A Study of the Comparative Accuracy of Two Methods of Locating Acupuncture Points

2000 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark Aird ◽  
Meaghan Coyle ◽  
DM Cobbin ◽  
C Zaslawski
Keyword(s):  
Effective Treatment ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Point Location ◽  
Essential Component ◽  
Mechanical Methods ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Comparative Accuracy ◽  
Acupuncture Research

The ability to locate an acupuncture point accurately is an essential component of both effective treatment and meaningful acupuncture research. This study examined the comparative accuracy of two commonly used mechanical methods of acupuncture point location: directional and proportional. Twenty final-year acupuncture students attempted to locate the points LI.10 (Shousanli) and ST.40 (Fenglong) using each method contralaterally on a volunteer. Both methods are appropriate for use in the locating of these points. Analysis of the results found no significant difference in accuracy between the two methods for either LI.10 (t=1.05, p=0.31) or ST.40 (t=0.59, p=0.57), both methods being found to be similarly inaccurate. The findings of this study demonstrate the serious limitations of both methods for accurate point location. Implications for acupuncture research and treatment are discussed.

An Evaluation of the Cun Measurement System of Acupuncture Point Location

2005 ◽  
Vol 33 (05) ◽  
pp. 729-735 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chang Shik Yin ◽  
Hi-Joon Park ◽  
Jung-Chul Seo ◽  
Sabina Lim ◽  
Hyeong-Gyun Koh
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Measurement System ◽  
Scientific Research ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Point Location ◽  
Anthropometric Data ◽  
Obese Subjects ◽  
Acupuncture Research ◽  
Asian People

Locating acupuncture points reliably and reproducibly is indispensable for the scientific research of acupuncture and for assuring the best care of patients. Unreliable point location can produce confounding results for acupuncture research and clinical practice. Two traditional methods of point location are currently used, directional (F-cun) and proportional (B-cun) methods, which are collectively called the cun measurement system. Reports have been published on the validity of the cun measurement system in Australian subjects; however, as acupuncture originated in ancient East China, it is possible that anthropometric data may differ in Asian people and other races. Therefore, we measured anthropometric data according to the cun measurement system in contemporary Korean patients. The F-cun measurements were significantly different from the B-cun measurements and varied significantly according to the arbitrarily selected F-cun standard. In addition, we observed further differences of F-cun measurements in the extremities of obese subjects. We concluded that the F-cun method is unreliable and that further research should be conducted to determine a more accurate point-locating method primarily based on the B-cun method.

Accuracy of acupuncture point location among first-year acupuncture students: A pilot study evaluating the impact of training and use of an adjustable ruler

2020 ◽  
pp. 096452842092030
Author(s):  
Debra R Godson ◽  
Jonathan L Wardle
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Ease Of Use ◽  
World Health ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
First Year ◽  
Point Location ◽  
Regional Office ◽  
Comparative Accuracy ◽  
The Impact

Background The proportional method of acupuncture point location (APL) currently taught at Endeavor College of Natural Health and advocated by the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific (WPRO) was found to be imprecise and/or inaccurate in previous student studies. The ruler and elastic methods of APL were identified as more accurate or precise than the proportional method of APL but were not well received by student participants. Use of an adjustable ruler may overcome barriers to uptake of the more accurate APL methods. This pilot study was the first to evaluate the comparative accuracy of the adjustable ruler and the proportional methods of APL in first-year students at a major Australian acupuncture training college. Methods After 10 weeks of in-class instruction in both proportional and adjustable ruler methods of APL, student participants (n = 14) attempted location of three acupuncture points (LI10, SP6 and ST38) on a volunteer using both APL methods of interest. A self-administered questionnaire and lecturer field notes elucidated attitudes to implementation of both APL methods. Results Points marked using the adjustable ruler were closer to the correct location than those marked using the proportional method across all three acupuncture points. Students and lecturers rated the adjustable ruler more highly than the proportional method for ease of learning and ease of use. Conclusion Encouraging results with the adjustable ruler method warrant further larger scale studies. Use of the adjustable ruler method of APL should be considered for use in point location training at educational institutions teaching traditional acupuncture.

Is There Any Difference in Human Pupillary Reaction When Different Acupuncture Points Are Stimulated?

2010 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidetoshi Mori ◽  
Tim Hideaki Tanaka ◽  
Hiroshi Kuge ◽  
Eiichi Taniwaki ◽  
Ken Sasaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Model ◽  
Pupil Diameter ◽  
Latin Square ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Pupillary Response ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Pupillary Reaction ◽  
Acupuncture Stimulation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Diameter Reduction

