Effect of Siguan Acupuncture on Gastrointestinal Motility: A Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Crossover Trial

Siguan acupoints have been used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms in acupuncture practices for a long time. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Siguan acupuncture on gastrointestinal motility under accelerated conditions using a randomized, sham-acupuncture-controlled, crossover study. Twenty-one healthy male subjects were hospitalized and randomized into either a real acupuncture group (at Siguan acupoints) or a sham acupuncture group. Subjects were administered with mosapride citrate (15 mg a day) for 2 days starting 24 hours before the first acupuncture treatment. Immediately after the administration of radio markers, acupuncture treatment was conducted 4 times at 12-hour intervals. Gastrointestinal motility was assessed using radiograph distribution of the radio-markers located in the small intestine, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, rectum, and outside the body immediately after the first acupuncture treatment and at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours. After a 2-week washout period, the real acupuncture group in the first session was treated with sham acupuncture in the second session, and vice versa. Gastrointestinal motility was generally reduced in the real acupuncture group compared with the sham acupuncture group throughout the 4 different time points. A significant difference was observed at 24 hours following the first acupuncture treatment (P<0.05).

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The cerebral mechanism of acupuncture for chronic insomnia with gastrointestinal disorder: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Trials ◽

10.1186/s13063-021-05332-3 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wei Peng ◽

Xiaojuan Hong ◽

Yaru Huangfu ◽

Zhao Sun ◽

Wei Shen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Acupuncture Treatment ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Acupuncture Group ◽

Chronic Insomnia ◽

Self Rating ◽

Real Acupuncture ◽

Gi Symptoms ◽

Mri Scans ◽

Multimodal Mri

Abstract Background Many patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID) have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. First-line insomnia medications do not treat GI problems. Acupuncture has a comprehensive regulative action on both CID and GI disorder and is receiving increasing attention. Recent studies indicate that both CID and GI diseases may cause abnormal brain activity. However, the neurological mechanism underlying the effect of acupuncture on such diseases is still unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the pathological mechanisms of CID with GI discomfort, as well as the main response characteristics of acupuncture treatment from multiple perspectives using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods A total of 60 participants with CID and GI disorders will be randomly divided into two groups (real acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group; ratio of 1:1). Patients will receive 20 sessions (five sessions per week) of real acupuncture treatment or sham acupuncture treatment. The primary outcome is the aggregate score on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Secondary outcomes are scores on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Multimodal MRI scans and clinical assessments will be performed both at baseline and post-treatment. Another 30 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy subjects will be recruited as controls and will receive MRI scans and clinical evaluations. Discussion This study aims to provide scientific evidence for the mechanism of acupuncture in treating CID with GI disorder using multimodal MRI imaging data on brain structure, function, and metabolism. Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1800017092 (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=27173). Registered on July 11, 2018.

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A Sham-Controlled Trial of Acupuncture as An Adjunct in Migraine Prophylaxis

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/acupmed-2013-010362 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 32 (1) ◽

pp. 12-16 ◽

Cited By ~ 14

Author(s):

Mohsen Foroughipour ◽

Amir Reza Golchian ◽

Mohsen Kalhor ◽

Saeed Akhlaghi ◽

Mohammad Taghi Farzadfard ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Controlled Trial ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Migraine Prophylaxis ◽

Acupuncture Group ◽

Migraine Headaches ◽

Prophylactic Drugs ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Group A ◽

The Difference ◽

Sham Acupuncture Group

Background Migraine is one of the most common types of headache, with significant socioeconomic effects. Prophylactic drugs are used to prevent migraine headaches but are unpromising. Objective To assess the effects of adding acupuncture to conventional migraine prophylaxis. Methods One hundred patients with migraine (41 male, 59 female), in whom prophylactic drugs had not produced a fall of at least 50% in the number of attacks, entered the study. The patients were randomised into two groups, sham and true acupuncture. The patients in both groups continued their prophylactic treatment and received 12 sessions of either true or sham acupuncture. Each session was 30 min and was repeated three times a week. The number of headaches in the two groups was compared at baseline, and at the end of four successive months. Results There was no significant difference in the frequency of attacks between the two groups before intervention. After 1 month, the frequency of attacks each month decreased from 5.1 (0.8) to 3.4 (1.2) in the true acupuncture group, and from 5.0 (0.8) to 4.4 (1.1) in the sham acupuncture group (a significant difference, p<0.001). The frequency continued to decrease in month 2 but increased in months 3 and 4; however, it was still significantly lower than baseline, and the difference remained significant after month 4. Conclusions Acupuncture is applicable as an adjunct to prophylactic drugs in migraineurs in whom the number of attacks does not fall with prophylactic medication.

