Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.
2 9 1 9
Introduction to Dr. ZHAO Guo-cen ' s Experience in Treating
Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
ZHAO Yi ( ~ - - ) I , y u Yue-juan (~. ~ ~t~)~
1. Henan Provincial Research Institute of TCM, Zhengzhou, 450004, China
2. Huanghe Central Hospital of Zhengzhou City, He'nan, 450003, China
CLC number: R246.1
Document code: B
',jp ,
ZHAO Guo-cen, a semor doctor born in 1937, is a
member of China Association of Traditional Chinese
Medicine and one of the 500 well-known supervisors
qualified to instruct disciples. He was born into a Chinese
medicine family and has been engaging himself in the
treatment of digestive disorders. He is an expert at
internal medicine and acupuncture. His main clinical
experience is summarized as " Nourishing spleen and
stomach to treat digestive disorders, nourishing spleen
and kidneys to treat diabetes mellitus, supplementing
heart-qi and activating stagnated blood to treat chest
distress, and restoring kidney-qi and balancing yin and
yang to treat infertility."
Chronic atrophic gastritis is a common and
frequent disorder of the digestive system. Its
incidence increases with the ages. At present, there
are no specific medications and ideal modalities. In
recent years, I have treated chronic atrophic
gastritis with acupuncture in combination with
Chinese herbs and achieved good results. Now I
present my treatment methods and experience as
follows for your references.
I m m e d i a t e Onset by Exogenous Factors Based
upon Spleen-Stomach Weakness
Spleen-stomach weakness is the pathogenic
foundation of chronic atrophic gastritis, and the
exogenous factors invading the stomach is the
prerequisite for its onset. Su Wen ((( ~. I'~']))) said, "
Where the pathogenic factors attack, the qi there
must be deficient". The spleen processes and
transforms the water, drink and foods, and further
transport their essences throughout the human
body. The spleen acts to raise qi as a result to
downbear stomach qi; the spleen transports the
fluids for the stomach to nourish and moisten it.
The stomach governs the reception and digestion of
foods to produce essences for the spleen
nourishment, hence raise spleen qi and downbear
dampness turbidity, with no harm on the spleen. The
spleen is yin earth and the stomach is yang earth;
the spleen is the interior organ and the stomach is
the exterior organ; thus the spleen and stomach
harmonize each other and interactivate one another.
Strong spleen ensures stomach healthiness, and
spleen deficiency leads to stomach weakness. When
the stomach fails to process foods and the spleen
fails to transform and transport, its function of
digestion and absorption will be out of order, and
gastrointestinal dysfunction ensues and chronic
atrophic gastritis happens.
Pathogenic factors, which were mentioned in Su
Wen ((( ~ f*-]))), mean all the aspects that can bring
about discomforts and diseases, including cold, heat,
summer heat, dampness, qi, blood, diet and the like.
Therefore, the stomach qi can be impaired and the
gastric mucous membrane can be injured either by
liver-qi attacking the spleen or stomach when in
depression or anger, or by exogenous wind-cold
invading the stomach, or by irregular eating or
overeating cold, hot, spicy and greasy foods and
alcohol, etc.
Treatment Methods of Chronic Atrophic
Gastritis
1. Treatment principle
Chronic atrophic gastritis results from pathogenic
factors attacking the stomach on the basis of
spleen-stomach weakness. Thus the general treat-
ment principle is to supplement qi and nourish
spleen, remove pathogenic factors and calm
 9 2 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

stomach. Corydalis ( ~ ) ] ) and R a d i x Notoginseng ( 2--~ )

were added; in the presence of loose stools, Semen
2. Chinese herbal treatment
Arecae ( ~, ~ ) and Semen Pharbitidis ( ~z Af- ~ )
A self-made "Bupi Yiwei Huazhi Decoction" was
and Radix et Rhizoma Rhei ( ~ ) were removed,
given. It specifically comprised R a d i x Codonopsis
while Rhizoma Atractylodis ( ~ N ) and
Pilosulae ( ~ ~ ) 15 g, {tied Rhizoma Atracty-
Polyporus (~-~,~-) were added
lodis Macrocephalae ( t # ) ' ~ ~ ) 10 g,Poria ( ~:
In clinical practice, chronic atrophic gastritis
;/~:~:) 15 g, Rhizoma Dioscoreae ( ' ~ - d 4 ~ ) 20 g,
should be accurately differentiated between the
Radix Aucklandiae ( f - ~ t - ~ r ) 6 g, Fructus
excess and deficiency syndromes, and then treated
Arnomi ( ;~)" 4: ) 10 g, Pericarpium Citri
with care. In general, this Decoction was first given
Reticulatae ( ~ F~ I~. ) 10g, ginger-prepared
one to three doses, then Semen Arecae ( ~ ) or
Rhizoma Pinelliae (.2{ ~] @ - ~ . ) 10g, Semen
Semen "Pharbitidis ( ~ ) or R a d i x et Rhizoma
Arecae (~,;01~) 10 g, Semen Pharbitidis ( ~ ~ - ~ )
5 g, and Radix et Rhizoma Rhei ( ~ $ [ ' ) 5 g. The
Rhei ( ~ j~) were removed, or their amount was
decreased.
decoction was given one dose a day. The herbs were
decocted witk water two times for total 400 ml 3. Acupuncture treatment
warm decoction, which was taken in two divided Cardinal acupoints: Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL
times, 200 ml each time respectively in the morning 21), Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiting
and at night. The Decoction might be modified (ST 44).
according to the individual condition: in the presence Modification: In the presence of intense heat,
of severe cold, Ramulus Cinnamomi ( ~ ~ ) and bilateral Hegu (LI 4) were needled with reducing
Rhizoma Galangae ( ~ ~ ~ ) were added; in the techniques, and Shixuan (Ex-UE 11) was pricked to
presence of intense dampness, Semen Amoral bleed; in the presence of obvious spleen-stomach
Cardamomi ( ~ ~ i ~ ) and Rhizoma Alismatis (fig deficiency-cold, Shangwan (CV 13), Zhongwan (CV
) were added; in the presence of intense 12), Xiawan (CV 10) and Zusanli (ST 36) were
depression heat and HP infection, Rhizoma treated with moxibustion; in the presence of nausea,
Coptidis (35-ig) and R a d i x Scutellariae ( ~ g~ ) vomiting and belching, Shangwan (CV 13) and
were added; in the presence of heat bursting Gongsun (SP 4) were added; in the presence of
collaterals and gastric mucous erosion, Radix overeating impairment, Xiawan (CV 10) was added,
Rehmanniae ( ~ ~ ) , R a d i x Paeoniae Atba ( and the spine was kneaded; in the presence of liver-
) and Talcum ( ~ , ) were added; in the qi hyperactivity, Taichong (LR 3) was added; in the
presence of gastric ulcer, Os Sepiella seu Sepiae presence of qi stagnation, Zhangmen (LR 13) and
(O~ fL ~" ), Bulbus Fritillariae ( '~ ~ ~ ) and Yanglingquan (GB 34) were added; in the presence
calcined Os Draconis Fossilia Ossis Mastodi (')~]L of intense pain, Liangmen (ST 21), Neiguan (PC 6)
~") were added; in the presence of qi stagnation, and Gongsun (SP 4) were added; in the presence of
Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae (5~ @,-) was removed intense heat, Jinjing (Ex-HN 12) and Yuye (Ex-HN
and Radix Bupleuri ( ,~: ~.~ ), Fructus Aurantii 13) were pricked to bleed; in the presence of
lmmaturus ( ~ , ~ . ) and Fructus Citri ( ~ z ) were indigestion, Hegu ( L I 4), Tianshu (ST 25),
added; in the presence of overeating impairment, Guanyuan (CV 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were added.
Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli ( ~ ~. ) was Methods: The cardinal aeupoints were divided
added; in the presence of spleen-stomach qi into two groups. The first group contained the Back-
deficiency, R a d i x Astragali seu Hedysari ( 7~ "~) Shu acupoints and the second group contained
was added, R a d i x Codonopsis Pilosulae ( 2~ Ca) Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36) and Neiting (ST
was replaced by R a d i x Panacis Quinquefolii ( i~ 44). These two groups of acupoints were alternately
~) ~ in the presence of yin deficiency, R a d i x treated. For the severe and urgent cases, these two
Codonopsis Pilosulae ( ~ ~ ) was removed, and groups could be used at the same time.
Radix Glenhniae ( ~k f')'~ ) , R a d i x Ophiopogonis Before acupuncture, the practitioner should talk
(&f'l .J~) and Herba Dendrobii (.~ N') ; in the with the patient to let he or she know more about
presence of qi stagnation and severe stomachache, acupuncture to ease his or her emotional tension.
Fructus Citri ( ~ ~ ) and Rhizoma For the excess syndrome, needling was given, while
Nardostachydis ( ~ ~ ) were added; in the for the deficiency moxibustion was given; for the
presence of blood stasis and stomachache, Rhizoma excess-deficiency complex, both needling and
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
moxibustion were given.
4. Case report
This patient, 38 years old, had chronic atrophic
gastritis more than three years ago. He was in vain
treated in many hospitals. His gastritis happened
frequently and lost the confidence for cure. On May
10, 2000 he came to my visiting room for medical
help. Physical examination showed on-and-off
stomachache, coiled position, painful expression, low
voice, aversion to cold, cold limbs, poor appetite,
abdominal bloating, pale tongue with thin whitish
greasy coating, deep and thready pulses, taut pulse
in right-side Guan section. Gastroscopy revealed
chronic atrophic gastritis. He was thus diagnosed
with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold with qi
stagnation. Since his stomach was aching,
acupuncture was urgently performed to relieve his
stomachache by needling Zhongwan (CV 12),
Liangmen (ST 21), Zusanli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6)
with reinforcing techniques, Zhangmen (LR 13),
Yanglingquan (GB 34) with reducing techniques.
The needles were retained for 15 rain. After
needling, the stomachache was eased and he felt as
normal. Moreover, above Decoction with the
addition of Rhizoma Galangae ( ~ ~ -j4c), Ramulus
Cinnarnorni (~&~J~) and Fructus Citri (~-~z) was
prescribed. The Decoction was decocted and taken
one dose a day. When he had taken seven
consecutive doses, all discomforts disappeared.
Once after he drank beer, his stomachache
happened again and then treated with above
Decoction with the addition of charred Fructus
Crataegi (,~., ~h ~ ) for another seven doses. No
relapse was found in the later follow-up surveys.
Discussion
Stress prevention and treatment, combine
acupuncture and herbs. I hold that stomach
disorders are easy to be treated and cured,
nevertheless, they tend to relapse. Chronic atrophic
gastritis is of no exception. The sufferers should
follow the doctors' advice, persistently receive
treatment, eliminate the predisposing factors and
protect their stomach. Thus the treatment results
are stable and few relapses happen.
Combined use of acupuncture and Chinese herbs
is the common treatment method in clinical
practice. It was found that "Bupi Yiwei Huazhi
Decoction" plus acupuncture has better effects on
chronic atrophic gastritis than either "Bupi Yiwei
Huazhi Decoction" or acupuncture alone, with quick-
9 3 9
acting and long-term effects and fewer relapses.
Apply both reinforcing and reducing methods,
unobstruction makes no pain. This Decoction
functions to warm and nourish the spleen and
stomach to transform and remove stagnation, and is
suitable for deficiency-excess complex due to spleen-
stomach weakness failing to process food and
following pathogenic obstruction. As a saying goes, "
When healthy qi is vigorous, the pathogenic qi
withdraw spontaneously". Unobstruction makes no
pain, so herbs effective to unblock the
gastrointestinal passage like Semen Arecae ( ~, ;0~)
and Semen Pharbitidis ( ~ ~ -r and Radix et
Rhizorna Rhei (~3~') are used.
Select acupoints at pathogenesis. In this study,
both distal and local acupoints, and Front-Mu and
Back-Shu acupoints are selected. Zhongwan (CV 12)
is the Front-Mu acupoint of the stomach and also
the Influential acupoint of fu-organ. Needling it can
regulate qi and ease pain, resolve dampness and
downbear adversity. Experimental observation
showed that needling Zhongwan (CV 12) could
quicken the persons' gastric peristalsis, deepen the
jejunal mucous plicae and increase jejunal motility.
Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21) can harmonize
stomach and downbear adversity, resolve dampness
and unblock stagnation, regulate qi and stop pain,
particularly effective for the stomachache radiating
backwards and resulting from spleen-stomach
weakness. Zusanli (ST 36), the Sea (He)-acupoint of
the Stomach Meridian, can also strengthen the
human body besides pain relief. Neiting (ST 44), the
Spring (Ying)-acupoint of Stomach Meridian, can
clear stomach-heat, regulate qi and stop pain. In the
treatment of spleen and stomach disorders, the
chronic atrophic gastritis in particular, these five
acupoints can together nourish the spleen and
stomach and clear up intestinal passage to improve
digestion and absorption.
Nursing care is necessary. In the treatment of
chronic atrophic gastritis, dietary indications should
also be paid attention to. Bland, easy-to-digest and
nutritious foods ought to be taken, while spicy, too
hot or cold and alcohol should be prohibited. Meal
should be moderate and eating is regular. Good
emotion should be maintained to avoid grief,
anxiety, anger and worry. Confidence should be built
up to defeat the disease.
Translator: XIAO Yuan-chun ( ~1"JL~)
Received date: Nov. 25, 2004
 9 4 9
Analysis of Acupuncture Treatment Characteristics
of Epigastric Pain in Ancient Times
LIU Li-gong (5,]~J~), GU Jie ()~ ~)
Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai,200030, China
CLC number. R249
Document code: A
Epigastric pain involves the inflammation, ulcer,
spasm and tumor in the stomach, esophagus,
diaphragm and the like. The heart, liver, gallbladder
and spleen are near to the epigastrium, so the pain
associated with these organs is mistakenly taken as
epigastric pain. Consequently, some of these organs'
disorders are inevitably included in this study. With
the help of computer, we have statistically analyzed
the information concerning the treatment of
epigastric pain by acupuncture in 93 ancient medical
books. Results show that 66 pieces of information
and 60 acupoints (139 times in frequency) are
involved in the treatment of epigastric pain.
The commonly used acupoints and their
frequencies are: Geshu (BL 17)/9, Zusanli (ST 36)/8,
Qihai(CV 6)/8, Zhongwan (CV 12)/8, Gongsun (SP
4)/6, Shangqiu (SP 5)/6, Neiguan (PC 6)/5, Rugen (ST
18)/4, Dadu (SP 2), Taibai (SP 4)/4, Weishu (BL 21)/
4, Pishu (BL 20)/3, Shenshu (BL 23)/3, Guanyuan
(CV 4)/3, Xiawan (CV 10)/3 and Juque (CV 14)/3.
The major meridians and their acupoints in
frequency are: Conception Vessel ( 32 ), Spleen
Meridian (25), Bladder Meridian (24), Stomach
Meridian (18), Kidney Meridian (10), Liver Meridian
(8), Lung Meridian (6) and Pericardium Meridian
(6).
The frequent areas and their acupoints in
frequency are: Chest and abdomen (30), internal
aspect of leg (29), upper back (20), lower abdomen
(19), external aspect of leg (12), internal aspect of
arm (5) and palm (5).
The treatment methods and their frequencies are:
Moxibustion (21), needling (12, 4 with reducing
technique and 1 with reinforcing technique), and
pricking (2).
Analysis of the above results shows following
characteristics.
Author: LIU Li-gong (1948-), male, professor
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
Selecting Acupoint According to Meridian
Distribution
1. The acupoints of conception vessel are mostly
selected
Statistical results show that a total of 32 times of
acupoints of Conception Vessel are selected, ranking
the first in the meridians treated. The Conception
Vessel runs along the midline of the chest and
abdomen, of course through the epigastrium.
Epigastric pain usually relates to healthy qi
deficiency and qi adversity, so the acupoints of
Conception Vessel on lower abdomen are most
frequently used to supplement qi, including
Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4),
Xiawan (CV 10) and Juque (CV 14).
2. The acupoints of Spleen and Stomach
Meridians are mostly selected
Epigastric pain is in close relation with the spleen
and stomach, therefore ancient doctors often
selected the acupoints of these two meridians to
treat it. The indications of Spleen Meridian in Ling
Shu ((( ~ ;~ ))) contained stomachache and infra-
cardiac pain. Statistical results show that the
acupoints of Spleen Meridian are used for 25 times
and the ones of Stomach Meridian for 18 times,
respectively ranking the second and fourth in the
meridians treated. The common acupoints are
Gongsun (SP 4), Shangqiu (SP 5), Dadu (SP 2) and
Taibai (SP 3); Zusanli (ST 36) and Rugen (ST 18).
Zusanli (ST 36) is the He-Sea acupoint of the
Stomach Meridian and quite effective for the
stomach disorders, for total 8 times.
3. The acupoints of Bladder Meridian are mostly
selected
Ling Shu (<(.~))) said, "Chest qi stays in chest
and at Back-Shu acupoints, and abdomen qi stays at
Back-Shu acupoints." It is evident that internal
organs are in close association with the Back-Shu
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
acupoints. Modern medicine holds that the
sympathetic nerves innervating the stomach and
esophagus come from the fifth to tenth thoracic
vertebrae, thus the Back-Shu acupoints are
frequently used, leading to the fact that the Bladder
Meridian ranks the third for its total 24 times of
acupoints. The commonly used acupoints are Geshu
(BL 17), Weishu (BL 21), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu
(BL 23).
Selecting A c u p o i n t A c c o r d i n g to Body P a r t s
1. The acupoints on the chest and abdomen are
often selected
Statistical results show that a total of 49 times of
acupoints on the chest and abdomen are selected, 30
on epigastrium and 19 on lower abdomen,
respectively ranking the first and fourth among the
body parts treated. In particular, the acupoints near
the stomach reaches 25 times, over a half of the
acupoints on the chest and abdomen, since these are
the local ones. Among the acupoints near the
epigastrium, Zhongwan (CV 12) is most frequently
used, up to 8 times. Lei Jing Tu Yi ((( ~ ~2 ~J .~ )))
said, "When it is treated with moxibustion, Zhongwan
(CV 12) is indicative of spleen cold, infracardiac
distress, indigestion, abdominal pain and growling."
Other acupoints are also used. For example, Lei
Jing Tu Yi (((~:~ ~]~.~-))) selected Juque (CV 14)
and Dadu (SP 2) to epigastric pain, abdominal
distention and roundworm-related pain; Jia Yi Jing
(((~ ~ ~ ) ) ) selected Rugen (ST 18) to treat
epigastric fullness and pain and chest swelling. The
acupoints on the lower abdomen are sometimes used
to supplement qi and remedy deficiency. For
instance, Tai Yi Shen Zhen ((( ~ L,~r selected
Qihai (CV 6) treating infracardiac cold pain, facial
flush and qi deficiency; Shi Yi De Xiao Fang (((-tic
1~ ~ ~ :$" ))) performed hundreds of cone
moxibustion on Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4) and
Qimen (LR 14) to treat qi upward adversity to
hypochondrium, infracardiac pain and distress, and
collapsing qi. Other acupoints on the chest and
abdomen are sometimes used such as Shimen (CV
5), Shangwan (CV 13), Tianshu (ST 25) and
Zhangmen (LR 13).
2. The acupoints on the medial aspect of leg are
often selected
The foot yin meridians run through the chest and
abdomen. Hence in the treatment of epigastric pain,
the specific acupoints of the foot yin meridians are
usually used, amount to 29 times and ranking the
9 5 9
second. Among the foot yin meridians, the acupoints
of Spleen Meridian are closely related to the
stomach, up to 20 times. For example, Biao You Fu
((( ~ ~ ) ) ) stated that the spleen and stomach pain
can immediately cured by needling Gongsun (SP 4)
with reducing techniques; Ling Shu ((( ~ ~ )))
selected Dadu (SP 2) and Taibai (SP 3) to treat
epigastric pain.
3. The acupoints on the upper back are often
selected
Epigastric pain is often treated by the Back-Shu
acupoints, which are mostly located on the upper
back. Totally 20 times of Back-Shu acupoints are
used, ranking the third. Lei Jing Tu Yi ((( ~ ~2
~-))) stated that combined use of Geshu (BL 17),
Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL 21) could treat
epigastric pain; Shen Ying Jing (((~)~ ~))) stated
that combined use of Shenshu (BL 23), Feishu (BL
13) and Weishu (BL 21) could treat stomachache.
Moreover, acupoint Neiguan (PC 6) on the medial
aspect of arm is used up to 5 times. It is the Luo-
Connecting acupoint of the Pericardium Meridian
and the confluence acupoint of Yin Link Vessel.
Pericardium Meridian runs through the upper,
middle and lower energizers; and the Yin Link
Vessel runs along the chest and abdomen,
thereafter, Neiguan (PC 6) becomes the essential
acupoint in the treatment epigastric pain. For
example, Zhen Jiu Da Quan ((( ~ .~- :~ ~ ))) said
that Neiguan (PC 6) could relieve hypochondriac pain
and stabbing pain of the heart.
Selecting A c u p o i n t According to S y n d r o m e
Differentiation
In ancient times, all syndromes of epigastric pain
were treated with the acupoints in relation to the
spleen and stomach, including the local acupoints on
epigastrium, distal acupoints of the spleen and
stomach, and some specific acupoints like Back-Shu
acupoints and eight confluence acupoints.
For the cold pain, deficiency pain and qi pain, the
acupoints on the lower abdomen may be taken into
consideration. For instance, Ming Yi Lei An ((( g, I~
~: ~ ))) recorded that H U A Bo-ren, an ancient
acupuncturist, treated a woman with cold-syndrome
hernia and hypochondriac pain by moxibustion at
Zhangmen (LR 13), Qihai (CV 6) and Zhongwan
(CV 12). Among the acupoints on the chest and
abdomen, Qihai (CV 6) acts to supplement qi and
remedy deficiency to treat infracardiac cold pain; of
the acupoints on the abdomen, Qihai (CV 6),
 96 9
Guanyuan (CV 4) and Qimen (LR 14) were used to
treat qi upward adversity in Shi Yi De Xiao Fang
As to the epigastric pain of heat syndrome, the
Five Shu Acupoints on the distal ends of limbs of
each meridian are selected on syndrome
differentiation, for heat-syndrome pain is mostly of
excess. For example, Qian J in Yao Fang ((( W ~ - ~
A-))) said that Gongsun (SP 4) acted to treat
stomach heat and subsequent abdominal pain; Xun
Jing Kao Xue Bian (((~ ~ ~ ~ ~))) stated that
Lidui (ST 45) functioned to treat stomach heat,
stomachache, constipation and hematochezia; Mai
Jing ((( ~ ~ ))) stated that infracardiac pain and
dark urine due to small intestine disorders could be
treated by Houxi (SI 3).
Characteristics of Needling and M o x i b u s t i o n
Methods
1. Moxibustion
Statistical results show that moxibustion is
involved in 14 pieces of information with 21 times of
acupoint, ranking the first of all treatment methods.
Moxibustion is a yang stimulation and thus can
increase the body's physiological function to treat
deficiency pain, qi pain and food-retention pain. In
Lei Jing Tu Yi ((( ~ ~2 [][]~ ))), deficiency pain was
treated by seven cones of moxibustion at Shangqiu
(SP 5); in Shi Yi De Xiao Fang (((~-l~g~-~A-))), qi
pain was treated by moxibustion at Qihai (CV 6),
Guanyuan (CV 4) and Qimen (LR 14); Lei Jing Tu
Yi ((($:~2 ~ ) ) ) stated that Youmen (KI 21) was
indicated for infracardiac fullness, dietary indigestion
and masses and pain when moxibusted for fourteen
cones.
2. Needling
Ancient doctors also applied needling to treat
epigastric pain because needling could produce
endogenous opium substances inside the human body
to abate pain. Furthermore, needling can regulate
neuroendocrine function to exert its positive effects
on epigastric pain. For example, Ji Sheng Ba Cui
( ( ( ~ - ~ - ) ) ) said that unbearable infracardiac pain
could be immediately cured by needling Zhongwan
(CV 12) and Qihai (CV 6), both of which were
acupoints of conception vessel; Dan Xi Shou Jing
((( ~ "~ ~ r ))) stated that epigastric pain and
stabbing infracardiac pain could be treated by
needling Taixi (KI3). Excess syndrome of epigastric
pain was treated with reducing needling techniques
and deficiency syndrome with reinforcing needling
Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3,No.2
techniques. For instance, Mai Jing ((( ~ ~2 )))
recorded that infracardiac fullness and pain with
tense pulse was of excess syndrome and should be
treated by needling Juque (CV 14) and Xiawan (CV
10) with reducing techniques, whereas stomachache
should be treated by oral administration of "Zhizi
Decoction" and "Zhuyu Wutou Pill" and needling
Xiawan (CV 10) with reinforcing techniques.
3. Blood letting
As to the blood stasis syndrome of epigastric pain,
ancient people adopted blood-letting therapy. For
example, Tu Fan Yi Liao Shu ( ( ( ~ I~.?~~]~))), a
Dunhuang medical book, recorded that the
stomachache, belching, localized pain around kidneys
and liver and acid reflux were due to excessive
drinking of alcohol, and should be treated by letting
blood first on the diseased side and then on the
healthy side. Nevertheless, blood-letting method was
less used for treating epigastric pain in ancient times
since it does not involve the blood in general
condition but the fu-organ instead.
Conclusion
Based upon the above results and analysis, it can
be concluded that the acupuncture treatment of
epigastric pain observes following rules: the
acupoints of Conception Vessel on the chest and
abdomen like Juque (CV 14), Zhongwan (CV 12),
Xiawan (CV 10), Qihai (CV 6) and Guanyuan (CV
4); the Back-Shu acupoints on upper back such as
Geshu (BL 17), Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL 21) and
Shenshu (BL 23); Zusanli (ST 36); the acupoints of
foot yin meridians like Gongsun (SP 4), Shangqiu (SP
5), Dadu (SP 2), Taibai (SP 3), Taixi (KI 3),
Shuiquan (KI 5), Yingu (KI 10), Dadun (LR 1),
Xingjian (LR 2) and Taichong (LR 3); Neiguan (PC
6). For all syndromes of epigastric pain, the
acupoints relevant to the spleen and stomach are
selected; for cold pain, deficiency pain and qi pain,
the acupoints on the lower abdomen may be taken
into consideration; for the heat pain, the specific
acupoints on the ends of limbs are often used on
syndrome differentiation. In clinical practice,
moxibustion is usually used to dispel cold, remedy
deficiency, regulate qi and digest food; needling is
usually used to ease pain, reducing techniques for
excess-syndrome pain and reinforcing techniques for
deficiency-syndrome pain; blood-letting therapy is
considered in the presence of blood stasis.
Translator: XIAO Yuan-chun( ~1"~ )
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3,No.2 97 9

