Traditional Chinese Medicine Self-Care and Lifestyle Medicine Outside of Asia: A Systematic Literature Review

Single acupressure on ST36 does not modulate skin blood flow and sympathetic nerve activity during and after cold stimulation of the hand

Acupressure on ST36 (Zusanli), located on the lower leg, commonly used to optimize autonomic nerve activity and systemic blood flow in traditional Chinese medicine. However, its efficacy remains controversial. This study hypothesized that a single acupressure on ST36 attenuates sympathetic nerve activity and mitigate skin vasoconstriction in response to cold stimulation. Twelve participants received either 5-min acupressure or sham pressure in the right ST36; subsequently, their left hand was immersed in cold water (10°C) for 10 min. Heart rate (HR), arterial pressure, skin temperature, and blood flow in both fingers were monitored. Autonomic nerve activity was assessed by HR variability. Water immersion decreased skin temperature and blood flow in both fingers with an increase in arterial pressure. However, there were no differences in these values or HR variability between the acupressure and sham trials. Acupressure on ST36 affected neither sympathetic nerve activity nor skin vasoconstrictive response during cold-water immersion.

Zhi-zi-chi decoction mitigates depression by enhancing lncRNA Six3os1 expression and promoting histone H3K4 methylation at the BDNF promoter

Traditional Chinese medicine, particularly Zhi-zi-chi decoction (ZZCD), is gaining recognition as a potential treatment for depression. This study aimed to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind ZZCD's antidepressant effects, focusing on lncRNA Six3os1 and histone H3K4 methylation at the BDNF promoter. Network pharmacology and in vivo experiments were conducted to identify ZZCD targets and evaluate its impact on depression-related behaviours and neuron injury. The role of Six3os1 in recruiting KMT2A to the BDNF promoter and its effects on oxidative stress and neuron injury were investigated. ZZCD reduced depression-like behaviours and neuron injury in mice subjected to chronic stress. It upregulated Six3os1, which facilitated KMT2A recruitment to the BDNF promoter, leading to increased histone H3K4 methylation and enhanced BDNF expression. ZZCD also inhibited CORT-induced neuron injury, inflammatory response and oxidative stress in vitro. ZZCD's antidepressant properties involve Six3os1 upregulation, which exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting oxidative stress and neuron injury, thereby alleviating depressive symptoms. Targeting Six3os1 upregulation may offer a potential therapeutic intervention for depression.

Cold Exposures in Relation to Dysmenorrhea among Asian and White Women

Dysmenorrhea is highly prevalent, ranging from 16% to 91% among women, and it can lead to multiple reproductive disorders. However, risk factors associated with dysmenorrhea remain unexamined. Cold exposures can significantly disturb blood circulation and prostaglandin production in the uterus, leading to dysmenorrhea. This study investigated the relationship between cold exposures and dysmenorrhea, as well as potential disparities between Asians and Whites and the potential cultural influences on these associations. This was a cross-sectional survey among 197 Asian and 222 non-Asian women recruited from the U.S., with more than 40% from California. We assessed cold exposures, such as the frequency of consumption of cold water/drinks and ice cream, as well as room temperatures at home and public places, for both summer and winter over the past 12 months. The type of cold exposure associated with dysmenorrhea differs between Asian and White women. We found that among Asian women, a higher frequency of ice cream consumption in winter (beta = 1.19, p = 0.0002 when comparing high to low categories) was associated with dysmenorrhea; however, among White women, increased consumption of cold water/drinks in winter (beta = 0.49, p = 0.04 when comparing high to low categories) was also associated with dysmenorrhea. Higher home room temperatures in winter were associated with reduced severity of dysmenorrhea among White women but not among Asian women. All these associations supported our hypothesis and were stronger among women who lived in states with colder winters. However, there are a few exceptions. For instance, women who drank cold water/drinks less frequently during their menstrual period were more likely to experience more severe dysmenorrhea. In conclusion, this study provides crucial evidence to support the link between cold exposures and dysmenorrhea among Asians and Whites. The associations contradictory to our hypothesis are likely due to reserved causation influenced by Asian cultural practice. This paper sheds light on an understudied area that profoundly affects women's quality of life.