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Effects of Acupuncture on Cardiac Remodeling in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Patient- and Assessor-Blinded Pilot Trial and Its Implications for Future Research

Medicina ◽

10.3390/medicina58010041 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 58 (1) ◽

pp. 41

Author(s):

Jung Myung Lee ◽

Seung Min Kathy Lee ◽

Jungtae Leem ◽

Jin-Bae Kim ◽

Jimin Park ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Atrial Fibrillation ◽

Treatment Group ◽

Cardiac Remodeling ◽

Acupuncture Treatment ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Acupuncture Group ◽

Future Research ◽

Control Group ◽

Sham Acupuncture Group ◽

Af Recurrence

Background and Objectives: In this study, we attempted to determine the effects of acupuncture on cardiac remodeling and atrial fibrillation (AF) recurrence rates in patients with AF after electrical cardioversion (EC). Materials and Methods: We randomly assigned 44 patients with persistent AF to an acupuncture group or a sham acupuncture group. An electroacupuncture treatment session was administered once weekly for 12 weeks at four acupuncture points (left PC5, PC6, ST36, and ST37). Results: Among the 44 recruited participants, 16 (treatment group) and 15 (control group) completed the trial. The three-month AF recurrence rate (primary outcome) was not significantly different between the two groups. Following the completion of treatment, patients who had been treated with acupuncture had a significant reduction in left atrial volume index (42.2 ± 13.9 to 36.1 ± 9.7 mL/m2; p = 0.028), whereas no change in atrial size was observed in the sham acupuncture group. No serious adverse events were observed. The AF recurrence rate and cardiac function did not differ significantly between the two groups. At three months, the acupuncture treatment group showed more favorable atrial structural remodeling compared to the sham acupuncture group. Conclusion: In future research on acupuncture in AF management, it is recommended that the inclusion criteria be amended to include only symptomatic AF, that an appropriate control group is designed, and that the acupuncture treatment frequency is increased to several times per week.

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The Cerebral Mechanism of Acupuncture for Chronic Insomnia with Gastrointestinal Disorder: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

10.21203/rs.3.rs-27956/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Wei Peng ◽

Xiaojuan Hong ◽

Yaru Huangfu ◽

Zhao Sun ◽

Wei Shen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Rating Scale ◽

Acupuncture Treatment ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Acupuncture Group ◽

Chronic Insomnia ◽

Self Rating ◽

Real Acupuncture ◽

Gi Symptoms ◽

Mri Scans ◽

Multimodal Mri

Abstract BackgroundMany patients with chronic insomnia disorder (CID) have gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. First-line insomnia medications do not treat GI problems. Acupuncture has a comprehensive regulative action on both CID and GI disorder and is receiving increasing attention. Recent studies indicate that both CID and GI diseases may cause abnormal brain activity. However, the neurological mechanism underlying the effect of acupuncture on such diseases is still unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the pathological mechanisms of CID with GI discomfort, as well as the main response characteristics of acupuncture treatment from multiple perspectives using multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).MethodsA total of 60 participants with CID and GI disorders will be randomly divided into two groups (real acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group; ratio of 1:1). Patients will receive 20 sessions (five sessions per week) of real acupuncture treatment or sham acupuncture treatment. The primary outcome is the aggregate score on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Secondary outcomes are scores on the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale, Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, and Self-Rating Depression Scale. Multimodal MRI scans and clinical assessments will be performed both at baseline and post-treatment. Another 30 age-, sex-, and education-matched healthy subjects will be recruited as controls and will receive MRI scans and clinical evaluations. DiscussionThis study aims to provide scientiﬁc evidence for the mechanism of acupuncture in treating CID with GI disorder using multimodal MRI imaging data on brain structure, function, and metabolism. Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on July 11, 2018. (ChiCTR1800017092)

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Does Prior Acupuncture Exposure Affect Perception of Blinded Real Or Sham Acupuncture?

