas bilaterally and ipsilateral

globus pallidus. AP stimulation after stroke patients appears to

activate perilesional or use-dependent reorganised sites and might

be a way of looking at brain reorganisation.|PMID: 12942221

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Li F, Zhang C, Han J.|Clinical and experimental studies on AP

treatment of apoplexy at the convalescent stage by consciousness-

restoring method.| J Tradit Chin Med. 1997 Jun;17(2):109-15.|First

Affiliated Hospital, Tianjin College of TCM.|The consciousness-

restoring method and the conventional method of AP were used for

treatment of 92 cases of apoplexy at the convalescent stage. They

were randomly divided into 2 groups: the consciousness-restoring

group (50 cases), and the conventional group (42 cases). The

therapeutic results show that the cure rates in the former and latter

groups are 43% and 16.67% respectively. The markedly effective

and effective rates in the former group are significantly higher than

that in the latter group. The experimental results demonstrate that

there is remarkable improvement in the majority of criteria of blood

rheology, blood lipid, micro-circulation and thrombus formation in

vitro, in the former group, and the degree and extent of

improvement are markedly better than the latter group.|Publication

Types: Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial PMID:

10437178 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Lin MT, Liu GG, Soong JJ, Chern YF, Wu KM.|Effects of

stimulation of AP loci Ta-Chuei (Go-14), Nei-Kuan (EH-6) and Tsu-

San-Li (St-36) on thermoregulatory function of normal adults.| Am J

Chin Med. 1979 Winter;7(4):324-32.||The effects of AP stimulation

on the Ta-Chuei (Go-14), Nei-Kuan (EH-6), and Tsu-San-Li (St-36)

loci on thermoregulatory function were assessed in normal adults.

Stimulation of AP locus Ta-Chuei produced hypothermia. The

hypothermia was brought about by a decrease in metabolic rate,

an increase in cutaneous circulation (the back region) and

perspiration. On the other hand, AP stimulation of either the Nei-

Kuan or Tsu-San-Li loci produced a slight hyperthermia. The

hyperthermia was due to a decrease in cutaneous circulation. The

data indicate that each AP locus may have its own function with

special reference to body temperature regulation.|PMID: 543487

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Litscher G, Schikora D.|Cerebral vascular effects of non-invasive

laserneedles measured by transorbital and transtemporal Doppler

sonography.| Lasers Med Sci. 2002;17(4):289-95.|Department of

Biomedical Engineering and Research in Anesthesia and Critical

Care, University of Graz, Austria. gerhard.litscher@uni-

graz.at|Laserneedles represent a new non-invasive optical

stimulation method which is described for the first time in this

paper. We investigated 27 healthy volunteers (mean age+/-SD:

25.15+/-4.12 years; range: 21-38 years; 14 female, 13 male) in a

randomised cross-over trial to study differences between

laserneedle AP and manual needle AP in specific cerebral

parameters. Mean blood flow velocity ( v(m)) showed specific and

significant increases in the ophthalmic artery during laserneedle

stimulation ( p=0.01) and during manual needle stimulation (

p<0.001) at vision-related acupoints. At the same time insignificant

alterations in v(m) were found in the middle cerebral artery for both

AP methods. The eight laserneedles used in this study were

arranged at the end of the optical fibres. Each fibre was connected

to a semiconductor laser diode emitting at 685 nm with a primary

output power of about 55 mW. Optical stimulation using properly

adjusted laserneedles has the advantage that the stimulation can

hardly be felt by the patient and the operator may also be unaware

of whether the laserneedle system is active, and therefore true

double blind studies in AP research can be performed.|Publication

Types: Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial PMID:

12417984 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Litscher G, Schwarz G, Sandner-Kiesling A, Hadolt I, Eger

E.|Effects of AP on the oxygenation of cerebral tissue.| Neurol Res.

1998;20 Suppl 1:S28-32.|Department of Anesthesiology and

Intensive Care Medicine, University of Graz, Austria.|Monitoring of

regional cerebral oxygen saturation (r. cereb. O2 satn.) was carried

out continuously in 12 healthy subjects (mean age 35.2 +/- 4.4

years; range 26-41 years; 4 women, 8 men), prior to, during and

following AP. Measurements were obtained with the INVOS 3100

cerebral oximeter (Somanetics Corp., Troy, USA). In addition new

robotic transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) probes enabling

three-dimensional imaging of the middle cerebral artery by the use

of multi-scan techniques were used simultaneously. The results

showed small increases in r. cereb. O2 satn. mean values (69.9%

before, 70.3% during and 70.2% after AP) and a significant (p <

0.01; ANOVA, Tukey test) increase in mean bloodflow velocity

during AP measured simultaneously at different depths within the

right middle cerebral artery. There are reports in the literature about

the effects of AP on the oxygenation of cerebral tissue in a study

with animals. An increase in the cerebral oxygen saturation could

be registered with the help of microelectrodes in the cortex. This is

parallel evidence to the present results with near infrared

spectroscopy and transcranial Doppler sonography. Quantifiable

changes in the physiological effects of AP may contribute to

improved acceptance of this unconventional complementary

medical procedure.|PMID: 9584920 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

Litscher G, Schwarz G, Sandner-Kiesling A, Hadolt I.|Robotic

transcranial Doppler sonography probes and AP.| Int J Neurosci.