Treatment of Chronic Gastritis by Acupuncture: A Review

HUANG Qin-feng (-~:g..~t-),QI Li-zhen( ~ ' )
ShanghaiResearch Institute of Acupunctureand Meridian,Shangfiai,200030, China

~: JK((~I"I ~ ~ 4 ~ , ~ . ~ ( 1 9 7 0 ~ 2 0 0 2 -ff-)~ 40398 ~ 4 - - - g , ~ 4 5 " f f ~ , ~ 93

~ - ~ ~ &~, ~TL 5325 ~,J~ , J ~" ~ - , , ~ - ~ 94.4%0 " ~ 9 ] r .~,~
~q'~,~qo ~ ~-:-~, ~'g~, ~ r , ~ r , ~ &,~r162 ~ff, ~ r

Abstract: This paper collects and analyzes 40 398 pieces of information from Chinese Modern
Acupuncture Information Database (1970- 2002). It covers 93 articles concerning the
treatment of chronic gastritis by acupuncture and 5 325 subjects, the total effective rate being
94.4%. The frequent treatment methods are needling, moxibustion, burial therapy, and
hydropuncture. The major acupoints are Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Weishu (BL 21),
Pishu (BL20), Neiguan (PC 6), Ganshu (BL 18), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. In the presence of severe
stomachache, Liangqiu (ST 34) and Gongsun (SP 4) are added; in the presence of abdominal
fullness, Tianshu (ST 25) and Qihai (CV 6) are added; in the presence of diarrhea, Tianshu (ST
25) and Shangjuxu (ST 37) are added; in the presence of vomiting, Shangwan (CV 13) and
Taichong (LR 3) are added.
Key Words: Acupuncture-Moxibustion; Gastritis; Review Literature
CLC number: R249
Document code: A

Chronic gastritis is a common disease and is
present with stomach discomforts, abdominal pain,
fullness, belching and nausea after eating. It has no
specific symptoms and the severity of its symptoms
is usually in no association with the severity of
gastroscopic results, even no symptoms in some
patients. Chronic gastritis follows other long-term
stomach disorders and results from spleen-stomach
qi deficiency and malnourishment. It belongs, in
TCM, to the categories of stomach pain and stomach
fullness. Pathologically, chronic gastritis now falls
into chronic superficial gastritis and chronic atrophic
gastritis.
General C o n d i t i o n
This paper collects and analyzes 40 398 pieces of
information from Chinese Modern Acupuncture
Information Database (1970-2002) rH0~. It covers 93
articles concerning the treatment of chronic gastritis
by acupuncture and 5 325 subjects, the total effective
rate being 94.4%. The frequent treatment methods
are needling (subjects/articles, 1 981/35), moxibustion
(558/11), burial therapy (1 285/8), hydropuncture
(341/7), and simple needling (986/20). The major
acupoints are Zusanli (ST 36, 4 239/53), Zhongwan
(CV 12, 3 978/47), Weishu (BL 21, 3 627/33), Pishu
(BL20, 2 867/29), Neiguan (PC 6, 1726/22), Ganshu
(BL 18, 2 022/16), Sanyinjiao (SP 6, 1 504/16),
Tianshu (ST 25, 595/14), Zhangmen (LR 13, 1 198/
12), Shangwan (CV 13, 1 398/10), and Geshu (BL 17,
1 038/10).
Results showed that acupuncture, in the treatment
of chronic gastritis, is quite effective in the relief of
pain and in the improvement of clinical symptoms. If
persistent treatment is carried out, good long-term
effects can be obtained.
Treatment Methods
1. Treatment principle
Nourishing spleen and harmonizing stomach,
regulating qi and stopping pain.

Author.. HUANG Qin-feng (1951- ), female, associate 2. Acupoints

professor a. Cardinal acupoints: Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan
Foundation Item.. Supportedby ShanghaiCommitteeof Science (CV 12), Weishu (BL 21), Pishu (BL 20), Neiguan
and Technique(03DZ19554-8) (PC 6), Ganshu (BL 18), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Tianshu
 9 8 9
(ST 25), Zhangmen (LR 13), Shangwan (CV 13) and
Geshu (BL 17).
b. Modification: In the presence of severe
stomachache, Liangqiu (ST 34) and Gongsun (SP 4)
are added; in the presence of abdominal fullness,
Tianshu (ST 25) and Qihai (CV 6) are added; in the
presence of diarrhea, Tianshu (ST 25) and Shangjuxu
(ST 37) are added; in the presence of vomiting,
Shangwan (CV 13) and Taichong (LR 3) are added.
c. Acupoints combination: Zusardi (ST 36)
combining with Zhongwan (CV 12) and Weishu (BL
21), Zhongwan (CV 12) combining with Weishu (BL
21) and Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL 21) combining
with Pishu (BL 20), Neiguan (PC 6) combining with
Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) combining with
Ganshu (BL 18).
3. Methods
a. Needling: These acupoints are divided into two
groups that are used alternately. Other acupoints
may be added in accordance with the individual
condition. After the needles are inserted in usual
way, they are manipulated by lifting, thrusting and
rotating, and then retained for 30 min. The needling
treatment is given once a day.
b. Moxibustion: Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6),
Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL 21) and Zusanli (ST 36)
are treated with mild moxibustion respectively for 5-
10 rain, or with monkshood-partitioned moxibustion
respectively for 3-5 cones. The moxibustion
treatment is given once a day.
c. Catgut-embedding at acupoints: The acupoints
used are divided into two groups: Zhongwan(CV 12)
with Shangwan (CV 13), Pishu (BL 20) with Weishu
(BL 21); tenderness points on back and Zusanli (ST
36). These two acupoints are treated alternately.
After routine sterilization and local anesthesia, a
piece of catgut of size 0 or 1 with three-edged needle
is penetrated through the acupoints and left under
the skin. Then the catgut outside the skin is cut off,
and area treated is kneaded to ensure the ends of
catgut retraction beneath the skin and then covered
with gauze for 3-5 days. Next catgut embedding may
be performed 20 days later.
d. Hydropuncture: Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL 21)
and Zusanli (ST 36) are selected. Danggui Injection
or Huangqi Injection is alternately injected into one
side of these acupoints each time, 2 ml injection for
each acupoint. This treatment is conducted once a
day or once every other day.
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
References
[-1]:t~.~. 4-]-~,]~ P , ~ ~ '~,~ ~ ~ 94 4~]._k.~41" ~ ~, ,~ ,
1999,18(1) : 12.
ZHAO Hong-cai. Treatment of Chronic Gastritis in 94
Cases by Needling Zhongwan (CV 12). Shanghai Journal of
Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1999,18(1) ..12.
I-2] ~%~44.~ ~ ~,~~ ~ 1 -~ ~ ~ , ~ ~' , ~ ~ ,~ ~ g .
~4]- 9~~ ,~. ,2002,21(6) :6.
WU Yao-chi. Clinical Observation of Yin-within-yang
Needling Technique in Treating Atrophic Gastritis.
Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2002, 21
(6) :6.
[3-1:Zr- ~.~.~8,--:I-~r 15gq,l.d:.~41"9"%.-,%,,~,
1994,13(5) ..202.
JIANG Yang. Electric Shock at Meridian Therapy for 158
Cases of Chronic Gastritis. Shanghai Journal of
Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1994,13(5) : 202.
[4]"~ Jc.4]-~j;~,~.,tg-~/J%6'/,l~/;Ikl:h-,~...h~4]-9~,,~,
2001,20(4) ..16.
HUANG Hong. Clinical Comparison between Acupuncture
and Medicine in Treating Chronic Gastritis. Shanghai
Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,2001,20(4) : 16.
E53~ ~.'rl-~'l ;~ ~ ' ~ , l ~ : ~ , t ~ ~/;~ 56 ~,J./t#~ ~' 1~.~, ,~,
1999,34(7) ..299.
ZHANG Qin-qin. Treatment of Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
in 56 Cases by Acupuncture. Zhejiang Journal of TCM,
1999,34(7) ..299.
E63~ . / f f ~ , l ;~ ~?,~,t~ ~,~ ~/~ 56 ~,l..k ~ ~ , * ~ ,
2000,19(2) ..47.
WANG Ling-ling. Treatment of Chronic Erosive Gastritis
in 56 Cases by Acupuncture. Shanghai Journal of
Acupuncture and Moxibustion,2000,19(2) ..47.
[-73 l~,~,~.~,'i.: ~-~}]',~j-,;~,;9-.~,I,19_ ~' ~,~. ~.a.'31j- 0~, SOD
~ ~ ~ . ' 9 ~ 4-]-~, 1998,18(5) ,263.
CHEN De-cheng. Effects of Acupoint Injection on Serum
O~ and SOD in Patients with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis.
Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1998,18(5) : 263.
[ 8 - ] ~ # . ~ 4]-::# ~ ,~,19- ~' ~ 52 9,].9 I~1~tl-~ , 2001, 21
(12) : 758.
SHEN Chang-qing. Treatment of 52 Cases of Chronic
Gastritis by Elongated Needle. Chinese Acupuncture and
Moxibustion, 2001,21(12) : 758.
1991,10(5) : 22.
LI Xing-hua. Acupoint Catgut-embedding plus
Metronidazole for Chronic Gastritis. Beijing Journal of
TCM, 1991, 10(5),22.
[10-I# 9" "4 . "k 41-;~ ~,I~,19-~,14-- ~ / . Y , . , l ' ; , ~ ~ . ~)l.'lh '}' I~.
~, ,~, 1997,19(5): 42.
CAO ShaG-ruing. Clinical Study on Chronic Atrophic
Gastritis Treated by Fire Needle. Hubei Journal of TCM,
1997,19(5) : 42.
Translator: XIAO Yuan-ehun ( ~l";'?.,~)
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 99 9

Clinical Study on Acupuncture Treatment of Atrophic Gastritis

with Reducing within Reinforcing Manipulations
WU Yao-chi (~: ~ ) 1 , WANG Chong-miao (~-~~ g)~, FEI Gen-wei ( ~ ~-4~ )2
1. Shanghai No 6 People's Hospital, Shanghai, 200233, China
2. Hospital of Shanghai Sports & Technology School, Shanghai, 200237, China

R.~*ffr r N 8 1 . 6 % ~ 84.2~, N ~ . ~ . ~ i t ; ~ J E P > 0.05, ,lg&~L ._g~:,t~k2~

Abstract Purpose: To observe the clinical efficacy on acupuncture treatment of atrophic

gastritis. Methods: Points Zhongwan (CV 12) and Zusanli (ST 36) were selected to treat 38
patients with atrophic gastritis by reducing within reinforcing manipulations. The curative effect
was evaluated and compared with that in a medication group. Results: A comparison of the
comprehensive clinical efficacy between the acupuncture group and the medication group
showed that the effective rate was 86.8% and 84.2% respectively. Statistical analysis showed
that there was no significant difference in clinical effect between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Acupuncture can get the same effect as medication in treating atrophic gastritis.
Key Words Acupuncture Therapy; Reducing within Reinforcing Manipulation; Atrophic
Gastritis
CLC number: R246.1
Document code: A

stool, and in worse conditions even accompanied by

gastric pain, burning sensation, lassitude, fatigue,
anemia and emaciation. Due to the cancerous rate
of 2.5% from atrophic gastritis, it's of great signi-
ficance to get early diagnosis and timely treatment.
To date, the major measures are still eliminating
pathogenic factors and administration of both
Chinese and western medication. The author of this
article has been treating atrophic gastritis cases by
reducing within reinforcing manipulations and got
satisfactory effects, and now the report is as follows.
,/ Clinical Data

All the 76 cases were outpatients clearly

WU Yao-chi, junior consultant doctor, member of
the editorial committee of Shanghai Journal of
Acupuncture and Moxibustion, member of standing
committee of Shanghai Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Academy. Mainly engaged in treating prolapse of lumbar
intervertebral disc with acupuncture.
Atrophic gastritis, the most common problem
occurred at the late stage of chronic gastritis, is
clinically characterized by stuffiness and fullness of
the gastric area, always accompanied by reduced
appetite, distension after meals, belching, and loose
diagnosed as chronic atrophic gastritis with the
following information: male cases: 44; female cases:
32; the oldest: 63 years old; the youngest: 21 years
old; the average age: 46.1 years old; the longest dur-
ation: 3 years; the shortest duration: 2 months; by
referring to the pathological biopsy and common
standard for both home and abroad, the 76 cases
were classified and graded as follows: mild degree:
47 cases (atrophy of membrane propria gland< 1/3) ;
medium degree: 23 cases (atrophy of membrane
propria gland = 1/3-2/3); severe degree: 6 cases
 9 10 9
(atrophy of membrane propria gland> 2/3). Then the
76 cases were randomized into acupuncture group
and medication group, all of them were first-visit
patients and were told to discontinue other therapies
before accepting this study.
Therapeutic Method
I. Acupuncture group
Points: Zhongwan (CV 12) and Zusanli (ST 36).
Operation: Puncture the points 1.2 cun perpendi-
cularly after the routine sterilization of the local
area and conduct reducing within reinforcing
manipulation on arrival of qi, i.e., while inserting the
needle half way (0.6 cun), the acupuncture
practitioner do reinforcing manipulation by 9 times
repetition of heavy, fast thrusting and slight, slow
lifting; while inserting the needle to the second half
(to 1.2 cun) until the appearance of heat sensation,
the acupuncture practitioner do reducing mani-
pulation by 6 times repetition of heavy, fast lifting
and slight, slow thrusting until the appearance of
cold sensation and stop. The needles retained 20
min, manipulate once every 5 min, and the treatment
was done every other day, one course consisting of 15
times. The therapeutic effect and relevant indices
had been observed after two consecutive courses.
2. Medication group
Prepared Chinese herbal products, Wei Fu Chun
tablets were orally administered, 4 tablets per time,
3 times a day before meals, and one treatment
course consisting of 2 months. Then and then the
therapeutic effect and relevant indices had been
observed.
Therapeutic E f f e c t
1. Criteria of therapeutic effect
With reference to the Therapeutic Effect
stipulated by Special Committee of Digestive System
Diseases, China Research Association of Integrative
Chinese-Western Medicine in Nanchang Conference.
Marked effect: Clinical symptoms disappeared or
basically disappeared; gastroscope re-examination
showed that acute inflammation of mucosa basically
disappeared and chronic inflammation got improved;
biopsy tissue of gastric mucosa confirmed that gland
atrophy, metaplasia of intestinal glands and/or
atypical hyperplasia disappeared or reduced by more
than 2 grades (including 2 grades).
Effective: Clinical symptoms obviously relieved;
gastroscope re-examination showed both acute and
chronic inflammation alleviated: biopsy tissue of
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
gastric mucosa confirmed that gland atrophy,
metaplasia of intestinal glands and/or atypical
hyperplasia disappeared or reduced by more than 1
grade.
Failure: Clinical symptoms didn't change obviously;
gastroscope re-examination and pathological biopsy
of gastric mucosa both showed ineffective or clinical
symptoms got worse.
2. Therapeutic result
Table 1. Comparison on comprehensive therapeutic effects of
clinical symptoms (Cases)
Group N ME Effective Failure ER (%)
Acupuncture 38 8 25 5 86.8
Medication 38 9 23 6 84.2
Notes: ME, marked effect; ER, effective rate. The same
below.
Table 2. Comparison on comprehensive therapeutic effects of
gastroscope and biopsy (Cases)
Group N ME Effective Failure ER (%)
Acupuncture 38 6 25 7 81.6
Medication 38 8 24 6 84.2
We can see from tables 1 and 2 that through
comparison on comprehensive therapeutic effect,
gastroscope and pathological biopsy examination
between acupuncture group and medication group,
acupuncture can get similar effect with medication
( P > 0.05) in treating chronic atrophic gastritis.
Discussion
Chronic atrophic gastritis is also named "stomach
stuffiness" because of its location (stomach) and
major complaints (stuffiness and fullness). According
to TCM theory, this disease is mainly due to such
factors as deficiency of spleen and stomach,
improper diet, cigarette or alcohol addiction and
emotional disturbance. The atrophy results from
long-term gastric problem, qi deficiency of spleen
and stomach and malnutrition of stomach meridians
and collaterals. TCM holds that spleen is the source
of acquired essence, while stomach receives and
decomposes water and food for spleen qi to digest,
transport and transform. It's evident that spleen and
stomach are most easily to be damaged by above-
mentioned chronic problems and that's why defi-
ciency of spleen and stomach is the root cause of "
stomach stuffiness". However, dysfunction of spleen
and stomach in transportation and transformation
may lead to abnormal qi flow in ascending and
descending, followed by qi stagnation, phlegm
dampness, heat accumulation and stagnant blood
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 11 9

obstructing the stomach as stuffiness. Consequently
chronic atrophic gastritis has deficient root cause but
excessive symptoms.
Gastroscope showed that the gastric mucosa
appeared uneven grey with a large pale area;
pathological tissue biopsy showed ischemia and
hypoxia, atrophic and thinner mucosa layer, and
obvious atrophy or even disappearance of mucosa
propria gland. In addition, gastroscope also showed
fibrosis of mucosa layer and scattered irregular
granule nodes, epithelial metaplasia of intestinal
glands and atypical hyperplasia. We can say that
gastroscope examination really confirmed the
understanding of TCM on "deficient root cause but
excessive symptoms of chronic atrophic gastritis".
Reducing within reinforcing manipulation was
firstly recorded in Jinzhen Fu((~r$tff()), "nine times
reinforcing manipulation followed by six times
reducing manipulation", which combines slow and
fast, lifting and thrusting as well as twirling
manipulations together, and works for deficiency-
excess mixture syndrome like chronic atrophic
gastritis with deficient (spleen and stomach) root
cause but excessive (qi stagnation, phlegm dampness,
heat accumulation and stagnant blood) symptoms.
When it comes to the points, Zhongwan (CV 12) is
one of the influential points and also the Front-mu
point of the stomach; Zusanli (ST 36) is the lower-
He ( s e a ) point of the Stomach Meridian. The
combination of the two points can supplement qi of
spleen and stomach, strengthen spleen, regulate
stomach and build up anti-pathogenic qi; w h a t ' s
more, the two points can also regulate qi, resolve
phlegm, remove dampness and stuffiness. Acupunc-
ture practice and experimental study have already
proved that needling Zusanli (ST 36) has multi-
tiered functions including regulating immune system,
anti-coagulation of platelet, improving micro-
circulation, anti-lipid oxidation, anti-tumorigenesis
and anti-mutation; needling Zhongwan (CV 12) can
protect gastric mucosa, anti-inflammation, inhibit
and kill HP and anti-cancer. The two points can work
together to improve micro-circulation, anti-
inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-tumorigenesis.
In addition, they can also boost the epithelial cells'
neogenesis of gastric mucosa, strengthen the
physiological function of gastro-intestine, promote
the metaplasia of gastric gland nutrients to enlarge
the atrophic gland and inhibit cellular mutation.
Currently medication is still the major choice for
chronic atrophic gastritis, and so it's unlikely to avoid
the gastrointestinal reaction and side-toxic effects
with the long-term treatment period. Clinical
practice has proved that needling Zhongwan (CV 12)
and Zusanli (ST 36) with the unique reducing within
reinforcing manipulation can get accurate effect
without side-toxic effects and cost less than
medication, and is therefore worth further study.
Translator: HAN Chou-ping(~_//. ~-)
Received date: Nov. 15, 2004

9 Related Article 9

Effect of Point Injection Method on Gastric Mucosa Barrier in Rats with Chronic Atrophic Gastritis

SUN Mao-feng (:~,],~J~r), WANG Yin-ping (_E ~[,'~), FAN Gang-qi (~l~,])g), et al
Abstract Objective: To observe the effect of the point injection method on the gastric mucosa barrier in
rats with chronic atrophicgastritis. Method: Rat models with varying degrees of chronic atrophic gastritis
were made using MNNG in different concentrations. Equal amounts of Huangqi (Radix Astragali) injection
and Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) Injection were mixed and injected into the point Zusanli (ST 36) to
observe the effect of the injection on the pathological change, hexosamine of the gastric mucosa and the value
of phospholipid. Result: The indexes of the gastric mucosa damage, atrophy, metatypical hyperplasia, etc.
increased with the increase of the concentration in model making. In the point injection group, marked
improvement was detected in gastric mucosa damage and other related pathological changes ( P < 0.01). With
the increase of the concentration in model making, hexosamine and phospholipid of the gastric mucosa
assumed negative correlation (P < 0.01). Conclusion: With the increase of the severity of chronic atrophic
gastritis, the values of hexosamine and phospholipid drop significantly and the function of the gastric mucosa
barrier is impaired. Point injection can markedly increase the values of hexosamine and phospholipid and
9revent the occurrence of chronic atrophic gastritis by reinforcing the gastric mucosa barrier.
Cited from Journal of Nanjing TCM University (Natural Science), 2001, 17(6): 373-375
 9 12 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Comparison of Efficacy Between Acupuncture and

Drug Treatment of Chronic Gastritis
HUANG nong (35- ~ )
Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, 233004, China

~lg: ~g.~,l~C~,li,t~-~.~:~,~ 50~,l,~,~,*~t~-i-~,~l~r? , ~ . ~ - , ~ .