Objectives To determine if there is any difference in pupillary response among different acupuncture stimulation sites. Methods The subjects were 14 healthy males who had no known eye diseases or abnormality in their pupils. They received five different interventions: no acupuncture stimulation (hereinafter ‘no-stimulation’) and acupuncture stimulation at four sites (TE5, ST7, CV12 and ST36). The Latin square design was used to allocate stimulation order. For all acupuncture stimulation interventions, a disposable acupuncture needle was inserted superficially at the acupuncture point. Gentle repetitive tapping stimulation was applied manually during the subject's exhalation phase of respiration, for 90 s. The pupil diameter was continuously measured for 2 min before stimulation, during stimulation and for 2 min after stimulation. Statistical analysis was conducted on serial changes in pupil diameter during acupuncture stimulation on each respective site and during non-stimulation session by analysis of variance and Fisher (least significant difference) multiple comparison, with linear analysis using a mixed model. Results Pupil diameter reduction occurred at 30 s after stimulation on ST7 (p=0.008) and 60 s after stimulation (p=0.014) compared with pre-stimulation. The decrease of pupillary diameter occurred 60 s after stimulation on TE5 (p=0.028) compared with pre-stimulation. On ST36, CV12 and during the non-stimulation intervention, no significant change in the pupil diameter was observed. Conclusions Pupillary reaction varies depending on the different stimulation sites.

Comparison of the Effectiveness of Six and Two Acupuncture Point Regimens in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomised Trial

2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wirat Taechaarpornkul ◽  
Daranee Suvapan ◽  
Chaniya Theppanom ◽  
Chantima Chanthipwaree ◽  
Aroon Chirawatkul
Keyword(s):  
Global Assessment ◽  
Randomised Trial ◽  
Point Group ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Womac Score ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Osteoarthritis Of The Knee ◽  
Language Version ◽  
Knee Oa ◽  
Significant Difference

Background Although substantial data have supported the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA), the number of points used has varied. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of six and two acupuncture points in the treatment of knee OA. Methods A randomised trial of knee OA patients was conducted. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 35. The “six point group” received treatment at six acupuncture points, ST35, EX-LE4 ( Neixiyan), ST36, SP9, SP10 and ST34, while the “two point group” received treatment at just the first pair of points, ST35 and EX-LE4. Both groups received twice weekly electroacupuncture on 10 occasions. Electrical stimulation was carried out at low-frequency of 3 Hz to all points, with the intensity as high as tolerable. Both groups were allowed to take a 200 mg celecoxib capsule per day for intolerable pain. Patients were assessed at baseline, week 5, week 9 and week 13, using a Thai language version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). Global assessment of change after 10 treatments was also recorded. Results Acupuncture at both six and two acupuncture points was associated with significant improvement. Mean total WOMAC score at weeks 5 and 13 of patients in both groups showed no significant difference statistically (p = 0.75 and p = 0.51). Moreover, the number of celecoxib capsules taken, global assessment of global change and body weight change of both groups also showed no statistical difference. Conclusion This evidence suggests that electroacupuncture to two local points may be sufficient to treat knee OA, but in view of some limitations to this study further research is necessary before this can be stated conclusively.

scholarly journals Skin Impedance Measurements for Acupuncture Research: Development of a Continuous Recording System

2008 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 443-450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agatha P. Colbert ◽  
Jinkook Yun ◽  
Adrian Larsen ◽  
Tracy Edinger ◽  
William L. Gregory ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Channel ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Skin Impedance ◽  
Acupuncture Points ◽  
Control Software ◽  
Design Considerations ◽  
Impedance System ◽  
Acupuncture Research ◽  
Ap Site ◽  
Volar Surface

Skin impedance at acupuncture points (APs) has been used as a diagnostic/therapeutic aid for more than 50 years. Currently, researchers are evaluating the electrophysiologic properties of APs as a possible means of understanding acupuncture's mechanism. To comprehensively assess the diagnostic, therapeutic and mechanistic implications of acupuncture point skin impedance, a device capable of reliably recording impedances from 100 kΩ to 50 MΩ at multiple APs over extended time periods is needed. This article describes design considerations, development and testing of a single channel skin impedance system (hardware, control software and customized electrodes). The system was tested for accuracy against known resistors and capacitors. Two electrodes (the AMI and the ORI) were compared for reliability of recording over 30 min. Two APs (LU 9 and PC 6) and a nearby non-AP site were measured simultaneously in four individuals for 60 min. Our measurement system performed accurately (within 5%) against known resistors (580 kΩ–10 MΩ) and capacitors (10 nF–150 nF). Both the AMI electrode and the modified ORI electrode recorded skin impedance reliably on the volar surface of the forearm (r= 0.87 andr= 0.79, respectively). In four of four volunteers tested, skin impedance at LU 9 was less than at the nearby non-AP site. In three of four volunteers skin impedance was less at PC 6 than at the nearby non-AP site. We conclude that our system is a suitable device upon which we can develop a fully automated multi-channel device capable of recording skin impedance at multiple APs simultaneously over 24 h.

scholarly journals Counteracting Radio-Resistance Using the Optimization of Radiotherapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 1767
Author(s):  
François Chevalier
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Effective Treatment ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Essential Component ◽  
Cost Effective Treatment

Radiotherapy is an essential component of cancer therapy and remains one of the most (cost-) effective treatment options available [...]

