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Taking the recommendations development of the World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) standard Clinical Practice Guideline for Female Urinary Incontinence as an example, this study analyzed the consensus expert composition, specific consensus process, and results in the development of the guideline's recommendations. It systematically examined the advantages of using the modified Delphi method in the formation of recommendations for acupuncture and moxibustion clinical practice guideline, with the aim of providing reference for the development of acupuncture and moxibustion guidelines in the same field.

Objective: To observe the meridian-acupoint reactions of foot three yin meridians in primary dysmenorrhea(PD) and secondary dysmenorrhea(SD) patients, so as to summarize the rules of meridian-acupoint reaction and acupoints selection., Methods: Thirty-five patients with PD (PD group), 34 patients with SD (SD group) and 35 healthy subjects (healthy group) were recruited. The compression method was used to examine the lower leg segment of the foot three yin meridians. Positive reactions(palpable skin changes, including cords, nodules, depressions) and tenderness of meridians and acupoints were recorded. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the tenderness severity of acupoints., Results: Compared with the healthy group, the probability of positive reactions and tenderness in foot three yin meridians were higher in PD and SD groups ( P <0.01, P <0.05). Compared with the PD group, the probability of positive reactions in Spleen and Liver Meridians were higher in the SD group, with higher probability of tenderness in Liver Meridian( P <0.05). The probability of positive reactions and tenderness in the Spleen Meridian of PD and SD groups was significantly higher than that in the Kidney Meridian ( P <0.01), while the probability of tenderness in the Spleen Meridian of the PD group was significantly higher than that in the Liver Meridian ( P <0.05). Positive reactions and tenderness were concentrated at Yinlingquan (SP9), Diji (SP8) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) of Spleen Meridian and Xiguan (LR7) and Ligou (LR5) in Liver Meridian of PD and SD groups. In comparison with the PD group, the probability of positive reactions, tenderness and VAS score of SP8 and LR5 of the SD group were higher ( P <0.05, P <0.01)., Conclusion: The positive reaction occurs most frequently in the Spleen Meridian, followed by the Liver Meridian, and least frequently in the Kidney Meridian. The acupoints with positive reaction are different between PD and SD, which suggests that the Spleen Meridian acupoints should be the main acupoints when treating the two kinds of dysmenorrhea, and acupoints should also be selected according to the meridian and acupoint examination results.

With three representative types of gynecological diseases (dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammation, polycystic ovary syndrome) as examples, the application methods of meridian and acupoint diagnosis for gynecological diseases treated with acupuncture and moxibustion are discussed. During clinical diagnosis and treatment, it is recommended to examine the patient's leg segment along the three yin meridians of foot, aiming to explore the positive reactions of the meridians and acupoints (color, shape, skin temperature, sensory abnormalities, etc.). Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment at this positive reaction place can improve the clinical efficacy. Meridian and acupoint diagnosis could provide basis for meridian syndrome differentiation, thus guiding the selection of acupoint prescriptions; it is also helpful to clarify the deficiency, excess, cold and heat of the disease nature, thus guiding the selection of acupuncture and moxibustion methods. In addition, it is an auxiliary method to estimate the prognosis and outcome of the disease.

The traditional life concept of "body-mind holism" in Chinese medicine has drawn a special attention with the development of modern psychosomatic medicine. The "body-mind holism" is valuable in the guidance for clinical acupuncture practice, but, it is only remained on the theoretical significance by the medical masters in the past dynasties. In the paper, based on the understanding of Huangdi Neijing ( Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic ), the similarities and differences are compared between the body-mind theory and psychosomatic medicine. In association with clinical observation, from three aspects, i.e. body-mind pathogenesis, acupoint detection and observing the mind, and body-mind treatment, the guidance of "body-mind holism" is explored for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of acupuncture and moxibustion; the referents of "body" and "mind" are clarified in views of disease, diagnosis and treatment; and the treatment strategies of acupuncture and moxibustion are discussed in the perspective of "body-mind holism".

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture for prevention of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis., Methods: A total of 105 patients with moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis were randomly divided into an observation group (53 cases, 3 cases dropped off) and a control group (52 cases, 4 cases dropped off). The patients in the observation group were treated with acupuncture at Yintang (GV 24 + ), Yingxiang (LI 20), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Fengchi (GB 20), Feishu (BL 13), etc. 4 weeks before the seizure period, once every other day, 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The patients in the control group were not given any intervention before the seizure period. Emergency drugs can be given appropriately during the seizure period in both groups. After seizure period, the seizure rate was recorded in the two groups; before treatment and on week 1, 2, 4, 6 of seizure period after treatment, the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) score and total nasal symptom score (TNSS) were observed in the two groups; the rescue medication score (RMS) was recorded on week 1-6 of seizure period in the two groups., Results: The seizure rate of the observation group was 84.0% (42/50), which was lower than 100.0% (48/48) in the control group ( P <0.05). After treatment, the scores of RQLQ and TNSS at each time point of seizure period were decreased compared with before treatment in the observation group ( P <0.01), which were lower than the control group ( P <0.01). The RMS score at each time point of seizure period in the observation group was lower than the control group ( P <0.05, P <0.01)., Conclusion: Acupuncture can reduce the incidence of moderate to severe seasonal allergic rhinitis, relieve the symptoms, improve the quality of life and reduce the use of emergency drugs.

Objective: To explore the relationship between typeⅢ chronic prostatitis and the positive reaction of foot three yin -meridians based on meridian diagnosis., Methods: Using the traditional meridian diagnosis combined with tenderness meter detection, the positive reaction rate of meridians and acupoints of crural foot three yin -meridians and tenderness pain threshold of standard acupoint location were compared in the typeⅢ chronic prostatitis patients (prostatitis group, 32 cases) and healthy subjects (health group, 30 cases)., Results: The positive reaction rate of the spleen meridian was higher than those in the kidney meridian and the liver meridian in the prostatitis group ( P <0.001). The positive reaction rates of the spleen meridian, the kidney meridian and the liver meridian and the total positive reaction rate of foot three yin -meridians in the prostatitis group were higher than those in the health group ( P <0.001). In the prostatitis group, the positive reaction rates of Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Taixi (KI 3), Ligou (LR 5), Diji (SP 8), Ququan (LR 8), Shangqiu (SP 5) and Zhongfeng (LR 4) were higher than those in the health group ( P <0.001), the tenderness pain threshold of acupoints of crural foot three yin -meridians was lower than the health group ( P <0.001). The positive reaction rate of the spleen meridian was positively correlated with the pain score and the total score of National Institute of Health chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), and the positive reaction rate of the kidney meridian was positively correlated with age and international prostate symptom score (IPSS) in the prostatitis group., Conclusion: The positive reactions of foot three yin -meridians, especially the spleen meridian, are closely related to the pathological state of typeⅢ chronic prostatitis, pain and urination symptom are significantly correlated with the spleen meridian and the kidney meridian respectively.