~R 50/~,1 o ~ . i ~ R , ~ . ~ ~ = 1~ s r 98.0%,~j@~R,~f~
88.0%, ~.~1t ~Y~]~.~,i~:~:,ef-(P< 0.01)o i~ r .~, 1,2 ~ s ~~ ~+-ha~-"$"~ ~:,I~(P
< 0.01), ~ 3 r fflCf ~ c ~ ~ ..E~,t3a(P< 0.05)0

Abstract: To observe the curative effect of acupuncture treatment for chronic gastritis, 50
patients with chronic gastritis were treated by acupuncture and another 50 patients as control
treated by drugs; the curative effects of total and every therapeutic course were respectively
compared between two groups. The total effective rate was 98.0% in acupuncture group and
88.0% in control group, suggesting a significant difference (P < 0.01) between two groups, the
comparison among 3 courses showed that there was a significant difference, P < 0.01, for first,
second course and P < 0.05 for third course between two groups.
Key Words: Gastritis; Syndrome Differ Treatment; Acupuncture Therapy
CLC number: R246.6
Document code: A
The author treated 50 patients with chronic and Zusanli (ST 36). In the case of liver-qi affecting
gastritis, which belongs to the category of stomach- the stomach, points Yanglingquan (GB 34) and
ache in TCM, by using acupuncture therapy, Taichong (LR 3) were added; in the case of spleen-
compared with drug treatment for another 50 cases. stomach deficiency cold, points Pishu (BL 20), Qihai
Now it is reported as follows. (CV 6) and Tianshu (ST 25) added; in the case of
phlegm accumulation, points Fenglong (ST 40) and
Clinical Data
Gongsun (SP 4) were added and in the case of
A total of 100 patients with chronic gastritis were insufficiency of stomach yin, points Weishu (BL 21)
divided into two groups. There were 50 cases in and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) combined.
acupuncture group from acupuncture clinic, among At the moment of puncturing points Neiguan (PC
them 38 were male and 12 female; the youngest was 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), the needling sensation was
18 years old and the oldest was 72; 39 cases suffered directed to the gastric region. The reducing
from superficial gastritis, 8 from hypertrophic technique was applied in the case of excess syndrome
gastritis and 3 from atrophic gastritis; as for disease and reinforcing technique used in the case of
duration, the shortest was 15 days and the longest 28 deficiency syndrome. The treatment was given 1
years. time a day and one therapeutic course was composed
Fifty patients in drug control group from the of 7 days. There was an interval of 2 days between 2
digestive tract disease department were treated in courses.
the same period as those of acupuncture group. 2. Drug group
Among them 37 cases suffered from superficial The following medications were selected
gastritis, 11 from hypertrophic gastritis and 2 from respectively according to clinical symptoms and
atrophic gastritis; the shortest disease duration was gastroscope result. Antispasmodic: Probanthine,
12 days and the longest 20 years. Mebropine or Belladonna mixture; Promoting
gastrointestinal peristalsis: Metoclopramide or
Therapeutic Methods
Cisapriede capsules; protecting gastric mucosa:
1. Acupuncture group Sucralfate tablets or Colloidal Bismuth Pectin
Acupoints: Zhongwan (CV 12), Neiguan (PC 6) capsules; Antacids: Cimetidine tablets, Ranitidine
capsules and Omeprazole capsules or herbal
Author:HUANGhong (195%), female,junior comultantdoctor products san-jiu-wei-tai; Promoting digestion:
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 13 9

Stomach Portease or peptic mixture; one of same type,
were selected combining with 3 or 4 different drugs. One
therapeutic course was composed of 7 days. There was
an interval of 2 days between 2 courses. And the
therapeutic efficacy was observed after 4 courses.
Inefficacy: Main symptoms, clinical signs and other
physicochemical results remained unchanged.
2. Curative results
Table 1. Comparison of curative effect between the two groups
(Cases)

Therapeutic Effects Marked

Groups Cure Effectiveness Inefficacy
Effectiveness
1. Criteria of curative effect Acupuncture 35 9 5 1
Oare: Symptoms, clinical signs and positive findings Drug 21 13 10 6
shown by X-ray photograph after barium meal and Table 1 shows that curative effect in acupuncture
gastroscope disappeared, and no recurrence was seen group was better than that in drug group, u = 3.00, P
throughout a follow-up survey of 1 year; < 0.01, And the curative effects of all 3 therapeutic
Marked effectiveness: Main symptoms, clinical signs courses in acupuncture group was better than drug
were markedly improved by X-ray photograph after group and that the former course was shorter than
barium meal and gastroscope were obviously reduced; or the l a t t e r ' i s seen in table 2, according to the
main symptoms and clinical signs disappeared but statistical data, u = 2.83 and 4.47, P < 0.01 for the
recurrence with an alleviated condition was seen first and the second course, suggesting there was a
throughout a follow-up survey of 1 year; very significant difference, and Z2= 11.19, P < 0.05
Effectiveness: Symptoms and clinical signs eased for the third course, a significant difference between
in some degrees and attack frequency decreased and the two groups.
its intensity lessened.

Table 2. Comparison of therapeutic course and curative effect between two groups (Cases)
First course Second course Third course
Curative effect
Acupuncture Drug Acupuncture Drug Acupuncture Drug
Cure 15 2 28 7 33 17
Marked effectiveness 2 2 6 6 8 11
Effectiveness 1 3 3 5 4 8
Inefficacy 32 43 13 32 5 14

the acupoint on gastrointestinal diseases is proved

Discussion
Point Zhongwan (CV 12), the Front-Mu point of
the stomach and the influential point of fu-organs,
and point Zusanli (ST 36), a lower He (sea) point of
the stomach, have the function of tonifying the
spleen and stomach and of regulating qi and blood.
Xunjing Kaoxue Pian ( ( ( ~ ~'~ :~ ~ ~ ))) indicates
that point Neiguan (PC 6) can treat regurgitation,
glomus and fullness at middle abdomen and
incoordination between the spleen and the stomach,
because the point, one of eight confluence points, is
able to regulate triple energizer and threngthen
stomach-intestinal function to treat stomach pain.
Experimental research demonstrated that needling
point Zusanli (ST 36) influenced markedly the
function of digestive system, showing that the
stomach peristalsis is restored in the case of
peristalsis loss; on the contrary, it is suppressed in
the case of hyper-peristalsis E~3. The effect on gastric
secretion is similar. The curative effect of needling
good through long clinical practice, on the basis of
regulating gastrointestinal function. To pursue a
most satisfactory effect, it is necessary to try hard to
induce the needling sensation from points Neiguan
(PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), and lead it along the
meridian to the gastric part.
The analysis of this clinical observation showed
that curative effects of all 3 courses in acupuncture
group were not only better, than those in drug group,
but also happened in a shorter course. Therefore the
therapy is a satisfying one for treating chronic
gastritis.
References
E I - I ~ ' - , ~ ~.~, ~ ~,-~.~ ~ T ~ , ~,l ~ ~E,~
_~~ s 150 ~,]._-b-~1-1-.~~ ~ , 1995,14(1) ..11.
ZHANG Zhong-yi, CHEN Jia-li, ZHU Sheng-liang, et al.
Response Observed with Gastroscope in Needling Neiguan
(PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) in 150 Cases. Shanghai Journal
of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1995, 14(1): 11.
Received date.. Nov. 20, 2004
 9 14 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Treatment of Epigastric Pain by Earthly

Branch-adopted Method
LIU Pei-yun(~'1~ ~r)~, ZHENG Yan-li (:~ ~ &)2, YAN Li-hao (l~q&_E)s
1.AffiliatedHospital of ShandongUniversityof TCM, Ji'nan, 250011, China
2.Teaching Division of Acupunctureand Moxibustion, SpecialEducationSchool,ShandongProvince,Ji'nan, 250022, China
3.Massage Hospital of Ji'nan Municipality,Shandong,250001, China

~: ~"~..~']$t-~@, - ~ , ~ ' ] ~ - : t - " ~ ' ] , ~ 2 5 - ~ , ~ ; 19~,J ~ ) E ~ , ~ , ~ . 15

/~,] , . ~ 2/~,] , ~ 1 ~,] , ~ 1/~,] , ~ 94.7%o

Abstract In accordance with the principle "to tonify its mother in deficiency and to sedate its
son in excess", 19 cases of epigastric pain were treated by Five Shu-Transmitting Points of the
stomach meridian and the results showed cure in 15 cases, remarkable effect in 2 cases,
improvement in 1 case, failure in 1 case and the effective rate being 94.7%.
Key Words: Ziwu Liuzhu Nazi Method; Acupuncture-Moxibustion; Epigastric Pain
CLC number. R224.2
Document code: B

The natural world provides the survival conditions
for the human beings, and at the same time is also
an external factor and condition in occurrence of
diseases in the mankind. The situations in warm, hot
and cold temperature, tides and light would influence
the flow of qi and blood in the twelve meridians of
the human body in different extent. Under normal
situations, a relative balance is maintained between
the human beings and the natural world. If this
balance is destroyed, disease could happen in the
human body. The acupuncture treatment should be
given in accordance with the peak time in flow of qi
and blood by Five-Shu-Transmitting Points from the
twelve meridians for best therapeutic effects. We
have treated epigastric pain with the earthly branch-
adopted method of midnight-noon ebb-flow and a
brief introduction is given in the following.
Clinical M a t e r i a l s
There were 19 cases of the patients with
epigastric pain, including 11 males and 8 females,
with the ages ranging from 35-58 years old, and with
the duration ranging from 1 day to one week.
Therapeutic Methods
First of all, excessive pattern and deficient pattern
should be identified. If it belonged to excessive
pattern, manifested by distending and full sensation
Author:LIU Pei-yun(1950-), female, junior consultant doctor
in the epigastric region, aggravated by pressure, it is
advisable to select the acupoints by the principle of "
to toni_fy its mother in deficiency and to sedate its
son in excess", in accordance with combination of
Zang-fu organs with the time periods, with deficient
or excessive feature of the symptoms of various
meridians, and by five-element relationship among
Jing-Well, Ying-Spring, Shu-Stream, Jing-River and
He-Sea points of the twelve meridians. For excessive
pattern, it is advisable to apply the sedating
technique on Lidui (ST 45), a Jing-Well Point of the
Stomach Meridian, at the time period of the fifth
earthly branch EThe stomach belongs to earth, and
earth promotes metal, and Lidui (ST 45), a Jing-
Well Point, belongs to metal and a son point of the
meridian. Therefore, the sedating technique is
applied. Because qi and blood pours into the Stomach
Meridian at the time period of the fifth earthly
branch, the stomach qi is preponderant at this
moment. Therefore, its son point, Lidui (ST 45), is
sedated at the time period of the fifth earthly branch
in excessive pattern]. At the same time, other
acupoints from the Stomach Meridian, such as
Liangqiu (ST 34) and Zusardi (ST 36) can be
combined.
If it belongs to deficient pattern, manifested by
insidious pain in the epigastric region and frequent
vomiting of clear water, and low spirit and lassitude,
it is advisable to puncture Jiexi (ST 41), a mother
point of the Stomach Meridian, by the tonifying
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 15 9

method at the time period of the sixth earthly branch
[Because qi and blood has already flown over the
stomach meridian at the time period of the sixth
earthly branch, the stomach qi becomes declined at
the moment, and the stomach belongs to earth and
fire can promote earth, and Jiexi (ST 41) belongs to
fire, a mother point of this meridian, therefore Jiexi
(ST 41) should be punctured by the tonifying method
at the time period of the sixth earthly branch in
deficient pattern~.
If the time for the tonifying or sedating technique
is over, it is advisable to select the original point and
yuan-primary point of the meridian in same feature.
For instance, the stomach belongs to earth in the
theory of five elements, and Zusanli (ST 36), a He-
Sea Point of this meridian and belonging to earth, is
the original point of this meridian.
T h e r a p e u t i c Effects
1. Therapeutic results
In total 19 cases, the results showed cure in 15
cases, remarkable effect in 2 cases, improvement in
1 case, failure in 1 case and the effective rate being
94.7%.
2. Case example
The patient, male, 57 years old, a worker, was sick
with epigastric pain for 3 days, manifested by
distending, full and stuffy sensation in the epigastric
region, nausea, no food intake due to pain, and poor
sleep at night. He used to be treated in other
hospital by muscular injection of atropine and oral
administration of gentamycin, and at the beginning,
pain could be relieved for a while, but the
medications failed. The examination by barium meal
showed antral gastritis. Thin and white tongue
coating and wiry pulse belong to excessive pattern. It
was 8 AM when the patient came to the clinic.
Immediately, bilateral Lidui (ST 45) were punctured
with the sedating technique, plus Liangqiu (ST 34)
and Zusanli (ST 36). After acupuncture, pain was
obviously relieved and the patient took some food at
lunchtime. At 8 AM next day, pain occurred again,
and the treatment was given with the above method.
Totally, the patient was treated for one week and
was cured. Up to today, no reoccurrence was noticed.
Experience
The needling method based upon midnight-noon
ebb-flow is similar to the concept of "biological clock"
in modern medicine. As a matter of fact, the
biological process depending upon the time is quite
common. For instance, changes at night and in the
daytime take place in body temperature, blood sugar,
and basal metabolism. Like tides, the circulation of
qi and blood inside the body rises and falls in a
rhythm, and is manifested by periodical
preponderance and weakness with flowing of the
time. It is pointed out in Su Wen (((~ I'*-1))) that "the
needling time should be decided upon the sun, moon,
star and time period, and conditions of four seasons
and eight directions, and the needle can only be
inserted with a stable respiration." Therefore, quick
therapeutic effects can be achieved in the treatment
of various diseases by earthly branch-adopted
method of midnight-noon ebb-flow theory.
Translator: HUANG Guo-qi (~- N/~,)

9 Related Article 9

The Protective Effect of Jiaji Point Injection of Astragali on Gastric Mucosa in Rats with Bile Reflux
Gastritis

CHEN Ytrqi (~-~-g-), AI Bing-wei (~k*Y~-), LI Yu-tang (z~ ~ ~-)

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the protective effect of Jiaji point injection of Huangqi (Radix
Astragali) on gastric mucosa in rats with bile reflux gastritis (BRG). Methods: Jiaji (Ex-B 2) points lateral to
below T~12 spinal processes were injected with Huangqi (Radix Astragali) in rats with bile reflux gastritis to
investigate its effect on gastric mucosa and gastrointestinal peptide hormone level. Results: Gastrin (GAS)
and prostaglandin E,.(PG~) levels markedly rose and gastric mucosa obviously improved pathologically in the
point injection group. Conclusion: Jiaji (Ex-B 2) point injection can relieve injury to gastric mucosa and protect
the barrier of gastric wall, and it is an effective way to treat BRG.
Cited from Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian, 2004, 23(9): 42-44
 9 16 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Treatment of Chronic Gastritis by Acupuncture in 100 Cases

MA Wen-jian (~ < ~ )
Hospital Affiliatedto QingsongGeneral Factoryof BuildingMaterials and aaemical Industry,Akesu, Xinjiang,843005,China

~[: ~'~'t~ ~ s ~ ~, ~ ~ , ~ ~:~'~ ~" ~ , ~ ~,~, ~-~,~-~a ~ ~Y

27 ~,], ~L~ 2 ~r,], , ~ z ~ 98.0~ o

Abstract: Patients with chronic gastritis were treated by acupuncture and otopoint pressure.
Warming the middle Energizer to dispel cold, removing heat by alleviation of mental
depression, relieving the depressed liver and regulating the circulation of qi in the case of
excess syndrome; reinforcing the spleen and strengthening the stomach, warming the middle
Energizer to dispel cold and reinforcing the stomach and nourishing yin in the case of deficiency
syndrome. In the group of 100 cases, 71 cases got cure, 27 got marked effectiveness, and 2 got
no effect. The total effective rate was 98.0%.
Key Words: Gastritis; Acupuncture Therapy; Auricular Point Sticking
CLC number: R224.2
Document code: B

I had treated chronic gastritis with acupuncture
plus otopoint pressure therapy. Now it is reported as
follows.
Clinical Data
A total of 100 cases were out-patients, among
them there were 82 males and 18 females; the
youngest was 18 years old and the oldest 48; the
shortest disease duration was 6 days and the longest
disease duration was 15 years.
Therapeutic Methods
1. Acupuncture
a. Excess syndrome
Therapeutic principle: Warming the middle
Energizer to dispel cold, removing heat by alleviation
of mental depression, relieving the depressed liver
and regulating the circulation of qi in the case of
excess syndrome.
Acupoints: Zhongwan (CV 12), Zusanli (ST 36),
Neiguan (PC 6), Gongsun (SP 4) and Xingjian (LR
2).
b. Deficiency syndrome
Therapeutic principle: Reinforcing the spleen and
strengthening the stomach, warming the middle
Energizer to dispel cold and reinforcing the stomach
Author:MA Wen-jian (1961-), male, attending physician
and nourishing yin in the case of deficiency
syndrome.
Acupoints: Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL 21),
Zhongwan (CV 12), Zhangmen (LR 13) and Zusanli
(ST 36).
c. Operation
Two to four acupoints were punctured for every
treatment, with filiform needle in a length of 75 ram,
with slightly twirling technique while slowly
penetrating after a fast insertion into subcutaneous
layer, to make the patient have locally a sensation of
soreness, distension, heaviness or numbness, even
the sensation transmit downward to the lower
abdomen, 2 manipulations were given when the
filiform needles was retained in place for 30 min.
The treatment was given one time a day, one
therapeutic course was composed of 10 days.
2. Otopoint pressure
Ear points: Spleen (MA-IC), Stomach (MA-IC),
Liver (MA-SC 5), Large Intestine (MA-SC 4), Small
Intestine (MA-SC 2) and Er Shenmen (MA-TF 1).
Operation: These points were pressed with
magnetic pearl adhered to, by a adhesive plaster, the
selected otopoint. Patient was required to press the
magnetic pearl 4 to 6 times a day with finger, 1 or 2
rain for every time, it was suitable to make himself
have a slight painful sensation while pressing the
magnetic pearl. The magnetic pearl was removed
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 17 9

after an adhesion of 5 days, and there was one day
for rest, one therapeutic course was composed of 11
days. Patient was also required to take care of diet
and daily life.
T h e r a p e u t i c Effect
1. Criteria of curative effect
Cure: Pain, oppression, glomus and fullness,
burning sensation at middle-upper abdomen disap-
peared; nausea and vomiting stopped; eating and
drinking returned to normal; and pathologic
alternation of gastric mucosa shown by gastroscope
disappeared.
Marked effectiveness: Pain, oppression, glomus
and fullness, burning sensation at middle-upper
abdomen, nausea and vomiting eased; appetite
increased; however the disease recurred in case of
eating raw and cold diet or overworked and
pathologic alternation of gastric mucosa shown by
gastroscope eased slightly.
Ineffectiveness: Symptoms and gastric mucosa
alternation shown by gastroscope remained
unchanged.
2. Curative results
After the treatment, 71 cases got cure, 27 got
marked effectiveness, and 2 got no effect. The total
effective rate was 98.0%.
Discussion
According to the TCM, chronic gastritis is usually
caused by such factors as emotional dysfunction,
impropriet or exogenous wind and cold evil. It is
believed that depression of liver-qi likely damages
the stomach, and the insufficiency of stomach yin
induces further the stomach fire become predomi-
nant and finally gastric pain will develop. In addition,
in the case of vigorous spleen-stomach qi, the
stomach, sea of grain and water, is able to move and
transform the food taken in; conversely in the case
of spleen-stomach qi deficiency, the food taken in
stagnates in the stomach, leading to dampness
accumulation obstructing the flow of stomach qi, thus
gastric pain appears. On the basis of above
pathologic analysis, needling point Zusanli (ST 36)
combined with points Pishu (BL 20) and Weishu (BL
21), Back-shu points of the spleen and stomach
respectively, are able to warm the middle Energizer
to dispel cold and reinforce the spleen and
strengthen the stomach. Besides, Spleen (MA-IC),
Stomach (MA-IC) and Large Intestine (MA-SC 4)
are used in a bid to regulate function of moving and
transforming grain and water, and rectify qi to
dissipate stagnation; Large Intestine (MA-SC 4) and
Small Intestine (MA-SC 2) are pressed in an
attempt to promote the function of clearing away
turbid pathogenic factor; and Er Shenmen (MA-TF
1) enabled the qi and blood in the viscera to circulate
smoothly after the depression is removed, benefiting
the solidity of the spleen and stomach and the relief
of the depressed liver qi.
Received date: Nov. 20, 2004

9 Related Article 9

Study of the Effect of Acupuncture on the Total Acidity of Gastric Juice and Pepsin's Activity

ZHANG Wen-juan (~&~ ~ ), GAO Xi-yan ( ~ ~r --g), GUO Shtrmin ( ~ ~ a/s

Abstract Objective: To know the effect of the total acidity of gastric juice and pepsin's activity. Methods:
By observing the effect on gastric mucosa through puncturing and moxibusting the acupuncture points of
Zusanli (ST 36), Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25) chronic shrinking gastritics in rat model. Results: We
found acupuncture can cut down the quantity of emission of the total acidity of gastric juice effectively,
decrease the activity of pepsin, remove superoxygen negative ion effectively, reduce the damage to the
organism and increase the activity of SOD. Conclusions: The study showed that the activity can play a role in
protecting the gastric mucosa.

