Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.
1 91 9
Professor LIAN Yu-lin's Clinical Experience in Acupuncture
XIE Jian-mou('~"~ ffQ
TCM Hospital of Longyan City, Fujian, 364000, China
CLC number: R249 Document code: A
LIAN Yu-lin,bron in 1949, has been engaged in Chinese and
acupuncture teaching and clinicalpractice for 30 years.
Professor LIAN Yu-lin dedicates himself to the
cause of TCM and acupuncture, and puts forward
some original ideas on the basic theory of acupuncture.
In clinical practice, he devotes himself to the study of
some _difficult and complicated illnesses in acupuncture,
with excellent results.
Professor LIAN selects acupuncture points in
accordance with both the Chinese medical syndrome
differentiation and modern western medical theory.
Meanwhile, he pays great attention to the accuracy
of acupoint needling, including the needling direction,
angle, depth and techniques, which can affect the
actions of the acupoint. Take acupoint Fengchi (GB
20) as an example. Professor LIAN summarized for
needling methods for it: firstly, Fengchi (GB 20) is
needled 25-30 mm with the needle tip towards the
contralateral nasal wing and given rotating techniques to
treat cerebrovascular diseases, inadequate blood supply
from vertebrobasilar artery and exogenous wind cold or
wind heat; secondly, Fengchi (GB 20) is needled 25 mm
with the needle tip upward the contralateral inner
canthus and given lifting-thrusting techniques to induce
such needling sensation as soreness and distension to
radiate to ipsolateral parietal bone, indicative of
headaches and eye diseases; thirdly, Fengchi (GB 20) is
horizontally needled 30-40 mm towards the contralateral
Author: XIE Jiarrmou(1956-), male, attending physician
Fengchi (GB 20) to treat cervical spondylosis and heel
pain; fourthly, Fengchi (GB 20) can be needled 60-80
mm with 75-100 mm long needle towards the edge of
episolateral laryngeal prominence to induce soreness and
fullness in the throat, and then given reducing techniques
by lifting and thrusting needle, but the needle not
retained, wonderfully indicative for dysphagia
resulting from pseudobulbar palsy and dyslalia. To
display professor LIAN's characteristics in
acupuncture treatment, I present his several medical
records for references.
Double Vision
This was a woman at the age of 69.
Chief complaint: She saw single objects as double
for five months.
History: Five months ago, she saw single objects as
double with unknown origin, accompanied by downward
displacement of eyelids, diz'Aness and headache,
especially when she walked down or up the stairs. Head
MRI examination showed a small soft focus in the right
basal ganglion, empty sella, cerebral atrophy and
demyelinization of cerebral white matter. Eye
examination showed no abnormality. She complained
about double vision, accompanied by di~,'zirtess and
headache, painful appearance, fatty body, thirst, fair
appetite, poor sleep, normal defecation and urination,
pale tongue with thin yellowish coating, taut pulse,
dropped right-side eyelid, normal movement of eyeballs,
normal eye ground, normal light reflex of pupils, blood
pressure being 25.5/14. 5 kPa. She had the history of
hypertension.
Acupoints: Bilateral Visual Areas in the scalp,
right-side Jingming (BL 1), Qiuhou (Ex-HN 7),
Sizhukong (TE 23), Tongziliao (GB 1), bilateral
Taiyang (Ex-HN 5), Wangu (GB 12), Fengchi (GB
20), Tianzhu (BL 10), Neiguan (PC 6), Taichong (LR
3) and Binao (LI 14).
Techniques: All acupoints were sterilized in the
routine way. The Visual Areas were horizontally
punctured with the filiform needles of 0.30 mm in
diameter and 40 mm in length, with the needle tip
upwards. When needling sensation arrived, the
needles were quickly rotated at the frequency of 200
 9 2 9
per rain, or connected with electro-acupuncture
apparatus with continuous waves. Those acupoints
around eyes were punctured with the filiform
needles of 0.25 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length.
Jingming (BL 1) was perpendicularly needled 1.2 cun;
Qiuhou (Ex-HN 7) was obliquely needled 1.0 cun
towards acupoint Chengqi (ST 1) with gentle ways to
induce soreness and distention, not rotated or lifted
or electrified, but retained for some time. Binao (LI
14) was needled in a special technique: specifically,
one needle was inserted into Binao (LI 14) towards
the shoulder joint at the angle of 45*; the other two
needles were inserted at the same spot respectively
towards the anterior and posterior borders of deltoid
muscle at the angle of 45*; the three needles were
inserted 1.0-1.2 cun, and angled at 45* and
manipulated with reducing techniques by lifting and
thrusting the needles. The other acupoints were
punctured as usual and given reducing techniques by
lifting and thrusting the needles after needling
sensation was obtained. The needles were retained
for 30 rain.
Meanwhile, herbal formula effective to suppress
liver and extinguish wind was prescribed. Specifically:
raw Os Draconis ( ~ ~ ~ ) 15 g, raw Concha
Ostreae ( ~ _ ~ ) 15 g, raw Radix Paeoniae Alba
( ~ . ~ ~ ) 12 g, Carapax et Plastrum Testudinis
( ~ ~ ) 15 g, Radix Scrophulariae ( ~ ~ ) 12 g,
Herba Artemisiae Annuae ( ~ ~ ) 10 g, Radix
Asparagi (&,&) 10 g, Radix Scutellariae ( ~ ~4r
10 g, Radix Achyranthis Bidentate ( ' ~ ) I ~ ) 15 g,
Haematitum ( 4~ ~ ,~ ) 15 g, Radix Rehmanniae
(,kJ~) 15 g, Rarnulus Uncariae cure Uncis ( tiOjgig)
10 g, Concha Haliotidis ( ~ b~ ~)~ ) 15 g, Flos
Buddlejae ( ~ ~. ;1~) 10 g, Semen Celosiae (-~"
) 10 g, Flos Chrysanthemi ( ~ ~ ) 10 g and raw
Radix Glycyrrhizae ( ~_ ~ ~- ) 10 g. This formula
was decocted once a day for 7 days.
After 3 acupuncture treatments, the vision became
clearer than before, and double vision, diT'~iness and
headache were eased. Six acupuncture treatments later,
the vision became nearly normal and she could walk
without wearing the dark glasses. After 12 treatments,
the right eye could open and dose as normal; double
vision disappeared; blood pressure dropped to 19.0/
12.0 kPa, no any complaints.
Comments: In needling the Visual Area on scalp,
the needle is inserted between galea aponeurotica and
periost, and rotated at the frequency of about 200 per
rain for total 3 rain. Only this needling technique can
produce good results. Jingrning (BL 1) should be deeply
punctured; otherwise the acupuncture effects will be
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
poor. Since there are a lot of blood vessels around
the eyes and easily ruptured to bleed, Jingming (BL
1) and Qiuhou (Ex-HN 7) should be punctured with
fine needles which are manipulated with skillful and
gentle techniques.
Peripheral Facial Paralysis
This was a woman at the age of 40.
Chief complaint: The right-side mouth and eye
became wry for one month.
History: One month ago, she began to run a fever
(39.7~ after a cold, as well as pain around the ear and
sore throat. In other hospital, she was diagnosed with
suppurative and swollen tonsil and then treated by
antibiotics for one week, and the body temperature
fell to normal. Nevertheless, the right-side eye and
mouth became wry, right eye unable to close, mouth
turning to the left side, absence of wrinkles on right
forehead, right nasolabial sulcus shallowing, and
inability to blow up. She was again treated by some
pastes applying on the face, but they did not work.
The right face began to twitch. Physical examination
showed wry eye and mouth in the right side, right
eye unable to dose, mouth turning to the left side,
wrinkles on the right forehead disappearing, right
nasolabial sulcus shallowing, failure to blow up,
normal appetite and sleep and defecation and
urination, red tongue with thin yellowish coating, taut
and rapid pulse. This was diagnosed as peripheral
facial paralysis.
Acupoints: The main acupoints were right-side
Qianzheng (Ex-HN) and Yifeng (TE 17); the adjunct
acupoints were right-side Yangbai (GB 14), Cuanzhu
(BL 2), Taiyang (Ex-HN 5), Yingxiang (LI 20),
Dicang (ST 4), I-Ieliao (LI 19), Daying (ST 5),
Xiaguan (ST 7), Jiachengjiang (Ex); left-side Dicang
(ST 4), Quanliao (SI 18) and Juliao (ST 3).
Techniques: All acupoints were disinfected in
routine ways. Qianzheng (F_,x-HN) and Yifeng (TE
17) were punctured 25-40 mm with 40 mm long
needles at the angle of 45*towards the ear lobe, with
an angle of 90* between the two needles; and
reducing techniques were performed by lifting and
thrusting the needles to give adequate stimulation.
Yangbai (GB 14) was horizontally needled 12-25 mm
respectively towards Touwei (ST 8), Shangxing (GV
23), Cuanzhu (BL 2) and Sizhukong (TE 23); and
reducing techniques were performed by rotating the
needles to induce local soreness and distention.
Dicang (ST 4) was subcutaneously needled 25-30 mm
respectively towards Yingxiang (LI 20), Quanliao (SI
18) and Jiache (ST 6). Other acupoints in the
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
diseased side like Cuanzhu (BL 2), Sizhukong (TE
23), Taiyang (Ex-HN 5), Heliao (LI 19), Daying (ST
5) and Xiaguan (ST 7) were shallowly punctured and
the needles were retained without any needling
techniques. In the presence of complications, the
left-side Dicang (ST 4), Quanliao (SI 18) and Juliao
(ST 3) were deeply needled and the needles were
retained for 30 rain. The needling treatment was
given once a day. Meanwhile, the visible vessels in
the diseased loci were pricked to bleed, once or
twice a week.
After 12 treatments, wry eye and mouth were
significantly relieved, right-side wrinkles on the
forehead appearing and nasolabial sulcus deepened.
Twenty treatments later, the mouth became
balanced, eye able to close, wrinkles and nasolabial
sulcus symmetrical, and only the face twitched
sometimes. After another 12 treatments, the facial
twitching disappeared and no discomforts left.
Comments: Professor LIAN advocates
acupuncture by stage in the treatment of facial
paralysis. Within the first and second weeks, only
Qianzheng (Ex-HN) and Yifeng (TE 17) are deeply
punctured, and other acupoints on the diseased face
are needled shallowly. In the third and fourth weeks,
the acupoints should not be deeply needled any more;
Yangbai (GB 14) or Dicang (ST 4) or Quauliao (SI
18) are pricked to bleed, which depends upon the
specific conditions. From the fourth week to the
presence of complications, the main acupoints should
be punctured deeply, while other acupoints should be
needled shallowly, otherwise the facial muscles
become tense or develop convulsion. In the presence
of complications, both the main and adjunct
acupoints should be needled shallowly, and the
acupoints in the healthy side should be punctured
deeply.
Lumbar Disc Protrusion
This was a man aged 69.
Chief complaint: Left-side lumbago radiated to
the posterior-lateral leg for one month and became
worsened for one week.
History: One month ago, he began to develop lumbago
after a cold, which radiated to the posterior-lateral
aspects of left leg, accompanied by limited movement
of the low back, difficult walking, and severe pain at
night and in the presence of cold and rainy days. In
the recent week, these symptoms were aggravated
obviously and he could not walk long and sleep at
night, with no thirsty, normal appetite and defecation
and urination, red tongue with thin yellowish coating,
9 3 9
and taut pulse. Lumbar CT scans showed lumbar
hyperosteogeny and osteoporosis, protruded discs of
L1-S~, and stenosis of L3-4 and L:S1 vertebral canal
and foramens. Physical examination showed
tenderness on the Jiaji points (Ex-B 2) of L4-5and Ls-
S~, straight leg raising test of the left limb (+). He
was eventually diagnosed with lumbar disc
protrusion.
Acupoints: Jiaji (Ex-B 2) of left-side L~,5, Zhibian
(BL 54), Kunlun (BL 60), Chengshan (BL 57),
Linghou (Ex), Weizhong (BL 40), Weiyang (BL 39),
Yiumen (BL 37), bilateral Qihaishu (BL 24),
Dachangshu (BL 25) and Guanyuanshu (BL 26).
Techniques: The patient lied on his abdomen and
exposed his back. After routine sterilization, the
needle of 0.35 mm in diameter and 150 mm in length
was inserted 60 -85 mm along the transverse process
into the Jiaji point (Ex-B 2) of left-side L4.5, and
performed reducing techniques by lifting and
thrusting the needle for 30-60 seconds to induce the
needling sensation or feverish sensation. Zhibian
(BL 54) was vertically punctured 75-100 mm to
induce the needling sensation to radiate along the
sciatic nerve to the tip of the lower leg; when the
needling sensation arrived, the needle was removed.
Then the acupoints from Kunlun (BL 60) to Yinmen
(BL 37) in the diseased leg were needled with
reducing techniques. Finally, bilateral Qihaishu (BL
24), Dachangshu (BL 25) and Guanyuanshu (BL 26)
were needled with reinforcing techniques by lifting,
thrusting and rotating the needles; and the needles
were retained for 30 min. Moreover, the low back
was irradiated by TDP. The treatment was given
once a day.
After 12 treatments, only slight paralysis left in the left
leg; other symptoms were gone and the low back moved
freely;, straight leg raising test was negative. After total
24 treatments, the conditionwas cured.
Comments: Modern researches have proved that
Jiaji (Ex-B 2) points are near to spinal nerve roots
and can directly regulate the spinal nerve function to
achieve the purpose of pain relief; moreover, these
points can promote the release of some biological
active substances, dilate blood vessels, increase local
blood microcirculation,quicken the absorption of aseptic
inflammatory exudations to eliminate the pathogenic
chemicals and reduce the pressure inside the vertebral
canal, hence to relieve the symptoms due to the
compression on spinal nerves.
Translator: XIAO Yuarrchun ( ~ : ~ )
Received date: Oct.10, 2004
 9 4 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Effects of Acupuncture on Hyperlipidemia and Hyperviscosity

in Old People
LIANG Feng-ying ( ~ / ~ )
Jiangbin Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nauning, 530021,China

~ ~l@:~g.~..,~,~:~-.~,~.@.~:~s.@..,.,~@,~o ~ : ~ . ~ . n l - ~ ; @ . - ~ : ~
~A.~/~.~.~,72.~ ~$.~ 60~,l , ~ - ~ h ~ )11~ * ~ q gJ 60 ~ , ] @ r o ~ : ~

R~:,tg~(P< O.05),/~-~r]-l, g C f ~ ~ , t ~ - ~ ( P < 0.05)0 ~ : 4 ; s

Abstract Objective: To observe the effects of acupuncture on hyperlipidemia and

hyperviscosity in the old people, Methods: Sixty subjects in treatment group were treated with
acupuncture plus Ligustrazine, and another 60 subjects in control group were treated simply
with Ligustrazine. Results: After treatment, there were extremely significant differences
(P< 0.01) in TC, TG, LDL-ch, high-cut viscosity, low-cut viscosity, hematocrit and RBC
aggression index in treatment group, and there were differences in control group ( P < 0.05),
with significant differences between two groups (P<O.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture plus
Ligustrazine has better effects than Ligustrazine in treating hyperlipidemia and hyperviscosity.
Key Words Acupuncture-Moxibustion; Hyperlipidemia; Ligustrazine
CLC number: R246.1 Document eode: A

Hyperlipidemia and hyperviscosity is a common
disorder in the old people and one of the major risk
factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
diseases. How to reduce hyperlipidemia and
hyperviscosity and seek treatment methods of
combined Chinese and western medicine is a vital
problem in the treatment of cardiovascular and
cerebrovascular diseases at present times. We
adopted acupuncture plus Ligustrazine to treat
hyperlipidemia and hyperviscosity, and observed the
blood lipid and rheology. It is reported as follows.
Clinical D a t a
1. General data
Among 60 in treatment group, 48 cases were men
and 12 cases were women; their average age was
69.5-q-4.8 years old; 20 cases suffered from
hypertension, 20 cases from coronary heart disease,
10 cases from post-apoplectic sequelae, 5 cases from
cerebral arteriosclerosis and 5 cases from diabetes;
their blood lipid and rheological indexes were higher
than normal.
Of 60 cases in control group, 46 cases were men and
14 cases were women; their average age was 67.8--+-_5.3
years old; 20 cases suffered from hypertension, 15 cases
from coronary heart disease, 8 cases from diabetes, 10
cases from cerebrovascular accidents, 5 cases from
arteriosclerosis and 2 cases from Parkinson's disease;
their blood lipid and rheological indexes were higher than
normal.
There was no difference between the two groups
in the age, gender, occupation, underlying diseases,
blood lipid and rheology ( P > 0.05).
2. Observational indexes
Before and after treatment, 5 ml of venous blood
was drawn on fasting abdomen in the early morning
to assay the levels of rheological indexes and blood
lipid.
3. Statistical methods
All parameters were expressed in 9 -4- s; t-test was
conducted between before and after treatment and F
test between treatment group and control group.
Treatment Methods
1. Medication treatment
Before treatment, medications influencing blood
lipid and blood viscosity were suspended. One
hundred and sixty milligrams of Ligustrazine was
added into 250 ml of 0.9% normal saline for
intravenous drip. This treatment was performed
 Journal of Aepuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 5 9

once a day for successive 30 days as a course. techniques by rotating the needle and the other 4
2. Acupuncture treatment acupoints were given even reinforcing-reducing
techniques. Then acupuncture apparatus G6805 was
Acupoints: Bilateral Neiguan (PC 6), Quchi (LI
11), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong connected with the needles with continuous wave and
at the intensity tolerable to patients. The needles
(LR 3).
Techniques: These acupoints were routinely were retained for 20 rain. This treatment was
conducted once a day and 30 days made up one
sterilized..Neiguan (PC 6) and Taichong (LR 3) were
course.
rapidly and vertically punctured 0. 8 cun with the
Treatment group was given medication treatment
needles of 25 mm in length. Quchi (LI 11), Zusanli
and acupuncture treatment, while the control group
(ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were rapidly and
was given simple medication group.
vertically punctured 1.2 curt with the needles of 40
mm in length. After Deqi (needling sensation) was Treatment Results
attained, Taichong ( L R 3) was given reducing
Table 1. Comparison of blood lipid contents between before and after treatment in two groups ( ~ q - s )
Treatment group Control group
Index
Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment
TC(mmol/L) 5.374-1.13 4.554- 0.721)3) 5.034- 0.93 4.874- 0.88
TG(mmol/L) 2.184- 0.78 1.474- 0.401)3) 1.984- 0.81 1.71 4- 0.732)
HDL-ch(mmol/L) 1.155:0.31 1.185:0.28 1.025:0.30 1.174- 0.34
LDL-eh(mmol/L) 3.434-1.31 3.014- 0.682)3) 3.274- 0.36 3.074- 0.79
Notes: In comparison with before treatment,1)P<0.01, 2)P< 0.05; in comparisonwith controlgroup, 3) P< 0.01, 4)P< 0.05. Samebelow

Table 1 showed that, in treatment group between 0.05); between treatment group and control group,
before and after treatment, there were significant there were significant differences in TC, TG and LDL-
differences in TC and TG ( P < 0.01), difference in ell (P< 0.01), but no difference in I-IDL-ch (P> 0.05).
LDL-ch(P< 0.05) and no difference in LDL-ch(P> The results reveal that acupuncture plus Ligustrazine can
0.05); in control group between before and after reduce TC, TG and LDL-ch, but cannot rise HDL-ch.
treatment, there was a difference in TG (P< 0.05), Ligustrazine only cannot reduce the blood lipid.
and no difference in TC, HDL-ch and HDL-ch (P>
Table 2. Comparison of rheology between before and after treatment In two groups (~'q'-s)
Treatment group(n= 60) Control group(n= 60)
Index
Before treatment After treatment Before treatment After treatment
High-cut viscosity 7.98-t- 0.72 5.88-t- 0.652)4 7.884- 0.83 6.504- 0.712)
Low-cut viscosity 11.034-1.68 9.004-1.48 ')3) 10.854- 2.63 10.46+ 1.382)
ESR 26.884-10.81 25.484-11.81 26.234-10.88 23.305:12.35
Hematoerit 46.534- 5.00 40.364- 8.43')3) 45.904- 5.07 45.504- 3.45
RBC aggression index 1.744- 0.67 1.494- 0.12')~) 1.644- 0.46 1.594- 0.15
Plasma viscosity 2.084-1.30 1.794-1.492)4) 1.794- 0.17 1.785:0.13
Fibrinogen 3.224- 0.57 2.664- 0.712)4) 2.854- 0.69 2.61-F 0.55

Table 2 showed that, in treatment group between
before treatment and after treatment, there were
significant differences in low-cut viscosity,
hematocrit and RBC aggression index ( P < 0.01),
difference in high-cut viscosity, fibrinogen and
plasma viscosity (P< 0.05), and no difference in ESR
( P > 0 . 0 5 ) , in control group between before
treatment and after treatment, there were
differences in high-cut viscosity and low-cut viscosity
(P<0.05), and no difference in other indexes
(P>0.05). It is indicated that acupuncture plus
Ligustrazine has better effects than simple
Ligustrazine in improving rheology and reducing
blood viscosity.
Discussion
Hyperlipidemia and hyperviscosity are the major
risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
diseases in the old people. Rheology detection is
extensively adopted to the prediction, diagnosis and
treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
diseases. Elevated blood viscosity slows down the
 9 6 9
blood circulation, lessens the blood supply to the
viscera and causes thrombosis inside the blood
vessels. High blood lipid can result in atherosclerosis
and is the major risk factor for coronary heart
disease. Hyperlipidemia and hyperviscosity in the old
people are the cardinal causes of death. They belong
to the categories of "phlegm turbidity" and "blood
stasis" in TCM, and are caused by improper diet and
excessive intake of greasy and sweet foods, leading
to dysfunction of the spleen and stomach and ensuing
phlegm turbidity accumulation in vessels. The
traditional treatment concentrates on activating
blood and resolving blood-stasis.
Ligustrazine is art active ingredient extracted from
Rhizoma Chuanxiong ()11~ ) , a herbal drug. Some
researches have showed that Lignstrazine could
reduce RBC aggression, enhance its deformability,
shorten RBC electrophoresis time, decrease platelet
aggression, suppress thrombosis and abate
hyperviscosity, reduce whole blood viscosity and
hematocrit, consequently to treat ischemic
cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Clinical
practice has found that single Ligustrazine is poor in
reducing blood lipid and blood viscosity, but
combination of Ligustrazin and acupuncture can
work together to achieve wonderful effects.
Neiguan (PC 6) is an acupoint of Pericardium
Meridian; pericardium is the outside protection of
the heart that governs the blood and vessels.
Taichong (LR 3) is the Yuan (Primary)-point of
Liver Meridian and the liver governs the discharge.
Combination of Neiguan (PC 6) and Taichong (LR 3)
can activate blood and resolve blood-stasis and
unblock meridians, which facilitate to improve the
cardiovascular system. Spleen controls food
transformation, transportation and distribution.
Sanyinjiao (SP 6), combining with Znsanli (ST 36),
the He (Sea)-point of Stomach Meridian, functions
to nourish the spleen and stomach. Large intestine is
the passage of discharging food dregs, so Quchi (LI
11) is selected to pass the dregs. These five
acupoints together act to resolve phlegm turbidity
and reduce blood lipid, and eventually to balance the
blood lipid[~] .
Acupuncture plus Ligustrazine can improve
microcirculation, remedy blood hyperviscosity and
regulate lipid metabolism through the local parts and
whole body~2].
In this study, acupuncture plus Ligustrazine has
better effects than simple Ligustrazine in reducing
blood lipid and blood viscosity. In treatment group
Journal of Acpunetureand Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
after treatment, there was a significant difference
TC, TG and LDL-ch (P<0.01), while there were
differences in these indexes in control group after
treatment ( P < 0.05); and there was a difference in
rheological indexes between treatment group and
control group ( P < 0.05). These results revealed that
acupuncture could enhance the body's regulating
functions, lessen blood viscosity and aggression, and
quicken blood microcirculation, eventually to unblock
meridians and collaterals, which provide objective
evidences for the regulation of qi and blood[3] .
Acupuncture plus Ligustrazine can reduce blood lipid
and blood viscosity to treat and prevent
cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
References
[13~ & ~ , ~,~ ~:.~ ~ ~.~ ~t ~ A.~, .e. J~It.,~.~~ ~.~~ @
~,~ f~ ./" ~ ~ ~. ~ , 1994,17(3), 39.
ZHOU lie-fang, XIAN Zhi-hong. Effects of Acupuncture
on Blood Lipid and Blood Rheology in Patients with
Hyperlipidemia. Guangxi Journal of TCM, 1994, 17(3): 39.
[ 23Cr,-~-'T'-,~I-,~, ~., a~ JL.~ ~ ~ , q ~ ~ ~.~ ~. @ ~ -~
4J ._P.~ 41"~ ~ ,r 1996,15(1)..6.
QIAO Jin-ping, PAN Xiao-xia, YANG Ke. Effects of
Electroacupuncture at Auricular Points on Blood Lipid and
Blood rheology. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and
Moxibustion, 1996, 15(1): 6.
9~ ~ ~ jr,l-l~ ~ g . ~ I~ 4-I"~ , 1997,17(5), 271.
SUN Shnang-li, SUN Yuarvzheng, WANG Yam
Comparative Observation of Blood Rheology of Different
Needling Techniques in Treating Ischemic Apoplexy.
Chinese Acupunctureand Moxibustion,1997, 17(5): 271.
Translator: XIAO Yuan-chun(~[ ~L~g)
Received date:Oct.20, 2004
Diagram of the Twelve Meridians of Qing Dynasty
Twelve Meridians represent the course line of
the meridians of on the surface of the body, and
were drew according to the trend of the meridians
in the body with text note. Diagram of the Twelve
Meridians were mainly used for saving the study
collusion in clinic and as the foundation in practicing
and teaching. The diagrams in the book of Yizong
Iinjian ((( ~t ~ ~" ~ ))) wrote by WU Qian in th~
Qing Dynasty are introduced.
 Journal of Aepuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 7 9

Danggui Injection plus Vitamin Bn Injection at Acupoints for

Hyperlipidemia
LIU Xiao-hui (~l ~ )
Worker's General Hospital of Anyang Steel Company, He'nan, 455004, China

~: ~)~'~,/lg~.Y..---~,-,+e-~:~..$.,~2~)~$i~c~.~t~ B n , i # ~ 56~r,]

Abstract: Danggui Injection and Vitamin Bn Injection were injected into acupoints Geshu (BL
17), Pishu (BL 20), Zusanli (ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40) and Neiguan (PC 6) to treated 56 cases of
hyperlipidemia. Meanwhile, Fenofibrate was adopted to treat another 45 cases as control. After
2-month treatment, result showed similar effects in the two groups.
Key Words. Hyperlipidemia; Hydro-acupuncture; Aeupuncture-Moxibustion
CLC number: R246.1 Document code: A

