Evaluating Meridian-Sinew Release Therapy for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract

Objective. In recent years, public health experts have concluded that the impact of osteoarthritis is equal in magnitude to that of cardiovascular disease. Osteoarthritis of the knee is prevalent in the elderly population; however, there are currently no effective treatments for this condition. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of “meridian-sinew release,” a newly developed technique which entails using a meridian-sinew scope and a meridian-sinew knife to treat osteoarthritis of the knee. Methods. Patients (N = 90) with knee osteoarthritis were prospectively randomized to meridian-sinew release therapy, acupuncture therapy, or drug therapy groups, respectively. Outcome evaluation included pain, stiffness, physiological function, total symptom score, and overall changes in the condition. Results. After 12 weeks, patients' general assessment (GA) and doctors' general assessment (GA) of the condition were not significantly different among the three groups. However, significant differences in primary endpoint pain, joint stiffness, and total symptom score were found between the meridian-sinew group and the acupuncture group and between the meridian-sinew group and the control group (P < 0.05). No adverse events occurred during the trial. Conclusion. Our study suggests that meridian-sinew release therapy can improve knee osteoarthritis, alleviate joint pain, and improve functional movement disorder. It is a safe and effective treatment for knee osteoarthritis.

Green Urine in Traditional Persian Medicine

“…It has been stated that phlegm-fluid retention can lead to pathological changes like spasm, cramps, and stiffness. 35 However, sometimes this excess moisture remains thin and watery, and then, infiltration of this less viscous moisture in the neural system or fascias may induce paralysis. 3,4,9,30 In allopathic medicine, some rare conditions such as familial benign hypercalcemia (blue diaper syndrome) can cause green urine.…”

“…37 On the other hand, as viewed by the modern medicine, muscle cramps could be secondary to metabolic disturbances such as hypercalcemia, fluid retention, acute extracellular volume depletion, and liver and kidney disorders. 35 It can be concluded that green discolored urine in conventional medicine is mainly attributed to intoxication with special drugs and chemicals (most of which can cause hypothermia) in addition to some specific diseases. In traditional Persian medicine, however, green urine is generally referred to the coldness dominancy in the body, which is mainly a result of some sorts of humoral imbalances and fluid depletion or retention.…”

“…On the other hand, as viewed by the modern medicine, muscle cramps could be secondary to metabolic disturbances such as hypercalcemia, fluid retention, acute extracellular volume depletion, and liver and kidney disorders. 35…”

Classic and Modern Meridian Studies: A Review of Low Hydraulic Resistance Channels along Meridians and Their Relevance for Therapeutic Effects in Traditional Chinese Medicine

“…There is pathological adhesion between tissues, increasing the resistance of channel which is difficult to be separated by any method except a knife. A needle knife is specific for separating the adhesion and reducing the resistance of the channel ( Figure 6(3) ) and has been widely used in pain symptom, getting better effect than needle acupuncture in Wei's clinical study and better effect than pill treatment reported by Liu et al in recent papers [ 62 , 63 ].…”

Acupuncture as a Treatment Modality in Dermatology: A Systematic Review

“…[1][2][3][4] Acupuncture points are generally located along these meridians and, when stimulated, are thought to restore normal circulation of qi to achieve balance and cure disease. [5][6][7][8] Acupuncture holds a long history in China, where it continues to be regularly used independently and as an adjunct to modern medicine to treat a broad range of diseases, including dermatologic disorders. Over the past few decades, the interest in acupuncture has expanded to other countries, including the United States, because of the growing popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).…”