Cited from China JOurnal Natural Medicine, 2001, 3(4): 203-205

 9 18 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Treatment of Bile Reflux Gastritis by

Point-injection in 72 Cases
YANG Zhong-li ( ~ 4 ~ 1 ) , DU Ping (~:1: @)
191 Army Hospital, Guigang City, Guangxi, 537105, China

~: ~5-_~_r 72~,l)N~L,tg~,~,NN'rT/II.~.-~N~ 45
4~,]~N-,.~... / ~ . ~ . ~ ~ I q ~ 93.1~ 77.8~,~a~.~,~.-l-@,~..~(P< 0.01)o
~ : W~; r ~ , ~
Abstract: Seventy-two patients with bile reflux gastritis w e r e treated with metoclopramide
injection into Zusanli (ST 36), compared with oral Metoclopramide in 45 cases. The total
effective rate were 93.1% and 77.8%, respectively. There was a significant difference ( P < 0.01)
between two groups.
Key Words: Gastritis; Hydro-acupuncture; Point, ST 36
CLC number: R246.1
Document code: B

Bile reflux gastritis is one of commonly

encountered diseases in clinic. According to data in
recent years both at home and abroad, there is a
close relationship between bile-regurgitation and the
gastric mucosa canceration, therefore it is of an
important significance to probe the approach to the
prevention and treatment of the disease. We treated
72 patients with bile reflux gastritis with
metoclopramide injection into bilateral Zusanli (ST
36).
Clinical Data
There were 72 cases in acupncture group, among
them 42 were male and 30 female; their ages ranged
from 22 to 54 years old, averaging 34 years old;
disease duration was 7 days to 15 years; 48 cases
suffered from chronic superficial gastritis and 24
chronic erosive gastritis. The bile-regurgitation
through the pyloric ostium was seen in all the
patients.
There were 45 cases in control group, among
them 32 were male and 13 female; average age was
28 years old; disease duration was 5 days to 15 years;
28 cases suffered from chronic superficial gastritis
and 20 chronic erosive gastritis. The bile-
regurgitation through the pyloric ostium was
observed under the gastroscope in all the patients.
Their age, disease duration as well as disease
category were comparable between two groups.
Therapeutic Methods
1. Acupuncture group
Acupoints: Zusanli (ST 36).
Operation: Patients are in a supine position.
Metoclopramide was injected into bilateral points
Zusanli (ST 36) by a 5 ml syringe with a No. 7
syringe needle and in depth of 3 cm, 5 mg for each
side point, after a routine disinfection. The
metoclopramide was not injected until a sensation of
soreness, fullness or numbness appeared locally,
following a manipulation of twirling and lifting and
thrusting technique. One treatment a day and one
therapeutic course were composed of 14 days.
2. Control group
Metoclopramide was orally given, 3 times a day.
Curative Result
Table 1. Comparison of curative result between two groups
case (Cases)
Groups CC ME Effectiveness IneffectivenessTER(%)
Acupuncture 38 19 10 5 93.1
Control 12 20 3 10 77.8
Notes: CC, clinical cure; ME, marked effectiveness; TER,
total effect rate.
The table showed that there was a significant
difference in curative result (P < 0.01) between two
groups after )~2 test.
Discussion

Author..YANG Zhong-li (1966-), male, attending physician Opinions at home and abroad vary on the
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 19 9

pathological mechanism of bile reflux gastritis, which
is mainly caused by following factors: smoking, lesion
of gastric mucosa barrier, pylorus insufficiency or
disturbance of gastric emptying and so on. Medicine
metoclopramide, a representative chemical for
gastro-intestinal dynamics, is usually used clinically
to treat the diseases in the light of its action
mechanism of regulating pylorus function,
strengthening gastric antrum peristalsis and
shortening gastric emptying time, as a result of
decreases bile reflux~] .
Point Zusanli (ST 36), acts to regulate the flow of
qi by activating yang, suppressing the adverse flow of
qi based on regulating the stomach and
strengthening the body resistance. Besides,
experimental study has confirmed that needling point
Zusanli (ST 36) plays a role of bidirectional
regulation in the stomach function, contraction or
dilation, along with the body functional state at the
moment, therefore the manipulation is able to
relieve pylorus spasm at a time when bile-
regurgitation gastritis exists, promoting gastric
emptying. In addition, puncturing point Zusanli (ST
36) can elevate the total number of white blood cells
and the percentage of neutrophile, benefiting the
prevention from inflammation~2~. On the basis of
above analysis, it is reasonable to imagine that
Metoclopramide injection into point Zusanli (ST 36)
is able to activate likely the meridian-qi of the body,
exert double actions performed by acupuncture and
chemical through the acupoint. Fortunately, this
initiative came true following a conclusion that the
effectiveness of treatment of bile-regurgitation
gastritis by Metoclopramide point-injection was
better than that by routine treatment with
Metoclopramide in clinic. The therapy is simple to
perform and economical, therefore it is easy to be
popularized clinically.
References
~ ,15~ L ~ , . ~ 1~1~ ~ $. ~ ~-~, ,~, 1999,19(3): 148-151.
TIAN Yao-zhou, CHANG Ftrrong, REN Ai-nong, et al.
Observation of Danwei Capsule on Bile Reflux Gastritis.
Chinese Journal of Combination of Chinese Medicine and
Western Medicine, 1999, 19(3): 148-151.
~/# ~ ~ i~ 42 9,J.~ I~1eft-~ , 1997,17(12): 722.
YAN Ji-qin, JING Jin-zhong, LIU Hong. Drug Injection
Therapy Treated 42 Cases of Postoperative
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Esophageal Cardiac
Cancer Patients. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion,
1997, 17(12): 722.
Received date: NOV. 20, 2004

9 Related Article 9

The Influence of Point Injection Therapy on Hepatic Tissues and SOD in Rats with MNNG-induced Chronic
Atrophic Gastritis

CHAWei (~ '~), WANG Yin-ping ( ~ t ) , WU Xu (~ ~), et al

Abstract Purpose: To investigate hepatic functions in chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). Methods: A rat
model of chronic atrophic gastritis was made with MNNG. The rats were randomly divided into model,
regulating liver and stomach, and reinforcing spleen and stomach groups. A blank group was set up. The
regulating liver and stomach group was treated by injecting Zusanli (ST 36) and Taichong (LR 3) and the
reinforcing spleen and stomach group, by injecting Zusanli (ST 36) and Taibai (SP 3), with a mixture of
Huangqi (Radix Astragali) injection and Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) injection. Point injection
began in tenth week and finished in thirty-first week in both the groups. Results: Hepatic lesions were milder
in the regulating liver and stomach, and reinforcing spleen and stomach groups than in the model group and
slighter in the regulating liver and stomach group than in the reinforcing spleen and stomach group. SOD
activity was also higher in both the groups than in the model group, and there was a significant difference
between the regulating liver and stomach group and the reinforcing spleen and stomach group (P < 0.01).
Conclusion: The condition of hepatic functions influences CAG generation and development. Attention should
be paid to regulating and soothing the liver in CAG treatment.
Cited from Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian, 2004, 23(9): 39-41
 9 20 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Clinical Observation on Acupuncture Treatment of

Functional Dyspepsia
ZHOU Yuan()~ I~), ZI-IENG Jia-gang (~ ~ ~ )
1. TCM Department, Shanghai No 5 People's Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, 200240, China
2. Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200032, China

,~45"l~,&~L~., ~-~ ~'~:~'] ~ a , ~ 93.8% , ~ 63.3%, ~j ~ . ~ ' ] ~ 82.3%

43.1% , ~ ' ] ~ i ~ ~ ~ ~ - ~ ~ ~'t~ ~ 4~ ~ ~ ~ # L ~ "I- ~J ~ ~ ( P < 0.05); ~ ~ @ ~ ~
~ , i ~ L ~ ) ] ~ ( P > 0.05),~ ~ ~ th.

Abstract Purpose: To observe the clinical efficacy on acupuncture treatment of functional

dyspepsia. Methods: Major points including Zusauli (ST 36) were selected on the basis of
meridian theory to treat functional dyspepsia with even reinforcing-reducing manipulations and
electric stimulation. While commoaly-nsed western medication domperidone was used in a
control group. Results and conclusions: The total effective rate and the markedly effective rate
were 93.8% and 63.3% respectively in the acupuncture group and 82.2% and 43.1% respectively
in the medication group. The curative effect on nonspecific functional dyspepsia was better in
the acupuncture group than in the medication group (P < 0.05). Both treatments had marked
effects on the dyskinetic type without a significant difference ( P > 0.05).
Key Words Dyspepsia; Acupuncture Therapy; Medication; Electroacupuncture
CLC number: R246.1
D o c u m e n t code: A

Functional dyspepsia ( F D ) is characterized by female proportion and age distribution are shown in
abdominal distension, morning fullness, upper table 1. Four weeks before the treatment, all the
abdominal pain, acid regurgitation and sensation of cases were diagnosed as mild degree superficial
stomach burning without organic pathologic changes gastritis through gastroscope and X-ray, excluding
or metabolic and psychic diseases. The authors gastrointestinal cancer and peptic ulceration. In ad-
treated 64 FD cases with acupuncture and compared dition, cholecystitis, gallstones, pancreatic diseases,
with the western medication. diabetes and hyperthyroidism are all excluded
through ultrasonic examination and biochemical
General Data
blood test.
Altogether 126 FD cases were randomly divided One week before the acupuncture treatment,
into acupuncture group (64 cases) and medication medications affecting the observation like anti-
group (62 cases). By different clinical manifestations, cholinergic, anticonvulsant, emetic, H2-receptor
126 cases were classified as four patterns including antagonist and other drugs for gastric dynamic are
regurgitation, ulceration, dyskinesia and non-specific all discontinued.
type. The case numbers of different types, male/
Table 1. General data comparison of the two groups
Acupuncture group (n = 64) Medication group (n = 62)
Types
N M: F Mean age (years) N M: F Mean age (years)
Ulceration 7 1.33 : 1 43.4-1-13.1 9 1.25 ". 1 42.2+ 13.6
Regurgitation 13 0.63 z 1 40.4+ 11.7 12 0.71 : 1 41.3+ 10.9
Dyskinesia 26 0.53 " 1 44.1+ 12.4 24 0.50 ~ 1 44.9+ 13.0
Non-specific 18 0.64 : 1 52.0 15.2 17 0.55 : 1 48.8+ 15.6

Author: ZHOU Yuan(1960- ), female, junior consultant doctor

 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 21 ~

grades or completely disappeared.

Therapeutic Method
Effective: symptoms were improved by one grade
1. Acupuncture group after the treatment.
Major points: Zhongwan ( C V 12), bilateral Failure: symptoms became more severe or no
Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) change.
and Hegu (LI 4).
3. Therapeutic result
Operation: Even reinforcing-reducing manipula-
All the counting materials were examined by Z2
tion was conducted on arrival of qi, and then Zusanli
test and the materials on grade were analyzed with
(ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were connected with
Ridit analysis.
G6805 electric apparatus for 20 min. The treatment
The therapeutic results comparison of the two
was done once every day and altogether 21 times.
groups can be shown in table 2.
2. Medication group Table 2. Therapeutic result comparison of the two groups
Domperidone was orally administered 3 times a (cases)
day before meals, 10 mg every time, altogether 21 Group N ME Effective Failure TER (%)
days.
Acupuncture group 64 38 22 4 93.8
Therapeutic Result Medication group 62 22 29 11 82.3
1. Evaluation on clinical efficacy Notes: ME, marked effect; TER, total effective rate
Four grades are classified by the severity of The total effective rate in the acupuncture group
symptoms. showed significant difference with that of the
Grade 0: No symptoms. medication group (~2= 3.97, P < 0.05); The result
Grade 1: Mild but not obvious sensation. indicated that acupuncture has better efficacy in
Grade 2: Slightly severe symptoms. treating FD than domperidone.
Grade 3: Severe symptoms and cannot stay at The therapeutic result analysis on different FD
work. types can be shown in table 3 and the analysis on
2. Criteria of therapeutic effect effect-starting time in treating FD can be shown in
Marked effect: symptoms were improved by two table 4.

Table3. The therapeutic result analysis on different FD types ( ~ )

Ulceration Regurgitation Dyskinesia Non-specific
Group
Total effective Failure Total effective Failure Total effective Failure Total effective Failure
Acupuncture 51) 2 111) 2 261~ 0 182) 0
Medication 6 3 12 0 21 3 12 5
Note: Compared with the medication group, 1) P> 0.05, 2) P< 0.05
The result in table 3 showed that better effect of order goes like dyskinesia, non-specific, regurgita-
acupuncture than domperidone is mainly manifested tion and ulceration, and the latter got the least
on non-specific type. According to the type effect.
distribution of FD in the two groups, the sequence

Table 4. Analysis of effect-starting time in treating FD

1st week 2nd week 3rd week
Effect
A M T R A M T R A M T R
Marked effect 21 9 30 0.8810 27 19 46 0.8175 38 22 60 0.7619
Effective I4 8 22 0.6746 20 18 38 0.4841 22 29 51 0.3214
Failure 29 45 74 0.2937 17 25 42 0.1667 4 11 15 0.0595
Total 64 62 126 64 62 126 64 62 126
R 0.5697 0.4281 0.5404 0.4583 0.5666 0.4312
U value 2.7549(P<0.01) 1.5973(P> 0.05) 2.6342(P< 0.01)
Note: A, acupuncture; M, medication; T, total
 9 22 9
According to the follow-up recordings, it's evident
that the two groups showed different reaction time.
By grade evaluation of clinical efficacy and statistics
on grade data, the therapeutic result analysis on the
two groups in the first week showed significant
better result in acupuncture group than the
medication group ( P < 0. 01) but no significant
difference ( P > 0.05) in the second week, and better
result again in acupuncture group than the
medication group in the third week, which actually
represents the ultimate therapeutic result.
Consequently we can conclude that acupuncture
works faster with stable effect in treating FD.
No adverse effects appeared during the treatment
process in the acupuncture group, one case got
premature heartbeats 3 weeks after taking the
domperidone and the symptom disappeared after
discontinuing the medication, which had no statistical
meaning. Considering the comparatively shorter
treatment perio.d, the adverse reaction needs further
observation in both groups.
Discussion
Despite the fact that FD doesn't belong to organic
disease, this clinical syndrome seriously affects
people's life quality. To date, more and more clinical
doctors from all over the world have started to study
its onset mechanism, diagnosis and prevention.
Currently gastrointestinal motility disorder is
considered to be the major cause, often accompanied
by delayed gastric emptying.
Western medications promoting gastrointestinal
motility include metoclopramide, domperidone,
cisapride, mosapride and macrolides-kind antibiotics.
Due to its penetrating blood-brain barrier, metoclo-
pramide may cause 30% occurrence rate of adverse
reaction in extrapyramidal system with routine
dosage, and may also cause elevation of prolactin in
the blood like domperidone. Cisapride appeared in
1980s and was discontinued in the U.S. because of its
toxic reaction on heart, although it was once thought
to be a good choice. Mosapride, the substitute for
cisapride, is not generally adopted yet. When it
comes to macrolides-kind antibiotics, it's not used as
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
the major gastrointestinal dynamic promoter. That's
why domperidone is still the major medication in
clinical treatment.
According to syndrome differentiation of TCM
theory, FD is due to qi stagnation of spleen and
stomach. Therefore Zusanli (ST 36) is selected to
boost the transportation and transformation of
spleen and stomach, Zhongwan (CV 12), Neiguan
(PC 6) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) are combined to soothe
the chest-qi, down-regulate the reversed qi and stop
pain. The total effective rate of acupuncture
treatment was better than that of the control group
and more significance in improving symptoms,
especially on non-specific type. In addition,
acupuncture showed same significant effect as
domperidone on dyskinesia type, and therefore had
more extensive treatment scope. As for the effect-
starting time, acupuncture was superior in the first
week, lasting longer with stable improvement of
symptoms. Modern research has proved that
needling Zusanli (ST 36) has specific effect on
gastric motility~1~ and can double-regulate the
function of pyloric sphincter muscle, whose action
may be stimulating gastric antral motility and gastric
emptying through the comprehensive regulation of
neuro-endocrine-immune systemic network[2J. The
clinical observation of this article suggested that
acupuncture, as a non-medication therapy, can
reduce therapeutic cost with its better and faster
effect and is worth spreading in clinical application.
References
N l ~ j ~I~,1993,8(2) : 2/-29.
QIAN Li-wei. Effect of Reinforcing-Reducing Manipulation
on Pyloric Sphincter Muscle of Gastric and Duodenal
Cases. Journal of Chinese Medicine, 1993, 8(2):27-29.
2003,4(22) ." 43-46.
XU Jia-nian. Research Progress on Acupuncture
Treatment of Chronic Gastritis. Journal of Shanghai
Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 2003, 4(22): 43-46.
Translator: HAN Chou-ping(~ 2/. ~ )
Received: Jan. 1, 2004
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 23 9

Clinical Observation on Acupuncture Treatment of 36 Cases of

Chronic Atrophic Gastritis
LI Jian-zhong (~ ~ ~ )1, ZHOU Lu (~ g )~, LIU Li-gong (.~pp~&)~, ZHANG De-hua ( ~ ~)', ZHANG Rong
( ~ ~)2, ZHAO Zi-qiang (:~ I~~)', WANG Li-dong (Y-~ z].)~, ZHANG Shi-ying( ~ ) ~ , LIU Dong (~] ~.)2,
LIU Yun-qing (~l ~g~~)~, LI Yu-fen (~ ~ ~)*, LIU Dong-li (5~].~& )~
1. XuanwuTCM Hospital, Beijing, 100050, China;
2. Sectionof Digestive Physiology,PreclinicalMedicineInstitute of China Academyof Medical Science,Beijing, 100007,
China

Abstract Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture therapy for treatment of
chronic atrophic gastritis. Methods: According to the theory of TCM, 36 cases of chronic
atrophic gastritis were differentiated and treated by acupuncture. Gastroscopy and
electrogastrograph (EGG) of the body surface, gastric acid and pepsin, blood gastrin, blood
prostaglandin E (PGE), gastric mucosal cells and G cells are recorded. Results: Acupuncture
therapy had a better effect in improving clinical symptoms, the markedly effective rate was 97.
2% and the disappearing rate of clinical manifestations 97.02%i after acupuncture treatment,
blood PGE concentration increased; gastric acid secretion increased; gastric dynamics was
enhanced and the amplitude of EGG rose; acupuncture could significantly facilitate secretion of
gastrin. Conclusion: Acupuncture is a convenient treatment method for atrophic gastritis with
quick effect and without side effects.
Key Words Acupuncture Therapy; Atrophic Gastritis; Syndrome Differ Classification
CLC number: R573.3
Document code: A