1998 Jul;95(1-2):1-15.|Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive

Care Medicine, University of Graz, Austria.|The present study

shows with a sophisticated quantitative method a change in blood

flow velocity in a cerebral artery in response to AP. Monitoring of

transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD) was examined in 12 healthy

volunteers (mean age: 35.2+/-4.4 years; 26-41 years; 4 female, 8

male) before, during and after AP. In all persons the same

unspecific scheme of AP with a " general increase of Qi-energy "

was used. The measurements were performed with new robotic

TCD-probes allowing three-dimensional imaging by using multi-

scan methods. The results showed a significant (p < 0.01;

ANOVA; Tukey test) increase in mean blood flow velocity, which

was measured at different depths of the right middle cerebral

artery. Quantitative determination of the physiological effects during

AP can lead to a better acceptance of this unconventional

complementary medical method.|PMID: 9845012 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Litscher G, Wang L, Yang NH, Schwarz G.|Computer-controlled

AP. Quantification and separation of specific effects.| Neurol Res.

1999 Sep;21(6):530-4.|Department of Anesthesiology, University of

Graz, Austria.|The effects of AP have been described and handed

down empirically for centuries but there are few reports based on

objective data. The aim of this study was to provide selective

evidence of a specific effect of AP on the brain and the eye using a

Doppler ultrasound technique. A transcranial Doppler sonography

arrangement was developed to monitor blood flow profiles in the

supratrochlear and middle cerebral arteries simultaneously and

continuously. Two AP schemas were tested in a randomized cross-

over study with 13 patients with ophthalmologic diseases. Applying

AP needles to special eye points increased the blood flow velocity

in the supratrochlear artery significantly (p < 0.001) compared to

the reference interval before AP. In the middle cerebral artery only a

minimal, non-significant increase in blood flow velocity was seen. In

contrast, AP of points that are held to increase cerebral blood flow

velocity increased blood flow velocity in the middle cerebral artery

significantly (p < 0.001) while leaving that in the supratrochlear

artery unchanged. Specific AP produce specific, reproducible

quantifiable effects on blood flow velocity in arteries to the brain and

eye.|Publication Types: Clinical Trial PMID: 10491810 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Litscher G.|Computer-based quantification of traditional chinese-,

ear- and Korean hand AP: needle-induced changes of regional

cerebral blood flow velocity.| Neurol Res. 2002 Jun;24(4):377-

80.|Biomedical Engineering and Research, Department of

Anesthesiology and Critical Care, University of Graz, Austria.

gerhard.litscher|The purpose of this randomized,

placebo-controlled, cross-over study was to investigate mean blood

flow velocity (v(m)) of the ophthalmic (OA) and the middle cerebral

(MCA) artery during traditional Chinese AP (TCA), ear AP (EA),

Korean hand AP (KHA) and placebo needling (PN) by

simultaneous and continuous transcranial Doppler sonographic

monitoring. We examined 20 healthy volunteers 19-45 years old

(mean age +/- SD, 26.2 + 6.0 years). Vm in OA was significantly

increased during needling vision-related acupoints of TCA (p <

0.001), EA (p < 0.05) and KHA (p < 0.05), whereas nonsignificant

alterations occurred in Vm of MCA. All subjects showed

insignificant changes in mean arterial blood pressure. The study

design does not allow to evaluate why and how the different AP

methods have an effect on the brain and eye, however it proves that

AP can provide scientifically measurable effects.|Publication

Types: Clinical Trial Randomized Controlled Trial PMID:

12069285 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Liu G, Xiao Y.|[The influence of electric needling " Juci " on nail-bed

microcirculation of apoplectic patients] [Article in Chinese]| Zhen Ci

Yan Jiu. 1990;15(1):40-3.|Shandong College of TCM, Jinan.| " Juci "

is one kind of AP methods. It is that acupoints of the one side are

used to treat the disease of the another side. In order to prove this

theory and the difference from puncturing paralytic side (Tanci) 30

patients with hemiplegia due to cerebral infarction were observed

under the same condition and stimulative parameter. Selecting

points: Hegu and Quchi acupoint were electrified for 15 minutes.

