Acupuncture Point Zusanli (ST 36) Used to Treat Asthma

OBJECTIVE:
To observed efficacy differences of acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) in rats with Asthma and asthma with spleen-deficency, so as to investigate the therapeutic mechanism.

METHODS:
Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups according to their weight, named as an asthma with spleen-deficency group (group A), an acupuncture on asthma with spleen-deficency group (group B), an asthma group (group C), an acupuncture on asthma group (group D) and a control group. The rat models with spleen-deficiency in the first two groups were set up by TCM, then the rats of asthma model in the first four groups were induced by egg albumin, but the control group was treated by the same dose of saline. The group B and the group D were both treated with acupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36), once each day for 8 days, and the other groups remained unhandled. The mRNA expressions of Fas and Bcl-2 in the lung tissues were detected by hybridization in situ and apoptosis was detected by TUNEL (terminal dexynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dutp nick end labeling).

RESULTS:
Compared with the control group, in both the group A and the group C, the expression of Fas mRNA significantly decreased, but the expression of Bcl-2 mRNA significantly increased (all P < 0.01), and eosinophils (EOS) counts significantly increased, but EOS apoptosis rate significantly decreased (all P < 0.01). Compared with the group C, in the group A, the expressions of Fas mRNA significantly decreased, but the expressions of Bcl-2 mRNA and EOS counts significantly increased (all P < 0.01). At the same time, compared with the corresponding asthma groups, in both acupuncture groups, Fas mRNA expression obviously increased, Bcl-2 mRNA expression was significantly reduced (all P < 0.01), EOS counts remarkably decreased and EOS apoptosis rate significantly increased (all P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the expressions of Fas mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA between the two acupuncture groups (both P > 0.05), but compared with group B,in the group D, EOS counts significantly decreased and EOS apoptosis rate significantly increased (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION:
Acupuncture at Zusanli (ST 36) can regulate the disorders of Fas mRNA and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in the state of both asthma and asthma with spleen-deficency, promote EOS apoptosis so as to inhibit the development of inflammatory reaction of asthma, showing that acupuncture at "Zusanli" (ST 36) has certain advantages on regulation of related gene of EOS in asthma with spleen-deficency.

Acupuncture for Patients with Sore Throat (Pharyngitis)

Pharyngitis is the medical term for a sore throat, or inflammation of the pharynx. Although there are a host of reasons why people experience pharyngitis, ranging from smoking to mouth breathing to allergies, the two most common causes of pharyngitis are viruses and bacteria. Once school resumes in the fall, it is a prime time for germs to spread. Increased exposure extends beyond the classroom as students flock to football games, dances and parties – often resulting in a rise of confirmed cases of the common cold, tonsillitis, strep throat and mononucleosis (mono).

Of course, many adults contract these ailments as well, but mononucleosis most often occurs in teenagers between the ages of 15–17. Since teens of this age are frequently dating, mono also goes by the nickname "the kissing disease" because it is transmitted through saliva and mucus. The reality, however, is that mono and the other contributors to pharyngitis are caused not only by transmitting saliva through kissing, but also by such innocuous methods as sharing a straw or simply being in close proximity when someone coughs or sneezes.

The most difficult aspect is that many people carry the virus and bacteria without presenting any symptoms, meaning carriers are unaware of the threat they pose and others don’t know they should avoid close contact with an unknowing carrier. The problem is compounded by the fact that mono has an extensive incubation period of 30-50 days. That means that symptoms you are just beginning to notice could be the result of sharing an elevator ride with someone who was a carrier over a month ago.

Because it is almost impossible to completely avoid these germs, you will most likely experience a sore throat at least once in your lifetime. And when that happens, you will want relief fast. What should you do?

The Solution: It should first be stated that anyone experiencing high fevers, problems swallowing, or symptoms persisting for several days should absolutely be seen by their physician. However, most people experiencing a stand-alone dry, scratchy and/or sore throat tend to purchase over-the-counter medications and tough it out. What they may not know is that acupuncture therapy, combined with plenty of rest and fluids, is a simple and speedy alternative.

A study of 74 patients in 2012 found that balance acupuncture significantly reduced sore throat pain within one minute of treatment. How can that happen? Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognizes that energy flows through a number of pathways (meridians) to each organ of your body. When those pathways are disrupted, illness or pain ensues.