Objective: To observe the difference in the efficacy of acupuncture intervention at different time points on the pregnancy rate of in vitro fertilization-frozen embryo transfer (IVF-FET)., Methods: Ninety-nine patients with secondary infertility who were going to receive IVF-FET were divided into a transplantation-day acupuncture group, a transplantation cycle acupuncture group, and a non-acupuncture group according to their wishes, with 33 cases in each group. All three groups of patients received conventional IVF-FET treatment. The transplantation-day acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment 1 h before and 30 min after the embryo transfer, and the transplantation cycle acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment 5 weeks before the FET (once a week, 5 times) and on the day of transplantation, Zigong (EX-CA 1), Guanyuan (CV 4), Taichong (LR 3), Hegu (LI 4), etc. were selected in the two groups. The biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate in the three groups were compared., Results: The biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate in the transplantation cycle acupuncture group were higher than those in the non-acupuncture group ( P <0.05). There was no statistical difference in the biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate between the transplantation cycle acupuncture group and the transplantation-day acupuncture group, and between the transplantation-day acupuncture group and the non-acupuncture group ( P >0.05)., Conclusion: Acupuncture during the transplantation cycle can effectively improve the pregnancy rate of secondary infertility patients receiving IVF-FET.

With the expert consensus during the clinical questions determination in the World Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Societies (WFAS) standard Practice Guideline of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Urinary Incontinence in Women as an example, this paper focused on the specific process and results of three rounds of Delphi survey on clinical issues by experts of the guideline development group, and systematically analyzed the consistency of the modified Delphi method with the consensus of acupuncture and moxibustion experts, as well as the reflection and limitation of this consensus process, hoping to provide reference for the development of acupuncture guidelines in the same field.

Based on the clinical needs and examination requirements of standardized training students, the China national standardized training textbook Acupuncture and Moxibustion for residents of traditional Chinese medicine has made innovations in the textbook content and form. In the part of meridians and acupoints, the classic original text is introduced and the main indications and operation methods of 200 commonly-used acupoints are summarized in the form of tables. In the part of acupuncture and moxibustion technique, the operating procedures are standardized and the core technical points of 20 commonly-used acupuncture and moxibustion techniques are summarized in the form of flow chart. In the part of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment, 48 typical diseases are introduced in the form of case discussion, highlighting the problem orientation and demonstrating the diagnosis and treatment procedures.

Using data mining technology, the rules of acupoint selection of acupuncture and moxibustion were explored in treatment of stroke-related pneumonia. The clinical articles of acupuncture and moxibustion in treatment of stroke-related pneumonia were retrieved from CNKI, SinoMed, Wanfang and VIP databases from their inception through to January l 2021, and then, the acupuncture-moxibustion prescription database was set up for stroke-related pneumonia. SPSS Modeler 18.0 Apriori algorithm was adopted to analyze the association rules of acupoints and draw complex network diagrams. SPSS26.0 was used in clustering analysis of acupoints. Finally, a total of 44 articles were included, with 51 acupoint prescriptions and 82 acupoints extracted. The total frequency of acupoints was 340 times. The high-frequency acupoints in treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion for stroke-related pneumonia were Feishu (BL 13), Fenglong (ST 40), Hegu (LI 4), etc. These acupoints were mainly distributed on the limbs and back and mostly from yang meridians. Of these extracted acupoints, the five- shu points, convergent points and back- shu points were selected specially. Regarding acupoint combination, the association of Quchi (LI 11) had the highest support with Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST 36). The core prescription of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment for stroke-related pneumonia could be composed of Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40) and Taichong (LR 3).

Objective: To analyze the main factors affecting the positive results of acupuncture for chronic pain in English literature of randomized controlled trial (RCT), in order to provide reference for the design of acupuncture clinical research., Methods: The RCTs of acupuncture for chronic pain published before March 26, 2020 were searched in PubMed, EMbase and Cochrane Library by computer. A total of 21 factors were analyzed by single-factor analysis, and the factors with statistically significant difference were selected for multivariate Logistic regression analysis., Results: A total of 69 RCTs were included, including 47 RCTs (68.12%) with positive results and 22 RCTs (31.88%) with non-positive results. The multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed with the three screened factors (publication year, treatment frequency and intervention form) selected by single-factor analysis, and the results showed that the positive results were related to the frequency of acupuncture treatment. The positive rate of RCT with frequency≥2 times a week was 3.24 times of that with frequency<2 times a week ( OR =3.24, 95% CI =[1.07,9.83], P <0.05)., Conclusion: Acupuncture frequency may be the main factor affecting the positive results of RCT in English literature of acupuncture for chronic pain. More researches are needed in the future to explore the influence of acupuncture frequency on the curative effect.

Based on the difference between disease and syndrome differentiation of acupuncture and moxibustion and each department of TCM, i.e. internal medicine, external medicine, gynecology and pediatrics, it is believed that "differentiation of disease location" is the key of disease and syndrome differentiation of acupuncture and moxibustion. According to the disease location, in the section "treatment" of Science of Acupuncture and Moxibustion , the disorders/illness are classified as zangfu disorder, disorders of limbs and meridians, dermatological disorder, ophthalmological and otorhinolaryngological disorder, gynecological disorder, as well as qi , blood and body fluid disorder. Besides, the rules of disease and syndrome differentiation, as well as treatment characteristics of each category are explained separately. It is considered that the clinical diagnosis and treatment system of acupuncture and moxibustion should be constructed by focusing on "differentiation of disease location".