Hyperlipidemia has become one of the risk factors

resulting in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
diseases and brought to public attention. Between
1996 and 2000, I injected small dosage of Danggui
Injection and Vitamin B12 Injection into acupoints to
treat hyperlipidemia and attained good effects.
Clinical Data
1. Diagnostic criteria
All cases were definitely diagnosed in the light of
diagnostic criteria for hyperlipidemia: TC > 5.7
mmol/L or TG>~I.8 retool/L, HDL-C~0.78 mmol/L
(for men) or ~<0.86 mmol/L (for women).
2. General data
All the cases were outpatients and randomized in
visiting sequence into treatment group and control
group. Among 56 cases in treatment group, 35 cases
were men and 21 cases were women; the average
age was 45 5= 7.5 years old; the average duration of
disease was 5.1 5= 2.6 years. Among the 45 cases in
control group, 28 cases were men and 17 cases were
women; the average age was 475=4.5 years old; the
average duration of disease was 4.8 5= 3.5 years. In
treatment group, TC rose in 31 cases, TG rising in
40 cases and HDL-C falling in 23 cases; 12 cases
suffered from coronary heart disease, 13 cases from
hypertension, 6 eases from fatty liver and 5 cases
from diabetes. In control group, TC rose in 26 eases,
TG rising 21 cases and HDL-C falling in 16 cases; 10
cases suffered from coronary heart disease, 11 cases
from hypertension, 4 cases from fatty liver and 3
cases from diabetes. Statistical analysis showed
comparability between the two groups with no
difference in the gender, age and duration.
Author: LIU Xiao-hui (1966-), female, junior consultant doctor
T r e a t m e n t Methods
1. Treatment group
Acupoints: Geshu (BL 17), Pishu (BL 20), Zusanli
(ST 36), Fenglong (ST 40) and Neiguan (PC 6). In
the presence of fatty liver, Ganshu (BL 18) was
added; in the presence of coronary heart disease,
Jueyinshu (BL 14) was added; in the presence of
diabetes, Yishu (Ex-B) was added; in the presence of
hypertension, Quchi (LI 11) was added. In each
treatment, the acupoints in one side were used, and
the acupoints in both sides were alternately used.
Drugs: Danggui Injection and Vitamin Blz
Injection.
Techniques: Five-milliliter syringe with No. 5
needle was used to draw 3 ml of the mixture of
Danggui Injection and Vitamin Bn Injection and
inject the mixture into above acupoints, 0. 5 ml in
each acupoint. This treatment was conducted once
every other day and 10 treatments made up one
course. The treatment effects were evaluated after a
total 3 courses.
2. Control group
In this group, Fenofibrate was given 0.2 g once a
time and three times a day. After 2-month
treatment, the treatment effects were observed.
Therapeutic Effects
1. Criteria for therapeutic effects
The criteria for therapeutic effects were made in
accordance with the Golden Rule of Drugs Clinical
Study stipulated by Health Ministry of PRC in 1993.
Marked effectiveness is defined as that TC falls over
20%, or TG falls over 40%, or HDL-C rises over
0.24 retool/L; effectiveness as TC falls between 10%
and 19%, or TG falls between 20% and 39%, or
 98 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

HDL-C rises between 0.14-0.24 retool/L; failure as key points to regulate the spleen and stomach.
no improvement. Fenglong (ST 40) acts to resolve phlegm as well as
2. Treatment results regulate the spleen and stomach. Geshu (BL 17) is
the influential point of blood and can treat all blood
The chemical investigations in treatment group
disorders. Neiguan (PC 6) is one of the eight confluence
and control group were presented in table 1 and
points; acupuncture experiment demonstrated that
table 2. The lipid levels after treatment in treatment
needling this acupoint could obviously reduce cholesterol
group were presented in table 3.
and triglyceride. Injection at acupoints can increase the
Table 1. Treatment results in treatment group
stimulating period and enhance the therapeutic
Index N ME Effectiveness Failure TER (%) effects; small dosage of drugs at alternate sides of
TC 31 13 12 6 80.6 acupoints can prevent the acupoints from being
TG 40 15 16 9 77.5 excessively injured. This method is inexpensive,
HDL-C 23 10 9 4 82.6 effective and safe, and should be extensively used in
Notes: ME, marked effectiveness;TER, total effective rate. clinical practice.
The same below
References
Table 2. Treatment results in control group
Index N ME Effectiveness Failure TER (%) [1] ~,~ ~,.~,~ i~ ~ r ~ ~ - ~ ' a . ~ ~ 9 ~ ,2000,16(5), 18.
ZHANG Wei-guang. Treatment of Hyperlipidemia by
TC 26 11 8 7 73.1
Yuhe Decoction. Shanxi Journal of TCM, 2000, 16(5): 18.
TG 32 13 10 9 71.9
HDL-C 16 7 5 4 76.0 2000,17(5), 48.
GAO Rui-qin. Clinical Observation of Sanqi Capsule in
The indexes were slightly higher in treatment
Treating Hyperlipidemia. Tianjin Journal of TCM, 2000, 17
group than in control group, but without statistical (5): 48.
significance between them ( P > 0.05).
Translator: XIAO Yuarcchun(~1"~ )
Table 3. Lipid levels before and after treatment in treatment Rcecived date: Oct.20, 2004
group (~ -4- s, C/retool 9L ~)
Index N Before treatment After treatment
TC 31 7.614-1.21 5.72+ 2.21)
TG 40 3.234-1.04 1.854- 0.56~)
HDL-C 23 0.674- 0.21 1.004-0.45~)
Note: In comparison with before treatment, P< 0.05

Discussion

Modern medicine holds that hyperlipidemia is a

disorder in which the plasma lipid level is higher
than normal due to metabolic disturbance. It may
result from excessive intake of lipid and/or
endogenous lipid metabolic disturbance C1~. TCM
believes that the occurrence of hyperlipidemia is
related to phlegm turbidity and blood stasis; that
excessive intake of fatty and sweet foods and
indulgence in alcohol can impair the spleen and
stomach, or insufficient spleen and stomach do not
process foods properly, leading to phlegm turbidity
accumulation inside the body and meridians
disturbing blood circulation, which is the pathological
foundation of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
diseases. Therefore, the treatment of hyperlipidemia
not only focuses on blood stasis and phlegm, but also
on regulating the functions of the spleen and Diagram of the Lung Meridian in Yizong Jinjian ((( l~
stomach E2~. Pishu (BL 20) is the Back-Shu point of ~ ' ~ ) ) ) , cited from Illustrated book on the Historical
spleen and Zusardi (ST 36) is the Lower-Sea (He) Development o f Chinese Acu-rnoxibustion Science
point of Stomach Meridian; these two points are the
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 9 9

Treatment of 34 Cases of Hyperlipidemia by Embedding Catgut

in Acupoints. Plus 30 Cases Treated by Pravastatin in the
Control Group
YUAN Qiao-mei(~4~l~), SHI Hong-hui(~:~)
Physical ExaminationCenter, First Hospital Affiliatedto Zhejiang University,Hangzhou, 310003, China

~: :~2cm-R~ O~~x~,J~._E~,~g lO)~A~,i~ 34~,]i~I~&~,~,

Abstract. Thirty-four cases of hyperlipidemia were treated by embedding No.0 catgut in 2cm
length into bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Jiaji (Ex-B 2) of the tenth thoracic vertebra and were
compared with 30 cases treated by oral administration of Pravastatin. After two months, the
acupoint catgut-embedding method had the same effect as Pravastatin in reducing total serum
cholesterol, and had a better effect in reducing triglyceride.
Key Words: Hyperlipidemia; Acupoint Ligate Thread Embed; Acupuncture-Moxibustion;
Randomized Controlled Trials
CLC number: R246.1 Document code 9A

It has been proved in modern medicine that

hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyderidemia are
closely related not only to occurrence and
development of atherosclerosis and also play an
important role in seizure of acute accidents of
coronary heart disease, such as angina pectoris,
myocardial infarction and coronary sudden death.
The authors have treated hyperlipidemia by
embedding the catgut in the acupoints in the recent
years. Now, the report is given in the following.
General Materials
Totally 64 cases were treated, and were divided
randomly into the catgut-embedding group and drug
administration group. In 34 cases of the catgut-
embedding group, there were 24 males and 10
females, with the age ranging from 45 to 67 years
old, at the average of 56.8 years old. In 30 cases of
drug group, there were 21 males and 9 females, with
the age ranging from 48 to 72 years old, at the
average of 58.4 years old. Tested in the lab of our
hospital, total cholesterol (TC) was higher than 5.7
mmol/L and total triglyceride (TG) was higher than
1.45 mmol/L in all cases, and recent seizure of
myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accidents,
diabetes and nephritic syndrome were excluded.
T h e r a p e u t i c Methods
1. Catgut-embedding group
Bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) and Jiaji points (Ex-B 2,
Tlo) were used. After No.0 catgut in 2 cm length was
inserted into No.9 syringe needle tip from the needle
tip, the needle tip of acupuncture needle in 0.38 mm
diameter and in 50 mm length was cut off and
inserted into the syringe needle from its tail as a
catgut-embedding needle.
The procedure must be performed under strict
aseptic condition. After the skin of the acupoints
were disinfected, the syringe needle was inserted
into the requested depth of the acupoints, after the
needling sensation appeared, and the acupuncture
needle was pushed slightly and the syringe needle
was taken out simultaneously to embed the catgut
into the acupoints. Then, aseptic cotton balls were
used to press the local areas for a while.
The second treatment was given one month after
the first treatment. Totally two treatments were
given.
2. Oral drug group
Oral administration of Pravastatin, once per day,
one tablet each time, 30 days as one course of the
treatments, totally 2 courses of the treatments.

Author:YUAN Qiao-mei (1969-), female, attending doctor

 9 10 9 Journal of Aepunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Therapeutic Results
Table 1. Comparison of TC and TG indexes in two groups before and after treatments( ~ -+-s )
Groups Indexes Before treatment After first course After secondcourse
Catgut-embeddinggroup TC 6.416-+-0.443 5.8865:0.464 5.0705:0.487
TG 2.010+ 0.25 1.7795:+-0.242 1.674___0.234
Oral druggroup TC 6.4035:0.498 5.6565:0.408 4.8795:0.342
TG 1.9205:0.294 2.1015:0.465 1.8935:0.376

By comparison, after one course of the treatments
in the catgut-embedding group, abnormal total
cholesterol and triglyceride were reduced in
different degrees. By t-test and analysis, there was
significant difference ( P < 0.001) in auto-control in
the two groups before and after the treatments. The
therapeutic effect in reducing total cholesterol was
better in the drug group, in comparison with the
catgut-embedding group, with a significant difference
( P < 0.05), but triglyceride was not decreased. After
spinous process of the tenth thoracic vertebra and it
is dangerous to embed catgut there. Therefore, Jiaji
(Ex-B 2) were used instead, for promoting secretion
of bile and speeding dissolution of lipid. The acupoint
catgut-embedding method is supposed to treat the
disease by long-term stimulation of the acupoints
with catgut.
Translator: HUANG Guo-qi (~ ~ ~,)
Received date: Nov.17, 2004

the first course of the treatments, the treatment was

stopped in 4 cases in the drug group due to abnormal
hepatic functions. After the second course of the
treatments, there was no significant difference ( P >
0.05), and triglyceride was still not decreased in the
drug group. The findings indicate that the acupoint
catgut-embedding method has same therapeutic
effect as Pravastatin in decreasing total cholesterol,
but better in reducing triglyceride.

Experience
It is believed in TCM that hyperlipidemia belongs
to the scope of "Phlegm Turbidity" and "Stagnant
Blood". Judging from the functions of five Zang-
organs, the spleen is most closely related to lipid
metabolism. Hyperlipidemia can be caused by
internal production of turbid phlegm due to
dysfunction of the spleen in normal transportation.
Zusanli (ST 36) can be used to strengthen the spleen
and disperse the turbidity. It has been reported that
Zusanli (ST 36) has a general regulating function for
the circulatory system of the old patients, can
improve blood rheology, and decrease total
cholesterol and triglyceride. Therefore, it is selected
for acupoint catgut-embedding method. For another Diagram of the Large Intestine Merididan in Yizong
Jinjian ((( t[ ~. ~-~'-))), cited from Illustrated Book on the
reason, dissolution of lipid depends upon secretion of
Historical Development o f Chinese Acu-moxibustion
bile, and Danshu ( B L 19) should be used.
Science
But, Danshu ( BL 1 9 ) is located 1.5 cun lateral to the
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 11 9

Observation on Therapeutic Effect of Magnetic Acupuncture

Treatment of Simple Obesity Complicated with Hyperlipidemia
ZHANG Li(~ ~), LI Dong-shu (~,Sg), SHENG Li (~ ~)
Ofinese MedicineHospital of ShenyangMunicipality,Liaoning,110004,China

~: @ 604~,]~,l~)le,/t~'~i~)]~A'~j,~,~[~z~b~t~,~b~o ~E~.)ie~
~,K.A,~4~,~ ~'~)~o ~.~J].~,(,~ ~ ~,.,~,~j.~/l~4~g~Ig ~(TC)
A- ~ ~)~~ - I " ~ , . ~ . , ~.~(P< 0.05)~

Abstract: Sixty cases of the patients sick with simple obesity complicated with hyperlipidemia
were randomly divided into the magnetic acupuncture group and control group, to observe the
improving situation in the indexes of obesity and blood lipid. In the moment the therapeutic
effect in reducing body weight, magnetic acupuncture is obviously better in improving
cholesterol (TC) in indexes of blood lipid than single acupuncture ( P < 0.05).
Key Words: Obesity; Acupuncture Therapy; Hyperlipidemia; Magnetic Needle Device
CLC number: R246.1 Document code: A

Obesity is a disease caused by calorie intake
beyond its consumption inside the body, resulting in
excessive accumulation of lipid inside the body and
causing over weigt. Many cases are complicated with
hyperlipidemia, and the patients with hyperlipidemia
are also susceptible to cardiac diseases. We had
treated obesity complicated with hyperlipidemia by
magnetic acupuncture and had compared it with
single acupuncture.
Clinical Materials
1. General materials
All the cases came from acupuncture outpatient
clinic. In the magnetic acupuncture group, there were
18 males and 12 females, with the age ranging from
27 to 70 years old, at the average age of 53.4 years
old, and with the duration ranging from 2.4 to 4.3
years, at the average of 2. 1 years. In the control
group, there were 19 males and 11 females, with the
age ranging from 29-69 years old, at the average age
of 52.8 years old, and with the duration ranging from
2.3 to 4.1 years, at the average of 2.2 years. There was
no significant difference in statistic management of age,
duration and body weight ( P > 0.05) between the two
groups.
2. Diagnostic criteria
The diagnostic criteria for treatment of obesity
and hyperlipidemia in Guidelines f o r Clinical
Fund Project:Supportedby State Administrationof TCM
Author:ZI-IANGLi (1964-), female,junior consultant doctor
Research o f New Herbal Drugs Eq promulgated by
Public Health Ministry (1995) was adopted.
The diagnostic criteria of obesity are that the body
weight is 20% over the standard body weight and
30% over the fat rate (F). The standard body weight
(kg)= [height (cm)-100] 0.9; F% = (4.750/D-4.120)
100%; D (body density, male adult)= 1.0913-
0.00116X; D (adult female)= 1.0897 0.00133X; X=
rhienosis thickness (ram) of the scapular muscle +
rhicnosis thickness (ram) of the deltoid muscle, with the
right side measured.
The diagnosis of hyperlipidemia can be conformed,
if, under normal dietetic situation, total serum
cholesterol (TC) are all ~ 6.0 mmol/L (230 mg/dl)
or triglyceride (TG) ~ 1.54 mmol/L (140 mg/dl) or
high density lipoprotein (HDL-C) 41.04 mmol/L (40
mg/dl) in male or ~ 1.17 mmol/L (45 mg/dl) in
female, in two tests within two weeks. All the cases
were conformed to the above two criteria, with
exclusion of hyperlipidemia caused by neurological
and endocrine diseases.
Therapeutic Methods
1. Acupoints
Main acupoints: Fujie (SP 14), Tianshu (ST 25),
Zusanli (ST 36) and Fenglong (ST 40)
Additional acupoints: Add Gongsun (SP 4) for
obstruction of dampness due to spleen deficiency;
add Neiting (ST 44) for obstrt, ction of dampness due
to heat in the stomach; add Taichong (LR 3) for liver
qi stagnation; add Taixi (KI 3) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6)
for internal heat due to yin deficiency.
 9 12 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

2. Operation body weight or into the scope of over body weight.

After the local skin was sterilized, the needles Remarkable effect: Body weight decreases by over
were inserted by the right hand into the acupoint in 5 kg or lipid percentage drops by over 5%.
an appropriated depth with the lifting, thrusting and Effect: Body weight decreases by over 3 kg or lipid
twisting method. After the arrival of the needling percentage drops.
sensation, the magnetic acupuncture device was Failure: Body weight and lipid percentage do not
connected to the handles of Fujie (SP 14) and drop.
Fenglong (ST 40), in 5000GS of magnetic intensity,
3. Therapeutic results
and the needles were retained for 30 rain. The
Please see table 1 for comparison of the
treatment was given once every day, with 10 times as
therapeutic effects in the two groups.
one course of the treatments, totally three courses
Table 1. Comparison of therapeutic effects in treatment of
of the treatments.
obesity in two groups
In the control group, magnetic acupuncture device was
Clinical Remarkable
not used, and other therapeutic methods were same. Groups N Effect Failure
control effect
During the treatments, no other weight-reducing
Magnetic 30 8 8 10 4
method and lipid-decreasing method was used and
acupuncture
the original life habits were remained.
Control 30 6 7 11 6
Therapeutic E f f e c t s
Judging from Table 1, in the therapeutic effect in
1. Observation indexes the treatment of obesity, the total effective rate was
(1) Obesity indexes: The height, body weight, 86.7% in the magnetic acupuncture group and 80.0%
rhicnosis thickness of the scapular muscle and the in the control group. By Ridit comparison between
deltoid muscle were measured before and after the the two groups, u= 0.85, without significant
treatments. difference (P > 0.05).
(2)Lipid indexes: TC, TG, HDL Please see table 2 for differences of blood lipid
2. Criteria of therapeutic effects within and between the groups before and after
Clinical control: Body weight drops to the standard treatments.

Table 2. Comparison in changes of various tests before and after treatments in two groups ( ~ -q- s )
Items Groups N Before After t P
TC Magnetic acupuncture 30 6.69 5:1.63 5.24 -t- 1.421) 4.346 < 0.01
TC Control 30 6.87 5:1.80 6.08 5:1.53 1.886 > 0.05
TG Magnetic acupuncture 30 2.65 5:1.58 1.84 + 1.042) 2.725 < 0.05
TG Control 30 2.72 5:1.63 1.78 5:1.15 2.643 < 0.05
HDL Magnetic acupuncture 30 1.01 4- 0.35 1.22 5:0.673) 1.63 > 0.05
HDL Control 30 0.99 5:0.39 1.28 -t- 0.72 1.89 > 0.05
Note: In comparison with the control group, 1): t = 2.215, P < 0.05; 2) t= 0.223, P > 0.05; 3) t=0.334, P > 0.05

Judging from Table 2, in comparison of TG before

and after the treatments, there was significant
difference ( P < 0.05) either within the magnetic
acupuncture group or within the control group, but
there was no significant difference in comparison
between the groups. In comparison of TC before and
after the treatments, there was significant
difference ( P < 0.01) in the magnetic acupuncture
group, but no significant difference in the control
group, and there was significant difference ( P <
0.05) between the two groups. In comparison of
HDL within the group or between the groups before
and after the treatments, there was no significant
difference ( P > 0.05).
Discussion
Obesity can lead to many diseases. In comparison
with the normal adults, the incidence of cardiovascular
diseases, diabetes, biliary and hepatic diseases and
cancer is higher in the obesity adults than in the
adults with normal weight[2~. Hyperlipidemia can easily
cause arteriosclerosis, and in particular that
hypercholesterolemia can cause arteriosclerosis had been
confirmed by animal experiments, epidemiological
examinations, pathological study and clinical study~33.
Therefore, the treatment of obesity complicated with
hyperlipidemia is of important significance for
prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular
 Journal of Aepuncture and Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
diseases.
It is believed TCM in that obesity is a kind of
disease characterized by preponderance of phlegm
and dampness, due to qi deficiency after over intake
of greasy and sweet food, long-term lying and sitting,
lack of exertion, in relation to prenatal constitution.
The pathological position lies in the spleen and
muscles, with deficiency in the causative reason and
excessive condition in the symptoms.
It is categorized into "Turbid Phlegm" and "Phlegm
and Dampness". It has been indicated in observations
that "the substantial basis of turbid phlegm is related to
increased content of serum lipid substance '~ . Judging
from the functions of five Zang -organs in TCM, the
organ in close relation to lipid metabolism of the
human body is no more than the spleen. The spleen
dominates transportation and transformation,
including transportation and transformation of
essentials of water and grain and transportation and
transformation of water and dampness. On one
hand, the nutrient essentials need to be transported
by the spleen. On the other hand, some metabolic
products need to be cleared away and removed by
the spleen. In Neijing ((( t~1 ~2 ))), the spleen is
described as an organ "to dissolve the wastes and
converse the tastes in transportation." Therefore, the
spleen is closely related to transportation and
metabolism of the essentials of water and grain in the
human body, including the lipid metabolism in modern
medicine. Judging from viewpoints of modern
medicine, the spleen in TCM is a functional unit of
multiple visceral systems based upon the digestive
system. The spleen deficiency is a pathological process c~
of general dysfunction of multiple visceral systems,
characterized predominantly by functional disturbance of
the digestive system. Therefore, hyperlipidemia
comes from the spleen deficiency, and the turbid
phlegm due to spleen deficienq~ ~ is a key point of
this disease.
It can be seen that etiology and pathogenesis of
both obesity and hyperlipidemia share the same
origin of turbid phlegm due to spleen deficiency.
Based upon the above theory, clinically the acupoints
are mainly selected from the Stomach and Spleen
Meridians, for a purpose to strengthen the spleen
and stomach, dissipate phlegm and dampness,
remove lipid substance and turbid dampness
accumulated inside the body, and to maintain smooth
flow of qi and blood.
Magnetic treatment is a therapeutic method used
clinically for several dozens of years and its function
to decrease lipid and reduce viscosity had been
9 13 9
reported. In the therapeutic methods, there are
magnetic water, external application of magnetic plates,
and magnetic treatment of blood. Functional mechanism
of magnetic treatment in reducing viscosity and lipid is
still not very dear. It has been proved that influence of
magnetic ray on the acupoints can promote
metabolism, and peristalsis and emptying function of
the intestines c7~. The reason that the magnetic
acupuncture group is better than the control group
(single acupuncture) in decreasing TC index of blood
lipid is likely that the function to regulate lipid
metabolism is strengthened by acupuncture plus
direct function of magnetic ray on the acupoints. The
findings indicate that magnetic acupuncture therapy
regulates the abnormal lipid metabolism in the
treatment of obesity, which gives a certain function to
prevent and treat the cardiovascular and
cerebrovascular diseases.
References
~- ~ N,].1995.
Ministry of Public Health of the People's Republicof China.
Guidelines for Clinical Research of New Herbal Drugs,
1995.
[-2]~J~,..~.-~,,~,~.~ 1 ~ ~-~,l~)l~
46 ~r~],1~/~~ ~,~ ~.. ~, 1~//~,~, 1987,28(12), 3031.
KANG Ting-pei, WANG Yu-fen, SU Mei-zbe, et al.
Observation of Clinical Effect in Treatment of 46 Cases of
Simple Obesityby No. 1 Weight-ReducingDrink, Journal of
Chinese Medicine, 1987, 28(12): 3031.
~ ,~, 1984,4(5): 266.
XU JI-min. Exploration on Relation between Coronary
Heart Disease in Pattern of Turbid Phlegm and Lipid
Level, Journal of Integrated Chinese and Western
Medicines, 1984, 4(5): 266.
E43~4~.)~ ~ i~ ~ ~-~.~.~- ~ / l ~ - ~ . ~ ~ ~, I~, 1996, 13
(5), a.
DONG Li-jin. Explanation on Spleen Deficient Syndrome
by Viewpoint of Integrated Chinese and Western
Medicines. Tianjin Journal of TCM,1996, 13(5): 42.
[5-l,~+~.~ ~ . ~ ~ il~~ ~ '~ ~ ~ . ~' ~ , . , 1998,
18(5) : 307.
TANG Harrsong. Explorationon AcupunctureTreatment of
Hyperlipedemia from Spleer~ Chinese Acupuncture and
Moxibustion,1998, 18(5):307.
/~ ~,Eg.~b I~ ~ ~ 1~.~ , 1997,(2): 307.
L1U Qiu-cheng, LIU Gui-shi. Observation of
Hyperlipodemia Treated by External Application of
Magnetic Plates plus DrinkingMagnetism-ManagedWater.
Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine,1997, (2): 307.
Translator: HUANG Guo-qi (~ I~~,)
Receiveddate: Oct.20, 2004
 9 14 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Treatment of Hyperlipidemia by Acupuncture and Cupping

Method on Back-shu Points
ZHU Wei(~ J~)
Beijing Chinese MedicineHospital, Beijing, 100010, China

~ , ~ ~ 36 ~'J ~ ~ ) I ~ , ~ ~, ~ ~ 22 ~'J , ~ 9 ~'], ~ 5 ~'J, ,~ ~r ~ . 86.1~ o

Abstract: Xinshu (BL 15), Feishu (BL 13), Pishu (BL 20), Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL
23) and Geshu (BL 17) were selected and the needles were retained for 30 rain. After the
needles were taken out, cupping method was applied on each acupoint. In the treatment of
total 36 cases of hyperlipidemia, the results showed remarkable effect in 22 cases, effect in 9
cases and failure in 5 cases, and the total effective rate in 86.1%.
Key Words: Hyperlipidemia; Acupuncture Therapy; Cupping Therapy
CLC number: R246.1 Document code: B

The author has treated 36 cases of hyperlipidemia by

puncturing Back-Shu points of the five Zang organs and
Geshu (BL 17) plus cupping method in the recent
years. Now, the report is given in the following.
General M a t e r i a l s
Therapeutic Methods
1. Selection of acupoints
Xinshu (BL 15), Feishu (BL 13), Pishu (BL 20),
Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Geshu (BL 17).