The key to restoring the pathways is to address corresponding meridian points; each point serves a different function. Thus, when someone experiences a sore throat, a licensed acupuncturist will typically combine multiple meridian points to remove heat (inflammation), increase moisture (resolving the dry, scratchy feeling), transport phlegm (silencing the often associated cough), and boost the overall immune system.

Even though people experience common symptoms, the cause of the pharyngitis can be different for each individual, as has already been discussed. An acupuncturist will therefore spend some time talking to you before the treatment to gain a better understanding of your personal situation in order to identify patterns which indicate which meridian points to address. Thus, two patients both being treated for a sore throat may receive different acupuncture treatments.

Acupuncture is an excellent addition to Sinusitis

The Sinuses are air filled cavities that function to warm and humidified inhaled air, increase the resonance of the voice, act as a buffer for trauma and they lower the weight of the skull. Inflammation of the sinus cavities can be caused by allergies, chemical irritants or over use of over the counter nasal sprays, or the common cold.  Viruses or bacteria may cause sinus infections.

Sinusitis Symptoms
nasal congestion
sinus headaches
sinus pressure
sinus pain
difficulty breathing through the nose

Treatment of Sinusitis
Treatment of acute sinusitis involves over the counter decongestants (Sudafed type meds) and the use of vaporizers to inhale steam.  Decongestants will relieve congestion, but they can also dry you out too much, which could lead to more pain.

Chronic sinusitis is treated through more frequent use of vaporizers/humidifiers, and neti pots with saline rinses.  In cases of bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.  It’s important to treat sinus infections as they can lead to serious complications if left untreated.

If the cause of your chronic sinusitis is allergies, you may be given oral steroids or antihistamines.
Many of the current treatment methods mainly offer symptomatic relief.

Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture can treat all forms of sinusitis: acute, chronic, allergic, or infectious. Acupuncture treats the current congestion while strengthening your immune system to help make you less reactive in the future.

Acupuncture treatments can be so effective that you may notice your congestion lessening during your treatment.   Acupuncture has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects on the body, which means it helps to reduce the inflammation in the sinus cavities and decrease pain levels.  Acupuncture also helps with the movement of fluids in the body, and can assist in the breakdown of congested mucous.

Chinese herbal medicine is an excellent addition to your treatment regimen for sinus congestion and infections.   There are many Chinese herbs with anti-bacterial or anti-viral properties, allowing for the treatment of both causes of infection (bacteria or virus).  If needed, an individualized formula will be made for your specific needs.

Cloves is frequently used for ED(erectile dysfunction)

Also known as FLOS CARYOPHYLLI and Syringa oblata in Latin, it means the dried buds of Eugenia caryophllata Thunb., a tree in the family Myrtaceae. This plant is native to Tanzania, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In China, it is mainly produced in Guangdong, Hainan and other places. Medicinally it is usually harvested from September to the following March when clove bud turns from green to red.

Clove plant is evergreen tree and up to 10 meters. Leaves are opposite and with slender petiole and oblong obovate or elliptic leaf blade. It blooms during autumn. Flowers have strong aroma. The inflorescence is acrogenous thyrses, with about 6mm flower diameter. Berries are red-brown, slightly shiny, rectangular oval, 1 to 2.5cm long, 5 to 12mm in diameter, with fragrant hypertrophy persistent calyx lobes at apex. And there are a few rectangular clove seeds.

Buds contain volatile oil, namely oil of clove. Clove bud oil mainly contains eugenol, acetyl eugenol, B-caryophyllene, methyl n-amyl ketone, methyl salicylate, humulene, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, m-Anisaldehyde, benzyl acetate, Chavicol, a-ylangene, and so on. Normally eugenol accounts for 64 to 85% in oil of cloves. However, some wild species contain no eugenol but Eugenone and Eugenin. Flower bud also contains triterpenoids such as oleanolic acid, flavonoids, Rham-netin, kaempferol, Eugenin, Eugenitin, Isoeugenitin, and Isoeugenol.

BENEFITS OF CLOVES 
As explained above, the clove oil benefits are really astounding. You know, clove essential oil is regarded as the top ten essential oils with special attributes. In addition to its culinary and medicinal value, it is also a famous ornamental plant for garden thanks to its unique aroma, huge lush inflorescence, elegant and harmonic color, and plump and beautiful gesture. Nevertheless, cloves'health benefits are the focal point here. As a matter of fact, cloves have long been used in the treatment of burns and toothache.