Mind-Body Therapies From Traditional Chinese Medicine: Evidence Map

Background: The mind-body therapies of traditional Chinese medicine include several intervention types and combine physical poses with conscious relaxation and breathing techniques. The purpose of this Evidence Map is to describe these different interventions and report related health outcomes. Methods: This evidence map is based on the 3iE Evidence Gap Map methodology. We searched seven electronic databases (BVS, PUBMED, EMBASE, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences, and PschyInfo) from inception to November 2019 and included systematic reviews only. Systematic reviews were analyzed based on AMSTAR 2. We used Tableau to graphically display quality assessment, the number of reviews, outcomes, and effects. Results: The map is based on 116 systematic reviews and 44 meta-analyses. Most of the reviews were published in the last 5 years. The most researched interventions were Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The reviews presented the following quality assessment: 80 high, 43 moderate, 23 low, and 14 critically low. Every 680 distinct outcome effect was classified: 421 as potential positive; 237 as positive; 21 as inconclusive/mixed; one potential negative and none no effect. Positive effects were related to chronic diseases; mental indicators and disorders; vitality, well-being, and quality of life. Potential positive effects were related to balance, mobility, Parkinson's disease, hypertension, joint pain, cognitive performance, and sleep quality. Inconclusive/mixed-effects justify further research, especially in the following areas: Acupressure as Shiatsu and Tuiná for nausea and vomiting; Tai Chi and Qi Gong for acute diseases, prevention of stroke, stroke risk factors, and schizophrenia. Conclusions: The mind-body therapies from traditional Chinese medicine have been applied in different areas and this Evidence Map provides a visualization of valuable information for patients, professionals, and policymakers, to promote evidence-based complementary therapies.

A qualitative study of classical Chinese medicine in community health focusing on self-care: practitioner and staff perspectives

Introduction

Classical Chinese medicine (CCM) encompasses many simple lifestyle recommendations which can be adopted into daily routines in support of short and long-term health outcomes. The rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) globally in recent decades has led to a need for cost-effective and scalable health care interventions to address lifestyle risk for NCDs in the community. This analysis explores the experience of staff and practitioners delivering a CCM community health care program designed to improve health behaviors in the community in rural Scotland.

Methods

A qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with a sample of program practitioners and staff (n = 7). Informants were asked to share their experience in delivering the CCM program. Emergent themes were identified via analysis using the Framework Approach.

Results

Themes emerged from the data in three key areas: Cultural challenges within the local region; Integration with the existing local health care network; and Team dynamics, co-creation and communication integrity.

Conclusion

This study highlights the importance of accessibility, integration, networking, secure funding and team unity in the context of community health program delivery, as well as noting a diversity of practice among Chinese medicine practitioners. CCM concepts may hold potential for integration into community health, however, further research is warranted.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on Using Acupressure to Promote the Health of Older Adults

Acupressure is noninvasive, safe, and appropriate for use among older adults. However, there remains little evidence of the common elements that contribute to the effectiveness of acupressure in promoting the health of older adults. A systematic review using meta-analysis was designed to examine the effects of acupressure on the health promotion in older adults. Studies published between 2012 and 2017 were searched for in 11 electronic databases. Acupressure was highly effective for improving sleep quality and cognitive functioning (0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [0.49, 1.22]; 1.23, 95% CI = [0.88, 1.59]). A slight to moderate effect was found in alleviating constipation (0.37, 95% CI = [0.03, 0.71]), and a moderate effect was found for alleviating pain and improving quality of life (0.71, 95% CI = [0.09, 1.32]; 0.59 95% CI = [0.36, 0.82]).