New CT Scans Reveal Acupuncture Points

CT scans reveal anatomical structures of acupuncture points. A CT (computerized tomography) scan is a series of X-rays used to create cross-sectional images. In this study published in the Journal of Electron Spectroscopy and RELATED Phenomena, researchers used in-line phase contrast CT imaging with synchrotron RADIATION on both non-acupuncture points and acupuncture points. The CT scans revealed clear distinctions between the non-acupuncture point and acupuncture point anatomical structures.

Acupuncture points have a higher density of micro-vessels and contain a large amount of involuted microvascular structures. The non-acupuncture points did not exhibit these properties.

The researchers note that the state-of-the-art CT imaging techniques used in this study allow for improved three-dimensional (3D) imaging of a large field of view without artifacts. This greatly improves imaging of soft tissue and allowed the researchers to make this important discovery.

The acupuncture points ST36 (Zusanli) and ST37 (Shangjuxu) were shown to have very distinct structural differences than surrounding areas. At the acupuncture points, microvascular densities with bifurcations “can be clearly seen around thick blood vessels” but non-acupuncture point areas showed few thick blood vessels and none showed fine, high density structures. The acupuncture points contained fine structures with more large blood vessels that are several dozen micrometers in size plus beds of high density vascularization of vessels 15-50 micrometers in size. This structure was not found in non-acupuncture point areas.

The researchers note that the size of an acupuncture point “can be estimated by the diameter of microvascular aggregations….” They also commented that other research has found unique structures of acupuncture points and acupuncture meridians using MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), infrared imaging, LCD thermal photography, ultrasound and other CT imaging methods. The researchers commented that many studies using these technological approaches have already shown that acupuncture points exist. They note that “the high brightness, wide spectrum, high collimation, polarization and pulsed structure of synchrotron RADIATION” facilitated their discovery. They concluded, “Our results demonstrated again the existence of acupoints, and also show that the acupoints are special points in mammals.”

In another interesting study, researchers used an amperometric oxygen microsensor to detect partial oxygen pressure variations at different locations on the anterior aspect of the wrist. The researchers concluded that partial oxygen pressure is significantly higher at acupuncture points. Below are images from the study measuring the increase of partial oxygen pressure combined with an overlay of the local acupuncture point locations. The images map the Lung, Pericardium and Heart channels and their associated local points. Acupuncture points P7 and P6 clearly show high oxygen pressure levels as do the other acupuncture points in the region.

These measurements are not needled points but are natural resting states of acupuncture points absent stimulation. A truly unique finding, acupuncture points exhibit special oxygen characteristics. Acupuncture points and acupuncture channels are scientifically measurable phenomena in repeated experiments.

Acupuncture Reverses Brain Damage After Stroke

SOURCE: http://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education

PUBLICATION: Health CMI

A new MRI study finds acupuncture and electro acupuncture effective for treating brain tissue 

injuries and neurological disorders caused by cerebral  ischemia/reperfusion injury (CIRI). 

This type of brain damage is caused by the return of blood circulation to the brain after a period of ischemia, restricted blood supply. The sudden return of blood to oxygen and circulation deprived brain tissues causes inflammation and oxidative stress. Acupuncture biochemically ameliorates this condition and reduces infarct (tissue necrosis due to circulation obstruction) size. 

Consequently, acupuncture and electro acupuncture benefit the brain after a stroke due to ischemia.

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion causes brain edema and swelling. This is caused by sequelae including increased permeability of the blood brain barrier, tissue inflammation and upregulation of the biochemicals matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) and aquaporin (AQP).

Researchers have discovered that acupuncture and electro acupuncture successfully regulate MMP2, AQP and inflammatory cell infiltration caused by CIRI. 

The researchers added that acupuncture and electro acupuncture “significantly reduced infarct size and improved neurologic function.” As a result, the researchers conclude that acupuncture and electro acupuncture exert “neuroprotective actions” and may “find utility as adjunctive and complementary treatments to supplement conventional therapy for ischemic stroke.”