The changes of Nail-bed microcirculation were observed for half an

hour and recorded after pulling out needles. CONCLUSION:

Through the observation of outline of blood vessel, colour of blood

vessel ansa, ansa's top blood-stasis of blood vessel, condition of

blood flow and the rate of blood flow before and after Juci

(puncturing healthy side) they were different or quite different on the

hemiplegic side (p less than 0.05 or p less than 0.01). however,

only the colour of blood-vessel ansa and rate of blood flow were

different, others had no statistical significance on healthy side.

Though puncturing paralytic side can make the nail-bed

microcirculation improved, only rate of blood flow was different.

Others had no statistical significance. In short both Juci and Tanci

improve the nail-bed microcirculation of hemiplegic side, but the

former is much better than the latter.|PMID: 2118004 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Ma C, Tan L, Wang C, Zhao X.|[Effect of AP on the contents of

enkephalins in different brain regions of rats with traumatic shock]

[Article in Chinese]| Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 1995;20(3):33-5.|Institute of

AP and Moxibustion, China Academy of TCM, Beijing.|The study

was carried out on the animal model of traumatic shock which

induced by ligating bilateral hind legs. The contents of enkephalins

in hippocampus, striatum, hypothalamus, diencephalon and brain

stem were determined with radioimmunoassay. The results show

that: (1) when traumatic shock occurs, the contents of Met-

enkephalin are not obvious change in the above 5 brain regions,

and also not significant change after AP; (2) there is a tendency to

increase the content of Leu-enkephalin in each brain region

described above of shock animal, while it is decreased in

hypothalamus after AP. The result suggests that the occurrence of

traumatic shock may be related to the functional activities of Leu-

enkephalinergic system in the central nervous system; the anti-

shock of AP may be through a decrease in the level of central Leu-

enkephalin to improve micro-circulation and raise the blood

pressure.|PMID: 8758826 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Ma W, Tong H, Xu W, Hu J, Liu N, Li H, Cao L.|Perivascular space:

possible anatomical substrate for the meridian.| J Altern

Complement Med. 2003 Dec;9(6):851-9.|Department of Analysis-

Measurement Science, School of Life Sciences, Wuhan University,

Wuhan 430-072, People's Republic of China.|BACKGROUND:

Despite the meridian system being an important concept in TCM

(TCM), modern biology and Western medical systems have failed

to find an anatomic substrate. Since the 1960s, a variety of

phenomena along meridians have been reported, among which

quite a few suggest that along meridians there is a fluid pathway

(but not blood vessels or lymphatics). On the other hand,

perivascular space (PVS) has been demonstrated to be a body

fluid pathway in addition to blood vessels and lymphatics in some

mammalian tissues, such as brain, thymus, and lung.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was designed to examine the

relationship between PVS and the meridian. We studied

characteristics of the tissues around the blood vessels along the

Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming and the Gallbladder Meridian

of Foot-shaoyang, with the goal of identifying anatomical structure

corresponding to the meridian described in TCM. DESIGN AND

RESULTS: Through perivascular dye injection and frozen section

histology, we found that there is PVS around the blood vessels

along the meridians, and it is a fluid pathway. Subsequent

physiologic studies revealed that the PVS shows significantly

greater electrical conductivity and significantly higher partial

oxygen pressure (pO(2)) compared to medial and lateral tissues.

CONCLUSIONS: The PVS along the meridians has properties

offering good explanation for the meridian phenomena. The work

sheds new light on the studies of meridians and may contribute to

research on the mechanism of Chinese AP.|PMID: 14736357

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Macheret EL, Samosiuk IZ, Zozulia IS, Vsevolzhskaia

EM.|[Methods of controlling the action of reflexotherapy] [Article in

Russian]| Vrach Delo. 1981 Feb;(2):96-9.|||PMID: 7222626

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Malven PV.|Searching for an inhibitory action of blood-borne beta-