Chronic gastritis belongs to the categories of
"epigastric pain" and "abdominal mass" in TCM, and
is due to improper diet, excessive intake of cigarette
and alcohol, emotional distress and stress, which
cause deficiency of spleen and stomach. To study the
effect of acupuncture for epigastric pain, we have
treated 36 cases of epigastric pain with acupuncture
therapy. Now the report was given below.
Clinical Data
1. Syndrome differentiation
All the cases were diagnosed with pathological,
physiological, biochemical and immunocytochemical
Author, LI Jian-zhong (1951-), male, junior consultant doctor,
engaged in clinicalacupuncturestudy and teaching.
methods, and differentiated into four syndromes,
which were syndrome of deficiency of spleen and
stomach, stagnancy of qi and blood stasis (syndrome
A), syndrome of disharmony between liver and
stomach, stagnated fire and dryness heat (syndrome
B), syndrome of insufficiency of stomach-yin, blood
stasis in collaterals, and s~,ndrome of deficiency of
spleen (syndrome C) and stagnation of the liver-qi,
disturbance of qi-flow (syndrome D).
2. General data
Among 36 cases with chronic atrophic gastritis,
there were 16 males, and 20 females, 14 cases aged
from 36 to 45, 17 cases aged from 46 to 55, and 5
cases over 55; and 2 cases with duration from 6
month to 1 year, 22 cases from 1 to 5 years, 5 cases
from 5 to 10 years, 4 cases from 10 to 15 years, and
 9 24 9
3 cases over 15 years.
Treatment Methods
1. Description according to syndrome classi-
fication
a. Syndrome A: To strengthen spleen, nourish
stomach, and promote flow of qi and blood
circulation with acupoints of Pishu (BL 20), Weishu
(BL 21), Geshu (BL 17), Zhongwan (CV 12),
Zhangmen (LR 13), Qihai (CV 6), Neiguan (PC 6),
Zusanli (ST 36), and Xuehai (SP 10).
b. Syndrome B: To relieve depression of the liver-
qi, harmonize stomach, disperse the depressed qi,
and reduce fever with acupoints of Taichong (LR 3),
Neiguan (PC 6), Zhongwan (CV 12), and Zusanii (ST
36). And Neiting (ST 44) were added for excessive
stomach fire, Xingjian (LR 2) for excessive liver fire,
and Tianshu (ST 25) for constipation.
c. Syndrome C: To nourish stomach-fin, promote
blood circulation for removing obstruction in
collaterals with acupoints of Weishu (BL 21),
Zhongwan (CV 12), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36),
Sanyinjiao (SP 6), and Xuehai (SP 10). And Tianshu
(ST 25) were added for constipation.
d. Syndrome D: To strengthen spleen and relieve
depression of the liver-qi, and harmonize stomach
for stopping pain with acupoints of Zhongwan (CV
12), Neiguan (PC 6), Zusanli (ST 36), Taichong (LR
3), and Gongsun (SP 4).
2. Operation
Based on differentiation syndrome, reducing
manipulations of lifting, thrusting and twisting
needles was used in excess syndrome, reinforcing
manipulation was used in deficiency syndrome, and
even reinforcing and reducing manipulation in
intermingled deficiency and excess syndrome. After
the skin was disinfected with 75% alcohol cotton ball,
acupoints in the back were firstly punctured with
needles of 0.38 mm in diameter and 40-50 mm in
length, without retaining needles, then acupoints in
the abdomen and four limbs. Geshu (BL 17) were
needled obliquely 0.5 cm downward, Pishu (BL 20)
and Weishu (BL 21) were needled obliquely 0.5-0.8
cm, and other acupoints were needled 1-1.5 cun.
a. Syndrome A: Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL 21),
Geshu (BL 17) and Zhangmen (LR 13) were needled
with reinforcing manipulation, Neiguan (PC 6), Qihai
(CV 6) and Zusardi (ST 36) with even reinforcing
and reducing manipulation, and Zhongwan (CV 12)
and Xuehai (SP 10) with reinforcing manipulation
and warming moxibustion for 15-20 min. Needles
Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3,No.2
were retained for 30-40 rain.
b. Syndrome B: Neiguan (PC 6), Zhongwan (CV
12) and Zusanli (ST 36) were needled with even
reinforcing and reducing manipulation, and other
acupoints with reducing manipulation. Needles were
retained for 30 min, and manipulated every 10 min.
c. Syndrome C: Weishu (BL 21), Xuehai (SP 10)
and Zhongwan (CV 12) were needled with
reinforcing manipulation, Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao
(SP 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) with even reinforcing and
reducing manipulation, and Tianshu (ST 25) with
reducing manipulation.
d. Syndrome D: All the acupoints were needled
with even reinforcing and reducing manipulation, and
Zhongwan (CV 12) was moxibustion partitioned with
ginger. Needles were retained for 30 min, and
manipulated every 10 min.
The treatment was given once a day and 10
treatments made up a course. If necessary, the
treatment could be given 6-9 courses with a rest of
3-5 days between two courses. Every 2 weeks, the
patient was examined with electrogastrogram to
monitor the changes of the stomach functions, and
examined with pathological, physiological, bio-
chemical and immunocytochemical methods after
treatment.
Therapeutic Effects
1. Criteria for therapeutic effect EI~
After the treatment, all the cases were examined
with gastroscope, body surface electrogastrogram,
gastric acid, pepsin, serum gastrin (Radioimmunoassay),
serum PGE (Radioimmunoassay), and gastrin cell of
gastric mucosa (G cell, immunofluorescence).
Marked effect: The main symptoms and signs
disappeared; gastric atrophy disappeared or turned
into superficial gastritis in biopsy of gastric mucosa,
gastric mucosa became thick, intestinal metaplasia
disappeared, and all the other results of physical and
chemical inspection tended to be normal.
Improvement: The main symptoms and signs
improved obviously; the results of gastroscope
examination and biopsy of gastric mucosa improved
markedly, or it turned into superficial gastritis; or
intestinal metaplasia disappeared, and all the other
results of physical and chemical inspection tended to
be normal.
No effect: Symptoms and signs did not improve;
results of gastroscope examination and biopsy of
gastric mucosa did not change, and electro-
gastrogram and other physical and chemical
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
inspection did not improve.
2. Therapeutic results
The therapeutic effects of acupuncture on atrophic
gastritis were displayed in table 1.
Table 1. Relation between syndromes and effects (Cases)
Syndrome N ME Improvement No effect ER (%)
A 19 12 7 0 100
B 7 5 2 0 100
C 4 3 1 0 100
D 6 4 1 1 83.3
Notes: ME, marked effect; ER, effectiverate
After acupuncture treatment, gastric acid and
pepsin decreased by 78% and by 52% respectively
than before treatment, and serum PGE gastrin
increased by 39% and by 56% respectively than
before treatment. The difference of these four
indexes between pre-treatment and post-treatment
had statistical significances (P < 0.01).
Acupuncture could make low-level gastric acid
normal in patients of atrophic gastritis with an
increase of 92% in gastric acid secretion ( P < 0.01).
All patients of atrophic gastritis had stomach
dyskinesis manifested by dysfunction of the stomach
peristalsis and low amplitude of electrogastrogram.
After acupuncture treatment, the stomach
peristalsis was strengthened with an increase of
45% than before treatment ( P < 0.01). Additionally,
different syndromes represented different amplitude
of electrogastrogram. In cases of deficiency
syndrome, the amplitude of electrogastrogram was
lower than normal; in cases of excess syndrome, the
amplitude was higher; and in cases of intermingled
deficiency and excess syndrome, the amplitude was
complicated with individual difference. In this study,
most cases were deficiency syndrome complicated
with excess with low amplitude, which were tended to
be normal after acupuncture treatment.
In histochemical examination, the gastric mucosa
of patients with chronic atrophic gastritis was
destructive, G cell decreased with more variance
abnormal cell, zonal or sheet arrangement, and the
fluorescent substances was defused with unclear
nucleus. After treatment, the structure of the gastric
mucosa got better, the number and the form of G
cell were recovered; the cell boundary was clear; the
fluorescent brightness in G cell became lightness,
and the nucleus laid the middle of the cell or basilar
part.
Before treatment, pathological examination
showed gastric gland reduced, mucosa became thin,
muscular layer of mucosa became thick, intestinal
9 25 9
metaplasia or atypical hyperplasia appeared. After
treatment, gastric gland increased, mucosa became
thick, muscular layer of mucosa became thin,
intestinal metaplasia or atypical hyperplasia
disappeared. Before acupuncture treatment, the
mucosa was white mingled with red, epithelium
mucosae was granulative with ridgy protuberance
and slabstone-shaped change, bled little or hardly in
biopsy. After treatment, the mucosa changed into
white or were congested partly, and bled easily in
biopsy, and ridgy protuberance disappeared.
Discussion
Chronic atrophic gastritis is the most common
chronic gastritis. Most people in medical field
considered atrophy of gastric mucosa and intestinal
metaplasia are not reversible [2~, and intestinal
metaplasia tend to cancerization. So, it has more
practical significance to treat chronic atrophic
gastritis with acupuncture.
Usually, the course of chronic atrophic gastritis is
long, and affected part lacks blood and oxygen
inducing gastric mucosa atrophy, metaplasia and
hyperplasia, even cancerization. Through the internal
relation among acupoints, meridians and Zang-fu
organs, acupuncture treatment could modulate the
flow of qi and blood in gastric mucosa and made
atrophic mucosa recover gradually. We found that
symptoms improved more quickly than pathological
changes. In most cases, the main symptoms obviously
improved or disappeared after one course of
treatment, but the improvement of electrogastrogram
was not visible, which was the same as the results in
treating patients with gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer.
Besides, patients with insufficiency of stomach-yin
were manifested by achlorhydria, which is due to
suppression of parietal cell function caused by injury
of parietal cell and reduce of gastrin cell. So,
adjusting and replenishing spleen and stomach, and
regulating functional activities of qi to nourish
collateral of stomach are the main principle of
treating chronic atrophic gastritis.
References
l - 1 ] ~ t ~ . ~ ~. ~ ~ r ~ .~ g~r6~.ee ~ ~,,~,
1991,32(12) : 46.
YANG Churrbo. Summaryof Specialist onTCM Treating
Atrophic Gastritis. Journal of TCM, 1991, 32(12): 46.
[2] Spiro HM. Clinical Gastroenterology.New York: Maanillan,
1997,190.
Translator: CUI Xue-jun ('1~~P~ )
Received date: Nov. 30, 2004
 9 26 9
Experience on Treatment of Epigastric Pain by
Acupoint-pressing and Back-pushing Methods
WU Ming-zhong(~:n~ ,~)
Chinese Medicine Hospital of Emeishan Municipality,Sichuan, 614200, China
CLC number. R224.2
Document code: B
Epigastric pain is mostly and frequently
encountered clinically and can be seen in acute and
chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer,
prolapse of gastric mucosa, and gastrointestinal
disorders and other digestive diseases and is often
treated by medications. The author has treated this
disease by acupoint-pressing and back-pushing
methods and obtained instant therapeutic effects.
This method is simple and easy and practical.
Therapeutic Methods
1. Acupoint-pressing method
After the patient took a sitting position or supine
position or lateral recumbent position, the practi-
tioner pressed bilateral Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST
36) forcefully and quickly with the fingertip of the
thumb, with the hand in a loose fist, about 2 min for
each acupoint. Then, bilateral Neiguan (PC 6) and
Waiguan (TE 5) were pressed, with the hand in a
form of eagle claw, by pressing Neiguan (PC 6) with
the thumb tip and pressing Waiguan (TE 5) with the
middle finger, and both Neiguan (PC 6) and
Waiguan (TE 5) were pressed forcefully and quickly
with the thumb and middle finger at the same time
for about 2 min.
2. Back-pushing method
After the patient took a supine position, with the
head inclined to one side, and two arms relaxed
naturally and placed along the body and the whole
body relaxed, the practitioner stood at the bed,
facing the head of the patient, with the two legs in a
small bow step, and stretched the five fingers and
placed on the upper back of the patient tightly and
pushed quickly toward the lumbar and sacral region
of the patient, with two palms and two arms by the
force transmitted from the thigh and lower back,
from the top to the bottom for 4-5 times, and
afterward asked the patient to incline the head to
anther side and pushed for another 4-5 times like
above-mentioned method. Finally, comparatively
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
heavier pressing manipulation was applied on
Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20), Weishu (BL 21) and
Sanjiaoshu (BL 22) for about 3 min.
Experience
Epigastric pain is often induced by improper food
intake, over-intake of uncooked and cold food,
invasion of cold in the abdominal region, injury of the
liver by depression or anger, and deficient cold of the
spleen and stomach. The acupoint-pressing and back-
pushing method is decided upon etiology and
pathogenesis of epigastric pain. Pressing Neiguan
(PC 6) and Hegu (LI 4) can soothe the heart and
calm the mind, dilate the chest and relieve qi
stagnation, and regulate and harmonize the stomach
qi to stop pain. Pressing Zusanli (ST 36) is able to
dredge the stomach qi for relieving the spasm of the
stomach and intestines, and regulating the intestines
and stomach. Once the tension in the stomach and
intestines is relaxed and the d~,gestive and
transporting functions can be restored, all symptoms
can disappear. By functioning on the Governor
Vessel and Bladder Meridian of the back with the
palms to stimulate the acupoints forcefully, the back-
pushing method is supposed to dredge the meridian
qi of Back-Shu points, dissipate the invaded
pathogenic cold, and dredge the meridians superiorly
and inferiorly to maintain smooth flow of the
meridian qi and regulate and harmonize Zangfu
organs for relieving pain. The acupoint-pressing
method and back-pushing method can be used
separately or simultaneously. In application of the
manual techniques, it is necessary to concentrate the
mind and to be coordinative in the postures, manual
techniques, bodywork and footwork, i.e. the body
should follow where the hand goes by moving the
steps. This method is usually not applicable in those
in bleeding phase of gastric and duodenal ulcer.
Translator: HUANG Guo-qi (~ I~ J~)
Received date: Dec. 25, 2004
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 27 9

Treatment of 32 Cases of Bile Reflux Gastritis by Embedding

Catgut in Acupoints
ZHOU Shu-ying(~ ~1~:)', SUN Hai-yong (~,],',~~))2, CHEN Jian-mu (~. ~,~g.)3
1. Chinese MedicineHospital of ZhangzhouMunicipality,Fujian, 363000, China
2. Lianhua Hospital of Xiamen Municipality,Fujian, 361000, China
3. Health Team of Frontier Detachment, ZhangzhouMunicipality,Fujian, 363000, China

~ ~ : 4~ ,~, .a~ ~ , ~ ~r , ~ J'l , q, ~ , .Y- ~ , ~,. =_-~ , ~ ~ , ;k S, cm ~ ~ ,~ ~ .,x. q- ~ ~ , l d ~

~To 15-20 d ~ 1 ;~,~ 32~,])~-~,t~k ~ ~,~,i~ 4 ~L~,~. 20~r,J , ~ : ~ 12~,]o

Abstract: In the treatment of 32 cases of bile reflux gastritis by embedding catgut in the
acupoints of Danshu (BL 19), Weishu (BL 21), Liangmen (ST 21), Zhongwan (CV 12),
Shangwan (CV 13), Zusauli (ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6), Taichong (LR 3) and Yanglingquan (GB
34), taken off one day later, embedded once every 15-20 days, the results showed cure in 20
cases and improvement in 12 cases after four treatments.
Key Words: Gastritis; Acupoint Ligate Thread Embed; Bile Reflux
CLC number: R246.2
Document code: A

Bile reflux, also termed duodenal and gastric 2. Operation

regurgitation, is a pathologic phenomenon caused by
dysfunction of the gastric antrum and duodenum.
The pathologic damage of the gastric mucosa,
induced by reverse flow of the contents inside the
duodenum into the stomach, is called bile reflux
gastritis. Not so common clinically, it is mostly
caused by operation of the digestive tract, abnor-
mality in the gastrointestinal structure or functional
disturbance of pylorus. In this article, 32 cases of the
patients, without gastric operation, accompanied by
burning pain, abdominal distention, or biliary
vomiting, bile reflux confirmed by gastroscopy, were
treated by catgut-embedding method. Now, the
report is given in the following.
General Materials
In this group of 32 cases, there were 12 males and
20 females, with the age ranging from 22 to 39 years
old, and with the duration ranging from 1 month to 2
years. The gastroscope examination showed erythe-
ma, edema in mucosal fold, and bile inside the
gastric cavity.
0/3 catgut was cut into 1-cm pieces and soaked in
75% alcohol. After the stylet of No. 9 lumbar
puncture needle was pulled out for 2 cm and catgut
was inserted into the needle, the skin was stretched
by the left hand and then the needle was swiftly
inserted into the skin. After the needling sensation
was obtained, the stylet was pushed inward by the
left hand and the lumbar puncture needle was pulled
outward by the right hand. Repeated in this way, the
catgut was retained inside the acupoints. After the
needle was taken out, the needle hole was stuck with
a piece of Band-Aid bandage, which was taken off
one day later. The catgut was embedded once every
15 to 20 days. The therapeutic effect was assessed
after four times.
Therapeutic Effects
Clinical cure was disappearance of clinical
symptoms and no bile in the gastric cavity under
gastroscope, totally 20 cases. Improvement was
basically relief of clinical symptoms and no bile in
the gastric cavity under gastroscope, totally 12 cases.

Therapeutic Methods Experiences

1. Acupoints This disease is caused by transverse attack of the

Danshu (BL 19), Weishu (BL 21), Liangmen (ST
21), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shangwan (CV 13), Zusardi
(ST 36), Neiguan (PC 6), Taichong (LR 3) and
Yanglingquan (GB 34).
liver and gallbladder qi into the stomach due to
preponderance of the liver and weakness of the
spleen. Shangwan (CV 13) can be used to harmonize
the stomach and descend the turbidity, and can be
used to dredge the local meridian qi of the stomach
 9 28 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

in combination with Liangmen (ST 21). Weishu (BL
21) and Zhongwan (CV 12) are the Back-Shu point
and Front-Mu point of the stomach and can be used
in combination with Zusanli (ST 36) for dredging the
stomach qi, relieving stagnation and stopping pain.
Neiguan (PC 6) can be used to dilate the chest and
relieve stagnation and is good at relieving the pain in
the chest and stomach. Danshu (BL 19) is a Back-
shu point of the gallbladder, and Yanglingquan (GB
34) is a He-sea point of the Gallbladder Meridian,
and Taichong (LR 3) is a Yuan-primary point of the
Liver Meridian. The liver and gallbladder are
related in an interior and exterior relationship. The
combination of these three points can be used to get
rid of the stagnant qi in the liver and gallbladder,
suitable for gastric pain caused by upward flow of
the liver qi due to bile reflux.
Clinically, certain therapeutic effect can be
achieved in the treatment of bile reflux gastritis by
simple acupuncture. But, if catgut-embedding
method is used, the remarkable therapeutic effect
can be achieved, because the catgut-embedding
method is a complex therapeutic method composed
of multiple methods and multiple effects. In its
function, there is an acupuncture effect in embedding
the catgut. After the catgut is embedded, the
softening, decomposing, liquidizing and absorbing
process of the catgut can produce a physiological,
physical and chemical stimulation to the acupoints
for around 20 days or longer, so as to avoid the
shortcomings of short stimulation and frequent
treatments of acupuncture therapy. As xenogenous
protein, the catgut embedded inside the acupoints
can enhance the nutrient metabolism of the
organism, elevate the irritability of the organism,
and promote the increase of the vascular bed in the
focal area and of the blood flow, and improve the
permeability of the blood vessels and blood flow, so
as to promote the repair of the affected gastric
mucosa and achieve better clinical effect.
Translator: HUANG Guo-qi (~ I~ ~,)
Received date: Nov. 23, 2004

9 Related Article 9

Effects of Acupoint-injection of Huangqi and Danggui Injection on Gastric Mucosai Blood Flow in Chronic
Atrophic Gastritis Rats

WANG Yiwping (:X ~.~), SUN Mao-feng (~'J'~4"), FAN Gang-qi (~ ~'])g), et al.
Abstract Objective: To investigate the effects of acupoint-injection of Danggui (Radix Angelicae
Sinensis) injection and Huangqi (Radix Astragali) injection on blood flow of the gastric mucosa in chronic
atrophic gastritis(CAG) rats. Methods: SD rat CAG model was made by feeding the rats with different
concentrations of N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) continuously for 10 weeks. 60 CAG rats
were randomly assigned to model group I (40 g/mL MNNG, n= 15) and model grouplI (60 t~g/mL MNNG, n
= 15), acupoint injection group I (40 gg/mL MNNG, n = 15) and acupoint injection group II (60 t~g/mL
MNNG, n = 15). In addition, other 10 normal rats were used as control group. In these two acupoint-
injection groups, the mixture solution of Huangqi and Danggui injection(0.1 mL) was injected into unilateral
"Zusanli" (ST 36), once every other day, continuously for 20 weeks. Pathological changes of gastric mucosal
tissues (the tissue sections were stained with HE method) were examined and gastric mucosal blood flow was
then determined. Results: Along with the increase of the concentration of the administered MNNG, the
degrees of gastric mucosal injury (shallow and deep erosion, ulcer) were increased significantly ( P < 0.05) and
the gastric mucosal blood flow in the anterior region, the body part and the anterior region of the stomach
decreased remarkably in comparison with normal control group ( P < 0.01), which presented a negative
correlation between the mucosal injury and the blood flow (P < 0.05); pathologic changes of mucosal injury
index, atrophy, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia of the gastric mucosa increased significantly ( P < 0.05). In
acupoint-injection groups, the degrees of the above mentioned gastric mucosal injury were remarkably
improved ( P < 0.01) and the gastric mucosal blood flow volume was significantly increased in.comparison with
the corresponding same-MNNG-concentration model groups (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The decrease of gastric
mucosal blood flow plays a key role in pathogenesis of gastric mucosal injury, atrophic and gastric
precancerous changes. Acupoint-injection therapy may prevent and treat CAG by improving gastric mucosal
blood flow supply and promoting repair of the injured gastric tissue.
Cited from Acupuncture Research, 2003, 28(1): 33-37
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 29 9

Treatment of Stomachache in Deficient and Cold Pattern of

Spleen and Stomach by External Application on Acupoints
ZHU Xiu-ping ( ~ ~--?-)
Chinese Medicine Hospital of Gaoyao Municipality, Guangdong, 526100, China

~: ~80~,J~~-~,~)~&~I/~ff~Y. ~~52~,J,~24~,J,~4q,],
,~.~95.0%o 1~--~,~-~;~,~~,1~,~o ~ J ~ ; ~ ~ ~

Abstract: In the treatment of 80 cases of the patients with deficient and cold pattern in the
spleen and stomach by external application of herbal paste on the acupoints, the results showed
remarkable effect in 52 cases, improvement in 24 cases, failure in 4 cases and the total effective
rate in 95.0%. Remarkable therapeutic effects were achieved in three different diseases of
same pattern. External application of herbal paste on the acupoints is definitely effective for
stomachache in deficient and cold pattern of the spleen and stomach.
Key Words: Epigastric Pain; Deficiency-cold of The Spleen and Stomach; Acupoint
Sticking Therapy
CLC number: R256.33
Document code: B

The author has treated 80 cases of stomachache in
deficient and cold pattern of spleen and stomach by
external application of herbal paste on acupoints.
Clinical Materials
1. Diagnostic criteria
Insidious stomachache, relieved by warmth,
aggravated in empty stomach, aggravated by fatigue
or worse after taking cold food, frequent vomiting of
clear water, lassitude, loose stool, slight red tongue,
white tongue coating, and deficient pulse. The
gastroscope examination or X-ray examination with
barium meal shows chronic gastritis or peptic ulcer.
2. General materials
In 80 cases of the patients, there were 42 males
and 38 females, with the age ranging from 38 to 87
years old, including 8 cases with age ranging from 38
to 47, 13 cases with the age ranging from 48 to 57, 23
cases with the age ranging from 58 to 67, 25 cases
with the age ranging from 68 to 77, and 11 cases with
the age ranging from 78 to 87, and including 32 cases
of chronic superficial gastritis, 22 cases of chronic
atrophic gastritis and 26 cases of peptic ulcer, in the
duration ranging from 9 months to 8 years.
Therapeutic Methods
1. Composition of herbal drugs
Semen Sinapis Albae ( @ ~ ~ ), Herba Asari
( ~ -~ ), Rhizoma Corydalis ( t~. ~ q~ ), Radix
Euphorbiae Kansuiand (~_ -~- i~ ) and Radix
Aconitiwere ( ~_ ~ ~ ) ground into powder by 4 .' 3
"1"1"1.
2. Acupoints
Bilateral Zusanli (ST 36), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu
(BL 23) and Zhongwan (CV 12).
3. Operation
After herbal drugs were prepared into paste with
proper amount of ginger juice and honey, the herbal
paste was made into herbal chips in 1 X 1 era, and
then plaster was cut into square pieces in 5 X 5 cm,
and herbal chip was place in the center of the
plaster. Finally, the plasters were stuck onto the
acupoints, for 2-3 hours each time. The treatment
was given once every 10 days, with seven times as
one course of the treatments. A 10-day interval was
needed before the next course of the treatments.
The therapeutic effects were counted after two
courses of the treatments.
Therapeutic Results
1. Criteria of therapeutic effects
Remarkable effect: Epigastric pain and other
symptoms disappear, and X-ray examination with
barium meal or gastroscope examination is basically
normal.
Improvement: Epigastric pain is relieved, with
 9 30 9
decreased seizure, and other symptoms are
alleviated, and X-ray examination with barium meal
or gastroscope examination is improved.
Failure: No any improvement in symptoms, and no
change in X-ray examination with barium meal or
gastroscope examination.
2. Therapeutic results
The results showed remarkable effect in 52 cases,
improvement in 24 cases, failure in 4 cases and the
total effective rate in 95.0%. For therapeutic effects
in three different diseases, please see Table 1.
Table 1. The comparison in the three diseases (Cases)
Diseases N RE Improved Failure TER(%)
Chronic superficial
32 21 10 1 96.9
gastritis
Chronic atrophic
22 14 6 2
gastritis
Peptic ulcer 26 17 8 1
Notes: RE, remarkable effect; TER, total effective rate.
3. Case example
The patient, female, 59 years old, cadre, had been
sick with repeated insidious epigastric pain
accompanied by full and distending sensation for
over three years and came to the clinic for treatment
on July 18, 1999.
The patient was often treated with Chinese herbal
medicine, but the symptoms appeared repeatedly.
She was transferred to my clinic, and in the
treatment, the patient had insidious stomachache,
relieved by warmth and pressure, accompanied by
full and distending sensation in the upper abdomen,
poor appetite, aggravated after catching cold or
taking cold food, frequent vomiting of clear water,
lassitude, loose stool, slight red tongue, white tongue
coating with teeth marks, thready and weak pulse.
The physical examination showed anemic expression,
tenderness (+_) in the epigastric region, no rebound
tenderness. The gastroscope examination showed
atrophic gastritis. The diagnosis was stomachache
(deficient and cold pattern of the spleen and
stomach) in Chinese medicine. The treatment was
given by external application of herbal paste, and the
herbal paste was stuck on Zhongwan (CV 12) and
bilateral Pishu (BL 20), Zusanli (ST 36) and Shenshu
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
(BL 23) with plaster, for three hours each time. The
treatment was given once per ten days. Stomachache
was relieved after two treatments and was obviously
alleviated after three treatments. Occasionally,
insidious pain in the epigastric region would appear,
but without full and distending sensation. After the
treatment for another course, the patient had no
stomachache, with normal appetite, red and shining
complexion, and normal urination and defecation.
The further gastroscope examination showed
basically normal. No reoccurrence was noticed in
follow-up check for half a year.
Discussion
The pathogenesis of stomachache is often invasion
of pathogenic cold into the stomach, improper food
intake, liver qi attacking the stomach, and deficiency
and cold in the spleen and stomach. Deficiency and
90.9
cold in the spleen and stomach are often caused by
fatigue, long-term illness, and insufficiency of kidney
96.2
yang. Therefore, the treatment should be designed
to tonify the kidney, strengthen the spleen, and warm
the kidney to disperse cold. Pishu (BL 20) and
Shenshu (BL 23) have the effects to warm the kidney
and strengthen the spleen. Zusanli (ST 36) can be
used to regulate the spleen and stomach. In
application of spicy and warm herbal drugs, the
acupoints have the effects to strengthen the spleen
and warm the kidney, and regulate the spleen and
stomach, and on the other hand, the herbal drugs
have the effects to warm the stomach and disperse
cold. Zhongwan (CV 12) have the effects by external
application of herbal drugs to dredge qi and blood in
the stomach and intestines, and warm the stomach
and disperse cold. Once qi and blood can flow
smoothly, there will be no pain.
Therapeutic effect would be better if this method
is used in three 10-day periods of hot summer. The
herbal drugs can be applied externally longer in
those with good tolerance for obtaining better
therapeutic effect. In the observed cases, herbal
drugs can produce stimulation to the skin, and would
leave marks, but there is no blister and no adverse
reaction. Therefore, all the patients can accept this
method.
Translator: HUANG Guo-qi (~- I~ ~,)
Received: Dec. 25, 2004
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 31 9

Clinical Study on Acupuncture in Treating Infantile

Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
LI Hong ( ~ f~)
Guangdong Provincial TCM Hospital, Guangzhou, 510120, China

