Lianquan Acupoint in the Treatment of Aphasia and Mutism
INFORMATION FOR REFERENCE ONLY
Introduction
Aphasia and mutism are two disorders that affect communication and speech. Aphasia is a language disorder that affects a person's ability to speak, write, read, and understand language. Mutism, on the other hand, is the inability to speak or make any vocal sounds. Both of these disorders can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, and finding effective treatments is essential.
In recent years, acupuncture has gained popularity as an alternative or complementary therapy for various medical conditions, including aphasia and mutism. One acupoint that has shown promise in treating these disorders is the Lianquan acupoint, also known as CV23.
In this article, we will discuss the Lianquan acupoint's role in treating aphasia and mutism, the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, and how it is used in acupuncture therapy.
What is Lianquan Acupoint (CV23)?
The Lianquan acupoint, also known as CV23, is located at the midpoint of the suprasternal fossa, just below the Adam's apple. It is part of the Conception Vessel meridian, which runs along the front midline of the body and is one of the 12 main meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
According to TCM theory, the Conception Vessel meridian connects all the yin meridians of the body and is responsible for regulating the body's functions related to reproduction, digestion, respiration, and circulation. The Lianquan acupoint is said to regulate the function of the throat and chest, including the larynx, vocal cords, and lungs.
In acupuncture therapy, the Lianquan acupoint is often used in combination with other acupoints to treat various medical conditions, including respiratory and throat disorders, anxiety, and depression.
The Role of Lianquan Acupoint (CV23) in the Treatment of Aphasia and Mutism
Aphasia and mutism are often caused by damage to the brain, such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury. The severity of these disorders can vary widely, from mild difficulty finding words or understanding language to complete loss of speech and comprehension.
Acupuncture therapy, including the use of the Lianquan acupoint, has been studied as a potential treatment for these disorders. According to TCM theory, the Lianquan acupoint's stimulation can help regulate the function of the throat and chest, improving communication and speech.
Scientific Evidence
Scientific Evidence Supporting the Use of Lianquan Acupoint (CV23) in the Treatment of Aphasia and Mutism
Several studies have investigated the use of acupuncture therapy, including the Lianquan acupoint, in the treatment of aphasia and mutism. While the research is still in its early stages, the results are promising.
In a randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, researchers studied the effects of acupuncture therapy, including the Lianquan acupoint, on post-stroke aphasia. The study included 92 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture therapy or standard care.
After six weeks of treatment, the acupuncture group showed significant improvements in language ability compared to the control group. The researchers concluded that acupuncture therapy, including the Lianquan acupoint, could be a useful adjunct therapy for post-stroke aphasia.
Another study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine investigated the use of acupuncture therapy, including the Lianquan acupoint, in the treatment of mutism in children with cerebral palsy. The study included 60 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture therapy or standard care.
After four weeks of treatment, the acupuncture group showed significant improvements in speech and communication compared to the control group. The researchers concluded that acupuncture therapy, including the Lianquan acupoint, could be an effective treatment for mutism in children with cerebral palsy.
A review of the literature published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture therapy, including the Lianquan acupoint, had positive effects on the treatment of aphasia and mutism in patients with brain injury. The review included 11 studies with a total of 558 participants.
The review found that acupuncture therapy, including the Lianquan acupoint, was effective in improving language ability, speech, and communication in patients with aphasia and mutism. However, the review also noted that more high-quality studies were needed to confirm these findings.
How Lianquan Acupoint (CV23) is Used in Acupuncture Therapy
In acupuncture therapy, the Lianquan acupoint is typically stimulated using a thin, sterile needle. The acupuncturist may use other acupoints in combination with the Lianquan acupoint to treat specific medical conditions.
Acupuncture therapy sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the individual's needs. The number of sessions required can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition being treated.
Acupuncture therapy is generally considered safe when performed by a licensed and trained practitioner. However, like any medical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects, including pain, bleeding, and infection.
Conclusion
Aphasia and mutism are two disorders that can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. While there is still much to learn about the use of acupuncture therapy, including the Lianquan acupoint, in the treatment of these disorders, the scientific evidence suggests that it may be a useful adjunct therapy for improving language ability, speech, and communication in patients with brain injury.
As always, it is essential to consult with a licensed healthcare practitioner before starting any new medical treatment, including acupuncture therapy. While acupuncture therapy is generally considered safe, it is not a substitute for traditional medical care, and patients should always follow their healthcare provider's advice.
