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Impact of Acupoint Specificity on Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Hedi Suanto Tjong; Hendsun Hendsun; Guo Xinyu; Hitoshi Tanaka
Bioscientia Medicina : Journal of Biomedicine and Translational Research Vol. 9 No. 7 (2025): Bioscientia Medicina: Journal of Biomedicine & Translational Research
Publisher : HM Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37275/bsm.v9i7.1322

Abstract

Background: Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is increasingly utilized for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A central tenet is acupoint specificity – the hypothesis that stimulating specific acupoints yields distinct therapeutic effects compared to non-specific points or sham interventions. However, the empirical evidence supporting acupoint specificity for cardiovascular outcomes remains debated. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current evidence regarding the impact of acupoint specificity on clinically relevant cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in major biomedical databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2014 and December 2024. Studies were included if they compared acupuncture at specific, predefined acupoints relevant to cardiovascular conditions against a control group involving sham acupuncture (non-penetrating, superficial needling at non-acupoints, or needling at irrelevant acupoints) or minimal acupuncture. The primary outcomes included changes in blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, angina frequency/severity, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: Seven RCTs involving 850 participants met the inclusion criteria, addressing hypertension (n=3), stable angina (n=2), heart failure support (n=1), and HRV modulation in healthy subjects (n=1). Three studies (one hypertension, one angina, one HRV) suggested statistically significant benefits of specific acupoint stimulation (such as PC6, ST36, LR3) over sham controls for primary outcomes (such as greater reduction in systolic blood pressure, reduced angina frequency, specific HRV modulation). Heterogeneity was substantial across studies, even within the same condition, particularly concerning acupoint selection, stimulation parameters, and control group design. Conclusion: The evidence supporting clinically significant acupoint specificity for cardiovascular outcomes remains inconclusive and inconsistent. While some studies suggest potential benefits of stimulating specific points like PC6 or ST36 compared to sham interventions, others fail to demonstrate superiority. High-quality, rigorously designed RCTs with standardized protocols, appropriate sham controls, and adequate sample sizes are imperative to clarify the role of acupoint specificity in acupuncture's cardiovascular effects.
Mapping the Meridians and Acupoints in Traditional Bhutanese Medicine: A Comparative Analysis with Classical Chinese Acupuncture Kezang Tshering; Hedi Suanto Tjong
Archives of The Medicine and Case Reports Vol. 6 No. 3 (2025): Archives of The Medicine and Case Reports
Publisher : HM Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37275/amcr.v6i3.762

Abstract

Traditional Bhutanese Medicine (TBM), or gSo-ba Rig-pa (Sowa Rigpa), describes vital energy channels (rtsa) and therapeutic points (gsang mig). Classical Chinese Acupuncture (CCA) features a detailed system of meridians (jing luo) and acupoints (xue wei). While both traditions modulate vital energy, a detailed comparative cartography is lacking. This study aimed to map and compare selected TBM channels and acupoints with potential CCA counterparts. A comprehensive review of Sowa Rigpa texts and Bhutanese traditional medical literature was conducted to characterize principal TBM energy channels and therapeutic points, including those for Serkhap (Golden Needle) therapy. Data for five key TBM channels and twenty associated acupoints (pathways, locations, indications) were compiled. Analogous CCA meridians and acupoints were identified based on topography, anatomical landmarks, and traditional indications. A comparative analysis focused on anatomical correspondence, somatic landmarks, and traditional indications (rLung, mKhris-pa, Bad-kan in TBM vs. Qi, Blood, Zang-Fu in CCA). The mapping characterized distinct TBM channels with unique attributes. Comparative analysis (detailed in a table) revealed significant anatomical overlap for 60% (12 of 20) selected TBM acupoints with CCA acupoints, particularly along Bladder, Gallbladder, and Stomach meridians. Notable divergences occurred in channel trajectories and point energetics. Some TBM points, especially for Serkhap, had unique locations or indications rooted in TBM’s humoral theory. Approximately 30% showed partial overlap, and 10% appeared unique. In conclusion, this comparative mapping provides foundational insights into TBM and CCA channel/acupoint systems. Anatomical convergences suggest shared empirical observations, while Sowa Rigpa’s distinct theories offer a unique lens on somato-energetic relationships.
Impact of Acupoint Specificity on Cardiovascular Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Hedi Suanto Tjong; Hendsun Hendsun; Guo Xinyu; Hitoshi Tanaka
Bioscientia Medicina : Journal of Biomedicine and Translational Research Vol. 9 No. 7 (2025): Bioscientia Medicina: Journal of Biomedicine & Translational Research
Publisher : HM Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.37275/bsm.v9i7.1322

