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.
Acupuncture can provide constipation relief while maintaining a healthy pregnancy. A combination of San Jiao 6 (Zhi Gou) and Stomach 36 (Zu San Li) is excellent for treating constipation during pregnancy. San Jiao 6 is the shu-stream and fire point of the San Jiao channel. It can regulate the qi of the three jiaos, unblock the qi of the fu organs, descend counterflow fire, open the orifices, activate the collaterals to disperse stagnation, and eliminate distention to stop pain.
One of the longest nerves in the body is known as the vagus nerve (VN). The VN is the 10th pair of cranial nerves that originates at the brain stem in the medulla oblongata. This nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is a part of the ANS. Research suggests ear acupuncture can activate the VN.
Mitochondria, the cell’s “powerhouses,” generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), regulate oxidative stress, and coordinate vital cellular functions. When mitochondrial health declines, patients may experience widespread effects, from impaired muscle recovery to cognitive decline. The mitochondrial theory of aging even suggests progressive mitochondrial deterioration is a central mechanism in chronic disease and systemic frailty. Photobiomodulation (PBM), the therapeutic use of red and near-infrared light, directly targets mitochondria to restore energy metabolism.
