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Wang S, Fang R, Huang L, Zhou L, Liu H, Cai M, Sha’aban A, Yu C, Akkaif MA. Acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Complementary Approach for Cardiovascular Health. J Multidiscip Healthc 2024; 17:3459-3473. [PMID: 39050695 PMCID: PMC11268752 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s476319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are increasingly prevalent in clinical settings. With the continuous improvement of people's living standards, the gradual acceleration of the pace of life, and the deterioration of the living environment in recent years, the incidence of CVDs is increasing annually. The prevalence of CVDs among individuals aged 50 and above is notably elevated, posing a significant risk to patients' well-being and lives. At this juncture, numerous clinical treatment choices are available for managing CVDs, with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapy standing out as a practical, safe, and reliable option. Over the recent years, there has been growing acknowledgement among both medical professionals and patients. With the expanding integration of TCM in the treatment of various clinical conditions, the use of TCM in managing CVDs has gained significant attention within the medical community, potentially emerging as an efficacious approach for addressing cardiovascular diseases. This article conducts a comprehensive review of the TCM approach, particularly acupuncture, as a supplementary treatment for CVDs, highlighting its ability to effectively lower blood pressure, decrease coronary artery events, mitigate arrhythmias, and enhance cardiac function when used alongside conventional medication. The review underscores the promise of acupuncture in enhancing cardiovascular health, although variations in research methodologies necessitate standardized applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengfeng Wang
- Rehabilitation Department of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruxue Fang
- Rehabilitation Department of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Huang
- Rehabilitation Department of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Liping Zhou
- Rehabilitation Department of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Community Health, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Bertam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Haibo Liu
- Department of Cardiology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Meiling Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qingpu Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
| | - Abubakar Sha’aban
- Health and Care Research Wales Evidence Centre, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
| | - Chunxiang Yu
- Rehabilitation Department of Chinese Medicine, The Fourth People’s Hospital of Kunshan, Kunshan City, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mohammed Ahmed Akkaif
- Department of Cardiology, QingPu Branch of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
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Supriyana DS, Prasetyawati AE, Arifianto H. Combination Electroacupuncture and Guidelines Directed Medical Therapy Maintained Stability of Heart Rate and Mean Arterial Pressure in Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction. Med Acupunct 2023; 35:296-304. [PMID: 38162549 PMCID: PMC10753942 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2023.0075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Clinical studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) has therapeutic and modulatory effects on managing heart failure (HF) risk factors. Objective This study aimed to determine the impact of combination drugs and EA on chronic HF patients with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) to maintain a stable heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP). Materials and Methods This single-blind clinical randomized controlled trial included 42 patients with chronic HFrEF. The patients were divided into 3 groups: patients taking drugs and EA, patients taking drugs and sham EA (sham acupuncture [SA]), and patients taking drugs without EA. All patients underwent 16 sessions of therapy for 8 weeks. Results There was a significant difference in the average MAP based on therapy duration in the drugs + EA group, whereas there was no significant difference between drugs + SA and drugs without EA groups. There was a substantial difference between the average MAP in the drugs + EA group at the beginning of therapy compared with that at midtherapy (P < 0.05) and at the beginning of treatment and at the end of therapy (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean HR between the groups. Clinically, after 16 treatment sessions, patients receiving combined drugs and EA treatment presented with stable MAP and HR. Conclusions Drugs combined with EA maintained the stability of MAP and HR in patients with chronic HFrEF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dwi Surya Supriyana
- Department of Medical Acupunture, Medical Acupuncture Physician, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta/Medical Acupuncture Division, Universitas Sebelas Maret Teaching Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia
| | - Arsita Eka Prasetyawati
- Master of Public Health, Family Medicine Physician, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Surakarta, Indonesia
| | - Habibie Arifianto
- Cardiovascular Imaging Consultant, Heart Failure Physician, Sebelas Maret Heart Failure Clinic, Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sebelas Maret/Universitas Sebelas Maret Teaching Hospital, Surakarta, Indonesia
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Feng B, Sun Y, Liu L, Sun Y, Chen L, Wang Y. Transcutaneous Electrical Acupuncture Point Stimulation Is Cardioprotective for Patients With Stable Ischemic Heart Disease. Am J Cardiol 2023; 206:202-209. [PMID: 37708752 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2023.08.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
We evaluated the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) at Neiguan and Ximen on the prognosis of patients with stable ischemic heart disease. A total of 240 patients symptomatic with suspected coronary artery disease referred for coronary angiography were analyzed, and 232 patients (62.3 ± 9.1 years) with stable ischemic heart disease were included. The primary end point was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs), defined as a composite of recurrent angina requiring hospitalization, nonfatal acute myocardial infarction, cardiogenic death, and death from any other causes. Over a mean follow-up of 12 months, 9 patients (8.4%) in the EA treatment group and 22 patients (19.3%) in the control group occurred. Patients treated with EA had a significantly smaller risk of MACE (p = 0.021), recurrence of unstable angina (p = 0.033), and nonfatal myocardial infraction (p = 0.038) than that of those treated without EA. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the EA and control groups began to separate at approximately 5 months and continued to diverge up to study termination. Moreover, multivariate Cox analysis showed that treatment with EA was associated with decreased likelihood of MACE within 12 months of follow-up. The circulating levels of cluster of differentiation 40 ligand but hypersensitive C-reactive protein were lower (166.0 ± 92.6 pg/ml vs 197.3 ± 79.2 pg/ml, p = 0.012) in the EA group than in the control group and decreased significantly (-30.6 ± 47.2 pg/ml vs -1.1 ± 50.4 pg/ml, p <0.001) after 12 months of treatment. EA is an effective treatment method for supporting patients with stable ischemic heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biyang Feng
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- Department of Gerontology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Youwei Sun
- Department of Interventional Treatment, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Liming Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Tuina, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Chow SL, Bozkurt B, Baker WL, Bleske BE, Breathett K, Fonarow GC, Greenberg B, Khazanie P, Leclerc J, Morris AA, Reza N, Yancy CW. Complementary and Alternative Medicines in the Management of Heart Failure: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Circulation 2023; 147:e4-e30. [PMID: 36475715 DOI: 10.1161/cir.0000000000001110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) are commonly used across the world by diverse populations and ethnicities but remain largely unregulated. Although many CAM agents are purported to be efficacious and safe by the public, clinical evidence supporting the use of CAM in heart failure remains limited and controversial. Furthermore, health care professionals rarely inquire or document use of CAM as part of the medical record, and patients infrequently disclose their use without further prompting. The goal of this scientific statement is to summarize published efficacy and safety data for CAM and adjunctive interventional wellness approaches in heart failure. Furthermore, other important considerations such as adverse effects and drug interactions that could influence the safety of patients with heart failure are reviewed and discussed.