1. Diagnostic criteria 2. Methods

In reference of the diagnostic criteria stipulated by
the cooperative team of TCIVI geriatric medicine of State
Administration of "l]raditional Chinese Medicine, total
cholesterol (Tch), triglyceride (TG) and high density
lipoprotein cholesterol (I-IDL-CH) are taken as the test
items. The diagnosis could be made when either of above
one or over one item is abnormal. The concrete
parameters are based upon the results of biochemical
examinations in our hospital, Tch >I 5.20 retool/L; TG
>tl.7 mmol/L; and HDL-CH ~0.83 mmol/L.
2. Selection of cases
The abnormality of fasting blood lipid in two tests
within 15 days was taken as the standard of case
selection, by exclusion of the patients sick with
diabetes, renal insufficiency, thyroid problems,
biliary and hepatic diseases. 36 cases were
conformed to the above standard, including 24 males,
12 females, with the age ranging from 42-75 years
old, at the average age of 50. 2 years old. Among
those cases, 23 cases were complicated with
hypertension, 10 cases with coronary heart disease
and 12 cases with cerebral infarction.
In this study, control group was not established
and auto-control was adopted.
Author: ZHU Wei (1949-), male, junior consultant doctor
After the acupoints were located accurately, each
acupoint was pressed and kneaded first by the thumb
for a while to excite the meridian qi, then the
filiform needle in 40mm length and 0. 35 mm
diameter was swiftly inserted for about one inch
(depending upon the body figure of the patient) by
the twisting, lifting and thrusting method. After the
patient obtained the needling sensation, the needle
was retained for 30 min, and manipulated once every
5 to 10 min during retaining the needle. After the
needle was taken out, medium glass cup was applied
respectively on each acupoint for 10 to 15 min. The
treatment was given once on Monday to Friday, and
no treatment was given on Saturday and Sunday, with
15 times as one course of the treatment. The cupping
method was given once every 2 to 3 days (depending
upon reaction of the skin).
During the treatment, ordinary diet was
maintained, and all kinds of lipid-decreasing drugs
were stopped. Fasting blood lipid was checked again
after the course of the treatments.
Therapeutic E f f e c t s
1. Criteria of therapeutic effects
Remarkable effect: Tch decreases by over 20%, and
TG decreases by over 40%, or HDL-CH increases by
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
over 0.26 mmol/L.
Effect: Tch decreases by 10% to 20%, and TG
decreases by 20% to 40%, or HDL-CH increases by
0.1-0.25 mmol/L.
Failure: No effective standard is achieved.
2. Statistics of therapeutic effect
By the above criteria, the results of re-checked
fasting blood lipid was respectively compared with
the last test results before the treatment, and the
findings showed remarkable effect in 22 cases, effect
in 9 cases, failure in 5 cases and the total effective
rate in 86.1%.
Table 1. Change of blood lipid before and after treatments
(mmol/L, ~
Before After
Items N Difference
treatment treatment
Tch 36 6.15 1.10 4.32 1.12 1.8 1.11
TG 36 2.62 0.45 1.65 0.40 0.91 0.43
HDL-CH 36 0.81 0.15 1.47 0.30 0.65 0.22
3. Case example
The patient, male, 64 years old, slight fat in body
figure, was sick with hypertension for 17 years and
took medications to control blood pressure at the
ordinary times. After hyperlipidemia was found in
physical examination and the result was not
satisfactory by self-administration of lipid-decreasing
drugs, he requested acupuncture treatment. Before
acupuncture treatment, the examination of fasting
blood lipid showed Tch 9.3 mmol/L, TG 2.31 mmol/L,
and HDL-CH 0.75 mmol/L (other items omitted).
Therefore, acupuncture plus cupping method was
given, by Back-Shu Points of five Zang organs (BL
13, BL 15, BL 18, BL 20 and BL 23) and Geshu (BL
17), once a day and totally for 15 times. The re-
examination of fasting blood lipid showed Tch 4.2
mmol/L, TG 1.4 mmol/L, and I-IDL-CH 0.95 mmol/L,
and the therapeutic effect was remarkable. Also, the
patient told me his body weight decreased by 4 kg
after acupuncture treatment.
Discussion
It is believed in Chinese medicine that blood lipid
belongs to ying-nutrient blood and is obtained from
essentials of water and grain by the transformation
and production of the spleen and stomach. Its
metabolic process is closely related to smooth flow
of qi in the liver, transportation and transformation
of the spleen, the dispersing ability of the lung, the
promoting ability of the heart, and qi activity and
vaporization of the kidney, and it is transported
9 15 ~
upward and downward to nourish Zangfu-organs
internally, support the muscles and skin externally
and moisten the tendons and bones and supplement
the brain. Once dysfunction occurs in Zangfu-organs,
transportation of body fluid would be abnormal,
resulting in internal accumulation of turbid phlegm.
In treating this disease by acupuncture therapy,
the author selects Back-Shu Points of five Zang-
organs (BL 13, BL 15, BL 18, BL 20 and BL 23) and
Geshu(BL 17). All these acupoints are located on
the back where qi of Zangfu-organs flows into and
can be used to regulate the functions of the related
Zangfu-organs effectively and to have an extensive
regulatory functions in the various systems of the
body. Among those acupoints, Pishu (BL 20), Geshu
(BL 17) and Ganshu (BL 18) are the main acupoints
and function to regulate and strengthen qi activity of
the Middle Energizer, disperse phlegm and remove
the turbidity, restore normal metabolism of lipid
substances.
In the recent years, someone believes, based upon
the feature of elevation of blood viscosity and change
in blood rheology in hyperlipidemia, that this disease
belongs to scope of mixture of blood stasis with
phlegm in Chinese medicine and is closely related to
dysfunction of qi and blood, pointing out that "long-
term accumulation of blood would be dissolved into
phlegm water, and turbid phlegm would flow into the
meridians, blocking qi and blood and forming blood
stasis." Therefore, it is advocated to dissolve phlegm
and disperse blood stasis simultaneously. Based upon
the above theory, the author selects Xinshu (BL 15),
Feishu (BL 13) and Geshu (BL 17) in the treatments
to regulate and harmonize the circulation of qi and
blood, disperse blood stasis and dissolve phlegm. In
the treatment, Shenshu (BL 23) is selected to
reinforce and benefit the kidney qi and regulate and
harmonize yin and yang, for further promoting the
functions of five Zang-organs and six Fu-organs. The
combination of all these acupoints can strengthen the
Middle Energizer, regulate and harmonize qi and
blood, dissolve phlegm and clear away blood stasis to
normalize blood lipid.
In actual practice, acupuncture and cupping
method are used together, in order to enhance
stimulation on the acupoints and prolong the after-
effect in acupuncture treatment and further
strengthen the therapeutic effect.
Translator. HUANG Guo-qi(~ I~ Jg,)
Received date: Nov.22, 2004
 9 16 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Treatment of Obesity with Hyperlipidemia by Cap-shaped

Warm Acupuncture
SHEN Tao(~ ~ )
Institute of Acupuncture & Meridian, SichnanProvincialAcademy of TCM, Chengdu,610031, China

I0~. , ~ 79.2%.

Abstract. Baihui (GV 20), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanii (ST 36), Taichong (LR 3), Fuliu (KI 7),
Guanyuan (CV 4), Tianshu (ST 25) and Zhongwan (CV 12) were treated with cap-shaped
warm acupuncture to treat obesity with hyperlipidemia in 48 cases. After 4 courses of
treatment, 15 cases got marked effectiveness, 23 cases got effectiveness and 10 cases failed,
with the total effective rate of 79.2%.
Key Words. Moxa Cone Moxibustion; Diabetes Mellitns; Hyperlipidemia
CLC number: R246.1 Document code: B

Epidemiological survey has demonstrated that the 2. Methods

mortality and morbidity rates of cardiovascular diseases
increase with body weight. Framingham data showed, in
the obese people, that the morbidity of cardic,eascular
disease is in relation to the development of diabetes
mellitus, hyperlipidemia and hypertension; that obesity is
also an independent risk factor for cardiovascular
diseases. Body weight loss and hyperlipidemia abatement
can prevent the incurrence of cardiovascular diseases.
This article observes the clinical effects of a new special
method combining needling and moxibustion, cap-shaped
warm acupuncture, in the treatment of obesity with
hyperlipidemia. It is reported as follows.
These acupoints were punctured by the filiform
needles of 0.38 mm in diameter and 40 mm in length
with even reinforcing-reducing techniques. After needling
sensation was obtained, above acupoints except Baihui
(GV 20) were additionally given smokeless cap-shaped
m~dbustion. In each mQxibustion, one cap-shaped cone
was ignited and then inserted around the needle handle
for about 30 rain. In each treatment, the needles were
retained for 30 mirL The treatment was conducted once a
day and 10 sessions made up one course for a total of 4
courses, with a 3-day interval between any two courses.
During treatment, the life style should not alter.

Clinical D a t a T h e r a p e u t i c Effects

The 48 cases were definitely confirmed according
to the diagnostic criteria for hyperlipidemia and
obesity in Internal Medicine ( Third Edition ).
Among the 48 cases, 19 cases were men and 29 cases
were women; their ages ranged from 42 to 68 years
old; their durations of disease were between 5 and 10
years; 25 cases suffered from hypertension and 7
cases suffered from coronary heart disease.
Treatment Methods
1. Acupoints
Baihui (GV 20), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36),
Taichong (LR 3), Fuliu (KI 7), Guanyuan (CV 4),
Tianshu (ST 25) and Zhongwan (CV 12).
Author..SHEN Tao(1967-), male, M.D., attending physician
1. Criteria for therapeutic effects
The criteria for therapeutic effects were made
according to Golden Rule o f New Chinese Herbs
Clinical Study stipulated by the Health Ministry of
People's Republic of China.
Marked effectiveness: Clinical symptoms and signs
disappear; body weight loses over 5 kg; TC falls over
20%; TG falls over 40%.
Effectiveness: Clinical symptoms and signs
disappear; body weight loses over 3 kg; TC falls
10%-20%; TG falls 20%-40%.
Failure" After treatment, clinical symptoms and
signs, body weight, TC and TG improve little.
2. Treatment results
Among the 48 cases, 15 cases obtained marked
effectiveness, 23 cases effectiveness and 10 cases
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 17 9

failure; the total effective rate was 79.2%. (LR 3), the Primary (Yuan)-point of the Liver
Meridian, can supplement qi and blood, activate
Discussion
blood and resolve blood-stasis. Fuliu (KI 7), the
Warm acupuncture is the combination of needling River (Jing)-point of the Kidney Meridian, can warm
and moxibustion. Conventionally, in warm kidneys and activate heart-yang, and unblock heart
acupuncture, the moxa wool or stick is around the vessel. Zhongwan (CV 12), Guanyuan (CV 4) and
needle handle. The moxa wool or stick burns fast and Tianshu (ST 25) are respectively the Front-Mu
acts on the body for a shorter period, and the points of the stomach, small intestine and large
burning produces heavy smoke polluting the air. intestine, where the meridian qi of corresponding
Therefore, our Institute creates a special cap-shaped zang-fu organs gather; they can regulate the
moxa cone for warm acupuncture treatment. It is reception, processing, transformation and
made up of moxa charcoal and looks like a cap, 2 cm transportation of foods. Combination of these eight
in length and 1 cm in diameter, with a hole for acupoints warm yang and supplement qi, nourish
holding on the needle handle. It can burn 30 min and spleen and activate blood, disperse cold and unblock
produce no smoke, hence to act a longer period and collaterals, resolve phlegm and eliminate dampness,
enhance the needling effects. acting on both the root and branch factors.
Baihui ( G V 20), where all yang meridians This study showed that cap-shaped warm
converge and that governs the yang qi throughout the acupuncture had positive effects in the reduction of
whole body, can warm yang and supplement qi. blood lipid and body weight. Therefore, acupuncture
Neiguan (PC 6), an acupoint of Pericardium is a simple and safe therapy for blood lipid reduction
Meridian and communicating with Yin Link Vessel, and weight loss, with an excellent prospect in medical
can harmonize qi and blood in Heart Meridian, and services and health care.
promote their circulation. Zusanli (ST 36), the He Translator.. XIAO Yuan-chun(~1",,L~)
(Sea)-point of Stomach Meridian, can supplement Received date: Nov.26, 2004
healthy, regulate the spleen and stomach. Taichong

.M

1
1 L
.'9
bJ

m
I! !

Diagram .of
. . . .ththe
. . . . . . . Stomach
. . . . . . . . . . . .Meridian
. . . . . . . . . . . . in Yi'zong'ji*n~ian Diagram of hte Spleen Meridian-in Yizong J milan ((( I~
((( 1~ ~ ~ ~- ))), Cited from Illustrated Book on the ~ ' ~ - ) ) ) , cited from Illustrated Book on the Historical
istorical Dvevlopment o f Chinese Acu-mozibustion Science Development o f Chinese Acu-moxibuston Science
 9 18 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tnina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Clinical Study on Treatment of Hyperlipidemia by

Lipid-decreasing Herbal Moxibustion in
Middle-aged and Old Patients
GAO Yao-hua (i~:~l~), WANG Zhtrxing (~'45"), CHEN Xin-qian ( I $ . ~ ) , ZHANG Jie ( ~ ~),
LU Yu (~t- J~-),CHEN Jian-hua ( ~ J ~ ) , HONG Dai-hni (N4~g), LEI Hong (~ k~)
Oaongqing MunicipalInstitute of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing,400013, China

~: ~h~J-~,~.~.~,~"~;b~T 40~,]$jI]~.~,~,~X~]~L~d~/t~L~ 22~,]

~ o ~,~ r~ ~ ,~ ~,~ ~~- ~ ~,~ ~- ~ r ~i ~ ~ ~ - ~, ~ ~
TC-HDL-C/HDL-C ~ ~ , ~ - ~ f f - ~ ~:~)~>LX~-,.~,,~t ( P < 0.01)o ~ j .~ --J'gLAr

~ : ~,~a ~r ~~ . . . ~
Abstract: Forty cases of hyperlipidemia were treated by herbal moxa stick moxibustion and
compared with 22 cases treated by Oenothera Oil Capsules. The results showed that Lipid-
Decreasing Herbal Moxibustion could decrease the serum cholesterol and triglyceride and
elevate high-density lipoprotein and change the ratio of TC-HDL-C/HDL-C in the patients, and
its therapeutic effect was better than that of the control group treated by Oenothera Oil
Capsules ( P < 0. 01). Lipid-Decreasing Herbal Moxibustion can also improve the clinical
symptoms and reduce the body weight.
Key Words: Hyperlipidemia; Acupuncture-Moxibustion; Moxa Stick Moxibustion
CLC number. R246.1 Document code: A

Clinical Materials

GAO Yao-hua, born in 1962, senior consultant doctor,
graduated from Chengdu University of TCM, engaged in
acupuncture and herbal treatment of apoplexy,headache,facial
paralysis, melasma, obesity, cough and panting, hyperlipidemia
and hepatic diseases.
Based upon the clinical and laboratory study on
Lipid-Decreasing Herbal Moxibustion, Lipid-
Decreasing Herbal Moxa Sticks were manufactured
by the research team for developing and studying the
Lipid-Decreasing Herbal Moxa Sticks in our
institution and its comparative observation was
conducted clinically.
1. Diagnostic criteria
The diagnosis in Chinese and western medicine
was established upon the clinical guidelines for
treatment of hyperlipidemia by new herbal drugs in
Guideline on Clinical Study o f N e w Herbal
Drugs promulgated by Health Ministry in 1995:
Cholesterol ~ 6 . 0 mmol/L, triglyceride~l.54 mmol/
L, high density lipoprotein in male ~ 1.04 mmol/L, in
female ~ 1.17 mmol/L. The patients with organic
problems of the heart, brain, liver and kidney and
diabetes excluded were diagnosed as hyperlipidemia,
and were divided into five patterns in TCM pattern
identification: yang deficiency in the spleen and
kidney, obstruction of turbid phlegm, yin deficiency in
the liver and kidney, yin deficiency and yang
hyperactivity, qi stagnation and blood stasis.
2. General materials
Sixty-two outpatients were selected, including 30
males and 32 females, with the age ranging from 35
to 67 years old, at the average age of 58, and were
randomly divided into 40 cases in the treatment
group and 22 cases in the control group.
3. Observation methods
Upon Guideline on Clinical Study o f N e w
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 19 9

Herbal Drugs, the indexes in relation to symptoms, Lipid-Decreasing Herbal Moxa Stick can decrease
body weight, and laboratory examinations were serum cholesterol and triglyceride and increase high
observed in the patients of hyperlipidemia before density lipoprotein (Table 1 and Table 2) in the
and after treatments. First, the observation tables patients. Lipid-Decreasing Herbal Moxa Stick can
on lipid-decreasing herbal moxa moxibustion were also improve the clinical symptoms and reduce body
established and filled in based upon the guideline. weight. The body weight decreased by 1.93 kg on
Before and after the treatments, venous blood was average in each patient in the treatment group and
drawn once for the purpose to test the contents of decreased by 1.04 kg in the control group (Table 3).
serum cholesterol, triglyceride and high density Table 1. Change of lipid contents before and aftertreatments by
lipoprotein, the routines of blood, urine and stool, lipid-decreasing herbal moxa sticks( :~ ___s , n = 40)
and the indexes of the cardiac, hepatic and renal Index Before treatment After treatment
functions of the observed subjects. TC 6.43-6 1.80 5.68-6 2.281)
In the control group, Oenothera Oil Capsules, TG 3.24-6 1.94 2.59 1.612)
HDL-C 1.46-6 0.95 1.50-6 0.411)
whose therapeutic effect was acknowledged publicly, TC-HDL-C/HDL-C 3.75 2.791)
was used as comparative observation. The t-test of Note: In comparison with before the treatment, 1) P<0.01,
sample average number and U-test of the rate were 2)P> 0.05
adopted as the statistic method.
Table 2. Observation results in two groups
Therapeutic Methods Groups N CC RE Effect Failure TER (%)
Treatment40 6 12 16 6 85.0
1. Treatment group Control 22 0 6 7 9 59.1
Acupoints: Guanyuan (GV 4) and Fenglong (ST 40). Notes: CC, clinical control; RE, remarkable effect; TER,
Methods: Mild moxibustion was applied with institute- total effective rate. The same below
made lipid-decreasing herbal mesa stick. The herbal Table 3. Relation between therapeutic effect and pattern
mc~a stick was composed of seven ingredients of Semen identification in the treatment group
Cassiae, Flos Carthami Flee Caryophylli, Sulfur, etc., plus Patterns N CC RE Effect Failure
mare wool. Each acupoint was heated for 15 rain, and the Yang Deficiency in
16 1 5 9 1
treatment was given once a day, totally 35 days. Spleen and Kidney
2. Control group Yin Deficiency in Liver
9 1 4 3 1
Oenothera Oil Capsules 1. 5 g (produced by and Kidney
Obstruction of Phlegm
Wuhan No. 4 Pharmaceutical Factory, Lot Number 12 3 3 3 3
and Dampness
970603) was used orally, twice a day.
Yin Deficiency and
All the other lipid-decreasing drugs were stopped 2 1 0 1 0
Yang Hyperactivity
during observation in the two groups. Qi Stagnation and
1 0 0 0 1
Blood Stasis
Observation of T h e r a p e u t i c Effects
Discussion
1. Criteria of the therapeutic effects
Based upon the criteria of the therapeutic effects Hyperlipidemia is dosely related to arteriosderosis
in Guideline on Clinical Study o f New Herbal and is the main reason to cause coronary heart
Drugs. disease, cerebrovascular incidents and senile
Clinical control: Symptoms and signs disappear dementia. After the middle age, lipid metabolism
and laboratory examinations become normal. disturbance can easily occur, resulting in decrease of
Remarkable effect: Symptoms and signs high density lipoprotein and decrease of the ability to
disappear, with cholesterol decreased by over 20% dissolve blood lipid, and resulting in elevation of
and triglyceride decreased by over 40%, high density triglyceride and cholesterol, and hence hyperlipidemia.
lipoprotein elevated by over 0. 26 mmol/L and TC- Cholesterol is elevated predominantly in blood lipid,
HDL/HDL-C decreased by over 20%. therefore the ratio of TC-HDL-C/HDL-C is
Effect: Cholesterol decreases by 10%-20%, and significant. Lipid-Decreasing Herbal Moxa Sticks
triglyceride decreases by 20%-40%, and high density can decrease the cholesterol content in serum,
lipoprotein increases less than 0.26 retool/L, and TC- elevate the content of high density lipoprotein,
HDL/HDL-C decreases by 10%-20%. decrease the ratio of TC-HDL-C/HDL-C, so as to
Failure: No obvious change in various symptoms. regulate and decrease the lipid.
2. Therapeutic results Based upon Guideline on Clinical Study o f New
 9 20 9
Herbal D r u g s , hyperlipidemia is diagnosed as "
phlegm syndrome" and can be identified into the
patterns of yang deficiency in the spleen and kidney,
obstruction of turbid phlegm, yin deficiency in the
liver and kidney, yin deficiency and yang
hyperactivity, qi stagnation and blood stasis. In each
of the five patterns, the patient had the symptoms of
the kidney deficiency such as dizziness, aversion to
cold, lassitude, and poor memory in different
degrees. In this study, the pattern of yang deficiency
in the spleen and kidney and pattern of yin deficiency
in the liver and kidney accounted for 62.5% (25/40).
Even the symptoms of kidney deficiency in different
severity were presented in the pattern of obstruction
of turbid phlegm. Those findings are identical to
Y a n g ' s theory of kidney deficiency in senile
hyperlipidemiaE~l. Judging from the therapeutic
effects, the effect is best in pattern of yang deficiency in
the spleen and kidney, in the effective rate of 93.3%.
The therapy by lipid-decreasing herbal moxa stick
is a method combined with the acupoints and herbal
moxibustion based upon the principle of the meridian
theory and avoiding side effect of oral drugs.
Guanyuan (GV 4) is a confluent point between three
yin meridians and Governor Vessel and is a
. . . . . . . . . . I ~ ..... rrlt ..............
Diagram of the Small Intestine Meridian in Yizong
Jingjian ((( I~ ~..'~-~--))) , cited from Illustrated Book
on the Historical Development o f Chinese Acu-
moxibustion Science
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
foundation of the human energy and is an acupoint
with ultimate yin and yang, and moxibustion on it can
tonify the kidney and benefit qi. Fenglong (ST 40) is
a Luo-Counecting Point of the Foot Yangming
Meridian, and moxibustion on it can strengthen qi in
the spleen and stomach, dissipate phlegm and
dissolve dampness. Lipid-decreasing herbal
moxibustion can decrease blood lipid, relieve the
symptoms of aversion to cold, lassitude and
dizziness, and also can reduce body weight, by 1.93 kg
on average. Undoubtedly, it is an effective, low-cost
and convenient therapy by application of external
herbal moxibustion, to regulate and decrease lipid
without influencing the normal food intake, to resist
ageing and reduce body weight.
Reference
E13~ ~ ~."'Itg~"-~ ~i ~ ~,~.~c~,~ ~, ~ ~,r ~ ~~ ,
,*~, 1989,9(5) : 13.
YANG Rui-he. Exploration on "Kidney Deficiency" and
Onset of Hyperlipidernia. Journal of Integrated Chinese
and Western Medicines, 1989,9(5): 13.
Translator.. HUANG Guo-qi (~- N ~.)
Received date..Nov.17, 2004
I V,i,'wl
13iagram of tl~e Heart Meridian in Yi'zong-'Jinjia~n i((
~..t~.))), cited from Illustrated Book on the Historical
Developement o f Chinese Acu-moxibustion Science
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 21 9

Research on the Function of Regulating Lipid by Moxibustion

for Hyperlipidemia
WU Zhong-chao(& q,)~)t, W A N G Ling -ling(~ff~) 2, XU Larrfeng(~ "--2,~) ~,
LIU Yao-guang(tll i~.~)2, WANG Yi-zheng( *- ~"-~ )2, ZHU Miao-hua(Jk~/;~)2
1. Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, China Academy of TCM, Beijing, 100700, China
2. Nanjing Universityof TCM, Jiangshu, 210029, China

~t~: ~&a; ,P,.~; ~,~r ~,~-x

Abstract. One hundred and seventy-one cases of hyperlipidemia were treated by moxibustion
on Shenque (CV 8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36). After moxibustion, the blood-lipid contents of
the patients with hyperlipidemia of various types were all lower than those before moxibustion.
There was a significant difference between them. It is indicated that moxibustion on Shenque
(CV 8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36) had the functions of reinforcing the spleen and kidney,
warning yang, removing the stasis and treating both the principal and the secondary aspects of a
disease for hyperlipidemia, which embodied the advantage of the function of regulating
organism of moxibustion. The treatment by "regulating" can mobilize the regulating function of
self to get the benign and bi-directional regulating effect for the various indexes of lipid
metabolism and reach the intention of lowering blood-lipid.
Key Words: Hyperlipidemia; Mcmbustion; Point, Shenque (CV 8); Point, Zusanli (ST 36)
CLC number: R246.1 Document code: B

In the recent years, the authors made research on 62.41+7.12 years old had higher TC and GC.
the regulating effects of traditional moxibustion on
Moxibustion Methods
lipids of senile and presenile patients with
hyperlipidemia. Now it was reported as follows. 1. Acupoints
Shenque (CV 8) and bilateral Zusanli (ST 36).
Clinical M a t e r i a l s
2. Manipulations
On the basis of excluding the severe organic Mild-warm moxibustion with pure moxa sticks was
diseases of heart, lung, liver and kidney, and acute applied on every acupoint for 10 min. The treatment
and chronic infectious diseases through the relative was given once every other day. The blood lipid was
examinations, all the cases were diagnosed as reexamined after 2 months.
hyperlipidemia by blood biochemical examinations,
which were combined with the history of disease. Therapeutic Results
Among the 171 cases, who accorded with the 1. Content changes of hyperlipidemia classification
diagnostic criteria of hyperlipidemia, 85 cases were between pre-moxibustion and p~t-moxibustion
male and 86 cases were female; and their average Table 1. Self-comparison of contents of hyperlipidemia
ages were 5 . 3 + 1.2 years old and 66.7+ 11.4 years classification (mmol/L, ~ --Fs )
old respectively. The average age of 111 cases in the Classification Pre-moxibustion Post-moxibustion
senile group was 70.2+ 7.4 years old and that of 60
TC 6.79=h0.80 5.46 1.5@)
cases in the presenile group was 54.6+3.8 years old.
Among the cases of hyperlipidemia, 109 cases whose TG 2.19 0.66 1.56 0.901)
average age was 65.3+ 11.2 years old had higher TC, A 7.12 0.84 6.06 1.292)
28 cases whose average age was 64.17+-- 11.05 years B 2.27 0.83 1.46 0.812)
old had higher TG, 34 cases whose average age was
 9 22 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Table 2. Comparison of blood lipid contents in different age groups (mmol/L, s + s)