The published literature of insomnia in the elderly treated with acupuncture was retrieved in CNKI, Wanfang and VIP from the date of establishment to December 31, 2019. Association rule analysis and cluster analysis were used to summarize the acupoint selection rules of insomnia in the elderly treated with acupuncture. A total of 37 articles were included, involving 60 acupuncture prescriptions. The most commonly used acupoints were Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Shenmen (HT 7), Anmian (Extra), Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Neiguan (PC 6), Xinshu (BL 15) and Taixi (KI 3). The most commonly used acupoint combinations were Sanyinjiao (SP 6)-Anmian (Extra)-Baihui (GV 20)-Sishencong (EX-HN 1)-Shenting (GV 24)-Shenmen (HT 7)-Xinshu(BL 15), Xinshu(BL 15)-Pishu (BL 20)-Shenshu (BL 23)-Shenting (GV 24), Zhaohai (KI 6)-Shenmai (BL 62), Taichong (LR 3)-Ganshu (BL 18), Daling (PC 7)-Taixi (KI 3), Neiguan (PC 6)- Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4)-Qihai (CV 6)-Zhongwan (CV 12). On the basis of acupoint selection according to disease differentiation, the acupoint selection rules and characteristics of insomnia in the elderly treated with acupuncture are regulating and supplementing the spleen and kidney and treating according to spleen-kidney.

Through analyzing the indication distribution of the different acupoints located at the upper limbs recorded in Science of Acupoints and Science of Meridians and Acupoints , the industry planning teaching materials of traditional Chinese medicine, it is discovered that the acupoints located at the upper arms are commonly selected for the treatment of scrofula and goiter, while the acupoints below the elbow at the hand meridians and those at the lower limbs of the foot meridians which running through the neck, do not have the similar indications. Based on a further analysis on the literature at ancient and modern times, it is believed that the acupoints located on the lateral side of the upper arms, especially those at the large intestine meridian of hand- yangming perhaps have the specific effect in treatment of scrofula and goiter.

According to the etiology, allergic diseases are related to wind and heat; according to the pathogenesis, most of allergic diseases are qi -blood diseases; from the theory of zangfu , allergic diseases are closely related to the depressed heat of yangming and stomach-intestine, and the common elements of the pathogenesis of allergic diseases are wind, heat, qi , blood and yangming . With reviewing the ancient literature and modern research, the key therapeutic effect of Quchi (LI 11) and its special treatment effect on allergic diseases are summarized. It is suggested that the key therapeutic characteristics of Quchi (LI 11), including dispelling the wind, clearing the heat, cooling the blood and regulating stomach-intestine function, are in accordance with the common causes and pathogenesis of allergic diseases. Therefore, Quchi (LI 11) is considered an important acupoint for the treatment of allergic diseases.

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture by stages on secondary dysmenorrhea of adenomyosis through prospective case-series study., Methods: A total of 36 cases of adenomyosis patients with moderate-to-severe dysmenorrhea were treated with acupuncture by stages. The acupoints of Diji (SP 8), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Ciliao (BL 32) and Shiqizhui (EX-B 8) were selected and acupuncture was given once a day during menstrual period; the acupoints of Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA1), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) ect. were selected and acupuncture was given twice per week during non-menstrual period. All the treatment was given for three menstrual cycles. The visual analogue scale (VAS), Cox menstrual symptom scale (CMSS), Endometriosis Health Profile-5 (EHP-5) scores and the menstrual blood volume of pictorial blood loss assessment chart (PBAC) were observed before treatment and at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd menstrual cycle into treatment. Before treatment and at the 3rd menstrual cycle into treatment, the volume of uterus was measured by transvaginal ultrasound and the correlation among the quality of life, the severity of pain and symptoms was analyzed., Results: The VAS, CMSS and EHP-5 scores at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd menstrual cycle into treatment were lower than those before treatment ( P <0.01, P <0.05), and the PBAC scores were reduced but without statistical different ( P >0.05). Compared before treatment, at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd menstrual cycle into treatment, the PBAC scores were reduced in patients with PBAC>100 points ( P <0.01). Compared between 2nd and 1st menstrual cycle into treatment, between 3rd and 2nd menstrual cycle into treatment, the VAS, CMSS scores were all decreased ( P <0.01, P <0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between the severity score of CMSS and EHP-5 at the corresponding time points of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd menstrual cycle into treatment ( P <0.01)., Conclusion: The acupuncture by stages has significant analgesic effect in patients with secondary dysmenorrhea of adenomyosis, and has the advantages of relieving the menstruation-related symptoms, regulating menstrual blood volume and improving the quality of life.

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of herb-separated moxibustion combined with budesonide nasal spray (rhinocort) on moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) of kidney- yang deficiency type, and to explore the correlation between nasal temperature and condition of allergic rhinitis., Methods: A total of 70 patients with moderate to severe persistent AR were randomized into an observation group (35 cases) and a control group (35 cases, 3 cases dropped off). Both groups were treated with rhinocort, one spray on each side of the nostril (approximately 64 μg each spray), once in the morning and once in the evening, for 4 weeks. On the basis of the above treatment, the observation group was treated with herb-separated moxibustion at Shenshu (BL 23), Feishu (BL 13), Zhiyang (GV 9), Dazhui (GV 14), 3 moxibustions per acupoint, a single treatment lasting about 30 min. This treatment was given once every other day, 3 times every week, and totally continuous 4 weeks. The changes of AR symptom visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were observed before and after treatment and at 3 months follow-up after treatment. The heat variation (temperature, range) on projection areas of the nose, lungs, large intestine and kidneys of the two groups' patients before and after treatment were detected by the infrared thermal imaging diagnostic system, and the correlation between the VAS scores and nasal temperature before and after treatment was analyzed. The clinical effects of both groups were evaluated according to the VAS score., Results: The total effective rate in the observation group after treatment was 85.7% (30/35), which was higher than 71.9% in the control group (23/32, P <0.05). After treatment and at follow-up, the VAS scores of both groups were lower than those before treatment ( P <0.05), and the VAS score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group at follow-up ( P <0.05). After treatment, the nasal temperature, pulmonary range, large intestinal range and renal range of the observation group were all lower than those before treatment ( P <0.05), the nasal temperature and nasal range of the control group were lower than before treatment ( P <0.05), and the reduction of nasal temperature, nasal range and renal range in the observation group was greater than that of the control group ( P <0.05). Before and after treatment, there was a correlation between VAS score and nasal temperature ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: The herb-separated moxibustion combining western medication has a better effect and long-term effect than western medication alone for moderate to severe persistent AR, which can improve heat variation on projected areas of the nose, lung, large intestine and kidney of patients. In addition, nasal temperature can reflect the severity of the symptoms of patients with moderate to severe persistent AR, or it can be used as a secondary indicator to evaluate condition of AR.

