Tag: acupuncture

The impact of “long COVID” on menstruation in Chinese female college students and the intervention of acupuncture

Abstract:

This study aimed to explore the potential application value of acupuncture in alleviating the impact of long COVID on women’s menstrual cycles, by investigating the occurrence of long COVID among female college students, its effects on menstruation, and the intervention of acupuncture. This cross-sectional study surveyed female college students with a history of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) before April 10, 2023.

A questionnaire was used to analyze demographic characteristics, post-COVID sequelaes, duration of symptoms, and treatments received during that period. Among the 731 participants enrolled in the survey, 468 were female undergraduate students who met the analysis criteria. Among them, 85 individuals fit the definition of “Long COVID” (18.16%).

Within the group of patients with long COVID, 69 individuals experienced changes in their overall menstrual patterns compared to the 6 months prior to contracting the novel coronavirus (81.18%). Additionally, 17 individuals opted for acupuncture treatment following the onset of COVID-19 (20.00%), which resulted in less impact on their menstrual cycle (41.18% vs 64.71% without receiving acupuncture, OR = 2.62), menstrual period duration (41.18% vs 64.71%, OR = 2.62), menstrual flow (47.06% vs 69.18%, OR = 2.52), and the color of menstrual blood (41.18% vs 63.24%, OR = 2.46) among these patients. Long COVID had a certain impact on menstruation.

Acupuncture potentially alleviates the clinical symptoms of long COVID and reduces its impact on women’s menstrual cycle, thus having potential therapeutic value in the treatment of long COVID.

Source: Dong J, Ni J, Zhang Z, Yan H, Xu J, Zhao J. The impact of “long COVID” on menstruation in Chinese female college students and the intervention of acupuncture. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024 Feb 9;103(6):e36818. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000036818. PMID: 38335408; PMCID: PMC10860984. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10860984/ (Full text)

Exploring the central mechanism of mind-regulation electroacupuncture in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome with anxiety and depression comorbidity based on functional magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract:

in English, Chinese

Objectives: To observe the changes in the regional homogeneity (ReHo) and functional brain network in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) with anxiety and depression comorbidity with the mind-regulation electroacupuncture (EA), using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI).

Methods: Thirty CFS patients with anxiety and depression comorbidity were enrolled from medical staffs as the observation group. The other 30 healthy subjects were recruited from medical university students as the control group, matching gender, age and education years with the observation group. No any acupuncture intervention was delivered in the control group, and EA for regulating the mind was operated in the observation group. Main points were the emotional area of Sun‘s scalp acupuncture, the regions 1 and 8 of Sun‘s abdominal acupuncture. Supplementary acupoints included Baihui (GV 20), Guanyuan (CV 4) and bilateral.

Results: The scores of the five domains in MFI-20 (i.e. general fatigue, physical fatigue, mental fatigue, reduced motivation and reduced activity), the total score of MFI-20, and the scores of SDS, SAS and PSQI in the observation group before treatment were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). Except the score of reduced motivation in MFI-20, the scores of the other domains and the total score of MFI-20, as well as the scores of SDS, SAS and PSQI after treatment were lower than those before treatment in the observation group (P<0.05).

Compared with the values before treatment, ReHo value was increased in the the right precuneus and decreased in the left inferior temporal gyrus and the left angular gyrus of the brain in the observation group after treatment. In the observation group, when compared with the control group, ReHo values were increased in the left inferior cerebral lobe, the interhemispheric region, the right occipital lobe and the thalamus; and it was reduced in the left middle temporal gyrus, the right posterior central gyrus, the right middle temporal gyrus, the right orbital middle frontal gyrus, the paracentral lobule and the right fusiform gyrus before treatment.

In the observation group, the functional connectivity was decreased between the right thalamus and the left posterior central gyrus, the right hippocampus and the right fusiform gyrus before treatment, respectively; it was re-constructed after treatment between the right thalamus and the left posterior central gyrus, and the right fusiform gyrus.

Compared with the control group, the functional connectivity between the right thalamus and the left posterior central gyrus, the right hippocampus, and the right fusiform gyrus was reduced before treatment; while after treatment, the functional connectivity was reduced between the right thalamus and the hippocampus in the observation group. With Spearman correlation analysis between the differential brain regions and the scores of MFI-20, SAS, SDS and PSQI, it was found that the left middle temporal gyrus, the paracentral lobule, the right precuneus, and the left inferior temporal gyrus had a partial positive correlation with the above clinical scales; and the interhemispheric region, the thalamus, the right fusiform gyrus, and the right middle temporal gyrus showed a partial negative correlation.

