Seung-Bum Yang

Deqi Induction by HT7 Acupuncture Alters Theta and Alpha Band Coherence in Human Healthy Subjects

The aim of this preliminary study is to investigate the changes in phase synchronization in the theta and alpha bands before and during the performance of classical acupuncture on the Sinmun (HT7). The electroencephalogram (EEG) signals from nine healthy young subjects were recorded before and during acupuncture in the “closed-eye” state. The EEG signals were acquired from 19 surface scalp electrodes (FP1, FP2, F7, F3, Fz F4, F8, T3, C3, Cz, C4, T4, T5, P3, Pz, P4, T6, O1, and O2). Needles were inserted into the HT7 bilaterally and were then manipulated to induce deqi and retained for 15 minutes. Phase synchronization was measured by phase coherence. In the theta band, coherence significantly increased between the temporal (T5, T6) and occipital areas (O1, O2) during the acupuncture stimulation. In the alpha band, coherence significantly increased between the left temporal area (T5) and other areas (frontal, parietal, and occipital). Phase coherence in the theta and alpha bands tended to increase during the retention of the acupuncture needles after deqi. Therefore, it can be concluded that acupuncture stimulation with deqi is clinically effective via the central nervous system (CNS).

Review of Stimulating Technologies of Acupuncture Points in Patients

Objectives: This study estimated the antioxidant effects of the moxi with ginger tar (MGT), i.e., the chemical combustion products produced by moxibustion with ginger during combustion. Methods: We investigated the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents, the SOD (superoxide dismutase) scavenging activity, and the ABTS (2.2-azino-bis-3-erthylbenzo-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) & DPPH (2,2-dipheny1-1-picryl-hydrazyl) radical’s scavenging ability of MGT. Results: The total polyphenol content of MGT was 7.8 0.09 mg/g in 10 mg/ml, the SOD activity was 42.51 3.39% in 200 ug/ml, the DPPH radical scavenging effect of MGT was 83.24 0.01% in 200 ug/ml and the ABTS radical scavenging effect was 41.88 0.16% in 200 ug/ml. Conclusions: In this study, the effects of moxi with ginger could be induced by not only heating stimuli on acupoints but also chemical stimuli produced during combustion of moxibustion. An advanced study of the biological mechanism of moxibustion with MGT based on the meridian and considering skin aging and inflammation will be required.

Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture for Shoulder Pain Based on Jadad Scale and Revised STRICTA Recommendations

Objectives: This study aims to review randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for shoulder pain according to the Jadad Scale and the revised standards for reporting interventions in clinical trials of acupuncture (STRICTA). Methods: Seven electronic databases, including PUBMED, SCOPUS, and RISS, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) of acupuncture for shoulder pain. Results: Sixteen (16) RCTs were included: 14 were published in English and 2 were published in Korean. According to the Jadad scale, 15 RCTs had high quality. However, most did not meet the double-blindness criteria. All RCTs meet 12.9 items, on average, in STRICTA. Conclusions: This systematic review shows four conclusions: Traditional Chinese Medicine is often used in the form of acupuncture. The LI15, TE14, GB21 and LI11 acupoints, stainless-steel needles (0.3 mm 40 mm), 20 retention time, manual stimulation, Deqi, and 2 times a week treatment (total 12) are often used. Double-blinded clinical trials need to be conducted. The use of minimal acupuncture on controlled groups for RCTs on acupuncture for shoulder pain is controversial, and a description of the practitioner’s background needs clarifying.