~ 84.4%, ~ ~j ~.g~ 7 8 . 8 % , - ~ ~ts r : ~ ( P < 0.05); r ~ ~.gxef~f-'$"~i ~ ~ ~ ~

~ 5- $ ~ ~t(v < 0.05)0 r ~t-~ 4~g-~. ~~]~ g - ~ , r ~ & ~. (P< 0.01), ~g-,J. g'-~,,l r ~ . ~

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the curative effect of acupuncture on infantile attention

deficit hyperactivity disorder, the changes in abnormal electroencephalogram and the
relationships of the curative effect with the type of syndrome and age. Method: Five hundreds
and ninty-two patients were divided into an acupuncture group and a Chinese medicine group.
Results: The total effective rate was 84.4% in the acupuncture group and 78.8% in the Chinese
medicine group, and the curative effect was better in the former than in the latter ( P < 0.05);
the change rate in abnormal electroencephalogram was better in the acupuncture group than in
the Chinese medicine group ( P < 0.05); there was a significant correlation between the curative
effect and age ( P < 0.01), and the curative effect of acupuncture was better in the young.
Conclusion: Acupuncture treatment has a good effect on infantile attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder, its total effective rate was higher and the changes in abnormal electroencephalogram
was better than in the Chinese medicine group, and the curative effect was better in the liver-qi
stagnation type and in the young.
Key Words Attention Deficit Disorder With Hyperactivity; Acupuncture Therapy; Plum-
blossom Needle Therapy; Auricular Point Sticking
CLC number. R246.6
Document code: A
Infantile attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (1)Attention
( A D H D ) is one of the most common neuro- a. Often easily excited by extraneous stimuli;
behavioral disorders in childhood, characterized by b. Often reluctant to engage in tasks that require
poor attention, physical restlessness and difficulty sustained mental effort;
completing tasks. The incidence was 5%-10% in the c. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in
children below 14 years oldEI~. Professor ZHANG homework or play activities.
Jian-wei has reported the clinical study on the d. Often does not seem to listen when spoken
acupuncture treatment of A D H D E23. He has treated directly~
380 cases by acupuncture and another 212 cases by e. Often loses things necessary for schoolwork,
oral administration of Chinese medications. Their tasks or activities;
results are compared and presented as follows. f. Often easily distracted in classroom, poor school
Clinical Data reports;
g. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and
1. Diagnostic criteria
activities;
The diagnostic criterion made by US DSM IV
h. Often fails to finish schoolwork or duties,
(1991) was referred m . The diagnosis can only be
begins others.
confirmed by at least 4 items of respective attention
(2)Physical restlessness
and physical restlessness or by 8 items of either
a. Often leaves seat in classroom;
attention or physical restlessness.
b. Often starts to do without careful thinking;
c. Often has difficulty awaiting turn in collective
Author: LI Hong (1967-), female, doctor
 9 32 9
activities;
d. Often blurts out answers before questions have
been completed;
e. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in
leisure activities quietly;
f. Often runs about or dimbs excessively in
situations in which it is inappropriate;
g. Often take part in dangerous activities;
h. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in
seat;
i. Often interrupts or intrudes on others;
j. Often talks excessively.
2. Inclusive criteria
Symptoms in the diagnostic criteria, below 16
years old, persistent treatment for over 3 months.
3. Exclusive criteria
Psychiatric disorders, intelligent dysfunction, with
other measures during treatment.
4. Typing criteria
Hepatorenal hypofunction: Hyperactivity, inade-
quate attention concentration in school, difficulty
moving, scribbling writing, poor drawing, lower
school marks, pale tongue with less coating and fine
pulse.
Liver-qi stagnation: Hyperactivity, like to play, cry
when not satisfying his demands, fighting with
playboys, not respecting the seniors or teachers, like
to climb irrespective of danger, often breaking public
property, pale tongue with red tip, thin yellowish
coating, taut and fine pulse.
5. General data
All patients came from the outpatient department
of acupuncture were into acupuncture group and
Chinese medicine group. Among the 380 cases in
acupuncture group, 288 cases were male and 92 cases
were female; the youngest was 5 years old and the oldest
was 15; the course was from half a year to 8 years. Of
the 212 cases in Chinese medicine group, 161 cases were
male and 51 cases were female; the youngest was 4
years old and the oldest was 14; the course was from t
year to 9 years. There was no difference in the gender,
age, course and abnormal electroencephalogram
between the two groups (P> 0.05).
Treatment Methods
1. Acupuncture (treatment) group
Hepatorenal hypofunction: Sishencong (Ex-HN 1),
Shuaigu (GB 8), Naohu (GV 17), Shenting (GV 24),
Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Taixi (KI 3)
were selected. These acupoints were needled with
reinforcing techniques by rotating the needles, which
Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
were retained for 20 min. Seven-star needle was
used to tap the Governor Vessel and Bladder
Meridians on the back for six times, the acupoints
Ganshu (BL 18) and Shenshu (BL 23) in particular.
Liver-qi stagnation: Sishencong (Ex-HN 1 ),
Shuaigu (GB 8), Naohu (GV 17), Shenting (GV 24),
Laogong (PC 8) and Taichong (LR 3) were selected.
These acupoints were needled with reducing
techniques by rotating the needles, which were
retained for 20 min. Seven-star needle was used to
tap the Pericardium Meridian against its running
route and the finger tips.
In both groups, auricular application was
conducted with cowherb seeds on ear points
Ersheumen (MA-TF 1), Heart (MA-IC), Liver (MA-
SC 5), Gallbladder (MA-SC 6), Kidney (MA-SC),
Central rim(MA-AT), Subcortex (MA-AT 1) and
Sympathetic (MA-AH 7).
Acupuncture and seven-star needle tapping were
given once every two days, auricular application once
a week. The therapeutic effects were observed after
3-month treatment.
2. Chinese medicine (control) group
Chinese medicines were orally given in this group.
Ingredient-modified "Qiju Dihuang Decoction" was
given for Hepatorenal hypofunction, and ingredient-
modified "Yiguan Decoction" was given for liver-qi
stagnation. One dose a day and the therapeutic
effects were observed after 3-month treatment.
Therapeutic E f f e c t s
1. Criteria for therapeutic effects
The criteria for hyperactivity stipulated by
Hyperactivity Commission were referred.
Clinical cure: All 18 symptoms in DSM IV
basically disappear.
Marked effectiveness: At least 5 of the 18 symptoms
are significantly improved after treatment.
Effectiveness: Two or more symptoms are
improved after treatment.
Failure: No symptoms are improved.
2. Treatment results
The therapeutic effects of the two groups were
compared in table 1. Treatment group had significantly
better effects than control group (P< 0.05).
Table 1. Therapeuticeffects in the two groups(%)
Group. N CC ME EffectivenessFailure TER(%)
Treatment 38050(13.2)170(44.7) 101(26.6) 59(15.5) 84.5
Control 212 19(9.0) 65(30.7) 83(39.2) 45(21.2) 78.8
Notes: CC, clinical cure, ME, marked effectiveness,TER,
total effectiverate. Same below.
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
The correlation between therapeutic effects and
types in treatment group was presented in table 2.
There was a significant difference between the two
types ( P < 0.05), with better effects in liver-qi
stagnation type.
Table 2. Correlation between therapeutic effects and types in
treatment group (%)
Type N CC ME Effectiveness Failure
A 188 20(10.6) 78(41.5) 45(23.9) 45(23.9)
B 192 30(15.6) 92(47.9) 56(29.2) 14(7.3)
Notes: A, Hepatorenal hypofunction type; B, liver-qi
stagnation type.
The correlation between therapeutic effects and
ages was presented in table 3. The result showed an
extremely striking difference between them ( P <
0.001), the younger with better effects.
Table 3. Correlation between therapeutic effects and ages in
treatment group (%)
Age N CC ME Effectiveness Failure
5-9 155 24(15.5) 82(52.9) 36(23.2) 13(8.4)
9-12 126 16(12.7) 50(39.7) 34(27.0) 26(20.6)
Over 12 99 6(6.1) 18(18.2) 27(27.3) 48(48.5)
Discussion
Professor ZHANG argues that A D H D results
from innate deficiency and postnatal no-care. Innate
deficiency refers to the developmental disorders of
baby due to the mother's conditions in pregnancy and
perinatal period. Postnatal no-care comprises birth
injury, baby's high fever, upper respiratory infection,
trauma, dietary inappropriateness, social and mental
factors. Innate and postnatal factors can lead to
gradual imbalance between yin and yang and organ
dysfunction, presenting heart-spirit unquietness,
liver-soul agitation, spleen-consciousness inadequacy
and kidney-will failure. From long-term clinical
practice, professor ZHANG has summed up a series
of comprehensive treatment methods, including body
acupuncture, seven-star needle tapping and auricular
application in the treatment of ADHD. In this
method, such four acupoints on head as Sishencong
(Ex-HN 1), Shenting (GV 24), Shuaigu (GB 8) and
Naohu (GV 17) are the essential ones. Needling
Sishencong (Ex-HN 1) can regulate qi in organs and
meridians, enrich marrow and nourish brain.
Temporal lobe is in close association with learning
and memory; needling Shuaigu (GB 8) on temporal
lobe area can increase the ability to concentrate and
improve motor function. Naohu (GV 17) is located
9 33 9
within the balance area of scalp acupoints, where the
Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian converge.
Puncturing this acupoint can supplement brain
marrow, unblock head collaterals and ADHD
children's motor coordination. Seven-star needle
tapping on the Governor Vessel and Bladder
Meridian on back can regulate the exciting and
inhibitory processes of the central nervous system,
facilitate to improve the metabolism of nervous
mediators, and promote the propagation of nervous
transmitters; thus the central nervous system is
excited while the inhibition concentrates C33. Auricular
acupoints like Ershenmen (MA-TF 1), Heart (MA-
IC), Liver (MA-SC 5), Gallbladder (MA-SC 6),
Kidney (MA-SC), Central rim (MA-AT), Subcortex
(MA-AT 1) and Sympathetic (MA-AT 7) have close
relationship with the central nervous system.
Pressing these auricular acupoints can awaken the
cerebral cortex and balance the excitation and
inhibition of cerebral cortex, consequently to improve
cerebral cortex activities.
This study found that acupuncture was more
effective for hepatorenal hypofunction type than for
liver-qi stagnation, suggesting that the innate factors
may relate to the therapeutic effects. Moreover, the
therapeutic effects had certain relationship with the
patients' ages, the younger the better effects. This
may be because the baby's cerebral nerves are still in
the rapid development, and acupuncture can exert
greater effects. In the children above 12 years old,
their cerebral development is near to the adults.
Therefore, acupuncture has fewer effects on it.
References
i-1-1~ ~ , ~ e..~,.,rs g~,j, ;~.~l, ~ ~ . ~ ,-r z.~_~ ~. ~
~3z,2000..373.
WANG Qing-jiang, ZHENG Zhi-qing. Clinical Childhood
Neurology. Beijing: People's Military Medical Publishing
House, 2000: 373.
[2] ~ ~. ~.~]- ~,] ~ ~ ) L i ~ @ ~ , ~ ~ g-..~ ~" I~, 1985, 17
(1), 29.
ZHANG Jia-wei. Clinical Observation of Acupuncture in
Treating Infantile Hyperactivity. Journal of New TCM,
1985,17(1) : 29.
E3]~. g t . A , i ~ i ~ ~ ~ ~ ~gt~.r ~ . ~ ~k ~ ~ 9
)LN-~-~, 1991,12(5) z 35-36.
x u Tong. Cerebral Evoked Potential in Children with
Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Pediatrics,
Foreign Medicine, 1991,12(5) : 35-36.
Translator: XIAO Yuan-ehun ( ~!";,L~)
Received date: Jan. 10, 2005
 9 34 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Clinical Study on Motor-development Tuina Therapy for

Infantile Cerebral Palsy
SHI Wei ( ~ ,h~),SHI Bing-pei ( ~ '~ ~), LIAO Yuan-gui (~;,L ~), XU Xiu-juan ( ~ ~'~ ), WANG Su-juan (Y-~ ~ )
Rehabilitation Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China

~~5"~ff ,-~ 3-6 ~ , ~ k 20 mino ~ GMFM 66 ~ # ~ - ' ~ r ] , ~ ) t , / ~ : ~ 5 - ~ - ~ , ~ -

.E4]-~:(P< 0.001) o ~r b~Y&GMFM 66 x ~ ~4L//t-~)~b~R~ ~'~'1~: GMFM 66

Abstract Objective: To quantify the effect of motor-developmental Tuina therapy on 61

children with cerebral palsy. Methods: All the children received the motor-developmental Tuina
therapy for 20 min each time, 3 to 6 times per week. The gross motor functions of the children
were evaluated by GMFM 66. The baseline period evaluations in 15 children and follow-up
period evaluations in 26 children were performed. Results: GMFM 66 score significantly
increased at the end of treatment period ( P < 0.001). The GMFM 66 score changes per month
in treatment period was significantly greater than those of both baseline period and follow-up
period ( P < 0.001). Conclusion: The effect of motor-developmental Tuina therapy was notable
on children with cerebral palsy. Continuous progress of the gross motor functions in these
children may be obtained by continuous therapy.
Key Words Cerebral Palsy; Tuina; Massage
CLC number. R246.6
Document code: B

Children sick with cerebral palsy are mainly
manifested by disturbance in the motor development,
retard in gross motor development in particular. In
various therapeutic methods, traditional infantile
Tuina therapy m and nerve development therapy
presented by Bobathm are remarkably effective for
enhancement of the motor functions in the sick
children. In the recent years, we have created a
specific motor-development Tuina therapy in
combination with the above two methods based upon
the modern theory of motor development, for the
treatment of infantile cerebral palsy and have
achieved certain therapeutic effect. We have
observed the effect of the motor-development
therapy in the treatment of cerebral palsy by
evaluation of the gross motor function measure
(GMFM) 66 items E3~. Now, the report is given in the
following.
Clinical Materials
1. Diagnostic criteria
Author: SHI Wei (1965-), male, physician
In conformity with the criteria E4~ stipulated by
national seminar on infantile cerebral palsy in 1988,
the patterns were classified gradually by the
practitioners during the treatments.
2. General materials
Group A: From January of 2003 to June of 2004,
61 cases of the sick children with cerebral palsy have
accepted the motor-development massage therapy in
our center, including 45 boys and 16 girls, with the
age ranging from 5 months to 61 months, at the
average age of 19.9 -+- 10.0 months.
Group B: Before the treatment by this method in
Group A, there had been a baseline evaluation over
one month, totally 15 cases, including 14 boys and 1
girl. The baseline evaluation refers that the sick
children did not accept the motor-development Tuina
therapy in this period, but were permitted to accept
other therapies, by exclusion of other diseases during
this period.
Group C: For the sick children, in Group A, who
stopped the treatment due to various reasons after
treatments for 2 to 3 months, we have conducted
follow-up observation on them, totally 26 cases,
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
including 24 boys and 2 girls.
During the follow-up observation, the sick children
were not treated with this method, but were
permitted to accept other therapies and other
diseases were excluded during this period, too. After
follow-up observation, out of 26 cases, 15 cases
continued with the treatments and another 11 cases
stopped treatment.
For general situations of various groups of the sick
children, please see Table 1. During the evaluation,
treatment and follow up, no surgical treatment or
medications to relieve muscular spasm were given.
Table 1. General situation of sick children in various groups
Spastic four- Spastic Spastic Athetoid
Groups N
limb palsy double palsy hemiplegia spasm
A 61 26 23 6 6
B 15 6 7 1 1
C 26 15 5 2 4
3. Evaluation m e t h o d s
The evaluation was performed by gross motor
function measure (GMFM). Based upon the original
GMFM 88 items, the designer of GMFM scale
established GMFM 66 items by Rasch analysis.
After Rasch analysis, there are the following
features in GMFM 66 items: a. The order of the
difficulty degree was established in the testing items.
b. The interval feature of equal division in the ability
scores can enhance the understandability of the
ability scores and changed scores, c. Some improper
items were omitted to elevate the single dimension
in evaluation, d. It is in conformity with trustfulness,
effect and reaction in significance of psychological
determination. GMFM 66 items have enhanced the
understandability of the total score and changed
score, and can properly and objectively reflect the
changes in the gross motor development in the
children sick with cerebral palsy.
The evaluation was conducted by three designated
doctors and practitioners. The previous evaluation
results were not referred to during this evaluation.
The scores of GMFM 66 items can be obtained after
the results were put into Gross Motor Ability
Estimator (Version 1.0, 2002) software. The eva-
luation environment was set up in a quite,
independent and better daylight room, with the room
temperature controlled between 20~ and 30~ and
with the sick children in 1 to 2 layers of clothes.
Under the condition without offending the evaluation
requirements, same family members would be
permitted on the spot in each evaluation, to
encourage the sick children to do their best.
9 35 9
The determination of trustfulness and effect in
this evaluation method was as follows: a.
Determination of Trustfulness: 20 cases of the sick
children with cerebral palsy were re-evaluated, with
the interval within three days. The results in re-
evaluation in same subject were highly correlated,
and the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) =
0.9354. The results of the evaluation in different
subjects were also highly correlated, and ICC =
0.9753. b. Determination of Differential Effect: In
the paired t-test of the scores of GMFM 66 items
before and after the baseline period in 15 sick
children in Group B, with the baseline interval in
1.31 0. 58 months, there were significant
difference between them, t = 1.95, P < 0.05.
We have conducted the evaluation on the sick
children before and after the baseline period and
follow-up period, and conducted the evaluation on the
sick children under continuous treatments once every
three months.
Therapeutic Methods
1. Spastic cerebral palsy
a. Supine position: One-thumb pushing method and
palm pressing and kneading method were applied on
the medial and lateral aspects of the lower limb,
with proper force intensity. Then, in a status to
maintain a normal position of the joints and muscles,
the pulling method and shaking method were used to
enhance the activity of the joints gradually, and at
the same time, to stretch the spasmodic muscles and
tendons, mainly focusing on the hip joint, knee joint
and ankle joint, plus the shoulder joint, elbow joint
and wrist joint in those with dysfunctions in the upper
limbs. For those sick children with poor controlling
ability, the practitioners could ask the sick children
to take an inverted supine position, regulated and
supported in the different locations, to promote the
sick children to accomplish the getting-up action
from different directions and by different ways, with
attention paid to the regulation of the status of the
abdominal muscles in particular, including the
straight muscle and oblique muscle of the abdomen.
b. Prone position: In a sitting position, the
practitioner held the two lower limbs of the sick child
on the two thighs of the practitioner and applied the
manual techniques on the posterior aspect of the
lower limb by one-thumb pushing method, pressing
and kneading method and rolling method, mainly
focusing on the flexor muscles of the knee joint, heel
tendon and sole, plus around shoulder joint in those
with dysfunctions in the upper limb, in order to
 9 36 9
elevate the activity of the shoulder girdle. Then, the
pressing and kneading method was used bilaterally
to the spine from the top to the lower part, in order
to promote the downward motion of the sick child's
gravity and strengthen the stretching ability of the
spine column. For those with flexion of the hip joint,
the pressing method and shaking method were used
on the pelvic region to regulate the forward and
backward leaning status of the pelvic bone. For those
with weak force in the lumber region, it was
necessary to strengthen the force training in the
lumbar muscles.
c. Lateral recumbent position: Mainly the traction
and pulling method was used to strengthen the
rotating ability of the body truck and the stretching
scope of the upper and lower limbs in sick children to
correct the lateral curvature of the spine column.
2. Non-spastic cerebral palsy
The operation orders were basically as same as
the above, mainly with the pressing, kneading and
tapping methods, including the constant joint-
pressing method and periodical gravity-moving
method, in order to enhance the long-term space
position and the posture-maintaining ability of the
sick children.
During the whole treatment, the practitioner
should pay particular attention to the treating areas,
depending upon different paralyzed positions of the
sick children, but should not neglect the importance
of the holistic treatment. At the same time,
depending upon the actual development of motor
system of the sick children, the practitioner should
promote the sick children to accomplish the
corresponding postures, such as lifting the head,
turning the body, various sitting position, crawling,
kneeling, standing and walking. All the treatment
should be accomplished on a cushion. The treatment
was given 3-6 times per week, and for 20 to 30 min
each time, and the parents were taught to master
some preliminary therapeutic methods for training
the sick child every day at home.
For those with mental retardation, acupuncture
treatment was added, including scalp acupuncture,
acupoint-injecting method and meridian-tranquilizing
method. For those with dysfunction in fine
Table 2. Change of scores of GMFM 66 items and average monthly change scores of GMFM 66 iten~ in the sick children of Group B
Periods Interval (M)
Baseline 1.31 -4- 0.58
Treatment 2.53 + 0.73
Note: In comparison with before the periods, 1) P< 0.05; 2) P< 0.001; 3) P< 0.001
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
movements, manual training was added.
Therapeutic Results
The scores of GMFM 66 items in various periods
were respectively paired for t-test. The scores of the
changing results of the sick children in various
periods were respectively divided by the number of
the corresponding interval months (as precise as the
first digit after decimal point), to gain the change
scores of each month in various periods for further
paired t-test. The statistic analyses were conducted
by SPSSll.5 for windows.
After the treatments, the levels in the
development of the gross motor functions had been
enhanced and the abnormal postures had been
decreased in most sick children, with the muscular
status and position of the bones improved and the
ability of space location elevated.
1. Score changes of GMFM 66 items and average
m o n t h l y change scores of G M F M 66 before and after
treatments in the sick children of Group A
In 61 cases of sick children in this group, the
interval before and after the treatments was 2.97 +_
0.82 months, and the scores of GMFM 66 items were
35.36 + 12.45 before the treatments and were 41.23
_+ 12.51 after the treatments, with t = 14.78 and P
< 0.001 in comparison between them. The findings
indicate that the developing levels of gross motor
functions were obviously enhanced in the sick
children after the treatments. The average monthly
change scores of GMFM 66 items was 2.14 _+ 1.30.
2. Change of scores of G M F M 66 items and
average m o n t h l y change scores of GMFM 66 items in
the sick children of Group B
By the monthly change scores of GMFM 66 items,
we can show the developing rates of the gross motor
functions in the children with cerebral palsy. In 15
cases of Group B, the scores of GMFM 66 items in
the baseline period and treatment period were all
elevated, and the average monthly change scores of
GMFM 66 items were obviously higher in the
treatment period than in the baseline period ( P >
0.001). Please see the results in Table 2.
Pre-period Post-period Average change scores
34.07 -q- 11.69 34.72 -4- 11.74') 0.55 0.91
34.72 4- 11.74 40.64 10.372) 2.36 + 1.233)
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
Judging from Table 2, it can be seen that the
developing levels of gross motor functions were all
elevated in the sick children during the baseline
period and treatment period, and the developing
rates of gross motor functions were higher in the
treatment period than in the baseline period.
3. Change of scores of GMFM 66 items and average
monthly change scores of GMFM 66 items in the sick children
~hble 3. Change of scores of GMY3,I 66 items and average monthly change scores of GMFM 66 items in the sick children of Group B
Periods Interval (M)
Treatment 2.87 0.88
Follow-up 2.88 1.76
Note: In comparison of before the periods, 1) P < 0.05; 2) P < 0.001; In comparison of the treatment period, 3) P < 0.001
Judging from Table 3, it can be seen that the
developing levels of gross motor functions of the sick
children were elevated during the treatment period,
and the developing rates of gross motor functions in
the sick children were higher in the treatment period
than in the follow-up period.
Discussion
The international therapies for cerebral palsy
include Bobath and Vojta therapies and were
established based upon the theory of nervous
development in 1940s and 1950s. Recently, the theory
of motor development has greatly grown, and from
1990s, there were mainly the theory of motor
control, theory of nerve group selection, the theory
of motor dynamic system, and the theory of
recognized motors. The large number of the
research results indicates that besides the factors of
postures and reflux, the development of motor
functions are also obviously influenced by the
development of the muscles-skeletonEs and the
g63
sensory system , and the motor development is not
a simple nerve development and is mostly created by
joint functions of multiple factors. After the central
nervous system is injured in the sick children with
cerebral palsy, the disturbance in the motor
development is mainly manifested by abnormal
postures and abnormal motor modes. With increase
in the muscular tension and in the hardness of the
muscles, the arrangement of the joints and bones
could be abnormal, so as to limit the activity of the
human body seriouslytT~. The disturbance existing in
the sensory system in the children sick with cerebral
palsy can also influence the development of the
cerebrum and motor functions to different extent.
The therapeutic method created by us for cerebral
palsy is a method composed of traditional infantile
9 37 9
of Group C
In 26 cases of sick children in Group C, the scores
of GMFM 66 items went up during the treatment
period, but did not go up during the follow-up period,
and the average monthly change scores of GMFM 66
items were obviously higher during the treatment
period ( P > 0.001). Please see the results in Table 3.
Pre-period Post-period Average change scores
32.55 q- 9.51 37.59 9.731) 2.13 -4- 1.13
37.59 -t- 9.73 37.96 10.692) -0.15 1.143)
Tuina techniques and the manual techniques of the
international infantile motor therapies for posture
guidance and control, based upon the latest theory of
motor development, but, not a simple combination of
the therapies and manual techniques and a coalition
of them. Because this method is quite different from
the traditional Tuina techniques and motor therapy,
we term it as "motor-development Tuina therapy".
The motor-development Tuina therapy is mainly
applied with the pushing, pressing, kneading, pulling
and shaking methods in Chinese infantile Tuina
therapy and is supposed to stimulate and regulate
the muscular status and arrangement of the bones
and joints, in accordance with the paralyzed positions
and patterns of the sick children, and to realize the
input of the tactile sense, motor sense and vestibular
sense by manual techniques, and to increase
experience of the children in those senses. At the
same time, the main methods used abroad in the
nerve-development therapy for cerebral palsy are
also applied during the treatment, in order to change
the body position and posture of the sick children
frequently, correct the abnormal postures of the sick
children and prevent occurrence and aggravation of
the deformity.
The traditional Tuina therapy has the effects to
dredge the meridians, regulate the tendons, soothe
the tendons and relieve spasm, lubricate the joints
and relax adhesion and clinically has been extensively
used in various diseases of the motor system, and
can directly and effectively regulate the functions of
the muscles and joints in the motor system. It has
been proved by the experimental study that manual
techniques can promote the restoration of the
central nervous system, such as brain stem and
spinal cordEs~, and strengthen synthesis of skeletal
myoproteinc9~, improve local blood circulation,
 9 38 9
relieve the proliferation of the connective tissues in
the muscle fiber, promote the restoration of
muscular morphological structure [~~ , and can also
effectively prevent muscular atrophy. In addition,
proper passive exercises can enlarge the extension of
the muscles, promote the relaxation of the involved
muscles, decrease the muscular adhesion, induce the
dilation of the peripheral blood vessels, increase the
volume of the blood flow and oxygen supply to the
muscular tissues. Therefore, the form of the soft
tissues can be restored by Tuina therapy, to realize
the re-balance of the motor mechanical structure.
The traditional Tuina therapy, based upon the theory
of the meridians and acupoints, has a certain
limitation in the explanation on the development of
gross motor functions in children with cerebral palsy,
but there are obvious features in the operative skills
of its manual techniques.
After the treatments, the development levels of
gross motor functions have been remarkably
enhanced in the sick children. In the evaluation of the
development of gross motor functions in the sick
children, by G M F M 66 items publicly acknowledged
to be most sensitive for the development of gross
motor functions in children with cerebral palsy, we
have found out that after the treatments by the
motor-development massage therapy, the scores of
GMFM 66 items were obviously elevated ( P < 0.001)
in the sick children. Besides, in order to exclude
influence of the developing factors of auto-gross
motor functions in the children with cerebral palsy
on the observation of clinical effect, we have selected
the cases with empty periods without treatments
before and after the treatments as the control
group, divided into the baseline control group and
follow-up control group. Because those control
periods occurred naturally, we could not decide the
length of the stipulated control periods artificially,
and therefore the scores from GMFM 66 items were
conversed into the monthly change scores of GMFM
66 items, in order to analyze the development rate of
gross motor functions in the children with cerebral
palsy. The results showed that the development rate
of gross motor functions was obviously higher in the
treatment periods than in the baseline periods and
follow-up periods in the sick children, indicating that
the motor-development Tuina therapy has a
remarkable rehabilitative effect for gross motor
functions in the children with cerebral palsy. The
change in the scores of G M F M 66 items before and
after the follow-up periods were not obvious in the
sick children of Group C, indicating that the without
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
constant rehabilitation treatments, the motor
functions obtained during the treatments might
decrease. This finding seems to indicate that the
children with cerebral palsy need constant
rehabilitation treatments to enhance the level of
motor development continuously.
References
[-1]~ ~ . ~ r ~,~l~.,
2000,21(9): 33-34.
TANG Jian. Observation on Application of Tuina Therapy
in Rehabilitation of Cerebral Palsy. Jiangsu Journal of
Chinese Medicine, 2000, 21 (9): 33-34.
[ 2 ] ~ , ~ - ~ , ~, :$- ~ , ~ ~.Bobath ~ r '~ ~/lil ~ ,~ )h ~ r
~ . t I~1~$.J~-$ ~,~,1998,4(2): 55-58.
REN Yong-ping, CAI Fang-cheng, ZHANG Ping. Studyon
Therapeutic Effects of Bobath and other Therapies for
Sick Children with Cerebral Palsy. Chinese Journal of
Rehabilitation Theory and Practice, 1998, 4(2): 55-58.
[ 3 ]Russell D, Rosenbaum P, Avery L. Gross Motor Function
Measure (GMFM-66 & GMFM-88) User's Manual.
London, Mac Keith, 2002, 25-41.
[ 43~v4- . r Y , . d , ) b ~ , ~ ~ , - ~ - g e . 4q-Jk~-~.~'~)b
~,~, ,~, 1989,27(3): 162.
LIN Oing. Definition, Diagnostic Conditions and Pattern
Identification of Infantile Cerebral Palsy. Chinese Journal
of Pediatrics, 1989, 27 (3): 162.
[ 5 ]Keshner E. Controlling Stability of a Complex Movement
System, PhysicalTherapy, 1990, 70: 844-854.
I- 6 ]Boehrne R. Developing Mid-range Control and Functionin
Children with Fluctuating Muscle Tone. Tokyo: Concord
Medical Book, 1999, 11-14.
[ 7 ] Boehme R. Approach to Treatment of Body, Tokyo:
Concord Medical Book, 1998, 9-26.
[ 8 3~-~,~, ~, r ~,, ~ ~ , ~-.~ ~ ~t ~ ~t 4, ; b ~
-~-l~t-iCt~c ~ ~," ~ ~ ~ . ~" ~ i ~ ~- ~ - ~ ~ , 1992, 7(4):
166-177.
CUI Rong-qing, HONG Xue-bin, ZI-IANG Rui-lin, et al.
Influence of Qigong Tuina on Evoked Potential of
Thoracic and Lumbar Cord in Children. Chinese Journal
of Rehabilitation Medicine, 1992, 7(4): 166-177.
~ ,~ ~=~=~.~ ~L~.@ ~. ~ , ~ , , 1991,10(4): 20.
SHI Ge-ming, WANG Xue-li, LI Gui-tong, et al.
Morphological Study of Tuina for Repairing Effects on
Muscular Damages. China Journal of Sports Medicine,
1991, 10 (4): 20.
E10]~ ~,~5 ~ . ~ ~ a ~ g - $ _ ~
~ ~, ~ . ~ ~ , ~ I~.~ ,1989,(I): 17.
YIN Li, /VIA Jian. Experimental Study on Influence of
Tuina Therapy on Post-Operation Repairing Process and
Adhesion in Tendon Rupture. China Journal of Sports
Medicine, 1989, 10 (1): 17.
Translator: HUANG Guo-qi (~- t~ ~,)
Received date: Dec. 9, 2004
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 ~ 39 9