endorphin on LH release.| J Reprod Fertil Suppl. 1987;34:9-

16.||Concentrations of beta-endorphin were quantified in peripheral

blood plasma of sheep by a radioimmunoassay that cross-reacted

with beta-lipotrophin. Plasma concentrations of beta-endorphin

increased abruptly after physical confinement, bacteraemia, and

EAP treatment for induction of analgesia. In these experimental

situations in which plasma concentrations of beta-endorphin

increased, plasma concentrations of LH often decreased. To test

the hypothesis that increases in blood-borne beta-endorphin

actually caused the decrease in LH release, naloxone was

administered to antagonize the opioid receptors at which blood-

borne beta-endorphin might act. In no case did administration of

naloxone disrupt the temporal correlation between experimentally

induced increases in plasma beta-endorphin and decreases in

plasma LH. It was concluded that the increases in blood-borne

beta-endorphin did not cause the decrease in LH release. Other

research investigated whether beta-endorphin might be delivered via

blood from pituitary to hypothalamus in locally enriched

concentrations. Even when pituitary release of beta-endorphin was

acutely stimulated, it was not possible to demonstrate retrograde

delivery of beta-endorphin to the hypothalamus without dilution in

the systemic circulation. In conclusion, it is unlikely that blood-

borne beta-endorphin inhibits the release of LH, and beta-endorphin

should not be classified as a hormone until blood concentrations of

the peptide can be shown to exert some effect at a location distant

from its site of secretion.|Publication Types: Review PMID:

2957499 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Manucharian GG, Melikian TV, Markosian GK.|[Reflexotherapy and

carbon dioxide baths in the complex treatment of patients with

circulatory encephalopathy of arteriosclerotic etiology] [Article in

Russian]| Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova.

1992;92(1):60-3.||Overall 106 patients with atherosclerotic

cccccccirculatory encephalopathy (DE) were examined for

changes in the EEG, REG and in certain psychological parameters

(attention, memory, " associative " thinking) before and after AP and

carbon dioxide baths. In patients with stage I and stage II DE (in 93

and 80%, respectively), the clinical improvement was accompanied

by positive changes such as a rise of alpha-activity, decrease of

pathological waves and frequencies on the EEG, decline of the

vascular tone and improvement of the blood content on the REG in

addition to the shortening of the time required for the search for

numbers according to Schulte's tables, a decrease of errors made

during calculation, an increase of words and the family of words in

the memorization and " associative " thinking tests. The data

obtained may attest to the amelioration of cerebral function and

hemodynamics because of the rehabilitation treatment.|PMID:

1319652 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Meng JB, Fu WX, Zhu GY, Song LM.|[Effect of EAP on the

cerebral volume of blood flow during experimental cerebral

infarction] [Article in Chinese]| Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 1986;11(3):203-

7.|||PMID: 3102119 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Mustafin AM.|[The connection between the biologically active

points of the skin and psychological functions] [Article in Russian]|

Biull Eksp Biol Med. 1993 Jul;116(7):100-1.||It has been shown

that there is a correlation between temperature difference of

symmetric AP points of helix and psychophysiological asymmetry

of motor and optical brain centers. The regulation of blood

circulation has been suggested to be involved in this

phenomenon.|PMID: 8400162 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Niimi H, Yamaguchi S, Hu QH, Zhuang FY.|Microvascular

vasodilatory responses to electric AP in rat brain under acute

hemorrhagic hypotension.| Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2000;23(2-

4):191-5.|Department of Vascular Physiology, National

Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, Suita, Osaka, Japan.

niimi|The present experiment attempted to evaluate

the effect of electrical AP on the cerebral microcirculation in

anesthetized rats, using fluorescence videomicroscopy. Changes

in the pial arteriolar diameter under acute hemorrhagic hypotension

were examined quantitatively. The present results suggest that AP

may be effective in improving the cerebral microcirculation in

hemorrhagic hypotension.|PMID: 11321440 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

Nikolaev NA.|[Therapeutic efficacy of laser and electropuncture

reflexotherapy in correcting the initial manifestations of cerebral

circulatory insufficiency] [Article in Russian]| Zh Nevropatol

Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova. 1986;86(1):60-4.||Electrical and laser

AP was used in 2 groups of 50 patients each who presented initial

manifestations of cerebral circulation insufficiency (CCI). It was

shown that stimulating an experimentally selected combination of

AP points on the affected side in initial manifestations of CCI, it

was possible to achieve a regionally localized action correcting the

cerebral hemodynamics. Changes in the tone of the regional

vessels of the brain were objectively documented with the help of

echopulsography of the cerebral vessels. The findings obtained

included prolongation of the blood clotting time, a decreased index

of thrombin inactivation and a reduction in the spontaneous

fibrinolytic activity of the blood.|PMID: 3953196 [PubMed - indexed

for MEDLINE]

 

Omura Y, Lin TL, Debreceni L, Losco BM, Freed S, Muteki T, Lin

CH.|Unique changes found on the Qi Gong (Chi Gong) Master's

and patient's body during Qi Gong treatment; their relationships to

certain meridians & AP points and the re-creation of therapeutic Qi

Gong states by children & adults.| Acupunct Electrother Res.