Presenile Geratic period
Blood lipid
Pre-moxibustion Post-moxibustion Pre-moxibustion Post-moxibustion
TC 6.785:0.79 5.195:1.623) 6.835:0.84 6.22-t-0.811)
TG 1.904-0.11 1.405:0.44z) 2.444-0.83 1.534-0.64
A 7.04+ 0.60 6.184-1.031) 7.224-1.15 5.83--+1.75
B 1.895:0.11 1.31-+0.69~) 2.83-+ 1.09 1.81-t-1.01
Note: A, between high TC and TG, high TC was main; B, betweenhigh TC and TG, high TG was main. Comparisonbetweenpre-
moxibustion and post-rnoxibustion, 1)P< 0.05; 2)P< 0.01; 3)P< 0.001
2. Content changes of blood lipids of patients with stomach, resolve phlegm and turbid pathogens and
hyperlipidemia in different age groups between pre- tonify innateness. The two acupoints are used
moxibustion and post-moxibustion together to treat the superficiality aiming at the
Table 2 showed moxibustion had the function of cause of disease and treat the origin by reinforcing
improving various hyperlipidemia in the presenium and spleen and kidney. So the functions can be gotten by
geratic period. But there was no statistic difference treating both the principal and the secondary aspects
between the indexes of hypertriglyceridemia type and of a disease and regulating both congenital and
complex type of hypercholesterolemia and acquired factors, which embodied the advantage of
hypertriglyceridemia in the presenile group. the function of regulating organism by moxibustion.
Discussion
The treatment by " regulating" can mobilize the
regulating function of self to make lipid metabolism
In the geratic period, hyperlipidemia caused by the
get the benign regulating effect.
increase of blood lipid is very harmful to health and
is the important factor leading to senility. There is Translator: KUAI Le(fi~] ft,)
positive correlation between hyperlipidemia and the Received date:Oct.20, 2004
mortality and dangerous degree of cardiovascular
diseases such as coronary heart disease. For
instance, relative risk is 0.7 when cholesterol value is
3.9 mmol/L (150 mg/dl), relative risk is 1.0 when
cholesterol value is 5.2 mmol/L (200 mg/dl), relative
risk doubles when cholesterol value is 6.5 mmol/L
(250 mg/dl), and the onset danger of coronary heart
disease doubles when cholesterol value is 7.8 mmol/L
(300 mg/dl). Therefore the prevention and treatment
of lipid increase and hyperlipidemia in the middle-
aged and old people is valuable to prevent and treat
the senile diseases, especially to cardiovascular
diseases, and delay senility.
The research on blood lipid of senile and presenile
patients with hyperlipidemia between pre-
moxibustion and post-moxibustion indicated that
moxibustion could lower the contents of the total
cholesterol and triglycerides, improve the contents of
hyperlipidemia of various types, which showed the
good functions of regulating lipid of moxibustion and
the good prospect of research and application of
regulating lipid, delaying senility and prolonging
natural life by moxibustion.
Shenque (CV 8), the root of life, is applied Diagram of the Bladder Meridian in Yizong j injmn
moxibustion to warm and recuperate the kidney-yang, ((( I~. ~ ~" ~-))), cited from Illustrated Book on the
Historical Development o f Chinese Acu-moxibustion
and promote blood circulation to remove blood stasis.
Science
Zusanli (ST 36), the He (sea) point of Stomach
Meridian, is applied moxibustion to tonify spleen and
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
Treatment of 60 Cases of Hyperlipidemia by Electroacupuncture
ZHU Ya-ping(~ ~t)
Hongqiao TCM Hospital, Tianjin, 300132, China
CLC number: R246.1 Documentcode: B
Hyperlipidemia, which is the result of lipid
metabolic disorder, can be simply divided into 3 types
of hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia and
mixed type in clinic. The increase of lipids in the
plasma is the important cause of atherosclerosis. It's
significant that hyperlipidemia is treated for
preventing and treating the cardiovascular and
cerebrovascular diseases such as coronary heart
disease caused by atherosclerosis. The exploitation
of blood-lipid lowering drugs is relatively rapid. But
their application is limited in clinic for the side
effects and potential fatalness to the elders. The
author treated hyperlipidemia by electroacupuncture
and it was reported as follows.
Clinical Materials
The criteria for selecting patients was the patients
with TC> 5.94 mmol/L, TG> 1.35 mmol/L or LDL-C
> 5.52 mmol/L. Among the 60 cases of this group, 31
cases were single hyperlipidemia, 9 cases were
accompanied by hypertension, 10 cases were
accompanied by coronary heart diseases and 11
cases by cerebrovascular diseases.
Therapeutic M e t h o d s
1. Aeupoints
Bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36).
2. Manipulations
The needle was inserted with twirling and rotating
and the even reinforcing and reducing method was
used to make the patient fell soreness and a
distention in the local area. Then the needle was
connected with G6805 electrotherapy instrument.
The dense wave, 2 Hz and 2-3 V were given for 20
min and the current intensity was adjusted to the
degree that the body of needle vibrated slightly. The
treatment was given once every day. The therapeutic
effect was evaluate after 30 treatments.
Author:ZHU Ya-ping(1964-), female, senior consultantdoctor
~ 23 ~
Therapeutic Results
The blood-lipid was reexamined after the treatments
of 30 d. TC was 6.25 mmol/L on average before
treatment, 5.53 mmoFL after treatment, and dropped by
0.72 retool/L; TG was 2.02 mmol/L on average before
the treatment, 1.24 mmol/L after treatment, and
dropped by 0.78 retool/L; LDL-C was 7.98 mmol/L on
average before the treatment, 5.07 mmol/L after
treatment, and dropped by 2. 91 mmol/L. There were
statistic differences in average TC, TG and LDL-C
values between per-treatment and post-treatment (P <
0.05).
Discussion
The clinical manifestations of the patients with
hyperlipidemia are mainly headache, distention, dizziness,
chest distress and so on. The main causes of disease,
which induce those symptoms, are respectively
internal retention of phlegm, hyperactivity of the
liver-yang and blockage by blood stasis, ultimately
leading to blockage of meridian and pathogenic
factor obstructing mentality. Neiguan (PC 6) is the
key acupoint of relieving mental stress, soothing qi
and regulating stomach qi. Zusanli (ST 36) can
invigorate spleen, regulate stomach qi, strengthen
the body resistance, reinforce primordial qi and
dredge meridians. In clinic, the two acupoints achieve
together the functions of refreshing the mentality
and dredging the meridians. Simultaneously the
characteristics of even and persistent acupuncture
intensity of electroacupuncture is used to strengthen
the therapeutic effects, improve the state of
circulation system of the patient and reach the
intention of lowering blood-lipid.
Translator: KUAI Le(~'] ~)
Received date:Nov.23, 2004
 9 24 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3,No.1

Acupuncture Treatment of Depression by Pattern Identification

WANG Xu (5- ~), ZI-IANGLI (~ ~,]),WANG Ving-lei(~)~), WANGTao (~ ~)
Chinese and Japanese Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China

~: ~-,~,~, ~t~,j ~ &~ ,~~x~,j~

Abstract. In the treatment of 63 cases of depression, by bilateral Baihui (GV 20),

Sishencong (Ex-HN 1), Juque (CV 14) and Neiguan (PC 6) as the main acupoints, based upon
pattern identification, with bilateral Zhigou (TE 6), Zusauli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34)
and Taichong (LR 3) added for liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency, with bilateral Hegu
(LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3) added for stagnation of liver
blood, with bilateral Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taibai (SP 3)
added for deficiency in both the heart and spleen, and with bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taibai
(SP 3), Taixi (KI 3) and Guanyuan (CV 4), by moxibustion on Guanyuan (CV4) and needling
techniques on the rest acupoints, the results showed clinical cure in 21 cases, remarkable
effect in 18 cases, improvement in 20 cases and failure in 4 cases, in the treatments from 13
times to 45 times, at the average treatments of 26 times.
Key Words: Depression; Acupuncture-M~'bustion; Syndrome Differentiation Oassification
CLC number: R246.6 Document code: B

Depression, also called depressive neurosis, is a four patterns:

neurotic disturbance mainly characterized by
persistent low mood, often accompanied by anxiety,
discomfort in the body and sleeping disturbanceC13.
Most patients seek medical treatments, but without
obvious motor depression or mental symptoms and
without interference in the life and work. It belongs
to multiple manifestations of emotional decline,
pessimistic mood and neurotic fragility. This disease
is quite common clinically and accounts for 0.3% in
China. Although no statistic materials were found in
Swiss where the authors used to work, clinically it is
extremely common. From June of 2002 to January of
2004, the authors used to treat depression by
acupuncture. Now, the report is given in the
following.
Clinical Materials
1. Diagnostic criteria
In accordance with the diagnostic criteria~2~
stipulated by professional committee of mental
disorders of China Chinese and Western Medicine
Integration Association, we have classified it into
Author: WANGXu (1971-), female, attendingphysician
a. Pattern of liver qi stagnation and spleen
deficiency, clinically manifested by unstable emotion,
pessimism, sentimental anxiety, distending pain in
the costal region, abdominal pain, diarrhea, slight
red tongue, wiry and thready pulse;
b. Pattern of liver blood stagnation, mainly manifested
by depressed emotion, irritability, dim complexion,
distending pain in the costal region, purple dark tongue,
deep and thready pulse;
c. Pattern of deficiency in both heart and spleen,
mainly manifested by insomnia, poor memory, loss of
interest, palpitation and anxiety, poor appetite,
abdominal distension, slightly pale or withered and
yellow complexion, flabby and pale tongue with teeth
marks, thready and slow pulse;
d. Pattern of yang deficiency in the spleen and
kidney, clinically manifested by drooping spirit,
depressive emotion, irritability, frightfulness, pale
complexion, pale tongue with thin and white tongue
coating, thready pulse.
2. General materials
In 63 cases of the patients, there were 22 males
and 41 females, with the age ranging from 16 to 62
years old, at the average of 36.5 years old, and with
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
the duration ranging from 4 months to 34 years, at
the average duration of 8.5 years. In 63 cases of the
patients, there were 25 cases diagnosed as liver qi
stagnation and spleen deficiency, 18 cases diagnosed
as liver blood stagnation, 15 cases diagnosed as
deficiency in both heart and spleen and 5 cases as
yang deficiency in the spleen and kidney.
Therapeutic Methods
1. Aeupoints
Main acupoints: Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (Ex-
HN 1), Juque (CV 14) and bilateral Neiguan (PC 6).
Additional acupoints: The acupoints were added or
deducted in accordance with pattern identification,
with bilateral Zhigou ( T E 6), Zusanli (ST 36),
Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Taichong (LR 3) added
for liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency, with
bilateral Hegu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10), Sanyinjiao (SP
6) and Taichong (LR 3) added for stagnation of liver
blood, with bilateral Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST
36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taibai (SP 3) added for
deficiency in both the heart and spleen, and with
bilateral Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taibai (SP 3), Taixi (KI
3) and Guanyuan (CV 4) added for yang deficiency in
the spleen and kidney.
2. Operation
With an exception of moxibustion on Guanyuan
(CV 4), 3-5 moxa cones each time, the rest acupoints
were punctured by even needling technique, with
proper stimulation, 30-40 min each time. The
treatments were given twice or three times each
week, and 10 times made one course of the
treatments.
T h e r a p e u t i c Effects
1. Criteria of therapeutic effects
Clinical cure: All clinical symptoms disappear.
Remarkable effect: All clinical symptoms are
remarkably improved.
Improvement: Clinical symptoms are somewhat
improved.
Failure: No any improvement in all clinical symptoms.
2. Therapeutic results
After the treatments, in 63 cases of the patients,
the results showed clinical cure in 21 cases,
remarkable effect in 18 cases, improvement in 20
cases and failure in 4 cases. The treatments ranged
from 13 times to 45 times, at the average treatments
of 26 times. The symptoms reoccurred in 12 cases,
but the condition became stable after intermittent
treatments (5-11 times).
9 25 9
Discussion
About the causative factor of depression, currently
there are two types of viewpoints, one of which is
basically in biological aspect, in the hereditary and
physiological aspects in particular, and the other of
which believes that depression is a pattern of the
organic reaction, with its main etiology in
psychological factor. Namely, the causative factors
are no more than hereditary factor and social factor,
including poverty, violence and unfortunate marriage,
etc. C3~. From clinical observation, the authors noticed
that depression is caused either by hereditary and
physiological factors or psychological factor. In Swiss,
most cases of depression were caused by fatigue in
work, stress and unfortunate marriage. It has been
proved that the above reasons can lead to
dysfunction of the chemical reaction in the cerebral
tissues. And information is transmitted among the
human cerebral cells by reaction of the chemical
substances (such as monoamine transmitter). Once
the dysfunction of the cerebral chemical reaction
occurs, the disorder in information transmission
could easily result in depressive emotion. If not
treated promptly, depression can be caused
gradually~4~.
Based upon the biological reason and psychological
factor in depression, the treatment should be
organized from the somatic treatment and
psychological treatment C~. Although acupuncture
treatment is a somatic treatment, based upon Chinese
medical theory, acupuncture treatment functioning on the
certain location and acupoints of the human body can
regulate the dysfunction of the cerebral chemical
reaction, improve and correct the information
transmission inside the human body, so as to inhibit and
even eliminate the depressive emotionc6~.
Depression belongs to the scope of "Depressive
Syndrome" in TCM and is caused by dysfunction of
Zangfu organs, yin, yang, qi and blood due to
emotional factors, with the main pathological
changes involved in the heart, liver, spleen and
kidney. It is believed in TCM that because the
preliminary situation of depressive syndrome is
caused by emotional damage and the liver qi
stagnation involves @energy system, mostly
belonging to excessive syndrome, the treatment is
designed to soothe the liver and relieve depression,
regulate qi and dredge the meridians predominantly.
Due to long-term duration, qi stagnation damages
blood, changes into fire and damages yin, involving
 9 26 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

the heart, spleen and kidney, mostly belonging to Chinese and Western Medicine. Beijing: China TCM Press,
deficient syndrome. Therefore, the treatment should 1998: 315.
be designed to nourish the heart and calm the mind,
:k '~ t~ ~ t ~ , 1991: 726.
reinforce the heart and spleen, and tonify the liver
BEI Zheng-ping. 2000 International and Domestic Latest
and kidney predominantly. It is also believed that the
and Practical Diagnostic Criteria of Internal Medicine.
spiritual regulation should be combined in the Shanghai:TongjiUniversityPress, 1991:726.
treatment of depressive syndrome. ['3]~ 4 ~ ' ~ ' . ~ ~ ~ . ~ ,-~,:~ ~ ~ ~t+k, 1998:203.
The author's general principle in acupuncture JIANG Zuo-ning. Modern Psychiatry. Beijing: Science
Press, 1998: 203.
treatment of depressive syndrome is to regulate and
I-4-]~..r_ $ . ~ ~ . , ~ ~.~.~.~ ,~.:q, ~t ~" ~ ~5
soothe emotion, dilate the chest and regulate qi.
~ k _ , 1994: 276.
Baihui (GV 20) and Sishencong (Ex-HN 1) go JIN Wei-dong. Schizophrenia, Oinic, Theory, Evaluatiort Beijing:
upward to the vertex and enter the brain, a house of China Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy Press, 1994: 276.
the primary spirit and in communication with the [5]~. ~ , ~ - . # ~ 1 ~ ' ~ - ~
..a.- ..,
I~A~ ~, ,~'.: ~ ~P d~~ , 1997..6.
heart, and are selected to soothe the emotion. CAI Zuo-ji. Basis and Clinic of Depression. Beijing: Science
Neiguan (PC 6) is to dilate the chest and calm the Press, 1997: 6.
mind, soothe the liver and regulate qi. Juque (CV [6] ~r ~ # , ~-~ ~i, ~ - ~ , ~:. ~ eft~ r #,~ ~ ~ ,I~-~
14), a front-mu point of the heart, is able to
-~ ~ ;~_~-~r- ~.1987,11: 86-87.
smoothen qi in the heart and stomach. Ztfigou (TE
LUO He-clam'a,SHEN Yu-dun, JIA Yun~kui, et al. Clinical
6), Zusardi (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and and Experimental Study on Treatment of Depression by
Taichong (LR 3) in combination can soothe the liver Electric Acupuncture. World Federation of Acupuncture
and regulate qi, benefit qi and strengthen the spleen Societies, Proceedings of First World Acupuncture
for depression caused by liver qi stagnation and Conference 1987, 11: 86-87.
spleen deficiency. Hegu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10), Translator: HUANG Guo-qi ( ~ I~ ~ )
Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taichong (LR 3) can soothe Received date:May.15, 2004
the liver, regulate qi, activate blood and dredge the
collaterals for depression caused by liver blood ],.

stagnation. Shenmen (HT 7), Daling (PC 7), Zusanli

(ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taibai (SP 3) can
benefit qi, strengthen the spleen, nourish blood and
calm the mind for depression caused by deficiency in
both the heart and spleen. Guanyuan (CV 4) by i
.

i:
moxibustion, Taixi (KI 3), Taibai (SP 3) and
Sanyinjiao (SP 6) by acupuncture can warm the
kidney and spleen for depression caused by yang
deficiency in the spleen and kidney. Generally, the
treatment should be designed and given clinically in
accordance with different patterns of depression
flexibly.
With acceleration of the social life, enhancement cr

of working stress, deterioration of the survival

environment, and increasing tension in competition,
the incidence of depression rises annually.
Therefore, early diagnosis and early treatment are
very necessary. The remarkable therapeutic effect of
acupuncture treatment, without side effect, can play
its unique role in the treatment of depression.

References Diagram of the Kidney Meridian in Yizong J ina ian ( (( [~

[13,~ &~-,~,~~ ql.~' ~ ~ , ~ a 1 , ~ ~ . ~ ,r er ~t ~" ~ ~ , , - ~ - ) ) ) , cited from Illustrated Book on the Historical
~ - , 1998: 315. Development o f Chinese Acu-moxibustion Science
ZHOU Geng-sheng, HU Ji-ming. Clinical Psychiatry of
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
Eight Acupuncture Methods for Headache on Syndrome
Differentiation in Clinic
GONG Yan-hua ( ' ~ - )
Department of Acupuncture and Tuina, Liaoning College of TCM, Shenyang,110032, China
CLC number. R249 Documentcode: A
Headache is a common symptom in clinic, which
often occurs alone or in many acute and chronic
diseases. In Yi Bian ((( I~ ~ ))), it was said that the
head is the room storing lucid yang, and if the six
external pathogenic factors invade the head from the
outside, or the pathogens in the six Fu-organs and
meridians flow reversely, the clear qi in the head will
be disturbed causing headache; in treating headache
it is necessary to differentiate the internal factors
and external factors, deficiency syndrome and excess
syndrome.
The head is the confluence of all the yang
meridians and the sea of the marrow, which is the
place gathering the essence from the five Zang-
organs and the six Fu-organs. As the six external
pathogenic factors invade the head, the flowing of
the lucid yang is blocked by the pathogenic factors
and head will be painful. All kinds of disorders may
cause the qi and blood disturbed or the meridian
obstructed, and the head is irmutrient, resulting in
headache. So we should treat headache after judging
the conditions of diseases in the Zang-organs or the
Fu-organs, in the qi or in the blood according to the
deficiency syndrome, excess syndrome, cold
syndrome, heat syndrome, exterior syndrome or
interior syndrome.
Expelling Wind to Relieve Exterior Syndrome
to Stop P a i n
The external pathogen invades the head along the
Taiyang meridian and blocks the lucid yang, causing
that the qi and blood flow unsmoothly and the
collaterals are obstructed, which induces a kind of
headache named exogenous headache. If the
pathogenic cold combining with the pathogenic wind
invades the human body, as nature of the cold is
contraction and stagnation, the pain in the head
might radiate to the neck, accompanied by aversion
to wind and cold, and floating and tense pulse. If the
pathogenic heat combining the pathogenic wind
Author:GONG Yan-hua (1950-), female, associate professor,
engaged in teaching and studyingacupuncture
9 27 9
invades the body, as the nature of the heat is burning
upward, the patient might feel headache, fullness in
the head, accompanied by fever, aversion to wind,
flushed face, conjunctival congestion, and floating
and rapid pulse. In treating headache due to
exopathy, acupoints Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui (GV
20), and Taiyang (Ex-HN 5) are used; Fengmen (BL
12) and Lieque (LU 7) are added for wind-cold
syndrome; and Dazhui (GV 14), Quchi (LI 11) and
Hegu (LI 4) are added for wind-heat syndrome.
Case 1
The patient, male, 30 years old, visited firstly on
June 6, 2002. He had suffered from headache, fever,
more than 38.5~ and aversion to wind for two days.
He complained that the pain was tic-like, and he felt
thirsty and wanted to drink water.
This disorder was due to the pathogenic wind and
heat invading the body and blocking the Taiyang
meridian. So, the treatment principle was expelling
wind, clearing heat, and dredging the collaterals to
relieve the pain. The patient was needled on
acupoints Taiyang (Ex-HN 5), Fengchi (GB 20),
Baihui (GV 20), Shuaigu (GB 8), Hegu (LI 4), and
Quchi (LI 11) with reducing method. The needles
were retained for 15 min and manipulated every now
and then. Then, scrape the back from Fengfu (GV
16) to Shenzhu (GV 12), and then from Fengchi (GB
20) to Feishu (BL 13), until the skin was congested.
At last, tap Dazhui (GV 14) and Feishu (BL 13) with
plum-blossom needle until bleeding; after this,
cupping method was used. The treatment freshened
the patient and he felt no pain. The patient was
asked to drink 200 ml water and took a good sleep.
The headache was cured.
Soothing the L i v e r , Regulating the qi
Circulation, and Purging the Pathogenic Fire
to Stop P a i n
Due to the emotional factors, the liver-qi is
stagnated and transformed into pathogenic fire,
which causes a kind of headache rooted from the
liver. The headache is manifested by short course of
 9 28 9
disease, and severe pain, accompanied by fantod,
sleeplessness, hypochondriac pain, flushing, bitter
taste, and taut and rapid pulse. The treatment
method is needling Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui (GV
20), Shanzhong (CV 17), Qimen (LR 14), Neiguan
(PC 6), Hegu (LI 4), and Taichong (LR 3) for
soothing the liver, regulating the qi circulation, and
purging the pathogenic fire to relieve pain.
Case 2
The patient, female, 47 years old, an Italian,
visited on May 5, 1996 for the first time. She
suffered from headache, dizziness, sleeplessness,
frequent sighing, oppressed feeling on chest, pink
tongue without coating, and taut and thready pulse.
After acupoints Baihui (GV 20), Taiyang (EX-HN 5),
Fengchi (GB 20), and Neiguan (PC 6) were needled
for 3 times, she did not get better. In her history
gained by carefully inquiring, she had been depressed
and suffered headache and dizziness for a long time
for her daughter had abused drugs and been
withdrawn by force recently. And she had to take
analgesic and sleeping pill. To relieve headache, the
patient was treated with needling acupoints Baihui
(GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Taiyang (EX-HN 5),
Yintang (Ex-HN 3), Shanzhong (CV 17), Juque (CV
14), Qimen (LR 14), Neiguan (PC 6), Shenmen (HT
7), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Zusanli (ST 36),
Zulinqi (GB 41), Xinshu (BL 15), Ganshu (BL 18),
and Geshu (BL 17) with even reinforcing-reducing
method for soothing the liver, regulating and
promoting the qi circulation. The needling treatment
was given once every other day. At same time,
auricular-plaster therapy was applied at Er Shermaen
(MA-TF 1), Central rim (MA-AT), Heart (MA-IC),
Liver (MA-SC 5), Subeortex (MA-AT 1) with Semen
Vaccariae (.E ~ (~ 45"'~r ), alternately on two ears.
After ten treatments, she got a happy mood and
good sleep, without headache. Then, she was asked
to take Xiaoyao Pill to keep the therapeutic effect.
She did not recur in half a year follow-up.
Strengthening the Spleen and Eliminating
Dampness to Relieve Pain
The spleen fails to transport and transform, which
leads to the stagnation of phlegm in the interior, so
the lucid yang cannot flow up and the turbid yin
cannot flow down, causing pain in the head. This kind
of headache roots from the spleen. In clinic, the
common symptoms are headache, dizziness, fullness
feeling on the chest, loss of appetite, nausea, white
and greasy coating, and thready and slippery pulse.
The treatment principle is strengthening the spleen,
Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005.Vol.3,No.1
eliminating dampness, resolving phlegm, and
lowering the adversely flowing qi. Acupoints
Zhongwan (CV 12), Fenglong (ST 40), Yinlingquan
(SP 9), and Zusanli (ST 36) are needled to resolve
phlegm; and Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), and
Touwei (ST 8) are needled for dispersing the lucid
yang to relieve headache.
Case 3
The patient, female, 53 years old, visited on March
25, 2004 for the first time. She complained that she
had suffered headache for half a year, especially in
occiput and nape, characterized by distending pain,
accompanying with dizziness, nausea, a little intake,
loose stool, fatigue, aversion to cold, cold limbs, pale
tongue, and weak and thready pulse. As lowering her
head, or getting up, she felt severer dizziness, in
case she stood up in a sudden, she would fall down.
Examined by CT, Dopple, and X-ray, it was
diagnosed as vertebrobasilar artery insufficiency of
blood supply and spasmus of the cerebral vessels. It
was differentiated as stagnation of phlegm in the
interior due to the deficiency of the spleen-yang. The
phlegm stagnated the flow of qi and blood, and the
vessel and the meridian were obstructed, causing
headache and dizziness. It belonged to the syndrome
of deficiency in origin and excess in superficiality.
Acupoints Sishencong (Ex-HN 1), Fengchi (GB 20),
Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Shuaigu (GB 8), Shangxing (GV
23), Jiaji (Ex-B 2), Yamen (GV 15), Dazhui (GV
14), Taodao (GV 13), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL
20), Shanzhong (CV 17), Zhongwan (CV 12),
Neiguan (PC 6), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36),
Yinlingquan (SP 9), Fenglong (ST 40), and Taichong
(LR 3) were used. In each treatment, part of the above
acupoints were needled, and the acupuncture was given
once a day. In acupuncture, blood-letting puncturing and
cupping, scraping method, auricular-plaster therapy were
also used to strengthen treatment effect. After a month's
integrated treatment, she was cured.
Promoting Blood Flow to Remove Stasis and to
Relieve Pain
Headache due to blood stasis is very common in
clinic. Various causes, such as stagnation of qi,
deficiency of qi, stagnation of phlegm, chronic
disorders, and trauma, can result in blood stasis. The
key point 6f headache due to blood stasis lies fixed,
stabbing pain and lasts a long time. The treatment
principle is promoting blood flow to remove stasis
and to relieve the pain.
Case 4
 Journal of Aepunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3,No.1
The patient, female, 19 years old, an Italian. She
suffered headache and dizziness for two months,
without other complaints. According to the
symptoms, Yintang (Ex-HN 3), Taiyang (Ex-HN 5),
Fengchi (GB 20), Neiguan (PC 6), and Zusanli (ST
36) were needled for four times, but in vain.
Carefully inquiring the history, I got that she had
been menoschesis for eight months, and got a
normal menstruation by injecting estrin and
progestogen, but she was menoschesis again for four
months. The sticking point was this, as the
congestion obstructed the collaterals, qi could not
flow up to the head, leading to headache. The
treatment principle was promoting blood flow to
remove stasis, dredging the orifices to relieve the
pain. The treatment methods were puncturing Baihui
(GV 20), Taiyang (Ex-HN 5), Dazhui (GV 14), and
Geshu (BL 17), and letting blood, after which
cupping at Dazhui (GV 14) and Geshu (BL 17), then
needing Shanzhong (CV 17), Xuehai (SP 10), and
Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and applying warm needling with a
cone. After five treatments, a menstruation arrived
with headache relieved. But scanty menstruation, she
took Taohong Siwu Pill, eight pills for a time, twice a
day. She got a normal menstruation and the pain
disappeared. In a half-a-year-following-up, the
headache did not recur.
Invigorating Qi and Nourishing Blood to
Relieve Pain
Due to chronic diseases, delivery, or weak constitution,
the spleen fails to transport and transform enough qi
and blood, which leads the collaterals of the head
malnutrition, causing headache. This sort of
headache always recurs again and again with a long
course of diseases, and is difficult to get relief, often
accompanied by insomnia, palpitation, fatigue, and
dim complexion. The treatment principle is invigorating
qi and nourishing blood. Baihui (GV 20) is needled to
send up yang-qi, Qihai (CV 6) to send up yuan-qi and
to strengthen the body, Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao
(SP 6), and Pishu (BL 20) to invigorate qi and
nourish blood, and Shangxing (GV 23), Taiyang (Ex-
HN 5), and Fengchi (GB 20) to refresh the head,
improve the acuity of vision, and stop pain.
Case 5
The patient, female, 47 years old, visited for the
first time on November 12, 2002. She had suffered
headache for many years, following fatigue, nervous,
or emotional fluctuation, the headache was severe,
and relieved by taking acesodyne. She often got
9 29 9
dizziness, fatigue, inappetence, palpitation, insomnia,
sallow complexion, pale tongue, and weak pulse, with
emaciation. In attacking, Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui
(GV 20), Taiyang (Ex-HN 5), and Jiaosun (TE 20)
were punctured, bled, and cupped to dredge
collateral to stop pain. Once the pain was relieved,
Neiguan (PC 6), Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL 21),
Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP
6) were punctured to reinforce the body, and Gui Pi
Decoction was also taken. After three months, the
headache was cured.
Reinforcing Kidney and Replenishing Essence
to Relieve Pain
Inherent defect could lead to deficiency of the
brain, causing empty pain in the head. Meanwhile,
yin deficiency could affect yang, and the kidney yang
is weak, inducing headache. The treatment principle
is reinforcing the kidney and the liver, or warming
and recuperating the kidney yang. This kind of
headache is rooted from the kidney. The local
acupoints in the head, Taixi (KI 3), Mingmen (GV
4), Shenshu (BL 23), Qihai (CV 6), and Zhongji (CV
3) are needled or moxibustioned to treat headache
rooted from the kidney.
Case 6
The patient, female, 44 years old, visited for the
first time on April 9, 2002. She had suffered from
headache for 18 years, various therapies got no
effect, and the pain became more and more sever.
She complained of terrible aversion to wind, even in
hot summer she dosed her windows and wore cap
after bathing, and in winter she had to wear very
thick caps. She also complained that she got fatigue,
sweating after slight physical exertion, aversion to
cold with edema of face, pale complexion, pale
tongue, and deep and weak pulse. This was due to
the lucid yang obstructed, which was caused by the
deficiency of the kidney yang and accumulation of
cold in the Liver Meridian. The treatment principle
was warming and recuperating the kidney yang, and
replenishing essence. The acupoints in the head were
needled routinely, and Feishu (BL 13), Geshu (BL
17), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23), Mingmen (GV
4), Qihai (CV 6), and Guanyuan (CV 4) were
punctured and then applied ginger-partitioned
moxibustion with a big cone, a cone for each
acupoint. At night, she was asked to apply moxa-stick
moxibustion at Qihai (CV 6), Zhongji (CV 3),
Guanyuan (CV 4), Taixi (KI 3), Zusanli (ST 36), and
Sanyinjiao (SP 6). At the same time, Chinese herbs,
 9 30 9
Y o u Gui Pill and R a d i x Ginseng Rubra ( ~ ~ ) ,
Poria Cocos ( ;~ gf~ ) , R a d i x Anelicae Dahuricae
( (~ ,-'r ) , Rhizome et R a d i x Ligustici ( ~ ;~ ) ,
Rhizoma Liustici Chuanxion ( )l] g ) , Fructus
Arctii ( ~ ~" "~- ) were taken. Additionally,
Scorpio ( ~" ~ ), Scolopendra ( ~ ~e~ ),
Eupolyphagaseu Steleopaga ( ~ ~z ~k ) were
powdered and taken orally for warming yang,
clearing away cold, and expelling wind to relieve
pain. The acupuncture therapy and Chinese herbs
were applied for one and half month, the symptoms,
aversion to cold and wind, were alleviated, and she did
not need caps any longer, but in wind she still felt slight
headache. After a 2-year treatment with acupuncture
and Chinese herbs, she was fully recovered.
Calming the Endogenous wind and Removing
Obstruction in the Collaterals to Relieve Pain
Migraine is the most common kind of headache,
which is very severe with a sudden onset on the left
or the right, and the eyes and the tooth are often
involved. Migraine always attacks repeatedly for
many years. It mainly belongs to the syndrome of the
hyperactivity of the liver-yang, in which the interior
wind and fire go up along the Liver Meridian to the
head and cause headache. The treatment method is
to puncture Jiaosun (TE 20), Shuaigu (GB 8),
Touqiaoyin (GB 11), Fengchi (GB 20), Zulinqi (GB
41), and Taichong (LR 2), combined with bleeding at
head and neck by plum-blossom needle and three-
edged needle or with cupping, or with scraping.
Selecting Acupoints According to Syndrome
Differentiation with Meridian
In treating headache with acupuncture, we also
apply the theory of syndrome differentiation with
meridian. The occipital head, radiating to the neck or
back is differentiated as Taiyang meridian headache,
which is treated by acupuncturing Houding (GV 19),
Tianzhu (BL 10), Fengehi (GB 20), Yamen (GV 15),
Jiaji (Ex-B 2), Kunlun (BL 60), and Houxi (KI 3);
migraine, involved the eyes or the tooth, as Shaoyang
meridian headache, treated by needling Taiyang (Ex-
HN 5), Touqiaoyin (GB 11), Shuaigu (GB 8), Fengehi
(GB 20), Xuanzhong (GB 39), and Xiaxi (GB 43);
pain in the forehead as Yangming meridian headache,
treated by acupuncturing Shangxing (GV 23),
Yintang (Ex-HN 3), Touwei (ST 8), Yangbai (GB
14), Hegu (LI 4), and Neiting (ST 44); pain severest
on the vertex as Jueyin meridian headache, treated
by needling Baihui (Ex-HN 3), Sishencong (Ex-HN
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
1), Qianding (GV 21), Taichong (LR 3) and
Yongquan (KI 1).
Summarization
Headache should be treated with different
acupuncture methods guided by the theory of
differentiation syndrome. The excess syndrome and
some syndromes of deficiency in origin and excess in
superficiality could be treated with acupuncture on
the basis of selecting acupoints with differentiation
syndrome, combined with bleeding by three-edged
needle, pricking and bleeding by plum-blossom
needle, scraping, or cupping. Acupuncture combining
the above mentioned reducing method often gets a
rapid effect. While, the deficiency syndrome could be
treated with acupuncture on the basis of selecting
acupoints with differentiation syndrome, combined
with restorative of Chinese herbs. Combination of
the acupuncture therapy and Chinese herbs could get
a better and persistent effect. All in all, exactly
applying the theory of differentiation syndrome,
correctly selecting acupuncture method, acupuncture
therapy is effective for headache.
Translator: CUI Xue-jun ( ~ '~ $ )
Received date : Sep.20, 2004
? :!:!!= :~::~
iili
D
L. 4
Ii
Diagram of the Pericardium Meridian in Yizong J znj zan
(((~ ~ "~ ~ ) ) ) , cited from Illustrated Book on the
Historical Development of Chinese Acu-moxibustion
Science
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 31 9