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Shang H, Zhang K, Guan Z, Zhang X. Optimization of evidence-based research in the prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease with traditional Chinese medicine: A comprehensive review. JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcms.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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The Effect of Acupuncture Combined with Aerobic Exercise for Coronary Heart Disease as Cardiac Rehabilitation. JOURNAL OF HEALTHCARE ENGINEERING 2022; 2022:4903265. [PMID: 35340225 PMCID: PMC8941558 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4903265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background The mortality of coronary heart disease continues to rise. Cardiac rehabilitation intervenes the risk factors of cardiovascular disease, improves cardiopulmonary function, maintains healthy psychology, improves the quality of life of patients, and reduces cardiovascular mortality. Objective To explore the effect of acupuncture combined with aerobic exercise on cardiopulmonary exercise ability, blood lipid, fatty acid oxidation, and psychology in patients with coronary heart disease. Methods Sixty patients with coronary heart disease from February 2018 to October 2020 were randomly divided into two groups: the control group and experimental group. The control group was given an exercise prescription, and the experimental group was given acupuncture combined with an exercise prescription. Before and after the intervention, the cardiopulmonary exercise test, blood lipid, carnitine acyltransferase (CACT), the Self-Rating Somatic Symptom Scale (SSS), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) of the two groups were compared. Results The PHQ-9 score was better in the experimental group than in the control group. In both groups, after the intervention, the peak oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold were increased, and blood lipid and PHQ-9 scores were decreased. In the experimental group, the carbon dioxide metabolic equivalent was decreased, CACT was increased, and SSS and GAD-7 scores were decreased, with statistical difference (P < 0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture combined with aerobic exercise can improve the cardiopulmonary exercise ability, increase fatty acid oxidation, decrease blood lipid, and ameliorate anxiety and depression symptoms of patients with coronary heart disease as cardiac rehabilitation.
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Scott-Sheldon LAJ, Gathright EC, Salmoirago-Blother E, Wu WC. Women's participation in stress management interventions for chronic heart failure: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2021; 27:761-779. [PMID: 33486993 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2021.1874436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Stress management interventions (SMIs) can alleviate the psychosocial stress often experienced by women with heart failure. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to summarize women's participation rates, and predictors of participation, in SMIs for the management of psychosocial distress in women with chronic HF. Studies were retrieved from bibliographic databases, reference sections of relevant papers, and research registries. Included studies (a) evaluated a SMI approach for the management of chronic HF, (b) sampled chronic HF patients, and (c) used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design. Independent coders extracted the relevant data. Thirty-five RCTs met inclusion criteria (N = 3,649; mean age = 63.5 ± 7.0 years). All studies sampled both men and women; the mean proportion of women who participated in the trials was 38.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 34.5-43.4; I2 = 82.4, 95% CI = 81.0-83.6). Women's participation rates were higher in studies sampling more HF patients with hypertension (B = 1.01, SE = 0.45, P = .046) but fewer HF patients prescribed beta blockers (B = -1.10, SE = 0.33, P = .006), F (2,12) = 6.27, P = 0.014, adjusted R2 = 61%. SMIs may offer women a complementary or integrative approach to standard treatment to help manage the psychological distress associated with HF. Future research should explore the potential benefits of offering stress management approaches to women as part of comprehensive HF care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lori A J Scott-Sheldon
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI.,Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Emily C Gathright
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI
| | - Elena Salmoirago-Blother
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, United States.,Department of Medicine, Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Wen-Chih Wu
- Department of Medicine, Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI.,Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI.,Chief of Cardiology, Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, RI.,Medical Director, Center for Cardiac Fitness, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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Home-based transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation for hypertension: a randomized controlled pilot trial. Hypertens Res 2021; 44:1300-1306. [PMID: 34363051 PMCID: PMC8342269 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-021-00702-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this trial was to evaluate the feasibility and effect of home-based transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) in patients with hypertension. In this randomized pilot trial, patients with hypertension were randomly assigned to the TEAS group or the usual care group. Participants in the usual care group were instructed to continue taking their antihypertensive drugs and received education on lifestyle modifications. In addition, participants in the TEAS group received 4 weekly sessions of noninvasive acupoint stimulation for 12 weeks at home. The primary outcome was the change in office systolic blood pressure at week 12 from baseline. Withdrawal from the study and adverse events associated with TEAS were also recorded. Sixty patients were randomized, with 30 patients in the TEAS group, of whom 1 was lost at week 36, and 30 patients in the usual care group, of whom 3 were lost by week 12. The reduction in systolic blood pressure at week 12 was greater in the TEAS group (-8.53 mm Hg; 95% CI [-13.37, -3.70 mm Hg]) than in the usual care group (-1.70 mm Hg; 95% CI [-4.29, -0.89 mm Hg]), with a between-group difference of -6.83 mm Hg (95% CI, [-12.23, -1.43 mm Hg]; P = 0.014). No TEAS-related adverse events occurred. In conclusion, home-based TEAS added to usual care for patients with hypertension was acceptable and safe and may be a potential treatment option. A larger randomized controlled trial of this intervention is warranted.