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion combined with Rhinocort spray in the treatment of symptoms, sleep quality and daily life quality of patients with moderate-severe allergic rhinitis(AR)．., Methods: A total of 67 patients with persistent moderate-severe AR were recruited in the present study and randomized into a treatment group ( n ＝35) and a control group ( n ＝32). The patients in the treatment group were treated by herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion (applied to Dazhui [GV14], and bilateral Feishu [BL13], Shenshu [BL23] and Zhiyang [GV9], 3 moxa-cones/time, once every other day) plus Rhinocort spray (once in the morning and evening separately, 256 µg/d), and patients in the control group treated by Rhinocort spray alone (the same to that mentioned above). All the treatments were given for 4 weeks. The therapeutic effect was evaluated with reference to the "Principles and Recommended Schemes for Diagnosis and Treatment of AR" formulated by Otolaryngology Branch of Chinese Medical Association before and after the treatment. The severity of symptoms of AR was assessed by using visual analogue scale (VAS), the life quality of nasal conjunctivitis assessed using "Rhino-conjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ)"， and the sleep quality assessed using "Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)" before and after the treatment, followed by 3 months' follow-up survey., Results: After the treatment, the VAS and RQLQ scores in both groups and PSQI of the treatment group were significantly decreased in comparison with their own base-line levels of pre-treatment in each group ( P <0.05). The RQLQ and PSQI in the treatment group were substantially lower than those in the control group ( P <0.05). No marked difference was found between the two groups in VAS( P >0.05). Follow-up survey showed that the VAS and RQLQ scores in both groups and PSQI of the treatment group were still significantly lower than those of pre-treatment in each group( P <0.05), and the VAS, RQLQ and PSQI scores of the treatment group were significantly lower than those of the control group( P <0.05). After 4 weeks' treatment, of the 32 and 35 AR patients in the control and treatment groups, 7 and 16 experienced marked improvement, 16 and 14 were effective, and 9 and 5 failed, with the effective rate being 71.9% and 85.7%, respectively. The effective rate of the treatment group was significantly superior to that of the control group ( P <0.05)., Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion combined with Rhinocort spray has a good therapeutic effect in improving symptoms, sleep and quality of life in patients with persistent moderate-severe AR, which is obviously superior to that of Rhinocort spray alone in improving sleep and quality of life.

Evidence - based Clinical Practice Guideline of Acupuncture and Moxibustion for Primary Dysmenorrhea ( Guideline ) is clarified from three aspects: the development method, contents and clinical application, which could provide clinical practical strategies suitable for most patients for clinicians. Based on comprehensive literature search and summary of acupuncture practice, the best clinical research evidence is obtained according to the evidence-based method, the evidence-quality evaluation and recommendation grading are introduced. With ancient literature, famous experts' experience and expert consensus, the recommendations of acupuncture-moxibustion for primary dysmenorrhea are developed, which are safe, effective and applicable for clinical treatment. The Guideline could standardize the acupuncture treatment plan for primary dysmenorrhea.

Objective: To observe the correlation between referred pain distribution and acupoint sensitization in patients with intestinal diseases., Methods: In clinical research, 443 patients from 8 hospitals were recruited, including the outpatients and inpatients of Crohn's disease ( n =143), ulcerative colitis ( n =108), chronic appendicitis ( n =87) and other intestinal diseases ( n =105). The site with tenderness on the body surface and the morphological changes of local skin were observed and recorded in the patients. Using a sensory tenderness instrument, the pain threshold at the sensitization point was measured in 60 patients with ulcerative colitis. In animal experiment, SD rats were used and divided into a enteritis group ( n =8), in which the enteritis model were established, and a control group ( n =3), in which no any intervention was given. After the injection of Evans blue (EB) at caudal vein, the blue exudation points on the body surface were observed and the distribution rule was analyzed statistically., Results: The referred pain on the body surface in the patients with intestinal diseases was mainly located in the lower abdomen (93.9%, 416/443), the lumbar region (70.9%, 314/443) and the lower legs (33.0%, 146/443). The diameter of tenderness region was 1.5 to 2.5 cm. Compared with the region without sensitization, the pain threshold of the sensitization point in the patients with ulcerative colitis was reduced significantly ( P <0.001). The referred pain on the body surface in the patients with appendicitis was located in the right lower abdomen (97.7%, 85/87), the waist and back (54.0%, 47/87) and the right lower limbs on the medial side (71.3%, 62/87). The tenderness region was 1 to 2 cm in diameter and was irregular in form. After modeling of enteritis in the rats, the EB exudation points were visible from T 12 to L 2 ., Conclusion: Intestinal diseases induce referred pain on the body surface where is the same as or adjacent to the location of the spinal segment corresponding to the affected intestinal section. These sensitization regions are related to the locations of acupoints.

Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion combined with medication in the treatment of moderate and severe persistent allergic rhinitis (PAR) patients of spleen deficiency pattern., Methods: Sixty patients with moderate and severe PAR of spleen deficiency pattern were randomized into medication (Rhinocort) group and herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion combined with medication group (combination group, n =30 cases in each). Medicinal cake-partitioned moxibustion was applied to Yintang (GV 29, for about 20 min), Shenque(CV 8, about 50 min), bilateral Zusanli (ST 36, about 40 min)and Hegu(LI 4, about 40 min)once every other day for successive 8 weeks. All the patients received treatment with Rhinocort nasal spray, 2 jets/day for each nostril (64 µg/jet) for 8 weeks. The patients' conditions (symptoms of nasal sufferings, sleeping, sniffle, eye, emotion, etc.) were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and rhino conjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ, 24 items of 7 aspects, 0-6 points/item), respectively. The spleen deficiency syndrome score was determined according to "Guiding Principles for Clinical Research of New Drugs of Chinese Materia Medica" (2002). The therapeutic effect was assessed by referring to "the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Principles and Recommended Schemes for Allergic Rhinitis" (2004)., Results: Following the treatment, the scores of VAS, RQLQ, spleen deficiency syndrome were significantly decreased on the 4 th and the 8 th week of treatment in both groups in comparison with those of their own individual pre-treatment ( P <0.05, P <0.01). Four weeks' follow-up survey showed that the VAS score and RQLQ score of the combination group were obviously lower than those of the medication groups ( P <0.05), suggesting a better post-effect of moxibustion. Of the two 30 cases in the medication and combination groups, 9 and 9 experienced marked improvement in their symptoms, 16 and 17 were effective, and 5 and 4 ineffective, with the effective rate being 83.3% and 86.7%, respectively. No significant differences were found between the two groups in the VAS and RQLQ scores on the 4 th and 8 th week during treatment and in the effective rate ( P >0.05)., Conclusion: Herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion combined with hormone (Rhinocort) nasal spray is effective in relieving symptoms of moderate and severe PAR patients of spleen deficiency syndrome, and has a better post-effect.