Effect of Acupuncture and Tuina on Stroke

WU Jin-su ( f f - ' r
Fifth Hospital of Hengyang City, Hu'nan, 421007, China

~: l~/~t,~ 92r ~ g ~ A . ~ . ~ # ~ 52~,] , ~ 40~,]~:45-'l~,&i~g~-r~,~

Abstract: Ninety-two cases of stroke were randomly divided into treatment group in which 52
cases were treated with acupuncture and Tuina therapy, and control group in which 40 cases
were treated with western medicine. Evaluated by MESSS scale, acupuncture and Tnina therapy
had a better effect than western medicine in the relief of hemiplegia, logagnosia, dysphagia,
facial hemiparalysis and numbness in half body, with more stable vital signs.
Key Words: Acupuncture-Moxibustion; Tuina; Massage; Cerebrovascular Disorders
CLC number. R246.6 Document code: A

The common symptoms of stroke are hemiplegia, (Table 1).

dysarthria or logagnosia, facial hemiparalysis, and Table 1. Patients' conditions in the two groups

coughing in drinking. Hemiplegia is the most Group N Mild Moderate Severe

common, and severest trouble. Once the vital signs of
the acute stroke patient are stable, the most important is
to treat in time for recovering early. Acupuncture
therapy is a method for rehabilitation, and not only it
improves the patient's conditions, but the needling
sensation can promote the brain blood circulation
and protect brain cells. From Jan. of 2002 to Dec. of
2003, the author had treated hemiplegia patients
with three needling techniques, scalp acupuncture,
body acupuncture, and plum-blossom needle,
combined with Tuina manipulation.
Clinical Data
Ninety-two cases, 61 males and 31 females, ageing
from 32 to 86 years old and averaging 62.7, were
randomly divided into treatment group in which 52 cases
were treated with acupuncture and Tuina therapy, and
control group in which 40 cases were treated with
western medicine. All the patients with symptoms
and signs caused by brain dysfunction, which was
cerebral hemorrhage or cerebral infarction
confirmed by head CT or MRI, were treated after
sudden onset from 2 hours to 24 days. The diagnostic
criterion was established by China Medical
Association on the second academic meeting of
cerebral vessels diseases in 1986. The scores of
neurologic impairment were calculated according to
MESSS scale. Based on the scores, the patient's
condition was divided into three degrees, mild: 0 -10
scores; moderate: 11-30 scores; severe: 31-45 scores
Treatment 52 10 25 17
Control 40 8 23 11
The distributions of the patients' conditions in the
control group was similar to that in the treatment
group (X2= 0.119, P>0.05).
Treatment Method
1. Treatment group
Main acupoints: Baihui (GV 20), Jianyu (LI 15),
Quchi (LI 11), Shousanli (LI 10), Waiguan (TE 5),
I-Iegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB
34), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), and Taichong (LR 3).
Operation: When the patients' vital signs were
stable, the main acupoints were punctured with even
reinforcing-reducing method, and the needles were
retained for 25 min.
In acute phase, or 4 weeks after the onset, or
involving the Zang-organs, manifested by coma,
drowsiness, dizziness, wheezing, flushing, red eyes,
constipation, red tongue, white or yellowish greasy
coating, and taut pulse, the main acupoints were
firstly needled with reducing method to activate the
brain and dredge collaterals. After drawing the
needles out, acupoints Shuigou (GV 26), and Jiquan
(HT 1), Neiguan (PC 6), Huantiao (GB 30) and
Weizhong (BL 40) in the affected side were
punctured with twirling, lifting and thrusting techni-
ques until the needled limbs twitched for 3 times,
removing the needles immediately. Later, Motor
Area and Sensory Area on scalp were needled, and
 9 32 9
Bafeng (Ex-LE 10) and Baxie (Ex-UE 10) were
pricked with needle to bleed slightly in the skin.
In recovery phase and sequelae phase, the
symptoms were fatigue, general weakness, swelling
and numbness of hands and feet, pale tongue, and
white greasy coating caused by both deficiency of yin
and yang. The main acupoints were needled to
reinforce qi and dredge collaterals. Then, warming
needle method was applied on Zhongwan (CV 12),
Tianshu (ST 25), Qihai (CV 6), Zusanli (ST 36), and
Quchi (LI 11) to strengthen Yuan-qi for 25 rain.
Tuina therapy was also used in recovery phase and
sequelae phase. The patient took a lying position.
Knead Yintang (Ex-HN 3), Jingming (BL 1), Taiyang
(Ex-HN 5), Jiaosun (TE 20), Fengchi (GB 20),
Fengfu (GV 16), Jianjing (GB 21), Motor Area, and
Sensory Area, press Fengfu (GV 16), lastly grasp
Fengchi (GB 20) and Jianjing (GB 21). And then, roll
the affected limbs; knead Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI
11), Waiguan (TE 5), Hegu (LI 4), Fengshi (GB 31),
Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Xuanzhong
(GB 39), and Kunlun (BL 60); grasp, pluck and
knead the upper and lower limbs, and lastly move
hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints. All
these manipulations took about 50 rain.
2. Control group
Western medicine were used to lower intracranial
pressure and maintain the blood pressure, according
to the patient's condition, drugs for improving brain
blood circulation and supply nutrition to the brain
ceils were taken. Based on syndrome differentiation,
Chinese medicine for removing phlegm and blood
stasis, reinforcing qi and nourishing yin were given.
Therapeutic Effects
1. Criterion for effects
According to the Diagnosis and Effect Criteria
for Common Diseases, the therapeutic effects were
evaluated by the scores judging neurogenic
impairment and the patient's living ability. The later
was divided eight degrees, which are Degree l :
working, or doing house work normally; Degree lI :
self-care, living independently, and working partly;
Degree 111: self-care basically, living with a few
helps; Degree IV: self-care partly, living with more
helps; Degree V : being able to stand and walk with
care; Degree V[: lying in the bed, being able to sit,
living with care; Degree ~: lying in the bed, moving
partly, needing feeding; Degree ~ : vegetative state.
Recovery: The scores decrease by 90% to 100%,
and the living ability is Degree I .
Good effect: The scores decrease by 46% to 89%,
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
and the living ability is Degree 11 to Degree IV.
Improvement:The scores decrease by 18% to 45%.
No effect: The scores decrease by less than 18%.
Worsening: The scores increase instead.
2. Treatment results (Table 2)
Table 2. The therapeutic effects in the two groups (n)
Good No
Group Recovery effect Impr~ Worsening
Treatment 16 29 7 0 0
Control 8 8 18 4 2
The treatment result of treatment group is better
than that of control group (Z2= 14.655,P< 0.01).
Discussion
In TCM, it considers that stroke is caused by the
pathogenic wind, phlegm and blood stasis obstructing
meridians and collaterals, hence disturbing qi and
blood flowing. So, the main treatment principle is
dredging meridians and collaterals, regulating qi and
blood. Since the yangming meridians store more qi
and blood, Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Shousauli
(LI 10), Hegu (LI 4) and Zusauli (ST 36) were
punctured to regulate qi and blood. Shuigou (GV 26)
can open orifice, activate brain, and dredge
meridians and collaterals. Neiguan (PC 6), can
relieve mental stress. Sanyinjiao (SP 6) can reinforce
liver and kidney. Jiquan (HT 1), Weizhong (BL 40),
Quchi (LI 11), and Xuehai (SP 10) were used to
strengthen the function of dredging meridians and
collaterals.
As it impairs different parts in cerebral vascular
accident, besides hemiplegia, the accompanying
manifestations are logagnosia, dysphagia, facial
hemiparalysis and numbness of half body. So, when
accepted acupuncture and Tuina treatment, the
patients should practice functional training as early
as possible, to improve the affected limbs' condition,
and prevent contracture of limbs and abnormal
posture.
Many experiments indicated that acupuncture and
Tuina function to promote collateral circulation of
the cerebral vessels, advance thrombolysis and absorb
thrombus, so as to improve the brain's and limbs'
microcirculation, increase the blood oxygen supply of
affected tissues, promote metabolism, activate nerve
ceil, and recover the functions of upper and lower
motor neurons. So, the regulative functions of
acupuncture on the brain represent the balance of
yin and yang.
Translator: XIAO Yuarrchun ( ~ ~Laft-)
Received date: Jul.20, 2004
 Journal of Acpuneture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
Treatment of 317 Cases of Facial Paralysis by Acupuncture
CHEN Guo-neng(N N ~ )
Chen's Acupuncture Clinic, Qushan Town, Zhoushan city, Zhejiang, 316281, China
lOO% ,r ~ , ~ , ~ t ~ # o
~ : ~i~q,f a , ~ r ~r
Abstract: Three hundred and seventeen cases of facial paralysis were treated by acupuncture
plus acupoint-injection, the results showed 313 cases were cured, 3 cases got significant effect
and 1 case had effect, and the total effective rate was 100%. This method is perfect for
treatment of facial paralysis and worthy of popularization.
Key Words: Facial paralysis; Acupuncture-Moxibustion; Hydro-acupuncture
CLC number: R246.6 Document code: B
Facial paralysis, also named peripheral facial
paralysis, is a common disorder in clinic. From 1983,
the author had treated 317 cases by acupuncture and
acupoint-injection, and it is now reported below.
Clinical data
Facial paralysis induced by central and cerebral
vascular disorders, injury and tumors were excluded
in the 317 cases. Among them, 167 cases were male
and 150 cases were female; the youngest was 8 years
old and the oldest was 73; the shortest duration of
disease was 1 day and the longest was 43 days.
All the cases were caused by insufficiency of
healthy qi, weakness of collaterals and obstruction of
meridianal qi of Taiyang meridians by invasion of
wind-cold evils, and characterized by such symptoms
as distortion of mouth to healthy side, dysraphism of
eyelids, shallowness of nasolabial groove, salivation
during speaking, and pain in auricular posterior and
inferior regions in individual cases.
Therapeutic Methods
1. Acupuncture method
Acupoints: Cuanzhu (BL 2), Jingming (BL 1),
Yingxiang (LI 20), Dicang (ST 4) through Jiache (ST
6), Shuigou (GV 26), Xiaguan (ST 7) and Hegu (LI
4).
Manipulations: Filiform needles of 40 mm in
length and 0.3 mm in diameter were selected. The
patients were asked to lie on bed. Cuanzhu (BL 2),
Jingming (BL 1), Yingxiang (LI 20), Dicang (ST 4)
Author:CHEN Guo-neng(1958-), male, advancedacupuncturist
9 33 9
through Jiache (ST 6), Shuigou (GV 26), Xiaguan
(ST 7) and Hegu (LI 4) in the affected side were
punctured, then Jiache (ST 6) and Xiaguan (ST 7)
were treated with moxibustion for 4-5 cones. All the
needles were given medium stimulation and taken in
place for 30 rain, the treatment was given once every
day or once every other day, 7 treatments made up a
course of treatment. If necessary, the next course
was given after 3-day rest. The acupoints should be
pressed with cotton ball quickly when the needles
were withdrawn, and Jingming (BL 1) should be
pressed for about 2-3 rain.
2. Acupoint-injection method
Acupoint: Yingxiang (LI 20), Dicang (ST 4), Jiache
(ST 6) and Hegu (LI 4).
Manipulations: During the course of treatment by
acupuncture, acupoint-injection was given once every
3 days. After the mixed injection of Vit B12 0.5 rag,
Radix Angelicae Sinensis ( ~ ,}~ ) Injection 1 ml.
Chaenomeles fruit(,~k.lg.) Injection 1 ml 2% lidocaine
2 ml was drawn in a 5 ml-syringe with 6~ needle-tip
and Yingxiang (LI 20), Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 7)
and Hegu (LI 4) in the affected side were sterilized
with 75% alcohol, the mixed injection was injected
into these points, the needle-tip was obliquely
punctured into the points, and the injection was
slowly injected into the points after there has no
blood in recrement, 0.25-0.5 ml for every point.
Therapeutic Effect
1. Standard of therapeutic effect
Reference to the Standard of Diagnose and
Therapeutic Effect of TCM Disease stipulated by
 9 34 9
National TCM Bureau in 1994.
Cure: Disappearance of facial paralysis and facial
expression restores to normal.
Significant effect: Basic disappearance of facial
paralysis, facial muscular functions restores to
normal basically.
Effectiveness: Symptoms and signs had
improvements; slight wry mouth would appear
induced by laugh and whiff, nasolabial groove and
forehead stripe had not restored to normal.
Failure: Symptoms had no improvements.
2. Therapeutic results
Among the 317 cases, 313 cases were cured, 3
cases got significant effect and 1 case had effect, and
the total effective rate was 100%.
3. Case report
A 3lYyear-old male fisherman was seen on Aug.
28, 1998. Three days before, when he brushed his
teeth in the morning, he found water flew out from
his mouth corner and the mouth distorted to the
right side, left eyes can not close, and shedding tear,
disappearance of forehead stripe, nasolabial groove
became shallow, facial numbness and auricular
posterior and inferior regions were painful. Physical
examination showed: normal function of heart and
lung, normal nervous system, blood pressure 16/10
kpa, temperature 37~ white thin tongue-fur,
floating tense pulse. It was diagnosed as facial
paralysis by TCM, and as facial nerve inflammation
by Western medicine. He was cured after 10-time
treatments by acupuncture plus point-injection.
Experience
Peripheral facial paralysis is called mouth-eye
distortion in TCM. It can develop in any ages, and is
commonly seen in young and middle-age people. It is
caused by acute non-suppurative inflammation in
stylomastoid foramen. TCM holds it is often due to
insufficiency of body healthy qi, emptiness of vessels,
and invasion of wind into collaterals of Yangming
and Shaoyang, therefore giving rise to obstruction of
qi and blood and hypotrophy of tendons and muscles.
Seldom, it can be also caused by correspondence of
blood insufficiency or excess of five emotions with
internal wind~ .
There have many different methods to treat this
disease. Usually the facial paralysis victims can get
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
good prognosis with appropriate intervention at
earlier stage, warm-keeping of the face and well-
balanced diet, otherwise some may get sequelace in
case they were inappropriately treated. Acupuncture
and moxibustion can exert the effects of dispelling
wind, scattering cold, smoothing tendons and
activating collaterals. Yingxiang (LI 20), Dicang (ST
4), Xiaguan (ST 7), Jingming (BL 1) and Shuigou
(GV 26) are crossing points, Hegu (LI 4) is yuan-
source point, Cuanzhu (BL 2) is a point of Bladder
Meridian and Jiache (ST 6) is a point of Stomach
Meridian. Crossing point is the place of crossing of
meridional qi, convergent qi can benefit for arrival of
qi and regulation, having a stronger sensation and
better effect than general points. Hegu (LI 4) is one
of twelve yuan-source points, puncturing yuan-source
point can not only reduce excess, and also reinforce
weakness, therefore exerting the effect of supporting
healthy qi to resist external pathological factors E21.
Cuanzhu (BL 2) and Jiache (ST 6) can disperse wind
and clear away heat, smooth mandibular articulation;
they are effective points for treatment of facial
paralysis. In addition, medicinal point-injection can
further function to regulate yin and yang, support
healthy qi and remove pathological factors, dredge
meridians, and it can directly deliver medicine into
diseases place through meridian to remove
inflammation and swelling, activate blood flow and
stop pain through nervous reflective conduction~33.
Combination of the two methods can produce
significant therapeutic effect.
References
~d:d~~/~.,1958..411.
Department of Actrmox of Jiangsu TCM School.Acu-moxi
Science. Jiangsu People's Publishing House, 1985:411.
E2]~ ~-T-, ~ ,~,,-T-.Cr.~@ ~ ~ ~ ~-~-~ ,]~ ~.ag ~ : ~
.,%~./,~,.~ ~..~i&,1998: 367.
ZHAO Ji-ping, WANG Yan-ping. Theory and Clinic of
Special Acupoint. Beijing: DocumentalPublishing House of
Science and Technology,1998:367.
1997..17.
LI PtL Collectionof Point-injectionTherapy. Beijing: TCM
Publishing House of China, 1997:17.
Translator: WU Xue-fei(~ ~:~ )
Receiveddate..Apr.20, 2004
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 35 9

Acupuncture Therapy on Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome

XIA Nai-nian(1.~ -q-), HUANG Ming-juan(~ ~1]~ )
Changde NO.1 TCM Hospital, Hu'nan, 415000, China

CLC number: R246.83 Document code. B

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) syndrome, an snapping joints got better and basically restored to
commonly and frequently encountered disease, is normal function.
characterized by motor dysfunction of mandibular
Failure: No obvious improvement.
joint and snapping articular surface as major
complaints, and then tinnitus, facial pain and 2. Therapeutie result
occasional headache, most patients got limited Among the 68 cases, 62 got recovery, 4 got better
mouth open and pain inside the joints or masseter and 2 got no effect.
muscle. The authors of this article have treated 68 Table 1. Relationship between age and effect
cases of TMJ syndrome since 2001. Age N Recovery Effective Failure
Clinical Data 18-30 12 10 1 1
31-40 15 13 2 0
Among the 68 cases, male cases: 43; female cases: 41-45 41 39 1 1
25; the oldest: 45 years old; the youngest: 18 years
old; the longest disease course: 96 days; the shortest 3. Case report
disease course: 16 days; with obvious dysfunction and The patient, male, 41 years old, got mandibular
snapping joints: 60 cases; with tinnitus: 45 cases. joint pain in the left side in June 2003, dysmasesis
Therapeutic Method and tenderness in right-side mandibular joint,
snapping mandibular joint, tinnitus and headache
Major points: Jiache (ST 6), Xiaguan (ST 7), Hegu with mouth open, X-rays showed no osteo-changes
(LI 4) and Neiting (ST 44). and both medication and block therapy didn't work
Adjunctive points: For dysfunction, plus Chengjiang well, therefore came for acupuncture therapy, points
(CV 24) and Shenmen (HT 7); for tinnitus, plus Tinghui including Jiache (ST 6), Xiaguan (ST 7), Dicang (ST
(GB 2) and Yifeng (TE 17); for headache, plus Taiyang 4) and Hegu (LI 4) plus Neiting (ST 44) and Tinghui
(extra point); for facial pain, plus Dicang (ST 4). (GB 2) were selected and got better after one
course and recovery after another course.
Operation: Once every day with even reinforcing-
reducing manipulation, one treatment course Experience
consists of 10 times and the therapeutic effect was
evaluated after one course. Acupuncture therapy got quick effect in treating
TMJ syndrome by clearing meridians, activating qi
Therapeutic Effect and blood flow and the therapeutic effect is related
1. Criteria of therapeutic evaluation to the needling sensation, selection of points and
needling technique.
Recovery: Mandibular joint pain, snapping joint
and tirmitus disappeared and restored to normal Translator: HAN Chou-ping (-~ .//- ~ )
function. Received date:Sep.25, 2004

Effective : The pain got obvious relief ; tinnitus and

Author: XIA Nai-nian (1959-), attending physician

 9 36 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Treatment of 50 Cases of Cervical Spondylopathy by

Acupuncture plus Tuina
TAN Ming-yan( $ ~ ) ~ )
Acupuncture and Mo~dbustionDepartment, Hospital of XiangtanUniversity,Hunan, 411105, China

+~ ~)~'~: 35 ~,] , ~ 28 ~,1 , ~ @ 6 #,], ~L~ 1 ~,1.

Abstracts. According to the syndrome differentiation, 50 cases of cervical spondylopathy were

treated by puncturing the distal acupoints and performing massage manipulation on the local
affected area. After 2 courses of treatment, 35 cases were cured, 8 cases were markedly
effective, 6 cases were improved,1 case was ineffective.
Key Words. Acupuncture Therapy;Tnina; Massage; Cervical Spondylosis; Syndrome Differ
Classification
CLC number. R246.9 Doument code:B

Cervical spondylopathy, also called neck and cases.