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Ee C, Smith CA, Costello M, Moran L, Steiner GZ, Stepto N, Cave A, Albrehee A, Teede H. Acupuncture or auricular electro-acupuncture as adjuncts to lifestyle interventions for weight management in PCOS: protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2020; 6:53. [PMID: 32346487 PMCID: PMC7183107 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-020-00591-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent women's health condition with reproductive, metabolic, and psychological manifestations. Weight loss can improve these symptoms and is a key goal; however, many women find this difficult to achieve. Acupuncture is a Chinese medical treatment that involves insertion of very fine metal needles into specific areas of the body and has been shown to be efficacious for weight loss in non-PCOS populations. However, few studies have been conducted in women with PCOS. A variant of acupuncture, auricular electro-acupuncture (AEA), may have beneficial effects on sympathetic tone, which is associated with insulin resistance, obesity and PCOS. METHODS This prospective three-arm open label parallel randomised controlled trial will assess feasibility and acceptability of acupuncture and/or AEA for weight loss in women with PCOS. We will enrol 39 women from the community aged between 18 and 45 years, with physician diagnosis of PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria: body mass index (BMI) between 25 and 40 kg/m2. Women will be randomly allocated to receive one of three treatments for 12 weeks duration: body electro-acupuncture + lifestyle interventions, AEA + lifestyle interventions, or lifestyle interventions alone. The lifestyle intervention in this study is telephone-based health coaching (between 4 and 13 phone calls, depending on individual need), provided by the Get Healthy Service. Primary outcomes of the study are feasibility and acceptability of trial methods as determined by recruitment and retention rates, adherence, acceptability, credibility, and safety. Secondary outcomes include anthropometric (body weight, BMI, waist and hip circumference), metabolic (glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity obtained from a 2-h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test with area under the curve insulin calculated using the trapezoid rule), reproductive (androgen levels, menstrual cyclicity, clinical hyperandrogenism using the Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system), autonomic (heart rate variability, blood pressure), lifestyle (physical activity levels, diet quality, weight self-efficacy), quality of life, and psychological (depression and anxiety symptoms, internal health locus of control). DISCUSSION This study addresses the feasibility and acceptability of novel interventions to treat overweight/obesity in PCOS. Study findings have the potential to generate a new understanding of the role of acupuncture and auricular acupuncture in weight management. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, 8/6/18 ACTRN12618000975291.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn Ee
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Caroline A. Smith
- Graduate Research School, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Michael Costello
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, Level 1, Women’s Health Institute, Royal Hospital for Women, Randwick, NSW 2031 Australia
| | - Lisa Moran
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Locked Bag, Clayton, VIC 29 Australia
| | - Genevieve Z. Steiner
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Nigel Stepto
- Institute for Heath and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC Australia
| | - Adele Cave
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Atekah Albrehee
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751 Australia
| | - Helena Teede
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Locked Bag, Clayton, VIC 29 Australia
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The Effect of Acupuncture and Moxibustion on Heart Function in Heart Failure Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2019; 2019:6074967. [PMID: 31772597 PMCID: PMC6854931 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6074967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Acupuncture and moxibustion (A&M) has been used for treating heart failure in China since the Han Dynasty. This ancient therapy can be applied to many diseases according to the WHO recommendations. Although there are many clinical reports on the treatment of heart failure by A&M, its effectiveness is still not fully demonstrated. We aimed to systematically review the related randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies and conduct a meta-analysis. Methods The PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CENTRAL, CNKI, Wanfang, and Weipu databases were searched electronically until December 2018. The data were extracted, and the risk of bias was evaluated. Meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, and metaregression were performed. Heart function was the main outcome assessed. The details of the intervention were also investigated. Results Thirty-two RCTs involving 2499 patients were included. Most studies had an unclear risk regarding blinding and allocation concealment. Compared with the traditional treatment group, the experimental group had a higher efficacy rate (odds ratio (OR) = 2.61, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): = [1.84; 3.72], I2 = 0%, p < 0.0001) and a significantly improved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (mean difference (MD) = 6.34, 95%CI = [4.11, 8.57], I2 = 93%, p < 0.0001), cardiac output (CO) (MD = 1.02, 95%CI = [0.65, 1.39], I2 = 94%, p < 0.0001), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) (MD = 43.6, 95%CI = [37.43, 49.77], I2 = 0%, p < 0.0001), and reduced brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) (MD = −227.99, 95%CI = [−337.30, −118.68], I2 = 96%, p < 0.0001). Adverse events were inadequately reported in most studies. Conclusions A&M may be a promising intervention as an adjunctive therapy to medication for treating heart failure. However, the evidence was inconclusive. Further large and rigorously designed RCTs are needed for verification.
