Acupuncture and Natural Medicine 05–06/2015casopis.akupunktura.sk/Akupunktura_a_naturalna... ·...

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MEDICAL SOCIETY OFNATURAL MEDICINE:

REVIEWED SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL

ACUPUNCTUREand

NATURAL MEDICINE

number 5–6, volume 2015

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Acupuncture and Natural Medicine 5–6/2015 3

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Horizontal and vertical level of the pyramid model – selected relations and possible connections ....................................................... 7Gustáv Solár, M. D., PhD., Ing. Juraj Solár, Zlatica Solárová, M. P., PhD.

The Time Curvature in Acupuncture, Application in Clinic ............ 16Teodor Mochnáč, M. D., PhD.Experimental and Clinical Concept Essentials of Alloplant Regenerative Medicine ........................................................................ 22Prof. Ernst Rifgatovich Muldashev, M. D., DrSc., Radik Fayazovich Galiyakhmetov, M. D., CSc.Values of Intraocular Pressure and Acupuncture – Pilot Study ....... 32Magdaléna Miklósová, M. D.

Thermal Effects in Electro Acupuncture ............................................ 42Assoc. Prof., Dipl. Ing. Branislav Hučko, PhD., Ing. František Horvát, Ing. Tomáš Kováč, Ing. Lukáš Šoltés, Ing. Michal Čekan, PhD.Slope Movements as a Geofactors of the Environment and their Impact on Human ................................................................................ 49Prof. Dr. František Baliak, PhD., Mgr. Martin Brček, PhD.Fluorine and Health Problems in Žiarska kotlina Basin (Slovakia) . 57Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miloslav Khun, CSc.Human, Animal and Therapy ............................................................. 63Dr. Denisa Šoltésová, PhD., Mgr. Michaela Skyba, PhD.

Insights from the XIX Congress of Natural Medicine, Nitra, 16th–18th of October 2015.................................................................................... 78Teodor Rosinský, M. D., CSc.

Editorial Policy .................................................................................... 83Instructions for Authors ...................................................................... 84

Acupuncture Little Different

Clinic and Research

Interdisciplinary Insights

Reports from Professional Events

Informations

Editorial OfficeEditor-in-ChiefSoňa Sázelová, M. D.

Associate Editor Responsible for Foreign AffairsEva Baumann, M. D.

Associate Editor Responsible for Interdisciplinary StudiesMgr. Zuzana Šimová, PhD.

Editorial BoardSoňa Sázelová, M. D.Eva Baumann, M. D.Martina Lehocká, M. D.Magdaléna Miklósová, M. D.Katarína Loncková, M. D.Daniela Hurajová, M. D.PhDr. Valentín Dikarev

Technical Editor and Graphic DesignIng. Juraj Solár

Holder of the License to PublishThe First Clinic of Acupuncture and Natural Medicine of G. Solar, ltd.Executive Director: Zlatica Solárová, M. P., PhD.Ivanská cesta č. 23821 04 Bratislava, Slovak RepublicE-mail: [email protected]: www.naturalnamedicina.com

mailto:klinika%40akupunktura.sk?subject=

http://www.naturalnamedicina.com


Editorial

Editorial

Dear readers,

It is a pleasure for me to write the introduction to the last issue of this journal at the end

of the year 2015. This time we decided to prepare a double issue for you. I believe you will enjoy the enhanced number of inspiring articles.

The authors Gustáv Solár M. D., PhD, Ing. Juraj Solár and Zlatica Solárová, M. P., PhD, present the study from the field of acupuncture theory. They continue in analysis of the unique pyramid model of acupuncture system and clarify the mutual connection of meridians in a horizontal and vertical plane of the proposed model. Teodor Mochnáč, M. D., PhD. also continues in his previous contributions. This time he describes the use of his proposed model (Teo Mo hexagram sequence) in a clinical practice.

The team of authors led by Assoc. Prof. Ing. Branislav Hučko, PhD. from the Institute of Applied Mechanics and Mechatronics of STU enrich this issue with their pilot study on the thermal effect of electroacupuncture. The authors investigated the thermal effect of acupuncture using thermomechanical analysis. They propose the options how to identify the impact of the temperature effect of electroacupuncture treatment.

The next two studies are from the field of ophthalmology. The first study is from the Russian authors Prof. Ernst R. Muldashev, M. D., PhD. and Prof. Radik F. Galiyakhmetov, M. D., PhD. (the Russian Centre of Eye and Plastic Surgery, Ufa). In this study they compared two methods of Alloplant biomaterial application in the treatment of corneal lesions on animal model. The second study is from Magdaléna Miklósová, M. D.

The author evaluates the effect of acupuncture treatment on the intraocular pressure. At the same time she presents an original application of acupuncture pyramid model in the anatomy and physiology of the eye.

The contribution from the field of geology by Assoc. Prof. Dr. František Baliak, PhD. and Mgr. Martin Brček, PhD. (The Faculty of Civil Engineering, STU) explains the issue of geodynamic phenomena, which significantly affect the human environment. It is mainly focused on the issue of slope movements, their positive and negative effects on human’s life and work as geopotential and geobarriers, respectively.

The contribution of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miloslav Khun, PhD. to this issue of the journal is in the monitoring of fluorine contamination in Žiar basin, which was part of the emission from an aluminium plant in Žiar nad Hronom. The expected relationship between the concentration of fluorine in the environment and increased incidence of endocrine and cancer diseases and birth defects are documented by health data of child population in the area.

Dr. Denisa Šoltésová, PhD. and Mgr. Michaela Skyba, PhD. highlighted in their article the positive impact of canine therapy for a mental and physical condition of man. The need for further intensive scientific research in the field of humananimal interactions is also emphasized.

In conclusion, Teodor Rosinský, M. D., PhD. reports on the scientific program of XIX. Medical Congress of Natural Medicine with interdisciplinary participation, held in Nitra,


Editorial

Scientific Council

Prof. Dr. František Baliak, PhD.STU Bratislava, Civil Engineering, Department of Geotechnics

Doc. MUDr. Vladimír Bella, PhD.chairman of SEKCAMA (Senology Society)Chief of Clinic of Mamology department, St. Elisabeth Oncology instituteHeydukova 10, 821 08 Bratislava

Dr. Katarína Bíliková, PhD.Dpt. of Molecular Apidology, detached branch of Institute of Forest Ecology, Bratislava

Associate Prof. Ing. Ján Brindza, CSc.Slovak University of AgricultureInstitute of Biodiversity Conservation and Biosecurity

Associate Prof. Marek Čambal, M. D., PhD.First Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava

Prof. Dušan Dobrota, M. D., CSc.Department of Medical Biochemistry, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava

Juraj Gajdoš, M. D.General Practitioners for Adults and Acupuncturist, N.z.z. Trnava

Associate Prof. RNDr. Vojtech Gajdoš, CSc.Geophysicist, Bratislava

Associate Prof., Dipl. Ing. Branislav Hučko, PhD.Dean of FME STU in BratislavaNám. Slobody 17 , 812 31 Bratislava, Slovak republic

Jean-Marc Kespi, M. D.Honorary President of the French Association of Acupuncture (AFA)

Associate Prof. Dr. Miloslav Khun, CSc.UK Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Geochemistry

Dr. Pil-Gun Kim, K.M.D., PhD,Korean Medicine Association, Soulpresident

Prof. Ing. Ján Košturiak, PhD.Managing Director, IPA Slovakia, Professor Tomas Bata University Zlin

Ing. Eva Kutejová, CSc.Dpt. of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, Institute of Molecular Biology, SAV, Bratislava

Anna Loskotová, M. D.Chief of Clinic of Physiotherapy – SALVE Centre, Vysoke Myto, Czech republicMASARYK University in Brno, Clinic of Burns and Reconstructive Surgery, University hospital in Bohunice, Czech republic

Folker Meissner, M. D.Chairman of the German Academy of Energy, Medicine and Bioenergetics (DAEMBE), Clinic for Holistic Medicine Dr. Folker Meissner

from 16th to 18th October 2015. His report brings a complete and concise overview of the presented lectures to the readers.

The main priority of the editorial board is to enhance the quality and proficiency of the journal so we decided to change its periodicity. The journal will be published quarterly from the next issue.

I hope you spent a peaceful and beautiful Christmas time. I wish you a happy and successful new year as well as a lot of motivation and creativity in your work. We look forward to your interesting manuscripts.

Sincerely yours,Mgr. Zuzana Šimová, PhD.


Scientific Council

Teodor Mochnáč, M. D., PhD.Akupunktum, Center of acupuncture and diabetic foot, Nitra

Prof. Marián Mokáň, M. D., DrSc., FRCP EdinDepartment of Internal Medicine I., Jessenius Faculty of Medicine Comenius University and University Hospital Martin

Prof. Ernst Rifgatovič Muldašev, M. D., DrSc.Russian Eye and Plastic Surgery Center, Ufa, Russian FederationDirector

Prof. Radik Talgatovič Nigmatulin, M. D.Russian Eye and Plastic Surgery Center, Ufa, Russian FederationDeputy Director for Science and Research

Prof. Chi-Chung PengAssociate Prof. & Chairman, National Formosa University, Department of Biotechnology, Huwei, Yunlin, Taiwan

Prof. Dr. Phys.-Math. Sergej Petoukhov, PhD.Laureate of the State prize of the USSR, academicianChief of the Laboratory of biomechanical systems of the Mechanical Engineering Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation

Associate Prof. Jana Slobodníková, M. D., CSc. h. Prof.Faculty of Health, KLVM, Alexander Dubcek University of Trencin

Gustáv Solár, M. D., PhD.The First Clinic of Acupuncture and Natural Medicine of G.Solar s. r. o.,professional supervisor

Zlatica Solárová, M. P., PhD.The First Clinic of Acupuncture and Natural Medicine of G.Solar s. r. o.,executive director

Denisa Šoltésová, M. P., PhD.Associate Director of Institute of Educology and Social WorkInstitute of Educology and Social WorkFaculty of Arts, University of Presov in Presov

Prof. Miron Šramka, M. D., DrSc.St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Bratislava, Department of stereotactic radiosurgery, St. Ellisabeth University of Health and Social Sciences, Bratislava

Dr. Stângaciu StefanPresident of Apitherapy Consulting & Trading International Ltd.President of the Romanian and German Apitherapy Societies.Secretary General of the International Federation of Apitherapy

Prof. Park Wan SuThe Chief Vice President of AKOM (the Association of Korean Medicine)Professor, Dept. of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, Republic of Korea

Kikuji Yamaguchi, PhD.Company Chairman & CEO, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kyobashi Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Jeong Yeonil M. D.Korean Medicine Association, SeoulDirector for Foreign Affairs


Acupuncture Little DifferentHorizontal and vertical level of the pyramid model – selected relations and possible connections

Gustáv Solár, M. D., PhD., Ing. Juraj Solár, Zlatica Solárová, M. P., PhD.

Horizontal and vertical level of the pyramid model – selected relations and possible connectionsGustáv Solár, M. D., PhD., Ing. Juraj Solár, Zlatica Solárová, M. P., PhD.

SummaryThere are many mutual interactions and relations in the complex dynamic pyramid model of

acupuncture (hereinafter “pyramid model”) both on the horizontal and the vertical level. In the present study the authors analyse relations on the vertical level of the pyramid model. For the purpose of defining the essence of Yang and Yin as dynamic states of the system, relations on the horizontal level were analysed too. The vertical level of the model consists of meridians of the large intestine (IC), stomach (VE), liver (HE), urinary bladder (VU), and the heart meridian (CO). The meridian of urinary bladder (VU) has a special position as it is a part of both the vertical and horizontal level. A complex analysis of mutual as well as internal relations on both levels requires further and more detailed interdisciplinary research. Namely, it is necessary to analyse medical, physical, mathematical and other characteristics of these interactions. Their universal character surpasses the medical level represented by acupuncture. The study confirmed the assumed different characteristics of Yang and Yin states of the system and their mutual connections. The complex mutual connections of meridians on both horizontal and vertical levels were confirmed too.

Key wordsacupuncture system, complex dynamic pyramid model in acupuncture, triplets, simple meridians, complex meridians, yang rotations, yin rotations

IntroductionThe pyramid model in acupuncture or the pyramid arrangement of the acupuncture system has two levels – horizontal and vertical. The horizontal level has already been analysed broadly.[7, 4] It consists of eight meridians arranged in four octograms. These are arrangements according to FuShi, Wen, S1 and S2. They alternate and pass into each other through the rotation of the yang and yin concatenations.[4] The arrangement of octograms according to FuShi (the essential basis) is static, the remaining three arrangements (Wen, S1 and S2) are dynamic.[4] Characteristics of this rotational movement differ in the same way as the four positions in the four octograms in case of every meridian (tab. 1).

The vertical level of the pyramid model consists of meridians of the large intestine (IC), stomach (VE), liver (HE), urinary bladder (VU) and the heart meridian (CO). The meridian of urinary bladder (VU) has a special position as it belongs to both the vertical and horizontal level (tab. 1).[5]

The nature of the acupuncture system implies that all meridians must be interconnected and functionally matching to ensure its optimal function. As we have previously mentioned, meridians are connected through triplets and




the triplet sequences may differ.[5] That is one of the mechanisms that ensure a variability of interconnections in the acupuncture system as a whole. The next mechanism is the interconnection of meridians on the horizontal and vertical level, which should be complex. The analysis of mechanisms of such a connection is the subject of this study.

Material and methodsIn the octograms of the horizontal level of the pyramid model of the acupuncture system arranged according to FuShi, Wen, S1 and S2 the first four positions of each meridian (tab. 1) were assessed. The rotations were assessed clockwise; a possible rotation in the opposite direction would not change the character of rotations of the individual meridians (it would probably result in a mirror reflection).

Based on the static arrangement according to FuShi, if we shift the yang and yin concatenations into the next position (the yang concatenation to the left and the yin to the right), we will get the arrangement according to Wen. Analogically, a further shift of concatenations into the next position will result in the S1 arrangement and one more shift will result in the S2 arrangement. The following shift from the S2 arrangement will result in FuShi arrangement and the cycle repeats. That means that there are altogether four positions. We illustrated the positions graphically, which resulted in rotational curves typical for individual meridians on the horizontal level (fig. 1).

Relations among meridians in the circadian rhythm (the midnightnoon rule) were used to pair meridians on the horizontal and vertical level. The circadian rhythm expresses both the functional and regulative characteristics and relations in the yang and yin meridians.

We assessed relations on all four axes of the octogram (vertical, horizontal and two diagonal axes) in all four variants of the octograms.For the purpose of this study we used triplets according to yang and yin concatenation.

ResultsThe paired meridians based on the circadian rhythm (the midnightnoon rule) between the horizontal and vertical level of the pyramid model are as follows:

– the heart meridian (CO) – the gall bladder meridian (VF)

– the liver meridian (HE) – the small intestine meridian (IT)

– the stomach meridian (VE) – the pericardium meridian (PE)

– the large intestine meridian (IC) – the kidney meridian (RE)

The urinary bladder meridian (VU) has a special position as it belongs to both the vertical and horizontal level and is paired with the lungs meridian (PU). The VUPU axis is the most stable axis of the horizontal level because it is the only one present in all four variants of the octogram. In each variant of the octogram it forms one of the four basic axes (horizontal – FuShi, vertical – Wen and two diagonal ones – S1 and S2). In this way the VUPU axis forms all the basic axes of the octogram on the horizontal level in the full cycle of the octogram shift (tab. 1).

The urinary bladder meridian (VU) lies on the vertical level between the second and the third under the heart meridian (CO) on the peak and above the liver meridian (HE) in the area of the socalled “pharaoh chamber” pyramid. On the vertical level a representative of the WATER element appears and thus all 5 elements are represented (tab. 1). If the bladder meridian (VU) meridian represents the TIME function (the information flow and the verticalization)




and the lungs meridian (PU) meridian the SPACE function (the state of the system and external signs), then the VU –PU axis may be considered a stable spacetime axis of the system rotation. This arrangement connects meridians of the yang and yin concatenation on the horizontal and vertical level (tab. 2).

Table 1 shows the rotation of meridians in four arrangements according to FuShi, Wen, S1 and F2.

Tab. 1 The order of meridians on the horizontal level (pakua universal), circular arrangement from a to h according to FuShi1 Wen2 S13 and S24 arrangement and the vertical axis of meridians and elements CO (Fire), VU (Water), HE (Wood), VE (Earth), and IC (Metal).

Horizontal levelIT1h VF2h LP1a PU2a VF1b RE2b CO FireRE4h VU3h PE4a TC3a VU4b IT3b VU WaterPU1g TC2g VU1c IT2c HE WoodLP4g PE3g VF4c RE3c VE EarthTC1f PE2f RE1e VU2e PE1d LP2d IC MetalPU4f LP3f IT4e VF3e TC4d PU3d

Legend: Rotation of the VU – PU axis on the horizontal level. PU2a – VU2e – vertical axis, VU3h – PU3d, VU4b – PU4f diagonal axis, PU1g – VU1c – horizontal axis, arrangement in the octogram from a to h

Tab. 2 Spacetime on the horizontal and vertical level of the pyramid model

Horizontal level Vertical level

Time3h Space2a Time4b Time / Space

Space1g Time1c

Space4f Time2e Space3d

Legend: horizontal level FuShi1 – horizontal axis of the spacetime, Wen2 – vertical axis of the spacetime, S13, S24 – diagonal axes of the spacetime, vertical level – spacetime on the boundary of two thirds, arrangement in the octogram from a to h

a b b c d a

d c a d c b

Fig. 1 Rotation of the yin concatenations a–b–c–d and a clockwise and a counterclockwise phase shift

The rotation of the yin concatenations on the horizontal level means a counterclockwise and a clockwise rotation of meridians and a shift into the neighbouring position (from 4176 to 1764, etc. (fig. 1)).

The rotation of the yang concatenations on the horizontal level is a rotation of meridians and a system of crossing.

a b b d c a

d c c a b d

Legend: Pakua sequence FUSHI1a…h, Wen2a…h, S13a…h, S24a…h.

Meridians of the horizontal axis from a to h and the vertical axis CO, VU, HE, VE and IC:

– blue field – yin concatenation, – red field – yang concatenation.




Tab. 3 The order of meridians, horizontal level (pakua universal) according to FuShi, Wen, S1, S2 and the vertical axis of CO, VU, HE, VE and IC meridians, vertical and horizontal axis.

3 8 4 1 8 22 5 6 7 5 31 7 5 34 6 8 27 6 2 5 6 41 4 3 8 7 1

FUSHI, Wen, S1, S2 octogram sequence:1 = lungs meridian (PU),2 = kidneys meridian (RE),3 = small intestine meridian (IT),4 = spleen, pancreas meridian (LP),5 = urinary bladder meridian (VU),6 = pericardium meridian (PE),7 = triple heater meridian (TC),8 = gall bladder meridian (VF)

Meridians of the horizontal level in the circular arrangement from a to h and the vertical axis from CO, VU, HE, VE and IC:

– vertical axis – horizontal axis

Tab. 4 Rotations of meridians of the vertical axis

M. Fu-Shi WEN S1 S2

CO VF – TC VF – LP VF – TC VF – LP

VU VU – PU VU – PU VU – PU VU – PU

HE IT – PE IT – TC IT – LP IT – PE

VE PE ← IT PE ← RE PE ← RE PE ← IT

IC RE – LP RE – PE RE – PE RE – TC

Tab. 4 shows how the meridians of the vertical axis CO, VU, HE, VE and IC are interconnected with all four axes of the horizontal level in one full cycle. That means that the yang and yin concatenations and both levels of the pyramid model in one rotational cycle – both the vertical and the horizontal are completely interconnected.

Each of the meridians of the horizontal level has a different characteristic rotational curve. With meridians of the yin concatenation it is always the right rotations (yin), where the individual curves of meridians are phaseshifted in relation to each other (tab. 3).

It refers to high stability and a relatively small dynamics of the system, which is typical for the yin characteristics.

Tab. 5 Yin concatenation of meridians of spleen (LP), lungs (PU), triple heater (TC) and pericardium (PE) and a phase shift of meridians on the horizontal level

4 9 23 5 78 1 6

9

68

3

Meridian PE – yin concatenation

Yin rotation

4 9 23 5 78 1 6

9

68

3

Meridian TC – yin concatenation

Yin rotation

4 9 23 5 78 1 6

9

68

3

Meridian PU – yin concatenation

Yin rotation

4 9 23 5 78 1 6

9

68

3

Meridian LP – yin concatenation

Yin rotation




IT1h VF2h LP1a PU2a VF1b RE2b

RE4h VU3h PE4a TC3a VU4b IT3b

PU1g TC2g VU1c IT2c

LP4g PE3g VF4c RE3c

TC1f PE2f RE1e VU2e PE1d LP2d

PU4f LP3f IT4e VF3e TC4d PU3d

Legend: yin concatenation LP, PU, TC, PE and a phase shift of meridians (LP1a – LP2d – LP3f – LP4g), (PU1g – PU2a – PU3d – PU4f), (TC1f – TC2g – TC3a – TC4d), (PE1d – PE2f – PE3g – PE4a)

phase shift LP1a – PU1g – TC1f – PE1d

blue field – yin concatenation

Tab. 6 Yang concatenation of meridians: mirror reflection of urinary bladder (VU), gall bladder (VF), kidneys (RE) and small intestine (IT) on the horizontal level

IT1h VF2h LP1a PU2a VF1b RE2b

RE4h VU3h PE4a TC3a VU4b IT3b

PU1g TC2g VU1c IT2c

LP4g PE3g VF4c RE3c

TC1f PE2f RE1e VU2e PE1d LP2d

PU4f LP3f IT4e VF3e TC4d PU3d

Legend: yang concatenation of mirror reflection of meridians VU – VF a RE – IT and “tangling” of meridians RE – IT in the following order:VU1c – VU2e – VU3h – VU4b

VF1b – VF2h – VF3e – VF4c

RE1e – RE2b – RE3c – RE4h

IT1h – IT2c – IT3b – IT4e

red field – yang concatenation

Different characteristics were found with meridians of the yang concatenation. These form two mirror pairs and the VU and VF meridians form typical rotational yang and yin curves, but only in the octogram in positions of the yang concatenation (tab. 6, fig. 2 and 3).

4 9 23 5 78 1 6

4

1

7

2

Meridian VU – yang concatenation

Yin rotation

Fig. 2 Meridian VU, yang concatenation

4 9 23 5 78 1 6

4

1

7

2

Meridian VF – yang concatenation

Yang rotation

Fig. 3 Meridian VF, yang concatenation

RE and IT meridians create a mirror pair, however, they do not form a smooth rotational curve, but a loop. Therefore, we named these quasi yang and quasi yin rotations. (tab. 6, fig. 4 and 5)

4 9 23 5 78 1 6

4

1

7

2

Meridian RE – yang concatenation

Quasi yang rotation

Fig. 4 Meridian RE, yang concatenation




4 9 23 5 78 1 6

4

1

7

2

Meridian IT – yang concatenation

Quasi yin rotation

Fig. 5 Meridian IT, yang concatenation

It is currently not possible to describe the rate and spacial arrangement without further research. The given arrangement of curves of the yang

concatenation shows great dynamics (unlike the yin concatenation) as well as instability, which is typical for the yang.