Scientific Data

Several types of evaluations confirmed the decrease in infarct size and successful regulation of biochemicals by acupuncture and electroacupuncture after CIRI. The researchers used microscopic evaluation, fMRI, hematoxylin-eosin staining, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction evaluation, immunofluorescence analysis, immunohistochemical analysis and western blot analysis. Subjective evaluation of neurological deficits was also evaluated. 

The researchers conclude, “acupuncture and electroacupuncture are effective treatments for brain tissue injury and neurological deficits following CIRI in rats. Therefore, this study adds to the growing arsenal of research supporting the view that acupuncture and electroacupuncture, which are derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine, can serve as complementary and alternative treatments to supplement the conventional management of ischemic stroke.”

The study design was a laboratory rat experiment of middle cerebral artery occlusion causing cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Acupuncture points GV20 and ST36 were applied. The results demonstrated several repeatable scientific phenomenon in fMRI imaging and biochemical analyses. GV20 and ST36 reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells, downregulated expression of proinflammatory enzyme MMP2, reduced expression of water channel proteins AQP4 and AQP9, reduced brain ischemia and decreased brain edema due to inflammation. Neurologic function was increased and verified by improved motor tests such as muscle status and movement capabilities; sensory tests including visual, tactile and proprioceptive evaluation; 
improvements in balance tests and improvements in reflex tests. Additionally, infarct size significantly reduced.

Does Acupuncture really work?

Yes. Over the past 3000 years, more people have been successfully treated with Acupuncture than with all other health modalities combined. During the last couple of decades, study after study proves that Acupuncture really works.

As from the 1^st of july this year, the Australian government has added Acupuncture and Chinese medicine as a registered medical modality. A first in the western world as far as I know.

Does the patient have to believe in Acupuncture for it to work?

No. I have used Acupuncture on horses, dogs and cattle for over 25 years. These animal patients do not understand or believe in the process that helps them get better.

A positive attitude towards getting better may reinforce the effects of the treatment received, just as a negative attitude may hinder the effects of Acupuncture or any other treatment for that matter.

What are the mechanisms of Acupuncture?

From a Chinese Medicine perspective, thin needles are inserted in specific Acupuncture points along what we call meridians through which energy (Qi) flows to all parts of the body.

A blockage that disrupts the flow of Qi can lead to various ailments. A disruption in one channel or organ can lead to disruptions in another organ or channel because according to Chinese medicine everything in the human body is interconnected. By needling specific points, the Qi can be influenced or moved from an area of excess to an area of deficiency for example.

From a modern scientific point of view, it is believed that the insertion of needles at certain areas of the body either stimulate or inhibit the central nervous system. This in term influences the internal organs via nerve reflex pathways. The nervous system also releases chemicals, opioids and endorphins, which can dull pain and decrease symptoms of a variety of conditions. Acupuncture is thought to cause a discharge of chemicals and hormones that affect the body’s internal mechanism, promote a natural healing process and bring about biochemical balance.

What are the benefits of Acupuncture?

·       It improves or prevents a variety of health conditions like osteoarthritis, headaches, infertility,  sciatica, tennis elbow, emotional problems, eye problems, labour induction, period problems etc.

·       It is cost effective.

·       There are virtually no risks or side effects when performed by a fully qualified practitioner.

·       It has a positive effect on body, mind and spirit.

·       It is used as a preventative medicine

·       Acupuncture can enhance the immune system

·       It is a potent stress reliever.

·       It increases mental clarity

·       People who do not respond to mainstream pain medication or treatment may  find relief of symptoms with Acupuncture.

Why is Acupuncture still around today?

Because it has been effective for the last 2500 years!

CHINESE HERBS CAN HALT

PROGRESSION OF DIABETES

Breaking News

Researchers have recently reported that Chinese herbal medicine can prevent thedevelopment of diabetes in patients with a prediabetes diagnosis.

Prediabetes refers to individuals with impaired glucose intolerance, and presents a significant risk for progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Participants in the study were randomly allocated to two groups. One group took Tianqi capsules containing 10 Chinese herbal medicines for 12 months, while the other group took a placebo for the same time period. Oral glucose tolerance tests were performed every 3 months to assess whether the patients had progressed to diabetes or had normal glucose tolerance restored. At the end of the study, a significantly higher number of participants taking Tianqi showed normal glucose tolerance levels than those taking the placebo. The researchers concluded that Tianqi reduced the risk of diabetes by nearly a third compared with the placebo.

