Vascular cognitive impairment is characterized by symptoms ranging from forgetfulness to more serious problems with attention, memory, language and problem-solving. Heart disease and stroke are two of the major risk factors, as both involve compromised blood supply to the brain.
In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Xu GC, et al., 2019), researchers recruited 94 patients with VCI and randomized them into two groups for comparison. One group received donepezil hydrochloride, while the other group received acupuncture. Both groups also received general therapy according to China 2014 Guidelines for Secondary Prevention and Treatment of Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack, including aspirin tablets and atorvastatin calcium daily.
The primary acupoints that were used in treating the acupuncture group included GV26 (Shuigou), PC6 (Neiguan), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), EX-HN1 (Sishencong), GB39 (Xuanzhong) and KI3 (Taixi) and involved a specific protocol, Xing Nao Kai Qiao ("Waking the Brain and Opening the Orifices"). Prior to treatment, and four and eight weeks following treatment, researchers evaluated patient response using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scale; the Ability of Daily Living Scale; serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and visinin-like protein 1 (VILIP-1; and mRNA expression of IGF-1 and VILIP-1.
Following treatment, both patient groups showed improvements in scores at four and eight weeks, although significantly greater improvements were noted in the acupuncture group as compared to the medication group.
Resource
English translation of study parameters / findings. Click here for complete summary.
Pelvic pain has a prevalence of >25% in women and >15% in men, and up to 50% of cases are undiagnosed, demonstrating that there is a definite need for pelvic care awareness among health care practitioners. As holistic practitioners, acupuncturists offer a safe space for clients and are often the practitioners clients seek out when nothing else has worked. Thus, acupuncturists are presented with an opportunity to serve an underserved population.
Though the creation of a financially sustainable, health-promoting model feels far away today, we are casting a vision for a full return on health, believing that this compels us to keep one foot firmly rooted in caring for the sick and the other foot firmly founded in maintaining health. Shifting from a fee-for-service model to value-based care using a phased approach is paramount.
Traditional Chinese medicine and the Vedic traditions both offer rich frameworks for understanding human health, emphasizing the balance of physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. The concept of "souls" or spiritual components in TCM, namely Hun, Po, Shen, Yi, and Zhi, bears significant similarities to the yogic concept of koshas. Their similarities and differences provide insights into how these systems contribute to holistic health practices.