1989;14(1):61-89.|Heart Disease Research Foundation, New York,

NY.|Changes taking place in both Qi Gong Masters and their

patients during Qi Gong treatment were evaluated using the Bi-

Digital O-Ring Test. During the Qi Gong state, on the Qi-Gong

Master's body, as well as the body of the patient being treated, AP

points CV5 (Shi Men) and CV6 (Qi Hai)-- located below the

umbilicus-- show changes from +4 in the pre-Qi Gong state to

between -3 and -4 during the Qi Gong state. Before and after the Qi

Gong, there is a normal +4 response to the Bi-Digital O-Ring Test

at these AP points. Similar changes were also observed on AP

points CV17 (Shan Zhong), CV 22 (Tian Tu), Yin Tang (at an area

just between the eyebrows: the pituitary gland representation area,

colloquially known as the " third eye " ) and GV20(Bai Hui), the entire

pericardium meridian & triple burner meridian, their AP points, the

adrenal glands, testes, ovaries and perineum, as well as along the

entire spinal vertebrae, particularly on and above the 12th thoracic

vertebra, medulla oblongata, pons, and the intestinal representation

areas of the brain located just above and behind the upper ear.

Using these findings as criteria for evaluating the effectiveness of

reaching the Qi Gong state, we were able to reproduce during the

experimental trials similar changes in ourselves and the patient

being treated with therapeutic effects comparable to those of the Qi

Gong Master. Beneficial effects of external Qi Gong treatment

given by a Qi Gong practitioner 1 to 3 times for 10-20 seconds

each (although most Qi Gong masters take 3-20 minutes per

treatment) often resulted in improvement of circulation and lowering

of high blood pressure, as well as relaxation of spastic muscles,

relief of pain, and enhanced general well-being, all of which

resemble AP effects. In order to reproduce the same procedure

with others, we selected 4 children ranging between 8 and 11 years

of age who had no knowledge of Qi Gong or Oriental medicine. One

of these four children, the 8 year old, was able to consistently

reach the same Qi Gong state after less than a half day and

another child, 11, after less than 2 days. Within a week, the other

two were sometimes able to reproduce the Qi Gong state but not

always. Using the Qi Gong state thus obtained, it was found that

this type of Qi Gong energy is directed to specific directions from

the hand and can even penetrate wooden or metal

doors.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)|Publication

Types: Case Reports Review Review, Tutorial PMID:

2568074 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Omura Y.|Simple and quick non-invasive evaluation of circulatory

condition of cerebral arteries by clinical application of the " Bi-Digital

O-Ring Test " .| Acupunct Electrother Res. 1985;10(3):139-

61.||Using the " Bi-Digital O-Ring Test, " generalized abnormal

circulation of the distribution of the 3 cerebral arteries at each side

of the brain (i.e., anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery and

posterior cerebral artery) can be predicted, without any expensive

instruments usually in a few minutes. When abnormality was found

in the bifurcation area of the common carotid artery by the " Bi-

Digital O-Ring Test, " there were always abnormal findings of the

area of the brain where circulation was coming from either one or

both of the anterior or middle cerebral arteries. When abnormal " Bi-

Digital O-Ring " response was found at the vertebral artery and

posterior cerebral artery representation point, discovered by the

author, at the side of the 6th cervical vertebra (corresponding to the

entry point of the vertebral artery into the transverse foramen), the

areas of the cerebrum, cerebellum and brain stem where circulation

is coming from the posterior cerebral artery, basilar artery and

vertebral artery were also abnormal. Most of these abnormalities

were found to be associated with problems of the cervical vertebrae

and spastic muscles of the neck and shoulders and are often

reversible. In this study, the author was able to differentiate

abnormal brain circulation of any major branch of arteries in the

brain due to organic changes or functional reversible changes by

relaxing these spastic muscles and improving the circulation of the

neck and shoulder area by giving either manual AP, massage, or

transcutaneous electrical stimulation. This in turn often improved

brain circulation. If it was a functional abnormality, within a few

minutes after one of these procedures the " Bi-Digital O-Ring Test "

usually showed normal response or improvement. However, if it

was an organic abnormality, the abnormality remained. When the

supra-orbital arterial blood pressure at both sides of the forehead

decreases below 40 or 30 mmHg, most patients develop so-called

" Cephalic Hypotension Syndrome, " which is characterized by

sleep disturbance pattern; difficulty in concentration; easy

forgetfulness of recent events; irritability; decreased pain threshold

with or without depression; spastic skeletal muscles, particularly

the neck, shoulder and back areas. All of these symptoms can be

explained by decreased circulation to the Nucleus Raphe Centralis

Superior (controls sleep and waking pattern), Nucleus Raphe

Magnus (serotonin & modulation of pain), Nucleus Reticularis

Giganto Cellularis (controls muscle tone), etc. in reticular

formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)|Publication

Types: Case Reports PMID: 2866668 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