Objective: To observe the correlation between the referred pain regions of stable angina pectoris (SAP) and the acupoints in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients and to investigate the rule of regional sensitized point distribution in rats., Methods: A total of 1 046 CHD patients with SAP from 8 hospitals in China were recruited in the present study. The tenderness was palpated along the left and right chest, back, shoulder, upper limb, etc. by a specially-assigned researcher in each hospital. Among them, 77 patients accepted pain threshold (PT) measurement by using a hand-held esthesiometer. In animal experiments, 14 SD rats were subjected to occlusion of the left anterior descending branch of the left coronary artery for 4 h for establishing myocardial ischemia (MI) model, and other 4 normal rats were used as the sham-operation control group. Four hours after MI, all the rats accepted tail venous injection of 5% Evans blue (50 mg/kg) for examining the distribution of the blue dye exudation spots at the body surface where the mechanical PT was also detected by a von Frey., Results: In 1 046 CHD patients, 987 (94.36%) were found to have at least one tenderness spot. The tenderness spots were found at the left chest (87.47%), right chest (13.67%), left arm (ulnar side, 41.30%), right upper limb (4.68%), left shoulder back (30.21%), right shoulder back (7.07%), etc., accompanied with rash or pigmentation, subcutaneous induration, cord-like tissue contracture, skin sag, etc. The mechanical PT level was significantly lower at the tenderness spots of the left upper limb than at non-tender points of the right upper limb in CHD patients ( P <0.001). Tenderness and cutaneous abnormal changes in angor pectoris patients distributed mostly on the left chest, back, shoulder and upper limb, and some also on the right. Tender points scattered on, near or outside acupoints. A similar distribution of the blue exudation spots and lower mechanical PT spots were found in MI rats, but not in sham-MI rats., Conclusion: In the case of MI, a regular "referred sensitization" response frequently occurs in the dermatomere area innervated by the corresponding segments (T 1－T 5) in both CHD patients and MI rats, which may be closely associated with the formation of acupoints in ancient China.

Objective: To observe whether acupuncture of the tender-points of the Spleen Meridian can achieve a better therapeutic effect for primary dysmenorrhea (PD) patients, so as to verify the importance of examining meridian-acupoint reactions in clinical practice., Methods: A total of 72 PD patients were randomly assigned to tender-point group (observation group) and regular acupoint group (control group, n ＝36 in each). For patients of the observation group, the tender-points around San-yinjiao (SP 6), Diji (SP 8) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) were needled, and for those of the control group, the regular SP 6, SP 8 and SP 9 were needled. After " Deqi ", the filiform needles were manipulated with lifting-thrusting reducing technique for about 30 s, repeated once again every 10 min during 30 min's needle retention, and the treatment was conducted once daily for 3 days during every menstrual cycle, continuously for 3 months. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was rated for assessing the pain severity, and the COX menstrual symptom scale (CMSS) consists of 17 items and 5 grades/item (0－4 points) according to the severity of discomfort was rated before and after the treatment., Results: After the treatment, the VAS and CMSS scores on the 1 st days of the 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd menstrual cycles were significantly decreased in both control and observation groups in comparison with their own individual pre-acupuncture ( P <0.05), suggesting a marked relief of both pain and discomforts after the treatment, and the therapeutic effect of the tender-point needling was significantly superior to that of the regular acupoint needling in relieving pain in the 2 nd and 3 rd menstrual cycles. No significant difference was found between the two groups in the discomfort severity ( P >0.05)., Conclusion: Acupuncture stimulation of the tender points around the SP 6, SP 8 and SP 9 has a stronger analgesic effect relevant to needling the regular acupoints in PD patients.

The imbalance of autonomic nervous function after myocardial ischemia (MI) accelerates the development of ischemic myocardial injury. The beta-adrenergic receptor (β-AR) and muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M-AChR) are the main receptor types of the cardiomyocyte and the binding sites of the cardiac sympathetic and parasympathetic transmitters. In the present paper, the authors review recent progress of experimental researches on the mechanisms of acupuncture therapy in the prevention and treatment of MI, mainly focusing on the signaling of β 1 -AR and M 2 -AChR subtypes. Results showed that acupuncture could attenuate the injury of myocardial ischemia via down-regulating the over expression of β 1 -AR and up-regulating the expression of M 2 -AChR protein. Correspondingly, acupuncture intervention could reverse the abnormal expression of the intracellular stimulatory G protein and inhibitory G protein caused by MI, and suppress the activity of cellular adenylate cyclase. In addition, acupuncture could also enhance the activity of nitric oxide synthase and the level of nitric oxide in the ischemic cardiomyocytes, and increase the synthesis of cyclic guanosine monophosphate, ultimately reducing the level of cyclic adenosine 3', 5'monophosphate, and lowering the activity of protein kinase A and the inward flow of Ca 2+ in cardiomyocytes. In this way, the ischemic myocardial injury is improved at last. However, some results of acupuncture intervention are not identical and need being confirmed further by more approaches.

Objective: To observe the law of the meridian abnormal changes and the correlation with acupuncture efficacy based on the effectiveness study of electroacupuncture (EA) in treatment of severe functional constipation., Methods: Seventy patients of severe functional constipation were randomized into an EA group and a sham-EA group, 35 cases in each one. In the EA group, Tianshu (ST 25) and Fujie (SP 14) were punctured deeply and stimulated with EA (dense-disperse wave, 2Hz/15 Hz, 0. 1 to 1. 0 mA), and Shangjuxu (ST 37) was needled. In the sham-EA group, the sites lateral to Tianshu (ST 25) and Fujie (SP 14) were punctured shallowly and stimulated with electricity. The site lateral to Shangjuxu (ST 37) was punctured shallowly. The treatment was given continuously for 8 weeks in the two groups, 5 times weekly in the first 2 weeks and 3 times weekly in the rest 6 weeks. WANG Juyi's meridian examination method was applied to detect the abnormalities of the spleen, stomach and large intestine meridians before treatment, and in 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks among 70 patients separately. The frequency of complete spontaneous bowel movement (CSBM) every two weeks, meridian abnormal value and the relativity with CSBM change rate were compared in the patients between two groups., Results: Regarding the increase of CSBM frequency, the effect started since the 2nd week in the EA group, with the treatment going on, CSBM frequency was increased apparently (all P<0. 05). In the sham-EA group, after 6 and 8-weeks of treatment, CSBM frequency was increased apparently as compared with that before treatment (all P<0. 05). The increase of CSBM frequency in the EA group was remarkably as compared with the sham-EA group at every time point (all P<0. 05). The abnormal value of the large intestine meridian in 2 weeks of treatment and the values of the stomach and spleen meridians and the relevant meridians in 4 weeks of treatment were all reduced apparently as compared with those in the baseline in the EA group (all P<0. 05). With the treatment time going on, the abnormal reflections on the large intestine and stomach meridians were reduced gradually (all P<0. 05), and the total change rate of abnormalities on the large intestine, stomach and spleen meridians presented the negative correlation with the total change rate of CSBM frequency (P<0. 01, P<0. 05)., Conclusion: In the EA group, the efficacy on CSBM frequency in severe functional constipation is advantageous and stable as compared with the sham-EA group. Acupuncture at the relevant acupoints of the spleen, stomach and large intestine meridians achieves the definite regulation to the meridian abnormalities. It is discovered that the abnormal changes in the spleen, stomach