Furthermore, none of the participants reported any severe adverse affects from taking Tianqi.

Although the researchers state that their results need to be confirmed in larger clinical trials, they believe that Tianqi has great potential to be a safe and effective means of preventing T2DM.

‘With diabetes evolving into a serious public health burden worldwide, it is crucial to take steps to stem the flood of cases,’ said one of the study’s authors, Chun-Su Yuan, MD, PhD, of the University of

Chicago. ‘Patients often struggle to make the necessary lifestyle changes to control blood sugar levels, and current medications have limitations and can have adverse gastrointestinal side effects. Traditional Chinese herbs may offer a new option for managing blood sugar levels, either alone or in combination with other treatments.’

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs protect against colds and flu (printed from natural news)

 Cold and flu season is upon us. Traditional Chinese Medicine has effective time-tested techniques which boost immunity and protect us from colds or the flu. Points can be needled and herbal formulas can be given to balance the body's energy, strengthen the body and even speed recovery if one does come down with symptoms.

In Chinese medicine colds and flu are considered to be an external pathogen invading the body. When our body`s energy, or qi, is strong we are able to fight off these pathogens. If our qi is weak we come down with symptoms of cold and flu: headache, chills, fever, body aches, cough, and sore throat.

To keep our qi strong and prevent colds and flu it is important to

• Eat a healthy diet full of fresh raw fruits and vegetables.
• Cut out white and brown sugar, and corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup - all of which lower our immunity.
• Wash hands frequently with regular soap and water.
• Get outside in fresh air exposing your face to sunshine. It may be wise to supplement with vitamin D3 this time of year.
• Receive acupuncture treatments which strengthen the qi and balance energy.
• Choose herbal medicine, supplements and nourishing food to keep immunity strong.

It is important to make sure all meridians are balanced to keep the energy flowing smoothly and our immunity strong. Immunity relates especially to the earth and metal elements which show up in the pulse as the spleen and lung meridians.

In terms of herbal medicine

• Astragalus is an excellent immune tonic.
  
• Medicinal mushrooms such as Reishi and Maitake can boost the immune system especially if compromised.
  
• Four Gentlemen Formula is a classic Chinese herb formula to keep the qi strong.
  
• Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is a combination of ginseng, astragalus, and other herbs used to strengthen qi.

If someone comes down with symptoms of the flu the treatment switches to formulas which expel the pathogen:

• Yin Qiao contains cooling detoxifying herbs such as forsythia and honeysuckle. It is used with symptoms of sore throat, headache, and a yellow tongue coat.
• Gan Mao Ling is used when in the midst of a bad cold or flu especially with head and body aches.
  Acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been around for thousands of years successfully treating many disorders including colds and flu.
  
  References
  
  Xinnong, Cheng, Chief Editor. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion. Foreign Language Press, Beijing. 1990.
  Bensky, Dan and Gamble, Andrew. Chinese Herbal Medicine, Materia Medica. Eastland Press, Inc. Seattle, WA. 1986.
  Bensky, Dan and Gamble, Andrew. Chinese Herbal Medicines: Formulas and Strategies. Eastland Press, Inc. Seattle, WA. 1990
  
  
  

I asked the British Acupuncture council: Would your members be allowed to practice in China?
Because they state on their website:

BAcC professional codes

The British Acupuncture Council is committed to ensuring all patients receive the highest standard of professional care during their acupuncture treatment

.

Here's their answer!

Dear Robert

Thank you for your inquiry.

China is a very large country, and it would be difficult to offer a definitive view. However, as we understand it, the majority of acupuncture practice in China is offered through the state hospital system, and there are a variety of degree qualifications which mean that most practitioners are also trained in western medicine to a far greater extent than would be the case in the UK. This reflects the fact that acupuncture is in many areas of clinical specialty offered within the state system, and the training which people undertake can be as much as five to seven years long. There are shorter degree courses in China, but these tend to harness acupuncture to a western clinical skill. With the difficulty of making sense of the apparently infinite varieties of course available this means that we often have problems with determining the full extent of someone's competence when they apply through our external applicant route. What we can say with some confidence, though, is that it would be highly unlikely to find a course in China which replicated the form of UK courses, with the acupuncture skill being primary and sufficient western medicine included (about one third of course time) to ensure that practitioners can integrate their work with conventional medicine and be aware of red flag conditions requiring immediate referral.