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Grundmann O, Yoon SL, Williams JJ, Gordan L, George TJ. Augmentation of Cancer Cachexia Components With Targeted Acupuncture in Patients With Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Integr Cancer Ther 2019; 18:1534735418823269. [PMID: 30791747 PMCID: PMC6416748 DOI: 10.1177/1534735418823269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancer-associated cachexia are at risk of high morbidity and mortality. This randomized single-blind pilot study compared the complementary use of targeted acupuncture (TA) with nontargeted acupuncture (NTA) for halting cachexia symptoms. METHODS GI cancer patients with cachexia undergoing chemotherapy were assigned to receive 8 weekly sessions of either TA (n = 15) or NTA (n = 15) following a specific acupuncture protocol. Bioelectrical impedance analysis and weight were measured weekly. Biological markers, including C-reactive protein, prealbumin, tumor necrosis factor-α, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), leptin, and ghrelin blood levels were determined at specific intervals. RESULTS Prealbumin levels and fat-free mass were significantly higher in the NTA group at the end of the study, but remained stable in TA group. TA group had significantly lower (230 IU/L vs 288 IU/L, P = .04) LDH at the end of the study, but elevated tumor necrosis factor-α levels (13.15 pg/mL vs 9.24 pg/mL, P = .04). The absolute blood leptin and ghrelin levels decreased in the TA but remained stable in the NTA group. Both groups maintained weight, but the TA group trended toward weight gain during the last 2 weeks of the study. No adverse events related to acupuncture were reported. CONCLUSIONS TA using predetermined, reproducible points may provide benefits to some patients with GI cancer cachexia by normalizing metabolic dysregulation. Elevated ghrelin levels are indicative of insulin resistance, which can lead to increased muscle loss represented by increased LDH activity in the NTA group. The pilot study provided completion rate and effect size for the primary outcome measures for a larger study. A longer treatment duration may be required to further refine these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lucio Gordan
- Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Abstract
Integrative medicine (IM) has developed an increasingly significant role in health care worldwide, including cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This review describes the commonly used IM in CVD, with particular attention placed with dietary supplements and mind-body therapies. More rigorous research continues to be needed to determine the mechanisms and efficacy of IM cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Health care providers will need to develop skills in open communication and nonjudgmental dialogue around IM use in discussing treatment plans with their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darshan Mehta
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 900 Commonwealth Avenue East, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 151 Merrimac Street, 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
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Greenfield RH. Heart Failure. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-35868-2.00025-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Amaral DRD, Rossi MB, Lopes CT, Lopes JDL. Nonpharmacological interventions to improve quality of life in heart failure: an integrative review. Rev Bras Enferm 2017; 70:198-209. [PMID: 28226060 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2016-0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: to identify articles that assessed the effectiveness or efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions to improve quality of life of people with heart failure in the literature. Method: an integrative literature review was performed in Lilacs, MedLine and SciELO databases, including randomized or nonrandomized clinical trials and quasi-experimental studies published between 2003 and 2014, in Portuguese, English or Spanish. Results: twenty-three studies were included. The categories of nonpharmacological interventions that improved quality of life of people with heart failure were: Remote health monitoring, Instructions on health practices, Physical activity follow-up and Traditional Chinese Medicine practices. Conclusion: these results can guide the selection of interventions to be implemented by health professionals that treat people with heart failure. Future systematic reviews with meta-analyses are needed in order to identify the most effective interventions for improving these individuals' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Reuter do Amaral
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem, Curso de Graduação em Enfermagem. São Paulo-SP, Brasil
| | - Marina Bertelli Rossi
- Universidade de São Paulo, Faculdade de Medicina, Instituto do Coração. São Paulo-SP, Brasil
| | - Camila Takao Lopes
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem, Departamento de Enfermagem Clínica e Cirúrgica. São Paulo-SP, Brasil
| | - Juliana de Lima Lopes
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Escola Paulista de Enfermagem, Departamento de Enfermagem Clínica e Cirúrgica. São Paulo-SP, Brasil
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Gok Metin Z, Ejem D, Dionne-Odom JN, Turkman Y, Salvador C, Pamboukian S, Bakitas M. Mind-Body Interventions for Individuals With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials. J Card Fail 2017; 24:186-201. [PMID: 28939458 DOI: 10.1016/j.cardfail.2017.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of mind-body interventions (MBIs) (eg, Tai Chi, yoga, meditation) for individuals with heart failure (HF) have not been systematically evaluated. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of MBIs in HF. We extracted participant characteristics, MBI procedure, outcomes assessed, and main results of English-language RCTs before October 2016. We identified 24 RCTs (n = 1314 participants) of 9 MBI types: Tai Chi (n = 7), yoga (n = 4), relaxation (n = 4), meditation (n = 2), acupuncture (n = 2), biofeedback (n = 2), stress management (n = 1), Pilates (n = 1), and reflexology (n = 1). Most (n = 22, 95.8%) reported small-to-moderate improvements in quality of life (14/14 studies), exercise capacity (8/9 studies), depression (5/5 studies), anxiety and fatigue (4/4 studies), blood pressure (3/5 studies), heart rate (5/6 studies), heart rate variability (7/9 studies), and B-type natriuretic peptide (3/4 studies). Studies ranged from 4 minutes to 26 weeks and group sizes ranged from 8 to 65 patients per study arm. CONCLUSIONS Although wide variability exists in the types and delivery, RCTs of MBIs have demonstrated small-to-moderate positive effects on HF patients' objective and subjective outcomes. Future research should examine the mechanisms by which different MBIs exert their effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehra Gok Metin
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Deborah Ejem
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.
| | | | - Yasemin Turkman
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Carolina Salvador
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Salpy Pamboukian
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham; Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Marie Bakitas
- School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Leem J, Lee SMK, Park JH, Lee S, Chung H, Lee JM, Kim W, Lee S, Woo JS. Efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture in acute decompensated heart failure: a study protocol for a randomized, patient- and assessor-blinded, sham controlled trial. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2017; 17:361. [PMID: 28697773 PMCID: PMC5504710 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1864-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Background The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture in the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure compared with sham electroacupuncture. Methods This protocol is for a randomized, sham controlled, patient- and assessor-blinded, parallel group, single center clinical trial that can overcome the limitations of previous trials examining acupuncture and heart failure. Forty-four acute decompensated heart failure patients admitted to the cardiology ward will be randomly assigned into the electroacupuncture treatment group (n = 22) or the sham electroacupuncture control group (n = 22). Participants will receive electroacupuncture treatment for 5 days of their hospital stay. The primary outcome of this study is the difference in total diuretic dose between the two groups during hospitalization. On the day of discharge, follow-up heart rate variability, routine blood tests, cardiac biomarkers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, and N-terminal pro b-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro BNP) level will be assessed. Four weeks after discharge, hs-CRP, NT-pro BNP, heart failure symptoms, quality of life, and a pattern identification questionnaire will be used for follow-up analysis. Six months after discharge, major cardiac adverse events and cardiac function measured by echocardiography will be assessed. Adverse events will be recorded during every visit. Discussion The result of this clinical trial will offer evidence of the effectiveness and safety of electroacupuncture for acute decompensated heart failure. Trial registration Clinical Research Information Service: KCT0002249.