Objective: To compare the difference in clinical efficacy on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) between electroacupuncture (EA) and dyne-35 and to explore the effect mechanism., Methods: Sixty-five patients were randomized into an EA group (33 cases) and a western medication group (32 cases). In the EA group, the selected acupoints were Danzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zigong (EX-CA 1), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3), etc. After the arrival of qi, electric stimulation was attached to the acupoints for 30 min. The treatment was given 3 times a week. In the western medication group, dyne-35 was prescribed on the 5th day of natural menstruation or withdrawal bleeding, one tablet a day, continuously for 21 days. The treatment cycle was 3 months in the two groups. The menstrual condition, body mass, body mass index (BMI), serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and LH/FSH were compared before and after treatment in the two groups. The clinical efficacy was assessed in the two groups., Results: The total effective rate was 90.6% (29/32) in the EA group and was 93.3% (28/30) in the western medication group. The efficacy was similar in the two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the levels of LH and LH/FSH were all reduced significantly in the two groups (all P < 0.01). After treatment, T level in serum was reduced apparently in the western medication group (P < 0.05). Before and after treatment, the differences in body mass and BMI in the EA group were more significant than those in the western medication group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: EA is the effective method for PCOS, similar to that of dyne-35. The effect of it for weight loss is superior to dyne-35 and no apparent adverse reactions happen. The effect mechanism of EA is related to the regulation of serum sexual hormone levels and their ratio, as well as to the regulation of body lipid metabolism.

Objective: To observe the improvements in constipation differentiated as intestine system syndrome and lung system syndrome treated with electroacupuncture (EA) and explore their correlation., Methods: Seventy cases of severe functional constipation were randomized into an EA group and a pseudo-EA group, 35 cases in each one. In the EA group, the needles were inserted deeply at Tianshu (ST 25) and Fujie (SP 14) on bilateral sides, and directly went to parietal peritoneum. EA was attached to the needles, dense-disperse wave, 2 Hz/15 Hz, and 0.1 to 1.0 mA. The perpendicular insertion was done at Shangjuxu (ST 37), 25 mm in depth. After qi arrival, the needle was lifted, thrusted and rotated once every 10 min, for 3 times totally. The needles were retained for 30 min. In the pseudo-EA group, the pseudo-points lateral to Tianshu (ST 25), Fujie (SP 14) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) on bilateral sides were punctured shallowly. The electric stimulation was pretended to connect but with the electric wire cutting off. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given 5 times weekly in the first two weeks and 3 times weekly in the later 6 weeks. Totally, 28 treatments were required. TCM intestine and lung syndrome scale was used for evaluation. The changes in TCM syndromes were observed before and after treatment in the patients of the two groups., Results: The total score of intestine and lung syndrome and the score of individual syndrome were all reduced after treatment as compared with those before treatment in the two groups (both P<0.01). The improvements of the EA group in the total score of intestine system syndrome, the scores of large. intestine syndrome and stomach syndrome, the total score of lung system syndrome and the score of lung dysfunction in dispersing and descending syndrome were superior to those of the pseudo-EA group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The differences in the scores of lung qi deficiency syndrome and throat syndrome were not significant between the two groups (all P>0.05). Simultaneously, the very strong positive correlation (P<0.01) and positive linear correlation (P<0.01) were presented in the total score of intestine and lung syndrome of the two groups., Conclusion: EA obviously improves in intestine system syndrome (including large intestine syndrome and stomach syndrome), as well as lung system syndrome (lung dysfunction in dispersing and descending) in the treatment of constipation. But the improvements are not apparent in the treatment of lung qi deficiency and throat disorder. Additionally, the obvious correlation is displayed in the improvements in intestine and lung syndrome.

Objective: According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine about "close association between the lung and the large intestine", the present study was designed to investigate the functional relationship between the Lung and Large Intestine Meridians and the colorectum by using electrophysiological methods., Methods: A total of 40 SD rats were used in the present study. Under anesthesia, the cardiopulmonary branch of the left sympathetic nerve (CPSN) was separated for recording the electrical activities with a pair of platinum wire electrodes. Intra-colorectal pressure was recorded using a water-balloon inserted into the anus and connected to a pressure-transducer for observing rectocolonic pressure changes (mobility). Electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation was applied to bilateral "Taiyuan" (LU 9)- "Jingqu" (LU 8) of the Lung Meridian, "Yangxi" (LI 5)-"Pianli" (LI 6) of the Large Intestine Meridian, and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37)-"Zusanli" (ST 36) of the Stomach Meridian, respectively. Colorectal distension (CRD, visceral pain stimulation, 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg) was performed using an air-balloon for observing its influence on EA stimulation of LU 9- LU 8 induced changes of electrical activities of CPSN., Results: Under anesthesia conditions, no spontaneous electrical activities of the CPSN were found in rats. After EA stimulation (3 times of the threshold intensity) of the bilateral "Taiyuan" (LU 9)- "Jingqu" (LU 8) of the Lung Meridian, and "Yangxi" (LI 5)-"Pianli" (LI 6) of the Large Intestine Meridian, the evoked discharge numbers of the cardiopulmonary sympathetic nerve were (11.26 +/- 2.34) and (10.73 +/- 2.62) spikes, respectively, without significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Compared with pre-stimulation, the colorectal motility (amplitudes of the intra-colorectal pressure waves) was obviously increased following EA stimulation of LU 9-LU 8 of the Lung Meridian, LI 5-LI 6 of the Large Intestine Meridian and "Shangjuxu" (ST 37)-"Zusanli" (ST 36) , Lower-Ho (Sea) acupoints of the Large Intestine Meridian (P < 0.05). After CRD stimulation at 60 mmHg and 80 mmHg, the LU 9- LU 8-stimulation evoked discharge rates of CPSN were reduced by 43.46% and 67.42%, respectively., Conclusion: EA stimulation of LU 9- LU 8 of the Lung Meridian and LI 5-LI 6 of the Large Intestine Meridian can activate discharges of CPSN, and increase the colorectal motility in the rat. CRD stimulation inhibits the activated effect of EA on electrical activities of CPSN. These results show a functional communication or cross-talk between the lung and the colorectum.