shoulder syndrome, anterior cervical scalene muscle
syndromes, fascitis of neck and shoulder muscles,
often occurs in the middle-aged and elderly and is a
common disease. Many methods can treat this
disease. Since 1994 the author adopted the method
of puncturing the distal acupoints and massaging the
local affected site, namely, puncturing the
corresponding acupoints on the distal portion of the
four limbs and the handles were connected with the
electro-acupuncture apparatus, during the retaining
the needles, perform the massage manipulation on
the local affected site and its surrounding area, to
treat 50 cases of cervical spondylopathy. The report
is as follows.
Clinical M a t e r i a l s
1. General materials
Of the 50 cases of patients with cervical
spondylopathy, 18 cases were male, 32 cases were
female, their ages ranged from 25 to 75 years old, the
duration of the disease was from 2 months to 3
years, the X-ray examination showed varying
degrees of the anterior and posterior edges of
cervical vertebrae, change of the physiological
curvature, narrowing of the intervertebral space,
proliferation of the small joint or calcification of
ligament of cervical vertebrae in 38 cases, no
abnormal changes in 10 cases, CT scanning showed
degeneration of cervical intervertebral disc,
accompanied by the nucleus pulposus bulging out in 2
Author: TAN Ming-yan(1970-), male, attendingphysieain
2. Syndrome differentiation
Type of blockage in meridians and collaterals:
Migrating pain in the neck, shoulder and back,
soreness, distending, numbness sensation of the body
limbs, the pain attack is closely associated with the
weather, which is aggravated by cold, and alleviated
by warmth, stiffness in the neck and limitation of
cervical movement and cordlike muscle bundle or
tenderness pain point can be felt by palpitation on
the nape, swollen and dark tongue, a deep and slow
or wiry and slippery pulse.
Type of qi stagnation and blood stasis: Severe
stabbing or burning and fixed pain in the neck and on
the upper limb of the affected side, which is
alleviated on the day time and aggravated at night,
refusal to be touched, muscular atrophy of hand,
numbness sensation on the finger tip, accompanied
by throbbing pain on the head, headache, dizziness,
blurred vision, insomnia and so on, a purple or blood-
specked tongue, wiry and thready or thready and
choppy pulse.
Type of kidney and liver deficiency: Soreness and
weakness of the neck and nape, blurring of vision,
flushed sensation on the face, bitter taste in the
mouth and dry throat, insomnia with excessive
dreams, irritability, inability to sit and stand for a
long time, lumbar soreness and weak keen joints,
lassitude, numbness, restricted movement of the
four limbs with constant trembling sensation of
muscles and soft tissue, red tongue with less coating,
a thready and wiry pulse.
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005.Vol.3,No.1
Therapeutic Methods
1. Acupuncture
Acupoints: According to the syndrome differentiation,
acupoints Fengfu (GV 16), Tianzhu (BL10), Waiguan
(TE 5), Hegu (LI 4), Lieque (LU 7), and Houxi (SI 3)
were selected for the type of blockage in meridians
and collaterals; Dazhui (GV 14), Tianzhu (BL 10),
Geshu (BL 17), Yinxi (HT 6), Houxi (SI 3), Hegu
(LI 4) and Xuehai (SP 10) were selected for the type
of qi stagnation and blood stasis; Ganshu (BL 18),
Shenshu (BL 23), Geshu (BL 17), Zusanii (ST 36),
Xuanzhong (GB 39), Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR
3) were selected for the type of kidney and liver
deficiency.
Manipulation: Type of blockage in meridians and
collaterals: The patient was asked to take a sitting
position, Waiguan (TE 5, the affected side), Lieque
(LU 7, bilateral), I-Iouxi (SI 3) through Hegu (LI 4)
were selected. After routine sterilization, the
suitable filiform needles were inserted respectively
into the above acupoints, after the arrival of qi,
manipulated needles with reducing method of strong
stimulation, then the needle handles on acupoints
Lieque (LU 7) and Houxi (SI 3) were connected with
the therapeutic apparatus of G-6805 2A type made
by Shanghai Huayi factory, with consecutive wave and
the current intensity being adjusted to the degree
that the patient could tolerate, retained the needles
for 30 rain and removed later.
Type of qi stagnation and blood stasis: The patient
was asked to take a sitting position, bilateral Yinxi
(HT 6), Houxi (SI 3), Hegu (LI 4) and Xuehai (SP
10) were selected After routine sterilization, the
suitable filiform needles were inserted respectively
into the above acupoints, after arrival of qi,
manipulated needles with reducing method of strong
stimulation, then the needle handles on acupoints
Yinxi (HT 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Xuehai (SP 10) were
connected with the therapeutic apparatus, with
sparse-dense wave and the current intensity being
adjusted to the degree that the patient could
tolerate, retained the needles for 30 min and
removed later.
Type of kidney and liver deficiency: The patient
was asked to take a sitting position, bilateral Zusanli
(ST 36), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Taixi (KI 3) and
Taichong (LR 3) were selected, after routine
sterilization, the suitable filiform needles were
inserted respectively into the above acupoints, after
9 37 9
the arrival of qi, manipulated needles with
reinforcing method of strong stimulation, then the
needle handles on acupoints Zusanli (ST 36),
Xuanzhong (GB 39) and Taixi (KI 3) were connected
with the therapeutic apparatus, with sparse-dense
wave and the current intensity being adjusted to the
degree that the patient could tolerate, retained the
needles for 40 min and removed later.
The treatment was conducted once daily; 10 days
will be a course of treatment, with 3-day interval
between two courses of treatment. The therapeutic
treatment was evaluated after 2 courses of
treatment.
2. Tuina
During the retaining of needles, the operator first
applied An-pressing and Rou-stationary circular
pressing to Jiaji (Ex-B 2, C1-T1), especially Ashi
acupoints, for about 5 rain, then, An-pressing and
Rou-stationary circular pressing were carried out for
about 1 rain to the kidney meridian and bladder
meridian from hair edge of nape to Tb thoracic
vertebrae and to the following acupoints: Baihui (GV
20), Quepen (ST 12), Fengchi (GB 20), Tianzong (SI
11), Jianzhongshu (SI 15), Jianwaishu (SI 14) and
Jianjing (GB 21).
For the Type of blockage in meridians and collat-
erals, Fengfu (GV 16) and Tianzhu (BL 10) were
added. For the type of qi stagnation and blood stasis,
Dazhui (GV 14) and Geshu (BL 17) were added.
For the type of kidney and liver deficiency, Ganshu
(BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23) and Geshu (BL 17) were
added, and then, Gun-Rolling was conducted on the
neck, nape, shoulder and back, combined with flexion
and extension movement for 5 rain, then the
manipulator applied the Bashen-traction and towing
on the neck forward and upward forcefully for 1 rain
while supporting lower chins with both hands, then
performed Yao-rotation on the neck and nape to
turn the patient's head to the left side and right side,
then applied oblique Ban-manipulation of the cervical
vertebrae for about 1 rain, Finally, relax the muscles
on the neck with Rou-stationary circular pressing
and Na-holding, and applied Ji-beating to the neck
and shoulders to end the treatment.
Therapeutic Effect
1. Standards for evaluating the therapeutic effect
Cured: The symptoms and signs completely
disappeared and no relapse in half-year's follow-up.
Markedly effective: The symptoms and signs were
 9 38 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

relieved basically, the patient felt slightly uncomfortable treatment to consolidate the therapeutic effect, no
after over-work. relapse occurred in one year's follow-up.
Improvement: Pain and stiffness of neck and
Discussion
shoulders, headache and dizziness were relieved
partially. Cervical spondylopathy, also called as cervical
No effect: The symptoms and signs had not any vertebral hypertrophic syndrome, belongs to the
changes. category of "Injuries of Jin" in TCM, mainly results
2. Therapeutie result from the prolonged chronic strain of the cervical soft
After 2 courses of treatment, of 50 cases, 35 cases tissue, dysfunction of qi and blood, and blockage of
were cured, 8 cases were markedly effective, 6 cases local meridians due to invasion of pathogenic wind,
cold and dampness, or impairment of vital qi induced
had improvement, and 1 case was ineffective. The
by improper or delayed treatment for the acute
total effective rate was 98.0%.
injury. The treatment principle of this disease is
3. Case report mainly dredging meridians and regulating qi and
The patient, male, 62 years old, retired teacher, removing blood stasis. The authors selected the
the first visit on April 30, 2001. acupoints based on the differentiation of symptoms
He complained of pain on the right neck and and signs, and adopted acupuncture plus massage to
shoulder, accompanied by soreness, distension and treat this disease, achieving the satisfactory clinical
numbness of the right upper limb, repeated pain on effect. The method of " puncturing the distal
the right and shoulder for 14 years, now he suffered acupoints and massaging the local area" is not only
from pain on the right neck and shoulder, stiffness of suitable for the cervical spondylopathy, but also for
the cervical muscles and soreness and numbness of other diseases.
the right upper limb, pain is aggravated by cold, and
dampness or at night, and alleviated by warmth or Translator.. ZHU Zhong- chun ( ~ ,~ a~)
movement, low spirit, pale complexion, tenderness Receiveddate: Mar .20, 2004
on the neck area and around the shoulder, painful
nodular hyperplasia of soft tissues with eminence can
also be found on the right nape, limitation of cervical
movement, the biceps reflex of the right upper limb
is decreased, the sensation of the thumb and index
j
finger on the affected side is also decreased, swollen
and purple tongue with thin and greasy coating, deep
and slow pulse. X-ray examination showed the
physiological curvature became straight and the
hyperosteogeny of the posterior edge of cervical
vertebrae between C5 to C7, narrowing of the
intervertebral spaces, the calcification of ligament.
He was diagnosed as cervical spondylopathy of
radiculopathy type, caused by obstruction in the
meridians and collaterals due to invasion of
pathogenic cold and dampness, the treatment
principle is resolving dampness and dispersing cold,
dredging the meridians and collaterals. According to
the above mentioned method, the patient was
treated with electro-acupuncture on acupoints
Lieque (LU 7, bilateral), Houxi (SI 3) through Hegu
(LI 4), in the meantime, massage was also
performed, the patient was asked to do neck Diagram of the Triple Energizer Meridian in Yzzong
exercise for 15 min daily. After 15 sessions of J injian ((( I~ ~ ' ~ - ) ) ) , cited from Illustrated Book on the
treatment, the symptoms and signs completely Historical Development o f Chinese Acu-moxibustion
disappeared, he was given another 5 sessions of Science
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 ~ 39 9

Clinical Observation on Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis with

Acupuncture plus Traction
WU Ling (~: J~-)~,YANG Xue-zhen ( ~ : j ~ ) 2
1. Acupuncture,Tuina and Rehabilitation Center of Dangchang CountyTCM Hospital, Gansu, 784500, China
2. AcupunctureDepartment, NarLheHealth Center in Dangchang County, Gansu, 748500, China

98.5~o ~ , ~ , ~ t r 1-2~'~.,~t~,~'~;~2-3 4~r?~r:o

Abstract: Altogether 202 cases of cervical spondylosis were treated with traction first,
followed by needling such points as Jiaji (Ex-B 2), Dazhui (GV 14), Fengfu (GV 16), Fengchi
(GB 20), Baihui (GV 20), Yuzhen (BL 9), Houxi (SI 3) and Hegu (LI 4) with combination of
point injection on Jiaji (Ex-B 2) points and TDP irradiation on the affected region. After three
courses of treatment, the total effective rate reached 98.5%, among which those with types of
cervical, nerve-root and vertebral artery took 1-2 courses, while those with types of spinal cord
and sympathetic nerve took 2-3 courses.
Key Words: Acupuncture-Moxibustion; Traction; Cervical Spondylosis; Hydro-acupuncture
CLC number: R246.9 Document code: B

Cervical spondylosis, the regressive affection
involving bone, cartilage and fibrous tissue of
cervical vertebras, can cause stenosis of vertebral
canal and nerve root, which then compresses or
damages the spinal cord, nerve root and blood vessel
either respectively or simultaneously and leads to the
corresponding symptoms. In terms of traditional
Chinese medicine, it belongs to the scope of "Bi-
syndrome" and " Wei-syndrome". Owing to its
complex symptoms, lingering course and different
affected location, cervical spondylosis can bring
sufferance in various degrees to both the victims and
their families. The authors treated 202 cases from
January 2002 to May 2004, and now the report is as
follows.
Clinical Data
1. Criteria of inclusion
Refer to evaluation on therapeutic effect of
cervical spondylosis from Diagnostic and
Therapeutic E f f e c t Criteria on TCM Diseases
stipulated by the State Administration of TCM.
2. Criteria of exclusion
Spinal cord cancer in cervical part, spinal arach-
noiditis in cervical part, myelosyringosis and atrophic
lateral sclerosis, etc. are excluded.
3. General material
The detailed information on 202 cases: male cases:
106; female cases: 96; the oldest: 67 years old; the
youngest: 25 years old; the mean age: 46 years old;
the shortest disease course: 2 months; the longest
disease course: 33 years; the mean disease course:
16.5 years; cervical type: 36 cases; nerve-root type: 48
cases; vertebral artery type: 30 cases; sympathetic
type: 24 cases; spinal cord type: 22 cases; mixed type:
42 cases; and all the cases were dearly diagnosed
with X-ray or CT scanning and didn't get satisfactory
effect through different therapies.
Therapeutic Method
1. Acupuncture
Major points: Jiaji (Ex-B 2) points above or below
the affected vertebrae, Dazhui (GV 14), Fengfu
(GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui (GV 20), Yuzhen
(BL 9), Houxi (SI 3) and Hegu (LI 4).
Adjunctive points: For dizziness and headache, add
Upper Yintang point (Extra point, 1 cun above
Yintang, Ex-HN 3, a little bit left or right) and
Taiyang (Ex-HN 5); for tinnitus, add Zhongzhu (TE
3); for blurred vision, add Cuanzhu (BL 2) and
Taiyang (Ex-HN 5); for numbness and pain of upper
limbs, add Near Bailao (Extra point, 1 cun lateral to
C4-5) and Jianjing (GB 21); for numbness and pain in
radial aspect, add Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11) and
 9 40 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Waiguan (TE 5); for numbness and pain in ulna
aspect, add Jiaji (Ex-B 2) points of T1-2, Jianliao (TE
14), Shaohai (I-IT 3) and Zhongzhu (TE 3); for
discomfort of throat, add Lianquan (CV 23) and
Renying (ST 9); for arrhythmia, add Neiguan (PC 6)
and for discomfort of lower limbs, add Xuanzhong
(GB 39).
Needling technique: For the patients with dizziness
and headache, puncturing perpendicularly upward 1.5
cun on Dazhui (GV 14) with 85~ the needle tip and
make the needling sensation radiate to the head; for
the patients with numbness and pain of upper limbs,
puncturing obliquely downward 1.2 cun on Dazhui
(GV 14) and make the needling sensation radiate to
the shoulder; puncturing perpendicularly 0.5-0.8 cun
on Fengfu (GV 16) with slow insertion and make the
needling sensation radiate to the head and removing
without needle retention; puncturing obliquely on
Baihui (GV 20) to periosteum until the sensation of
soreness, numbness and heaviness appeared;
puncturing Hegu (LI 4) with the needle tip toward
shoulder to make the needling sensation radiate to
arms; puncturing Upper Yintang (Extra points)
perpendicularly with needle tip downward and then
to the periosteum along the bone until the sensation
of deep and tense appeared; puncturing Cuanzhu
(BL 2) with needle tip downward until the eyes
became moistened; puncturing Near Bailao (Extra
point) with head lowering and make the needling
sensation radiate to fingers; puncturing
perpendicularly upper Lianquan (CV 23) with
needles of 75 mm and removing without needle
retention; puncturing Renying (ST 9) toward the
Adam's apple by pushing the carotid artery aside
(Male eases: 12-14 kg; female cases: 8-10 kg), and
intermittent traction was performed with the
traction/intermittence ratio of 3:2, each time lasting
20 rain, once every day and one treatment course
consists of 10 times.
Acupuncture therapy was performed after the
traction, 5 days in between the treatment courses and the
therapeutic effect was evaluated after three consecutive
courses, and those without significant effect were defined
as failure.
Therapeutic Effect Observation
1. Criteria of therapeutic effect
Refer to the therapeutic effect criteria on cervical
spondylosis from Diagnostic and Therapeutic
E f f e c t Criteria on TCM Diseases issued by the
State Administration of TCM in 1994.
Recovery:. Symptoms and s i g n s completely
disappeared, restoration to normal life and work;
Marked effect: Symptoms and signs basically
disappeared or significantlyrelieved,reduced positive signs
and mild cervicaldiscomfort after fatigue;
Certain effect: Symptoms and signs partially
disappeared or significantly relieved but not completely
controlled;
Failure: Symptoms and signs remained the same
as before or got worse.
2. Therapeutic effect
Table 1. Therapeutic effect of different types of cervical
spondylosis (Case)
Type N Recovery ME CE Failure TER (%)
Cervical 36 36 0 0 0 100
Nerve-root 48 36 12 0 0 100

first and removing without needle retention. The Vertebral artery 30 20 8 2 0 100
other points were performed with routine method.
Sympathetic 24 12 5 6 1 95.8
2. Point injection
Spinal cord 22 10 9 2 1 95.5
Xiangdan Injection of 2 ml, Vit B12 injection of 1
ml, Ergoealciferoland Calcium Injection of 1 ml and Mixed 42 30 6 5 1 97.7

Anisodamine Injection of 1 ml were injected into Notes: ME, marked effect; CE, certain effect; TER, total
cervical Jiaji (Ex-B 2) respectively, 0.2-0.3 ml for effective rate. The same below.

each point and once every other day. It can be seen from this table that all the 36 cases
Point injection, needling and TDP irradiation were of cervical type got recovery within one treatment
performed simultaneously once every day, 30 -rain course, and tables 2-6 showed the relationship
retaining of the needles, cupping and moxibustion between types and therapeutic effect.
after removal of the needles. One treatment course Table 2. Nerve-root type (Case)
consists of 10 times.
Treatment course N Recovery ME CE Failure
3. Traction
1 48 29 16 3 0
The patients were asked to take sitting position
with cervical antireflection 15~ ~ The traction 2 19 7 12 0 0
weight started from 6 kg and gradually increased
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 41 9

Table.3. Vertebral artery type (Case) Meridian and belongs to wood by the theory of five
Treatment course N Recovery ME CE Failure elements and also one of the eight confluent points
1 30 9 11 9 1 connecting with Governor Vessel and can strengthen
the dissipating cold function of Dazhui (GV 14). The
2 21 10 9 2 0
combination of all the above points can clear the
3 11 1 8 2 0 obstructed meridians, local point injection can dilate
Table 4. Sympathetic type (Case) the vessels and Vit BIZ can nourish the nerves. In
Treatment course N Recovery ME CE Failure addition, cupping and moxibustion can stimulate and
1 24 1 8 12 3 regulate the responsive ability of the organism, build
2 23 2 12 7 2 up the strength of muscular ligament, improve the
3 21 7 4 6 2 local blood circulation and tissue nourishment and
expand the motor scope of cervical facet joints to
Table 5. Spinal cord type (Case) prevent atrophy.
Treatment course N Recovery ME CE Failure Despite the satisfactory result of comprehensive
1 42 3 14 22 3 acupuncture therapy, the first choice among non-
2 41 16 13 11 1 surgery therapies is traction c1~, and what's more,
3 23 11 6 5 1 intermittent traction worked much better c2~.
Traction can relieve the muscle spasm around the
Table 6. Mixed type (Case) cervical area, reduce the using of intervertebral disc,
Treatment course N Recovery ME CE Failure widen the intervertebral space or foramen and
1 42 3 14 22 3 relieve the compression on nerve root. In addition, it
2 41 16 13 11 1 can also relax the adhesion between nerve root and
3 23 11 6 5 1 peripheral tissues and extend the vertebral artery,
and combining functional exercises cart improve the
It can be seen that the types of cervical, nerve-root
stress of the local muscle group, reduce the
and vertebral artery got recovery within 1-2 courses,
mechanical compression on blood vessels and
while the types of spinal cord and sympathetic took
irritation on cervical nerve root from regressive
2-3 courses, and the needling effect showed
affection of cervical vertebrae and then establish the
sustainability and accumulation, which correlated
new balance of cervical anatomy.
with the treatment course.
Acupuncture therapy on cervical spondylosis is
Discussion worth spreading for its quick effect, low cost, no
pain, no side effects, low recurrence rate and
The commonly and frequently encountered
satisfactory result.
cervical spondylosis used to attack middle or elderly
people, but tends to attack younger people today. In References
terms of TCM, it is due to congenital weakness and
1-1]~@~,], ~ ~-~,/~ ~ ~-,--~-.~a~-~~ ~ ~/Jr..~ ,31~ ~
malnutrition of muscles and bones; or obstruction of
~g-,. ~ ~ ~ ~ ~,*~,, 1994,17(1) ,31.
meridian qi in the cervical area resulting from ZHANG Xi-li, LI Xiu-qing, PANG Cbang-jin, et al.
strain, qi stagnation, blood stasis and invasion of Therapeutic Effect Observation on Cervical Spondylosis by
pathogenic wind-cold. The nape area is the crossing Different Angles of Traction. Journal of Chinese Nursing,
place of Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian, and 1994, 17 (1): 31.
cervical Jiaji (Ex-B 2) points are exactly located F2]~Ii.,~..~-~,~ ~ 138 -Y,I,~J[..~ ~ X~g.~" NIKt~.,
between Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian, 1995,10(1) : 25.
and consequently puncturing these points can LIN Chun-sheng. Rehabilitation Therapy Observation on
138 Cases of Vertebral-artery Type Cervical Spondylosis.
effectively improve the local blood flow and regulate
Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1995, 10 (1):
qi and blood. Baihui (GV 20) and Fengfu (GV 16)
25.
can tonify the sea of marrow (brain), Dazhui (GV Translator: I-IAN Chou-ping ( ~ 2/..~)
14) can activate yang qi to dissipate cold, and Houxi Received date: Sep.28, 2004
(SI 3) is the Shu-stream point of Small Intestine
 9 42 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Treatment of Postherpetic Neuralgia by Surround Needling with

Electric Stimulation
FAN Jin (~ J~), YANG Qin-hua (~.g-~-)
Second Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical College, Yunnan, 650101, China

~: ~.h~ ~ r 1 6 2 29~,J,~-~~,,~.~-~ 93.1~o

Abstract: Twenty-nine cases of postherpetic neuralgia of herpes zoster were treated by the
surround needling with electric stimulation, and the better therapeutic effect was obtained, the
total effective rate was 93.1%.
Key Words: Surround Needling; Electroacupuncture; Herpes Zoster; Acupuncture Therapy
CLC number. R246.6 Document code: B

Herpes zoster is an acute herpetic skin disease
which is commonly seen in clinic, it is believed in
TCM that this disorder was caused by the
accumulation of damp heat and noxious fire in the
subcutaneous tissue resulting from disharmony
between the liver and the spleen due to the invasion
of the noxious evils, the treatment methods of
clearing away heat, eliminating toxin, regulating the
functions of the liver and the spleen, removing
dampness and fire for this problem often show
satisfactory therapeutic effect. But some patients,
especially the older and weak people, often suffer
the long-lasting and intractable postherpetic
neuralgia (PHN) after the shingles rash heals, the
pain of PHN can be sharp and often occurs in the
area larger than the original rash site, and it can last
for months and even years. At present, no specific
drug for this disorder can be found, thus the patients
often suffer the unbearable pain. Clinically, the
authors adopted surround needling with electric
stimulation to treat 29 cases of PHN, now it is
reported as follows.
Clinical M a t e r i a l s
1. General materials
Twenty-nine cases of PHN were all in-patients
from the outpatient department or dermatology
department, including 17 males and 12 females, with
the age ranging from 16 to 71 years old, and with the
duration from 2 weeks to 3 months.
2. Differentiation patterns
Ten cases belonged to the pattern of damp-heat in
the liver and the spleen, and blockage of the
meridians and collaterals, and 19 cases belonged to
the pattern of stagnation of qi and blood stasis,
deficiency of the liver and the kidney. Clinically, it is
manifested by herpes zoster, erythema, chickenpox
or the local pain in the affected are or in the area
larger than the original rash site without the skin
lesions, the pain may be sharp and stabbing, which is
aggravated at night or at rest, and the painful area
often locates in the lumbocostal region, distributing
along the cutaneous nerve unilaterally, and doesn't
exceed the median line, a few of patients had to take
tranquilizer and analgesic to stop pain temporarily.
Therapeutic Methods
The disposable aseptic acupuncture needles 0.25
mm in diameter and 25 mm in length were inserted
into about 20 mm deep around the trace of the
herpes zoster which has been disappeared, with the
distance of about 30 mm between two needles. The
even reinforcing-reducing method was performed
and the patient had better feel the soreness,
numbness, distending and heavy sensation, and then
the needle handles were connected with the
Xinsheng Brand Acupuncture Therapeutic
Apparatus G-6805-I(made in Qingdao, China), with
sparse-dense wave, and the current intensity should
be adjusted to the degree that the patients could
tolerate. For the patients of the pattern of damp-
heat in the liver and the spleen, blockage of the
meridians and collaterals, the acupoints
Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Hegu (LI 4) were
punctured additionally with reducing method, and for
the patients of the pattern of stagnation of qi and
blood stasis, deficiency of the liver and the kidney,
the acupoints Xuehai(SP 10) and Taixi(KI 3) were
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
punctured additionally with reinforcing method. The
needles were retained for 30 rain, the treatment was
given once every day, with 10 times being a course of
treatment.
Therapeutic Effect
1. Criteria of therapeutic effect
Cure: After treatment, the pain disappeared, and
the clinical symptoms and signs disappeared, the
follow-up survey showed no relapse within 1 week.
Improvement: After treatment, the pain is
relieved, and the clinical symptoms and signs
disappeared or are relieved, but they reoccurred
occasionally, and are relieved again after continual
treatment..
No effect: After treatment, the pain is not
relieved, and the clinical symptoms and signs were
not improved obviously.
2. Therapeutic results
After 1-3 sessions of treatment, 8 cases were
cured, 19 cases were improved, and 2 cases got no
effect, the total effective rate was 93.1%
3. Case report
The patient, male, 69 years old, retired teacher
from Yunnan University, had suffered herpes zoster
for over 2 months, when he came to seek medical
treatment, the herpes had diminished, and some
scabs in a few of regions could be found, the skin in
the left hypochondriac region to the mid-line in the
chest was red-purple. He complained of the sharp
and stabbing pain in the same area as the original
rash, which is aggravated at night, restlessness in the
daytime, poor appetite, and he could not sleep and
should take the tranquilizer to stop pain, even he had
the thought of committing suicide. Based on the
syndrome differentiation, he was diagnosed as the
PHN, in the pattern of stagnation of qi and blood
stasis, deficiency of the liver and the kidney, the
patient was treated by the surround needling with
electric stimulation around the trace of the herpes,
and the acupoint Xuehai (SP 10), Taixi (KI 3) and
Zusanli (ST 36) were punctured additionally to
enhance the patient's body immunity, so as to tonify
the kidney, regulate the functions of the spleen and
the stomach, promote the blood circulation, dredge
the meridians and stop pain. After 10 treatments,
the patient told that the pain was slightly relieved,
and he could sleep for 3-4 hours at night, the patient
was asked to continue treatment once every other
day, after the second course of treatment, the pain
was greatly relieved, the diet and sleep was almost
9 43 9
normal. In order to consolidate the therapeutic
effect, the patient was asked to receive another
treatment twice a week, after the third course of
treatment, the pain was completely relieved, and the
mind, diet and sleep were all normal, no pain was
reported after 1 month.
Experience
The herpes zoster virus, which also causes
chickenpox, causes herpes zoster and the herpes
occurs often in the chest and back region and the
hypochondriac region. The PHN occurs more often
in older and weak people. In the early stage of the
herpes zoster, the drug of anti-virus and enhancing
immunity for this disease can obtain the better
therapeutic effect, but in the late stage, no better
therapeutic methods, but for the analgesic, can be
found for the PHN. According to the principle of "
acupoint selection along the meridians", we adopted
electro-acupuncture to treat the PHN, and achieved
the better therapeutic effect. As this disorder is
caused by the invasion of the heat evils and the
accumulation of heat in the liver and the spleen, the
patient took much drugs of clearing away heat and
removing toxin in early stage of the disease, thus the
patient suffered the pain in the pattern of deficiency
in origin and excess in superficiality in the late stage
due to the prolonged disease course. Therefore, we
adopted the even reinforcing-reducing method in the
local region to stop pain, so as to promote the flow
of qi, remove the blood stasis to improve blood
circulation, dredge the meridians, and combined with
the acupoints of tonifying the liver and the kidney,
strengthening the spleen and stomach with reinforcing
method to enhance the body's resistance, and the
satisfactory therapeutic effect was achieved.the
Translator.. ZHU Zhong-chun(~-,~.g)
Reeeivcd date..Sep.28, 2004
9 Termindogy 9
Skin Needling
A needling technique in Neijing ((( ~ ~2))), one
of the nine needling technique in ancient times.
referring to puncturing superficially to treat
shallow-sited diseases. The contemporary
cutaneous needle is developed from it, and its
applications have also been enlarged.
 9 44 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Treatment of 72 Cases of Sciatica by Needle Warming Therapy

plus Tuina
CHEN Qian-li (I~.~_~) ~, ZHANG Ze-sheng ( ~ ) z
1. Health Center of Wanshan Town, ZlauhaiMunicipal, Guangdong,519005, China
2. Zhuhai MunicipalTCM Hospital, Guangdong,519000, China

~. ~ h 1 ~ T 72~,]~'~Ar 13/~,],~4~,],~2~,],,~
~)~ 97.2~176

Abstract: The main acupoints Huantiao (GB 30) and Juliao (GB 29), combined with the
adjunct acupoints according to the pain characteristic, were punctured, after arrival of qi, needle
warming therapy was performed, and then Tuina therapy was applied after the removal of
needles. Among 72 cases of sciatica treated by these therapies, 53 cases were cured, 13 cases
were remarkably improved, 4 cases were effective, and 2 cases got no effect, with the total
effective rate being 97.2%.
Key Words: Sciatica; Needle Warming Therapy; Tulna; Massage
CLC menber: R246.6 Document Code: B