scholarly journals Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound Evaluation of Mifepristone for Treatment of Low-Risk Cesarean Scar Pregnancy

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Xi Xiong ◽  
Chun-yan Gao ◽  
De-mei Ying ◽  
Ping Yan ◽  
Zhi-jia Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Effective Treatment ◽  
Low Risk ◽  
Contrast Enhanced Ultrasound ◽  
Intrauterine Pregnancy ◽  
Cesarean Scar Pregnancy ◽  
Cesarean Scar ◽  
Ultrasound Evaluation ◽  
Contrast Enhanced ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Before And After

Purpose. The effect of mifepristone for treatment of low-risk cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) was monitored by contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). Methods. Data were collected from 23 CSP patients with a 10-point risk score <5 (low-risk CSP) and from 23 intrauterine pregnancy (IUP) patients with a scar from a previous cesarean delivery. All patients were prescribed 75 mg mifepristone daily for 2 days and underwent transvaginal CEUS before and after administration of mifepristone. On the third day, uterine curettage was performed after transvaginal CEUS. Arrival time (AT), peak intensity (PI), and area under the curve (AUC) around the gestational sac were monitored by CEUS before and after application of mifepristone, and the rate of effective treatment was compared between the two patient groups. Results. No patients experienced side effects from either the CEUS procedure or the mifepristone treatment. Changes in AT, PI, and AUC index from before vs. after mifepristone treatment did not differ significantly between the two groups (all p values >0.05). There was also no significant difference in the rate of effective treatment between the two groups (95.65% in the CSP group vs. 100% in the IUP group; p > 0.05 ). Conclusions. Based on monitoring by CEUS, the effect of mifepristone in low-risk CSP was comparable to that in IUP.

scholarly journals A comparative study of intra-cervical foley’s catheter and PGE2 gel for induction of labour at term

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 3689
Author(s):  
Anjali R. Kanada ◽  
Mahima Jain
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Caesarean Section ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Foley Catheter ◽  
Induction Of Labour ◽  
Cervical Ripening ◽  
Labour Induction ◽  
Mechanical Methods ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Foley’S Catheter

Background: In cervical ripening, before induction of labour, is needed to increase the success of labour induction, to reduce complications and to diminish the rate of caesarean section and duration of labour. Pharmacological preparations are in widespread use for cervical ripening but are not free from side-effects and complications. Mechanical methods, i.e. the use of Foley’s catheter balloon, though effective have not gained much popularity because of the fear of infection. Therefore, the study has been conducted to prove the efficacy and safety of extra amniotic Foley catheter balloon and to compare it with intra-cervical prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) gel. The objective of the study was to the success of induction of labor depends on the cervical status at the time of induction. For effective cervical ripening both Foley's catheter and PGE2 gel are used. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of intra cervical Foley's catheter and intra cervical PGE2 gel in cervical ripening for the successful induction of labor.Methods: A randomized, comparative study was conducted in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology, Civil hospital, B.J. Medical College Ahmedabad, during a period of 8 month from September 2018 to April 2019. 100 patients at term with a Bishop's score ≤5 with various indications for induction were randomly allocated to group F (intra-cervical Foley’s catheter) and group P (PGE2 gel) with 50 women included in each group.Results: The groups were comparable with respect to maternal age, gestation age, indication of induction and initial Bishop's score. Both the groups showed significant change in the Bishop's score, 5.10±1.55 and 5.14±1.60 for Foley's catheter and PGE2 gel, respectively, p <0.001. However there was no significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the side effects and caesarean section rate in both groups. The induction to delivery interval was 16.01±5.50 hours in group F and 16.85 ± 3.81 hours in group P (p=0.073). Apgar scores, birth weights and NICU admissions showed no significant difference between the two groups.Conclusions: The study shows that both Foley's catheter and PGE2 gel are equally effective in pre induction cervical ripening.

scholarly journals Acupuncture and Postoperative Vomiting in Day-Stay Paediatric Patients

1996 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 674-677 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. L. Schwager ◽  
D. B. Baines ◽  
R. J. Meyer
Keyword(s):  
Adult Population ◽  
Acupuncture Point ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Postoperative Vomiting ◽  
Double Blind ◽  
Paediatric Patients ◽  
Transcutaneous Stimulation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Stimulation Of

The stimulation of the acupuncture point P6 has been used to prevent nausea and vomiting in the adult population. It has, however, been subject to limited comparative evaluation in children. We proposed that stimulation of P6 and the analgesic point Li4 would reduce the incidence of postoperative vomiting. Eighty-four unpremedicated paediatric patients having day-stay surgery (circumcision or herniotomy/orchidopexy) were included in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of transcutaneous stimulation of P6 and Li4 or no stimulation. The incidence of vomiting was recorded for 24 hours postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in total postoperative vomiting in those patients who were stimulated, compared with the control group (P=0.909), or between any group for postoperative vomiting in the recovery ward, day-stay ward or at home. For all groups, vomiting was more common within the first four hours and more likely to occur in the day-stay ward.

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