Omura Y.|Non-invasive circulatory evaluation and EAP & TES

treatment of diseases difficult to treat in Western medicine.|

Acupunct Electrother Res. 1983;8(3-4):177-256.||Even in the

presence of normal blood pressure (B.P.) in both arms in some

individuals, abnormal B.P. and circulatory disturbances can be

found in the brain and lower extremities. The author discovered the

following five types of abnormal B.P. in the brain in the presence or

absence of normal B.P. in the arms: unilateral cephalic

hypertension; bilateral cephalic hypertension; unilateral cephalic

hypotension; bilateral cephalic hypotension; mixed cephalic

hypertension and hypotension. When the B.P. of the head exceeds

about 160 mm Hg, patients experience sensation of increased

pressure buildup in the head to moderate headache. When it

exceeds over 220 mm Hg, most of them experience severe

headache in that side of the head. When the B.P. is very low (less

than 30 mm Hg in both sides), majority of the subjects experience

sleep disturbance pattern, mainly insomnia and some develop

excessive sleepiness; difficulty in concentration and easy

forgetfulness of recent events; various degrees of irritability. They

are often associated with injury of neck-shoulder area with the

presence of spastic muscles in the area. Relaxation of the spastic

muscles by AP, TES or soft laser beam from He-Ne (7

approximately 15m Watts) often change the abnormal cephalic

B.P. toward normal. Among individuals with cephalic hypotension

some of them develop eye problems. Blind patients with macular

degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa often have severe cephalic

hypotension and reduced blood flow. Improvement of B.P. and

blood flow induced by safe and effective electrical stimulation

resulted in significant improvement in vision. In some patients,

abnormal B.P. and blood flow of the brain are dependent on the

position of the head and neck which can be classified as " Cephalo-

cervical Position Dependent Dysfunction Syndrome " which

interferes with the function of some of the internal organs. In many

psychiatric patients with schizophrenia or severe depression,

cephalic B.P. and blood flow are often reduced significantly with

additional abnormal function of pancreas, thyroid gland or liver.

These abnormalities can explain some of the abnormal behavior,

particularly when hypoglycemia, decrease in serotonin level and

decreased circulation in the brain coexist.(ABSTRACT

TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)|Publication Types: Case

Reports PMID: 6145300 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Podgalo DA, Dvoriakovskaia GM, Ivanov AP.|[Dynamics of the

indicators of blood circulation in children with bronchial asthma

treated by reflexotherapy] [Article in Russian]| Pediatriia.

1990;(6):72-6.|||PMID: 2395627 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Qie ZW, Cheng FK, Cheng LH.|[blood flow capacity of the vertebra

and cervical artery affected by propagated sensation with AP

excitation] [Article in Chinese]| Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1991

Jan;11(1):31-3, 5.|Second Hospital of Baoding.|The researchers

made some improvement of the measure method of head total

blood flow capacity. Excitations of propagated sensation were

induced in 55 cases of cervical vertebra disease [acupoints:

Shousanli (LI 10), Dazhu(UB 11), Shenzhu (Du 12), Houxi (SI 3)],

and 66 cases of cerebral ischemia disease caused by insufficiency

of vertebra artery blood supply [acupoints: Hegu (LI 14), Quchi (LI

11), Jugu (LI 16), Tianliao (SJ 15)] by AP. The result showed that

obvious effect (P less than 0.05-0.01) was found in the group in

which propagated sensation reached the affected area, some effect

in the propagated sensation group, and little effect in the local

sensation group. The result indicated that the method of AP

excitation of propagated sensation could relieve vascular and

muscle convulsion and ease the degree of vascular tension and

obstruction. It could increase the blood flow capacity of cervical

and vertebra artery significantly, so that it could play the role of

promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis and improving

tissue nutrition and autonomic nerve function. This study showed

further that to let AP excited propagated sensation reach the

affected area was an important method of promoting clinical

effect.|PMID: 2054890 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Shi R, Ji G, Zhao L, Wang S, Dongjun.|Effects of EAP and twirling

reinforcing-reducing manipulations on volume of microcirculatory

blood flow in cerebral pia mater.| J Tradit Chin Med. 1998

Sep;18(3):220-4.|Shandong University of TCM and Pharmacy,

Jinan.|Effects of EAP (EA) and routine AP with twirling reinforcing

and reducing manipulation of the needle (RA) both at Zusanli point

(St 36) on volume of microcirculatory blood flow in the cerebral pia

mater were observed by fenestration of the cranial bone and laser

Doppler microcirculatory blood flow analyser. Results showed that

both RA and EA could increase the volume of microcirculatory

blood flow in the cerebral pia mater; and that the increase in the

EA group was superior to that in RA group. This suggests that a

moderate and effective stimulation is a key to the production of a

regulative effect on the organism.|PMID: 10453620 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Shun YZ, Yu ZS, Shun ST, Yan CH, Dai TC, Liang LW.|[Observing

the effect on the nail microcirculation of the hemiplegia patients by

needling tongtian and anterior shencong to xuanli] [Article in

Chinese]| Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 1988;13(2):90-3.|||PMID: 3142710