Sciatica refers to the pain along the path of the
sciatic nerve and its distributed region, which is due
to the obstruction of meridianal qi caused by invasion
of wind cold dampness into the meridians and other
causes. In recent years, the authors applied the
needle warming therapy plus Tuina to treat 72 cases
of sciatica based on the principle of " syndrome
differentiation along meridians and selections of
acupoint on painful region". Now it is reported as
follows.
Clinical M a t e r i a l s
1. Diagnostic criteria
Referring to the Diagnostic and Therapeutic
Effect Criteria o f TCM Diseases promulgated by
State Administration of TCM, the authors diagnosed
this disease: pain along the large sciatic nerve that
runs from the lower back down the back of the leg;
tenderness can be found on the points lateral to the
lumbar vertebrae, sacroiliaca point, buttock point,
popliteal fossa point, fibular point, lateral malleolus
point, and central point of phalanx along the path of
sciatic nerve; positive results of traction and pulling
test of sciatic nerve.
2. General materials
Of the 72 cases of out-patients, 49 cases were
male, 23 cases were female, the youngest one was 19
years old and the oldest one was 61 years old, the
shortest disease duration was 5 days and the longest
was 2 years. Forty-one cases had the sciatica on the
left side, 23 cases on the right side and 8 cases on
the bilateral side; 31 cases belonged to the type of
obstruction of wind, cold, dampness. Twenty-four
cases belonged to the type of blood stasis, 17 cases
belonged to the deficiency of qi and blood.
T h e r a p e u t i c Methods
1. Needle warming therapy
Main acupoints: Huantiao (GB 30), Juliao (GB 29)
and Ashi points on the lower back.
Adjunct acupoints: For the radiating pain to the
lateral malleolus, point Zhibian (BL 54) and
Chengshan (BL 57) were added; for the radiating to
the anterior lateral malleolus, point Fengshi (GB 31)
and Xuanzhong (GB 39) were added; for the
radiating pain to the dorsum pedis or anterolateral
of tibia, Biguan(ST 31) and Fenglong (ST 40) were
added. All selected points were on the affected side.
Operation: After routine sterilization of the local
skin, the acupoints Huantiao (GB 30), Juliao (GB 29)
and Ashi points were punctured perpendicularly 2-3
cun deep with the filiform needles 75 mm in length,
and the other acupoints were punctured perpendicularly
with the filiform needles 40 mm in length, and then the
needles were manipulated with the lifting, thrusting and
twirling and rotating techniques, so as to induce the
needle sensation to radiate to the lower limb, then,
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
wrap the needle handles with a unit of moxa wool as
big as nut core and ignite them, three moxa cones
for each acupoint, and the needles were retained for
20 rain.
2. Tuina therapy
After the needles were removed, the operator
stand on the affected side of the patient, first relax
the upper back muscles, lumbar and the leg muscles,
then apply An-pressing and Rou-stationary circular
pressing to the painful points and the acupoints and
meridians related to the painful points from the
lumbsacral portion down the heel for several times,
and then apply An-pressing to the painful points and
the acupoints and meridians related to the painful
points for 20 rain. With the patient supine, hold the
heel with one hand and lift it, bend the knee joint and
the hip joint and rotate left-ward and right-ward for
several times, then apply the Rou-stationary circular
pressing, Nie-pinching, An-pressing to the muscles
from the upward (groin) to the downward with two
hands until the patient feels soreness, numbness,
distending and heavy sensation, after the
manipulation, the patient can feel comfortable
remarkably. The treatment is given every day, and 7
days made up once course of treatment.
Therapeutic effect
1. Criteria of therapeutic effect
Referring to the Guide to Clinical Practice o f
Acupuncture and Moxibustion on 43 kinds o f
Disease recommended by WHO.
Clinical cure: The patient felt no pain, and the
function activity restored normal, the follow-up
showed no relapse.
Marked effectiveness: After treatment, the
patient felt slight pain occasionally when coughing or
improper posture.
Effectiveness: The symptoms and signs was
improved obviously, and got worsen in case of
weather change and overwork
Ineffectiveness: No obvious change in the
symptoms and signs.
2. Therapeutic results
In 72 cases of this group, the results showed
9 45 9
clinical cure in 53 cases, marked effectiveness in 13
cases, effectiveness in 4 cases, ineffectiveness in 2
Cases, and the total effective rate reached 97.2%
3. Case report
The patient, male, 58 years old, worker, visited on
May 22, 2001. He felt radiating pain from the
lumbocrural region to the lower limb and lateral toe
on the left side for 20 days, especially when walking
or coughing, and the pain is aggravated in wet
weather or at night. Examination showed that the
patient gradually raised the affected limb with the
leg straight to 45 degrees, he felt stabbing pain of
the buttock, the myodynama of the lower limb was
decreased slightly, and the pressing pain could be
found between the acupoints Shenshu (BL 23) and
Pangguangshu (BL 28).It was diagnosed as primary
sciatica (in acute stage), after given the above
treatment for a course, he felt no pain completely
and could do daily work. In order to consolidate the
therapeutic effect, he was given another 5
treatments, and the follow-up showed no relapse.
Discussion
Sciatica, belonging to the category of " Bi
Syndrome" in TCM, is caused by the exopathogen
attacking the bladder and gallbladder meridians, the
treatment principle of this disorder is to promote the
flow of qi and blood, remove blood stasis and dredge the
meridians. The acupoints Huantiao (GB 30) and Juliao
(GB 29), located on the region of the large sciatic nerve,
were performed needle warming m~ibustion; the rapid
therapeutic effect can be achieved. Acupuncture,
combined with needle warming moxibustion, can
expel the pathogenic cold from meridian and
promote blood circulation to stop pain. Tuina therapy
not only relax the muscular spasm, improve the
compression on the nerve, but also disperse
pathogenic wind, and clear away cold, dredge the
meridians. The combined use of three therapies can
enhance the therapeutic effect of sciatica, so as to
eliminate and improve the symptoms.
Translator: ZHU Zhong-chun ( ~ , ~ )
Received date: Jun.10, 2004
 9 46 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Clinical Research on Acute Lumbar Sprain by Qi-inducing

Acupuncture Manipulation
FAN Gui-bin ( ~ )
TCM Hospital of Gutian County, Fujian, 352200, China

~r ~ ~t , ~ . . ~ t 30 ~r,I,~ , 1 ~-~ ~ ~ ~:z~ - ~ . ~ ~ r? ~~- ~..~ 30 ~,J , ~ ~

~]~%)~ ~ 20 rain. 3 d ) ~ g L ~ o ~:~,~'~r~:~ 86.7~162 43.3~,~L~.

Abstract: Purpose: To discuss the clinical value of qi-inducing acupuncture manipulation in the
treatment of acute lumbar sprain. Method: Sixty patients were randomly and single-blindly
divided into two groups. There were 30 cases in observation group, after arrival of qi, qi-
inducing manipulation was performed; there were 30 cases in control group, after arrival of qi
with routine needling method, needles were retained for 20 rain. The curative effect was
evaluated after 3 days. Results: The cure rate was 86.7% in observation group and 43.3% in
control group. The cure rate of observation group was significantly higher than that of the
control group ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: Qi-inducing acupuncture manipulation was a better
manipulation in treating acute lumbar sprain.
Key Words: Acupuncture Therapy; Sprain and Strain; Lumbar Muscles; Back Pain.
CLC number: R246.9 Document code:A

Qi-inducing acupuncture manipulation was firstly
seeninNei Jing ((( ~ .~))). Ling Shu (((.~;.~E)))
said: "Slowly thrusting and lifting needles are called
inducing-qi". This manipulation was applied to
derangement of qi, and presently was flexibly used in
clinical case of various acute or chronic diseases
except obvious Deficiency-or-Excess syndrome
without obvious symptomsEI~. In recent two years, the
author treated acute lumbar sprain by qi-inducing
manipulation. It is reported as follows.
General D a t a
All cases were outpatients with lumbar sprain
history and complained of paroxysmal lumbago and
limit in action after sprain. Physical examination
showed: lumbar rigidity, disappearance of lumbar
front convex, scoliosis, musculus sacrospinalis
spasmus, tenderness at lumbosacral region. If
necessary, lumbosacral organic disease must be
excluded by X-ray examination. Of the sixty cases
treated, 33 were male and 27 were female; the ages
ranged from 16 to 65 years old; the shortest duration
of disease was 1 hour and the longest was 3 days; 49
suffered from unilateral sprain and 11 suffered from
bilateral sprain. Sixty patients were randomly and
single-blindly divided into 2 groups, there were 30
cases in observation group and control group
respectively. There was no obvious difference in age
and disease duration between the two groups. They
were comparative (P> 0.05).
Therapeutic Methods
1. Observation group
Points: Ashi points (tenderness points), Shenshu
(BL 23) and Weizhong (BL 40).
Methods: The patient was asked to take a prone
position on a hard wood bed and place two hands on
the head. The doctor pressed the region among the
lumbar vertebrae and on bilateral lumbar muscles
with thumbs, to find out the tenderness points.
After routine disinfection, filiform needles with 0.35
mm in diameter and 50 mm in length were
perpendicularly inserted into the points to a depth of 1-
1.5 cun. After lifting-thrusting-twirling manipulation and
arrival of qi, the needles were lifted and thrust slowly,
reached the extent that the patient could not
tolerate.
Then Shenshu (BL 23) and Weizhong (BL 40)
were needled with same methods.
Manipulation was applied on every point for 2-5
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 47 9

min. After manipulation, the needles were pulled Weizhong (BL 40) is the He (Sea)-point of Bladder
out. No needle was retained. Meridian, one of the four most common acupoints,
The treatment was given once daily, 3 times as a and a key point of treating lumbar pains. Shenshu
course. (BL 23) can nourish kidney and strengthen lumbar
2. Control group region; Ashi points can dredge meridian and stop
The points chosen were as the same as the pain. All the points were used together to unblock
observation group, after arrival of qi, the needles meridians and stop pain.
were retained for 20 min. Ling Shu ( ( ( . ~ ) ) ) said: 'q'he key of acupuncture
The treatment was given once daily and 3 times is obtaining qi. Only when qi arrives, the effects
made up a course. arrive." It shows that arrival of qi is the key for
acupuncture to get satisfactory effect. However, for
Curative Effects
getting better curative effect, on the basis of
1. Criteria of curative effects obtaining qi, we need perform different
Cure: Pain disappeared, and lumbar functions manipulations such as reinforcing, reducing and qi-
were normal. inducing according to different disease condition. Qi-
Improvement: Pain was relieved, and lumbar inducing manipulation is designed for derangement
movements were limited. of qi in Nei Jing ((( ~ ~ ))), the purpose is
Ineffectiveness: Symptoms were not relieved. circulating qi and removing stasis. The study in this
2. Curative result article showed that acute lumbar sprain by qi-
Table 1. Comparison of the curative effects between the two inducing acupuncture manipulation reached the cure
groups of patients (Case) rate of 86.7%, significantly higher than control
Group N Cure Improvement Ineffectiveness TER(%) group, and explained qi-inducing manipulation can
Observation 30 26 3 1 96.7 circulate qi and blood and remove stasis and
Control 30 13 15 2 93.3 accelerate the restoring of the damaged tendon and
Note: TER, total effective rate vein. Qi-inducing acupuncture manipulation for acute
Chi-square test showed that there was a lumbar sprain has a quick and better curative effect
significant difference in cure rate (Z2= 12.75, P < as well as a high clinical value.
0.01), but their total effective rates were similar (Z2
Reference
= 0.35, P > 0.05).
[1]1t~, ~ ~,~/~i~/~l. ~ I ~ t ~ , 1995,15(4) :41.
Discussion
JI Lakxi. Qi-inducing Manipulation and its Clinical
The most common cause of acute lumbar sprain Applications. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibnstion, 1995,
15(4): 41.
was overloading, overexerting, pulling or overturning,
leading to local stagnation of qi and blood, Translator: CUI Yi-jun (.lt[t~ ~ )
damnification of tendon and vein. So the therapeutic Received date: Jun.10, 2004

principle was dredging meridians and stopping pain.

9 A d v a n c e Notice 9
M a i n Contents in the Next Issue

9 Introduction to Dr. ZHAO Guo-cen's Experience in Treating Atrophic Gastritis

9 Forums: Stomachach
9 Treatment of Chronic Gastritis by Acupuncture: A Review
9 Clinical Study on Acupuncture Treatment of Atrophic Gastritis with Reducing within Reinforcing
Manipulations
9 Clinical Observation on Acupuncture Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia
9 Treatment of 32 Cases of Bile Reflux Gastritis by Embedding Catgut In Acupoints
9 Clinical Study on Motor-Developmental Tuina Therapy for Infantile Cerebral Palsy
9 Clinical Study on Acupuncture in Treating Infantile Hyperactivity
 9 48 9 Journal of Acpuneture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1

Treatment of Infantile Cerebral Palsy Mainly by

Acupoint-pressing and Tuina
ZHENG Wei-guo ( ~ ~ N )
Third Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou Universityof TCM, Guangdong, 510360, China

;~: ~ 640 ~r,] 7 ~ ~X$1 ~ , ~ ) L I ~ ;:~ 8~ ~ . ~ . ~ , ~.~ ~ , ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

~1~)~I~., ~.~r ~ g g ~ g ~ ) q ~ ) ~ , ~ . ~ e . ~_~, - ~ g ~ ~?~ ~ - ~ , ~

Abstract: Purpose: To investigate therapeutic methods and results of comprehensive

convalescent method of acupoint-pressing, Tuina, acupoint-injection and exercise in the
treatment of childhood cerebral palsy. Methods: Six hundreds and forty children under 7 years
old with cerebral palsy were divided randomly into treatment and control groups, and they were
both given routine acupoint-injection and functional exercise, children in treatment groups were
also given Tuina and acupoint-pressing therapies following acupoint-injection and functional
exercise. Results: Therapeutic effect was significantly better in treatment group than that in
control group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: Comprehensive convalescent method, mainly by acupoint-
press, Tuina, and acupoint-injection is one of premium therapy for treatment of childhood
cerebral palsy, and this comprehensive convalescent therapy is really full of Chinese features
and worthy of popularization.
Key Words: Tuina; Massage; Cerebral Palsy; Child
CLC number: R246.4 Document code: B

and it is now reported below.

General D a t a

All cases were outpatients from Red-cross

ZHENG Wei-guo, born in 1959, junior consultant doctor,
mainly engages in clinical works of acu-mox and Tuina
Infantile cerebral palsy, non-progressive cerebral
injury syndromes during developmental period,
mainly featured by central motor dysfunction and
gesture abnormality, and often accompanied by
deformities, is one of common complicated diseases
in children. From 1996, the author has treated 360
cases by comprehensive method of acupoint-pressing,
Tuina, acupoint-injection, and functional exercise,
Hospital of Dongguan and the third hospital
affiliated to Guangzhou University of TCM. They
were all diagnosed according to the criteria of
symposium of national cerebral palsy in 1998
combined with the three principles and four
essentials of super-early stage and early stage
diagnoses for cerebral palsyE12.
In treatment group, 250 cases were male and 110
cases were female; 215 cases were under 1 year old,
116 cases between 1 and 4 years old, 29 cases from 4
to 7 years old; 283 cases were spastic type, 17 cases
hand-foot athetosis, 35 cases mixed type, 25 cases
hypomyotonia type; 202 cases were four-limb
paralysis, 69 cases bilateral paralysis, 56 cases hemi-
paralysis, 33 cases three-limb paralysis.
Of 280 cases in control group, 180 cases were
male and 100 cases were female; 195 cases were
under 1 year old, 67 cases between land 4 years old,
18 cases from 4 to 7 years old; 213 cases were
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
spastic type, 25 cases mixed type; 26 cases were
hand-foot athetosis, 16 cases hypomyotonia type, 191
cases four-limb paralysis; 35 cases were bilateral
paralysis, 41 cases hemi-paralysis and 13 cases
three-limb paralysis.
Statistic analysis showed there has no significant
difference between the two groups (P> 0.05).
Therapeutic Methods
1. Treatment group
The acupoints were selected according to the
symptoms of the patients. Sishencong (Ex-HN 1),
Baihui (GV 20) and Fengchi (GB 20) were selected
for hypophrenia, Jinjin (Ex-HN 12), Yuye (Ex-HN
13), Tongli (HT 5) and Lianquan (CV 23) for
aphasis; Dazhui (GV 14), Tianzhu (BL 10) and
Shenzhu (GV 12) for cervical flaccidness; Hegu (LI
4), Waiguan (TE), Quchi (LI 11) and Jianyu (LI 15)
for upper-limb paralysis; Zusanli (ST 36), Futu (ST
32), Biguan (ST 3) and Huantiao (GB 30) for lower-
limb paralysis; Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and Shenshu
(BL 23) for waist softness; Shousanli (LI 10) and
Zhizheng (SI 7) for spasm of elbow joint; Juegu (GB
39), Kunlun (BL 60) and Shenmai (BL 62) for
strephenopodia; Sanyinjiao (Sp 6),Taixi (KI 3) and
Zhaohai (KI 6) for strephexopodia; Jiexi (ST 41),
Shangqiu (SP 5) and Qiuxu (GB 40) for foot drop;
Jiexi (ST 41) for scissors gait; Yanglingquan (GB
34), Taichong (LR 3) and Chengshan (BL 57) for
spasm; Yanglingquan (GB 34) for upper-limb
hypermytonia; and Zusanli (ST 36) and Pishu (BL 20)
for hypomyodynamia.
Upper 1/5 and middle 2/5 of motor zone of scalp
acupuncture were selected, motor-sensory zone for
fine movement imbalance, intelligence zone for
dysnoesia, language II and III zones for aphasis, hear
zone for dysaudia, eyesight zone for visual
disturbance, balance zone for unstable gait and
general maladjustment.
The above-mentioned acupoints were given
pressing, rubbing and other Tuina manipulations till
the patients felt sore, numb, swelling sensation;
besides, rolling, kneading, rubbing and other
manipulations were also given on the affected
regions.
These treatments were given once every day and
Table 2. Therapeutic result of different age period in treatment group
Age (years old) N Normal (%)
< 1 215 126(58.6)
1-4 116 13(11.2)
>4 29 1(3.4)
9 49 9
30 times made up a course of treatment.
2. Control group
Functional exercise (Bobjta method) was selected
as the main therapy, once every day, 40rain for every
time and 30 times made up one course of treatment.
All the cases of the two groups were both given
acupoint-injection of Naofukang injection
Therapeutic Results
1. Criteria of therapeutic results
Criteria of therapeutic results for childhood
cerebral paralysis was stipulated according to
Criteria of diagnose and cure for clinical diseases
written by SONG Chu-xing and clinical therapy of
acupoint pressing written by WANG Zha-puE2~.
Normal: disappearance of clinical symptoms,
normal intelligence, language, movement and
gestures, no muscular spasm, normal functional
movement, no difference from normal same-age
children.
Significant effect: significant improvements in
clinical symptoms, muscular spasm, movement
amplitude of the affected joints increasing more than
30~ and the patients able to take care of many daily
living things by themselves, such as eating, putting on
clothes and walking.
Improvement: improvements in clinical symptoms,
partial restoration of limb movement and functions,
muscular spasm, and movement amplitude of the
affected joints increasing more than 15~, and the
patients only able to take care of several daily living
things by themselves, and still needing nursing care.
Failure: there was no improvements after
treatments or even becoming worse.
2. Therapeutic results (seen table 1 and table 2)
Table 1. Comparison of therapeutic effect between the two groups
Group N Normal SE Improcement Failure TER (%)
Treatment 360 131 151 78 0 100
Control 280 56 102 88 34 87.8
Notes: SE, significant effect; TER, total effective rate, The
same below
Statistical analyses showed there was a significant
difference in therapeutic effect between the two
groups; treatment group was better than that in
control group.
SE(%) Improvement (%) Failure (%) TER (%)
69(32.1) 20(9.3) 0(0.0) 100
70(60.3) 33(28.5) 0(0.0) 100
6(20.7) 22(75.9) 0(0.0) 100
 9 50 9
Statistical analysis showed there was significant
difference in therapeutic effect at different age-
period, which i,ndicated that the younger age with the
earlier treatment got better therapeutic effect.
3. Case report
An ll-month boy was visited on Dec.23, 2000. He
suffocated almost 3 min at the time of delivery, and
resuscitated following clapping. Physical examination
showed retard reaction, disability in crawl, good
sitting position, worse grip strength of hands, lower
limbs unable to support bodily weight, double
strephexoponia, IV-V grade of two upper-limb
myodynamia, lI grade of two lower-limb myodynamia,
hypomyotonia, no significant changes examined by head
CT, abnormal eletroencephalogram (EEG). He was
diagnosed with medium cerebral palsy (flaccid). The
above-mentioned therapeutic methods were given,
and the grip strength of hands increased and he
could crawl with helps after 5 course treatments;
grip strength of hands restored basically to grade V,
and lower limbs could support bodily weight, and he
could crawl independently after 6 courses of
treatment; significant improvements in reaction and
strephexoponia, two upper limbs basically restore to
normal, he could stand up without helps and could
also walk with helps after 9 courses of treatment, his
intelligence, language, movement and joint functions
restored to normal, and there was no difference
from same-age children.
Discussion
Infantile cerebral palsy, categorized to five retar-
dations, five flaccidness and five stiffness in TCM, is
caused by congenital insufficiency and postnatal real-
nutriment, failure of essential qi of five Zang-organs
to brain. TCM holds kidney is the congenital
foundation, restoring essentials, dominating bones
and producing marrow, brain is the sea of marrow.
Children with congenital insufficiency or postnatal
real-nutriment could give rise to deficiency of kidney
essential and marrow sea, therefore affecting the
brain and inducing serious symptoms, such as
hypophrenia. Modern researches E~-~;showed pressing
acupoint could improve regional blood circulation,
activate sensory function, improve cerebral blood
flow and cerebral cortex activities, increase
Journal of Acpunctureand Tnina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
myodynamia, relax muscular tension, and strengthen
bodily constitution. Injection of Naofukang could also
activate, protect, and repair nerve cells, strengthen
memory, promote learning. Tuina can make skins
produce histamine-like substance, leading to
dermovascular dilation, increase of local blood
volume and temperature, warm skins, strengthen
muscular elasticity, promote circulation of blood and
lymph close to joints, improve ligamentous elasticity,
remove articular spasm, and also improve eyesight
and intelligence and tranquilize mind. This method is
simple and safe, and also unlimited in age and
instruments, and children are very willing to accept.
References
,~, 1989, 27(3): 162.
LIN Qing. Definition, Diagnosis and Typing of Child
Cerebral Palsy. China Journal of Pediatrics, 1989, 27(3):
162.
2000: 16%184.
LU Qing-chun. Modern Treatment and Diagnosis of
Cerebral Palsy. Beijing: Huaxia Publishing House, 2000:
16%184.
1999, 15(4): 12-14.
TIAN Shuang-rong, LILT Ping. Treatment of 42 Cases of
Cerebral Palsy by Acupuncture. Journal of Clinical
Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1999, 15(4): 12-14.
[4]..-Z.~~, ~ ~-1-r /-. -~.~-, ~.r ~--@-.~ ~ ,.i,)L ~ 200
~"I,I~~ ~t ._F..~r E ~. ~, 2002,21(4): 13-15.
WANG Jun-ying, ZHANG Hui-jia, WANG Yi-mei, et al.
Clinical Research on Treatment of 200 Cases of Child
Cerebral Palsy Mainlyby Acupuncture.ShanghaiJournal of
Acupuncture and Moxibustion,2002, 21(4): 13-15.
[5]~]~J~.~ ~ ~ ,J,)t~~,19_~'~ 210 ~,j ,I~A~9.g. ~'
I~r 1999,19(11): 651.
LIU Zhen-huan.Clinical Observation on Treatment of 210
Cases of Child Cerebral Palsy Mainlyby ScalpAcupuncture.
Chinese Acupunctureand Moxibustion, 1999, 19(11): 651.
[6]~ ~E.~L~q,J, J t ~ b t . ~ " I~r 1997, 17(7):
420.
BAO Chao. Progression on Treatment of Child Cerebral
Palsy by Acupuncture. Chinese Acupuncture and
Moxibustion, 1997, 17(7): 420.
Translator: WU Xue-fei(~:~'E )
Receiveddate: Jun.15, 2004
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 51 *

Treatment of 60 Cases of Acne by Acupuncture and

Herbal Medicine
HUANG Xue-mei ( ~ ~ ' ~ )
Department of Acupuncture,DongguanTCM Hospital, Guangdong,511700, China

~,~)g'~. 42~,J , ~ 18~,J , ' ~ . ~ - ~ 70% , , ~ $ ~ 100%o

Abstract: 60 cases of acne were treated by applying the collateral-pricking and cupping on
Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13), Ganshu (BL 18), Xinshu (BL 15) and Geshu (BL 17), in
combination with herbal medicine. After two courses of the treatments, the results showed cure
in 42 cases, effect in 18 cases, the curative rate in 70% and the total effective rate in 100%.
Key Words:Acne; Acupuncture Medication Combined; Acupuncture-Moxibustion