Table 7 shows triplets of individual meridians on the horizontal level.

Tab. 7 Triplets of meridians on the horizontal level

Yang concatenation Yin concatenationVF RE IT PE LP PURE IT VU LP PU TCIT VU VF PU TC PE

VU VF RE TC PE LP

Tab. 8 Interactions of meridians on the vertical level

11 13 16 17 19 21 23 01 03 06 07 09 11

CO 4× [0] CO IT VU RE PE TC VF HE PU IC VE LPVU 2× [0] CO IT VU RE PE TC VF HE PU IC VE LPHE 7× [2] CO IT VU RE PE TC VF HE PU IC VE LPVE 6× [2] CO IT VU RE PE TC VF HE PU IC VE LPIC 6× [1] CO IT VU RE PE TC VF HE PU IC VE LP

2× 2× 1×! 2× 3× 3× 1× 2× 1×! 3× 2× 3×

basic pair auxiliary meridian subsidiary meridian vertical and also horizontal!

TC 3× [3] CO IT VU RE PE TC VF HE PU IC VE LPLP 3× [3] CO IT VU RE PE TC VF HE PU IC VE LPPU 1 [0] CO IT VU RE PE TC VF HE PU IC VE LP

2× 2× 1×! 2× 0× 2× 2× 2× 1×! 2× 0× 2×




CO (VF, TC, LP)

HE (IT, PE, TC, LP) VE (PE, IT, RE) IC (RE, LP, PE, TC)

VU (VU, PU)

Fig. 6 Possible vertical space variations

Meridians of the horizontal level are basic meridians that interact with each other while these interactions vary. Meridians of the vertical level do not have their own rotational characteristics but determine the relations with meridians of the horizontal level via the paired meridians of the circadian rhythm (tab. 3). They may be characterized as meridians of higher order that provide variable interactions with the horizontal level. Mainly, they influence the more complex functions and the verticalization of organism, i.e. its development. This is true for the somatic, psychoregulative and energyinformational level. A malfunction of meridians on the vertical level – provided another malfunction of a meridian paired with them occurs simultaneously – must be considered a complex and a more serious malfunction than a simpler and isolated malfunction of a meridian on the horizontal level. Despite the current empirical experience we present this knowledge as theory resulting from the arrangement of the pyramid model.

DiscussionWe have found no mention of the pyramid model in the available sources, with the exception of publications by the authors of this study.[4, 5, 6] Neither any information about the basic meridians or meridians of the higher order according to the pyramid model is available. The pyramid model cannot be constructed without the S1 and S2 octograms according to Wen and FuShi.[1] The current models of the acupuncture system, mainly the arrangement of the pentagram (WuSin theory) are too general. They do not represent the whole dynamics of relations and arrangements of the acupuncture system. In no case does the pyramid model disproves this arrangement; on the contrary, it broadens and completes it in a considerable way. Neither does it disprove other generally accepted rules (midnightnoon rule, circadian rhythm, arrangement of octograms according to Wen,




FuShi, etc.). It just unifies them into one model and opens new possibilities for further complex study of the acupuncture system.

The terms Yang and Yin are a big issue for the Wusin theory. The attempts to point out analogies with these terms (e. g. sympaticus and parasympaticus, male and female principle, etc.) do not express their essence and meaning. As such they are practically unacceptable by other medical fields, although in acupuncture they are crucial for the description of a certain principle or state. The graphical representation of relations inside the pyramid model (on the horizontal level) displays the essence of the terms yang and yin. It proves their basic characteristics in the dynamic and stable state as well as their basic difference on the one hand and interconnection and inseparability on the other hand. We named the graphical representation of the meridians’ dynamics “rotations” and “rotation steps”. In this sense the Yang and Yin characteristics are rotationdetermined. Meridians of the Yin concatenation are laevorotary[8] and mutually different in the phase shift in the Yin positions of the octograms. Meridians of the Yang concatenation form two laevorotary and two dextrorotary pairs in the Yang positions of the octograms. We chose the dextrorotary rotation of octograms in the FuShi, Wen, S1 and S2 sequence. We would get analogical differences in the opposite rotation.[8]

We chose a dextrorotary rotation (clockwise) with respect to the common, geometrically displayed direction of rotation and time sequence of individual arrangements (FuShiWenS1S2). What remains open is the question whether the system appears only in these four states as “superpositions” or also in the socalled “ingaps” states, i.e. whether the movement of the system is jumping – “digital” or smooth – “analogue”.

One cycle (complete rotation of octograms) interconnects both levels of the pyramid model and all meridians. Further explicitly interdisciplinary research is necessary since the spatial arrangement, the rotation speed and perhaps also some other characteristics are yet to be described. On the other hand they provide space for mathematical modelling and some other (e. g. physical) possibilities for research. We may state with certainty that the Yang and Yin states have their own specific physical characteristics. The Yin meridians show considerably greater spatial stability and harmony. The Yang meridians show significant spatial variability and dynamics.

The results of our study prove that each meridian has a different characteristics and each can have triplet sequences in space. What is yet to be researched are the four axes on the horizontal level connecting meridians of the Yin and Yang concatenation.[8]

Principles of the pyramid model of the acupuncture system surpass the boundaries of the acupuncture system and in fact they can be considered universally valid. Acupuncture is just a clinical application of considerably broader relations and connections.

Some influence of the morphic fields[2] on the dynamics of these processes is to be expected. Empirically, we may confirm the clinical use of the pyramid model, which however requires deeper clinical research, including the possibilities of modelling the physiological and pathological states.

ConclusionThe present study confirmed that inside the pyramid model of the acupuncture system all the horizontal and vertical relations are interconnected. All five meridians of the vertical axis of the pyramid model are interconnected




with the four basic axes (vertical, horizontal and two diagonal) in one full cycle of complete rotation of four octograms in the FuShi – Wen – S1 – S2 sequence. In this way both levels of the pyramid model – horizontal and vertical are also fully connected. Each meridian has different characteristics, and not only functional, but also physical, which is expressed by rotations. Each meridian can have triplet sequences in space. The Yang meridians create two mirror pairs of laevorotary and dextrorotary rotations in the yang positions of the octograms and have considerable spatial variability and dynamics. The Yin meridians have significantly greater spatial stability and harmony. The pyramid model does not disprove the simpler and generally accepted model of pentagram or any other rules; it only broadens and completes them in a significant way. It unifies the rules into one model and opens new possibilities for a complex study of the acupuncture system.

Gustáv Solár, M. D., PhD., Zlatica Solárová, M. P., PhD., Ing. Juraj SolárThe First Clinic of Acupuncture and Natural Medicine of G. Solar, ltd., Ivánska cesta 23, Bratislava, Slovak republicE-mail: [email protected]

References1. Kral, O.: Iťing – kniha proměn. Maxima, Praha,

1996, s. 18–20, ISBN 8090133339.2. Sheldrake, R.: Tao přírody. Gardenia Publishers,

Bratislava, 1990, ISBN 8085662108.3. Solár, G.: Triplets, Concatenation, Bagua and

Patterns in Acupuncture. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, Bratislava, MSNM, 2014, 2, p. 11–12, ISSN 13394703.

4. Solár, G., Solárová, Z.: The Complex Dynamic Pyramid Model in Acupuncture. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, Bratislava, MSNM, 2014, 5, p. 8–9, ISSN 13394703.

5. Solár, G., Solárová, Z.: Vertical Relations of the Pyramid Model in Acupuncture. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, Bratislava, MSNM, 2015, 1, p. 6–10, ISSN 13394703.

6. Solár, G., Solárová, Z.: Pyramid Model in Acupuncture and Its Application in Practice. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, Bratislava, MSNM, 2015, 2, p. 6–14, ISSN 13394703.

7. Solár, G., Solárová, Z.: Horizontal Relations of the Pyramid Model in Acupuncture. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, Bratislava, MSNM, 2014, 6, p. 8–9, ISSN 13394703.

8. Solár, G., Solárová, Z., Solár, J.: Some Possible Physical Links of the Pyramid Model in Acupuncture. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, Bratislava, MSNM, 2015, 4, p. 9–10, ISSN 13394703.


Clinic and ResearchThe Time Curvature in Acupuncture, Application in Clinic

Teodor Mochnáč, M. D., PhD.

The Time Curvature in Acupuncture, Application in Clinic


SummaryIn this article the author reports about clinical use of the proposed Teo Mo Hexagram Sequence model in acupuncture. This model connects the diagnostic and therapeutic model through the instrumental IDSM examination. It also stresses the need for the involvement of a personal mindset with a focus on the way how elements interact and on changes of all elements in the pentagram.The applied therapy utilizes one antique point on the group of 31 polymorbid patients, 9 men and 22 women, who were examined before the treatment and 7 days after treatment. Results confirm the justification of this therapy with a 90 % success rate in improving of the patient’s clinical status.

Key WordsThe Teo Mo Hexagram Sequence, the acupuncture treatment, IDSM (Impedance Data System M)

IntroductionThe contest of first two parts of the topic was to provide an explanation for the principle of hexagrams’ sequence creation and description of the possibilities how the sequence can be used in acupuncture practice.[4, 5] A model has been described, on a basis of which it is possible to use these relationships also as in connection with the objective instrumental examination. In this part we provide results of the practical use of this model, which can be also an inspiration for further research of human processes.

Every action is accompanied by a change of the matter structure, change of time and change of the form in different dimensions. This study should prove it, too.

Our basic assumption is that elements are hierarchic superior to all material dimensions. Therefore, we can change the structure of the mass by changing any of the elements’ characteristics e. g. the time changes the structure of the mass, or the change of the mass structure can change the time.

File of PatientsIn this study we have included 31 polymorbid patients, 22 women and 9 men, in whom we have performed 100 instrumental examination of IDSM (Impedance Data SystemM) and 100 TST DSM (Tactile Solar’s Test Data System M) tests.

MethodologyThe methodology is based on the basic Teo Mo Hexagram Sequences model, in which the mathematical trigrams arrangement is reflected in hexagrams in the circadian biorhythm timeline of ancient points.[4] Instrumental examinations, such as IDSM (impedance data system M) and TST DSM (Tactile Solar’s Test Data System M), make up the possibility of creation of the hexagrams status based on gradients of the electrical skin conductivity or tactile sensitivity have incorporated into the methodology. They can be used to determine the current dynamic status (acupuncture diagnosis) of the patient. The goal of treatment is to minimize these gradients and to establish an approximately balanced state.




In chosen group of patients mentioned above we examined the current status by the IDSM methodology in the regime of biorhythm points (RmEAB), in the regime of complex meridians (extraordinary vessels) points (Rm KM) and in the complex regime (RmC). This way we have got a quantitative picture of each element in form of the weighted diagram.

On the basis of this diagram we can determine qualitative characteristics of interactions between elements: generalized superalgorithm, paired superalgorithm, quantitative and qualitative algorithm, whereby the quantitative and qualitative algorithms can be further classified as either hypercompositional or decompositional, whereby both can be further either pure or turbulent.[1, 2]

The quantitative picture in the form of the weighted diagram we obtain through the tactile TST DSM examination, which is based on the examination of the gradients of seven microsystems i. e. RTF (Rotary microsystem of the face), RYIN (Rotary yin microsystem), RYANG (Rotary yang microsystem), RMMdx (Rotary breast microsystem right and left), RCES (Rotary microsystem of complex meridians), RUTMT (Rotary universal tendmuscular test) and the result of IDSM (Impedance data system M).On the basis of the complete TST DSM picture we determine the current state of the body in the form of hexagram view. We described the hypothesis, methodology of the examination of energyinformational changes in previous articles.[4, 7, 8] Gradients in weighted diagram

of TST DSM create the intersection in TeoMo hexagram sequence of antique points. We use it in treatment.[4] However, we consider more important to determine the energyinformational state, the interaction between elements and our energyinformational aim rather than the acupuncture point. Since the treatment is realized by the therapist and not by the acupuncture point. We apply the acupuncture needle to the corresponding antique point, which corresponds to this condition. The result of the treatment has been controlled through the balanced tactile test of microsystems. After 7 days, we made a repeated examination of IDSM and TST DSM. On the basis of two instrumental examinations at the same time we are able to determine changes in the quantitative picture of elements or to watch the nature of the interaction, which was used during treatment.

Definitions of TermsThe relationship of the control, birth, anticontrol, antibirth, generalized superalgorithm and paired superalgorithm, which can be hypercompositional and decompositional pure and turbulent, have been defined already in the previous article.[1, 2] New terms resulting from the IDSM’s need i. e. quantitative and qualitative change, quantitative and qualitative algorithm, we define as follows:1. The quantitative change is the change

where one or two elements do not fulfil the quantitative characteristic of the individual range of the norm. The failure of the dynamics is yang or it creates a yang gradient.




Fig. 1 Quantitative change of one element (FIRE). The failure of the dynamics is yang

Legend: red circle = FIRE, yellow circle = EARTH, blue circle = METAL, black circle = WATER, green circle = WOOD

Fig. 2 Quantitative change of two elements (EARTH and METAL)


2. The qualitative change is a change when two elements in the pentagram, being control relationship with each other, do not fulfil the quantitative characteristic of the individual range of the norm. The disorder of the dynamics is expressed in the yin gradient.

Fig. 3 The qualitative change (FIRE and WATER)


3. The quantitative algorithm is the name for the pathological process of three successive elements in pentagram in case the dynamic’s failure in yang to yin is 2 : 1.

Fig. 4 The quantitative algorithm (Decompositional turbulent WOOD)


4. The qualitative algorithm is the name for the pathological process of two consecutive elements in the pentagram where the third element is in control relation to them. This algorithm always starts through the yang




relationship of the elements (the relationship of the birth) in a clockwise direction (a dynamic’s failure of yang to yin is in ratio 1 : 2).

Fig. 5 The qualitative algorithm (hypercompositional turbulent EARTH)


5. The equilibrium state is an ideal state of balance, which occurs when the quantitative values of all pentagrams’ elements of the weighted diagram are in the zone of the individual norm range. Such condition is achieved in the clinical practice rarely. The reason for it is that the physical state of a person is dynamic and changes constantly. The measurement of the electrical skin conductivity is only an expression of the current status in time.

Fig. 6 The equilibrium state of all elements (the quantitative state of the each element is in the zone of individual norm range – the width of the green ring)


6. The control relationship between all elements is the goal of each therapy i. e. the quantitative change of all elements in the weighted IDSM diagram. Therefore, we define:Control relationship of the third (III) level is a characteristic that is applied in the evaluation of the therapy focusing on affecting all elements in the pentagram. It means that after therapy with a certain element’s characteristic it comes to an expected change at least in 3 elements of the pentagram.Control relationship of the fourth (IV) level is a characteristic that is applied in the evaluation of therapy focusing on affecting all elements in the pentagram. It means that after therapy with a certain element’s characteristic it comes to an expected change in at least 4 elements of the pentagram.




The Aim of the Study1. To justify the competence of the model Teo

Mo Hexagram Sequence.2. To confirm the clinical effectiveness of the

new model.3. To observe the quantitative changes in IDSM

after application of one needle.

Results

men women

Graph 1 The number of men and women in the group

Age distribution in the group (number)

21–30 21–30 21–30 21–30 21–30

Graph 2 Age distribution in the group

Serie 1 Serie 2

112.5 113 %

90.0 90 %

67.5 68 %

45.0 45 %

22.5 23 %

0.0 0 %TST balanced,

89 %TST partially

balanced, 3 %TST nonbalanced,

8 %

Graph 3 The effectiveness of the therapy [M1]

Superalgorithm generalized

Superalgorithm pair

Decompositional turbulent algorithm

Decompositional clean algorithm

Hypercompositional turbulent algorithm

Hypercompositional clean algorithm

Qualitative algorithm

Quantitative algorithm

Qualitative change

Graph 4 Types of energyinformational changes in IDSM (Impedance Data System M) of Rm KM (Regime of Complex Meridians)

DiscussionWe have assumed that ancient points, so far, own only those elements’ characteristics which have been assigned to them in the past. E. g. LU 5 owns

elements’ characteristic of METAL and WATER. Already in Korean acupuncture according to Sa Am it’s mentioned that acupuncture points own more elements’ characteristics.[3]




Other authors prefer therapy, which uses the morphological characteristic of the acupuncture point to remove the pathological state.[6]

We assume that each acupuncture point owns all five element characteristics, which we can use in the treatment in order to influence the character of interactions and quantitative value of all five elements. This attribute results from relations of antique points with the elements’ characteristics, with the characteristics of the main and also complex meridians and with the characteristics of the meridians’ potency expressed by trigrams. The findings reflected in the generalized and paired superalgorithms in RmKM are considered as a serious state and their improvement to the equilibrium state as a successful treatment. It correlates with the clinical improvement.

ConclusionThis study is a confirmation of the correctness of therapy using one acupuncture point, which according to Teo Mo Hexagram Sequence model. The application of the model in the group of patients mentioned above represents the 89% success rate i. e. correction of the tactile test, which correlates with the clinical improvement of the patients’ condition as well.

Teodor Mochnáč, M. D., PhD.AKUPUNKTUM, Center of Acupuncture and Diabetic footPod vinohradmi 14 A, 949 01 Nitra, Slovak RepublicE-mail: [email protected]

References1. Solárová, Z.: Selected Relations in the MKBDS

Questionare. (KorngoldBeinfield Questionare Modified by the Author). In Acupuncture and Natural Mediucine, 2014, 2, p. 24–29, MSNM, Bratislava, ISSN 13394703.

2. Solárová, Z.: Theoretical Basic for the Diagnostic Process in the MKBDS Questionare. (KorngoldBeinfield Questionare Modified by the Author of the Article). In Acupuncture and Natural Mediucine, 2014, 1, p. 32–38, MSNM, Bratislava, ISSN 13394703.

3. Yeong, Y.: Korean Medicine. Bratislava, MSNM, In Acupuncture and Natural Mediucine, 2013, 2, p. 14–26, ISSN 13394703.

4. Mochnáč, T.: The Time Curvature in the Acupuncture. Hexagram Sequences and their Interconnections, Part II. Bratislava, MSNM, In Acupuncture and Natural Mediucine, 2015, 4, p. 38–44, ISSN 13394703.

5. Mochnáč, T.: The Time Curvature in the Acupuncture. In Acupuncture and Natural Mediucine, 2015, 3, p. 15–18, MSNM, Bratislava, ISSN 13394703.

6. Maciocia, G.: The Channels of Acupuncture: Clinical Use ofthe Secondary Channels and Eight Extraordinary Vessels. Churchill Livingstone, 2006, p. 738, ISBN 10 0443074917, ISBN 13 9780443074912.

7. Mochnáč, T.: Rizikové faktory a funkcie komplexných akupunktúrnych dráh vo vzťahu k ochoreniam prsnej žľazy. Bratislava, 2011, dizertačná práca, Vysoká škola zdravotníctva a sociálnej práce sv. Alžbety, Katedra verejného zdravotníctva, (s. 70 – 71).

8. Mochnáč, T.: TST DSM v akupunktúre. Dizertačná práca, 2015, 1, LSNM, Bratislava, 2011, ISSN 13394703.


Clinic and ResearchExperimental and Clinical Concept Essentials of Alloplant Regenerative Medicine

Prof. Ernst Rifgatovich Muldashev, M. D., DrSc., Radik Fayazovich Galiyakhmetov, M. D., CSc.

Experimental and Clinical Concept Essentials of Alloplant Regenerative MedicineProf. Ernst Rifgatovich Muldashev, M. D., DrSc., Radik Fayazovich Galiyakhmetov, M. D., CSc.

SummaryThe aim of the work is to compare morphogenetic effect of two methods of Alloplant biomaterial injectional insertion, that of local (perilimbal) and acupunctural one. Three series of the experiments have been carried out to achieve that goal. A standard chemical corneal burn without a subsequent treatment was inflicted in the control series. In the first experimental series dispersed Alloplant biomaterial (DAB) was perilimbally inserted against the background of the burn. In the second experimental series DAB was inserted into paraorbital acupunctural points also following the burn. In this case it is shown, that the using of the local (perilimbal) and the acupuncture application DBA activate reparative regeneration processes in the epithelium and the corneal stroma.

Key Wordsdispersed Alloplant biomaterial, corneal burn, regeneration

IntroductionWhen treating urgent corneal lesions various types of biological materials are being used. It was academician V. P. Filatov in Odessa eye research institute who had actively developed those technologies.

Aim of the WorkTo compare morphogenetic effect of two methods of Alloplant biomaterial injectional insertion, that of local (perilimbal) and acupunctural one.

Material and MethodsThe experimental part of the work was carried out in the Russian Eye and Plastic Surgery Centre of the Russian Health Ministry. Pathophysiological experiments were performed on 49 grey rabbits weighing 2 – 2.5 kg on the average. The experiments were carried out in accordance with the acting international requirements. Since we planned to perform immunological investigations and study an immunological chain of the corneal chemical burn pathogenesis, we selected exceptionally maleindividuals who lacked cyclic harmonic changes typical to females. A chemical burn 6 mm in diameter was caused in the corneal centre by 2.5 % sodium hydroxide solution with 30 seconds exposition as per the standard procedure (Babushkin, A. E., Khafizov, G. G., 1996). The animals were divided into 3 groups following the inflicted trauma. The control group (n = 7) was composed of the animals who were not then affected by any other interference. A subconjunctival perilimbal injection of 1 ml dispersed allogeneic biomaterial (DAB) suspension, manufactured by the tissue bank of the Russian Eye and Plastic Surgery Centre, was made to the animals of the experimental group 1 (n = 10) following the inflicted burn. The graft is composed of such components of the connective tissue extracellular matrix as collagen (76.4 %), heparin sulphate (0.59 %), hyaluronic acid (2.42 %), chondroitin sulfate (0.44 %), other proteins (10.35 %), water (9.8 %). DAB in a vial made up 200 mg. That quantity was diluted in 5 ml physiological solution. Paraorbital projection




zones injected by 0.5 ml DAB solution were identified in the animals of experimental group 2 (n = 10). We have studied reactive changes of the local projection zones to investigate projection impact peculiarities of allogeneic dispersed biomaterial upon the corneal regeneration processes.

A comparative analysis of cellular and vascular reactions in 22 animals was carried out when inserting DAB into projection zones (n = 11) and in case of ordinary acupunctural effect (n = 11). All the animals were sacrificed on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 30th day. The cornea with the scleral adjacent part as well as the skin and subdermal tissues of DAB insertion zone were taken for the histological investigation. The histological investigations were performed with the use of hematoxylin and eosin staining as per Mallory and van Gieson. The biomaterial resorption was studied by the quantitative estimate method of collagen structure anisotropic coefficient (AC) using polarizing microscopy of unstained histological sections, using the microscope Min8 with digital photoadapter Nikon Coolpix 4500 with crossfilters. The information about optical active objects were analyzed with specialized program Biovision 3.0. The obtained data were converted into the Microsoft Excel 2003. Consequently there was performed the calculation of the ratio of overall area of optically active entities to the total area of the selected section and at the same time the deviations was reduced. The data were processed and plotted in the program Statistica 5.5.