Treatment of 150 Cases of Infantile

Brachial Plexus Injury by Tuina
HAN Shi-chun ( ~ a ~ r - )
Tuina Department, the First Hospital Affiliated to Tianjin College of TCM, Tianjin, 300193, China

#2~,,fb-%'~-~,~ff,]&~o ~ 150"~,J~~f~,J'JL,*~:ff,,~.~z~ 99.3~

Abstract: The author selected the acupoints Fengfu (GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4),
Jianjing (GB 21), and adopted manual techniques such as Yizhichan-Thumb waving pressing,
An-pressing, Rou-stationary circular pressing, Nie-pinching, Nian-finger twisting, Na-holding,
Yao-rotation and Cuo-palm twisting to warm and dredge meridians and collaterals, promote the
circulation of qi and blood, and lubricate the joints, to treat 150 cases of infantile brachial plexus
injury. The total effective rate was 99.3%.
Key Words: Nerve Fibers/Injuries; Child; Tuina; Massage
CLC number: R246.6 Document code: A

Infantile brachial plexus injury, which is rare in
clinic, occurs frequently in new-born infants, it often
results from the trauma and easily results in the
disability due to the delayed treatment. In TCM, this
disease belongs to the category of "flaccidity
syndrome", the author has adopted manual
techniques to treat 150 cases of this disease from
1983, and now the following is reported.
Clinical Materials
1. Clinical manifestation
The radiating pain and numbness of the upper
arm, including radiating pain and numbness of
deltoid muscle, supraspinous muscle, teres minor
muscle, biceps brachii and supinator muscle due to
the lesion in the 5th and 6th cervical nerve roots, the
infant may have to rotate forearm forward, bend
elbow joint slightly, cannot abduct the shoulder
completely, with the palm backward.
2. General materials
Among 150 cases, 94 were boys and 56 were girls,
with the new-born weighing from 3100 grams to 5500
grams; 59 cases suffered from the forceps delivery,
48 cases from electro-absorption delivery, and 43
cases from the normal labor.
Therapeutic M e t h o d s
1. Acupoints selection
Fengfu (GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4),
Jianjing (GB 21), Zhongfu (LU 1), Jianwaishu (SI
14), Tianzong (SI 11), Quchi (LI 11), Xiaohai (SI 8),
and Shousanli (LI 10).
2. Process
The infant was in sitting or supine position, the
operator stood on the affected side of the infant and
held the affected upper limb to fix it with one hand,
applied Rou-stationary circular pressing, Nie-
pinching to the muscles of neck, shoulder, elbow and
wrist regions along the muscle stripe from up to
down for 4-5 times with the other hand, to dredge
the meridians and collaterals, regulate the flow of qi
and blood, and restore the soft tissues so as to
promote the circulation of the blood. Then An-
pressing was carried out on the acupoints Fengfu
(GV 16), Fengchi (GB 20), Hegu (LI 4), Jianjing
(GB 21), Jianwaishu (SI 14), Tianzong (SI 11), Quchi
(LI 11), Xiaohai (SI 8) for 4-5 min to dredge the
meridians of the upper arm, and then An-pressing
was conducted on the acupoints Zhongfu (LU 1),
Jiquan (HT 1), and Shousanli (LI 10), with each
acupoint for 1 min continuously, till the affected arm
appeared the numbness and distending sensation and
the fingers felt the warm sensation, to dredge the
meridians to stop pain and correct the deformity.
Finally, Rou-stationary circular pressing by using the
palm and Nian-finger twisting were alternately
performed on the neck, shoulder and elbow regions
with the force gradually increasing, repeat for 4-5
times, to relax the muscles and tendons, promote
blood circulation, lubricate the joints, and relieve the
spasm of the muscles and ligaments.
The infant was in sitting or supine position, the
 9 40 9
operator stood on the affected side of the infant,
held the mandible with one hand, while supporting
the occiput with the other hand, and applied traction
with both hands to lift the neck upward
simultaneously, rotated the neck slowly to the left
and right 2-4 times, to enlarge the cervical
intervertebral space and lubricate the joints. The
operator stabilized the shoulder with one hand, held
the wrist of the affected limb and gently pulled it
upward and outward, repeated for 4-5 times, to
restore the function of the shoulder's abduction. The
operator held the healthy shoulder to stabilize it with
one hand, pushed the posterior aspect of the elbow
joint of the affected limb slowly towards the healthy
side with the other hand with the force gradually
increasing, do it repeatedly for 4-5 times, to restore
the adduction function of the affected shoulder. The
operator supported the affected shoulder to stabilize
it with one hand, held the wrist of the affected limb
and gently trembled it up and down consecutively
with small amplitudes, do it repeatedly for 4-5 times,
to lubricate the joints and release adhesions. The
operator placed two palms on opposite sides of the
affected limb and then quickly rubbed in opposite
directions while moving both hands up and down,
repeated for 4-5 times, to dredge the meridians and
collaterals, regulate the flow of qi and blood.
Finally, the operator applied the An-pressing with
finger and Yizhichan-Thumb waving pressing to the
acupoint Zhongping of infant's the lower limbs for 1
min.
The above-mentioned treatment was given twice a
week.
Therapeutic Results
1. Therapeutic effect
The treatment duration lasted from 4 to 6 months.
Among 150 cases, 100 cases were cured, 36 cases
were remarkably effective, 13 cases were improved,
1 case got no effect, and the total effective rate was
99.3%.
2. Case report
Sick girl, 9 months old, her mother told that the
girl's weight was 3500 grams when she was born, and
the left arm was injured because of electro-
absorption during delivery. The electromyogram
(EMG) examination in certain hospital on August 9
of 2000 showed the left braehial plexus injury. At
present, the girl had to rotate forearm forward,
bend elbow joint slightly, could not abduct the
Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
shoulder completely, with the palm backward. After
two month's massage treatment, the girl's symptoms
of the left arm disappeared basically, and she could
abduct and rotate the left arm outward, the EMG
examination showed the fasciculation potentials of
the muscles all disappeared, only the deltoid muscle
appeared slight fasciculation potential, and all the
muscles appeared the repaired potential (compound
regeneration potential); the girl was given another
one-week treatment to consolidate the therapeutic
effect, and restored to the normal.
Experiences
The qi and blood of children are still not strong,
their muscles and tendons are still weak, and their
body and physiological function are delicate,
therefore, the abnormal forces may easily result in
the injuries of the nerves, bones and joints. The
shoulder joint and elbow joint move frequently in
everyday activity and are very weak, but are often
injured. Thus, the infantile brachial plexus injury
inevitably leads to the limitation of the flexion and
extension of the shoulder and elbow joints, clinically
manifesting as paralysis and atrophy of muscles in
the shoulder and elbow, decreased myodynamia and
motor dysfunction. The brachial plexus innervates
the bones and soft tissues to exert the physiological
function of the shoulder and elbow joints. The
manual techniques can repair the injured nerves, so
as to restore their functions of innervating muscles,
as well as dredge meridians and collaterals, relieve
muscle spasm, release adhesions, eliminate swelling
and pain.
The manual techniques are of importance in the
treatment of this disease, and light and gentle
manipulation is needed according to the children's
condition. Strong forces should be avoided, for it may
cause adverse effects by inhibiting the sick infants'
limb nerves and leading to the muscular over-
fatigue.
The therapeutic effect is closely related to the
disease duration. The earlier diagnosis and timely
treatment contribute to better therapeutic result,
otherwise it takes longer time to deal with severe
muscular atrophy or joint deformity. Nevertheless,
satisfactory results can still be achieved with
sustaining treatment.
Translator: ZHU Zhong-chun( ~ , ~ )
Received date: Sep. 20, 2004
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
Treatment of 40 Cases of Infantile Convulsion by Tuina
SHAN Jie (~ A), ZHUANG An-shi (~r-Jr)
Chinese Medicine Department of Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Shandong, 266011, China
CLC number. R246.4
Document code: B
Infantile convulsion is a common disease in infants
and babies and often caused by scare and improper
nursing. Its main clinical manifestations are fright,
crying and waking up with a start, etc. Since 1998, we
have treated 40 cases by Tuina. It is summarized as
follows.
Clinical Data
Of 40 cases, 23 were male and 17 were female;
two babies are under a month old, 12 babies are
from 1 to 3 months old, 24 babies are from 4 months
to 1 year old, and 2 cases are from 1 to 2 years old.
The duration of disease ranged from 2 to 10 days.
Among them, 5 cases were accompanied by poor
appetite and vomiting and 7 cases by diarrhea.
Therapeutic M e t h o d s
Yangchi was kneaded for 5 to 10 min; Ganjing and
Feijing were cleared for 10 min, Tianheshui was
cleared for 10 min; Xiaotianxin was kneaded for 3
mill.
For poor appetite and vomiting, kneading Bagua
for 10 min and clearing Weijing for 5 min were
added; for diarrhea, kneading Wailaogong 10 min
was added.
Therapeutic E f f e c t s
In 38 cases, all clinical symptoms disappeared; in 2
cases, fright occasionally occurred. The total
effective rate is 100%.
The Tuina treatment was given from 2 to 6 times
and average treatment time is 3 times per person.
Experience
Infantile convulsion belongs to sleep disorder in
modern medicine. It results from the immature
development of brain function and structure that fail
Author:SHAN Jie (1968-), male, attending physician
9 41 9
to regulate autonomic nerve and the emotional
activity well. In clinic, the symptoms of autonomic
nerve function disorder are often accompanied by
vomiting, diarrhea and fever, etc. The common
therapeutic methods for this disease include
sedative, acupuncture and Chinese herb, etc, but that
cannot ,be accepted by suffering babies and their
parents.
We treated this disease by Tuina on the basis of
QIAN Yi theory of "heart controls convulsion, liver
controls wind". Kneading Yangchi can clear fever,
soothe the mind and calm down the convulsion;
clearing Ganjing can discharge gloomy emotion, get
rid of worry and put out the wind. Clearing Feijing
can remove wind, clear away heat, smooth qi and
dissolve phlegm; clearing Tianheshui can clear away
heat, get rid of worry and soothe the mind; kneading
Xiaotianxin is added to dredge orifices, scatter
melancholy, soothe the mind and calm down the
convulsion. We got better curative effect in treating
pediatric convulsion by above manipulations.
If baby under 3 months old gets the symptoms of
often shaking his head, putting out and playing with
his tongue, having spittle around their mouth, it also
belongs to convulsion and can be treated by above
methods. If the baby has the high fever that we
should take the following Tuina manipulations of
pushing Shangsanguan and Tianheshui.
In a word, we can get satisfactory curative effect
as long as we make right diagnosis and skillful
manipulations.
Translator: CUI Yi-jun (~/fs :g )
Received date: J ul. 10,2004
 9 42 ~ Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Clinical Observations on the Treatment of

Ramsay Hunt Syndrome by Blood-letting Puncture and
Cupping as Main Therapy
SONG Ya-guang ( ~ ) , ZHAO Jian-chun(~g,J~ag), YUAN Hui (:~1r ,~.)
Yancheng First People's Hospital, Jiangsu, 224006, China

~ ~ ~:~L~,~Ng~s162 Ramsay Hunt ~ ~ I r 1 7 6 A"

9~ : ~ r 32/~,] ,~ ~ 3 ~ , ~ ~'4~ ~ . ~ ~ ; ~ - ~ ] ~4g~lI ~ :$-'~ ~ie,~4d-.~ ~ r ; ~,.~..,~ 32
~,1,~:14ff.~,~7~6~r176 ~-~-~:4 +~.~r162 81.2%,~N,~g~
56.2%, ~ r 0.05)0 ~ ~ ~R ~ , r ~ r ~--~.tk,~ ~)~~ff-~:,.~,,~R(P
< 0.01)~

Abstract Purpose: To investigate the clinical efficacy of blood-letting puncture and cupping in
cooperation with acupuncture and moxibustion for treating Ramsay Hunt syndrome. A
treatment group of 32 cases was treated by blood-letting puncture with plum-blossom needle
and cupping in cooperation with acupuncture and moxibustion and a control group of 32 cases,
with acupuncture and moxibustion, and andaciclovir. Results and conclusion: The cure and
marked effectiveness rate was 81.2% in the treatment group and 56.2% in the control group
after 4 courses of treatment. It was higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P
< 0.05). The short-term otalgia-relieving rate was also significantly higher in the treatment
group than in the control group (P < 0.01).
Key Words Herpes Zoster Oticus; Acupuncture-Moxibustion; Plum-Blossom Needle
Therapy; Cupping Therapy
CLC number: R246.6
Document code: A

