ENTRIES A–Z
Philip Winn in Dictionary of Biological Psychology, 2003
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of healing which involves inserting needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It was described by Chi Po in the second century BC. The principles of traditional acupuncture are derived from the theory of natural law (Tao) described by the Laotse in the fifth century BC. This theory holds that nature is governed by the balance of two opposing forces, yin and yang, and that natural objects are composed of five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Yin and yang are manifested in any naturally occurring pair of opposites such as heat (yang) and cold (yin), or day (yang) and night (yin). In medical theory each major organ is identified with one of the five elements, and there is continuous dynamic interaction between the organs. In the healthy individual these interactions are in balance and there is an unobstructed flow of vital energy (Qi). When the balance is disturbed the flow of Qi is impeded, and this is manifested as illness. The purpose of needling is to restore an unobstructed flow of Qi. The 361 traditional acupuncture points are located on imaginary longitudinal lines which connect a yin organ and its corresponding yang organ, and are the flow paths of the vital energy.
Evaluation of complementary and alternative therapies
Peter R Wilson, Paul J Watson, Jennifer A Haythornthwaite, Troels S Jensen in Clinical Pain Management, 2008
These are shown in Table 23.1 with examples in each category. Mindful therapies utilize the mind to produce changes in physical and emotional status. Meditation, hypnosis, and yoga fall into this category. Spiritual therapies imply a letting go of the mind, giving up control to a higher power as with prayer. Energy-based techniques rely on a construct of a vital energy or energy field that exists in living systems. When the flow of energy is out of balance or obstructed, disease can occur. The goal of energy-based treatments is to restore the optimal energy balance to achieve health. Therapeutic touch and acupuncture use this concept as their foundation. Note that yoga can be considered as mindful, spiritual, energy-based, and movement-based. Acupuncture is a stimulation-based technique, but it is part of a world medicine system, traditional Chinese medicine, which uses the concept of a vital energy (Qi). Aromatherapy is also a stimulation-based approach to healing. It consists of inhaled essences of plants or topically applied essential oils. The absorption of micromolecules through the skin or respiratory mucosa is believed to produce favorable chemical changes; thus aromatherapy may also be a form of nutriceutical treatment. Vitamins, herbs, and diets are also examples of nutriceutical therapies which involve the absorption and assimilation of substances into the body to produce a change in state that is favorable to the living system.
The relationship between stress and in vitro fertilization outcome
David K. Gardner, Ariel Weissman, Colin M. Howles, Zeev Shoham in Textbook of Assisted Reproductive Techniques, 2017
The literature about the efficacy of acupuncture has been equivocal. The basic tenets of acupuncture posit that its efficacy is achieved by balancing the flow of qi (energy) through the patient’s body (49). Fertility mechanisms for women undergoing acupuncture involve the stimulation of β-endorphin secretion that has its impact on the gonadotropin-releasing hormone pulse generator and then upon gonadotropin and steroid secretion. This process creates a favorable environment within the uterus for implantation of the embryos by virtue of the increased blood flow (50). Although some studies have demonstrated a higher clinical pregnancy rate for acupuncture (50–52), others studies have shown no positive effects (49,53). Acupuncture’s efficacy has been explored by comparing traditional acupuncture (needle insertions along the meridians and points), to electro acupuncture, to laser acupuncture, and to sham acupuncture. Criticism of the comparability of all these approaches has been made in the Western medical community and in traditional Chinese medical communities alike (54).
Lacrimal Gland Insufficiency in Aqueous Deficiency Dry Eye Disease: Recent Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Published in Seminars in Ophthalmology, 2022
Mariya B Doctor, Sayan Basu
Acupuncture is a form of Chinese traditional medical therapy, wherein needles are applied at specific points on the body for neuronal stimulation. It has shown to be effective in treating DED. However, further studies are needed to gauge its efficacy.111–113 Role of anterior ethmoidal nerve stimulation being better than lacrimal nerve stimulation for increasing the aqueous production is also known.114 Intranasal Tear Neurostimulator (TrueTear, Allergan plc) is a similar device designed to deliver microcurrents to the nasal cavity, stimulating the nasolacrimal pathway. It has recently received FDA approval to temporarily increase tear production. It has shown significant improvements in ocular dryness and discomfort compared along with a good safety profile and hence appears to be a promising new management strategy for these patients.115 The iTEAR ®100 device is a similar device; however, unlike TrueTear, this stimulates the anterior ethmoidal nerves at the tip of the nose. Further clinical trials for its efficacy and safety are awaited.
Alternative medicine and herbal remedies in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: A systematic review
Published in Arab Journal of Urology, 2021
Kristian Leisegang, Renata Finelli
Acupuncture is an ancient and traditional Chinese medicine practice established for over 2500 years that has become popular globally over recent decades [103]. It is defined as the insertion of needles into specific points of the body that can be further manipulated using various techniques. The proposed mechanism is to manipulate meridians, which can simply be described as energy channels, to restore energy (qi) balance between yin (female, moon, dark, concealed) and yang (masculine, bright, open) in the body to restore health [103,104]. Acupuncture research can be difficult to bridge ancient and modern principles, where there are some barriers to research that include basic terminology, the difficulties in standardised treatment methods, and effective measures for assessing treatment [105]. However, acupuncture has been investigated in various forms of reproductive medicine [18].
Effects and safety of fire needle adjuvant chemical peels therapy in acne vulgaris: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Published in Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 2023
Jianfeng Zhang, Peng Lin, Chenqi Guo, Cong Ma, Yiting Liu, Yingdong Wang, Yu Zhang
In the TCM theory, the heat accumulation in Fei (Lung) and Wei (Stomach), blood stasis, dampness and emotional disorder are etiologic and pathogenic factors for acne (45). Fire needle therapy can achieve the functions of both acupuncture and moxibustion (46). On the one hand, acupuncture stimulation can enhance qi and blood circulation to stimulate healthy qi generation. Abundant healthy qi exerts a critical function in eliminating the harmful conditions of AV. On the other hand, the warm stimulation of moxibustion plays the roles of drawing out poison and purging heat, thus achieving the purposes of Qingre Qushi and Quxie Jiedu (47). According to basic experimental studies, fire needle therapy can enhance the repair ability of local skin lesions, and its mechanism may be related to enhancing the function of phagocytes. Moreover, it can also accelerate the healing of damaged wounds by stimulating the release of various growth factors such as VEGF in the body (48,49). Therefore, fire needle adjuvant chemical peels therapy is an advisable treatment option.
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