[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Uchida S, Kagitani F, Suzuki A, Aikawa Y.|Effect of AP-like

stimulation on cortical cerebral blood flow in anesthetized rats.| Jpn

J Physiol. 2000 Oct;50(5):495-507.|Department of the Autonomic

Nervous System, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology,

Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-0015 Japan.

suchida|The effect of AP-like stimulation of

various areas (cheek, forepaw, upper arm, chest, back, lower leg,

hindpaw, perineum) on cortical cerebral blood flow (CBF) was

examined in anesthetized rats. An AP needle (diameter, 340

microm) was inserted into the skin and underlying muscles at a

depth of about 5 mm and twisted to the right and left once a

second for 1 min. CBF of the cortex was measured using a laser

Doppler flowmeter. Stimulation of the cheek, forepaw, upper arm

and hindpaw produced significant increases in CBF, but stimulation

of the chest, back, lower leg and perineum did not produce

significant responses. Stimulation of the cheek, forepaw, and

hindpaw produced an increase in mean arterial pressure (MAP),

while stimulation of the back produced a decrease in MAP.

Stimulation of the upper arm, chest, lower leg and perineum did not

produce a significant MAP response. After spinal transection at the

1st to 2nd thoracic level, the blood pressure response to

stimulation of the cheek and forepaw was suppressed, whereas an

increase in CBF still took place. The increase in CBF induced by

forepaw stimulation was abolished by severance of the somatic

nerves at the brachial plexus. Forepaw stimulation enhanced the

activity of the radial, ulnar and median nerves. Furthermore, in the

present study, passing of an electric current through AP needles

showed that excitation of group III (Adelta) and group IV © afferent

fibers in the somatic nerve was capable of producing an increase in

CBF, whereas excitation of group I (Aalpha) and group II (Abeta)

fibers was ineffective. The increase in CBF induced by forepaw

stimulation was almost abolished by intravenous administration of

muscarinic and nicotinic cholinergic blocking agents (atropine 5

mg/kg and mecamylamine 20 mg/kg), and by bilateral lesions in

the nucleus basalis of Meynert. AP-like stimulation of a forepaw

increased acetylcholine release in the cerebral cortex. We

concluded that the increase in CBF, independent of systemic blood

pressure, elicited by AP stimulation is a reflex response in which

the afferent nerve pathway is composed of somatic group III and IV

afferent nerves, and efferent nerve pathway includes intrinsic

cholinergic vasodilators originating in the nucleus basalis of

Meynert.|PMID: 11120916 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Vesnina VA.|[Current methods of migraine reflexotherapy] [Article

in Russian]| Zh Nevropatol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova.

1980;80(5):703-9.||Results of treating 166 patients from migraine by

reflexotherapy methods (AP, electropuncture, EAP) are presented

along with the data of clinico-genealogical, electrophysiological

(EEG, REG, OPG, ECG) and biochemical (serotonine, histamine,

and dopamine blood levels) examinations performed prior to and

after the reflexotherapy course. Recommendations for treating

migraine with reference to the form, stage, intensity, and

localization of the headache are given. A positive effect of the

reflexotherapy was obtained in 95.9% of the patients: this was

confirmed by the control clinico-electrophysiological and

biochemical findings.|PMID: 6968136 [PubMed - indexed for

MEDLINE]

 

Wang F, Jia SW.|[Effect of AP on regional cerebral blood flow and

cerebral functional activity evaluated with single-photon emission

computed tomography] [Article in Chinese]| Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi

Jie He Za Zhi. 1996 Jun;16(6):340-3.|Huguosi TCM Hospital,

Beijing.|Observation on effect of AP on regional cerebral blood flow

(RCBF) and cerebral functional activity was conducted in 11

healthy volanteers and 9 patients with cerebral vascular disease by

using single-photon emission computed tomography. Results

showed a significant difference in effect of needle retention and

EAP stimulation on contralateral cerebral hemisphere cortex and

thalamus, ipsilateral basal ganglion and bilateral cerebella, the

change on cerebral blood flow induced by EAP was greater than

that induced by the former method. It is speculated that the

improvement of cerebral blood supply and stimulation of functional

activity of brain nerve cells induced by AP on point of extremities

depend on the regulatory function of central nerve system.

