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.
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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.
In prior issues, Neil discussed the Gallbladder Official as a whole (March 20 including points 17 and 24); points 37-41 (June 2013); points 1, 16, and 20 (May 2021); and points 2-3, 8-9, and 12-13 (April 2024). This article focuses on GB points 7, 10, 14-15, 18-19, 21, and 23.
Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of pain and disability, often managed with pharmacological and surgical interventions. However, acupuncture has long been used as a non-invasive treatment for knee pain, and recent research provides new insights into its underlying mechanisms.
