The research on acupuncture has increased steadily over the years and regular review and revision of the direction of future acupuncture research are necessary. This paper aims to review and explore the significance of acupuncture depth in modern acupuncture research. Searches conducted in Science Direct and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases reflected a lack of focus on depth of acupuncture. We propose that the research trends of acupuncture should progress to the depth of insertion. It is suggested that future acupuncture research, especially randomized controlled trials (RCTs), should take into consideration the depth of insertion. Comparison between databases using different language of medium suggests the need for international collaboration of researchers from the same field. It is also crucial to inherit and innovate traditional medicine (TM) through modern technology. The use of bibliometric method is also suitable for development of TM research trends. Acupuncture and depth should be considered as one of the future directions of acupuncture research.
Rhizoma Coptidis (RC), commonly known as huanglian, is a herb frequently used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) prescriptions. Known to have “clearing damp-heat, quenching fire and counteracting poison” properties, it was widely used in the Chinese community in Singapore. Berberine, an alkaloid isolated from RC, is known to have a wide array of therapeutic effects including antimicrobial, antineoplastic, and hepatoprotective effects. In 1978, RC was implicated in causing neonatal jaundice (NNJ) and kernicterus in neonates suffering from glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency, leading to the banning of RC and berberine in Singapore. More than three decades later, accumulating evidence-based studies pointing to the safety of RC for general public and better understanding of G6PD deficiency, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) in Singapore reviewed and lifted the prohibition on RC and berberine, turning a brand new chapter in the history of TCM in Singapore. This paper aims to review the safety of RC and berberine, using the prohibition of use and subsequent lifting of ban on RC and berberine in Singapore as an illustration to highlight the importance of evidence-based studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
This article introduces the Layer Analysis Method of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic text to revive its use in modern acupuncture and medicine. This is a crucial concept, especially for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases by acupuncture. First, the rise and decline of this method is explored. Second, the differentiation of this method is described by symptoms, the affected organs, and the stage of the disease. Third, the treatment method is summarized into four categories: (1) equipment, (2) technique, (3) acupoint, and (4) pathology. The resemblance of the Layer Analysis Method to modern clinical applications is worth examining. The sinew layer is especially fascinating with its similarity to the Anatomy Trains' track. The skin, vessel, muscle, and bone layers have their respective resemblances to their counterparts in modern medicine. The holism concept of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is demonstrated throughout the Layer Analysis Method theory. In addition, the Layer Analysis Method of the Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic should be reconsidered and complemented by channel-collateral pattern differentiation for acupuncturists to achieve better clinical results. Future research on acupuncture should consider this theory with the channel-collateral pattern differentiation theory.
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