[Objective]We researched the effect of five distal acupuncture points that is used for a treatment of eye disorders. [Method]This study was conducted on healthy non-smoking volunteers. We observed change at the time of the rest (Study 1, the control group n=65), and we observed effects of ocular circulation by acupuncture stimulation (Study 2, the stimulus group n=118). Stimulus groups were divided into five groups that are according to the acupoint stimulated as following:GB20 (Fuchi) group, LI4 (Gokoku) group, BL18 (Kanyu) group, GB37 (Komei) group and LI11 (Kyokuchi) group. Blood-flow velocity and pulsatility index (PI) in the central retinal artery (CRA) of the eye were measured using color Doppler imaging. An acupuncture needle was retained for 15min at the selected point. Dates were obtained at intervals of 7.5 min for a total of seven times during a 45-minute period while the subject was in the sitting position. [Results]In the control group showed no significant changeas for all cases of blood-flow velocity and PI. In groups with the stimulus showed that blood-flow velocity in the CRA was increased significantly and PI was decreased significantly. Blood pressure and heart rate scarcely changed in two groups.[Conclusion]These results suggest that acupuncture on the distal acupuncture points that is used for a treatment of eye disorders changes the circulation of CRA. The effect on the ocular circulation was greater in GB37 or in LI4, and was comparatively smaller in GB20.

View full abstract

Based on the differentiation of deficiency (hyporeactivity) and excess (hyperreactivity) syndromes according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) logic, 65 labyrinthine tinnitus cases of the example was classified into three groups, the excess constitutional type (18 cases), the deficiency constitutional type (37 cases) and the intermediate type (10 cases). Acupuncture treatment was carried out under the guidance of the basic principles of "seeking the fundamental of a disease in treatment"based on TCM.
The effect was evaluated using two parameters of subjective tinnitus assessment score in a special questionnaire (STS) and objective tinnitus loudness level in dB SL (OTL). Based on the changes in STS and OTL before and after the end of all therapeutic courses, the gross effective rate (GER) of 65 cases containing effective STS or OTL was 72.3%, while the strict effective rate where both STS and OTL showed effective (BER) was 47.7%. Among the three TCM syndromes differentiation groups, the excess constitutional type had the best therapeutic effect (66.7%of BER), fellows the deficiency constitutional type (48.7%of BER), and the intermediate type was the worst (only 10%of BER). Statistically, there was a significant difference among each syndrome differentiation group (p<0.05).
Meanwhile, the entire GER and BER went down to 55.4%and 38.5%respectively 2 months after the end of treatment to show a decreasing tendency of therapeutic effectiveness compared with those treatment rates immediately after the end of treatment. Especially, GER of the deficiency constitutional type showed a significant decrease (P<0.05).
We concluded that the TCM differentiation of deficiency and excess syndromes is a prerequisite for the determination of a correct acupuncture treatment for labyrinthine tinnitus. Through a thorough analysis and treatment on 65 clinical cases, the tinnitus of the excess constitutional type showed a higher reactivity for the treatment comparing to the other two types, the deficiency and the intermediate.

View full abstract

[Objective]The purpose of this study is to investigate a situation of practitioner-patient risk communication about acupuncture and moxibustion treatment.
[Methods]The subjects of this study were 250 Fukuoka City Acupuncture and Moxibustion Association's members and their 1,250 patients in Japan. The practitioner and patient questionnaires included the same items, with the same response categories.
[Results]Ninety-one practitioners (36.40%) and 407 patients (32.56%) returned questionnaires. The 'practitioner better'situation (i.e. when practitioners'evaluations were better than patients'evaluations) had the most negative influence on patient outcome measures compared with the other situations. For the explanation of medical testing, 'length of clinical experience'[OR 1.30, 95%CI 1.00 to 1.68]was a significant predictor of the practitioner-better situation. For the explanation of treatment, 'length of clinical experience'[OR 1.05, 95%CI 1.02 to 1.08]was a significant predictor of the practitioner-better situation. Most patients (73.21%) had not been asked about acupuncture and moxibustion therapy use by their physician. Twenty-seven (48.21%) patients informed their physicians about acupuncture and moxibustion therapy use. Five (4.00%) side effects were reported. The side effect occurred regardless of a practitioner and patient characteristics, and did not influence the patient's outcomes.
[Discussion]It is thought that obtaining knowledge is useful in the architecture of a person for future better practitioner-patient relations.

View full abstract

[Objective]To clarify that acupuncture of Cu and Zn at dynamic acupoints had significantly decreased oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) in the local epidermis. In this study, we evaluated the influences of moxibustion on the ORP and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the local epidermis.
[Methods]In volunteers and patient groups, direct moxibustion, moxa-needle and BANSHIN were performed.
[Results]In all stimulation methods, the ORP showed no changes at non-acupoints, but it significantly decreased at dynamic acupoints. A significant decrease in pH was observed after direct moxibustion at both non-acupoints and dynamic acupoints. On the contrary, pH showed a significant increase after moxa-needle, and radiant heat of which had been cut off.
[Conclusion]Direct moxibustion at plus points and moxa-needle at minus points clarified a part of the mechanisms of the effects of direct moxibustion and moxa-needle.