Immunohistochemical investigations revealed two factor expressions: transforming growth factor (TGF β1) which was fibrosis inducer (Sporn M.B., Roberts A.B., 1990) and nuclear antigen of proliferating cells (PCNA) which

allowed to estimate proliferative activity of cells (Yew, D. T. et al., 2000). TGF β1 and PCNA expression was determined by an indirect immunoperoxidase method on serial 5 mcm thick paraffin sections with the use of corresponding monoclonal antibodies (Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc.). A mitotic index showing the correlation between the quantity of PCNA positive cells and 100 epitheliocytes was determined in the corneal epithelium cells. The results estimate was carried out with “part calculation” function of Biovision 3.0 program. To study reactive process dynamics in control and following DAB insertion, a calculation of total capillary lumen area (TCLA) of the limbal region was made on the histological preparations by the morphometrical method, using the program Biovision 3.0 and Professional and microscope MC50, digital camera Nikon CP 4500 and PC. The skin impedance parameters in the local projection zones were determined in all investigated animals (n = 49) with the aid of a highvoltage impulse generator furnished with microprocessor control “AcuVision – 04” (Russia). The device is manufactured by company Graviton (Moscow) and registered in the register of medical products (registration certificate No. 29/23010203/527003 dated May 20th 2003).

ResultsThe experimental chemical burn in the zone of the direct contact with the detergent caused rough pathological changes in the animals, namely destruction of epithelium, basal membrane and superficial layers of the corneal proper substance. The affection depth achieved 50 mcm. The destructive processes were also revealed along the periphery from that region at the distance equal to 200 mcm on the average. It allowed us to specify that region as a marginal zone of the damage.




One of the main manifestations of the corneal damage was the reduction of AC which dropped on the 3rd day (p < 0.01) of our experiment by merely 20 % compared with the standard parameter.

Changes in the form of the proliferation of keratoblasts, macrophages and leukocytes were also revealed on the border with the damage marginal zone at the distance up to 500 mcm. We designated that region as the zone of reactive changes.

Finally we didn’t reveal any changes in the corneal peripheral areas at the light optical level. It is necessary to note that in case of the corneal trauma the revealed histotopographic zones corresponded on the whole to the data of other authors who had studied corneal experimental damages (Maksimov, I. B., 1990). According to the obtained results, manifestations and dynamics of reparative processes in the specified zones substantially depended upon the experimental series. Table 1 below provides summary quantitative data.

Tab. 1 Parameters of corneal reparative regeneration in case of local and acupunctural DAB insertion

Series Control Local insertion Acupunctural impactPeriod, days 3 7 3 7 3 7

Compared with Initial state Control Control TGFβ-1 expression parameters, % (M ± m) n = 27

Initial state2.57 ± 1.86

31.15 ± 1.86 40.3 ± 2.06 16.1 ± 2.13 2.27 ± 1.32 26.5 ± 1.45 4.74 ± 1.64

Level of reliance p < 0.01 p < 0.01 p < 0.05 p < 0.001 p > 0.05 p < 0.01Parameters of corneal epithelium mitotic index, % (M ± m) n = 27


8.8 ± 3.50 25.4 ± 5.30 16.8 ± 4.42 36.4 ± 4.27 12.4 ± 2.95 29.3 ± 5.25

Level of reliance p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.05Parameters of anisotropic coefficient, % (M ± m) n = 27


16.7 ± 1.99 38.3 ± 4.08 46.5 ± 3.78 81.4 ± 2.85 38 ± 3.5 54.9 ± 3.41

Level of reliance p < 0.01 p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p > 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.05Parameters of total limbal capillary lumen area. mcm² (M ± m) n = 27

Initial state846 ± 161.1

1697 ± 130 2115 ± 102.9 2119 ± 161.1 2720 ± 110.2 1764 ± 113.6 2360 ± 104.5

Level of reliance p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.05 p < 0.05

DiscussionThe revealed similarity of the corneal reparative regeneration dynamics in our experiments, in case of perilimbal insertion of DAB and DAB effect by way of the acupuncture method was of the fundamental importance since the achievement of positive results on corneal regeneration by the effect upon the projection zones was more preferable compared with the surgical intervention, which in fact, was a DAB perilimbal

insertion. Experimental modelling of the corneal chemical burn resulted in tissue necrosis in the contact zone, succeeded by the development of inflammatory processes. The disorder of the corneal proper substance structure was manifested by a reliable reduction of anisotropic coefficient on the 7th day up to 44 % from the initial level. Normalizing anterior epithelium took place on the 14th day of the experiment and proliferative activity of epitheliocytes was




restored on the 7th day. DAB acupunctural effect rationalized the mechanisms of the corneal reparative regeneration which was testified by normalizing mitotic index on the 7th day of the experiment.

The transforming growth factor expression in the corneal proper substance achieved its standard parameter within the same period reducing the probability of fibrosis development in the zone of the chemical burn. Anisotropy coefficient of collagen fibers achieved 63 % of the standard parameter on the 7th day reflecting the restoration dynamics of the functionally adequate structures. The carried out experimental investigations showed that both local and acupunctural DAB insertion had been an effective stimulation method of reparative processes both in the stroma and corneal epithelium (tab. 1). A comparative analysis of two experimental series showed, in particular, that both DAB perilimbal insertion and its effect mobilized a complex of vascular and cellular reactions which were evident as a polymorphous infiltration involving macrophages and angiogenesis processes with subsequent resorption of the fibrous biomaterial matrix. The results of our investigations on activation of acupunctural points when DAB inserting were published in the journal “Acupuncture and Natural Medicine (No. 1, 3, 2015)”. Clinical tests using Alloplant technologies fully supported to the efficiency of DAB local insertion and pharmacopuncture in the treatment of different lesions of the organ of vision, degenerative processes of the peripheral nervous system (polyneuropathy of different etiology), ENT (ear, nose, throat) diseases, sexopathology. The pharmacopuncture method with Alloplant biomaterial have also showed positive results in the treatment of a number of demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, consequences of traumas, systemic lesions of connective tissue and other pathological states.

ConclusionUnfortunately, we had no way to carry out a comparative analysis since the experiments on Alloplant biomaterial acupunctural insertion had been performed only in our Centre. We also didn’t have the data of other authors relating to the results of clinical pharmacopuncture in ophthalmology by Alloplant biomaterial.

Experience gained in our Centre’s reflexotherapy laboratory made it possible to suggest the following practical recommendations of using Alloplant biomaterial injectional forms:

– acupunctural and local Alloplant biomaterial insertion may be used to stimulate reparative regeneration of different anatomical structures. The lesions of the peripheral nervous system as well as disorders of the neuromuscular condition, various pathologies of sense organs could be indications for Alloplant biomaterial pharmacopunture;

– injectional form of Alloplant biomaterials maintaining local vascular and cellular reactions for a long period of time may be used in pharmacopunctural therapy taking into account their prolonged effect and subsequent full resorption with no fibrosis phenomena.

The obtained results of the experiment have been realized in clinical practice of the Russian Eye and Plastic Surgery Centre and in a number of clinics of traditional medicine and rehabilitation. Thus, this investigation can be regarded as an aggregated experimental and clinical work revealing the regularities of morphofunctional changes in transplanting dispersed forms of biomaterials.

It is also necessary to note that the given pharmacopuncture procedure is used as an independent method of treatment regardless of the




surgical intervention. Investigations in this field of medicine are being continued by the scientists of the Russian Eye and Plastic Surgery Centre.

Professor Ernst Rifgatovich Muldashev, M. D., PhD.Director General of the Russian Eye and Plastic Surgery Centre, 67/1 Zorge str., Ufa, 450075, Russian FederationE-mail: [email protected]

Radik Fayazovich Galiyakhmetov, M. D., PhD.Head of the Department of Restorative Medicine, the Russian Eye and Plastic Surgery Centre, 67/1 Zorge str., Ufa, 450075, Russian FederationE-mail: [email protected]

References1. Nigmatullin, R. T., Gafarov, B. G.,

Galiyakhmetov, R. F., Mukhametov, A. R., Aprelev, A. E., Sherbakov, D. A.: Certain Regularities of the Graft Biodegradation. Morfologicheskie Vedomosti, 2008, 3, 4, p. 130–132, ISSN18123171.

2. Muldashev, E. R., Galimova, V. U., Nigmatullin, R. T., Kirillichev, A. I., Aprelev, A. E., Galiyakhmetov, R. F.: Reactive Changes in Hypoderma when Inserting Alloplant biomaterial. Morfologicheskie Vedomosti, 2008, 3, p. 77–78, ISSN18123171.

3. Muldashev, E. R., Galiyakhmetov, R. F.: Experimental Justification for Using Dispersed Forms of Allografts in Acupuncture. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, MSNM, Bratislava, 2015, 1, p. 22–26, ISSN13394703.

4. Muldashev, E. R., Nigmatullin, R. T., Galiyakhmetov, R. F., Aprelev, A. E.: Morphological Aspects of Pharmacopuncture by Alloplant Biomaterials. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, MSNM, Bratislava, 2015, 3, p. 19–24, ISSN13394703.

Original article in Russian language:

Экспериментальные и клинические основы концепции регенеративной медицины АллоплантПроф. Ернст Рифгатович Мулдашев, доктор медицинских наук, Радик Фаязович Галиачметов, доктор медицинских наук

АннотацияЦелью работы является сравнительный анализ результатов лечения химического ожога роговицы в эксперименте. Для этого выполнены три серии экспериментов. В контрольной серии наносился стандартный химический ожог роговицы без последующего лечения. В первой опытной серии на фоне ожога перилимбально вводился диспергированный биоматериал Аллоплант (ДБА). Во второй опыт

ной серии также после ожога ДБА вводился в параорбитальные акупунктурные точки. При этом показано, что как локальное (перилимбальное), так и акупунктурное введение ДБА активирует процессы репаративной регенерации в эпителии и строме роговицы.

Ключевые словаДиспергированный биоматериал Аллоплант, ожог роговицы, регенерация.




ВведениеЭкспериментальная часть работы проводилась во «Всероссийском центре глазной и пластической хирургии» Министерства здравоохранения Российской Федерации. При лечении ургентных поражений роговицы используются самые различные виды биологических материалов. Данные технологии активно разрабатывались начиная с трудов академика В. П. Филатова в Одесском научноисследовательском институте глазных болезней.

Цель настоящей работы: сравнить морфогенетическое действие двух методов инъекционного введения биоматериала аллоплант — локального (перилимбального) и акупунктурного.

Материалы и методы исследованияПатофизиологические опыты проведены на 49 серых кроликах средним весом 2–2,5 кг. Эксперименты были проведены в соответствии с действующими международными требованиями.Поскольку планировалось проведение иммунологических исследований и изучение иммунологического звена патогенеза химического ожога роговицы, выбирались исключительно особи мужского пола, у которых отсутствуют циклические гормональные изменения, характерные для самок.

Химический ожог диаметром 6 мм в центре роговицы вызывали 2,5% раствором едкого натра 30секундной экспозицией по стандартной методике (Бабушкин А. Э., Хафизов Г. Г., 1996). После нанесения травмы животные были разделены на 3 группы. Контрольную группу (n = 7) составили животные, которым после нанесения ожога какихлибо других воздействий больше не проводили. В экспе

риментальной группе 1 (n = 10), после нанесения ожога животным производили субконъюнктивальную перилимбальную инъекцию суспензии 1 мл диспергированного аллогенного биоматериала (ДБА), произведенного тканевым банком Всероссийского центра глазной и пластической хирургии. В составе трансплантата присутствуют такие компоненты внеклеточного матрикса соединительной ткани как коллаген (76,4 %), гепарансульфат (0,59 %), гиауроновая кислота (2,42 %), хондроитинсульфат (0,44 %), прочие белки (10,35 %), вода (9,8 %).

Навеска в одном флаконе составляла 200 мг. Указанное количество разбавляли 5 мл физиологического раствора. В экспериментальной группе 2 (n = 10) у животных идентифицировали параорбитальные зоны проекции, в которые инъецировали по 0,5 мл раствора ДБА.Для исследования особенностей акупунктурного воздействия аллогенного диспергированного биоматериала на процессы регенерации роговицы нами были изучены реактивные изменения в локальных рефлексогенных зонах. У 22 животных был проведен сравнительный анализ клеточных и сосудистых реакций при введении ДБА в зоны проекции (n = 11) и при акупунктурном воздействии (n = 11).

Всех животных выводили из опыта на 3, 7, 14, 30е сутки. Для гистологического исследования забирали роговицу с прилежащей частью склеры, а также кожу и субдермальные ткани в области введения ДБА.

Гистологические исследования проводили с использованием окраски гематоксилином и эозином, а также по методам Маллори и ВанГизона.




Резорбцию биоматериала изучали методом количественной оценки коэффициента анизотропии (КА) коллагеновых структур с помощью поляризационной микроскопии неокрашенных гистологических срезов микроскопом Мин. 8 с цифровой фотонасадкой Nicon Coolpix 4500 при скрещенных фильтрах. Полученная информация об оптически активных объектах анализировалась с помощью специализированной программы Biovision 3.0. Полученные данные переводились в программу Microsoft Office Excel 2003, где производился расчёт отношения суммарной площади оптически активных объектов к общей площади выбранного участка, а также устранялись погрешности. Затем обработанные данные переводились в программу Statistica 5.5. для построения соответствующих графиков.

С помощью иммуногистохимических исследований выявляли экспрессию двух факторов: трансформирующего фактора роста (TGF β1), который является индуктором фиброза (Sporn, M. B., Roberts, A. B., 1990) и ядерного антигена пролиферирующих клеток (PCNA), позволяющего судить о пролиферативной активности клеток (Yew, D. T. et al., 2000). Экспрессию TGF β1 и PCNA определяли непрямым иммунопероксидазным методом на серийных парафиновых срезах толщиной 5 мкм с использованием соответствующих моноклональных антител (Santa Cruz Biotechnology Inc.).

Митотический индекс, как количество PCNAположительных клеток на 100 эпителиоцитов, определяли в клетках эпителия роговицы. Оценка результатов производилась с помощью функции «подсчет части» программы Biovision 3.0.

Для изучения динамики реактивных процессов в контроле и после введения ДБА на гистологических препаратах производили подсчет суммарной площади просвета капилляров (СППК) лимбальной области морфометрическим методом с использованием программы Biovision 3.0 Professional и аппаратного комплекса, включающего исследовательский микроскоп МС50, цифровой фотоаппарат Nikon CP 4500 и персональный компьютер.

Показатели кожного импеданса в локальных рефлексогенных зонах определяли у всех исследованных животных (n = 49) с помощью высоковольтного импульсного генератора с микропроцессорным управлением «AcuVision04» (Россия). Прибор производится научнопроизводственным предприятием «Гравитон» (Москва) по требованиям утвержденных технических условий, зарегистрирован в Российской Федерации и внесен в реестр медицинских изделий (Регистрационное удостоверение № 29/23010203/527003 от 20 мая 2003 года.

РезультатыЭкспериментальный химический ожог в зоне непосредственного контакта с детергентом у всех животных вызывал грубые патологические изменения — деструкцию эпителия, базальной мембраны и поверхностных слоев собственного вещества роговицы. Глубина поражения достигала 50 мкм. По периферии от этой области на расстоянии, составляющем в среднем 200 мкм, также обнаруживались деструктивные процессы, что позволило нам определить эту область как краевую зону повреждения.




Одним из основных проявлений повреждения роговицы является снижение коэффициента анизотропии (КА), падение которого в наших экспериментах достигало 20 % от нормы на 3и сутки (p < 0,01).

На границе с краевой зоной повреждения, на расстоянии до 500 мкм также были выявлены изменения в виде пролиферации кератобластов, макрофагов, лейкоцитов. Эту область мы обозначили как зону реактивных изменений.

И, наконец, в периферических участках роговицы на светооптическом уровне изменений не обнаружено. Следует отметить, что обнаруженные нами гистотопографические зоны при ожоговой травме роговицы в целом соответствуют данным других авторов, изучавших экспериментальное повреждение роговицы (Максимов, И. Б., 1990). Согласно полученным результатам выраженность и динамика репаративных процессов в указанных зонах существенно зависела от серии экспериментов, обобщенные количественные данные представлены в табл. 1.

Табл. 1 Показатели репаративной регенерации роговицы при локальном и рефлексогенном введении дба

Серия Контроль Локальное введение Рефлексогенное воздействие

Сроки, сутки 3 7 3 7 3 7В сравнении с исходным состоянием с контролем с контролем

Показатели экспрессии TGFβ-1, % (M ± m) n = 27Исходное состояние

2,57 ± 1,8631,15 ± 1,86 40,3 ± 2,06 16,1 ± 2,13 2,27 ± 1,32 26,5 ± 1,45 4,74 ± 1,64

Уровень доверия p < 0,01 p < 0,01 p < 0,05 p < 0,001 p > 0,05 p < 0,01Показатели митотического индекса эпителия роговицы, % (M ± m) n = 27

Исходное состояние30,6 ± 3,09

8,8 ± 3,50 25,4 ± 5,30 16,8 ± 4,42 36,4 ± 4,27 12,4 ± 2,95 29,3 ± 5,25

Уровень доверия p < 0,05 p < 0,05 p < 0,05 p < 0,05 p < 0,05 p < 0,05Показатели коэффициента анизотропии, % (M ± m) n = 27

Исходное состояние86,5 ± 5,34

16,7 ± 1,99 38,3 ± 4,08 46,5 ± 3,78 81,4 ± 2,85 38 ± 3,5 54,9 ± 3,41

Уровень доверия p < 0,01 p < 0,05 p < 0,05 p > 0,05 p < 0,05 p < 0,05Показатели суммарной площади просвета капилляров лимба, мкм² (M ± m) n = 27

Исходное состояние846 ± 161,1

1697 ± 130 2115 ± 102,9 2119 ± 161,1 2720 ± 110,2 1764 ± 113,6 2360 ± 104,5

Уровень доверия p < 0,05 p < 0,05 p < 0,05 p < 0,05 p < 0,05 p < 0,05

ДискуссияОбнаруженное в наших экспериментах сходство динамики репаративной регенерации роговицы при перилимбальном введении диспергированного аллогенного биоматериала и воздействие ДБА акупунктурнным путем имеет принципиальное значение, по

скольку достижение позитивных результатов по регенерации роговицы путем воздействия на зоны проекции является более предпочтительным по сравнению с оперативным вмешательством, каковым, по сути, является перилимбальное введение ДБА.




Экспериментальное моделирование химического ожога роговицы приводит к некрозу тканей в контактной зоне с последующим развитием воспалительных процессов. Нарушение структуры собственного вещества роговицы проявляется достоверным снижением коэффициента анизотропии до 44 % от исходного уровня на 7е сутки. Нормализация переднего эпителия происходит на 14е сутки эксперимента, а пролиферативная активность эпителиоцитов восстанавливается на 7е сутки.

Акупунктурное воздействие диспергированным аллогенным биоматериалом оптимизирует механизмы репаративной регенерации роговицы, о чем свидетельствует нормализация митотического индекса на 7е сутки эксперимента. В эти же сроки достигает нормы экспрессия трансформирующего фактора роста в собственном веществе роговицы, снижая вероятность развития фиброза в зоне химического ожога. Коэффициент анизотропии коллагеновых волокон на 7е сутки достигает 63% от нормы, отражая динамику восстановления функционально адекватных структур.Таким образом, проведенные экспериментальные исследования показали, что и локальное, и акупунктурное введение аллогенного диспергированного биоматериала является эффективным методом стимуляции репаративных процессов как в строме, так и в эпителии роговицы (табл. 1).

В частности, сравнительный анализ результатов двух серий экспериментов показал, что как перилимбальное введение ДБА, так и его воздействие на зоны проекции мобилизуют комплекс сосудистых и клеточных реакций, которые проявляются в полиморфной инфильтрации с участием макрофагов и процессами ангиогенеза с последующей резорбцией волокнистого матрикса биоматериала.

Результаты наших исследований по активации акупунктурных точек при введении ДБА опубликованы в отдельных статьях журнала «Акупунктура и натуральная медицина» (№ 1, № 3, 2015).

Клинические испытания представляемой технологии Аллоплант полностью подтвердили высокую эффективность локального введения ДБА и фармакопунктуры при лечении различных поражений органа зрения, дегенеративных процессах периферической нервной системы (полинейропатии различной этиологии), заболеваниях ЛОРорганов, сексопатологии.Метод фармакопунктуры с использованием биоматериалов Аллоплант также продемонстрировал положительные результаты при лечении целого ряда демиелинизирующих заболеваний центральной нервной системы, последствий травм, системных поражениях соединительной ткани и других патологических состояниях.

ЗаключениеК сожалению, мы не имеем возможности провести сравнительный анализ, так как эксперименты по акупунктурному введению биоматериала Аллоплант проводились только в нашем Центре. В нашем распоряжении также нет данных других авторов по результатам клинической фармакупунктуры биоматериалом Аллоплант в офтальмологии.

Накопленный клинический опыт в лаборатории рефлексотерапии нашего Центра позволил сформулировать следующие практические рекомендации по использованию инъекционных форм биоматериалов Аллоплант:

– акупунктурное и локальное введение биоматериалов Аллоплант может быть использовано для стимуляции репаративной




регенерации различных анатомических структур. Показаниями для фармакопунктуры биоматериалом Аллоплант могут являться поражения периферической нервной системы, в том числе с нарушениями нервномышечной проводимости, разнообразная патология органов чувств.

– инъекционная форма биоматериалов Аллоплант, длительно поддерживая локальные сосудистые и клеточные реакции, может использоваться в схеме фармакопунктурной терапии с учетом их пролонгированного эффекта и последующей полной резорбции без явлений фиброза.

Полученные в эксперименте результаты реализованы в клинической практике Всероссийского центра глазной и пластической хирургии и целого ряда клиник традиционной медицины и реабилитации. Таким образом, настоящее исследование можно рассматривать как комплексную экспериментальную и клиническую работу, раскрывающую закономерности морфофункциональных изменений при трансплантации диспергированных форм биоматериалов. Следует также отметить, что данная методика фармакопунктуры применяется и как самостоятельный метод лечения независимо от хирургического вмешательства. В настоящее время продолжаются многоцентровые исследования в рамках представляемой комплексной темы с участием специалистов Всероссийского центра глазной и пластической хирургии.

Результаты наших исследований по активации акупунктурных точек при введении ДБА опубликованы в отдельных статьях журнала «Акупунктура и натуральная медицина».

Проф. Ернст Рифгатович Мулдашев, доктор медицинских наук, Радик Фаязович Галиачметов, доктор медицинских наукФедеральное государственное бюджетное учреждение «Всероссийский центр глазной и пластической хирургии» Министерства здравоохранения Российской Федерации, ул. Зорге 67/1, 450075 УфаE-mail: [email protected]: [email protected]

Литература1. Нигматуллин, Р. Т., Гафаров, В. Г.,

Галиахметов, Р. Ф., Мухаметов, А. Р., Апрелев, А. Е., Щербаков, Д. А.: Некоторые закономерности биодеградации трансплантатов. Морфологические ведомости, 2008, № 3–4, с. 130–132, ISSN18123171.

2. Мулдашев, Э. Р., Галимова, В. У., Нигматуллин, Р. Т., Кирилличев, А. И., Апрелев, А. Е., Галиахметов, Р. Ф.: Реактивные изменения в гиподерме при введении биоматериала Аллоплант. Морфологические ведомости, 2008, № 3, с. 77–78, ISSN18123171.