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/acupmed-2013-010449 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 155-159 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Caitlin R Dilli ◽

Rebecca Childs ◽

Julie Berk ◽

M K Christian ◽

Nancy Nguyen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cognitive Impairment ◽

Chinese Medicine ◽

Traditional Chinese Medicine ◽

Outpatient Clinic ◽

Acupuncture Treatment ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Colorado School ◽

The Real ◽

Recent Exposure ◽

Real Acupuncture

Objective To determine if acupuncture-exposed and naïve participants differ in their perceptions of real and sham acupuncture under blinded conditions. Methods The setting was an outpatient clinic at the Colorado School of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Participants were between the ages of 18 and 90 years. Acupuncture-exposed participants had at least five prior acupuncture treatments, with one treatment in the month prior to the study date. Acupuncture-naïve participants had experienced no prior acupuncture treatments. Participants with dementia, cognitive impairment, or neuropathy were excluded. In total, 61 acupuncture-exposed and 59 acupuncture-naïve participants were blindfolded and received either real acupuncture or toothpick sham acupuncture treatment. Following treatment, participants completed a questionnaire rating the realness of the acupuncture and were asked how they made this determination. We used a previously developed scale rating treatments from 1 (definitely real needle) to 5 (definitely imitation needle) to assess outcome. Results Perceptions of the real treatment were rated as more real than sham treatments for all participants. Further analysis revealed that prior acupuncture exposure did not influence ratings of real treatments, but exposed participants rated sham treatments as significantly less real than naïve participants. Conclusions Acupuncture-naïve and exposed participants both reported different perceptions of real and sham acupuncture using a blindfolded toothpick protocol. This suggests that future trials should carefully monitor participant perceptions of treatments received, even for naïve individuals. Differences between groups further suggest that participants with significant and/or recent exposure to real acupuncture may introduce bias to blinded clinical acupuncture trials.

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Validation of a Simplified Sham Acupuncture Technique for Its Use in Clinical Research: A Randomised, Single Blind, Crossover Study

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/aim.2009.001735 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 28 (1) ◽

pp. 33-36 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Marcelo Kreiner ◽

Ana Zaffaroni ◽

Ramón Alvarez ◽

Glenn Clark

Keyword(s):

Clinical Research ◽

Crossover Study ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Group Differences ◽

Significant Group ◽

The Real ◽

Real Acupuncture ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Single Blind ◽

Blind Crossover Study

Objectives The validity of a new sham acupuncture technique was tested on acupuncture naïve healthy subjects. Methods The procedure was tested in accupoints LI4 and ST6 in a randomised, single blind and crossover study. The participants were blind to which technique they received. 32 healthy volunteers (15 men, 17 women, aged between 20 and 62 years, mean age 34 years) were recruited at the Universidad de la República, Uruguay. Interventions Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: (1) real acupuncture or (2) sham acupuncture. After 30 min, the patients were ‘needled’ again in a crossover design. Main outcome measures A yes/no questionnaire was used to assess the credibility and characteristics of the procedure. Results For the credibility question (do you think you received real acupuncture?) no statistically significant group differences were evident before or after the crossover. Subjects who answered yes to this question ranged from 14/16 (87.5%) before crossover to 10/16 (62.5%) after crossover for the sham and 12/16 (75%) before crossover to 15/16 (93.8%) after crossover for the real acupuncture. The question that showed a significant difference (only after crossover) was the question, “did you feel the needle penetrating the skin?”; after crossover 12/16 (75%) subjects in the real acupuncture group said yes and 2/16 (12%) subjects in the sham group said yes to this question (p<0.01). Conclusions These data suggests that this method is credible and constitutes a simple and inexpensive technique for use as a control in clinical research in acupuncture naïve subjects.