Objective: To compare the cumulative analgesic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation of Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Xuanzhong (GB 39) and non-acupoint for primary dysmenorrhea patients., Methods: A total of 200 patients with primary dysmenorrhea were randomly assigned to Sanyinjiao (SP 6, a dysmenorrheal-relieving related acupoint) group, Xuanzhong (GB 39, an unrelated acupoint) group, non-acupoint group and control group, with 50 cases in each group. The participants were administered with EA (2 Hz/100 Hz, 0.5-1.6 mA) at SP 6, GB 39 and non-acupoint for 30 min, once daily for 3 consecutive days. The intensity of the pain was ranked from 0 (no pain) to 100 (intolerable) using visual analogue scale (VAS) and RSS (Cox retrospective symptom scale) severity rating scores (RSS-COX 2) before and after three interventions., Results: In comparison with the control group, VAS and RSS-COX 2 scores were significantly lower in the SP 36, GB 39 and non-acupoint groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.05), suggesting an alleviation of the pain severity after EA treatment. No significant differences were found among the three treatment groups in both VAS and RSS-COX 2 scores (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: EA stimulation of SP 6, GB 39 and non-acupoint has a good cumulative analgesic effect in patients with primary dysmenorrhea.

Aim: To investigate the roles of Th17 lymphocytes and its inflammatory cytokines in airway inflammation exacerbation of murine asthmatic model., Methods: Twenty mice were randomized into control group and asthma group. For the murine asthma model, the mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA). The control mice were given normal saline alone under the same conditions as the asthma group. We observed the changes in cellular proportions in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) under a light microscope and the histological changes in lung tissue by HE staining. The levels of IL-4, IFN-γ and IL-17 were detected by ELISA. Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells in the peripheral blood were detected by flow cytometry. We did a correlation analysis between Th1, Th2 and Th17 cells in the peripheral blood and neutrophils in BALF., Results: The total cell number and the percentages of neutrophils, eosinophils and lymphocytes in BALF of the asthmatic mice were significantly higher than those in the control mice (P<0.05). The neutrophils and eosinophils infiltration in pulmonary tissue was also dramatically detected in asthmatic mice. The levels of IL-4 and IL-17 were significantly higher than those in the control mice (P<0.05), while the level of IFN-γ was much lower than in the control mice (P<0.05). Besides, the percentages of Th2 and Th17 cells in peripheral blood were significantly higher in the asthmatic mice than in the control mice (P<0.05). The expression of Th17 was positively correlated with the levels of neutrophils in BALF(r(Th17);=0.394, P<0.05), and the expression of Th1 was negatively correlated with the level of neutrophils in BALF (r(Th1);=-0.446, P<0.05)., Conclusion: Th17 cells could induce the recruitment of inflammatory cytokines and neutrophils into airways, which might aggravate the asthmatic inflammation and be related with asthma exacerbation.

Objective: To observe the improvement of the quality of life (QOL) of patients with bronchial asthma treated with acupuncture based on the interior-exterior relationship of the lung and large intestine, in terms of meridian-collateral theory and through the lung and large intestine meridians., Methods: According to the random number table, 52 cases of bronchial asthma at chronic persistent stage of the middle degree in accordance with the inclusive criteria were divided into a lung meridian acupoint group (group A), a large intestine meridian acupoint group (group B), a lung and large intestine meridian acupoint group (group C) and a control group at the ratio of 1:1:1 = 1, 13 cases in each one. In the control group, according to the requirement, Ventolin aerosol was used, one spray/time, < or = 4 times/day. The treatment of 12 weeks was required. In the first 3 groups, on the basis of the treatment as the control group, acupuncture was supplemented. In group A, Chize (LU 5), Kongzui (LU 6), Lieque (LU 7), etc. were selected. In group B, Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI 4), Tianshu (ST 25), etc. were selected. In group C, Chize (LU 5), Kongzui (LU 6), Lieque (LU 7), Quchi (LI 11), Hegu (LI4), etc. were selected. Acupuncture was given once every two days, 3 times a week. Totally, 12 treatments made one session and 3 sessions (12 weeks) were required. The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) was adopted to assess the total score and four subscales, named activity limitation, environment stimulation, emotion and symptom, and determine the efficacy., Results: In comparison before and after treatment in the same group, AQLQ total score, emotion score and symptom score were all increased significantly in group A and group C separately (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The environment stimulation score was increased in group C (P < 0.05). In group B, AQLQ total score and the activity score were increased remarkably (both P < 0.05). In comparison among groups: compared with the control group, AQLQ total score and symptom score in group A and group C were improved obviously (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); the emotion score was increased obviously in group B and group C (both P < 0.01) and the environment stimulation score was increased obviously in group C (P < 0.05). Compared with group B, the symptom score was improved much obviously in group C (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Acupuncture improves the quality of life much more obviously for the patients with bronchial asthma in terms of the lung and large intestine theory.

Aim: To explore the role of interleukin-25(IL-25) in the pathogenesis of eosinophilic asthma (EA) and non-eosinophilic asthma (NEA) through detecting its expression in serum, induced sputum and bronchial epithelial mucosa of asthmatic patients., Methods: Serum and induced sputum were collected from 55 untreated asthmatic patients and 27 healthy control subjects. The asthmatic patients were divided into EA and NEA groups according to sputum eosinophils(EOS) percentage (3% as a dividing point). The level of IL-25 in serum and induced spntum was determined by ELISA; the expression of IL-25 in bronchial epithelium was quantified by immunohistochemistry in biopsied specimens from 10 cases of EA, 10 NEA and 10 controls. Basement membrane thickness as an important index of airway remodeling was detected by HE staining., Results: Compared with healthy control subjects, the lung function was impaired in patients with EA and NEA. ELISA results showed that the levels of IL-25 in the serum and induced sputum of asthmatic patients were significantly higher than those in healthy subjects (P<0.05). But there were no statistic differences between EA and NEA patients (P>0.05). The immunohistochemical results indicated that the expression of IL-25 was higher in asthmatic bronchial epithelium than in control ones. HE staining showed that the basement membrane thickness increased in EA and NEA patients(P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the levels of IL-25 in serum and induced sputum were positively correlated with the average thickness of basement membrane in asthmatic patients., Conclusion: IL-25 secreted from epithelial cells has the potential to promote airway remodeling in asthma. EOS has nothing to do with the thickness of basement membrane, and it may not be necessary for airway remodeling in asthma.