Acne is a chronic follicular steatosis ffequentlyseen in
adolescence and is termed Acne of Lung Wind in
TCM. We have treated 60 cases of acne by the
collateral-pricking and cupping in combination with
herbal medicine since 1991. Now, the report is given
as follows.
Clinical Materials
1. General treatment
All 60 cases were out-patients, including 23 males
and 37 females, with the age ranging from 15 to 36
years old. 45 cases were unmarried and 15 cases
were married. The shortest duration was one month
and the longest duration was 12 years.
2. Criteria of diagnosis
Based upon Pillsbury classificationE~3, Grade I -IV
was diagnosed.
Grade I : Blackhead acne in scattering and
multiple condition, scattering inflammatory skin
rashes, in 9 cases.
Grade I]: Based upon Grade I , plus superficial
pustules, increased inflammatory skin rashes
localized on the face, in 35 cases.
Grade HI: Based upon Grade I], plus deep
inflammatory skin rashes in the face, neck, chest and
back, in 12 cases.
Grade IV: Based upon Grade I]], plus cyst and
scars in the upper body, in 4 cases.
T h e r a p e u t i c Methods
1. Collateral-pricking and cupping method
Author:HU ANG Xue-mei(1967-),female,attending physician
Acupoints: Dazhui (GV 14), Feishu (BL 13),
Ganshu (BL 18), Xinshu (BL 15) and Geshu (BL
17).
Operation: After the patient took a prone position
to expose the back completely and the skin was
cleaned routinely, the practitioner tapped the
acupoints with the dermal needle by medium force
till slight bleeding, and then applied the cups for 10 -
15 rain.
The treatment was given once every other day and
five times made one course of the treatments. Two
courses of the treatments were given continuously.
2. Herbal medicine therapy
Main recipe: Herba Taraxaci (~&-~:)15 g, FIos
Lonicerae ( - ~ q g ~ ) 20 g, RadixRehrnanniae ( ~ . ~ )
15 g, Radix Semiaquilegiae ( & ~ ) 15 g, F1os
Chrysanthemi Indici ( ~ ) 10 g, Cortex Moutan
Radicis (~-)P,.) 20 g, Cortex Dictamni Radicis ( ~ ~t
~ ) 15 g, Folium Eriobotryae ( ~ ) 10 g, Radix
Scutellariae ( ~ - ~ ) 1 0 g, and Radix Paeoniae Rubra
( ~ ~/)10 g.
Fructus Forsythiae (L~ ~ ) and Radix Trichosanthis
( ~ ~ ~)') were added for severe skin infection.
Rhizoma Imperatae ( ~ ~ ]f~-) was added for
obvious wet and red skin lesion. Semen Coicis
( ~ - ~ $ : ) and Rhizorna Atractylodis Macrocep -
halae ( ~ ~ ~ ) were added for excessive seborrhea.
Spina Gleditsiae ( .~ J~ ~l] ) and Spica Prunellae
( ] ( ~ ; :~) were added for cyst or node. Fructus
Tribuli (#t] '~ ~ ) was added for itching. Radix
Angelica Sinensis ( ~ ~)~) was added for irregular
menstruation. Fructus Canabis ( ~ , ~ ) and Radix
Rhei (~7~r were added for constipation.
 9 52 9
One dose a day. The herbs were decocted with
water and the the decoction is divided into two equal
portions to be taken. 10 day made one course of the
treatments.
3. Local treatment of skin lesion
The cosmetic needles were used to release
blackhead ache and remove pus and purulent
excretion, for instance, to prick cyst and nodular
injury to remove purulent blood and blood stasis by
the plum blossom needle for cyst or node, once every
other day. For obvious redness, swelling, itching and
pain in the local area, "Shenzi Lotion" or Tannic Acid
Lotion can be used for wet application for 30
minutes, once every other day for mild case and once
every day for severe case.
Therapeutic Effects
I. Criteria of therapeutic effects
Cure: After two courses of treatments, original
acne disappeared completely, and the skin became
shine, without node under the skin and without new
acne.
Effect: After two courses of treatments, original
acne disappeared mostly, with only a little new ache.
Failure: After two courses of treatments, the
symptoms did not change obviously.
2. Therapeutic results
In 60 cases, the results showed cure in 42 cases
and effect in 18 cases, and the total effective rate in
100%.
Table 1. Relation between therapeutic effects and patterns
Patterns N Cure Effect Failure
Grade I - I1 44 31 13 0 moisten the skin.
Grade Ill-IV 16 11 5 0
By chi-square test, P > 0.05, and there was no
significant difference between two groups in the
curative rate.
Discussion
It is believed in Chinese medicine that this disease
is caused by ascending of the accumulated heat in
the lung and stomach to the face, or outward
transmission of pathogenic wind and heat, or upward
attack of pathogenic heat after prolonged
accumulation of dampness and heat in the spleen and
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
stomach due to indulgence in food intake and over-
intake of spicy and fat foods.
Dazhui (GV 14) is an acupoint of the Governor
Vessel and the Governor Vessel dominates yang qi
of the whole body and connects with the three yang
meridians of the hand and foot on its pathway. The
functions of Zangfu organs are related to the
Governor Vessel. The collateral-pricking and
cupping method on Dazhui (GV 14) can clear away
the accumulated heat in the lung and stomach,
activate blood and disperse blood stasis for the
treatment of the causative reason. In combination
with Feishu (BL 13), the effect of clearing away the
lung heat can be strengthened. "All types of pain,
itching and sores are related to the heart."
Therefore, Xinshu (BL 15) is used to clear away
heat, cool blood and stop pain. "Blood should be
treated first in the treatment of wind (acne of lung
wind), and wind could be eliminated once blood
flows." Therefore, Geshu (BL 17), an influential
acupoint of blood, is used to activate blood, disperse
blood stasis and clear away heat from blood. By
combination with Ganshu (BL 18), the effect of
cooling blood can be elevated.
Herbal medicine can clear away dampness and
heat from the lung and stomach, dissolve heat-toxin,
cool blood and eliminate acne.
Further, the collateral-pricking method by plum
blossom needle can release pus and dissolve heat-
toxin, expel blood stasis and promote granulation.
The external application of herbal medicine can clear
away heat and relieve swelling, stop itching and
During the treatment, the patients should avoid
fishy, greasy, spicy and sweet foods and eat more
vegetables, maintain normal defecation, keep clean
in the skin, and not use cosmetic products and
squeeze the skin in the sick area.
Reference
E13~ ~ . , ~ : ~ . g 2~.~:~:~a~,~g~
~-, 1989."834.
ZHAO Bian. Clinical Dermatology. Second Edition. Jiangsu
Provincial Science and Technology Publisher, 1989: 834.
Translator: HUANG Guo-qi ( ~ Igt~,)
Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3,No.1
Preliminary Investigation on Regularity of Selecting Acupoints
for Treatment of Insomnia by Acupuncture
~IN Xue (g ~')
Changchun College of TCM, Jilin, 130117, China
~: ,~ 1994~2004 g - ~ , ~ ff--$~r ~ I"l .5-1~Yl~ . ~ . ~ .
Abstract: In the literatures from 1994-2004, points selected for treatment of insomnia were
Sheumen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taichong (LR 3), Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (Ex-HN 1),
Taixi (KI 3) and Anmian etc. Most of the key acupoints are yuan-source points of yin meridians
or located at head region, and back-shu points were selected as coordinative points.
Key Words: Insomnia; Acupuncture Therapy; Review Literature
CLC number: R246.6 Doucment code: A
Insomnia refers to a disorder having no regular
sleeping. With the life modernization, stress from
work, family, study, and other aspects become
heavier and heavier, patients with insomnia will
increase continuously. As a traditional therapy,
acupuncture not only has significant effect, but also
has no side effect. In this review, 40 pieces of reports
on treatments of insomnia by acupuncture from 1994
to June of 2004 were analyzed and summarized as
following~1-4~.
Statistical analyses showed key points and their
frequency as: Shenmen (HT 7) 39 times, Sanyinjiao
(SP 6) 38 times, Taichong (LR 3) 30 times, Baihui
(GV 20) 27 times, Neiguan (PC 6) 24 times,
Sishencong (Ex-HN 1) 23 times, Taixi (KI 3) 23
times, Anmian (Ex-HN) 16 times, Yintang (Ex-HN
12) 12 times, Zhaohai (KI 6) 8 times, coordinative
points and theirs used frequency as: Xinshu (BL 15)
30 times, Zusanli (ST 36) 29 times, Pishu (BL 20) 19
times, Shenshu 14 times, Danshu(BL 19) 11 times,
Ganshu(BL 18) 10 times Fenglong (ST 40) 10 times
Yanglingquan (GB 34) 9 times, Shenmai (BL 67) 7
times, Weishu (BL 21) 6 times, Qiuxu (GB 40) 6
times, Neiting (ST 44) 5 times; key meridians and
their frequency as" Bladder Meridian 16 times,
Gallbladder Meridian 9 times, Stomach Meridians 6
times, Kidney Meridian 6 times, Liver Meridians 6
times, Conception Vessel 5 times, Pericardium
Meridians 5 times, Spleen Meridian 5 times, Govern
Vessel 4 times, Heart Meridian 3 times, common
regions and their frequency as: foot 14 times, head
Author: LIN Xue(1976-),female, M.D.
9 53 9
~ &.~
13 times, lower leg 9 times, chest and abdomen 6
times, back 6 times, palm 5 times. From those
statistical analyses, features of selecting acupoints
for treatment of insomnia by acupuncture could be
found and summarized as following.
Key Acupoints
1. Yuan-source points of yin meridians were
mainly selected
The general pathological mechanism was
disharmony between zang-organs and fu-organs,
disorder of yin and yang. In Leizheng zhicai ((( ~aT=
~ ~ )D, it is recorded: " insomnia is caused by
disorder of yin and yang ", and yin-insufficiency was
the main pathegenesis of insomnia, so three foot-yin
meridians were mainly used, and the used orders of
the meridian, point and time were respectively as
following: 4 points of spleen meridian, Sanyinjiao (SP
6) 38 times, Gongsun (SP 4) 12 times, Yinbai (SP 1)
3 times and Yinlingquan (SP 9) 2 times; 4 points of
kidney meridian, Taixi (KI 3) 23 times, Zhaohai (KI
6) 4 times, Yongquan (KI 1) 8 times and Fuliu (KI 4)
3 times; 3 points of liver meridians, Taichong (LR 3)
30 times, Xingjian (LR 2) 8 times and Qimen (LR
14) 3 times.
Since Heart and Pericardium Meridians can
directly regulate physiological function of the heart,
significantly improve palpitation, dreaminess and
other symptoms, they are often be used in clinic,
such as, Shenmen (HT 7), yuan-source point of heart
meridian was used for 39 times and Lingdao (HT 4)
for 1 time; Neiguan (PC 6) of Pericardium Meridian
was used for 24 times, Daling (PC 7) for 7 times and
 9 54 9
Laogong (PC 8) for 4 times.
From the selection of points, it could be found
Shenmen (HT 7), shu-stream acupoint of Heart
Meridian was the highest used points for 39 times,
Taichong (LR 3), shu-stream acupoint of Liver
Meridian for 30 times, Taixi (KI 3), shu-stream
acupoint of Kidney Meridian for 23 times, Daling
(PC 7), shu-stream acupoint of Pericardium
Meridian for 7 times; in addition, ying-spring points
were often used also, Xingjian (LR 2), ying-spring
acupoint of Liver Meridian was used for 6 times,
Laogong (PC 8), ying-spring acupoint of Pericardium
Meridian for 4 times.
Shu-stream point and yuan-source point is the
same point in yin meridian, in treatment of insomnia
by acupuncture Shenmen (HT 7), Taichong (LR 3),
Taixi (KI 3) and Daling (PC 7), which are yuan-
source of Heart, Liver, Kidney and Pericardium
Meridians respectively were mainly selected. Yuan-
source point is the passway and lodge of primary qi,
stimulation of yuan-source points can dredge
meridians, regulate organs, therefore regulating qi,
blood, yin and yang, so as to produce the effect of
tranquilization and hypnosis.
2. Points at head were selected more often
Brain is the place of spirit and mind, to puncture
point at head can improve blood circulation of head,
govern and regulate qi and blood of the whole body
to balance yin and yang and nourish head and
tranquilize mind. Commonly used points at head and
their frequency were Baihui (GV 20) for 27 times,
Sishencong (Ex-HN 1) for 23 times, Shenting (GV 2)
for 18 times, Anmian for 16 times, Fengchi (GB 20)
for 15 times and Yintang (Ex-HN 12) for 12 times.
Coordinative Points
Back-shu points were often selected as
coordinative points. Back-shu points are
corresponding points on the back where the qi of the
respective zang-fu organs is infused. Since they are
very close to zang-fu organs, puncturing them can
regulate and restore zang-fu organic physiological
function. According to the meridian of the
coordinative points, Bladder Meridian was the
highest (7 points were selected), the following is the
coordinative examples.
Disharmony between heart and kidney: Xinshu
(BL 15) 30 times, Shenshu (BL 23) 14 times,
Yongquan (KI 1) 4 times, Fuliu (KI 4) 3 times and
Xiaxi (GB 43) 2 times.
Timidness due to heart-deficiency: Danshu (BL
19) 11 times, Yanglingquan (GB 34) 9 times and
Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005.Vol.3,No.1
Qiuxu (GB 40) 6 times.
Asthenia of heart and spleen: Pishu (BL 20) 19
times, Qihai (CV 6) 4 times and Ymbai (LR 9) 3
times.
Up-disturbance of liver-yang: Ganshu (BL 18) 10
times and Fengfu (GV 16) 2 times.
Internal stagnation of phlegm and heat: Fenglong
(ST 40) 10 times and Neiting (ST 44) 5 times.
Stagnation of liver-qi: Yanglingquan (GB 34) 9
times and Qimen (LR 14) 3 times.
Disharmony of kidney-qi: Zusanli (ST 36) 29 times
and Zhongwan (CV 12) 13 times.
Discussion
The most commonly selected key points for
treatment of insomnia is Shenmen ( H T 7),
Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taichong (LR 3), Baihui (GV 20),
Neiguan (PC 6), Taixi (KI 3) and Sishencong (Ex-HN
1). Theirs distributions also have certain regularity,
Baihui (GV 20) and Sishencong (Ex-HN 1) on the
head, Shenmen (HT 7) and Neiguan (PC 6) on upper
limbs, and Taixi (KI 3) and Taichong (LR 3) on
lower limbs. It could be found the most commonly
selected points are all located on head, hand and foot
regions. Modern researches showed puncturing the
point on head can regulate the dysfunction of
cerebral cortex to balance its excitation and
inhibition. TCM holds that brain is the place for
spirit and mind; Baihni (GV 20) and Sishencong (Ex-
HN 1) are the key points for tranquilization.
Shenmen (HT 7), the shu-stream point of Heart
Meridian, has the effect of tranquillization, modern
researches revealed puncturing Shenmen (HT 7)
could improve electrocardiogram, reduce heart rate,
ameliorate right cardiac function, relieve
stenocardia. Sanyinjiao (SP 6), crossing point of
three foot-yin meridians, can regulate and
supplement liver and kidney, invigorate spleen and
nourish heart. Modern researches demonstrated that
puncturing Sanyinjiao (SP 6) could deepen the
inhibitory state of cerebra/cortex and had regulator?,
effect on restoration of excitation and inhibition; In
addition, the effect is very related to the stimulation
intensity, coordination of Shenmen (HT 7) and
Sanyinjiao (SP 6) can regulate heart and three foot-
yin meridians to nourish heart and calm mind.
Sishencong (Ex-HN 1) points are respectively located
1 elm anterior, posterior, left and right to Baihui
(GV 20), a point of Govern Vessel that governs yang
and all yang meridians and is the sea of yang vessels.
Puncturing Sishencong (Ex-HN 1) can guide yang to
yin to normalize the day-light yin-yang movement,
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
cooperation of these three points can balance yin and
yang, regulate collaterals to nourish heart and calm
mind. Considering from clinical practice and theory
of TCM, cooperation of these three points is the
premium and also indispensable for treatment of
insomnia, however, large-scale clinical observations
should be further investigated so as to prove whether
they can produce the expectant effect or not.
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1-393~,l ~t,~~_, i~ ~' r )~ ~ , ~ . r ~ig@ ?~/~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~E
60 tr,]. I - _ ~ @ . ~ , ~ ,2004,23(5) :23.
LIU Chao-sheng, GAO Zhong-qiu, ZHOU Hui, et al.
Treatment of 60 Cases of Insomnia by Acupuncture plus
Hyperbaric Oxygenatio. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture
and Moxibustion, 2004, 23(5): 23.
[-40"]J0l ~ . ~ ] ~ & ~ : ~ ~ l ~ 62~,]. ~ " 1~
~J, 2004, (4): 54.
L1U Hong. Treatment of 62 Cases of Insomnia by
Acupuncture plus Point-injection. Jiangxi Journal of TCM,
2004, (4): 54..
Translator: WU Xue-fei(& ~ ' ~ )
Received date: Jan.15, 2004
Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1 9 57 9

Treatment of Retinochorioiditis Caused by Toxoplasmosis

with Traditional Symptom-related Acupuncture and
Chronoacupuncture/Zi Wu Liu Zhu:A Case Study
Slopek, Axel~;FENG Hai-tao2; Fanselow-Hinrichs,Gisela~; WANG Rui-hua4
1. QueUweg9, 13629 Berlin, Germany
2. ShanghaiUnivercityof TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China
3. Ophthalmologist,Reichenberger Str.63, 10999 Berlin, Germany
4. Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, 200025,China

Abstract Object: To show that increased and invigorated movement of qi and blood within the
organism and their concentration in the diseased organ is crucial for acupuncture and
limitations for acupuncture based upon Western medicine are not necessarily adequate.
Methods: Symptom-related and chronoacupuncture were used within a five stages acupuncture
beginning with needling of competent pair of confluent points and followed by Zi Wu Liu Zhu
chronoacupuncture. Results: After 58 symptom-related acupuncture treatments the vision
increased from 10 to 70 percent and remained stable. 18 months later one Zi Wu Liu Zhu
chronoacupuncture was carried out following a needling concept of five stages. Within one hour
the vision increased from 70 to 90 percent. Conclusions: Ophthalmologists should offer
acupuncture to patients suffering from eye in-flammations and retina scars. Acupuncturists
should use Zi Wu Liu Zhu and powerful acupoints and acupoint combinations in order to
invigorate and to move qi and blood strongly. This case shows the effectiveness of acupuncture
and chronoacupuncture in a case of retina scar caused by toxoplasmosis. Therefore, acupuncture
treatment might be successfully applied in diseases where Western medicine cannot offer help.
Key Words Zi Wu Liu Zhu; Retinitis; Acupuncture Therapy
CLC number: R249 Document code: A

Acupuncture can be called the Medicine of Qi and
Blood. Acupuncture is based upon increasing and
moving qi and blood within the organism and its
concentrated activity in the diseased organ in order
to achieve a flexible balance between yin and yang
and deriving from this a healthy constitution. The
management of this case shows firstly, the
importance of time in acupuncture treatment and
the time dependency of the Five Shu Points.
Secondly, the positive effect on acupuncture when
needling the competent or active pair of confluent
points at the very beginning of treatment appears to
be evident but still needs further proof. By
observation of all these the probability of success will
increase significantly especially in diseases hard to
be cured or even in those cases where treatment
seems to be impossible. When using
chronoacupuncture the probability of recovery rises
significantly and significantly less treatments are
necessary to achieve success. This enhances the
quality of life for the patient and results in less costs
in time and money for the patient and the public, and
the acupuncturist will have less frustration but more
joy in his daily work and profession.

Author:Dr.Axel SLOPEK, E-mail:axelslopek@hotmail.com

 9 58 9
Case's Data
Patient: S. A, female, born July 1965, from
Ukraine.
History: Inconspicuous; in childhood pneumonia
and pertussis; at the age 22 years ovary operations
because of ovary cysts; two pregnancies and
deliveries; in 1999 ovariectomy caused by
extrauterine pregnancy; after a sinusitis in
December 2000 there was a decrease of vision of
left eye down to 0.1p p: (partial, the meaning is that
the figures and letters of the test lines could be seen
by the patient only partially) at the end of January
2001.
Blood examinations: Toxoplasmosis IgG 376,9 IU
ug (n= 40 IU); Cytomegalia IgG 1:640;
Eye examinations: Field of vision: Right eye
(oculus dexter, OD ) regular; left eye (oculus
sinister, OS) defect in the lower right quadrant
( during course of acupuncture treatment
unchanged); Amsler OS: Metamorph-opsies which
vanished nearly completely after acupuncture
treatments;
Treatment at the beginning of disease in January
2001 in the Ukraine with antibiotics.
Diagnosis: Retinochorioiditis by toxoplasmosis
infection
Condition of eyes by first examination in Berlin,
Germany:
OD: Inconspicuous, vision = 0.7p; -0.5sph = 0.9p;
OS: vision= 0.1p; -0.75-0.5/145= 0.2p; front sections
without irritation; Fundusscopy OD: Regular;
Furtdusscopy OS: Slight dimming of corpus vitreum;
papilla oculi pale in temporal parts; scar within
macula, scar at upper bow of blood vessels; pigment
hyperplasia nasal side of papilla oculi.
Acupuncture T r e a t m e n t
1. Primary needling of the competent (" active")
pair of confluent points
Determination of active (competent) pair of confluent
points according to TCM based rules and experiences or
following RAC (Reflex auriculo-cardiaque, found by Dr.
Paul Nogier in 1950) - controlled auricular medicine
methods inaugurated by Bahr and Nogier, detected
and needled first on the ear, then on the body. Until
the 50th treatment there was always the pair of
Gongsun(SP 4, main point) and Neiguan(PC 6) to be
found "RAC-active" or "competent". Then Houxi(SI
3) and Shenmai(BL 62) appeared as active points
according to the RAC pulse response.
In chronic diseases there is always a lack of
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
energy in the organism. Due to this, acupuncture
might fail if there is not energy sufficient available
within the meridians and collaterals. Therefore, a
pre-requisition to perform successfully acupuncture
in case of diseases uncurable according to Western
medicine is to increase the energy available for the
organism in general but especially locally in the
diseased organ or area. In acupuncture, extra energy
can only be derived from extrameridians.
Consequently, the competent or active
extrameridians must be acupunctured at the
beginning of treatment in order to have sufficient
energy available for the following acupuncture
treatment so that the applied points energetically in
a position to function properly.
2. Searching for "disturbing areas" and their
elimin-ation by acupuncture
Eliminating of obstacles for therapy, improving
the flow of qi and blood in the meridians and
collaterals. Here Tongziliao (location of the earpoint
according to Bahr) which is called "Point of the Eye"
was always found by RAC techniques in the shape of
a line about 3 mm long consisting out of three points
with the "Point of the Eye" in its middle. Some other
acupoints were detected as to be disturbing areas
and needled. Among these points, there were always
Sanyinjiao(SP 6) and Fuliu(KI 7).
3. Local points of the eye
Besides the well-known acupoints around the eye a
new extra-point called "Jian Yang", which is located
intraorbital between the eyeball and the inner
canthus, is to be mentioned. Depth of needling less
than 0.5 cun left eye and for safety reasons without
stimulation. The other points are bilateral Yuyao
(Ex-HN 6) together with a supporting needle
needled from the area above the orbita towards the
tip of the Yuyao-needle, Cuanzhu(BL 2) towards
bilateral Jingming(BL 1), bilateral Chengqi(ST 1),
bilateral Qiuhou(Ex-HN 7), bilateral Taiyang(Ex-HN
5)needled towards Sizhukong(TE 23), Yintang(Ex-
HN 3). Proper qi feeling was achieved when needling
feeling was not only running around the eye but was
also felt "in the eye" as if the tip of needle was
placed within the eyeball.
4. Distant points of the eye together with some of
MA Dan-yang Heavenly Star Points
Bilateral H e g u ( L I 4), Zusanli(ST 36), Xingjian
(LR 2) needled from bilateral dorsal and plantar,
bilateral Taichong(LR 3), Guangming(GB 37), and
Taixi(KI 3) for concentrating and enhancing flow of
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
qi and blood in the diseased area.
At first, RAC-controlled ear acupuncture
according to Bahr was applied followed by Chinese
body acupuncture. Ear and body needles remained
together in place in order to achieve the most
possible curative effect from central indirectly (by
ear points) and from peripher directly (by body
points). After needle insertion two so-called "Qi
Devices"(an electrical device designed by Dr. Wu Du
Min with four electrodes to be fixed at acupoints
able to enlarge, accelerate, and invigorate qi) were
set up with electrodes fixed at points bilateral
Zhongzhu(KI 15), Guanyuan(CV 4), Zhongwan(CV
12) and on left Taiyang(Ex-HN 5), left Xuanzhong
(GB 39), bilateral Sanyinjiao(SP 6). At the end a
standardized form of Tuina was performed along "
Spiral Meridian", Governor Vessel, the back
(Bladder Meridian, Gallbladder Meridian), both legs
including all yin and yang meridians of the foot, and
on left Taiyang(Ex-HN 5), left Xuanzhong(GB 39).
One treatment lasted between 90 to 120 rain.
Altogether 58 treatments within 85 days (July to
October 2001) were performed.
Results
First Acupuncture Treatment by Traditional
Symptom-related Acupuncture, carried out from end
of July to beginning of October 2001. The treatment
effects were given in table 1.
Second Acupuncture Treatment
By Zi Wu Liu Zhu-Chronoacupuncture and in Five
Stages carried out on March 31st, 2003.
First Stage: Primary needling of the competent
("active") pair of confluent points (ear and body)
Procedures and rationale as prescribed above. The
pair of competent confluent points proved again to
be Gongsun(SP 4) and Neiguan(PC 6).
Second Stage: Chronoacupuncture
Needling of the time-dependent Five Shu-Points
selected according to Zi Wu Liu Zhu together with
the Jing (Well) points belonging to them (body
acupuncture)
Table 1. Changes of the vision
Time AcupunctureTreatments Vision(OD)
First examination 0.Tp
Aug. 17, 2001 25 0.9p
Sep. 14, 2001 45 1.0p
Oct. 04, 2001 58 1.0p
Mar. 31, 2003 1.0p
9 59 9
"Points on duty" according to this time period (13:
00-14:00 hours) on 2003, March, 31st: Xiaohai(SI 8),
Shaochong(HT 9). Additionally, the Jing (Well) point
Shaoze (SI 1 ) was needled. Bilateral body
acupuncture was applied.
Third Stage: Needling of Basis Points (body
acupuncture)
Applied Basis Points: Zusanli(ST 36), Taixi(KI 3),
Baihui (GV 20) combined with Yongquan (KI 1 ).
These points should be needled always bilaterally in
order to achieve the strongest effect possible.
According to the definition of these points given by
GAO Wu and MA Dan-yang, these acupoints are
always correct whatever the type of TCM syndrome
might be. Beside this, from an energetic point of
view they are the most powerful acupoints known.
Fourth Stage: Needling of distant and symptom-
related acupoints of the diseased organ or area
(here: The eye) together with some of MA Dan-yang
Heavenly Star Points (bilateral body acupuncture).
Concentration and enhancement of energy and the
flow of qi and blood in the diseased organ or area:
H e g u ( L I 4), Zusanli(ST 36), Xingjian(LR 2),
Taichong(LR 3), Guangming(GB 37), Taixi(KI 3).
Fifth Stage: Local points of the diseased organ or
area (Eye, era and body acupuncture)
Concentration and enhancement of energy and the
flow or qi and blood in the diseased organ or area:
bilateral Taiyang(Ex-HN 5) and Yintang(Ex-HN 3).
Yintang(Ex-HN 3) was selected mainly because of
its ability to regulate the yin and the yang of all
meridians, secondly, it can serve as a local point for
the eyes.
To support the local eye points of body
acupuncture and to achieve a direct energetical
influence of the eye without jeopardizing the patient
by needling of risky eye points in body acupuncture:
Bilateral needling of the "Point of the Eye" located in
the center of the ear lobe.
The needles remained in place for 10 to 40 min.
the whole acupuncture treatment lasted from 13:00
Vision (OS) Others
0.1p
0.1p
0.7p
0.7p OS tensio 12 mmHg OD tensio 10 mmHg
0.7p
 9 60 9
hours to 13:50 hours.
There were no other therapies like Qi Device or
Tuina applied. Therefore, the therapeutical effect
achieved is mainly due to the Zi Wu Liu Zhu method,
in the second place in the selected acupoints
according to GAO Wu and MA Dan-yang and in the
arrangement of the five stages concept of needling.
Result
Immediately before and immediately after the
chronoa-cupuncture treatment there was an eye
check carried out by eye specialist.
Vision of left eye was 0.7p before treatment, and
was 0.9p after treatment, with an increase of 20% by
one treatment within less than 1 hour. Vision of right
eye was 1.0p, with no change.
Follow-up
Eye check December 17, 2003, by Ukrainian eye
specialist (9 months after chronoacupuncture, no
other treatment in between, Vision of left eye 0.9p
(no change).
Eye check September 14, 2004, by Ukrainian eye
specialist (18 months after chronoacupuncture, no
other treatment in between, Vision of left eye 0.8-0.
9p(nearly no change).
Discussion
Chronoacupuneture has proven to the authors as
being a highly successful method of acupuncture.
Obviously, the exact time of acupuncture is of high
importance for the mobilization and movement of qi
and blood throughout the organism. This fact seems
to be more important for the result of acupuncture
treatment than any other aspect of acupuncture
concerning diagnosis, point selection, and needle
stimulation.
When consulting the Huangdi Neijing ((<~ ' ~
))) concerning the subject "time and acupuncture",
it is quite obvious, that in ancient China all
acupuncture was more or less "chronoaeupuncture".
Acupuncture in those days were based upon
individual factors including the symptoms of the
disease, on time of acupuncture, and on the
Journal of Acptmctureand Tuina Science,Feb. 2005. Vol.3, No.1
geographical location. Today it seems, that the time
is the most important factor of acupuncture
treatment, even more important than the individual
factors, but this might well be discussed. However, in
dealing with many patients and different types of
diseases to the authors, the time and the selection of
acupoints according to the time and the rules of
chronoacupuncture appears to be the most important
factor.
In case of a central fundus-located retinoch-
orioiditis due to toxoplasmosis infection there might
be some spontaneous recovery and increase of vision
possible. In the case of this patient the widely
deteriorated vision existed half a year before
beginning of acupuncture treatment and recovered
quickly under acupuncture treatment from 0.1p (= 10
percent) to 0.7(= 70 percent) and 18 months later by
just. one Zi Wu Liu Zhu chronoacupuncture
treatment within one hour from 0.7p (-- 70 percent)
to 0.9p(-- 90 percent). This was a fast and significant
vision recovery, which couldn't be hoped for because
of the existing extensive macula scar caused by
toxoplasmosis. The increase of vision from 0.1-0.2p
to 0.7p was achieved by 58 acupuncture treatments
within 85 days and remained stable for the next 18
months without any kind of treatment in the
meantime.
Concerning the chronoacupuncture treatment on
March 31,2003, it must be mentioned that neither
the "points on duty" [at this time period: Xiaohai(SI
8), Shaochong(HT 9)-] have any specific effect on eye
diseases nor specific acupoints and extrapoints very
close to the eyes have been selected for this
chronoacupuncture. Nevertheless, to achieve a
similar effect with the symptom-related acupuncture
in this case there were approximately 20 treatments
necessary together with needling of risky acupoints
very close to the eye-ball and even within the orbita.
This allows to presume that chronoacupuncture is
superior compared with symptom-related
acupuncture.
Received date:Oct.10, 2004