View full abstract

[Objective]To evaluate the effects of acupuncture treatment for refractory urinary urgency and incontinence after radical prostatectomy.
[Methods]Three patients who had urinary urgency and/or urinary incontinence four months after radical prostatectomy received acupuncture at the BL33(Zhongliao) point. Acupuncture was performed once per week for four weeks. Symptoms were assessed by the International Prostate Symptom Score, IPSS QOL index for subjective evaluation and Frequency-Volume chart for objective evaluation.
[Results]After acupuncture treatment, urinary urgency and urge incontinence were improved, however stress urinary incontinence persisted. The scores for IPSS and IPSS QOL index were improved. Frequency-Volume charts showed that voided volume was increased and frequency of urination decreased after acupuncture treatment.
[Conclusions]Acupuncture at the BL33point might be a useful treatment option for urinary urgency and urge incontinence after radical prostatectomy.

View full abstract

[Objective]It is important for students to learn in school education how to prevent medical accidents caused by deep insertion of a needle. Also, it is essential in safe acupuncture treatment that students are always reminded there are individual variations in subcutaneous structure and to confirm the position of the needle tip in the subcutaneous tissue. To recognize the acupuncture needle tip, muscle twitch induced by electrical stimulation through the acupuncture needle tip was felt with fingers of training students.
[Methods]To prevent accidental pneumothorax, acupuncture training was performed in the upper and lower extremities. After the class, we conducted a questionnaire investigation with the students.
[Result]As the result, students realized that the position of the needle tip which they assumed is different from the real position in subcutaneous tissue.
[Discussion]Without knowing the precise position of the acupuncture needle tip, a desirable effect is not provided, and furthermore, a medical accident may be caused. It is important to confirm the position of the acupuncture needle tip with consideration to individual variation for safe and effective acupuncture treatment.
[Conclusion]We concluded that the skill to prick and insert the acupuncture needle to the correct position is so important in preventing medical accidents that training to learn correct needle tip position should be given in acupuncture education.

View full abstract

The (First) Japan Acupuncture Point Committee was established in 1965 and the nomenclature for meridians and acupuncture points was standardized at the meeting in Geneva in 1989. After that the first Informal Consultation on Development of International Standard Acupuncture Points Locations was organized by WHO/WPRO and held in Beijing (2003). In Japan the (second) Japan Acupuncture Point committee started April in 2004. Japan, China and Korea held nine meetings and made a draft for the Locations of Acupuncture Points. According to the draft made at the official meeting of 'the Development of Standard Acupuncture Point Locations'held in Tsukuba, Japan (2006), Acupuncture Point Locations were further standardized. Finaly, the book "WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region"was published on May 16th, 2008. Here, we want to report on the Commemorative Lecture Meeting for Publication of WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations held on May 30th, 2008.

View full abstract

The FIFA Club World Cup is a football competition which is similar to the FIFA World Cup;however, it is contested between the champion clubs among all six continental confederations;Africa, Asian, Europe, North Central American and the Caribbean, Oceania and South America. Referees were selected from all six confederations. FIFA and the Japan Football Association (JFA) offered 2 Japanese acupuncture therapists to support referees medically during the competition which lasted 16 days. Medical support consisted of first aid on the pitch side during fitness tests, training, and matches. Acupuncture and massage therapy were also included to treat injury and to help recovery from fatigue. During the 16 days, acupuncture and massage therapy were applied in 59 and 63treatment sessions respectively. In the case of injury, there were 2 cases of hamstring tear, 1case of lower back pain, and 1 case of cervical pain. Acupuncture therapy was applied in these injuries, and treatment had a positive effect in all cases. However, a referee removed from competition because of the severity of injury (grade II hamstring tear). Throughout the competition, acupuncture therapy remained to be a less recognized treatment method;even some referees have never seen acupuncture needles before. Language barrier often affects the quality of treatment at international events such as the World Cup. Therefore, effective communication skills are required to introduce and explain acupuncture therapy, and also to conduct examination of injuries. As part of effective communication, therapists have to understand more about their different cultural background such as food and religion. In addition, the majority of referees promoted self medication by the use of supplements and a basic knowledge is therefore necessary to give them the right advice. Hygiene is one of the most considerable factors, especially to people who are not familiar with acupuncture therapy i.e. other nationalities. This is because to decrease the risk of infection and to show them acupuncture is a safe treatment method.

View full abstract

The 20th annual symposium of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture (AAMA) was held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington D.C. in the US on 11-13April 2008. In addition, pre-symposium workshops were held on 10 April 2008.
The number of pre-registered participants was 289. Final number has not been published as of 3August 2008.
Lectures and the related workshops were delivered by 17 faculty members. Also, a poster session was prepared. It was impressive that new 'promising'conditions for acupuncture were recommended. The workshop to encourage the insurance reimbursement as well.

View full abstract