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In this study, we verified whether or not feature values of the facial skin texture can be used for facial complexion diagnosis. A total of 10 patients with fatigue were recruited and categorized under two groups: acupuncture group and blank control group. In the acupuncture group, the contact needle technique was used, while in the blank control group, the patients rested for 30 min in the supine position. We captured images of the facial skin using a digital camera before and after the intervention and then analyzed feature values from the images. The standard deviation (SD) of short-line inclination angles significantly decreased with acupuncture treatment. There was a significant difference in the SD of short-line inclination angles between the two groups. This study was approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Kanazawa University Hospital in Japan [for human study: approval no. 2018-154 (2912)] in December 2018.

To improve skin condition, it is considered to be important to make good blood circulation in the epidermis and papillary dermis. In Japan, acupuncture becomes more and more popular to improve facial skin condition. We have been used to one of the traditional Japanese acupuncture methods, Tohokai method, especially Contact Needle Therapy (CNT), for various diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of CNT by evaluating changes in blood flow. The skin of four healthy males who have no scratches or disease on the skin of the measurement part (inner forearm) were measured with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) before CNT, during CNT, immediately after CNT, and one minute after CNT. OCT is an imaging technique that uses low-coherence light to capture micrometer-resolution, two- and three-dimensional images from within optical scattering media (e.g., biological tissue). CNT consists of a root intervention according to the meridian theory and branch intervention for local effects. Statistical analyses were performed using two-sample paired t test and Wilcoxon Signed-rank test. OCT blood flow signal (150–500 μm) was gradually increased during CNT, and significantly increased immediately after CNT compared with that before treatment (P

Introduction: Almost all patients with end-of-life cancer experience cancer-related fatigue; however, there are only a few known effective coping methods. Objectives : We will conduct a prospective, multi-center, single-blinded randomized controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue in patients with end-of-life cancer. Methods: We will enroll 120 patients with cancer hospitalized in a palliative care unit or receiving consultation from a palliative care team in four hospitals. We will add acupuncture treatment; specifically, contact needle therapy (CNT), consisting of an intervention per week period to the usual care. The primary outcome measure will be the Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) score while the secondary outcome measures will be the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) score for fatigue, pain, and salivary amylase levels. Conclusion: We will evaluate the possibility of using acupuncture therapy, that is, CNT, in relieving fatigue sensation in patients with advanced cancer. Trial registration: UMIN000028304, registered on July 21st, 2017; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000032401