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Acupuncture at the P6 Acupoint to Prevent Postoperative Pain after Craniotomy: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2021/6619855 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 2021 ◽

pp. 1-8

Author(s):

Jian-Qin Lv ◽

Peng-Cheng Li ◽

Li Zhou ◽

Wen-Fu Tang ◽

Ning Li

Keyword(s):

Postoperative Pain ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Acupuncture Group ◽

Controlled Study ◽

Pain Scores ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Lower Pain ◽

Sham Acupuncture Group ◽

De Qi

Objective. Acute pain management after craniotomy can be challenging. Previous studies have shown inadequate pain control following the procedure. Oral medication can sometimes be delayed by postoperative nausea, and use of anesthetics may impair the assessment of brain function. We conducted this prospective study to evaluate the effect of acupuncture at the P6 acupoint on postoperative pain, nausea, and vomiting in patients undergoing craniotomy. Methods. The authors conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled trial among 120 patients scheduled for craniotomy under general anesthesia. 120 patients were randomly assigned into an acupuncture group or a sham acupuncture group. All patients received standardized anesthesia and analgesia treatment. Acupuncture was executed in the recovery room after surgery. For the acupuncture group, the P6 points on each wrist were punctured perpendicularly to a depth of 20 mm. Needles were retained for 30 min and stimulated every 10 min to maintain the De-Qi sensation. For the sham acupuncture group, sham points on each wrist were punctured perpendicularly to a depth of 5 mm. Needles were retained for 30 min with no stimulation during the duration. The postoperative pain scores, PONV, and dose of tramadol were assessed 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after surgery. Results. A total of 117 patients completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( P > 0.05 ). The VAS pain score of the acupuncture group was lower than that of the sham acupuncture group, and this difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.002 ). There was no difference in pain scores between the two groups during 0–24 h and 48–72 h ( P > 0.05 ). The incidence of vomiting in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the sham acupuncture group during the 0–24 h period (13.8% vs. 28.8%, P = 0.048 ). There was no difference in vomiting, however, during the 24–72 h period ( P > 0.05 ). No significant differences were found in the degree of nausea and the dose of tramadol between the two groups at either time point in the acupuncture group and sham acupuncture group. Conclusion. The use of acupuncture at the P6 acupoint in neurosurgery patients did result in significantly lower pain scores and reduction in the incidence of vomiting after craniotomy. There were no significant side effects. Acupuncture at the P6 acupoint was well tolerated and safe in this patient population.

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Developing and Validating a Sham Acupuncture Needle

Acupuncture in Medicine ◽

10.1136/aim.2009.000737 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 118-122 ◽

Cited By ~ 35

Author(s):

Elizabeth A Tough ◽

Adrian R White ◽

Suzanne H Richards ◽

Brian Lord ◽

John L Campbell

Keyword(s):

Randomised Controlled Trial ◽

Trigger Point ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Previous Experience ◽

Credibility Scale ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Sham Intervention ◽

Sham Acupuncture Group ◽

Randomised Controlled

Objectives To develop a sham needle device and test its credibility as a control for acupuncture when used in a randomised controlled trial of myofascial trigger point needling in patients with whiplash associated pain. Methods Sham needles were developed by blunting true acupuncture needles. Whiplash injured patients (<16 weeks duration) were randomly allocated to receive either true acupuncture or the “placebo” sham needle control. The true and sham needling interventions were delivered using the same standardised procedure. Patients were informed that they would receive either real or placebo needles, and asked (i) to state which treatment they believed they had received (treatment belief); (ii) to complete the four item Borkovec and Nau self-assessment credibility scale. Results were compared between groups and the analysis explored whether a patient's previous experience of acupuncture was related to their treatment belief. Other outcomes of the study will be reported elsewhere. Results 20 patients received the true acupuncture and 21 received the sham. There was no significant difference between the treatment beliefs of the two groups (χ 2 = 1.51; p>0.2) nor in the mean item scores on the Borkovec and Nau credibility scale (t test, p values ranged from 0.38 to 0.87). Of the patients in the sham acupuncture group who had previous experience of acupuncture, none recorded receiving the sham intervention. Conclusion Within the context of this pilot study, the sham acupuncture intervention was found to be a credible control for acupuncture. This supports its use in a planned, definitive, randomised controlled trial on a similar whiplash injured population.