3. Muldashev, E. R., Galiyakhmetov, R. F.: Experimental Justification for Using Dispersed Forms of Allografts in Acupuncture. Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, Bratislava, 2015, № 1., с. 22–26, ISSN13394703.

4. 4. Muldashev, E. R., Nigmatullin, R. T., Galiyakhmetov, R. F., Aprelev, A. E.: Morphological Aspects of Pharmacopuncture by Alloplant Biomaterials. Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, Bratislava, 2015, № 3, с. 19–24, ISSN13394703.


Clinic and ResearchValues of Intraocular Pressure and Acupuncture – Pilot Study

Magdaléna Miklósová, M. D.

Values of Intraocular Pressure and Acupuncture – Pilot Study


SummaryThe author evaluates the effect of acupuncture treatment on intraocular pressure (IOP) of 80 eyes of 40 patients without an acute eye disease and glaucoma. Patients visited First clinic of acupuncture and natural medicine of G. Solar s.r.o. from October 2014 until September 2015 (1 day in every month). Average value of IOP of right eye bulb – RE (left eye bulb – LE) before the acupuncture treatment was 16.5 mmHg; standard deviationSD 2.6 mmHg (16.3 mmHg; SD 3.3 mmHg) with a maximal value of IOP 22.0 mmHg (22.0 mmHg) and minimal value of IOP 9 mmHg (6 mmHg). Average value of IOP RE (LE) after the acupuncture treatment was 15.1 mmHg; SD 1.9 mmHg (14.0 mmHg; SD 2.7 mmHg) with maximal value of IOP 19.0 mmHg (21.0 mmHg) and minimal value of IOP 14.0 mmHg (8 mmHg). In the group, IOP of RE decreased by 8.5 %, IOP of LE by 14 % and together by 11.4 %. Decrease of IOP was seen in 52 cases (65 %), increase of IOP in 9 cases (11 %) and in 19 cases (24 %) no difference was detected between the values measured before and after the treatment. The pilot study proved that acupuncture has statistically significant effect of IOP (P < 0.01) and its effect on IOP is of regulative nature.

Key Wordsintraocular pressure, glaucoma, acupuncture, natural medicine, energyinformative processes

IntroductionPhysiological intraocular pressure (IOP) enables the right function of the eye. Normal value of IOP is the statistic range of population’s IOP (does not need to apply for the individual). Average IOP of Central Europe’s population is 16 mmHg (11–21 mmHg).[3] Boundary value of IOP of adults (21 mmHg) is specific with children. In case of small children, extensive differences exist measured while alert and in narcosis.[6] Average value of IOP of children is 8–13 mmHg and it increases by 1 mmHg every 2 years from the birth until 12 years of age.[3] The following factors have influence on the measured IOP:

– diurnal variation of IOP – physiological: 3–5 mmHg, IOP has circadian cycle

– thickness and curve of cornea, position of the patient

– consensual fluctuation: the maximum difference between the IOP of right and left eye bulb is 5 mmHg

– this fluctuation is related to the heartbeat, respiration movements.

The value of IOP is determined by the production of aqueous humor, trabecular and uveoscleral outflow and episcleral venous pressure. The increased or unstable IOP is the major risk factor of glaucoma. It is a multifactorial chronic progressive neuropathy of the optic nerve related to the damage of retinal ganglion cells, which




leads to changes of the optic nerve head (ONH) and in visual field.[3] Consequences of high IOP are:

– mechanical oppression of axons in the area of lamina cribrosa of ONH and consequently damage of nerve fibre with disruption of axoplasmic transport (mechanical theory)

– higher IOP can decrease circulation or it damages veins by oppression, microinfarcts (joining of vascular and mechanical theory).[8]

At present time, treatment of glaucoma consists of decreasing of IOP, but it is important to increase the perfusion pressure (secondary, indirect neuroprotection), as well as direct neuroprotection.

Therapy of glaucoma can be: – conservative

pharmacological: antiglaucomaticsnonpharmacological: natural antioxidants, acupuncture[4]

– laser – iridotomy, iridoplastics, trabeculoplastics, cyklophotocoagulation

– surgical – filtrating (perforation and nonperforation), draining and cyklodestructive operations.

Acupuncture is a branch of medicine. It studies and uses energyinformative processes which are universal in the whole cosmos. Acupuncture as a key branch of natural medicine is preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic and researching application of traditional and modern knowledge of active points, meridians and microsystems in prevention and therapy of malfunctions and diseases.[15]

From the traditional acupuncture point of view, the eye (sense organ of vision) as well as gall bladder, tendons, connective tissue and nails belong to the organ system of liver, which is assigned to the WOOD element.[1] In modern

acupuncture, the element is characterized as definite, multigrade, universal energyinformative level.

The WOOD element is an energyinformative aspect, it is characterized by embranchment and growth. WOOD has a yin meridian HE (hepar) – directing organ: liver and a yang meridian VF (vesica fellea) – directing: gallbladder. According to theory of WUXIN, every element gives birth to another one. WOOD element is determined in the birth cycle of triplet WATERWOODFIRE (beginningpeaktransition). Meridians of WOOD element – HE and VF are organized in different triplets, e.g. according to circadian rhythm.[17]

The eye has direct and indirect (through meridians HE, VF) functional connections to all main meridians, as well as to the whole subsystem of 8 complex meridians. Every meridian affects primarily its organ circle, but its action in organism is complex.[17] Every single meridian has several direct connections to other meridians, but these connections have fixed order thus they form an energyinformative network[18] which is part of the whole energyinformative system of microcosm (and macrocosm). This rich energyinformative network can explain fluctuation of IOP between right eye and left eye, as well as the existence of the huge number of diagnoses involving the eye directly.

The organ system of liver (+ gallbladder, eye, tendons, connective tissue and nails) composes biochemicalmorphologic level of WOOD element. Psychoregulative level interprets what the eye sees on the level of consensual reality. Meridian HE is characterized by emotivity, motivation (high, fluctuating IOP), meridian VF directs resolvedness, defines the extent of anger and fearresistance (increased or decreased sensitivity for negative effects – fluctuation




of IOP). Energyinformative level is characterized by INTERSECTION (wind) – to see things right, to gain overview and wisdom in decisionmaking, DYNAMICS (storm) and transitority (fluctuation of IOP). The highest level is spiritual, in which – while examining etiopathogenic diseases – answers to the question WHY? can be found.

The eye – eyeball + accessory organs (pic.1): extraocular muscles, blood vessels, lacrimal mechanism, eyelids, optic nerve belong to the 5 elements and together they form a full pentagram (energy interactive system).

Fig. 1 The eyeball and its accessory organs with the five elements marked (the eyeball represents the element WOOD – D, blood vessels: FIRE – O, extraocular muscles: EARTH – Z, eyelids: METAL – K, optic nerve: WATER – V).

Pic. 2 also schematically shows the transversal section through the orbit and distribution of ocular structures, which correlate with meridians

of vertical plane of pyramid model in acupuncture. Meridian HE (hepar) with meridians IC (intestinum crassum), VE (ventriculus), VU (vesica urinaria) and CO (cor) forms the vertical structure of the pyramid.[19]

Fig. 2 “Ophtalmological” application of the pyramid model in acupuncture (structures of the orbit – blood vessels, optic nerve, eyeball, extraocular muscles and skin of the eyelid represent meridians CO – cor, VU – vesica urinaria, HE – hepar, VE – ventriculus a IC – intestinum crassum, which are shown on the central vertical axis of the pyramid).

After projecting the Universal Octagram onto the periocular area (entrance into the orbit) we obtain the horizontal plane of the pyramid model and, as a periocular rotational microsystem it can be used in acupuncture treatment and diagnosis (one of Tactile Solar Test – TST) – Pic. 3.




Fig. 3 eriocular rotational microsystem (projection of the universal octagram onto the periocular region: YIN concatenations are created by meridians LP – lien pancreas, PU – pulmo, TC – tricalorium, PE –pericard – 1, 4, 6, 7 and YANG concatenations are created by meridians IT – intestinum tenue, VF – vesica fellea, RE – ren, VU – vesica urinaria – 2, 3, 5, 8).

Pic. 1, 2, and 3 show the application of the pentagram and pyramid model of acupuncture to the eye: The entire eye appears in both planes of the pyramid model, and the entire energyinformative system appears in the eye (in projection of the elements) – system in a system.

Model of circadian rhytm

18–21 Min. IOP Min. IOPMax. IOP 06–09

Circadian cycle of IOP

Fig. 4 Model of circadian rhythm in acupuncture (upper half of the picture) and circadian cycle of IOP – intraocular pressure (lower half of the picture). (01 to 23 hours of the day, meridians: CO – cor, IT – intestinum tenue, VU – vesica urinaria, RE – ren, PE – pericard, TC – tricalorium, VF – vesica fellea, HE – hepar, PU – pulmo, IC – intestinum crassum, VE – ventriculus, LP – lien pancreas, Min.IOP – minimal values of IOP, Max.IOP – maximal values of IOP).

Model of circadian rhythm in acupuncture and circadian cycle of IOP are shown together in Pic. 4, as there are some correlations between them: Meridian VF dynamically “starts” the production of aqueous humor , yin component is managed by meridian HE in harmonious (meridian IT – intestinum tenue) cooperation with cardiovascular system (meridian CO). Value of IOP physiologically increases, and after reaching maximal values during morning hours IOP gradually decreases. Aqueous humor (AH) is produced in the posterior chamber and ensures nutrition of avascular structures of anterior eye segment (meridians VEventriculus, LP – lien pancreas, dynamics are managed by meridian TC – tricalorium). AH circulates from posterior chamber across the pupil to anterior chamber and flows to a greater extent via trabeculum




and Schlemm’s canal to episcleral veins – (the movement of water is managed by meridians PU – pulmo, RE – ren, VU – vesica urinaria).

Aim of Study: To detect the influence of acupuncture and character of its effect on the values of intraocular pressure (IOP).

MethodologyIn the study, data of 40 patients (80 eyes) – 29 women, 11 men (graph 1) were evaluated. They were patients of First clinic of acupuncture and natural medicine of G. Solar s. r. o. (further clinic), who visited the clinic from October 2014 until September 2015 (third or fourth Thursday in month between 4 pm and 9 pm). They had different health problems (vertebrogenic, artralgies, migraines and other headaches), but did not have an acute eye disease or glaucoma. Average age of patients was 40.5 years (standard deviation – SD 9.6 y.), while the oldest patient was 59, the youngest 14 years old.

72.5 %

27.5 %

men

women

Graph 1 Percentage distribution of studied group by gender

In every patient IOP was measured before and after the acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture examination and treatment was made by the team of the clinic. The complete acupuncture examination (tongue diagnostics, pulse auriculodiagnostics, SuJok, electroacugraphy – EAG, complex wholebody TST diagnostics involving diagnostics of rotary microsystems) included a patientevaluation with the help of MKBDS questionnaire.[20] After diagnosing the complex defects of acupuncture system and the treatment (active points, microsystems, meridian blockages and active scars), a control TST was made to verify the effects of therapeutic intervention [16]. IOP measurement was made by applanation method with the help of a mobile tonometer – TONOPEN XL. Every measuring is signalized acoustically and visually, average value of IOP (from 4–10 data) is shown on the display. Validity of measuring is also marked (percentage difference of maximal and minimal value: 5–20 %).[5] Tonometer was regularly calibrated and the conditions of measuring were identical before and after the acupuncture treatment: measuring in instillation anaesthetization or without anaesthesia, in the same position (lying or sitting position) and in 15–45 minutes of time range. For comparison of average values of IOP, measured before and after the treatment, a pair Ttest was used.

ResultsValues of IOP RE, LE before and after the acupuncture treatment are shown in graph 2 and 3.




IOP

Patients no. 1 to 40

Legend:

decr. in IOP incr. in IOP without change

Graph 2 Values of IOP – intraocular pressure (in mmHg) of the right eye before and after acupuncture treatment (green = decrease in IOP, red = increase in IOP, yellow = without changes).

Patients no. 1 to 40

IOP

Legend:

decr. in IOP incr. in IOP without change

Graph 3 Values of IOP – intraocular pressure (in mmHg) of the left eye before and after acupuncture treatment (green = decrease in IOP, red = increase in IOP, yellow = without changes).

Average value of IOP – RE (LE) before the acupuncture treatment was 16.5 mmHg; SD 2.6 mmHg (16.3 mmHg; SD 3.3 mmHg) with maximal value of IOP 22.0 mmHg (22.0 mmHg)

and minimal value 9 mmHg (6 mmHg). Average value of IOP RE (LE) after the acupuncture treatment was 15.1 mmHg; SD 1.9 mmHg (14.0 mmHg; SD 2.7 mmHg) with maximal value




of IOP 19.0 mmHg (21.0 mmHg) and minimal value 14.0 mmHg (8 mmHg). In the group, IOP of RE decreased by 8.5 %, IOP of LE by 14 % and together by 11.4 % (tab. 1).

Tab. 1 Average values of IOP (intraocular pressure), standard deviation (SD) before and after acupuncture and percentage difference (=decrease) in IOP of the right (RE) and left eye (LE).

Before acupuncture After acupuncture

IOP mmHg average SD average SD difference

RE 16.5 2.6 15.1 1.9 8.5 %

LE 16.3 3.3 14.0 2.7 14.0 %

Statistical analysis:

Right eye: pair t‑test = 3.685 df = 39 P < 0.01

Left eye: pair t‑test = 4.755 df = 39 P < 0.01

Decrease of IOP was in 52 cases (65 %), increase in 9 cases (11 %) and in case of 19 eyes (24 %) no change of IOP was detected before and after the acupuncture treatment (graph 4).

decrease: 52 eyesincrease: 9 eyes

without change: 19 eyes

24 %

11 % 65 %

Graph 4 Dynamics of IOP – intraocular pressure in the studied group.

In the group, consensual difference of IOP before and after the acupuncture treatment was also monitored. Average difference of IOP between RE and LE was 2.0 mmHg before and 1.6 mmHg after the acupuncture treatment (20 % decrease). Maximal consensual difference of IOP was 6 mmHg, minimal 0 mmHg. The whole extension 0–6 mmHg was divided into 4 subgroups: max. difference 5–6 mmHg (= nonphysiological, substandard), medium

difference 3–4 mmHg, minimal difference 1–2 mmHg and no difference. Number of patients with the listed difference of IOP between RE and LE and its percentage arrangement before and after the acupuncture treatment is shown on graph 5. The biggest decrease of number of patients was in subgroup with maximal difference of IOP between RE and LE (66 % decrease).

difference in IOP before acupuncture after acupuncture

num

ber o

f pat

ient

s

Graph 5 Graph 5 Difference in IOP – intraocular pressure in mmHg between the right and left eye before and after acupuncture treatment.

DiscussionThe main goal of treatment of glaucoma is to reduce and stabilize the IOP. Within the complex healthcare of the patient with higher or fluctuating value of IOP (or without glaucoma) acupuncture plays an important role apart of the standard treatment. While the other fields of medicine (including ophthalmology) search the description in morphological biochemical and psycho regulative aspect, acupuncture and other natural fields of medicine analyse the energyinformative level. According to the knowledge of the analyser partially also the spiritual aspect can be observed. The real acupuncture requires deep knowledge of its theory and not only in the roots of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), detailed examination in excess of classical recommendations of TCM,




individual approach to each patient and evolution of all medical, energyinformative, psychological, social, environmental and spiritual contexts.[15]

Acupuncture determines the human body as a system, which is functional if the single levels and subsystems communicate – cooperate.[13] In case of defect or disease, after a systematic multilevel analysis and localization of the primary defect of the system, it is possible to approach treatment with usage of the least number of active points.[15] Acupuncture does not treat only the active point, but the way of interaction between the systems. The acupuncture point intervenes this interaction.[13] The communication nature of the therapy in the system is oriented anentropically and it fulfills the characteristics of mathematical square principle.[13, 14] The result depends on the aim and concept of interaction, which is defined by the therapist.[13]

Shortterm effect of acupuncture on IOP for healthy individuals is introduced in the study of MeiraFreitas D. and col.[12] Authors compare values of IOP in the group of 48 patients (94 eyes). They divided them into 3 subgroups: the control group of 15 patients without intervention, the second group of 14 patients with application of acupuncture into less active points resp. “placebo acupuncture” and the third group of 19 patients with using the same acupuncture points (GB1, GB14, PL1). Their IOP was tested by Goldmann tonometry 20 min. before and 24 hours after acupuncture. The conclusion of the study does not show a significant difference of measured IOP between these groups. Despite of the statistic conclusion of this study the final test results suggest significant changes in IOP after applied acupuncture comparing with the control group. Nowadays we can still find the term of “placebo acupuncture”, which in point of latest cognition of micro system and projections of each region of the body is fully irrelevant.

[17] If we respect the organism’s acupunctural system, we can not adjust the acupunctural treatment to western diagnostic units.[15] Another study compared IOP before and 5 minutes after treatment of one acupuncture point, in a group of 40 healthy individuals (79 eyes). In this study Liu Y. & co.[11] report results similar to our study. Authors achieved a decrease in IOP in 49, an increase in 8 eyes, and in 22 eyes there was no change in IOP after acupuncture. At the conclusion of the study they report a significant decrease in average IOP by 1,61mmHg. Law SK. & co.[10] report about the results of a prospective and randomized study of 11 patients with primary openangle glaucoma and stable IOP. The authors found a slight increase in average values of IOP after acupuncture treatment of points “eyerelated” (from 12,9mmHg to 13,6mmHg) and of points “noneyerelated” (from 13,0mmHg to 13,5mmHg). Modern acupunctural diagnostics e. g., like TST or EAG do not confirm points related or nonrelated to the eye, nor they do not it confirm so called distant or near points.[14, 18].

Many studies confirm the effect and security of acupuncture during the treatment of glaucoma.[2, 7, 9, 21] The effect of acupuncture of 18 patients with glaucoma or hypertension of the eye is published in prospective study of Uhrig S. a col.[21] German authors observed significant decrease of IOP in average of 2.5 mmHg, which was measured 15 minutes before, also 15 minutes and 24 hours after the standardized acupuncture. In another prospective and randomized study Her J.S. & co.[7] confirmed significant decrease of IOP in a group of glaucomatics after auricular acupression in comparison with a group without acupression. The most significant decrease in IOP was found during the 3rd to 4th week after auriculotherapy.




In our pilot study, we evaluated the effect of a complex acupuncture treatment on IOP and we examined the nature of its effect on values of IOP of patients without any acute eye disease and glaucoma. We recognized that after the acupuncture intervention the values of IOP in most of the cases decreased. Increase of IOP (but only in extent of physiological values) after the treatment we recognized in cases of relative hypotonia and unbalanced values of IOP between RE and LE. We proved regulative effect of acupuncture on IOP – according to the position of energyinteractive system it decreases, in case of relative hypotonia it increases and balances the values of IOP between RE and LE. The result of the energyinformative stabilization is a general harmonization of the patient including IOP and improvement of eye functions.

Complex impact of acupuncture can be understood if we will proceed from the theory of structural fields – including gnostic field. This fact results in the idea that material manifestations are secondary, e.g. they are the results of operations of these fields.[19]

SummaryThe results of the examined group confirmed the change of IOP after an acupunctural treatment in 76 % of cases (decreased 65 %, increased 11 %).The pilot study proved, that acupuncture has statistically significant effect of IOP (P < 0.01) and its effect on IOP is of regulative nature (it decreases the risk of formation and progression of glaucoma, it also enables the right functioning of the eye).

In 24 % of cases, where no changes of IOP were found after acupuncture, we assume the effect of other factors which evoke that the change does not show or it shows later.

Regulative and fast effect of acupuncture on IOP can be explained by these processes being energyinformative. The character of this regulative effect on IOP needs to be studied further, through complex analysis of the patient.

Thanks toI would like to thank to G. Solár, M. D., PhD. and PaeDr. Z. Solárová, PhD. for their help and cooperation while doing acupuncture examination and treatment in clinic and for their valuable professional advice also to Mgr. P. Miklós, PhD. (from PF UK in Bratislava) for statistical processing of results of the study.

Magdaléna Miklósová, M. D.NZZ – eye clinicHodská 3160/101, 924 01 Galanta, Slovak republicE-mail: [email protected]

References1. Ando, V.: Klasická čínska medicína – základy

teorie I. Hradec Králové, Svítaní, 1995, s. 205 – 217.

2. Astbury, N.: Alternative eye care. British Journal of Ophthalmology, 2001, 85: 767–768, [online] http://bjo.bmj.com/content/85/7/767.full [11. 10. 2015].

3. European Glaucoma Society: Terminology and Guidelines for Glaucoma. II. Edition, Dogma, Italy, 2003, ISBN 8887434131, Ch. 1: 3–4, [online] <http://www.oogheelkunde.org/uploads/4D/w6/4Dw6l> pdf/3940pdf [4. 9. 2015].

4. Ferková, S.: Nefarmakologická liečba glaukómu. Bulletin Slovenskej glaukómovej spoločnosti vydávaný pri príležitosti Svetového týždňa glaukómu, 2012, s. 12, ISBN 9788097087005.

5. Filouš, A., Burdová, M., Malec, J.: Tonopen XL – tonometr vhodný pro standardní i meně obvyklé podmínky při měření nitroočního tlaku. Čs. Oftal., 54, 1998, No. 3, s. 159–165.




6. Gerinec, A.: Glaukómy u detí. Martin, Osveta, 2002, s. 60 – 61, ISBN 8080631034.

7. Her, J. S., Liu, P. L., Cheng, N. Ch. et al.: Intraocular PressureLowering Effect of Aurical Acupressure in Patients with Glaucoma: A Prospective, SingleBlinded, Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 2010, 16 (11): 1177–1184, [online] http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/acm.2010.0020 [11. 10. 2015].

8. Kuchynka, P. a kol.: Oční lékařství. Praha, Grada, 2007, s. 571, ISBN 9788024711638.

9. Law, S. K., Li, T.: Acupuncture for glaucoma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013, Issue 5, [online] <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006030.pub3> [20. 11. 2015].

10. Law, SK., Lowe, S., Law, SM., et al.: Prospective Evaluation of Acupuncture as Treatment for Glaucoma. American Journal of Ophthalmology, 2015, Volume 160, Issue2, p. 256–265, [online] http://dx.doi/10.1016/j.ajo.2015.04.033 [11. 10. 2015]

11. Liu, Y., Long, YS., Long, YS.: The immediate effects of acupuncture on intraocular pressure. Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1994, 14, 41.

12. Meira-Freitas, D., Cariello, A. J., Vita, R. C. et al.: ShortTerm Effect of Acupuncture on Intraocular Pressure in Healthy Subjects. Acupunct Med, 2010, 28/1: 25–7, Department of Ophthalmology, Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, [online] <http://www.academia.edu/3579022> [11. 10. 2015].

13. Mochnáč, T.: Acupuncture and System’s Interactions. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, 2013, 2, p. 27 – 30, MSNM, Bratislava, ISSN 13394703.

14. Slanina, F.: Teorie sítí: společný jazyk buňky a internetu. [online] <http://archiv.otevrena veda.cz/users/Image/default/C1Kurzy/NH2006>, pdf/67.pdf [3. 12. 2013].