Conclusions: There is the decrease of ReHo in many brain regions and the numbers of the local brain functional network connectivity in CFS patients with anxiety and depression comorbidity. The mind-regulation electroacupuncture therapy may relieve the clinical symptoms of the patients through adjusting the abnormal brain regions and activating emotion-related brain regions.

Source: Zeng X, Feng C, Zhang M, Cheng W, Sun Z, Yang T. Exploring the central mechanism of mind-regulation electroacupuncture in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome with anxiety and depression comorbidity based on functional magnetic resonance imaging. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2023 Jan 12;44(1):3-11. English, Chinese. doi: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20230603-k0003. PMID: 38191152. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38191152/

Acupuncture as an Additional Method of Rehabilitation Post-COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract:

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of complex rehabilitation with and without acupuncture in a hospital setting.

Methods: A randomized clinical trial was performed at Rehabilitation center “Kamenskoe Plato” in Almaty, Kazakhstan. 160 patients with Post COVID-19 condition were randomly equally divided into an acupuncture with complex rehabilitation methods and a only complex rehabilitation methods group in the period from March 1, 2022 to July 1, 2022. Either groups was performed for an 10-14 days period. The outcome measures were the Bartel index, the Borg scale, Modified Dyspnea Scale and the 6-minute walking test. Adverse events also were monitored and documented.

Results: We found statistically significant improvement after the rehabilitation course with acupuncture in the all scales. And in the group without acupuncture, only on two scales MDS and Borg scale.

Conclusion: Rehabilitation with acupuncture is possible and effective in patients recovering from post-COVID-19. Our findings may be useful to guide clinicians taking care of patients with post-COVID-19.

Source: Omarova I, Akanova A, Kurmanova A, Kurmanova G, Glushkova N, Seidanova A, Turysbekov K. Acupuncture as an Additional Method of Rehabilitation Post-COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial. J Pharmacopuncture. 2023 Sep 30;26(3):238-246. doi: 10.3831/KPI.2023.26.3.238. PMID: 37799621; PMCID: PMC10547817. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10547817/ (Full text)

Research progress on central mechanism of acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome

Abstract:

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts for a long time and doesn’t alleviate with rest. The number of the cases has been increasing during the era of COVID-19 pandemic.

Acupuncture may have some effect on chronic fatigue syndrome, but its mechanism remains unclear. This article was to summarize the specific manifestations of abnormal central mechanism in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome through laboratory tests and neuroimaging.

It was found from the laboratory evaluation that there were changes in the structure of the frontal cortex, thalamus and other brain tissues; factors, including IFN-α and IL-10 in cerebrospinal fluid were found abnormal; results of oxidative and nitrosative stress and changes in neurobiochemical substances, e.g. hypothalamus hormone levels and neurotransmitter concentrations, were observed.

With magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography, it was shown that the partial brain of persons with chronic fatigue syndrome had morphological changes with diminished grey matter and white; changes in cerebral blood flow velocity caused by decreased perfusion and functional activity with abnormal connectivity in brain were detected.

In addition, there was significant decrease in glucose metabolism accompanied with neuroinflammatory response; metabolic disorders of serotonergic, cholinergic, glutamatergic and γ-aminobutyric acid energy neurotransmitters were also discovered.

The regulatory effect of acupuncture on the above central neurological abnormalities in chronic fatigue syndrome model animals was elaborated, and the direction for further research was analyzed in order to provide ideas for further research on the central mechanism of acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome.

Source: Li BB, Feng CW, Qu YY, Sun ZR, Chen T, Wang YL, Wang QY, Lu J, Shao YY, Yang TS. Research progress on central mechanism of acupuncture treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome. World J Acupunct Moxibustion.  doi: 10.1016/j.wjam.2023.03.002 [Epub ahead of print] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10061266/ (Full text)

Bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract:

in English, Chinese

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), and to preliminarily explore its action mechanism.