Stimulations were transmitted in mainly through specific and non-

specific sensory afferent systems, also the involvement of

extrapyramidal system and cerebellum. Patients with cerebral

vascular diseases are more sensitive to EAP than healthy

subjects.|PMID: 9387761 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Wang JL, Xie WX, Zhang Q.|[Effects of combined transdermal

acupoint electric stimulation and isoflurane anesthesia on

isoflurane-induced hypotension and tissue oxygen metabolism in

patients undergoing craniotomy] [Article in Chinese]| Zhongguo

Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2001 Mar;21(3):180-2.|Department of

Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical

College, Zhejiang 325000.|OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of

combined transdermal acupoint electric stimulation and isoflurane

anesthesia on isoflurane-induced hypotension and tissue oxygen

metabolism in patients undergoing craniotomy. METHODS: Forty-

two patients with brain tumor of ASA physical status I or II and

scheduled for elective surgery were randomly divided into two

groups. The craniotomy was undergoing in Group A with isoflurane

anesthesia, while in Group B, with combined transdermal acupoint

electric stimulation (TAES) and isoflurane anesthesia. Isoflurane

induced hypotension was performed in both groups by augmenting

the concentration of isoflurane to lower the mean arterial pressure

than before anesthesia for 30%-40% and maintain for 30-45 mins.

The tissue oxygen metabolism, blood gas and arterial lactic acid

level before, during and after hypotension were monitored by Swan-

Ganz floating catheterization. RESULTS: As compared with before

hypotension, the pulmonary arterial and mixed with venous blood

oxygen saturation lowered and oxygen supply lowered, and oxygen

uptake increased significantly in both groups (P < 0.05), but the

extent of changes in oxygen metabolic criteria in Group B were all

lesser than those in Group A (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined

acupoint electric stimulation and general anesthesia could maintain

the tissue oxygen supply and demand balance better in the

isofluraneinduced hypotension process.|PMID: 12577332 [PubMed -

indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Xiang L, Wang H, Li Z.|[TCD observation on cerebral blood flow

dynamics inference of cerebral palsy with scalp therapy] [Article in

Chinese]| Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 1996;21(4):7-9.|Shuguang Hospital

Attached to Shanghai University of TCM.|Through TCD test,

observation on the blood flow dynamics change before and after

treatment with 31 cases of the child cerebral atrophy was made. It

is found that scalp therapy is able to speed up the blood flow of

part artery, especially increase the even blood flow speed of MCA,

ACA obviously (P < 0.05), which preliminary shows the mechanism

of scalp therapy for child cerebral atrophy mean while. It is found

that scalp therapy also has the function to restrain epilepsy.|PMID:

9388310 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Yuan X, Hao X, Lai Z, Zhao H, Liu W.|Effects of AP at fengchi point

(GB 20) on cerebral blood flow.| J Tradit Chin Med. 1998

Jun;18(2):102-5.|Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of TCM,

Beijing.|Blood velocity in the vertebral artery and the basilar artery

was observed before and after AP at Fengchi point (GB 20) in 97

patients by transcranial Doppler ultrasonic detecting. The results

showed that the blood velocity in patients with either high or low

blood flow had significant changes after AP (P < 0.001).|PMID:

10437225 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

Zhai N, Du Y, Shi X, Xu P.|[Morphological study on AP in interfering

experimental cerebral infarction in rat. I. Compensation of cerebral

PIA mater artery in cerebral surface] [Article in Chinese]| Zhen Ci

Yan Jiu. 1993;18(1):8-13.|Department of AP, College of TCM,

Tianjin.|Occluding unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCAo) of rat,

the compensatory blood vessels (CBV) within ischemic area in

cerebral surface shown by cerebral perfusion and effect of AP were

observed dynamically. Perfusing immediately after MCAo, there

was no any blood vessel in the ischemic area. In AP group, the

CBV had extended a lot from anastomotic network of cerebral pia

mater (ACA-MCA, PCA-MCA) located in marginal zone of ischemic

area 3 hs after MCAo. 6.24 and 48 hs after MCAo, the CBV

increased much more than control group (non-AP) P < 0.01. The

experiment pointed out that there existed a serious vasospasm in

the MCA system in initial stage of MCAo, which led up to

decompensation in the ischemic area. The AP can remit the

vasospasm, and reverse the deteriorated process in early cerebral

ischaemia.|PMID: 8082287 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

 

 

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