Presentation summary

1/ Introduction : 
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an emerging regenerative technique increasingly applied in neurology. Itfacilitates tissue healing, supports anabolic processes, and may improve disc hydration and function indegenerative spine conditions [1,2]. Chronic and recurrent low back pain is a major global health issue, with anestimated 266.9 million new cases annually and an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 3176.6 per100,000 population [3].
In traditional Chinese medicine, Shu points (BL21–27), located 1.5 cun lateral to the midline along the Bladdermeridian, are used for both Yang tonification and Yin deficiency conditions, including chronic degenerativespine diseases. This study evaluates the efficacy of PRP injections into lumbar-sacral Shu points as part of amultimodal treatment for acute discogenic low back pain.

Method :
Fasting autologous venous blood was collected in anticoagulant-treated tubes and centrifuged at 3000 rpm for8 minutes. The extracted PRP was injected subcutaneously into lumbar-sacral Shu points (BL21–27),depending on the disc lesion level, once weekly for 8 sessions (1–1.5 ml per point, 4–6 injections per session).
Group 1 (n=180) received PRP therapy along with two treatment courses over 2 months, each comprising:
MLS® Laser therapy using the M6 robotic system (ASA Srl, Italy) in “enhanced microcirculation” mode (total1035 J, 3.5 J/cm², scanning mode from L2 to S2), 12 acupuncture sessions,
NSAIDs (as needed), muscle relaxants (tizanidine/tolperisone), and gabapentin (if neuropathic pain waspresent).
Group 2 (n=202) received the same protocol, excluding PRP injections. All patients underwent MRI using 1.5Tor 3.0T scanners with T1, T2, and T2-STIR sequences in three planes (slice thickness: 3 mm).

Results :
A total of 382 patients (211 females, 171 males; mean age: 47.2 ± 6.4 years) with acute discogenic pain were included. Sensory disturbances were found in 92.7% (Group 1) and 88.1% (Group 2), and motor deficiance

2/Introduction :
Acupuncture is a time-tested, safe method that activates the body’s regulatory systems and is effective intreating back pain. Magnetotherapy is also widely used for similar purposes, though its analgesic effect may beless pronounced. This study compares the efficacy of acupuncture and magnetotherapy in patients with acuteradicular pain of discogenic origin.

Method :
A total of 120 patients (60 lumbar, 60 cervical radiculopathy) were randomized into two groups: acupuncture +gabapentin (Group 1), and magnetotherapy + gabapentin (Group 2). Treatment lasted 12 days. Pain wasassessed via VAS, functional status via the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), both before, after, and 1.5 months post-treatment.

Results :
Both therapies significantly reduced pain immediately after treatment (p<0.05). However, Group 1 showed amore sustained analgesic effect at 1.5 months, especially in lumbar cases. For example, VAS scores in thelumbar group dropped from 8.87 to 3.5 immediately post-acupuncture and remained at 4.91 after 1.5 months,while the magnetotherapy group showed less improvement (from 8.96 to 5.4 and then 6.2). ODI scores also improved more in the acupuncture group (e.g., lumbar: from 34.5 to 2.2 at 1.5 months vs. 37.0 to 6.2 in themagnetotherapy group). Patients receiving acupuncture required lower doses of gabapentin, ibuprofen, andamitriptyline compared to those receiving magnetotherapy.

Conclusion : 
Acupuncture provided a stronger and longer-lasting analgesic effect than magnetotherapy in patients withacute radicular pain, with improved functional outcomes and reduced medication use. These results support itsinclusion as a preferred method in multimodal conservative therapy.

3/ Introduction : 
While the Yin-Yang concept describes polarity in nature, the Wu Xing (Five Elements) system classifies phenomena based on five archetypal elements—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water—each associated with seasons, emotions, behaviors, and physiological patterns. Understanding the patient’s dominant element canoffer valuable insight into disease mechanisms and guide personalized therapy. This approach may enhance treatment not only in reflexotherapy but also in psychology, psychiatry, and occupational profiling.

Method :
To support practitioners lacking instrumental diagnostics or classical pulse/tongue assessment skills, we developed a “Wu Xing Psychotype Questionnaire” to identify patterns of excess or deficiency across meridians based on symptoms, chronic diseases, emotional states, and personality traits. Based on the results, aChinese syndrome diagnosis was formulated, and acupuncture prescriptions were tailored accordingly (12 daily sessions, 30 minutes each).
Two groups of patients with chronic back pain (80 in each group) were treated : Group 1 using the questionnaire, Group 2 without it. VAS (pain) and SAN (Well-being-Activity-Mood) scales were assessedbefore and after treatment. 

Results :
Initial VAS scores were similar: 7.6 ± 1.6 (Group 1) and 7.8 ± 1.8 (Group 2). After treatment, Group 1 showed asignificantly greater reduction: 2.1 ± 0.8 vs. 3.5 ± 0.4 (p < 0.05). Improvements in general well-being, sleep,and mood were noted in both groups, but more pronounced in Group 1. The SAN score increased by +1.33 inGroup 1 and +0.83 in Group 2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion :
The Wu Xing-based questionnaire effectively aids in personalized syndrome and psychotype assessment,enhancing acupuncture treatment outcomes. It integrates personality traits into diagnosis and may be valuablebeyond traditional Chinese medicine, including in mental health and professional selection contexts.