15. Solár, G.: Acupuncture and Natural Medicine. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, 2013, 2, p. 5 – 12, MSNM, Bratislava, ISSN 13394703.

16. Solár, G.: Niektoré mechanizmy akupunktúry a TST. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, 2014, 1, s. 5 – 12, MSNM, Bratislava, ISSN 13394703.

17. Solár, G.: Tripletsa, Concatenation, Bagua and Patterns in Acupuncture. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, 2014, 2, p. 5 – 14, MSNM, Bratislava, ISSN 13394703.

18. Solár, G.: EnergyInformative Networks in Acupuncture. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, 2014, 3, p. 9 – 13, MSNM, Bratislava, ISSN 13394703.

19. Solár, G., Solárová, Z.: The Complex Dynamic Pyramid Model in Acupuncture. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, 2014, 5, p. 8 – 15, MSNM, Bratislava, ISSN 13394703.

20. Solárová, Z.: Diagnostic Possibilities and Perspectives of a Modified MKBDS Questonnaire According to Korngold and Beinfield. In Acupuncture and Natural Medicine, 2013, 1, p. 22 – 26, MSNM, Bratislava, ISBN 9788097050030.

21. Uhrig, S., Hummelsberger, J., Brinkhaus, B.: Standardized acupuncture therapy in patients with ocular hypertension or glaucoma – results of a prospective observation study. Bugenärztliche Praxis, Wiesbaden, Deutschland. Forsch Komplementarmed Klass Naturheilkd, 2003/Oct.10, (5): 256–61, [online] <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14605482> [10. 10. 2015].


Interdisciplinary InsightsThermal Effects in Electro Acupuncture

Assoc. Prof., Dipl. Ing. Branislav Hučko, PhD., Ing. František Horvát, Ing. Tomáš Kováč, Ing. Lukáš Šoltés, Ing. Michal Čekan, PhD.

Thermal Effects in Electro Acupuncture


SummaryElectro acupuncture (EA), and its physical effects, are currently still rather underdeveloped in a scientific point of view, despite its widespread practice in natural medicine. There is a need however to review the current scientific state of EA.[1, 7] It is therefore necessary to expand scientific study within this field to include and investigate the physical effects as well. In terms of the thermal effects in EA practise, the article investigates the thermal effects around the needle and determine what mechanisms may cause some common complaints during acupunctural treatment, such as feelings of itchiness and burning at the location of the acupuncture needle. The problem is represented by finite element analysis (FEA)[2, 3] concentrating on a basic thermal analysis described by nominal physical and thermal properties of body tissues in vivo.[4, 5] The model is created in the Ansys Workbench FEA environment. The model considers the thermal effects of an EA needle and its resulting effect on the surrounding tissue.

Key WordsElectro acupuncture, thermal effects, Ansys Workbench, isotherms, tissue heat transfer

IntroductionElectro acupuncture is a diagnostic and therapeutic method of alternative medicine that combines traditional Asian teachings and electrical effects to create a modern form of the practice. The needles are subject to electrical signals of varying character to

stimulate the energy paths through each meridian in patients, fig. 1. Transfer of the signal through each meridian is performed by using a generator which transmits electrical signals from 100 to 1,000 mV with frequencies ranging from 10 to 80 Hz.[6] An important aspect to consider in such a procedure is the subjective description of the patients feelings at the acupunctural point being observed, primarily at the interface between the needle and surrounding tissue. Any heat generated may be described proportionally by the impedance in the skin/tissue and voltage of the generated signal. Any heat generated within the needle can then be simulated, where heat distribution in the tissue around the needle can be observed/described.

MethodologyIn order to analyse the thermal effects that the EA needle has it is not only necessary to know the physical properties of affected human tissues, such as density, isotropic heat conductivity or specific heat, but also to determine the appropriate boundary conditions used within the analysis. These conditions are dictated by known properties such as the temperature of the body 36.5 °C and maximum interfacing temperature, 60 °C, which may cause proteins to clot therefore resulting in damage to the tissue. It is also necessary to know




the thermal properties of the needle material being used in EA and the properties of the tissues in which the needle is to be inserted, depth of insertion and geometric properties of the needle – tab. 1. The presented analysis assumed a needle made of medical grade stainless steel with a diameter of 0.15 mm and an insertion depth of 10mm.[6] The model was analyzed in the ANSYS Workbench FEA environment and is setup to investigate the distribution of thermal gradient by discretizing the model into a finite number of elements (model meshing). Such a model can then be solved and the thermal effects for each individual element can be determined. The model was simplified into a 2D symmetric problem fig. 2.

Fig. 1 Example of common acupuncture points on the human body

Tab. 1 Properties of EA needle and tissues used in the simulation

Element Dimensions[mm]

Density[kg/m³]

Thermal Conductivity

[W/m.°C]

Specific Heat[J/kg.°C]

Needle 0.15 × 15 8,055 13.8 480Skin 15 × 2 1,109 0.37 3,391Subcutaneous Fat 15 × 2 911 0.21 2,348Muscle 15 × 11 1,090 0.49 3,421

The model consists of a simplified representation of tissues that may be affected by the EA needle. They are represented by three layers: skin, subcutaneous fat and muscle seen in fig. 2. Dimension of each layer can be seen in Tab. 1 for which each represent a generalized mean value for variances throughout the human body. The table also contains thermal properties for each part represented in the analysis. Each layers interface was defined appropriately, where the interface between the skin, subcutaneous fat, and muscle are represented as conductive, while the interface between the skin and air was defined

by free convection (4.8 W.m−2.°C−1).[5] The lower portion of the model was defined to be at body temperature, 36.5 °C.The analysis results were defined to determine the boundary of nodes with the same temperature (isotherm). The isotherms were then plotted on the model. It was also necessary to investigate the way each isotherm was effected due to temperature variations in the needle, therefore the needle in the model is subject to three different temperatures: 40, 50 and 60 °C. This change in needle input temperature and its corresponding effect on the surrounding tissues were then plotted and compared to each other in order to determine any correlations.




SkinSubcutaneous Fat

MuscleEA needle

Fig. 2 FEA model of the different layers of tissue as well as EA needle

ResultsIn Fig. 3 the thermal gradient (isotherms) can be seen for different input temperatures of the needle. It is logical that the number of isotherms increased, as well as the affected area, depending on the input temperature of the needle. At 40 °C

three isotherms were registered, at 50 °C the number of isotherms increased to 9 were at 60 °C a total of 14 isotherms were generated.

The projection of the isotherms horizontally and vertically into the surrounding tissue from the needle were recorded for each input temperature. These “diameters” were plotted and compared in terms of their dependence on input temperature. The graph in fig. 4 shows the dependence of horizontal isotherm distance from the source of heat as the temperature of the source (EA needle) increased. The same effect can be observed in fig. 5 for vertical distance of the isotherms from their source. From these two dependencies it is quite obvious that the corresponding distance of the isotherms grew rapidly as the temperature of the source was increased.

a)




b)

c)

Fig. 3 Isotherms for different input temperature of the EA needle: a) 40 °C b) 50 °C and c) 60 °C




Isotherms: X distance

dist

ance

temperature

Fig. 4 Isotherm diameters from heat source (horizontal)

The results of the analysis support the assumptions that define the relationship between EA needle temperature and isothermal behavior in the analyzed mediums. Furthermore the isothermal

shapes display moderately different behaviors through the thickness of each medium, most notably between the muscle, subcutaneous fat and skin (see fig. 3).

Isotherms: Y distance

dist

ance

temperature

Fig. 5 Isotherm depth (distance) from heat source




DiscussionThe presented analysis represents a simplified representation of the human body. It served as a pilot analysis specifically intended to investigate, at a basic level, the heat effects that an EA needle may have on the surrounding tissues. The model was created using linearized, homogeneous and isotropic assumptions for the definition of tissue and the EA needle, an assumption that may not be valid through some of the mediums used throughout the analysis. It will be necessary to develop more complex material models to more accurately determine the behaviour of isotherms throughout each tissue. The article assumes temperatures of the EA needle, however it must be understood that these do not represent actual temperatures that may occur within the needle. For this it will be necessary to perform experiments and determine input voltage, frequency, impedance, needle locations, etc… to determine these values. Once obtained, a more complex model may be created that will more accurately describe the thermal effects occurring throughout the body.

The article does not take into consideration more complex thermal effects nor the changes that these effects have on the physiological or psychological state of the human body. For this it will be necessary to work with acupuncturists and compare data with their subjective diagnosis in order to find some correlation between some physical quantity and a specific subjective feeling that a patient may have.

Regardless the presented study was successful in identifying some basic thermal behaviours which occur throughout human tissue, that being:1. With increased source temperature, the isotherm

boundaries grew rapidly from the source in both the vertical and horizontal directions.

2. Isotherm behavior is effected by thermal properties of the tissues.

In terms of any feeling of discomfort, itchiness, burning at the location of the EA needle inserted into the human body, the heat affected zone grows rapidly as temperature of the EA needle increases. This rapid growth can affect nearby nerve endings, and depending on the intensity of heat, any feelings of discomfort may grow exponentially as heat build within the EA needle. This of course will also require experiments to verify.

It was also obvious that in the even the EA needle reaches a higher temperature, the heat effected zone grew from 4.79 mm at 50 °C to 8.56 mm at 60 °C. it will also be necessary to perform a transient thermal analysis in future works in order to determine changes over time.

ConclusionsThe presented analysis was intended to determine a basic (linear and isotropic) but fundamental description of the thermal effects occurring in human tissue as a result of electro acupuncture. The focus was to investigate the thermal behavior of tissue when subject to varying temperatures of the EA needle. It was determined that with growing needle temperature, a rapid increase in heat effected zone were observed (see fig. 3). It was determined that over a 10 °C increase in needle temperature, the heat effected zone doubled in size (both horizontally and vertically), see fig. 4 and 5. Isotherms also rapidly increased throughout the volume of this zone over such a change in temperature. Therefore it can be concluded that a small increase in needle temperature can have a meaningful impact on the thermal effects throughout the human body, which may lead to feelings of discomfort, such as itchiness or burning. However there were no experimental results for which the analysis could be compared, therefore future studies must contain a reliable and repeatable experiment that can be used to create a more complex and therefore




accurate description/analysis of the thermal effects and perhaps determine some correlation between these effects and the subjective feelings in patients who undergo EA.

Assoc. Prof., Dipl. Ing. Branislav Hučko, PhD., Ing. František Horvát, Ing. Tomáš Kováč, Ing. Lukáš Šoltés, Ing. Michal Čekan, PhD.Slovak university of technology in BratislavaFaculty of mechanical engineeringNámestie slobody 17, 812 31 Bratislava 1, Slovak republicE-mail: [email protected]

References1. Andrew C., A., Colbert, A. P., Anderson, B. J.,

Martinsen, Ø. G., Hammerschlag, R., Cina, S., Wayne, P. M., Langevin, H. M.: Electrical Properties of Acupuncture Points and Meridians: A Systematic Review. Wiley InterScience, 2008.

2. Benča, Š.: Výpočtové postupy MKP. Vydavateľstvo STU, Bratislava, 2006, ISBN 8022724041.

3. Jančo, R.: MKP v riešení nosníkov a rámov na pružnom podklade. 1. vyd., Bratislava: Nakladateľstvo STU, 2013, s. 109, ISBN 8022738804

4. Sheng L., Pan, J., Zhou M. C.: A Semiquantitative Method to Study Electrical Properties of Acupuncture Points. International journal of intelligent control and systems, 2008.

5. de Dear R. J.,•Arens, E., Oguro, Z. H. M.: Convective and radiative heat transfer coefficients for individual human body segments. Int J. Biometeorol, 1997.

6. Hasgall P. A., Di Gennaro, F., Baumgartner, C., Neufeld, E., Gosselin, M. C., Payne, D., Klingenböck, A., Kuster, N.: IT’IS Database for thermal and electromagnetic parameters of biological tissues. Version 3.0, September 01st, 2015, DOI: 10.13099/VIP21000030. www.itis.ethz.ch/database

7. Teplan, M.: Akupunktúra – princípy, prístupy a perspektívy výskumu. ICMART XIII World Congress, 2008.


Interdisciplinary InsightsSlope Movements as a Geofactors of the Environment and their Impact on Human

Prof. Dr. František Baliak, PhD., Mgr. Martin Brček, PhD.

Slope Movements as a Geofactors of the Environment and their Impact on HumanProf. Dr. František Baliak, PhD., Mgr. Martin Brček, PhD.

SummarySlope movements belong to the most significant geodynamic phenomena, which strongly influence the geological nature as a part of the environment which man used and modified.

The basic components of the geological nature include geological factors. These factors influence the use of environment including humans. Geofactors are divided into two groups: geopotentials (resources and possibilities of geological nature) and geobarriers (various obstacles and limitations of geological nature).

This article gives examples of slope movements which have a positive effect on man as geopotential – significantly contributes to improve the quality of life, e.g. stable slopes; and also examples of geobarriers, which have a negative effect on human (factors threatening the life and work of man, factors inducing adverse interaction in the geological environment and thus significantly reduce the efficiency, durability and safe operation of technical works and factors constituting retrospective negative effects of technical works that seriously damage geological environment.

Key Wordsslope movements, slope deformation, environment, geological environment, geopotential, geobarriers, human life

IntroductionThis article follows the report, which was presented at the XIX. Medical Congress of Natural Medicine in Nitra in 2015. The topic is a continuation of the issue of the impact of environmental geofactors to humans, which we presented in previous issues of this magazine (Baliak & Khun, 2012; Baliak, Ondrášik, Brček, 2014 and Baliak, Ondrášik, Brček, 2015). In the paper Baliak & Khun, (2012), we have briefly described all geological hazards of the environment in general, and we have shown their impact on humans. In the paper by Baliak, Ondrášik, Brček (2014), we discussed in depth geofactors focusing on water. Also in the paper by Baliak & Brček (2015), we focused on rock environment as a basic component of the geological environment. This paper is devoted to the slope movements and their effect on humans.

An Overview of Geological Factors of the EnvironmentGeofactors divided into geopotentials and geobarriers (Matula, 1995). Geopotentials include various natural resources and potential usable of the geological environment factors supporting human development e. g. raw materials, stable slopes, good quality agricultural and foundation soils, healing and drinking water. Geobarriers represent various obstacles and limitation of the naturalgeological environment factors thus jeopardizing life and human activities engineering works (volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, disastrous slope failures, flooding, etc.), factors decreasing efficiency of construction and operation of engineering works (foundation soils




with high compressibility, slopes with low stability) and factors deteriorating the environment due to negative anthropogenic activity (settlement of the terrain due to underground mining, high groundwater level and waterlogged foundation soil, unloaded slope toe, etc.). This means that geopotential increases the quality of human life and vice versa geobarriers reduce it.

We have detailed overview of geological environmental factors published in issue 1/2015 (Baliak, Ondrášik, Brček, 2015).

Slope Movements as a Geofactor of EnvironmentLandslides are significant geodynamic phenomena, which strongly influence the geological environment as a part of the environment that man uses and changes.

Slope movements are gravitational movements of rocks along the slope. This kind of movement is different from the transport of rocks along the slopes caused by transport media – by snow, ice and wind. The slope movements result in slope deformations – slope failures.

The development of slope movements is caused by certain natural conditions, by climatic, hydrogeologic and geomorphologic circumstances, which are the basic preconditions for development of the movement. They either support the movement or they prevent it. Thus, some conditions are either favourable, or unfavourable for development of slope movements. These conditions influencing factors of slope movements may by defined as processes of changes of given conditions. Each slope has a certain degree of slope stability larger than 1. Its variation in time

is caused by some of the factors. Factor, which is the most important in the moment of slope movement inception, is called the trigger of the slope movement.

Classification of slope movements is divided into four groups, according to Nemčok, Pašek, Rybář (1974):1. creep2. slide3. flow4. fall

CreepThe slope creep movement is a longterm, slow movement of rock masses, their boundary being usually indistinct due to the solid bedrock. The extent of the mass moving is negligible with regard to the space dimensions of the concerned rock massive. Therefore, the resulting forms of creeping are usually not outstanding – occurring as gravitationally torn and broken ridges and slopes. Hard complexes deposited on soft subsoil, which due to creeping gets broken to usually one millimetre to one centimetre per 10 years. If this process is enhanced creeping is transformed into sliding, flowing or falling. Creeping is a preparatory phase to other forms of slope movements.

SlidingSliding is a relatively rapid, shortterm movement of rock masses along one or several shear planes, diving (separating) the moving masses from the solid subsoil. Resulting form – the slope failure developed by sliding are landslides. The landslide may be classified according to the shape of the shear plane, surface shape and activity.




According to the shape of the shear plane we distinguish:

a. Rotational landslides, having the shear plane shape of a cylinder (Fig. 1a); develop in homogenous clayey soils.

b. Planar landslides, their shear plane is predetermined (Fig. 1b, 1c), using the interface between the subsoil and cover formations, interlayer surfaces or tectonic planes.

c. Rotational-planar landslides, having composite (sometimes irregular) shear planes (Fig. 1d).

d. Translation landslides (Fig. 1e) occurring on the horizontally developed shear plane.

Fig. 1 Types of landslides

According to the areal shape we distinguish:a. Areal landslides, having approximately

the same length and width. They develop on flat slopes, having usually smaller dimensions and depth only several meters, exceptionally 10 m.

b. Stream-like landslides have elongated shape (the length exceeding several times the width). They are often several kilometres long and 30 to 40 meters thick. The most serious economic damages were caused by the streamlike landslides; for example the streamlike landslides at Handlová, which happened in 1960 destroyed more than 150 houses; it was 1,800 m long, the volume

of sliding masses exceeded 20 mil. m³ and maximum motion velocity was 6.3 m per day.

c. Frontal landslides. In the case of frontal landslides the width exceeds the length. They develop usually on the river banks due to lateral erosion caused by wave shocks.

According to the degree of activity we distinguish:a. Active landslides. The surface of active

landslide is rather broken up (disrupted) demonstrating recent movements. The movement is periodically activated by natural factors.

b. Potential (calm-stabilized) landslides, with uneven surface, without recent shapes. They may be activated by intense natural factors (erosion, precipitation).

c. Dormant – stabilized landslides. The landslide surface is usually levelled, thus it cannot be demarcated, and identification is difficult and possible only by considering the general slope shape. Activation may occur due to anthropogenic factors.

FlowingFlowing is a rapid, shortterm movement (m.h−1, km.h−1) of rock materials in viscose state. The flowing mass is sharply separated from the undisturbed subsoil.

The most frequent resulting forms of flowing are earth flows and stone flows.

a. Earth flows are developed in places of concentrated flow of surface and groudwaters (Fig. 2a). As example may be mentioned the earth flow, which in 1962 caused a disaster of village Lieskové and Riečnica nad Kysucou, when 29 houses were destroyed.

b. Debris flows develop on steep slopes of high mountains. Products of weathering accumulate in glens. Storm waters drag




down stony and sandyclay material with a velocity attaining several tenth of km.h−1 and transport them down into valleys, where debris consensually develops (Fig. 2).

Fig. 2 Basic types of slope failures of flowing

FallingFalling is a rapid, abrupt shortterm movement (m.s−1) of rock masses on steep slopes, when at least a part of the movement occurs as free fall.

Basic types of slope failures of the group of falling are rock toppling and planar rock falls.

a. Toppling occurs when rock materials on steep rocky walls or overhangs fall away as free falls (Fig. 3a).

b. Planar rock falls (Fig. 3b) are abrupt movement’s masses of rock along the plane slip surface that become detached from steep slopes or cliffs and movement occurs by freefall.

Fig. 3 Basic types of slope failures of falling

Slope failures represent a significant factor in geological hazard, jeopardizing the environment of Slovakia. Up to the present time, regional

investigation carried out in Slovakia revealed 21,190 slopes failures (mostly landslides), which occupy an area of 257,591.2 hectares, it is 2.5 % of the total area of Slovakian territory (Baliak, Ondrášik, Brček, 2015).

Effect of Landslides on HumanAs indicated slope movements influence man either as geopotential or geobarrier.

Landslides as a GeopotentialsSlope movements and their resulting spatial forms as a geopotentials have generally positive influence on the quality of human life. It is mainly by the fact, that in the areas of interest (which man uses for his activities) are also occurring zones that have never been broken by landslides or which were successfully stabilized by men with the various remedial actions that were proposed by the engineeringgeological investigation.

These areas: – allow the smooth use of the area for agricultural

purposes to ensure human nutrition, – provide plenty areas for the construction of

any kind, – increase the aesthetics of landscapes.

Landslides as a geobariersLandslides and the resulting deformation as a geobariers generally impose negative impacts on quality of human life because:

– they the jeopardize life and works of man, including catastrophic landslides, rock falls, toppling falls, rock shedding (bouncing and rolling), debris flow, earthflow and mudflow.

Many of these movements (deformations) are catastrophic with direct consequences for man and his work (Tab. 1).




Tab. 1 Summary table of the disastrous slope movements in the years 1903 to 2004 on various continents (Ondrášik, Vlčko, Fendeková, 2011). The table did not include data from China in 1920.

Continent Event count Victims Overall stricken population

Economic damage (in million U.S.

dollars)Africa 22 721 19,740 0

America 139 20,532 4,667,943 1,318Asia 220 15,754 5,056 534

Europe 75 16,158 41,536 1,706

Between the most tragic events, e.g. in landslides in China (Ningxia Haiyuan) in 1920 died 100,000 people; in 1980 a major volcanic eruption occurred at Mount St. Helens caused landslides and total of 57 people lost their lives. In the Europe, it was a landslide and flood at Vajont Dam, on the Vajont River in the Italian Alps where nearly 3,000 people died (Fig. 4).

Fig. 4 Head scrap of Vajont landslide in Italy, 1963

Fortunately, in Slovakia we have not recorded any loss of life directly linked to formation of slope movements. In some cases, resulting slope deformations triggered in humans, the amount

of stressful situations that after some time had a significant effect on mortality. However, in our country slope movements significantly jeopardize the work of man. For example, disastrous landslide in Handlová (1960–1961) destroyed 15 houses, 2 km road I/50, water supply, VHV mast (Very High Voltage) and others (Fig. 5).

Fig. 5 House destruction caused by Handlová landslides (1960–1961)

Number of landslides in Slovakia in 2010 reached 577; these landslides damaged 136 houses, roads with total length of 4 km, 0.4 km railway line and others (Baliak, Stríček, 2012), (Fig. 6).




Fig. 6 Destruction of house caused by landslide, Nižná Myšla in 2010Atlas of Stability of Slopes in SR at 1:50000 scale give evidence about the threat to civil engineering works.