That said, there is no doubt that there are more rural areas where acupuncture is still an apprentice-style system, often within families, which is roughly how it was pre-1945, and in these areas one assumes that if a practitioner was good enough they would be able to eke out a living. How the authorities might react to this is another matter, and we have not heard of any western Europeans who have taken their skills back to China in this way.

However, a number of the UK courses have close affiliations with Chinese hospitals and universities, and their students undertake six week or three month study programmes in China, and often undertake postgraduate training in China. Working within a specialist hospital department may give a practitioner a chance to see hundreds, if not thousands, of similar cases in a very short period of time, and this can provide invaluable clinical understanding.

There are also a number of short courses in cities like Nanjing and Beijing which offer three or six month training from scratch to westerners, and many of the senior figures in the profession undertook this training when UK training was in its infancy. We have a number of members who in the last decade have begun their training in this way and gone on to work successfully in Chinese hospital departments, but it has to be said that in each case they have had to meet our requirements in the UK and had to undertake a fair bit of additional training in clinical management and western medicine before we could admit them to membership.

The short answer, though, is that it would probably be unusual for a UK trained practitioner to be able to drop straight into mainstream acupuncture practice in China because of the way that this is offered as part of an integrated package of medicine through the state system.

Best regards

BRITISH ACUPUNCTURE COUNCIL

My reply:

Dear Sandy,

Thank you for your answer, however, I think you may be ill informed regarding the course structures in China, and indeed in your own country. In China, accredited Acupuncture practitioners have had a minimum of 5 to 7 year full time study. No one else is allowed to practice. The courses you offer in the UK, although they state them to be full time, are actually part time. Most of your colleges have courses running over 3 years part time with as little as 400 contact hours. This compared with a minimum of 3500 hrs in China. There are indeed short courses for foreigners, but these people are not allowed to practice in China. Only as part of their study under supervision. Been there and done that.

The reason I asked you the question is because a lot of my patients ask me, I will put your reply on my blog with a commentary.

Thank you,

Robert Vandevelde

Past President Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association

BAC:

Dear Robert

Many thanks for your very helpful comments.

I went back to the expert practitioner from whom we sought a response, and he fully understands your comments. However, he did point out that the course structures in China are complex, and although the vast majority are five to seven years long, the proportion of TCM to Western medicine is often variable. This has proved taxing on occasion when applicants to the BAcC have the usual booklet certificates without course transcripts, and on a number of occasions it has become apparent that the level of acupuncture training is quite rudimentary. In all cases, however, the training as a whole substantially exceeds what a UK trained practitioner can reasonably achieve, and would mean a reciprocal recognition of qualification was well-nigh impossible.

With regard to your comment about the part time nature of training, he pointed out that the courses are degree-equivalent within the UK University teaching systems, and that the balance of theory, contact time and western medical training had been struck after many years of complex discussion. The view always taken was that this provided a good basic level of training to deliver safe, competent and effective acupuncture on which the overwhelming majority of practitioners then engage in lifelong postgraduate education. There are many in the UK who believe that a five year training is the ideal, but at present the funding of training, either through private institutions or through universities, makes this development unlikely in the near future.

Once again, thank you for your response. We shall look forward to reading your bog with interest.

Best regards

THE BRITISH ACUPUNCTURE COUNCIL

What you are saying is that  your members have a basic knowledge of training but will learn the rest while they are practicing through continuing education!

Continuing study

20.      You must refresh your knowledge and techniques by, for example, attending appropriate seminars and post-graduate training courses, or by undertaking recognized Continuing Professional Development training. Failure to take part in an appropriate amount of post-graduate education will be taken into account by the Professional Conduct Committee if there are any allegations concerning your professional competence.

I'm sorry Sandy, but your code of safe practice does not state what appropriate continuing education is. and if you don't do any, no action will be taken unless there are allegations against  you concerning professional competence!
Not good enough is it?