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18
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Electroacupuncture prevents endothelial dysfunction induced by ischemia-reperfusion injury via a cyclooxygenase-2-dependent mechanism: A randomized controlled crossover trial. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0178838. [PMID: 28591155 PMCID: PMC5462401 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0178838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Exploring clinically effective methods to reduce ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in humans is critical. Several drugs have shown protective effects, but studies using other interventions have been rare. Electroacupuncture (EA) has induced similar protection in several animal studies but no study has investigated how the effects could be translated and reproduced in humans. This study aimed to explore the potential effect and mechanisms of EA in IR-induced endothelial dysfunction in humans. Methods This is a prospective, randomized, crossover, sham-controlled trial consisting of two protocols. Protocol 1 was a crossover study to investigate the effect of EA on IR-induced endothelial dysfunction. Twenty healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to EA or sham EA (sham). Flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery (BA), nitroglycerin-mediated endothelial independent dilation, blood pressure before and after IR were measured. In protocol 2, seven volunteers were administered COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib (200 mg orally twice daily) for five days. After consumption, volunteers underwent FMD before and after IR identical to protocol 1. Results In protocol 1, baseline BA diameter, Pre-IR BA diameter and FMD were similar between the two groups (p = NS). After IR, sham group showed significantly blunted FMD (Pre-IR: 11.41 ± 3.10%, Post-IR: 4.49 ± 2.04%, p < 0.001). However, EA protected this blunted FMD (Pre-IR: 10.96 ± 5.30%, Post-IR: 9.47 ± 5.23%, p = NS, p < 0.05 compared with sham EA after IR). In protocol 2, this protective effect was completely abolished by pre-treatment with celecoxib (Pre-IR: 11.05 ± 3.27%; Post-IR: 4.20 ± 1.68%, p = 0.001). Conclusion EA may prevent IR-induced endothelial dysfunction via a COX-2 dependent mechanism.
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Lee H, Kim TH, Leem J. Acupuncture for heart failure: A systematic review of clinical studies. Int J Cardiol 2016; 222:321-331. [PMID: 27500758 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.07.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 07/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture has been used for treating heart failure mainly in combination with conventional treatments, but evidence for its effectiveness and safety has not been well established. Our aim was to review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for heart failure and assess the clinical evidence. METHODS Electronic databases such as Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and certain Chinese & Korean databases were searched until October 2015. The main outcomes assessed were mortality, New York Heart Association (NYHA) function classifications, and acupuncture-related adverse events. The details of acupuncture intervention were also investigated. RESULTS Among 4107 publications, seven RCTs were included; most of them showed considerable methodological flaws. We could not conduct a meta-analysis because of the heterogeneity of the included studies. In one acute heart failure study, acupuncture shortened intensive care unit (ICU) stay by 2.2days (95% CI 1.26, 3.14) and reduced the risk ratio of re-admission to 0.53 (95% CI 0.28, 0.99). However, mortality was not affected. Hemodynamic parameters also showed improvement. Another study reported an improved left ventricular ejection fraction by 9.95% (95% CI 3.24, 16.66). In five chronic heart failure studies, acupuncture improved exercise capacity, quality of life, hemodynamic parameters, and time domain heart rate variability parameters. Acupuncture decreased NT-pro BNP levels by 292.20 (95% CI -567.36, -17.04). No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of acupuncture as a therapy for heart failure is currently inconclusive. Further large and rigorous clinical trials are needed to establish its clinical utility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hojung Lee
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University,23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital,23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae-Hun Kim
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University,23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital,23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungtae Leem
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University,23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital,23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Layne K, Ferro A. Traditional Chinese medicines in the management of cardiovascular diseases: a comprehensive systematic review. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2016; 83:20-32. [PMID: 27195823 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim was to perform a systematic review of the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) in cardiovascular disease. METHODS Electronic databases were searched up to 11 November 2015 for all randomized-controlled trials evaluating the effect of TCM in hypertension, ischaemic stroke, heart failure, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a fixed-effects model. RESULTS Four hypertension studies were eligible for statistical analysis and included 133 patients receiving TCM and 130 control patients. There were significant reductions in systolic blood pressure in patients receiving TCM, comparable to results achieved with pharmaceutical medicines. An OR of 3.781 (95% confidence interval 2.392, 5.977; P = 0.000) was observed for the anti-hypertensive effect of TCM. Significant heterogeneity was present (P = 0.011), with a tendency towards publication bias that did not reach significance (P = 0.05275). Outcome measures for other cardiovascular diseases were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS Certain TCM compounds appear to have significant anti-hypertensive effects, and although some are associated in some studies with improved outcomes in coronary heart disease, heart failure and type 2 diabetes mellitus, the data are inconsistent and will require large-scale randomized-controlled trials to allow full evaluation of any potential therapeutic benefit in these areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry Layne
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Albert Ferro
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Cardiovascular Division, King's College London, London, UK
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21