Tab. 2 Statistical analysis results of project “Atlas of slope stability maps of Slovakia” (Šimeková, Martinčeková et al., 2006)

Engineering geological region

Regi

on o

f hig

h co

re

mou

ntai

ns (A

a)

Regi

on o

f mid

cor

e m

ount

ain

(Ab)

Regi

on o

f flis

h hi

ghla

nds

(Bc1

)

Regi

on o

f flis

h hi

ghla

nds

(Bc2

)

Regi

on o

f flis

h hi

ghla

nds

(Bc3

)

Regi

on o

f flis

h up

land

s (B

d1)

Regi

on o

f flis

h up

land

s (B

d2)

Regi

on o

f flis

h up

land

s (B

d3)

Regi

on o

f vol

cani

c hi

ghla

nds

(Ce)

Regi

on o

f vol

cani

c up

land

s (C

f)

Obl

asť D

g vn

útro

hors

ké

kotli

ny

Obl

asť D

h vn

útro

karp

atsk

é ní

žiny

Celk

om

Total slope deformations (SD) 1,509 749 1,973 21 442 6,433 2,152 1,943 1,846 515 3,220 387 21,190

Average slope angle (°) 25.5 15.9 16.6 14.1 15.3 13.2 13.4 13.7 13.4 1 1.5 10.1 9.1 14.0

Disturbed area (ha) 17,653.3 6,088.5 20,452.7 289.1 6,786.7 70,167.2 21,620.6 18,853.4 38,566.1 13,648.2 36,347.5 7,118.0 257,591.2

% of the disturbed surface area 4.7 0.7 11.9 11.9 7.7 13.5 15.8 9.3 11.8 7.2 5.2 0.5 5.3

Agricultural land (ha) 2,621.7 3,147.4 6,193.8 170.6 2,657.2 38,114.5 14,232.7 12,528.2 12,331.5 5,970.1 27,232.9 5,089.4 130,289.9

Forest area (ha) 11,267.1 2,832.5 14,080.8 118.5 4,103.7 31,064.4 7,072.8 6,129.6 25,882.3 7,526.7 8,321.4 1,843.6 120,243.2

Other areas (ha) 3,764.6 108.7 178.1 25.8 988.3 315.1 195.6 331.3 152.4 793.3 185.0 7,058.1

Highway s and primary road (m) 3,697.0 300.0 4,630.0 700.0 26,308.0 21,002.0 12,780.0 3,830.0 2,265.0 21,995.0 1,309.0 98,816.0

2nd and 3rdclass road (m) 7,320.0 26,584.0 21,095.0 4,945.0 235,165.0 58,890.0 48,418.0 35,592.0 14,995.0 93,674.0 24,730.0 571,408.0

Railways (m) 3,640.0 5,667.0 4,505.0 7,963.0 10,385.0 3,890.0 7,895.0 315.0 13,100.0 9,850.0 67,210.0

Building constructions (pc.) 401 1,134 3,164 128 9,646 3,224 2,233 2,025 816 4,436 713 27,920

Other constructions (pc.) 21 19 16 9 212 45 54 47 14 135 28 600

Threatened more than 50 objects 7 6 3 3 46 18 10 15 1 49 10 168

Pipes for energetic fluids (m) 26,630.0 31,905.0 79,235.0 11,120.0 364,565.0 116,390.0 91,041.0 95,400.0 22,490.0 238,770.0 38,510.0 1,116 056.0

Gas pipeline (m) 1,435.0 2,716.0 2,110.0 550.0 21,224.0 14,610.0 9,310.0 13,565.0 920.0 30,600.0 4,140.0 101,180.0

Duct (m) 1,300.0 250.0 480.0 1,470.0 3,500.0

Water pipe (m) 8,100.0 1 1,470.0 1 1,040.0 5,600.0 39,905.0 24,880.0 24,220.0 45,630.0 7,560.0 96,850.0 15,670.0 290,925.0

– Slope movements, such as geological factors of the environment also produce negative interaction between geological environment and work of man and thus reduce the efficiency of construction and operation of civil engineering works. Further, slope movements generated enormous economic damage where

remediation takes place. For example, United States of America for these purposes annually spends $ 3.5 billion, Slovakia only about 1 million (Ondrášik, Vlčko, Fendeková (2011).

– Finally, slope movements rank among the geological factors representing the negative effects of technical works that seriously harm




(anthropogenically) geological environment and call for its protection and rehabilitation (Fig. 7, 8).

Fig. 6 Landslide of the road cut – R1 expressway, Nitra in 2010

Fig. 7 Remediated landslide – R1 expressway, Nitra in 2015

ConclusionOverall, it can be stated that slope movements and their slope deformation as a geofactor of the environment have a significant impact on human life, especially by following:

– they directly threaten the life and work of man; respective, significantly affect the human psyche

– they significantly reduce the efficiency, durability and safe operation of technical works

– anthropogenic (negative) effects seriously harm geological environment

We can conclude that the geopotential generally improve the quality of human life and geobarriers reduce this quality.

AcknowledgementThe contribution was prepared with help of grant no. 1/0533/14 agency VEGA.

Prof. Dr. František Baliak, PhD., Mgr. Martin Brček, PhD.Faculty of Civil Engineering of Slovak University of Technology, Department of Geotechnics,Radlinského 11, 831 05 Bratislava, Slovak republicE-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

References1. Baliak, F., Ondrášik, M., Brček, M.: Rock

environment and its impact on the human. In: Acupuncture and Natural Medicine. 2015, 1, p. 33–39, MSNM, Bratislava, ISSN 13394703.

2. Baliak, F., Khun, M.: Geofaktory životného prostredia a ich vplyv na človeka. In: Zborník abstraktov. XVI. Lekársky kongres naturálnej medicíny. Nitra, 2012, s. 6 – 7.

3. Baliak, F., Stríček, I.: 50 rokov od katastrofálneho zosuvu v Handlovej. 50 yars after catasrofiphic landslides in Handlová (Slovakia). Mineralia Slovaca, 2012, 44, s. 119 – 130, ISSN 13383523, ISSN 03692086.

4. Baliak, F., Ondrášik, M., Brček, M.: Water as important geological factor of the environment of Slovakia. In: Procedine Príspevok je jedným z výstupov grantových úloh č. 1/0533/14 agentúry VEGA, s. 13, International Symposium on Water Management.




5. Nemčok, A., Pašek, J., Rybář, J.: Dělení svahových pohybů. In: Sborník geologických věd, 1974, 11, Praha.

6. Ondrášik, R., Vlčko, J., Fendeková, M.: Geologické hazardy a ich prevencia. UK Bratislava. 2011, s. 228, ISBN 978 80 2232956 9.

7. Šimeková, J., Martinčeková, T. et al.: Atlas máp stability svahov SR v M 1:50 000. Záverečná správa z orientačného IG prieskumu, INGEO – ighp, s. r. o., Žilina, 2006.


Interdisciplinary InsightsFluorine and Health Problems in Žiarska kotlina Basin (Slovakia)

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miloslav Khun, CSc.

Fluorine and Health Problems in Žiarska kotlina Basin (Slovakia)


SummaryFrom the monitored diseases and contaminated areas we presume that a causal relationship might exist between concentration of fluorine in the environment and the high rate of occurrences of tumors, diseases of endocrine glands and congenital malformation in studied population of children aged 0–14 in the time span of 1987 to 1995. These results and the interpretations presented herein are only a first step, the problem requires another more detailed investigation.

Key Wordsfluorine, medical geochemistry, child population, Žiarska kotlina basin

The enterprise for aluminium production ‘ZSNP’ (from the year 1993 Slovalco corporation) in the middleSlovakian town Žiar nad Hronom with its emissions does not only effect the near vicinity but entire Žiarska kotlina basin. Fluorine is here the most dangerous pollutant. The highest pollution of fluorine in the factory vicinity occurred in the sixties of last century. The village of Horné Opatovce had to be moved. In the seventies of last century when absorbers were introduced into technology of aluminium production, the average annual emission of fluorine dropped from 8 μg.m−3 in 1973 to 3 μg.m−3 in 1987, which was still three times greater than the acceptable limit.

In the affected area deleterious influences were observed mainly on the soil cover, flora, fauna and, what is worse, on the child population. These effects were demonstrated by the more

frequent problems with the respiratory systems, stains on teeth and changes in skeletal tissue and blood. The increased content of fluorine in all monitored tissues was seen in the entire indigious population.

The situation has been changed by modernization of production operation after year 1990. New technology established in 1995 has reduced the concentration of fluorine in exhaust below the limit 1 μg.m−3 which is not harmful for the environment.

Topography of former district Žiar nad Hronom, geological and geochemical characteristics of Žiarska kotlina basin as well as further informations a reader can find in following papers: Bímová (1995); Čurlík (1995); Hlavnička (1992); Khun et al. (1997); Konečný a Lexa (1984) a Múdry et al. (1992).

The input data are about the population of children aged 0–14 that was collected from pediatric clinics of hospitals Žiar nad Hronom (ZH), Nová Baňa (NB), Banská Štiavnica (BS) and Kremnica (KR) during 1987–1995. At disposal were data of 13 groups of diseases classified in sense of ICD10, which emits WHO: I. to VI., IX. to XIV. and XVII. For this contribution only three groups of diseases with pressumed impact of fluorine from emissions and by it polluted abiotic components of the environment were selected (soils and agricultural crops; not drinking water which meets valid legislative): II. – neoplasms; IV. – endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases; XVII. – congenital malformations,




deformations and chromosomal abnormalities. Note: The tributary area of mentioned hospitals included 20 cadastre territories of municipalities.

In table 1 are presented numbers of medical cared children aged 0–14 in the selected groups of diseases (ICD10) and their percentual rates on bulk morbidity in tributary area of former district Žiar nad Hronom.

Tab. 1 Number of medical cared children aged 0–14 in selected three groups of diseases and their percentual rate on bulk morbidity in tributary area of former district Žiar nad Hronom.

ICD-101987 – only pre-school age

ZH NB BŠ KRAbs. % Abs. % Abs. % Abs. %

II. neoplasms 3 0.55 1 0.36 – – – –IV. endocrine diseases 10 1.83 6 2.18 7 2.76 3 1.59XVII. congen.malform. 31 5.68 22 8.00 30 11.81 14 7.41Total number of diseases in all 13 groups 546 100.00 275 100.00 254 100.00 189 100.00

ICD-101988


II. neoplasms 11 0.39 7 0.52 3 0.22 1 0.06IV. endocrine diseases 217 7.72 52 3.85 55 4.10 24 1.43XVII. congen.malform. 99 3.52 37 2.74 65 4.85 53 3.15Total number of diseases in all 13 groups 2,811 100.00 1,350 100.00 1,340 100.00 1,684 100.00

ICD-101989


II. neoplasms 9 0.32 5 0.42 3 0.25 – –IV. endocrine diseases 227 7.98 41 3.44 49 4.05 19 1.43XVII. congen.malform. 89 3.13 35 2.94 50 4.14 40 3.01Total number of diseases in all 13 groups 2,844 100.00 1,191 100.00 1,209 100.00 1,327 100.00

ICD-101990


II. neoplasms 9 0.31 5 0.50 2 0.16 – –IV. endocrine diseases 209 7.22 29 2.89 56 4.57 13 1.67XVII. congen.malform. 274 9.46 92 9.17 93 7.59 44 5.66Total number of diseases in all 13 groups 2,895 100.00 1,003 100.00 1,226 100.00 777 100.00




ICD-101991


II. neoplasms 18 0.38 – – 3 0.26 – –IV. endocrine diseases 257 5.36 – – 47 4.13 – –XVII. congen.malform. 436 9.10 – – 3 5.53 – –Total number of diseases in all 13 groups 4,792 100.00 – – 1,139 100.00 – –

ICD-101992


II. neoplasms 16 0.60 5 0.50 3 0.26 2 0.25IV. endocrine diseases 192 7.14 30 2.98 47 4.13 13 1.64XVII. congen.malform. 277 10.30 9 0.89 63 5.53 58 7.30Total number of diseases in all 13 groups 2,689 100.00 1,007 100.00 1,139 100.00 794 100.00

ICD-101993


II. neoplasms 16 0.62 4 0.35 2 0.18 2 0.24IV. endocrine diseases 175 6.78 29 2.51 48 4.42 13 1.59XVII. congen.malform. 281 10.89 112 9.71 16 1.47 60 7.34Total number of diseases in all 13 groups 2,581 100.00 1,154 100.00 1,086 100.0 817 100.00

ICD-101994


II. neoplasms 16 1.01 3 0.50 2 0.45 1 1.14IV. endocrine diseases 127 8.04 22 3.64 24 5.45 7 0.96XVII. congen.malform. 259 16.40 92 15.21 23 5.23 37 5.08Total number of diseases in all 13 groups 1,579 100.00 605 100.00 440 100.00 728 100.00

ICD-101995


II. neoplasms 11 1.09 3 0.44 2 0.45 1 0.15IV. endocrine diseases 85 8.45 30 4.39 24 5.45 7 1.02XVII. congen.malform. 129 12.82 80 11.71 23 5.23 1 0.15Total number of diseases in all 13 groups 1,006 100.00 683 100.00 440 100.00 689 100.00

Explanations: hospitals: ZH – Žiar nad Hronom; NB – Nová Baňa; BS – Banská Štiavnica; KR – Kremnica. Abs. = absolute number of diseases; % – percentual rate from all 13 group of diseases; – no data.




1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0.0

ZHNBBŠKR

Fig. 1 I. Neoplasms (% rate on bulk morbidity)

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

9.0

0.0

ZHNBBŠKR

Fig. 2 IV. Endocrine diseases (% rate on bulk morbidity)

1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995

2.0

4.0

6.0

8.0

10.0

12.0

14.0

16.0

18.0

0.0

ZH

NB

BŠ

KR

Fig. 3 XVII. Congenital malformations (% rate on bulk morbidity)

From three monitored groups of diseases uppermost rates of morbidity in tributary area of the hospital in Žiar nad Hronom can be stated. As far as high rate of cancer diseases in former Žiar nad Hronom district (Fig. 1), there are

highest morbidity and mortality from thyroid gland cancer also in adult population in Slovakia. Fluorides namely accelerate the cancer process fatal by the input of glucose in cancerogenic cells. This leads to immunossuppresion. Similarly, it can consider by the diseases of endocrine glands (Fig. 2) the changes due displacement of iodine by fluorine on the ground of experiments with other halogen element (Velický et al., 1997). High rate of congenital malformations in tributary area of Žiar nad Hronom hospital can be result of genetic predisposition, but also with appreciable contribution of fluorides. The concentration of fluorides as pollutants is uppermost in this tributary area.

Children living in Žiarska kotlina basin have often diagnosed anaemia of microcythanaemia. Every fourth child aged 7 is in some phase of anaemia development, probably due to the impact of toxic fluorine exhalations to enzymatic systems.Hair are considered as indicator of longterm fluorine exposition. The analysis of fluorine in urine serves as more precise biological exposition test. The treshold value is 1 mg of fluorine in 1 litre of urine. Dr. Turčanová has given kindly the following data from her research:

Tab. 2 Fluorine contents in urine of girls and boys aged 10–14 from monitored cadastre territories (E. Turčanová, November 1997 – personal communication)

Municipalities cadastre territories

Girls aged 10–14

Boys aged 10–14

F mg.l−1 urine F mg.l−1 urine

Žiar nad Hronom

0.25 0.400.280.41

Hliník nad Hronom

0.47 0.890.31

Lovča 0.43




Municipalities cadastre territories

Girls aged 10–14

Boys aged 10–14

F mg.l−1 urine F mg.l−1 urineLehôtka pod Brehmi 0.48 0.30

Ladomerská Vieska 0.61 0.63

Though a treshold wasn’t crossed in any case, it is interesting uppermost content of fluorine 0.89 mg.l−1 from municipality Hliník nad Hronom. Just here high fluorine contents in soils which overcrossed treshold legislative values were analysed. Well, a devote attention is necessary apart mentioned indications on potentially impact of fluorine to morbidity from some group of diseases also to his input from food. We mean the agricultural crops growed on polluted soils of Žiarska kotlina basin.

ConclusionWe can state with respect to concentration of fluorine in the Žiarska kotlina basin environment (20 cadastre territories) and to relationship of monitored selected disease groups in child population aged 10–14 following:

– uppermost morbidity of monitored child population in all selected disease groups in tributary area of Žiar nad Hronom hospital in comparison to other tributary areas. Just here the abiotic components of the environment as well as agricultural crops are uppermost polluted with fluorine,

– high share of tumors (see, for instance, high morbidity and mortality due to tumors of thyroid in adult population of former district Žiar nad Hronom in time period 1968–1984, or high rate of mortality due to not specified tumor diseases in time period 1983–1992 in comparison with overall Slovak average),

– diseases of endocrine glands, mainly changes of thyroid where displacement of iodine by fluorine as main agent can be assumed,

– high rate of congenital malformations (genetic predispositon and probably appreciable contribution of fluorides),

– we consider these results and the interpretations for the first approach only and this problem requires another detailed research.

AcknowledgementThis contribution is the result of the project implementation: Comenius University in Bratislava Science Park supported by the Research and Development Operational Programme funded by the ERDF Grant number: ITMS 26240220086.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Miloslav Khun, CSc.Dpt. Of Geochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynska dolina, 842 15 Bratislava, Slovak republicE-mail: [email protected]

References1. Bímová, D.: Charakteristika okresu Žiar nad

Hronom. In: Geofaktory životného prostredia regiónu Žiarska kotlina a Banskoštiavnická oblasť. MŽP a GÚDŠ Bratislava, 1995, s. 9 – 14.

2. Čurlík, J.: Niektoré aktuálne problémy ochrany pôd regiónu Žiar nad Hronom. Geofaktory životného prostredia regiónu Žiarska kotlina a Banskoštiavnická oblasť. MŽP a GÚDŠ Bratislava, 1995, s. 25 – 27.

3. Hlavnička, V.: Zdravotnícka situácia obyvateľstva v spádovej oblasti Žiaru nad Hronom. In: Životné prostredie v Žiarskej kotline, 1992, nestr.

4. Khun, M., Jurkovič, Ľ., Urminská, J.: Charakteristika zdravotného stavu detskej populácie v regióne Žiarskej kotliny z aspektu medicínskej geochémie. Záverečná správa za II. etapu projektu Zhodnotenie ekologickej únosnosti regiónu Žiarskej kotliny. Katedra geochémie PriF UK Bratislava, 1997, s. 37.




5. Khun, M.: Kontaminácia zložiek životného prostredia regiónu Žiarskej kotliny fluórom. Manuskript – nepublikovaný interný materiál, Katedra geochémie PriF UK Bratislava, 2002, s. 13.

6. Konečný, V., Lexa, J.: Geological map of central Slovakia Neogene volcanic field. GÚDŠ Bratislava, 1984.

7. Múdry, P. a kol.: Ekologická únosnosť regiónu Žiarskej kotliny, II., Ekotrust, Banská Štiavnica, 1992, s. 369

8. Velický, J., Titlbach, M., Dušková, J., Raška, I.: Účinek bromidu draselného na štítnou žlázu potkana. In: Zborník XIV. Biologické dny, Praha, 1997, Univerzita Karlova, PS 12/1.


Interdisciplinary InsightsHuman, Animal and Therapy

Dr. Denisa Šoltésová, PhD., Mgr. Michaela Skyba, PhD.

Human, Animal and Therapy


SummaryThis paper briefly presents selected characteristics in the research field of humananimal interactions and specifically animal assisted therapy. In the introduction it summarizes the historical contexts of scientific research in this area. The main attention is devoted to the benefits of humananimal interactions in their therapeutic application. The paper is based on the conceptual framework of biopsychosocial model of health. Based on the available professional literature it summarizes especially physiological effects of animal assisted therapy. As selected model postulates the benefits are derived from them in mutual determinations in the context of psychosocial domains of health and quality of life. Contributions are defined at the end of this part of paper. Besides the traditional, generally more acceptable, evidencebased scientific approach, for future research and the application the theory of morphic resonance appears to be inspiring. It draws from holistic approach and specifics of different morphic fields and creates a new perspective in appreciation of humananimal interaction and their therapeutic use. At the end the paper offers brief description of this theory in the context of the topic.

Key Wordsbiopsychosocial model for health, morphic resonance theory, humananimal interactions, animal assisted therapy, canine assisted therapy (caninetherapy).

Human-Animal Interactions as the Subject of Scientific InterestA human with his biological background is part of the natural community and so the natural environment (including the geophysical, chemical, animalistic etc.) becomes his obvious context. Relations between humans and animals have existential, biological, ethological, psychosocial evolutionary history1. Despite the common coevolution of humans and animals legitimate research attention is interested in the field of humananimal interactions (HAI) just a several decades (primarily especially anthrozoology but also psychology, human and veterinary medicine, sociology, etc.).

Professional literature most often links the beginnings of research activities in this field with publications of Levinson in the 60s of the 20th century (especially contribution The Dog and as CoTherapist, published in 1962 in the journal Mental Hygiene, and a monograph PetOriented

1 About the ethological aspects of the humananimal

interactions in the Slovak conditions more Hvozdík (2002),

Hvozdík, Bučková (1999) and others.




Child Psychotherapy 1969)2. The several experts (eg. Wilson, Turner, 1998; Fine, 2000, 2010; Chandler, 2012; Odendaal, 2007; McCardle et al., 2011 et al.) consider that Levinson conceived the starting points of the new scientific discipline HumanCompanion Animal Bond (currently HAI). Despite the initial skepticism of experts mainly from the environment of public health, research in the field of HAI and especially their therapeutic application in the global context rapidly developed in later period (especially from the 80s of the 20th century).

In 1984, based on a metaanalysis of publications in this area Beck and Katcher (in: Beck, Katcher, 1996) stated that primarily there are descriptive or on hypotheses based studies. According to the authors experimental findings arguing HAI positive benefits for human health absented. On the other hand they did not exclude the possibility of facilitation of other conventional therapies through the incorporation of interactions with animals. According to the authors, HAI therapeutic effects were rather emotional response of patients to the presence of animals, what justified their usage rather for the recreational purposes, than it had been clearly demonstrated relevant health benefits.

2 In the past basis were already conceived by Buck (1903, in:

Serpell, 1996) and Bossard (1944, in: Rowan, Thayer, 2000).

In the academic contribution Buck analyzed 1,200 essays

of children about their dogs and he found out that children

perceive dogs as a significant source of unconditional

acceptance and affection in situations of loneliness

and helplessness (Serpell, 1996). Bossard discussed the

importance of pets for family life and mental health of the

family members, especially in relation to the development of

children and defined the various roles, that dog can play in

the family (e. g. “serve” as a social lubricant, dog is a source

of unconditional love, partner, “the teacher” of children in

practicing good hygiene practices, helps to enhance self

esteem, develops empathy, etc. (Rowan, Thayer, 2000).

Since the 80’s the (multidisciplinary) research has been intensified with focus on two levels – in the context of health promotion (and overall quality of life) of pet owners and in connection with the specifics of the newlyconstituted type of animal assisted therapy (Serpell, 1996, 2000; Fine, 2000, 2010; Odendaal, 2007; Chandler, 2012). Mainly findings of Friedman et al. (1980, in: Friedmann, 2000; Friedmann, Thomas, 1998) were considered as an incentive in the context of significant correlations HAI with selected factors of the health status of persons with cardiovascular diseases.

In this period many organizations focusing on this issue were established. Their activities were gradually profiled in scientific research activities and in connection with their practical implementation. Currently the most important in the United States and Canada (with a European overlap) are Delta Society (from 2012 under the name Pet Partners), International Society For Anthrozoology (ISAZ), American Humane Association, International Society for Animal-Assisted Therapy (ISAAT), International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organisations (IAHAIO)3 and others. Today the most important organizations in Europe are Institute for Interdisciplinary Research on the Human-Pet Relationship (IEMT) (Austria, Switzerland), Tiere helfen Menschen, Therapiehunde Deutschland (Germany) and European Society for Animal Assisted Therapy (ESAAT)4 (Austria).