Methods: Sixty-four patients with CFS were randomly divided into a moxibustion group (32 cases, 1 case dropped off, 1 case excluded) and an acupuncture group (32 cases, 2 cases dropped off). The patients in the moxibustion group were treated with bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion, while the patients in the acupuncture group were treated with routine acupuncture. Both groups were treated once a day, 6 days as a course of treatment with 1 day interval, for a total of 2 courses of treatment. Before treatment, 1 and 2 courses into treatment and in the follow-up of 14 days after treatment, the fatigue scale-14 (FS-14) and somatic and psychological health report (SPHERE) scores were observed in the two groups. Before and after treatment, the contents of CD+3, CD+4, CD+8 of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets were measured and CD+4/CD+8 ratio was calculated; the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared.

Results: Compared before treatment, the FS-14 and SPHERE scores in the two groups were decreased 1 and 2 courses into treatment and in the follow-up (P<0.01), and the FS-14 and SPHERE scores in the moxibustion group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). Compared before treatment, the contents of CD+3, CD+4 and CD+4/CD+8 ratio in the moxibustion group were increased after treatment (P<0.01). There was no significant difference of CD+3, CD+4, CD+8 and CD+4/CD+8 ratio between before and after treatment in the acupuncture group (P>0.05). After treatment, the contents of CD+3 and CD+4 in the moxibustion group were higher than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the moxibustion group, which was higher than 73.3% (22/30) in the acupuncture group (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion could improve the physical and mental fatigue symptoms and psychological status in patients with CFS. Its effect may be related to regulating the contents of CD+3, CD+4 of peripheral blood T lymphocyte subsets and CD+4/CD+8 ratio.

Source: Xue KY, Quan F, Tang JX, Xiao CH, Lu CX, Cui J. [Bamboo-based medicinal moxibustion for chronic fatigue syndrome: a randomized controlled trial]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2023 May 12;43(5):493-8. Chinese. PMID: 37161800. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37161800/

Effect of laser acupuncture on immunomodulation and dyspnea in post-COVID-19 patients

Introduction: The post-COVID-19 syndrome is characterized by post-viral chronic fatigue syndrome as well as multi-organ complications. Its usual clinical symptoms are exhaustion, dyspnea, and chest pain. This study examines the effect of laser acupuncture (LA), which implies laser application on acupuncture points, on boosting immunity and reducing the inflammatory symptoms in post-COVID syndrome patients.

Material and methods: A total of 80 patients of both sexes with post-COVID symptoms were enrolled and randomly divided into the LA group (n = 40), which received LA three times/week for 12 weeks, and a placebo group (n = 40) which received sham LA. The following measures were taken for both groups before and after the study: Total lymphocyte count (TLC), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), dyspnea using the modified Medical Research Counseling Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), and fatigue using the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ-11).

Results: LA group showed a significant elevation in TLC (p < 0.001) as well as a significant reduction in IL-6 levels, dyspnea, and fatigue scale (p < 0.001). On the other hand, the placebo group demonstrated a significant increase in TLC (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: The use of lasers at particular acupuncture points related to lung and immunity showed promising results in dealing with the typical main symptoms post-COVID, including chronic fatigue and dyspnea.

Source: Algitany SI, Fouad SA, Nassif AA, Guirguis SA. Effect of laser acupuncture on immunomodulation and dyspnea in post-COVID-19 patients. Advances in Rehabilitation / Postępy Rehabilitacji. 2023. doi:10.5114/areh.2023.125836. http://www.advrehab.org/Effect-of-laser-acupuncture-on-immunomodulation-and-dyspnea-in-post-COVID-19-patients,125,50340,0,1.html (Full text available as PDF file)

Mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome from perspective of intestinal flora

Abstract:

in English, Chinese

Intestinal flora dysbiosis may play an important role in the occurrence and development of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), which may induce the inflammatory response and metabolic disturbance of patients with CFS. Acupuncture and moxibustion may achieve anti-fatigue effect by affecting the diversity and quantity of intestinal flora, improving intestinal barrier function, and regulating brain-gut peptides.