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Ko SJ, Park K, Kim J, Kim M, Kim JH, Lee J, Mohamed AZ, Yeo I, Kim J, Choi SM, Kim H, Park JW, Lee JH. Effect of acupuncture and its influence on cerebral activity in functional dyspepsia patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2016; 17:183. [PMID: 27039086 PMCID: PMC4818864 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-016-1296-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a prevalent gastric disorder that is difficult to manage due to lack of satisfactory treatments. Acupuncture has been studied with regard to the rising need for treating FD, but the mechanism verifying its efficacy has not yet been fully revealed. The aim of this study is to explore the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture for FD compared with a sham group. METHODS/DESIGN We describe a proposal for a randomized, assessor-blind, sham-controlled trial with 70 eligible participants who will be randomly allocated either into an acupuncture or a sham group. Participants in the acupuncture group will receive 10 sessions of real acupuncture treatment and those in the sham group will be treated with identical sessions using a Streitberger needle. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and metabolomics studies will be implemented before and after 4 weeks of treatment to investigate the mechanism of acupuncture. The primary outcome is a proportion of responders with adequate symptom relief and the secondary outcomes include the Nepean Dyspepsia Index - Korean version, Functional Dyspepsia-Related Quality of Life questionnaire, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, Coping Strategies Questionnaire, perception of bodily sensation questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies - Depression Scale. The outcomes will be evaluated before and after the treatment. DISCUSSION This is the first large-scale trial evaluating the efficacy and mechanism of acupuncture with fMRI and metabolomic methods. We will compare real acupuncture with the Streitberger sham needle to verify the specific effect of acupuncture. The results of this trial are expected to be relevant evidences affecting policy and decision-makers associated with routine healthcare. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02358486 . Date of Registration: 21 January 2015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok-Jae Ko
- Department of Gastroenterology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungmo Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Division of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Minji Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo-Hee Kim
- Division of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeungchan Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Republic of Korea.,Athinoula A Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, USA
| | - Abdalla Z Mohamed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, Republic of Korea
| | - Inkwon Yeo
- Department of Statistics, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinsung Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Mi Choi
- Division of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Honggeol Kim
- Department of Clinical Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Woo Park
- Department of Gastroenterology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jun-Hwan Lee
- Division of Clinical Research, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. .,Korean Medicine Life Science, University of Science & Technology, Campus of Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
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22
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Acker H, Schmidt-Rathjens C, Acker T, Fandrey J, Ehleben W. Acupuncture-brain interactions as hypothesized by mood scale recordings. Med Hypotheses 2015; 85:371-9. [PMID: 26025590 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mood expressions encompassing positive scales like "activity, elation, contemplation, calmness" and negative scales like "anger, excitement, depression, fatigue" were applied for introducing a new tool to assess the effects of acupuncture on brain structures. Traditional acupuncture points defined in the literature for their effects on task negative and task positive brain structures were applied to chronic disease patients supposed to have dominant negative mood scales. Burn-out syndrome (n=10) and female chronic pain patients (n=22) showed a significant improvement on positive mood scales and a decline in negative mood scales after 10 acupuncture sessions. We observed a direct effect of acupuncture on brain structures in 5 burn-out syndrome patients showing an immediate, fast suppression of unusual slow high amplitude EEG waves in response to acupuncture needle rotation. These EEG waves described here for the first time in awake patients disappeared after 10 sessions but gradually returned after 1-1.5 years without acupuncture. This was accompanied with deterioration of positive mood scales and a return to negative mood scales. Both male (n=16) and female chronic pain patients reported a significant decrease of pain intensity after 10 sessions. Female patients only, however, showed a linear correlation between initial pain intensity and pain relief as well as a linear correlation between changes in pain intensity and mood scales accompanied by a drop of their heart rate during the acupuncture sessions. We hypothesized that mood scale recordings are a sensitive and specific new tool to reveal individual acupuncture-brain interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmut Acker
- Forschungsinstitut für Notfallmedizin und Gesundheit, Dortmund, Germany; Institute für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | | | - Till Acker
- Institut für Neuropathologie, Universitätsklinikum Gießen-Marburg, Gießen, Germany.
| | - Joachim Fandrey
- Institute für Physiologie, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Wilhelm Ehleben
- Forschungsinstitut für Notfallmedizin und Gesundheit, Dortmund, Germany
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23
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Wang Q, Liang D, Wang F, Li W, Han Y, Zhang W, Xie Y, Xin W, Zhou B, Sun D, Cao F, Xiong L. Efficacy of electroacupuncture pretreatment for myocardial injury in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention: A randomized clinical trial with a 2-year follow-up. Int J Cardiol 2015; 194:28-35. [PMID: 26011261 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2015.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Electroacupuncture pretreatment (EAP) safely protects the heart from ischemic injury, however, the efficacy of EAP for periprocedural myocardial injury after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) remains unclear. Our aim was to investigate whether EAP prior to PCI reduces post-PCI myocardial injury in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). 388 patients (≥ 18 years old) with CAD, undergoing elective PCI were enrolled and randomized, out of those 204 went through the whole trial. EAP was conducted by 30-minute electrical stimulation through 4 electrodes attached to the Antiguan (PC6) and Ximen (PC4) acupoints in the forearm bilaterally 1-2h prior to PCI. The control group had sham electrodes but no electrical stimulation. The primary end point was the incidence of myocardial infarction type 4a (MI4a) based on serum cTnI values at 24h after PCI. The secondary end points included post-procedural cardiac function and the major adverse cardiac/cerebrovascular event (MACCE) rate. EAP prior to PCI significantly reduced the incidence of MI4a (serum cTnI≥0.20 ng/mL) 24h post-PCI compared to the control group (P=0.004). The echocardiography at 6 months after PCI revealed significant improvement in cardiac function in the EAP group compared with the control group. The MACCE rate was significantly decreased in the EAP group at 24 month follow-up compared to the control group (P=0.0157). Moreover, multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that EAP was associated with decreased likelihood of MACCE (odds ratio 0.327, 95% CI 0.140-0.767, P=0.010). EAP prior to PCI significantly reduced cTnI release and protected patients with CAD from subsequent myocardial injury after PCI procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Dong Liang