3 It was established in 1992. At present it is the center of

academic and research activities, the leader and the umbrella

organization of HAI.4 ESAA is an umbrella organization for the field of animal

assisted therapy and activities in Europe. It was established

in 2004 in Vienna where resides to this day.




These findings also supported research interest aimed at the mechanisms of influence of HAI on human health and formulation of key theories about their effects on quality of life. Mainly two hypotheses were postulated – the ability of animals to affect, induce of current level of distress through detachment and keep attention from own illness or disability (Katcher et al., 1983, in: Serpell, 2000) and the ability to provide social support reducing stress experience (stress-reducing/stress-buffering) (McNicholas, Collis, 1998; Serpell, 1996; Siegel, 1990, in: Beck, 2000 etc.).

In 1987 the National Institutes of Health (at the conference The Health Benefits of Pets) has defined five areas for intensive research of HAI, and benefits of HAI for people with cardiovascular disease, health benefits of HAI for the elderly, social and therapeutic benefits of HAI, risks arising from HAI and the role of animals in relation to (social, emotional, cognitive) development of human personality (and in various stages of development in the context of the whole life cycle). On the basis of metaanalyzes of completed research several experts (eg. Garrity, Stallones, 1998; Hines, Frederickson, 1998; Wilson, Turner, 1998; Fine, 2000, 2010; Beck, 2000; Johnson, Odendaal, Meadows, 2002; Morrinson, 2007; Knight, Edwards, 2008; Herzog, 2011; McCardle et al., 2011; Chandler, 2012; ChurHansen, Zambrano, Crawford, 2013 etc.) document that except the last of those topics we have currently sufficient professional and scientific argumentation in favor of positive impacts of interactions with animals (especially companion) on health and quality

of life of people.5 Current empirical evidence is still limiting our detailed understanding of the reciprocal effect of HAI, especially correlated with the health and quality of life. However, current knowledge base already creates a solid evidence and argument basis of positive benefits.

In this context we will devote attention not on the entire spectrum of HAI in their width and variable, but the selected partial area – therapeutic application. Although in the Slovak and Czech Republics it is common to use the term Zootherapy (or animotherapy), this is confusing6. Therefore we based on the definitions proposed by the working group IAHAIO (IAHAIO White Paper: The IAHAIO Definitions for Animal Assisted Intervention and Animal Assisted Activity and Guidelines for the Wellness of Animals Involved 2013), that differ intervention from activities with the participation/with assistance/with inclusion of animals (Animal Assisted Intervention/Animal Assisted Activities7).

5 On the other hand, e.g. Garrity and Stallone (1998) have

expressed doubts about the existence of relevant evidence

about direct causal effect of HAI on human health. According

to the authors positive results rather correlate with a factor of

social support of people in contact with animals. The authors

supported mainly mediated influence (buffering mechanism),

but also have not denied the possibility of a direct causal effect.6 In practice and in research it causes misunderstanding,

misinterpretation and false expectations in the level of

qualification and personal characteristics of the persons

providing the services, the assumption of animals included

into services and the expected effects – often seen as a

uniquely targeted therapeutic interventions, which is not

always consistent with the reality.7 In the past also concepts pet therapy, petfacilitated therapy

(animalfacilitated therapy), petmediated therapy, human/

companion animal therapy, cotherapy with an animal, four

footed therapy, or in specific areas petoriented psychotherapy,

animalassisted psychotherapy, animalassisted counseling,

animalassisted social work, animalassisted nursing, animal

facilitated counseling, animalassisted support services etc.




Animal Assisted Interventions are goaloriented interventions that intentionally incorporate “animals to the health, education and human services8 (eg. social work) in order to achieve therapeutic effects on humans’ lives. Animal assisted interventions incorporate human-animal teams into formal human services” in two ways, as an animal assisted therapy or animal assisted education (The IAHAIO Definitions… 2013, p. 4).

Animal Assisted Therapy (Animal Assisted Therapy – AAT) is “goal-oriented, planned and structured therapeutic intervention which is implemented/managed by professionals from the fields of medicine, education or human services. The progress of intervention is measured and recorded in the technical documentation. AAT are realized by helping professionals with formal qualifications and expertise within their practice. AAT is aimed at strengthening the physical, cognitive, behavioral and/or socio-emotional functioning of a particular client” (The IAHAIO Definitions…, 2013, p. 4). It was originally defined in Standards of Practice for Animal-Assisted Activities and Animal-Assisted Therapy (1996, p. 79) as intervention, “in which the animals meeting the specific criteria are an integral part of the healing process. Animal Assisted Therapies are provided and/or managed by providers of health or social service within their profession. This therapy is planned as a mean of supporting the enhancement of human physical, social, emotional

8 From English language human services – programs and

activities aimed at supporting of people and their wellbeing,

especially social services, health services, education, area of

housing, income, justice and public safety.

and/or cognitive functions. Specific objectives must be fixed by professionals and process and progress documented, measured, recorded and evaluated”9.

It is an intentional incorporation of animals into the therapeutic plan and process due to facilitation of therapy and recovery of people with acute or chronic diseases. The variability of traditional therapies is increased by their application. The anticipate benefits are for example health benefits, the development of cognitive, physical and social skills, emotional regulation, and so on.10

Bio-Psycho-Social Model as a Conceptual Framework of HAIIn the current professional literature several theories and hypotheses explaining the mechanisms of positive benefits of HAI on

9 The key characteristics of AAT are: a) implementation is

supervised by a specialist within own profession, and the

animal can be kept also by volunteers who act according the

instructions of expert, b) may be included in the therapeutic

process only in the context of specialization of helping

professional, c) focus on specific therapeutic objectives,

d) are properly monitored and documented (Student

Manual…, 2008).10 In practice there are more often realized recreationally,

motivationally or educationally (not therapeutically) targeted

activities with the assistance of animals (Animal Assisted

Activities – AAA) – activities “providing opportunities for

motivational, educational and/or recreational effects that

enhance the quality of life”, and “the same activities can be

repeated for different persons, in contrast to the therapy which

is tailored to a particular person or medical event” (Standards

of Practice …, 1996, p. 79). They are usually realized in the

form of informal interactions, often carried out on a voluntary

basis (through the persons who are not educated in the health,

education and human services) (The IAHAIO Definitions…,

2013, p. 4–5) and usually not provide scientific results. They

do not required specific treatment objectives or detailed

documentation, the content is more spontaneous and may

take only a few minutes (Student Manual…, 2008).




health and quality of life of people are postulated (especially the attachment theory, concept of social support, the concept of evolution of behavioral interactions, respectively theory “attentionis egens”, theory of biophilia and more recently formulated “animatemonitoring hypothesis” a “lifedetector hypothesis”)11. Some of them were originally designed for humanhuman interaction, and subsequently applied in new contexts of HAI. We present closer biopsychosocial model, which seems to be a comprehensive conceptual framework for the purposes of this paper.

The structure for understanding of HAI may provide biopsychosocialculturalspiritual model particularly in the context of the (positive) impact on human health with emphasize on the interactive nature of the biological, social, psychological and spiritual areas, which are interrelated and together they create health status and other conditions for optimal social functioning. In the context of this model, we can see that the animals as part of the human environment have the potential to affect function of all areas, physiological status, psychosocial and spiritual characteristics in a particular cultural context (Friedmann, Barker, Allen, 2011).

Biopsychosocial model by George L. Engel (1977, 1980) was created in response to the need for a new medical approach in the 70’s of the last century. Author reflected and highlighted in the perception of health and disease mutual interactions of biological, psychological and social factors. In addition to the biological aspects (of disease) he accents also psychosocial and cultural dimensions. His initial concept was gradually elaborated and included cultural and spiritual aspects of health, and the broader context

11 Several of them are briefly characterized and in comparison

with the theory of “attentionis egens” discussed by Odendaal

(2007).

of family, community, and culture and society structure12 (Hatala, 2012; Hutchinson, 2015 a, b). The model integrates multilevel, biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual domains (in their mutual determinations) within a broader historical sociopolitical and cultural context and represents the optimal framework for a deeper understanding of the issues of client/patient and allows to explore five domains of life in its specific environment (Hutchinson, 2015 a, b).

In this model, animals are conceptualized in the psychosocial sphere as a form of social support, which may affect other spheres, and finally also health. Animals can directly affect physiological processes, reduce depression and anxiety, enhance social support and affect physiological processes. Interaction with calm and friendly companion animal is mean of reduction of physiology of chronic stress caused by loneliness, anxiety, depression, and physiological stress responses caused by acute stressors.Psychosocial distress, including loneliness, anxiety, depression (also due to a lack of social support) is associated with hyperactivity of the hypothalamicpituitaryadrenocortical system / axis and sympatheticadrenomedullary system / axis. Activation of HHA system causes secretion of corticosteroids in the blood, while hyperactivity of SAS causes an increase level of catecholamine, reduction of the variability of heart rate, decrease of myocardial perfusion and ventricular instability, disruption of functions of immune system. This paradigm provides a

12 Multifactoriality of model rejects reductionism in which

the spiritual and cultural dimensions should be “only” part

of the social and psychological dimension, arguing their

particular value and current trends in research in the field

of intercultural, multicultural, transcultural psychology

and etnopsychiatry (Hatala, 2012). Despite this, due to the

contribution limits we will not discuss the cultural and

spiritual contexts of HAI.




framework for understanding how psychosocial, behavioral and physiological (neuroendocrine) interactions affect the immune system. In the activation of the HHA and SAS systems, chronic stress induces suppression of the immune system, increases vulnerability towards infections what increases the probability of chronic morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological and experimental researches contribute to the understanding of the physiological effects of presence and interaction with animals. In this research interest is focused on the cardiovascular system and the components of the stress responses (blood pressure, cortisol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, heart rate, immunoglobulin A, lymphocyte proliferation) (Friedmann, Barker, Allen, 2011).

On the basis of repeated experimental studies Odendaal (2007) and UvnäsMoberg, Handlin, Petersson (2011) confirm the importance of canine assisted therapy in the field of physiological, endocrine and behavioral variables. Particularly they focus on oxytocin as hormone produced in response to bonding, relation behavior (along with the effect of inhibition of the stress and stimulation of social interaction). The oxytocin fibers reach the different areas of the central nervous system that control the various functions, and lead to a number of behavioral and physiological effects – reduce anxiety through the influence of the amygdala, reduce the perception of pain, neutralize aggression and agitation, inhibit the secretion of cortisol (produced in response to stress, increasing the blood pressure, glucose level with the immunomodulating effects). It also increases the activity of some important aspects of the sympathetic nervous system regulating the cardiovascular system, which leads to the decrease of blood pressure and increase the peripheral skin circulation and skin temperature. It also enhances the function in some aspects of the parasympathetic nervous system checking the functions of the endocrine

system of the gastrointestinal tract, which results in strengthening of digestive functions. It influences the social interactive behavior (and is produced in response to the confidential contact and possibly also in response to social support), stimulates the bonding (also) in some nonhuman species. Vasopressin, which is related to oxytocin also plays a role in bonding. It has important modulator effects on social behavior and coping with stress. Odendaal (2007) also points to significant changes in the levels of the various neurochemical elements and enhancement of endorphins, oxytocin, prolactin, phenylacetyl, dopamine.

As stated by Friedmann, Barker, Allen (2011) several current researches confirm that the presence of the animal directly affects the stress experience (animal as absorber or moderator of stress responses to acute daily stress), what is presenting in the immediate modification of physiological stress indicators such as reduction of systolic arterial pressure and capillary pressure and reduction in epinephrine and norepinephrine levels during and after the intervention with dog.

At the level of physiological effects of HAI to human health further studies (Friedmann et al., 1980, in: Friedmann, Barker, Allen, 2011; Bolin, 1987, 1988, in: Wood et al., 2005; Grossberg et al., 1988, in: Beck, 2000; Collis, McNicholas, 1998; McNicholas, Collis, 1998; Allen et al., 1991, in: Beck, 2000; Anderson et al., 1992, in: Rowan, Thayer, 2000; Walsh et al., 1995, in: Chandler, 2012; CrowleyRobinson et al., 1996, in: Rowan, Thayer, 2000; Friedmann, Thomas, 1998; Friedmann, 2000; Wagner et al. 2007, in: Fine, 2010; Odendaal, 2007 etc.) document faster recovery and prolong survival time of patients with cardiovascular disease; faster wound healing; reduction of stress before and after surgery; reduction of pain; reduction in the level of blood pressure; inhibition the creation




and development of psychosomatic diseases; decreasing of cholesterol level and plasma triglyceride; reducing the level of stress and anxiety at all; effective adaptation to stressful situations; alleviating depressive states; changes in neurohormonal production; reducing the consumption of drugs (especially antidepressants and anxiolytics); reducing the frequency of doctor visits; reducing the number of days spent in hospitals; reducing the number of days of sick leave and other positive effects in this area.

Also, benefits are derived from the physiological effects in the context of the psychosocial sphere of health and quality of life. In this aspect the research is focused on determinants of mental health and specific psychological states and processes as well.

Social stress situations, anxiety, psychosocial stress are accompanied by adverse physiological reactions and increased susceptibility to illness. In these situations animals can be a source of support and unconditional acceptance (Triebenbacher, 1998, in: Wilson, Turner, 1998; Fitzgerald, 2007; Morrison, 2007; Herzog, 2011; Chandler, 2012), or may be a substitution for human support (Collis, McNicholas, 1998; McNicholas, Collis, 1998; Zasloff, Kidd, 1994, in: Johnson, Odendaal, Meadows, 2002). Within the psychosocial benefits of animal assisted therapy there are proven also other, especially positive effect on individual cognitive functions; development of social skills and interest in social environment; support of psychosocial functioning; support of prosocial behavior and personal responsibility; reduction of loneliness; reduction of depressive states; development and strengthening of social networks or compensation of their deficiencies; promotion of effective communication; positive effect on selfesteem, selfrespect and selfcontrol; reduction of rough behavior or tendency to such behavior; saturation of some basic psychological

needs (to be loved, respected, needed, accepted, etc.); facilitation of social interactions and social inclusion; stimulation of reciprocal behavior in groups; creation of opportunities for spending leisure time usefully; relation with animals has the potential to give the value to life and future perspectives; animals in facilities facilitate social and verbal interactions and positively affect the overall atmosphere in a particular facility etc. (Fine, 2000, 2010; Chandler, 2012; Sobo et al., 2006; Knight, Edwards, 2008; Greisler, 2004; Triebenbacher, 2000; Herzog, 2011; Morrison, 2007; ChurHansen, Zambrano, Crawford, 2013; Wilson, Turner 1998; Wood et al., 2005; Odendaal, 2007; Fitzgerald, 2007; ParishPlass, 2008 etc.)13.

The Theory of Morphic ResonanceAlthough the Rupert Sheldrake’s theory of morphic resonance is currently not clearly and comprehensively accepted by the scientific community, it seems to be another possible explanation of the positive benefits of humananimal interactions (in relation to people and animals as well), with scientific and application dimension. At the same time, we believe that this theory is explicitly compatible with the principles of natural medicine.

The theory of morphic resonance understands natural systems (morphic units) at all levels of complexity as an organized and coordinated by morphic fields, that contain inherent memory – all the selforganizing systems (from crystals to human society) inherit collective memory, which affects their form and behavior. Morphic resonance is the process of transferring information from the previous to the next system and influences of like upon like are not limited by space. According to the hypothesis of

13 In the literature we can find also the perception of companion

animals as social capital (Wood et al., 2005; Šoltésová,

2014 a, b).




formative causality in the selforganizing systems of varying degrees of complexity there is integrity dependent on characteristic organizational field of the system (morphic field). Each of such system is made up of parts that are themselves units of lower system and morphic field gives each unit at each step its characteristic features14 (Sheldrake, 1987a, 2003, 2004).

Morphic resonance is the basis of inherent memory of fields at all levels of complexity. All selforganizing systems have a collective memory to which each individual contributes. This is a cumulative memory, based on what has happened to the species in the past. Natural systems inherit this collective memory from all the ancestors of their kind in the process of morphic resonance (past forms and behavior of organisms determine similar organisms at present and patterns in development and behavior become habitual through the repetition15). Morphic resonance is the impact of previous structures of activities on subsequent similar structures of activities that are organized through the morphic fields. It allows the passage of memories through the space and time from the past (Sheldrake, 1987a, 2003, 2004).

Morphic resonance operates through morphic fields that organize organisms (animals, plants…), coordinate brain activity and form the basis of mental activity16. It is also an explanation of the telepathic type of connections

14 It is possible to distinguish morphogenetic fields, perceptual

fields, molecular and crystalline fields, behavioral and mental

fields, cultural and social fields (Sheldrake 2003).15 The understanding of natural laws and natural habits is also

obvious from this thesis (Sheldrake, 2003).16 More also hypothesis of “extended mind” as the basis of

human perception that provide a new way of thinking

about the humanhuman and humananimal interactions,

relationships and the world around (Sheldrake 2004).

between organisms17. In the process of morphic resonance there are generated links between similar fields. Growing, developing organisms are created/shaped by fields that are around and in them. Each species has its own fields and in any organism there are fields in the fields. These fields have the inherent memory derived from the previous forms of the same species. Morphic fields determine the organization in inherent indeterminism of systems that are under their influence. They connect different parts of the system, which they organize. They are developing themselves through the repeated structures that they organize, they are still more probable and usually. They compel the systems which they affect to create the typical forms and patterns of behavior. Based on morphic fields there are structures and patterns of activities happening and organizing (reflecting not only the composition of organisms, but also their shape). The fields are influenced by morphic resonance, keep a history of previous structures and patterns of activity and thus shape the future development of fields18. Morphic fields link together parts of

17 Hollý and Hornáček (1998) describe in the context of

hippotherapy different type of transmission between

animals and humans. They distinguish specific (determined

by influence of the horse and his step) and nonspecific

(facilitation) factors of effects of the horse and ride on horse.

To the specifics (in addition to rhythmical transferring of

threedimensional movement incentives determined by

horse step, move forward as a base of motoric development,

bipedal gait as a base of movement pattern) belong also

unprogrammed bioenergoinformation transmission from

the field of animal to person. It is vigorous strengthening of

weakened man from the field of big healthy animal, at the

level of macro (aura and system of energy centers) and micro

system (set of acupuncture ways and points). This transfer is

reversible.18 The development of form is result of internal organization of

organism and mutual interactions of morfic fields to which

the organism is tuned. This development may be affected by

genetic mutation (Sheldrake, 1987a).




systems that are seemingly isolated (fields of social groups interconnect the group members) and make up channels of communication through which organisms can stay in touch at a distance. The important is perception of the humanhuman, animalhuman relations as an elastic and flexible (Sheldrake 1987a, 2003, 2004). Society has many individuals, so it can operate and respond as a single entity through the characteristics of its morphic fields (in the context of the social and cultural morphic field it explains also the behavior of crowds, and football hooligans, lynching mobs etc., but also phenomena such as fads, fashions19) (Sheldrake, 1987b).

According to Sheldrake (2003) the animal domestication played an important role in the evolution of people. The first domesticated animal was dog. “Domestication” of dog probably played an important role in the processes of domestication of other species. Although previously this process was particularly beneficial for people, interconnectedness of humans and animals persisted until today – especially in connection with companion animals that play an important role in the lives of many people, who are often perceived as family members – humananimal relations are maintained due to interdependence of human nature with animal nature, not due to the “necessity” of animals. Companion animals are mutually (just like people) interconnected with other members of own group, while bonds between animals and humans can be seen as a hybrid between animalanimal and humanhuman relations. Bonds interconnect members of different groups, affect their relations (there are different types of interconnections within species and across

19 Social consciousness or memory is presented in all societies,

for example through rituals that are typical for any society,

in the cultural and religious contexts but also in normal,

everyday situations (e. g. a greeting). These can be explained by

morphic resonance with ancestors (Sheldrake, 1987b).

species). Bonds between animals arise within the social field and social fields link human beings at a distance, underlie of development and dispose with memory20.

Social bonds between humans and domesticated animals are special kind of relations that exist between animals of the same species. There are relations within the morphic fields of social groups. The close bonds are emotionally resonant what we see as a key factor in the effectiveness of animal assisted therapy and particularly canine assisted therapy. Effects or benefits of animal assisted therapy can be explained in this context and with respect to such qualities of animals as their empathy towards people, presented favor, affection, companionship, capability of emotional tuning, providing emotional safety. These symptoms (along with their high sensitivity for the needs, current experiencing or health state of people) are probably for the animals the cause and the consequence of the relations which they create with the people, what is presented for example in the rewarding and stimulating effect on humans21 (Sheldrake, 2003).

Due to the common coevolution the sensibility of animals and humans are not isolated phenomena. According to the hypothesis of formative causality the effect of morphic fields exceeds the brain activity and interferes into the

20 The social field is one of the classes of morfic field. Human

groups inherit collective memory through morphic fields.

Groups of animals are also kept together and formed by

morphic fields and with own collective memory. Morfic fields

allow the transmission of information from one member of

the group to the other, from animal to animal, from person to

person or from human to animal (Sheldrake, 1988, 2003).21 Telepathic communication occurs for those who have a bond

that is linked to emotions, needs and intentions. Mentioned

may explain the ability of animals to predict seizure epilepsy,

diabetic hypoglycaemic attacks, to diagnose cancer and other

diseases (Sheldrake, 2003).




external environment, connects us with objects of our perception and can influence them through our internal purpose and attention. The positive effects of animal assisted therapy can thus be seen also with regard to the characteristics of perceptual field (as part of the morphic field) – observer is connected with the object of its perception through this field that is linked with brain activity. Humans and animals are interconnected through the perceptual fields – what explains their interaction22 (Sheldrake, 2003), where healthier animals positively influence a person with a certain type of disability, illness, etc. Since the inherent memory contains the form and patterns of behavior, respectively activities, animal behavior can quickly develop – through the morphic resonance a collective memory is created, and noticeable adaptation phenomena are particularly evident in domestic animals, what may be related with the growing interest about the therapeutic aspects of humananimal interactions and a growing number of such oriented therapy teams.

ConclusionReflecting the physiological and psychosocial benefits of HAI in their mutual determination, as we have described above, the animal assisted

22 Wilson (1984) also describes this effect based on the

description of the background of biophil theory.

therapy can be incorporated effectively into the therapeutic process23 (in the recent decades phenomenon “Caninetherapy” is strongly manifested in Slovak practice). One of the key factors of its low acceptance as a serious complementary therapeutic approach is lack of relevant empirical findings in Slovakia about its actual benefits, opportunities and risks. It is reasonable to assume that the relevant scientific research would facilitate its effective and erudite use in the practice of helping professions24.