Source: Li CR, Sun ZR, Wang YL, Yang Y, Sun WB, Qu YY, Wang QY, Yang TS. [Mechanism of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome from perspective of intestinal flora]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2022 Aug 12;42(8):956-60. Chinese. doi: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20210829-k0003. PMID: 35938342. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35938342/ [Article in Chinese]

Improvement in Long-COVID Symptoms Using Acupuncture: A Case Study

Abstract:

Background: The long-COVID syndrome (LCS), defined by residual symptoms from acute COVID-19 for <60 days, affects about one-third of all COVID survivors and is an emerging public health challenge. Empirical data about the range of symptoms or the utility of acupuncture alone for the LCS are very limited.

Case: This observational case study of a 46-year-old male with LCS was conducted to preliminarily define the range of symptoms, a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic structure, and evaluate the potential utility of prescribed acupuncture for LCS.

Results: The primary TCM diagnostic patterns from this patient’s LCS presentation included Lung Qi and Yin Deficiency, Qi and Blood Stagnation, and Spleen Qi Deficiency with dampness. Acupuncture for this patient was associated with reduced symptoms and signs of LCS.

Conclusion: A preliminary TCM diagnostic structure for LCS was defined. Acupuncture appears to have been helpful for a patient with LCS. Further research is needed to demonstrate the efficacy of acupuncture and/or other TCM modalities for LCS.

Source: Hollifield M, Cocozza K, Calloway T, Lai J, Caicedo B, Carrick K, Alpert R, Hsiao AF. Improvement in Long-COVID Symptoms Using Acupuncture: A Case Study. Med Acupunct. 2022 Jun 1;34(3):172-176. doi: 10.1089/acu.2021.0088. Epub 2022 Jun 16. PMID: 35832108; PMCID: PMC9248334. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acu.2021.0088 (Full text)

The Role of Acupuncture for Long COVID: Mechanisms and Models

Abstract:

Objective: To establish an evidence-based role for acupuncture as a safe and effective treatment for managing Long COVID in the integrative medical setting.

Background: COVID-19 progresses to a chronic state, termed Long COVID, in about 30% of cases with estimates as high as 40% for prolonged illness. Symptoms are diverse and range over several body systems, including unrelenting fatigue, persistent malaise, chronic pain, and mood changes. Early clinical reports suggest acupuncture can effectively address both symptoms and the underlying causes of Long COVID.

Evidence: Historically, acupuncture is well defined in Traditional Chinese Medicine writings to treat influenza-like febrile illnesses. Contemporary scientific literature and case studies support the value of acupuncture for symptoms associated with acute and chronic respiratory viral infections, such as influenza, including SARS and COVID-19. Recent reports provide early evidence of acupuncture’s effectiveness in managing Long COVID symptoms and may also have disease-modifying benefits.

Conclusion: Acupuncture is a viable adjunctive health care modality as part of a multidisciplinary approach for symptom control and disease management to improve quality of life in Long COVID patients. Since acupuncture may favorably modify the length and outcome of this condition, the model of acupuncture presented in this article warrants broader use in the integrative clinical setting and for further research.

Source: Williams JE, Moramarco J. The Role of Acupuncture for Long COVID: Mechanisms and Models. Med Acupunct. 2022 Jun 1;34(3):159-166. doi: 10.1089/acu.2021.0090. Epub 2022 Jun 16. PMID: 35832109; PMCID: PMC9248327. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acu.2021.0090 (Full text)

Conceptualizing a Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pathology of Arousal Diagnostic and Pathophysiological Framework for Postacute Sequelae of COVID-19

Abstract:

Introduction: The postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is a serious heterogeneous condition that affects a significant minority of those who endured COVID-19. PASC involves multiple body systems and an illness trajectory that has stages now being identified in medical research.

Objective: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and acupuncture are well suited to conceptualize and treat PASC and other postviral conditions. No description of TCM theory and its relationship with modern medical theory about PASC and its illness trajectory currently exists.

Conclusion: The authors provide an overview of the potential value of TCM for conceptualizing and treating PASC with a few examples and clarify directions for research.

Source: Calloway T, Hsiao AF, Brand M, Lai J, Geise C, Caceido B, Alpert R, Hollifield M. Conceptualizing a Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pathology of Arousal Diagnostic and Pathophysiological Framework for Postacute Sequelae of COVID-19. Med Acupunct. 2022 Jun 1;34(3):167-171. doi: 10.1089/acu.2022.0022. Epub 2022 Jun 16. PMID: 35832113; PMCID: PMC9248333. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acu.2022.0022 (Full text)