Assessment of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Effects on the Electrophysiological Properties of the Ulnar Nerve: A Nerve Conduction Study

Abstract

Background/Aims: Acupuncture and moxibustion, when used together, have act mechanically and thermally on treated reflexological areas. The main goal of this work was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the electrophysiological properties of the ulnar nerve. Methods: Electrical stimulation was applied to the ulnar nerve above the epi­condyle of 28 volunteers. A 20-V potential was applied, and after each 10 impulses it was increased by 10 V, up to a maximum of 80 V. At 20 and 80 V, the participants were asked to rate the discomfort from 0 to 10 on a Numeric Rating Scale for pain. After the first stimulation and data collection, the control group rested for 6 min, while the intervention group was submitted to acupuncture and moxibustion on Lingdao (HT 4). Following this period of time, a second electrical stimulation was performed on both groups. Results: The discomfort was greater in the intervention group during the second stimulation. The stimulus required to achieve the maximum amplitude decreased, but the changes were only statistically significant in the intervention group (p = 0.006). An increase in latency and a decrease in reaction velocity were noticed between the first and the second stimulation for both groups; however, only the control group presented statistically significant differences (p = 0.018 and p = 0.022, respectively). Conclusions: Acupuncture and moxibustion on HT 4 increased the electrical sensitivity, decreased the stimulus intensity to achieve the maximum amplitude, and avoided a significant increase in latency and decrease in reaction velocity in two consecutive electrical stimulations.

Burnout, engagement & leadership

“…Meditation is a protective strategy for controlling emotions, increasing resilience, and reducing stress, anxiety, and depression 21 . The therapeutic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine may include the combined or stand-alone use of acupuncture, moxibustion, Chinese herbal medicine, Tuina, Qigong, and Tai Chi 22 . The use of QiGong is shown to be an effective practice in the promotion, prevention, and rehabilitation of certain disorders in adults, such as burnout and depression 23 .…”

Understanding Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapeutics: An Overview of the Basics and Clinical Applications

“…Nerve conduction studies (NCS) could be an excellent strategy to assess nerves’ measurable changes after acupuncture. As shown by Chan et al (2018), while evaluating the effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on the electrophysiological properties of the ulnar nerve, the stimulation of HT4 increased the electrical sensitivity and decreased the stimulus intensity to achieve the maximum amplitude, and avoided a significant increase in latency and decrease in reaction velocity in two consecutive electrical stimulations [ 119 ]. Using the same assessment strategy on diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) in type 2 diabetes patients, Meyer et al (2020) found that classical needle acupuncture had significant effects on DPN, and that improvements in NCS values presumably indicate structural neuroregeneration following acupuncture [ 120 ].…”

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“…The worldwide use of TCM practices has raised the question of how its integration in Western healthcare systems and research could be practically managed. This has encouraged the development of research strategies and the publication of a considerable number of scientific studies on the mechanisms and effects of TCM therapeutics [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 ]. Nevertheless, there is still much anecdotal evidence demanding appropriate study designs and sample dimensions to break down the resistance within mainstream conventional medicine [ 18 ].…”