MODERN PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS 
1. Oral administration of this herb can promote the secretion of gastric juice, enhance digestion, relieve nausea and vomiting, reduce abdominal bloating. These evidences showed that it is an aromatic stomachic;
2. Its water extract and ether extract have analgesic, anti-inflammatory effects;
3. Eugenol has anticonvulsant effect;
4. Its decoction inhibits staphylococcus, streptococcus and diphtheria, proteusbacillus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, escherichia coli, shigella dysenteriae, typhoid bacillus, and so on. And it also has a better acaricidal effect;
5. It also has antiplatelet, anticoagulant, antithrombotic, anti-diarrhea, choleretic and anti-hypoxia effects.

PROVEN CLOVES RELATED HERBAL FORMULAS
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbalists believe that it is acrid in taste and warm in properties. It covers 4 meridians, such as spleen, stomach, lung, and kidney. Its major functions are warming middle energizer to descend adverse-rising and reinforcing kidney to strengthen yang. Chief cloves uses and indications are deficiency-cold in spleen and stomach, hiccups and vomiting, reduced appetite due to vomiting and Diarrhea, crymodynia in heart and abdomen, ED(Erectile Dysfunction) due to kidney deficiency, and so on. Recommended dosage is from 1 to 3 grams in decoction.

1) Ren Shen Ding Xiang San
This formula comes from Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Formulas of the Peaceful Benevolent Dispensary). It is primarily formulated for adult or infantile unceasing vomiting that leads to throw up anything swallowed, including the decoction. Other main herbal ingredients include Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Dang Gui (Dong Quai), and so on.

2) Ding Xiang Jian Wan
This prescription comes from Pu Ji Fang (Prescriptions of Universal Relief). It is basically designed for discomfort in chest and diaphragm. Other major herbs include Chen Xiang (Agarwood), Huo Xiang (Patchouli), Sha Ren (Cardamon), and more.

3) Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
This formula is from Zheng Yin Mai Zhi (Pulses, Causes, Patterns, and Treatments). It is exclusively used for deficiency-cold vomiting. The rest key herbs are Shi Di (Persimmon Calyx), Dang Shen (Codonopsis Root), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome), and so on.

Chinese Herbal Prescription for Treating Lung Abscess

Lung abscess is a disease due to the attack of virulent wind-heat on the lungs, which results in the accumulation of heat and blood stasis and the formation of abscesses; the disease is characterized by fever, chest pain and cough with discharge of foul or even purulent and bloody sputum. The malady appears with a sudden onset of chilliness, rigor, remittent fever as high as 39-40 C, chest pain and cough. The sputum is small in amount and frothy in the beginning, and late it increases in amount and becomes mucous and purulent. As the abscess is formed, large amounts of foul purulent or bloody sputum are discharged, which may form an upper frothy layer, a middle layer of thin mucus and a thick purulent layer at the bottom after settling down for several hours.
Etiology and Pathogenesis

Virulent wind-heat attacks the lungs, which are already affected by endogenous heat. Both exogenous and endogenous evils act on the lungs and render them incapable of keep qi pure and descendant; in turn, heat accumulates and blood stagnates, and lung abscess ensues.

Syndrome Differentiation and Therapeutic Principles
A. Syndrome differentiation
(a) Differentiation between lung abscess and wind-warm syndrome: A case of wind-warm syndrome may develop into lung abscess in cases of erroneous treatment. Although the wind-warm syndrome also presents such symptoms as fever, cough, restlessness, thirst, chest pain and dyspnea, it can be distinguished from lung abscess by the absence of high fever, chills and discharge of profuse, foul and purulent sputum.

(b) Differentiation between lung abscess and pulmonary flaccidity-syndrome: Lung abscess usually manifests itself as a sthenia-syndrome with a sudden onset and a short duration. Pulmonary flaccidity-syndrome is a disorder which involves atrophy of the lung lobe due to exhaustion of qi and yin and damage as asthenic heat, or asthenia-cold of lung-qi which is characterized by an insidious onset and a prolonged duration and manifests itself as an asthenia-syndrome. However, a longstanding case of lung abscess, when its treatment is delayed or erroneous, may develop into pulmonary flaccidity-syndrome because of consumption of lung-yin by phlegm-heat.