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Effect of “Deqi” during the Study of Needling “Wang’s Jiaji” Acupoints Treating Spasticity after Stroke

Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1155/2014/715351 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 2014 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Huanqin Li ◽

Huilin Liu ◽

Cunzhi Liu ◽

Guangxia Shi ◽

Wei Zhou ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Statistical Difference ◽

Early Stage ◽

Controlled Trial ◽

Muscle Tension ◽

Sham Acupuncture ◽

Acupuncture Group ◽

Randomized Controlled ◽

Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial ◽

Sham Acupuncture Group

Background.Acupuncture has been shown to reduce spasticity and prevent the onset of spasticity after stroke. The purpose of this study is to assess the effect of “Deqi” during needling “Wang’s Jiaji” acupoints treating spasticity in the early stage of stroke.Methods. This study is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, controlled trial. 238 patients with stroke (<21 days) participated and were randomly allocated to the verum-acupuncture (n=121) group or sham-acupuncture group (n=117). The verum-acupuncture group received verum acupuncture required to produce the sense of “Deqi” while the sham-acupuncture group received sham acupuncture without “Deqi.” Patients in both groups followed the same 30 min acupuncture regimen 5 times per week for a period of 4 weeks. Scales of MAS, FMA, ADL, MBI, NIHSS, SS-QOL, and MRS were measured at baseline and at 2, 4, and 12 weeks after intervention.Results.Significant differences were observed between two groups. The MRS rating composition has the statistical difference after 4 weeks (P=0.017). The score of MAS, FMA, Barthel, and SSQOL in verum-acupuncture group has increased significantly compared with the sham-acupuncture group after 12 weeks. There was 14% reduction of higher muscle tension in the verum-acupuncture group.Conclusion.Acupuncture “Wang’s Jiaji” points with sensation of “Deqi” in the early stage may reduce the occurrence and decrease the severity of spasticity after stroke.

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The Clinical Application Value of Multiple Combination Food Intolerance Testing

Iranian Journal of Public Health ◽

10.18502/ijph.v48i6.2905 ◽

2020 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Shudong LIN ◽

Xiujing YANG ◽

Ying XING ◽

Xingye WANG ◽

Yadong LI

Keyword(s):

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Egg White ◽

The Body ◽

Food Intolerance ◽

Igg Antibodies ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Positive Rate ◽

Specific Igg ◽

Symptom Group ◽

Specific Igg Antibodies

Background: We aimed to investigate the clinical value of detecting 14 food intolerances. Methods: A total of 312 patients with food intolerance enrolled in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical University (Qiqihar, China) from Feb 2016 to Feb 2017 were selected. ELISA was used to detect intolerance specific IgG antibodies for 14 foods (pork, chicken, beef, shrimp, fish, crab, egg white/yolk, tomato, mushroom, milk, corn, rice, soybean, wheat). Results: The highest average positive rate of the patients was 42.31% for the crab, followed by shrimp 21.15%, egg white/yolk 18.27% and milk 16.99%. The positive rate from high to low was crab, shrimp, egg white/yolk, milk, fish, corn, soybeans, tomatoes, rice, mushrooms, wheat, pork, beef, chicken. There were significant differences in the specific IgG antibody positive rates between shrimp, soybean and wheat in the skin symptoms group, gastrointestinal symptoms group, respiratory symptom group and nervous system symptom group (P<0.05). There was a significant difference in the positive rate of specific IgG antibodies between shrimp, crab and egg white/yolk in the adolescent group, the middle-aged group and the elderly group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The detection of food-specific IgG antibodies can help to determine which food intolerance caused the disease, and then adopt a fasting or diet method to avoid eating unsuitable foods and continually damaging the body, thus maintaining good health. The detection method provides a new idea for the diagnosis and prevention of diseases.

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