One of the background that can provide a framework for understanding of HAI in level of the positive impact on human health is the biopsychosocial model, which emphasizes the interactive nature of the various systems in the life of a particular patient and explains the current state of social functioning, where any development or change in one of them is automatically transferred and affects the final state of the other. The incorporation of intentional, therapeuticallyoriented interventions with the assistance of the

23 It is mainly about those: reduction of initial reticence,

uncertainty and anxiety from therapy; facilitation of the

therapeutic relation; motivation to communication and

interaction with the therapist; stimulation of interpersonal

relations; increase motivation for active involvement in

therapy; promotion of the capacity of selfcontrol (also at

the terminal stages) and responsibilities; encouragement

of expression of emotions; activation, stimulation to the

movement and motivation to do physical activity and

rehabilitation; active relaxation; saturation of tactile needs;

meeting the needs of unconditional admission and acceptance;

compensation of lack of social support and provision of

consolation; alleviation of pain; alleviation of feelings of

loneliness; saturation of attention need and more (Baun and

McCabe 2000; Beck, 2000; Fine 2000, 2010; Odendaal, 2007;

Morrison, 2007; AtwoodHarvey, 2007; ParishPlass, 2008;

Berget, Ihlebaek, 2011; LoBue, DeLoache, 2008, 2010, in:

McCardle et al., 2011; Chandler 2012 etc.).24 About selected characteristics of the current situation of this

issue more Šoltésová (2014b).




animals has the potential for positive affecting of all systems and the health state of individual in its various aspects.

Such a holistic approach to humananimal inter

action in the context of its therapeutic utility offers a theory of morphic resonance. Relying on the characteristics of morphic fields, the process of morphic resonance and hypotheses of formative causality, the positive effects of reciprocal humananimal interactions can be discussed also in relation to the specifics of coevolution of humans and animals (especially companion and here mainly dogs) and cumulative memory of social and perceptual fields as part of a wider morphic field.

Argumentation and relevant knowledge base is essential for detailed understanding of the nature of the interactions between humans and animals. Currently sphere of HAI offers a variety of solid empirical findings. It is constantly in the process of dynamic development. Therefore, further intensive scientific research is necessary, especially in the context of the effects of HAI as separate and also complementary therapies as well as research biomarkers, biobehavioral and genetic data (here is crucial and important research of biological / physiological and neuroendocrine responses to humananimal interactions for better understanding the impact of these interventions on health).

It is necessary to see as perspective also further research of energyinformative processes between humans and animals also in term of natural medicine due to the wide application not only directly in therapeutic activities but also in preventive and diagnostic activities as indicated many empirical studies.

The contribution was published as a part of the grant project VEGA MŠVVaŠ SR Nr. 1/0927/14 Aspects of Professionalization of Canine Assisted Therapy in the Context of the Social Work Theory.

Dr. Denisa Šoltésová, PhD., Mgr. Michaela Skyba, PhD.Institute of Educology and Social Work, Faculty of Arts, University of Presov in Presov, Ul. 17. novembra 1, 080 01 Presov, Slovak republicE-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

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Reports from Professional EventsInsights from the XIX Congress of Natural Medicine, Nitra, 16th–18th of October 2015

Teodor Rosinský, M. D., CSc.

Insights from the XIX Congress of Natural Medicine, Nitra, 16th–18th of October 2015


As also previous congresses organized by Medical Society of Natural Medicine and Acupuncture Section of Association of Private Physicians of Slovak Republic, this congress was oriented interdisciplinary as well. This surely increased its attractivity and a possibility to learn about the latest knowledge in fields that are seemingly not related to medicine. In a reverse, professionals from other fields had a possibility to learn the knowledge and problems of medicine.

After obligatory opening speeches of G. Solar, M. D., President of the Congress and L. Pasztor, M.D., Honorary President of Private Physicians of Slovak Republic, Assoc. Prof. Ing. B. Hučko, PhD., Dean of Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of Slovak University of Technology, Professor R. F. Galiachmetov, PhD. from the Russian Centre of Eye and Plastic Surgery in Ufa and Dr. M. Schmieke, a leading physicist and philosopher from Germany, the Congress started with the first block of lectures.

Dr. Solár started with a survey. He chose a poetic topic “Lights and Shadows of Contemporary Natural Medicine”. He pointed to the growing cooperation with other medical and non medical fields whose results, on one hand, support concepts of natural medicine, on the other hand they help to understand the mechanisms of action of naturalmedical procedures and means of therapy, but also risks of unsuitable natural and anthropogenic phenomena to human health with which conventional medicine does not count as still not taken seriously the role of the psyche in

the tampering and restoring health. One of the shadows is the persistent misunderstanding of the essence of medical methodologies, which are not generally known and scientistoriented colleagues fail to understand that the real is not only what is measurable and possible to display but also many other phenomena, known from history and as newly discovered connection. Integrating them into medicine would surely increase its effectiveness.

Known physicist and philosopher Dr. Schmieke from Germany, is the author of TimeWaver. As a diagnostic tool it analyses electromagnetic output of the human body and determines the amount of state parameters of individual organs and functions and as a therapeutic tool by its programs it adjusts these features if they are disturbed. In the beginning of his speech he presented interesting quantum physics justification of interconnections between the physical and mental plane as well as the energyinformation processes. On this principle he created also TimeWaver, whose range of applications he presented. The first contact evoked a broad debate, where possible integration into the natural medicine and its terminology was analysed as well as the risk of potential abuse of this method.

Dr. Tarbajovská subsequently brought report on her practical experience with this device in a practice of a primary care physician, including a case study. She highlighted some of her good experience of dealing with subdiagnostic problems as a general practitioner.




Afternoon lectures of the first day of the congress were presented in two blocks. In the first, more interdisciplinary tuned lecture, Ing. Solár presented an overview of current views on the evolution of the universe and the solar system. Today physics hand in hand with astronomy, material chemistry and other natural sciences is currently in a state of fierce debate about the validity of the newly named theories and hypotheses, even if the final opinion is not yet on the agenda of professionals. However, it is interesting for us to see the possible options for the interpretation of physical discoveries in such extent and thus their hypothetical relation to man and his psychic and somatic fundamentals.

Dr. Rosinský devoted himself to semantics that is important for natural medicine, nature and naturalness. Nature as matter energy complex of a universe to multicosmic range can be considered as a tool to carry out tasks of naturalness as a basic property of individuality of sentient beings. In that sense all medicine and certainly its natural component should respect it, because any differences in the use of nature in a therapeutic sense and not respecting the naturalness of a patient may impair the effect. In addition it is also appropriate direction of the naturalness of the therapist with its awareness of the particularities of each individual meeting with the naturalness of the patient. The problem here is the inability of many languages semantically differ or even not at all to find terms that match the above pairs of words, well distinguishable in Slavic languages. In other, e. g. in English, but also in classical Greek there is only one expression and differences are therefore less clear and derivable only from the context.

Dr. Solárová presented a mathematical model of the genetic code in the Table IChing. Russian scientist Proff. Petukhov was first in the world

to calculate this model. The author, however, presented probably as a world premiere the model, which, unlike the original was built not on the yang and yin characteristics in general, but the yang and yin concatenation in pyramid model of acupuncture.

Ing. Solár followed up on the first lecture of this block with his lecture about the current point of view on the evolution of life. He used not only biological but also physical and interpretative philosophical views of the various pro and antievolutionary directions. There was an interesting statement that the evolution law does not apply to the strongest, but to most adaptive species, able to overcome sudden changes in the conditions of life. The ability of the cooperation within and interspecies plays an important role here.

Last Friday’s block was focused cytological and genetic. Ing. Kutejová talked about experimental research on the reaction of cells to stress. It was found that stress disturbs but not destroys the “peaceful” life of cell colonies in normal conditions, for many cell types respond promptly with metabolic changes, rearrangement of the colony structure and even conversion to spores. Experimental data show that functional cells in vivo are capable to adequate response to the stress, even if several such “Plan Bs” limit functions of cells, and hence the body as a whole suffers. As it was a description of the results of the experiment, we can only derive the effects in the medical sense and even then the most powerful auto stressor – the patient’s own psyche has to be considered.

Mgr. Šímová gave an overview of new research in epigenetics compared with genetics long known. Interpretation approached generally less known internal processes and phenomena in genetic storylines, commonly understood mostly




mechanically, in fact, complex in information and therefore more difficult than we, normally soothed by clarity of the genome, admit.

The first day of the congress ended with a corporate lecture by Dr. Králiková who familiarized participants with the use biodermal threads in treating pain.

The second day of the Congress began with a block dedicated to acupuncture. Dr. Mochnáč presented his concept of modelling in acupuncture, which he has been dealing with. It is based on mathematical procedures of arrangements of traditional trigrams and combinations of hexagrams as an expression of precisely defined natural phenomena and interpretations of thus assembled networks of phenomena known in acupuncture theory. All this serves as a basis both for a better understanding of the mechanisms of acupuncture and for a more accurate indication of process in acupuncture treatment.

The experimental basis for acupuncture was brought by a team of workers from Faculty of Mechanical Engineering STU in Bratislava, led by its Dean Assoc. Prof. Ing. Hučko. They used an active electroacupuncture needle in an environment imitating the skin and subcutaneous tissue, the needle being heated at a temperature gradually rising from 40 to 60 °C and they measured isotherms produced around it, which is how the temperature is transferred to the surroundings. Even though such experiments cannot be mechanically transferred to the processes in the human body, yet their continuation and eventual gradual approach to any possible circumstances what actually happens in the body also by taking other parameters into account, for example sound propagation and other measurable physical phenomena could

deepen our knowledge and reciprocally show more opportunities for direction of physicists’ and biophysicists’ research.

In Saturday’s second block workers from Russian Centre of Eye end Plastic Surgery made their presentations. First, prof. Galiyakhmetov in authorship with prof. Muldashev informed the participants about the actual workplace and in particular their discovery and a product called Alloplant. It is made from dead people’s tissue by a complex procedure, which removes all the components that might cause the recipient of a transplant allergic or any defensive reactions. It is used not only as a material for transplantation, but in small amounts in the form pharmaco puncture to a wide range of ocular disorders.

Then prof. Musin reported on the use of the mentioned preparation in degenerative musculoskeletal diseases. The results of many application cases are very good, so there is the effort to expand the indications for use and also to improve the properties of this preparation. Both presentations also included sophisticated case reports and were significant and very beneficial enrichment of themes of Natural Medicine.

Next, afternoon block was devoted to issues of other somatic fields in presentations of domestic lecturers. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bella gave a survey on natural medicine in oncology. He greeted the Congress on behalf of the Director of the Institute of Oncology St. Elizabeth in Bratislava and his performance opens the way for broader cooperation of natural medicine and oncology. Since he founded his presentation on American materials of dividing of socalled alternative of complementary medicine, he mentioned terms that have a different meaning in our region. He mentioned also in our region totally inacceptable typically American statements like enrolling hypnosis within such divided




procedures, which is at us, of course already considerably more advanced and more recently seen as part of psychotherapy associated with longterm training and certification. However, he mentioned also procedures that are not yet routinely introduced and therefore it was the inspiration for natural medicine in Slovakia.

Dr. Hruška reported on his experience in dealing with gynaecological endometriosis in patients and except of clinical characteristics he innovatively elaborated considerations on parallel phenomena of loss of femininity in this disease. Subsequent phenomena of sterility were showed in a more integrated form than it is in the standard gynaecologic concept.

The report by Dr. Hurajova about homeopathy in otitis media was focused on case reports.

In her precisely prepared report on IOP values after applying acupuncture Dr. Miklošová presented a very original and inspiring application of pyramid model of acupuncture on anatomical and physiological structures of the eye.

Saturday’s final block was focused truly interdisciplinary. Lecturers actually continued in elaborations of previous congresses, to complement the complex knowledge of relevant disciplines and thus further our knowledge of the impact of natural phenomena on man. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gajdoš dealt from a geophysical point of view with the impact of spatial, temporal and anthropogenic factors on the medical effects of electromagnetic fields, which are not negligible factors.

Prof. Dr. Baliak presented by spoken word but also pictures and video slope deformations as a major geofactor of environment and its effects on human.

Finally, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Brindza focused on plants for the improvement and failing to improve nutrition, health and quality of life. Especially, however, he elaborated the still poorly understood both issues of biodiversity conservation, as well as the suitability and unsuitability of consumption of plants from other geographical and thus soil areas.

Last Sundays’ halfday congress took place in two blocks. In the first block dedicated to bioprocesses and bio products in a pair of presentations by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Čambal et al. and Dr. Takáč et al. authors were dealing with larval therapy of chronic nonhealing wounds. They described various technical adaptations and procedures for the use of fly larvae to eliminate useless tissue from the wound and initiate the healing process. In both reports they presented abundant and very well illustrated case studies.

The other two presentations were focused on the use of bee products. Dr. Zemanová et al. reported on the comparing of efficacy of natural bio honey to human microbial pathogens and Dr. Biliková et al. submitted the results of research on bee changing dietary protein to antibiotics. Papers provoked a very rich debate, including the present beekeepers or those liking honey.

Dr. Solár et al. presented vertical relations in the pyramid model of acupuncture. As the world premiere they graphically illustrated the rotation of the octagram in its four states and precisely defined, what the characteristics of rotation of yin and yang are. Thus in the same time they submitted further context that proves the correctness of pyramid model construction in acupuncture. Thanks to newly revealed context, this model is gradually still coming closer to a comprehensive understanding of acupuncture documents in traditional, instrumental and mathematical interpretation as uniform.




Dr. Krausová familiarized those present with her experience with bio resonance in connection with acupuncture in routine practice.

Dr. Sázelová in an authorship with Dr. Lehocká dealt with the combination of conventional and unconventional medicine in the office of general practitioner also showing illustrative case studies.

The Congress was held traditionally in a very good social and working atmosphere. Through the variety of papers and genuine interdisciplinarity it was another step towards familiarizing the professional community and a source of new knowledge for participants. In the name of all

congress participants may be cited from the final evaluation of prof. Galiachmetov, who spoke on behalf of our guests: “We travelled around the world, we participated in a wide range of congresses, but we haven’t been in such a complex conceptual and integrating congress, where not only the body but also the soul are taken into account, and we will also participate on the next (next years’) congress.”

Of course, it was not possible to introduce all the procedures and directions of natural medicine, but maybe something that was not introduced yet appears in the following, the jubilee XX. Congress.



InformationsEditorial Policy

Editorial Policy

The magazine “Akupunktúra a naturálnamedicína” (Acupuncture and Natural Medicine) is an online bimonthly journal published by “Lekárska spoločnosť naturálnej medicíny” (Slovak Medical Society of Natural Medicine). The scope of the magazine is the study of energyinformation related processes in physiology and pathology and environmental and social effects on humans from the perspective of natural medicine, mainly acupuncture. The magazine publishes contemporary peerreviewed articles on theory, clinical practice of acupuncture and other medical fields, natural, technical and social sciences in accordance with the interdisciplinary focus of the magazine. The magazine is published in Slovak and English.The publisher and the editorial staff are not responsible and may not be held responsible in any way for any damages, loss or other negative consequences arising directly or indirectly from any potential improper application of the medical and treatment methods, techniques and protocols published herein and may neither be held liable criminally or otherwise for any damages, loss or other negative consequences arising from any potential breach of provisions of the law by authors of articles or contractors of advertising. The author and or the contracting party are solely responsible for the content of text, advertising, photos and images. The publisher reserves the right to allocate advertising at his own discretion unless previously agreed with the contracting party otherwise. The holder of the license to publish the magazine “Akupunktúra a naturálnamedicína” (Acupuncture and Natural Medicine) is “Prvá klinika akupunktúry a naturálnej medicíny G. Solára s. r. o.” (G. Solar’s First clinic of acupuncture and natural medicine, ltd.).

Open AccessThe magazine “Akupunktúra a naturálnamedicína” (Acupuncture and Natural Medicine) prefers open access to information, e.g. all articles published in the magazine are available online at www.naturalnamedicina.com immediately upon publishing.

Rights and PermissionsThe entire content of the magazine is freely available for noncommercial use only. The content of the magazine may be copied and/or distributed and/or information contained therein be used as a part of other work(s) only under the condition that the original source is properly cited.The author is responsible for the entire content of the article including any rights of third parties (such as copyrights etc.). The author warrants that the article has not been previously published in any way. By sending the article to the publisher of the magazine, the author gives the publisher his irrevocable consent with permanent publishing of such article in the magazine and without entitlement to compensation and also gives his consent with the processing of personal data. Pursuant to provisions of the Act no. 618/2003 Coll. as amended, the author does not reserve the right to give consent with copying and public transmission of such article, not affecting other rights of the author granted by the above mentioned Act.The editorial staff reserves the right to make minor linguistic and graphical changes to the article shall the need arise. The editorial staff shall at its own discretion decide on which issue and what section of the magazine the article will be published in. Articles and contributions not specifically requested by the editorial staff are not returned to the author.

www.naturalnamedicina.com


InformationsInstructions for Authors

Instructions for Authors

E-magazine Acupuncture and Natural Medicine publishes following types of contributions:

Peer Reviewed Contributions1. Study – original scientific work based on

fundamental research, comprehensible scientific manuscript analysing relevant results. We are not interested in manuscripts with the conclusion “the authors confirmed the results of other authors”.

2. Survey – may deal with actual topics and issues in acupuncture and other interdisciplinary fields, informative and discussion contributions. A survey should not be a review of an existing literature, it should bring a new perspective on the problem.

3. Case report – will be published only if it brings new and original view on a topic and contains innovative findings.

Editor Reviewed Contributions4. Review of a scientific work – short informative

review. It is necessary to state names of authors, the original and the translated title of the reviewed publication and its ISBN/ISSN, the year of publishing and in the frame of a review its asset.

5. Report on scientific events – should contain the name of the event, its place and date, the organizer of the event, an overview of contributions and discussion eventually short abstracts of presentations and a total evaluation of the event by the author of the report inclusive its possible asset.

6. Discussion to articles published in the e-magazine Acupuncture and Natural Medicine. It is necessary to state the title of the article, the number and volume of the magazine Acupuncture and Natural

Medicine that is discussed, the title, the name, the workplace and the function of the person discussing.The Editorial Board reserves the right not to publish a discussion paper to the published article. Author of the discussed article has a right to react to every discussion as the first. The discussion and the reaction will be published concurrently in the same issue of the magazine Acupuncture and Natural Medicine.

7. Other papers connected to acupuncture and natural Medicine.For articles with a nature of essays and reflections and work that doesn’t require a peerreview there is a section An Insight into the Acupuncture Thinking reserved.

The Form of Studies and SurveysEvery manuscript should contain a letter to Editor, in which the corresponding author states that he/she wishes to submit the manuscript to the emagazine Acupuncture and Natural Medicine for consideration. He also states, that there is no conflict of interest, and that all authors have read the manuscript being submitted and the editorial policy and they agree with it as well as with submitting the manuscript. Editors are not responsible for legal consequences in case of violation of legal, ethical and other provisions.

The Author Is Obliged to Deliver the Following Items:• names and contacts to all authors;• one author designated as corresponding

author;• email address;• full postal address;• phone number;• all necessary files have been uploaded;• key words;• all figure captions;



• all tables and illustrations (including title, description, footnotes);

• manuscript has been “spellchecked”;• references are in the correct format;• all references mentioned in the Reference List

are cited in the text and vice versa;• permission has been obtained for use of

copyrighted material from other sources (including the Web), if they were used;

• it is necessary to state the grant support and a statement that there is no conflict of interest.

Basic FormatMS Word 2003 compatible version (file format *.doc) Author submits the whole manuscript in English and native language.

Structure of the Article1. Title of the contribution, name and surname

of the author(s) (including titles).2. Summary – a short content of the contri

bution.3. Key Words – 4–6 key words, phrases4. Introduction – state the objectives of the

work and provide an adequate background, avoiding a detailed literature survey or a summary of the results.

5. Materials and methods – Provide sufficient detail to allow the work to be reproduced. Methods already published should be indicated by a reference; only relevant modifications should be described. In studies that need an informed consent or an approval by the ethics committee these have to be explicitly stated.

6. Results should be presented precisely using adequate scientific methods. Don’t duplicate detailed information from tables and pictures. Include graphs under pictures (for example: Picture 5: Graph of dependence…).

7. Discussion should directly relate to the study being reported and should include a confrontation with references. Do not include a general review of the topic.

8. Conclusion – a brief summary of the results, hypotheses and objectives

9. Acknowledgements provides a space to acknowledge colleagues who have assisted or collaborated in the study who are not listed as authors.

10. Contact to author(s): name and surname of author(s) (including titles), institution, work contact. Author for correspondence: name and surname, mailing address, email and eventually phone number to the workplace.

11. References should be cited in text by number and numbered in order they are cited.

Format of Listed References• Surname, N. (initial and the name after

comma), several authors separated by a comma. In case of more than 3 authors, state names of first 3 authors and use a shortening “et al.” behind the last name. The delimiter between names of authors and the title of the contribution is a colon.

• The title have to be written as it is in the source. The translated title of the article may be stated in the square brackets.

• The delimiter between the title of the contribution and other information is a dot.

• With the exception of the first edition of the information about the order of the issue, its changes and amendments is mandatory.

• Place of publication is stated in the original language, the name of the publisher may be written as indicated in the source.

• Date of issue is required.• The range – in printed monographs infor

mation about the range are stated by the number of pages (90 p.) or by number of volumes (vol. 3) if there are more volumes of the monograph.



• ISBN – this information is required if referred to a monograph as a whole. It is not mandatory only in cases of referring to parts of documents, contributions in monographs and papers in magazines.

• Part of a document – in case of referring to a contribution in a monograph, an article in an almanac or in a magazine information about the monograph, almanac or magazine should follow after a conjunction “In:”.

Pictures and photographs in an appropriate quality should be submitted as separate files. Eventual descriptions should be submitted in text format. All authors wishing to use illustrations already published must first obtain the permission of the author and publisher and/or copyright holders and give precise reference to the original work. This permission must include the right to publish in electronic media.

Tables – in case of inserted tables and/or graphs from MS Excel program it is necessary to submit the original file. Number tables consecutively in accordance with their appearance in the text. The text should include references to all tables. Tables should be marked by a title above and any notes below. The language used in a table must be identical with the language of the contribution.

Language Correction of ContributionsAuthor is responsible for the language and the content of the contribution. Eventual correc-tions by the editor are possible only in the case

of spelling errors and editing typography. If necessary, the editorial board reserves the right to request an additional proofreading by the author. One set of proofs will be sent by email to the corresponding author. Editorial board ensures the article to be published in the next appropriate issue. Therefore, it is important to ensure that all of your corrections are sent back to us in one communication. Subsequent corrections will not be possible, so please ensure your first sending is complete. Proof must be returned within two days; late return may cause a delay in publication. Please check text, tables, legends, and references carefully.

A study is subject to all instructions for authors.

A survey is subject to following items: abstract, key words, introduction, core, conclusion, con-tacts on authors and references.

A case report is subject to all instructions for authors.

Please Submit the Manuscript as Follows:Authors from Slovak republic and Czech republic:Executive editor: G. Solár, M. D., PhD.,[email protected]inchief: S. Sázelová, M. D.,[email protected] from other countries (native language and English version):Associate editor responsible for foreign affairs: E. Baumann, M. D., [email protected]

mailto:klinika%40akupunktura.sk?subject=Pr%C3%ADspevok

mailto:sionasazelova%40gmail.com?subject=Pr%C3%ADspevok

mailto:eva.baumann.ke%40gmail.com?subject=Article

ISSN 1339‑4703

Acupuncture and Natural Medicine 5–6/2015

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