(c) Identification of the stages of the disorder: Lung abscess may be grouped under various stages according to its progress, i.e., the early stage (with superficies-syndrome), the stage of abscess formation, the stage of abscess rupture and the convalescence stage.

B. Therapeutic principles
Expelling evil is the major therapeutic principle for lung abscess, including clearing away heat and toxic materials, eliminating blood stasis and draining off pus. Before the formation of abscess, the therapy of clearing the lungs and dissipating suppuration should be adopted, and in cases where abscess has occurred, draining off pus and clearing away toxic materials is the therapy recommended. When superficies-syndrome marked by fever and chilliness exists, drugs with the actions of clearing away heat and expelling superficial evils should be added. In the convalescence period, the therapy of expelling residual heat and tonifying yin and qi ought to be employed. for chronic cases with deficiency of healthy qi and retention of evils, the therapy of supporting healthy qi and expelling evils should be applied.

Prescription:
Flos Lonicerae (Jinyinhua)  10 g
Fructus Forsythiae (Lianqiao)  15 g
Herba Schizonepetae (Jingjie)  10 g
Herba Menthae (Bohe)  5 g
Rhizoma Phragmitis (Lugen)  30 g
Radix Platycodi (Jiegeng) 10 g
Prunus armeniaca (Kuxingren)  10 g
Radix Scutellariae (Huangqin)  10 g
Herba Houttuyniae (Yuxingcao)  30 g

Chronic rhinosinusitis treated successfully with acupuncture

Acupuncture is a treatment developed by traditional Chinese medical practitioners to treat a wide range of health problems. Once only used in Eastern cultures, it has gradually gained respect and acceptance by medical professionals in the West. Acupuncture is now commonly used to treat everything from pain to nausea following surgery. Lesser-known uses, such as the treatment of allergies, are also gaining traction.

Acupuncture is an ancient practice, possibly dating to prehistory in what is now China. It is based on the belief that life energy, called qi (pronounced "chee"), flows throughout the body along pathways called meridians. By inserting thin needles at specific points, called "acupuncture points," skilled practitioners seek to restore the flow of energy to eliminate pain and disease.

Acupuncture and Allergies
What about acupuncture for the treatment of allergies? Preliminary research indicates that acupuncture may actually help allergy symptoms. A recent study conducted in South Korea examined the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic rhinosinusitis and allergic rhinitis.

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the moist tissues of the nasal passages and sinuses, which lasts for three months or more. It is associated with perennial allergies, and can sometimes be complicated by allergic rhinitis, or "hay fever," which is generally associated with seasonal inhalant allergies, triggered by exposure to allergens such as grass or tree pollens.

A study used patients suffering from both of these conditions. For five weeks, subjects submitted to two 20-minute acupuncture treatments, administered by experienced traditional medical doctors with at least seven years of acupuncture experience. Patients’ symptoms and quality-of-life scores were assessed at the beginning of the trial, at its end, and again eight weeks after the beginning of the trial.

Patients experienced statistically significant reductions in symptoms at five and eight weeks after the beginning of the trial. This study didn’t use controls, and the number of subjects, at 19, was small, but the investigators concluded that acupuncture was "clinically effective". They also noted that additional larger, controlled trials are warranted. Fortunately, German researchers have taken up the challenge.

Using Acupuncture to Lower Blood Pressure

A German study published in the June 2007 issue of Circulation found that acupuncture significantly lowers both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The extent of the blood pressure reductions by acupuncture treatments was comparable to those seen with antihypertensive medication or aggressive lifestyle changes, including radical salt restrictions.

For the study, 160 outpatients with uncomplicated, mild to moderate hypertension were randomized to six weeks of acupuncture performed by Chinese medicine practitioners or to a sham procedure. Patients underwent 22 sessions, each 30 minutes in length. By the end of the six weeks, 24-hour ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressures were significantly reduced from baseline in the acupuncture-treated patients (5.4 mm Hg and 3.0 mm Hg, respectively). No significant changes were seen in the sham acupuncture group.

After six months the blood-pressure reductions disappeared, leading investigators to conclude that ongoing acupuncture treatments would be required to maintain the blood-pressure reductions.