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weijie Li
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yaling Han
- Department of Cardiology, Shenyang PLA General Hospital, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Yaning Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weichuan Xin
- Department of Cardiology, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an 710003, China
| | - Baili Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, People's Hospital of Qinghai Province, Xining 810007, China
| | - Dongdong Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Feng Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Lize Xiong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Ma T, Zeng F, Li Y, Wang CM, Tian X, Yu S, Zhao L, Wu X, Yang M, Wang D, Liang F. Which subtype of functional dyspepsia patients responses better to acupuncture? A retrospective analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Complement Med Res 2015; 22:94-100. [PMID: 26021959 DOI: 10.1159/000380983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether subgroups of functional dyspepsia (FD) should be treated with different approaches is controversially discussed in research. As our previous study has demonstrated the effect of acupuncture in FD treatment, we now further analyze the therapeutic effect of acupuncture in the treatment of postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS). METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted in 465 eligible PDS patients and 241 EPS patients. 4 acupuncture groups (group A: specific acupoints along the stomach meridian; group B: non-specific acupoints along the stomach meridian; group C: alarm and transport acupoints; group D: specific acupoints along the gallbladder meridian) were compared with a non-acupoint sham acupuncture group and an itopride group. The patients were treated in 5 consecutive sessions per week for 4 weeks and were followed-up for 12 weeks afterwards. Primary outcome of the study was defined as response rate and symptom improvement as measured by the Symptom Index of Dyspepsia, while secondary outcome was designated as improvement in quality of life (QoL) as determined by the Nepean Dyspepsia Index. RESULTS Symptoms of dyspepsia and QoL were improved from baseline in all groups. In EPS patients, no statistically significant differences could be observed in response rate (p = 0.239) and symptoms improvement (p = 0.344 for epigastric pain; p = 0.465 for epigastric burning). In contrast, PDS patients of the acupuncture group A showed higher response rate (53.2% vs. 19.7%, p<0.001; 53.2% vs. 35.1%, p = 0.025) and score change in postprandial fullness (1.01 vs. 0.27, p<0.001; 1.01 vs. 0.57, p<0.001), early satiation (0.81 vs. 0.21, p<0.001; 0.81 vs. 0.39, p=0.001), and QoL (14.5 vs. 4.33, p<0.001; 14.5 vs. 8.5, p<0.001) compared to the sham acupuncture and itopride group. CONCLUSIONS FD patients with PDS responded better to the acupuncture therapies, especially at the specific acupoints along the stomach meridian. The positive therapeutic effect of acupuncture on PDS was correlated with the improvement in postprandial fullness. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrial.gov NCT00599677.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Ma
- Teaching Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Sparrow K, Golianu B. Does Acupuncture Reduce Stress Over Time? A Clinical Heart Rate Variability Study in Hypertensive Patients. Med Acupunct 2014; 26:286-294. [PMID: 25352944 DOI: 10.1089/acu.2014.1050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Heart rate variability (HRV), a noninvasive autonomic measure, has been applied to acupuncture interventions in controlled academic settings comparing points used, types of stimulation, or the HRV parameters measured. There is evidence that acupuncture decreases the stress response in both human and animal subjects, and can increase HRV in the short term (minutes to hours). Objectives: The goal of this study was to explore an array of HRV parameters during acupuncture sessions and over the course of treatment (weeks to months) in a series of patients being treated for hypertension. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, uncontrolled case study of patients presenting to a private acupuncture clinic. Patients received manual body acupuncture prescribed by the tenets of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and by published protocols for hypertension treatment. Heart rate was monitored during and after needle placement. The tracings were then analyzed with the Vivosense HRV analysis system. The main outcome measures were were patients' blood pressure measurements and low-frequency-to-high-frequency (LF/HF) ratio of HRV. Results: Patients tended to have an increase in their HRV during treatment, after needling, and, in some instances, an increase in HRV over weeks to months. Conclusions: Some patients' HRV increased over weeks to months during the course of acupuncture treatment for hypertension as evidenced by a decrease in their LF/HF ratio. This would indicate a relative decrease in their physiologic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brenda Golianu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University , Stanford, CA
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26
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Fu QN, Shi GX, Li QQ, He T, Liu BZ, Sun SF, Wang J, Tan C, Yang BF, Liu CZ. Acupuncture at local and distal points for chronic shoulder pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2014; 15:130. [PMID: 24742182 PMCID: PMC4012183 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-15-130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic shoulder pain (CSP) is the third most common type of musculoskeletal pain. It has a major impact on health-related quality of life. In Chinese medicine, CSP is considered one of the conditions most amenable to treatment with acupuncture. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of local acupoints in combination with distal acupoints in pain relief and shoulder function improvement in CSP patients. Methods/Design This is a multicenter, single blind, factorial randomized controlled clinical trial. A total of 164 participants will be randomly allocated to four different groups: Group A will receive acupuncture at local acupoints in combination with distal acupoint. Group B will receive acupuncture at local acupoints in combination with distal non-acupoint. Group C will receive acupuncture at local non-acupoints in combination with distal acupoint. Group D will receive acupuncture at local non-acupoints in combination with distal non-acupoint. Each group will receive 12 treatments of acupuncture one to three times per week for six weeks in total. The primary outcome is shoulder pain intensity, which is graded using a 100 -mm Visual Analogue Scale. The assessment is at baseline (before treatment initiation), 6 weeks after the first acupuncture, 10 weeks after the first acupuncture and 18 weeks after the first acupuncture. Discussion This trial will be helpful in identifying whether acupuncture at local acupoints in combination with distal acupoints may be more effective than needling points separately. Trial registration International Standard Randomized Controlled Trial Number Register: ISRCTN61861069 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine affiliated to Capital Medical University, 23 Meishuguanhou Street, Dongcheng District, Beijing 100010, China.