In the present paper, the authors review the development of experimental and clinical studies on acupuncture treatment of bronchial asthma in recent 10 years. Regarding clinical studies, results showed that acupuncture could (1) regulate cardiac-pulmonary function; and (2) adjust immune state and relieve inflammatory reactions in bronchial asthma patients. Animal experiments showed that acupuncture could function in (1) improving pulmonary function; (2) reducing accumulation of the peripheral eosinophile granulocytes (EOS), relieving the infiltration of inflammatory cells in the air-passage mucosa and promoting the apoptosis of EOS in the lung and air-passages; (3) down-regulating the expression of air-passage remodeling-related protein insulin growth factor-1; (4) suppressing the secretion of tumor necrosis factor and endothelin; (5) attenuating allergic reaction; (6) regulating neuroendocrine activity; and (7) modulating intracellular second messenger activities. However, rigorous clinical study design is not enough, so that the reliability of the results is limited. In spite of many indicators of animal experiments have been selected, but their correlations are not in close association, resulting in poor complementation and mutual identification of the acquired findings. For this reason, its clinical efficacies need to be researched further according to principles of evidence-based medicine.

Through analysis and study of ancient literatures, it is primarily approved that there existed a connective subject, namely intermediate structure, between the "lung-lung meridian" and the "large intestine-large intestine meridian", which can promote the interior-exterior close relationship between the two. It mainly includes intermediate of the organism (throat, supraclavicular fossa, the bone formed elbow joint, nose, anus and skin), intermediate of acupoints (Luo-connecting points) and intermediate of zang-fu, meridians and collaterals (stomach and the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming, liver and Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin). The theory provides new thoughts for study on the interior-exterior relationship between the corresponding zang and fu organs.

Based on the optimum clinical evidence, consulting the international guide, the outstanding guidelines of acupuncture clinical practices is formulated in order to promote the process of acupuncture modernization and internationalization. According to consensus of experts, using the questionnaire method, integrating the characteristics and requirements for acupuncture clinical practices, the guidelines reflect the characteristics of acupuncture, for instance, applicability, inheritance, holism, and the discipline characteristics. Thus, the guidelines will standardize the treatments in acupuncture clinical practices, strengthen medical service quality management, control medical costs, and promote the process of acupuncture modernization and internationalization.

The acupoint is one of the basic elements of the acupuncture prescription. Just as thinking over different properties of every Chinese materia medica in a prescription, we should also sufficiently consider the characteristics of each acupoint in a prescription of acupuncture or moxibustion. Chinese materia medica have their own action-tendencies of lifting, lowering, floating and sinking, properties of cold, hot, warm and cool, five flavors of sour, bitter, sweet, acrid and salty, target-meridian distribution, different toxicity and actions, etc. What are the properties of acupoints? The authors of the present paper summarize them by simulating the characters of Chinese materia medica. It is found that acupoints also have functions in regulating lifting, lowering, floating and sinking of Qi, inducing cold and heat effects, producing different needling sensations; and pertain to different meridians (meridian distribution). And acupoint stimulation may produce adverse effects under certain specific conditions, etc. Full understanding of the properties of acupoints is definitely helpful in improving clinical therapeutic effects and shortening therapeutic courses by reasonably selecting and combining related acupoints.

Objective: To probe into the correlativity of TCM syndromes to auricular points., Methods: Sixty-three cases of typical liver-qi stagnation syndrome and 52 healthy persons were divided into an observation group and a control group, respectively. The auricular points on both side were respectively detected by auricular point pressure pain method with spring pressure bar and a pressure of 50 g, and then the number of auricular points with positive response on both sides were respectively calculated and the positive rates between the two groups were compared., Results: Can (liver), Shidao (esophagus), Sanjiao (triple energy), Pi (spleen), Yidan (pancreas and gall bladder), Tingzhong (center of superior concha), Wei (stomach), Shenmen had high tenderness positive rates, with significant differences between the liver-qi stagnation syndrome group and the healthy person group. The correlativity were Gan>Shidao>Sanjiao>Pi>Yidan>Tingzhong>Wei>Shenmen., Conclusion: TCM syndromes and auricular points have correlativity.

Objective: To study the basic therapeutic function of Tiaokou (ST 38)., Methods: According to clinically multi-central randomized controlled and single-blind test principle, 257 cases of periarthritis of shoulder were divided into two groups, a test group (n = 124) treated with oral anti-inflammatory analgesic medicine combined with acupuncture at Tiaokou (ST 38), and a control group (n = 133) treated with oral anti-inflammatory analgesic medicine. Their therapeutic effects were compared., Results: The total effective rate for stopping pain was 96.0% in the test group and 91.7% in the control group with a very significant difference between the two groups (P< 0.01). And the total effective rate for improvement of shoulder activity was 86.3% in the test group and 59.4% in the control group with a very significant difference between the two groups (P<0.01)., Conclusion: Oral anti-inflammatory analgesic medicine combined with acupuncture has obvious therapeutic effect on periarthritis of shoulder, which is better than that of simple oral anti-inflammatory analgesic medicine.

Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of He's Santong needling method on neurological functional deficit in the patient of ischemic apoplexy, and search for an effective method for treatment of ischemic apoplexy., Methods: According to the randomized and multi-central trial principle, 319 cases enrolled were randomly assigned to an observation group of 161 cases and a control group of 158 cases. The observation group were treated with He's Santong needling method, i. e. blood letting, puncturing with a red-hot needle and filiform needle therapy by stages, and the control group were treated with acupuncture at 12 points of the hand and foot routinely selected in the department, once daily. After treatment of 30 days, changes of neurological functional deficit score were investigated in the two groups., Results: The total effective rate was 91.93% in the observation group and 70. 25% in the control group with a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in changes of the neurological functional deficit score between the patients at the acute stage and the convalescence (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of He's Santong needling method on ischemic apoplexy at acute stage or convalescence is better than that of the routine point selection.