REFERENCES
Cheng, L., Qin, Q., Zhou, H., Hu, Y., & Wang, L. (2021). Acupuncture for Post-Stroke Aphasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 1-10. doi: 10.1155/2021/8880458. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of acupuncture on aphasia in post-stroke patients. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved language ability and communication in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Hu, Y., & Zhang, Y. (2019). Clinical observation on the effect of acupuncture at Lianquan (CV23) for treating poststroke aphasia. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 17(3), 202-208. doi: 10.1007/s11726-019-1101-5. This study investigated the effects of acupuncture at the Lianquan acupoint on aphasia in post-stroke patients. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved language ability and communication in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Liu, J., Gao, J., Sun, Y., & Yang, W. (2018). Electroacupuncture at Lianquan (CV23) for the treatment of poststroke dysphagia: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 16(3), 170-176. doi: 10.1007/s11726-018-1051-2. This study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture at the Lianquan acupoint on dysphagia in patients with post-stroke. The study found that electroacupuncture significantly improved swallowing function and reduced the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Liu, M., Wu, J., Gan, X., & Wang, W. (2019). Effect of acupuncture at Lianquan (CV23) on aphasia patients with cerebral infarction. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 17(3), 209-213. doi: 10.1007/s11726-019-1103-3. This study investigated the effects of acupuncture at the Lianquan acupoint on aphasia in patients with cerebral infarction. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved language ability and communication in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Liu, X., Chen, J., & Wang, Y. (2017). Clinical observation of acupuncture combined with speech therapy for post-stroke aphasia. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 15(3), 199-203. doi: 10.1007/s11726-017-0951-8. This study investigated the effects of acupuncture combined with speech therapy on aphasia in post-stroke patients. The study found that the combination therapy significantly improved language ability and communication in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Liu, Z., Wang, H., Wu, Y., & Yang, X. (2020). The Effect of Acupuncture at Lianquan (CV23) on Swallowing Function in Patients with Dysphagia after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1-11. doi: 10.1155/2020/7982910. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of acupuncture at the Lianquan acupoint on swallowing function in stroke patients with dysphagia. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved swallowing function in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Liu, Z., Zhang, Y., Yang, X., Li, Y., & Wu, Y. (2019). Electroacupuncture at Lianquan (CV23) Acupoint Improves Swallowing Function in Stroke Patients with Dysphagia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1-9. doi: 10.1155/2019/6413482. This study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture at the Lianquan acupoint on swallowing function in stroke patients with dysphagia. The study found that electroacupuncture significantly improved swallowing function in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Tian, G., Li, X., Wang, Q., Li, Y., Li, H., & Zhang, X. (2020). The Effect of Acupuncture at Lianquan (CV23) and Hegu (LI4) on the Expression of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Children with Cerebral Palsy and Mutism. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1-7. doi: 10.1155/2020/3487469. This study investigated the effects of acupuncture at the Lianquan and Hegu acupoints on brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in children with cerebral palsy and mutism. The study found that acupuncture significantly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Wang, J., Huang, Y., & Zhang, J. (2017). Effects of Acupuncture at Lianquan (CV23) on Speech Function of Patients with Aphasia after Stroke. World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion, 27(3), 35-38. doi: 10.1016/S1003-5257(17)30008-7. This study investigated the effects of acupuncture at the Lianquan acupoint on speech function in post-stroke patients with aphasia. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved speech function in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Wang, L., Li, Y., Li, W., Li, S., Li, T., & Liu, C. (2019). The Effect of Lianquan (CV23) Acupoint Electroacupuncture Combined with Rehabilitation Training on Patients with Brain Injury and Mutism. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2019, 1-7. doi: 10.1155/2019/1364928. This study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture at the Lianquan acupoint combined with rehabilitation training on mutism in patients with brain injury. The study found that the combination therapy significantly improved speech and communication in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Wu, M., Wu, J., Wu, X., & Zhang, Y. (2019). Acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy in the treatment of poststroke dysphagia: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 17(4), 259-264. doi: 10.1007/s11726-019-1145-6. This study investigated the effects of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation therapy on dysphagia in post-stroke patients. The study found that the combination therapy significantly improved swallowing function and reduced the incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Xu, L., Yu, Z., Chen, H., & Zhao, X. (2020). Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Post-Stroke Aphasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 29(11), 105187. doi: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105187. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of acupuncture on aphasia in post-stroke patients. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved language ability and communication in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Yu, J., & Zheng, X. (2021). Clinical observation of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training for poststroke aphasia. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 19(3), 196-201. doi: 10.1007/s11726-021-1293-3. This study investigated the effects of acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training on aphasia in post-stroke patients. The study found that the combination therapy significantly improved language ability and communication in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Zhang, H., Wang, H., Zeng, X., Yang, G., Liu, Y., & Wang, W. (2020). Acupuncture at Lianquan (CV23) and Fengchi (GB20) for Treatment of Aphasia after Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2020, 1-8. doi: 10.1155/2020/8046878. This study investigated the effects of acupuncture at the Lianquan and Fengchi acupoints on aphasia in patients with ischemic stroke. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved language ability and communication in the treatment group compared to the control group.
Zhao, J., Liu, Q., Wang, L., & Zhu, Y. (2020). Acupuncture at Lianquan (CV23) for the treatment of poststroke dysphagia: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 99(37), e22169. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000022169. This protocol outlines a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of acupuncture at the Lianquan acupoint on dysphagia in post-stroke patients. The study aims to provide further evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of dysphagia.