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Validity of the "streitberger" needle in a chinese population with acupuncture: a randomized, single-blinded, and crossover pilot study. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2013; 2013:251603. [PMID: 23983775 PMCID: PMC3747414 DOI: 10.1155/2013/251603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/09/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We studied the validity of a “Streitberger” needle as a valid approach in a Chinese population with experience of acupuncture. Volunteers were recruited from students of the School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. Sixty students receiving education in acupuncture theory and experience in practical acupuncture were tested in study determining whether needling with the placebo needle felt any different from conventional acupuncture. Outcomes included measures of penetration sensation, VAS ratings, and Deqi sensation questionnaire. As a result, needle penetration, VAS ratings for either needle and Deqi sensation were not significantly different between two kinds of needles. Our findings show that the use of “Streitberger” needle is credible in a Chinese population with acupuncture experience.
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Jonkman FAM, Jonkman-Buidin ML. Integrated approach to treatment-resistant atrial fibrillation: additional value of acupuncture. Acupunct Med 2013; 31:327-30. [PMID: 23884291 PMCID: PMC3786618 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A 62-year-old patient with chronic bronchitis had treatment-resistant atrial fibrillation. Electrical cardioversion was performed, but sinus rhythm (SR) lasted only for some minutes. Administration of amiodarone was withheld in favour of a course of acupuncture treatment in order to increase the success rate of a second attempt of electrical cardioversion. After two acupuncture treatments, spontaneous conversion to SR occurred. Relapses into atrial fibrillation in the following five winters, associated with attacks of bronchitis, also responded to acupuncture. The mechanisms of action of the acupuncture treatment and the value of this integrated approach to treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A M Jonkman
- Department of Acupuncture, Acupuncture Outpatient Clinic Heel de Mens, Heelsum, The Netherlands.
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29
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Ni X, Xie Y, Wang Q, Zhong H, Chen M, Wang F, Xiong L. Cardioprotective effect of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation in the pediatric cardiac patients: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Paediatr Anaesth 2012; 22:805-11. [PMID: 22380768 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9592.2012.03822.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture pretreatment exerts neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects in animal models and in adult patients underwent cardiac surgery; however, data in pediatric patient are unavailable. OBJECTIVE/AIM To investigate the effects of transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on acute myocardial injury from pediatric open-heart surgery. METHODS Children, aged 2-12 years, with congenital heart defects scheduled for surgical repair were enrolled. They were randomized to TEAS (administrated at bilateral P6 acupoint for 30 min after basal anesthesia) and control (an electrode was placed on the arm without stimulus) groups. The primary end point was serum cardiac troponin I (cTnI) over 24 h after aortic unclamping. Furthermore, clinical outcome and serum cytokine and C-reactive protein concentrations were evaluated. RESULTS Seventy eligible children were analyzed, 36 in controls and 34 in TEAS group. Compared with controls, the mean cTnI levels were significantly lower in TEAS group at 8 h (P = 0.043) and 24 h (P = 0.046) after aortic unclamping. The duration of ventilation (P = 0.004) and length of ICU stay (P = 0.032) was significantly longer in controls than in TEAS group. There was a significant difference in the release of C-reactive protein at 8 h (P = 0.039) between two groups, whereas the values for cytokines were not significant. CONCLUSION Transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation on the bilateral P6 acupoint is effective for attenuation myocardial injury in children undergoing cardiac surgery. The beneficial effects may be partially associated with reduction in cTnI and C-reactive protein level in the early postoperative period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinli Ni
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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30
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Omole FS, Lin JS, Chu T, Sow CM, Flood A, Powell MD. Raynaud's phenomenon, cytokines and acupuncture: a case report. Acupunct Med 2012; 30:139-41. [PMID: 22516031 DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2011-010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
A 30-year-old African-American woman diagnosed in 2006 with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) was seen in the clinic in 2010 and the diagnosis confirmed excluding underlying disorders. Acupuncture was administered bilaterally at the LI4 Hegu acupuncture points for 5 min twice weekly for 2 months, which resulted in improvement in pain severity, joint stiffness and the colour of her fingers and toes. The literature reveals that acupuncture is effective in improving pain severity and joint stiffness in RP. The patient's serum proinflammatory cytokines were compared with those from an ongoing study in our institution and the results indicated that acupuncture therapy might be anti-inflammatory. Acupuncture is relatively safe and should be considered as an alternative treatment or non-pharmacological therapy for pain associated with RP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Folashade S Omole
- Department of Family Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, East Point, GA 30344, USA.
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31
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Anderson B, Nielsen A, McKee D, Jeffres A, Kligler B. Acupuncture and Heart Rate Variability: A Systems Level Approach to Understanding Mechanism. Explore (NY) 2012; 8:99-106. [DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2011.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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32
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Heart Failure. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4377-1793-8.00024-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Kerr CE, Shaw JR, Conboy LA, Kelley JM, Jacobson E, Kaptchuk TJ. Placebo acupuncture as a form of ritual touch healing: a neurophenomenological model. Conscious Cogn 2011; 20:784-91. [PMID: 21397519 PMCID: PMC3140594 DOI: 10.1016/j.concog.2010.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Revised: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Evidence that placebo acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic pain presents a puzzle: how do placebo needles appearing to patients to penetrate the body, but instead sitting on the skin's surface in the manner of a tactile stimulus, evoke a healing response? Previous accounts of ritual touch healing in which patients often described enhanced touch sensations (including warmth, tingling or flowing sensations) suggest an embodied healing mechanism. In this qualitative study, we asked a subset of patients in a singleblind randomized trial in irritable bowel syndrome to describe their treatment experiences while undergoing placebo treament. Analysis focused on patients' unprompted descriptions of any enhanced touch sensations (e.g., warmth, tingling) and any significance patients assigned to the sensations. We found in 5/6 cases, patients associated sensations including "warmth" and "tingling" with treatment efficacy. The conclusion offers a "neurophenomenological" account of the placebo effect by considering dynamic effects of attentional filtering on early sensory cortices, possibly underlying the phenomenology of placebo acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Kerr
- Osher Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
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