Abstract

Background: Acupuncture, a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is increasingly utilized for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). A central tenet is acupoint specificity – the hypothesis that stimulating specific acupoints yields distinct therapeutic effects compared to non-specific points or sham interventions. However, the empirical evidence supporting acupoint specificity for cardiovascular outcomes remains debated. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the current evidence regarding the impact of acupoint specificity on clinically relevant cardiovascular outcomes. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in major biomedical databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus) for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2014 and December 2024. Studies were included if they compared acupuncture at specific, predefined acupoints relevant to cardiovascular conditions against a control group involving sham acupuncture (non-penetrating, superficial needling at non-acupoints, or needling at irrelevant acupoints) or minimal acupuncture. The primary outcomes included changes in blood pressure (systolic and diastolic), heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, angina frequency/severity, and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Results: Seven RCTs involving 850 participants met the inclusion criteria, addressing hypertension (n=3), stable angina (n=2), heart failure support (n=1), and HRV modulation in healthy subjects (n=1). Three studies (one hypertension, one angina, one HRV) suggested statistically significant benefits of specific acupoint stimulation (such as PC6, ST36, LR3) over sham controls for primary outcomes (such as greater reduction in systolic blood pressure, reduced angina frequency, specific HRV modulation). Heterogeneity was substantial across studies, even within the same condition, particularly concerning acupoint selection, stimulation parameters, and control group design. Conclusion: The evidence supporting clinically significant acupoint specificity for cardiovascular outcomes remains inconclusive and inconsistent. While some studies suggest potential benefits of stimulating specific points like PC6 or ST36 compared to sham interventions, others fail to demonstrate superiority. High-quality, rigorously designed RCTs with standardized protocols, appropriate sham controls, and adequate sample sizes are imperative to clarify the role of acupoint specificity in acupuncture's cardiovascular effects.
Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities with Blind Jatabek through Tuina Chuzhen Massage Therapy Training Japaries, Willie; Wijono Sukaputra Agussalim; Hedi Suanto Tjong; Metta Sari; Erni Chrisilia Suhendry; Aditya Prabowo Audisapta; Ony Susita; Adrianus Suyadi, S.J.; Anastasia S.P; Dian Susanti; Sutrisno; R.M. Alfian
IJECS: Indonesian Journal of Empowerment and Community Services Vol. 6 No. 2 (2025)
Publisher : Universitas Veteran Bangun Nusantara

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.32585/ijecs.v6i2.7240

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: People with disabilities, especially the blind, are members of society who have limited vision. Therefore, they require specific methods to learn certain skills to earn a living. One such skill suitable for the blind is massage therapy, which can be learned without relying on sight, but relying on the sense of touch. Purpose: This paper aims to describe the experience of training blind people to perform a special massage treatment called Tuina Chuzhen. Methods: The experience of training blind people to perform Tuina Chuzhen massage is described chronologically and systematically from facts and primary data collected during six training sessions at the Daya Dharma Institute of the Archdiocese of Jakarta, with support from traditional Chinese medicine experts from the Nalanda Institute. Main Results: The Tuina Chuzhen massage training for 20 blind people went smoothly during six sessions over a period of one month. The training participants successfully mastered the Tuina Chuzhen method using the provided short wooden rods. Mastery of these skills was evident in the participants' recognition and their ability to pass the competency test conducted by the Nalanda Institute's assessment team after the training. Conclusion: Tuina Chuzhen massage training can bring tangible benefits to the visually impaired. Keywords: Massage, tuina Chuzhen, disability, visual impairment.