Otalgia, herpes zoster of external acoustic meatus

and concomitant peripheral facial paralysis are
collectively called Ramsay Hunt syndrome. The
patient first has paroxysmal otalgia, then redness
and swelling of the auricle and later clustered blebs
on external acoustic meatus and peripheral facial
paralysis on the same side. Severe ear pain persists
throughout and even affects the head. The disease is
not only serious in clinical symptoms but also poor in
prognosis compared with simple peripheral facial
paralysis.
In recent years we treated 32 cases by blood-
letting puncture with plum-blossom needle and
cupping at points Dazhui (GV 14) and Wangu (GB
12) for extracting stagnant blood in cooperation with
acupuncture, moxibustion and TDP irradiation.
Another 32 cases as a control group were treated by
acupuncture, moxibustion and TDP irradiation plus
andaciclovir. It is reported as follows.
Author: SONGYa-guang(1965-), male,junior consultant doctor
Clinical Data
1. Diagnostic criteria and ear pain grading
Clinical diagnosis was made according to the
diagnostic criteria in Clinical Handbook of
Otorhinolaryngology~17. Ear pain was graded in 4
degrees: severe (usual analgetics could not relieve),
moderate (usual analgetics could relieve), mild (no
need for analgetics) and no (no otalgia).
2. General data
All 64 cases were outpatients in our hospital and
had no history of diabetes, hemopathy, tumor or
organ transplantation. They were randomly (1: 1)
divided into two groups in order of visit.
Treatment group: Of 32 cases, 23 were male and 9
were female; the youngest was 26 years old and the
oldest was 59 years old; the shortest duration of
disease was 4 days and the longest was 13 days; ear
pain degree: severe in 17, moderate in 13 and mild in
2; 18 had left auricular herpes zoster and facial
paralysis and 14 had right auricular herpes zoster
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
and facial paralysis; 14 were associated with tinnitus,
9 with hearing loss and 11 with headache; 21 were
induced by an attack of wind after fatigue and 11 had
no definite cause.
Control group: Of 32 cases, 19 were male and 13
were female; the youngest was 17 years old and the
oldest was 64 years old; the shortest duration of
disease was 4 days and the longest was 15 days; ear
pain degree: severe in 16, moderate in 15 and mild in
1; 16 had left auricular herpes zoster and facial
paralysis and 16 had right auricular herpes zoster
and facial paralysis; 15 were associated with tirmitus,
6 with hearing loss and 12 with headache; 24 were
induced by an attack of wind after fatigue and 8 had
no definite cause. There was comparability between
the two groups (P > 0.05).
T h e r a p e u t i c Methods
1. Blood-letting puncture and cupping
Points: Dazhui (GV 14), Wangu (GB 12), Xiaguan
(ST 7) and Jiache (ST 6).
Manipulation: The patient took a lateral lying
position. First point Dazhui (GV 14) was irradiated
with TDP for 10 min. After the local skin became
red, the skin with point Dazhui (GV 14) as a center
was sterilized with 75% alcohol cotton balls. After
the skin dried, it was struck heavily with plum-
blossom needle for 6 to 10 times and then
immediately cupped with a large-sized cup on whose
mouth medical vaseline was spread to extract
residual stagnant blood. Two to five min later the
cup was removed and the skin cleaned. After the
affected ear was also irradiated with TDP for 20 min
(the local skin became red), the local areas of skin
with separate points Wangu (GB 12), Xiaguan (ST
7) and Jiache (ST 6) as a center were sterilized in
turn with 75% alcohol cotton balls. After the areas
dried, they were heavily struck in turn with plum-
blossom needle for 5 to 8 times and then
immediately cupped in turn with separate small-
sized cups on whose mouths medical vaseline was
spread to extract residual stagnant blood. Two to
five min later the cup was removed and the skin
cleaned. If subcutaneous hematoma occurred, it
should be pressed forcibly with dry sterile cotton
balls for 2 to 3 min. The treatment was given 1 to 2
times daily (depending on the degree of ear pain) for
four consecutive days, once every 2 to 4 days later
and until otalgia disappeared and blebs scabbed.
2. Acupuncture
Points: Dichang ( ST 4 ), Yingxiang ( LI 20 ),
9 43 9
Cuanzhu (BL 2), Yifeng (TE 17), Qianzheng (Ex-
HN), Hegu (LI 4), Zhongzhu (TE 3), Xiaxi (GB 43),
Qiuxu (GB 40), and Taichong (LR 3).
In the early stage, the local points selected were
Dichang (ST 4), Yingxiang (LI 20), Cuanzhu (BL 2),
Yifeng (TE 17), Qianzheng (Ex-HN) on the affected
side. Shallow puncture was performed with light
manipulation. Distant points selected were Hegu (LI
4), Zhongzhu (TE 3), Xiaxi (GB 43), Qiuxu (GB 40)
and Taichong (LR 3). A reducing manipulation was
used. With relief of ear pain, local points Xiaguan
(ST 7), Jiache (ST 6), Yangbai (GB 14), Sibai (ST 2)
and Chengjiang (CV 24) on the affected side were
added (selection of any 8 facial points) and an even
reinforcing-reducing method was used; distant points
Shousanli (LI 10) and Zusanli (ST 36) on the
affected side were added and a reinforcing method
was used. The use of points Zhongzhu (TE 3), Xiaxi
(GB 43), Qiuxu (GB 40) and Taichong (LR 3) was
gradually stopped. Point Tinghni (GB 2) on the
affected side was added for concomitant tinnitus and
point Fengchi (GB 20) on the affected side for
concomitant headache. The needles were retained
for 20 to 30 rain. Meanwhile, the affected face was
irradiated with TDP (the eye was protected with a
paper board). Irradiation was given after cupping if
blood-letting puncture and cupping treatment was
administered on the same day. Treatment was
provided once daily, 10 times as a course, 4 courses
in all. There was permissibly a 2 to 4 days' interval of
rest to the next course of treatment.
3. Moxibustion
Mild moxibustion with a pure moxa stick was
performed on the affected ear (especially where
herpes zoster appeared) and points Wangu (GB 12)
and Yifeng (TE 17) in turn (taught the patient's
family to do it at home and told them to protect the
eye) to the extent that the local skin became red
without burn. Treatment was given 90 min 1 to 2
times a day. For paroxysmal otalgia, additional
moxibustion could be performed at any time. With
relief of ear pain, moxibustion on the above points
was stopped and points Dichang (ST 4), Xiaguan (ST
7), Qianzheng (Ex-HN) and Jiache (ST 6), instead.
Treatment was reduced to 30 rain once daily.
Moxibustion was stopped after facial paralysis was
basically recovered from.
4. Western medicine
Andaciclovir was orally administered 200 to 400
mg 4 to 5 times daily for 7 to 10 consecutive days or
by intravenous drip 5 mg/k 2 to 3 times daily for 7
 9 44 9
consecutive days. Vitamin B12 was intramuscularly
injected 100 to 250 t~g once daffy for 10 to 20 days.
For moderate otalgia, prednisone was
administered 15 to 30 mg once daily for 7
consecutive days and amoxyciUin, 500 mg 3 times
daily for 7 consecutive days.
The treatment group was treated by blood-letting
puncture with plum-blossom needle and cupping in
cooperation with acupuncture and moxibustion and
the control group, with acupuncture, moxibustion and
Western medicine.
The course of composite treatment conformed to
that of acupuncture treatment. Analgetics such as
somedon, fortanatyn and dolandin were temporally
administered if severe or moderate otalgia could not
be relieved by the above therapeutic method. The
patient was told to keep craniofacial skin clean to
prevent infection, and to be optimistic, have a good
rest, take light food and no sea foods and dietary
irritants, avoid cold, and massage and foment the
affected side of the face.
Therapeutic Results
1. Criteria of curative effects
Cure: Otalgia disappeared; blebs on external
acoustic meatus scabbed and no fresh one appeared;
the symptoms disappeared and the appearance and
muscular motion returned to normal on the affected
side of the face, and it was symmetrical during
speaking and laughing.
Marked effectiveness: Otalgia disappeared; blebs
on external acoustic meatus scabbed and no fresh
one appeared; basically, the symptoms disappeared
Table 2. Relationship between course of treatment and relief of otalgia (Case)
Treatment group
Course of treatment N
Severe Moderate Mild
Before treatment 32 17 13 2 0
After 4 days 32 3 5 6 18 56.2%
Two 32 0 0
Four 32 0 0
Table 2 shows that after 4 courses of treatment,
otalgia relief rate was 96.9% in the treatment and
90.6% in the control group. There was no significant
difference between the two groups (;(2= 0.27, P >
0.05). After 2 courses of treatment (medium term),
otalgia relief rate was 84.4% in the treatment and
53.1% in the control group. It was significant higher
in the treatment than in the control group C(2= 7.27,
P < 0.01). After 4 days (short term), otalgia relief
rate was 56.2% in the treatment and 15.6% in the
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
and the appearance and muscular motion returned to
normal on the affected side of the face, and it was
orally slightly asymmetrical during speaking and laughing.
Improvement: Blebs on external acoustic meatus
scabbed and no fresh one appeared; otalgia disap-
peared or occurred occasionally; both the symptoms
and appearance improved but the muscular motion
did not return to normal on the affected side of the
face, and it was symmetrical during speaking and
laughing.
Ineffectiveness: Although blebs on external
acoustic meatus scabbed and no fresh one appeared,
otalgia often occurred or although otalgia disap-
peared, both the symptoms and appearance did not
improve and the muscular motion was poor on the
affected side of the face, and it was obviously
symmetrical during speaking and laughing.
2. Curative effects
Table 1. Comparison of eurative effects between the two
groups (Case)
Group N CureME ImprovementIneffectiveness TER
Treatment 32 15 11 4 2 93.8%
Control 32 6 12 10 4 87.5%
Notes: ME, marked effectiveness;TER, total efficacyrate
Table 1 shows that the total efficacy rate was
93.8% in the treatment group and 87. 5% in the
control group. The effect was better in the
treatment group than in the control group (~(2= 0.18,
P > 0.05). The cure and marked effectiveness rate
was 81.2% in the treatment group and 56.2% in the
control group and significantly higher in the former
than in the latter ( ~ = 4.66, P < 0.05).
Control group
No Reliefrate Severe Moderate Mild No Reliefrate
16 15 1 0
11 9 7 5 15.6%
5 27 84.4% 3 4 8 17 53.1%
1 31 96.9% 0 1 2 29 90.6%
control group. It was significant higher in the
treatment than in the control group (~2~_ 11.47, P <
0.01).
Discussion
Ramsay Hunt syndrome pertains to the categories
of auricular herpes, cephalic erysipelas and wry
mouth with distorted eye in TCM. The author
considers that treatment should be aimed at both
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
aspects of ear pain (associated with herpes zoster)
and facial paralysis with stress being put on one of
them according to the duration of disease. First main
treatment is the relief of ear pain (associated with
herpes zoster) and treatment of facial paralysis is
subsidiary one. With gradual relief of ear pain,
treatment of facial paralysis becomes main one.
For otalgis (associated with herpes zoster), point
blood-letting puncture and cupping is a main
treatment and it is combined with moxibustion. In
the early stage of the disease during which
pathogenic wind-heat makes a violent attack, the
auricle is red and swelling, blebs duster and
especially ear pain is severe. The classic states:
"exuberant pathogens should be weakened", "excess
should be reduced" and "heat should be eliminated".
We select points Dazhul (GV 14, a crossing point of
hand-foot three yang meridians), Wangu (GB 12,
entering the ear), and Xiaguan (ST 7) and Jiache
(ST 6, The face is the home of yangming meridians,
full of qi and blood and adjacent to the affected ear)
and under TDP irradiation (can markedly increase
amount of bleeding, and remove inflammation and
improve microcirculation) give heavy strokes with
plum-blossom needle and subsequent cupping to
extract a large amount of stagnant blood so that it
can function rapidly to eliminate heat and expel
pathogens and to activate blood and stop pain, with
otalgia being often relieved quickly. Moxibustion on
the affected ear and points Wangu (GB 12) and
Yifeng (TE 17) is added to remove pathogenic wind
by conducting heat with heat and guiding pathogens
out, which can relieve pain, eliminate swelling and
help blebs scab. Meanwhile, acupuncture of points
Yifeng (TE 17), Zhongzhu (TE 3), Xiaxi (GB 43),
Qiuxu (GB 40) and Taichong (LR 3) as a subsidiary
treatment functions to clear out hepatobiliary heat,
unblock meridians, regulate qi and stop pain.
For facial paralysis, acupuncture is a main
treatment. Points are often selected from Yangming
meridians and Shaoyang meridians. In the early
stage, it is proper to select few points. Shallow
acupuncture of points Yifeng (TE 17), Dichang (ST
4) and Yingxiang (LI 20) functions to remove
pathogenic wind and unblock meridians. In the later
stage, with the relief of ear pain points selected are
gradually increased. Points Xiaguan (ST 7), Jiache
(ST 6) and Yangbai (GB 14) are added to unblock
9 45 ~
meridians, circulate qi and activate blood, facial
muscles getting nourished and recovering. Because
the obstruction of blood vessels is pathogenesis, a
warming-unblocking method can be used for
cooperation. Moxibustion on points Dichang (ST 4),
Xiaguan (ST 7) and Qianzheng (Ex-HN) and TDP
irradiation can both restore facial qi and blood as
soon as possible.
The author considers that a significantly higher
rate of cure and marked effectiveness in the
treatment group than in the control group is related
to a significantly higher rate of otalgia relief in
medium and short terms in the former. That is
closely related to the fact that the present method
(point blood-letting puncture and cupping therapy)
conforms with the movement of herpes zoster virus
along sensory nerve axon towards the endingE2~, that
is, the direction from the interior to the exterior so
that "pathogens have an outlet", which can obviously
relieve the pain and shorten the duration of disease.
Its concrete mechanism remains to be further
investigated in future scientific research work.
Moreover, application of moxibustion also plays an
important role. In the present study, mild moxi-
bustion was applied to the craniofacial part and the
patient felt comfortable. The author considers that it
is appropriate in theoryt3~ and we should not adhere
to "Moxibustion should not be often performed on
the head" stated in Zhenjiu Dacheng ((()4~.~ ~)~,))).
Dizziness, an adverse response, will not occur as
long as we master moxibustion point, quantity and
time.
References
E 1 ] ~ ~ ) I . ~ - ~ ~ 4 , t ~ R~q- ~.~, ,Y.: z. R a~ ~- ~ ~ ,
1996: 421.
ZHANG Hui-ming. Clinical Handtmok of Otorhinolaryngology.
Beijing: People's Health Press, 1996:421.
1999: 539-553.
ZHANG Li-sheng, LIU Xiao-li. Modern Pain Science.
Hebei: Hebei Scientific and Technologic Press, 1999: 539-
553.
N~, ~ , 1999,15(1) : 32.
SONG Ya-guang. Applicationof Moxibustionto Peripheral
Facial Paralysis. Clinical AcupunctureJournal, 1999, 15(1):
32.
Translator: WANG Si-you ( ~ ~] ~ )
 9 46 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis in 73 Cases by

Warm Acupuncture plus Traction
ZHANG Ze-sheng ( ~ @~ ), CHEN Qiarrli (I~.~ _E)
Zhuhai Hospital, GuangdongProvincialTCM Hospital, Guangdong,519000, China

~ ,.~.$-~)~ ~..r ~ ~ "/ 73 ~r,]~ , ~ , 2 .~ ~ ~ ) ~ ~ 60 4~,1, ~ 84~,1, ~ 2-~,1 , ~ 3

Abstract: Seventy-three cases of cervical spondylosis were treated with cervico-occipital

traction belt. During the conduction of traction, acupoints Bailao (Ex-HN), Fengchi (GB 20),
Tianzhu (BL 10), Jianjing (GB 21), Tianzong (SI 11) and Shousanli (LI 10) were needled. When
needling sensation arrived, moxibustion was at the same time given by igniting moxa around the
needles. After two-course treatment, 60 cases got clinical cure, 8 cases got marked
effectiveness, 2 cases got effectiveness and 3 cases failed, the total effective rate being 95.9%.
Key Words: Needle Warming; Traction; Cervical Spondylosis
CLC number: R246.1
Document eode: B

Cervical spondylosis is a syndrome in which the
cervical intervertebral disks degenerate, and
vertebrae and ligaments and articular capsules in the
neck degenerate or proliferate, irritating or putting
pressure on the cervical nerves, spinal cord, blood
vessels, sympathetic nerves in the neck and its
surrounding soft tissues. We have treated 73 cases
of cervical spondylosis by warm acupuncture and
traction. It is now reported as follows.
Clinical Data
Among the 73 cases, 21 cases were men and 52
cases were women; 31 cases aged between 30-45
years old, 42 cases between 45-70 years. Clinical
presentations: 18 cases suffered from stiff neck,
heavy shoulder, stiff and numb fingers; 29 cases had
neck and shoulder pain, wandering pain and tingling
in arms; 6 cases had vertigo with desire to vomiting,
night sleeplessness, shoulder and back pain; 20 cases
suffered from neck pain and cold pain in arms. All cases
were confirmed by cervical roentgenoscopy or CT scan.
Treatment Methods
1. Cervical traction
Cervical traction was usually performed with
cervico-occipital traction belt.
The patient sat, with the head forward at the
angles of between 10~ and 30~ away from the upright
neck spine, and absolutely relaxed his neck, shoulder
and whole body muscles. In all, the traction position
should be comfortable for performances. For the
patient with vertebrobasilar cervical spondylosis, the
angle ought to be a bit small, while for those with
spinal cervical spondylosis, the neck should be almost
upright instead of bending forwards.
Traction weight and time: The traction weight
varied in a large scope, between 1/10-1/5 of the body
weight, but 6-7 kg in common. In the first time of the
traction, the traction weight should be small and
then increase gradually in later traction. However, at
the near end of each traction the neck should feel
obviously stretched, but no other discomforts. If the
stretching sensation was not significant, the traction
weight can increase to a certain extent. Each traction
generally lasted for about 20-30 rain. Traction weight
was in inverse proportion with the traction time, in
general the heavier traction weight was the shorter
traction time was, and vise versa.
2. Warm acupuncture
Acupoints: Bailao (Ex-HN), Fengchi (GB 20),
Tianzhu (BL 10), Jianjing (GB 21), Tianzong (SI 11)
and Shousanli (LI 10).
Techniques: In each acupuncture, three or four of
above acupoints were selected. After the acupoints
were routinely sterilized, they were punctured 0.8
cun with the filiform needles of 25 mm in length with
lifting and thrusting or rotating techniques. When
Deqi was achieved, the needle's end was encased
with small refined moxa cone and ignited. A total of
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 47 ~

three cones were given and the needle was retained
for 20 min.
Warm acupuncture was performed at the moment
that the traction was being conducted. These
treatments were carried out once a day for two
courses with 10 days in a course.
Therapeutic Effects
1. Standards for therapeutic effects
Cure: After treatment, all symptoms disappear
and the patient restores to go to work.
Marked effectiveness: After treatment, main
symptoms disappear and the patient is qualified for
general work.
Effectiveness: After treatment, the symptoms are
eased to different extents.
Failure: After treatment, the condition improves
little.
2. Treatment results
Among the 73 cases, 60 cases got clinical cure, 8
cases got marked effectiveness, 2 cases got effec-
tiveness and 3 cases failed; the total effective rate
was 95.9%.
categories of "Bi syndrome" and "numbness", and
obviously affects the neck. It is usually caused by
pathogenic factors in the meridians and collaterals,
slowing down the flow of qi and blood. Its
presentations are involved in the back and upper
limbs, where Governor Vessel and hand meridians
run. It commonly results from long-term head-
bending work impairing meridians and collaterals, qi
and blood. With the moxa ignition to warm
meridians and dispel cold, activate blood and ease
pain, needling cannot only relieve the convulsion of
vertebral artery, increase vertebrobasilar blood
supply and improve tissue anoxia, but also disperse
wind and cold and unblock meridians and collaterals.
Combined warm acupuncture and traction can
relieve the compression of vertebrae and other
tissues on nerve roots, unblock governor vessel and
hand meridians, soothe tendons and collaterals,
activate blood and resolve blood stasis ease pain,
eventually to eliminate or improve numbness and
other symptoms and signs.
Translator: XIAO Yuarrchun ( ~ :,La~g)
Received: Oct. 6, 2004

Discussion

In TCM, cervical spondylosis belongs to the

9 Related Article 9

Effect of Pressed Moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) on Thromboxane A2 and Prostacyclin in Treating Vertebral
Artery Type of Cervical Spondylosis

ZHUANG Li-xing ( ~ [ ~ ) , ZHU Fu-ping ( ~ k ~ )

Abstract Aim: To explore the curative effect of pressed moxibustion mainly at the Baihui (GV 20) a9
vertebral artery type of cervical spondylosis (CSA). Methods: Totally 34 CSA patients were randomly divided
into two groups: treatment group (n= 17) and control group (n= 17). All the patients were treated with local
electroacupuncture, and besides, those in the treatment group received pressed moxibustion at Baihui (GV
20). The clinical curative effects were observed, the changes of contents of plasma thromboxane B~(TXB2)
and 6-keto-prostaglandin-l-alpha (6-keto-PGFla) and the ratio of them were determined before and after
treatment in both groups. Results: The number of cases with cure, significant effect, improvement and
without effect was 9, 6, 2 and 0 respectively in the treatment group, but 4, 4, 7 and 2 in the control group
respectively, the curative effect in the treatment group was obviously better than that in the control group (~(2
= 6.58, P = 0.025). The TXB: and 6-keto-PGFl~ contents in the treatment group before treatment were
442.96!-164.11 ng/L and 157.01+75.43 ng/L, after treatment were 144.22!-_ 127.81 ng/L and 368.85_+210.75 ngt
L, while those in the control group before treatment were 383.25+210.75 ng/L and 159.39!-85.25 ng/L, after
treatment were 198.72+ 141.65 ng/L, there were significant differences before and after treatment in both
groups (t-- 5.92, 6.27, 3.0, 3.52, P < 0.01). The content of 6-keto-PGFl~ after treatment in the treatment
group was significantly different from that in the control group (t = 3.13, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Pressed
moxibustion mainly at the Baihui (GV 20) can effectively ameliorate the clinical symptoms of CSA patients,
so as to diastole the vascular pressure.

Cited from Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation, 2004, 8(30): 6672-6673.

 9 48 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Treatment of Apoplectic Sequela with Eye Acupuncture

in Cooperation with Scalp Acupuncture
WANG Li-kuan( ~ ) , HAN Cai-yun( ~ r
Acupuncture-moxibustionSection, Treatment Center, XingchengLiaohe OilfieldSanatorium, Liaoning, 125100, China

Abstract: Acupuncture was performed at points in the upper-jiao and lower-jiao areas of two
eyes and scalp acupuncture, in the motor area on the healthy side. Thirty-four patients with
apoplectic sequela were treated. The total efficacy rate was 97.0%.
Key Words: Eye Acupuncture; Scalp Acupuncture; Cerebrovascnlar Disorders;
Hemiplegia; Acupunctur e-Moxibus tion
CLC number: R246.6
Document code: A
Apoplectic sequela, named hemiplegia in TCM, is cm away from the orbital margin. Manipulation was
clinically characterized by wry mouth with distorted not performed. The needle was retained for 15 min.
eye, slurred speech and paralysis on one side of the After withdrawal of the needle, the pinhole was
body. Although there are many treatments, the pressed for a moment to prevent bleeding. Trea-
efficacy is not satisfactory and the course of tment was given once daily, 10 times as a course.
treatment is also long, which become a burden to the
patients themselves, their families and society. In
recent years the author treated apoplectic sequela
with eye acupuncture in cooperation with scalp
acupuncture. It is presented as follows.
Lower-ji~ jiao
General D a t a
2/per r
All the patients were conscious. Of 34 cases, 21
were male and 12 were female; 3 were 40-50 years
old, 27 were 50-60 years old and 4 were 60-70 years
old; the duration of disease was 6-12 months in 2 %
c ses, 1-3 years in 26 cases and more than 3 years in
6cases; 8 cases were associated with wry mouth with Fig. 1 The eight zones and the thirteen
distorted eye and slurred speech. acupoints of eye acupuncture (left eye)

Treatment Method 2. Scalp acupuncture

1. Eye acupuncture
Points: Selected routinely were the upper-jiao area
point (superolateral to the pupil, corresponding to
the middle between 112.5~ and 157.5~) and the lower-
jiao area point (medial to the pupil, beside the inner
canthus, corresponding to the middle of medial
orbital margin between 337.5~ and 22.5~) of two eyes.
Method: A stainless-steel ill[form needle of 0.30
mm in diameter and 125 mm in length was used. The
eyeball was pressed with the left hand to tighten the
orbital skin, and the needle was held with the right
hand and inserted along the skin in the point area 0.2
Author, WANG Li-kuan (1968-), male, attending physician
Points: Motor Area on the healthy side
Method: A stainless-steel ill[form needle of 0.40
mm in diameter and 50 mm in length was routinely
selected. The needle was inserted into under galea
aponeurotica at an angle of about 30~ to the scalp.
The first needle stimulated the upper 1/5 motor
area. The second needle stimulated the middle 2/5
motor area. If there were wry mouth with distorted
eye, dysphonia, aphemia and salivation, the third
needle was used to stimulated the lower 2/5 motor
area. After the insertion, the needle was conti-
nuously twirled for 2 to 3 min, with great intensity of
stimulation and at a high frequency of 200-300 times/
min. The needle was retained for 15 min and
manipulated at 15 rain intervals. During the
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
retention of the needle, the patient was told to move
his limbs (passive movement was given in serious
cases) to improve the functional activity of limbs.
The patient often markedly felt freer movement of
the affect limb and a larger range of its movement.
Therapeutic Results
1. Criteria of curative effects
Cure: The symptoms disappeared, the function of
the paralytic limb returned to normal and the patient
could go to work.
Marked effectiveness: Most of the symptoms
disappeared, the function of the paralytic limb
improved markedly and the patient could take care
of his own daily life.
Improvement: Part of the symptoms disappeared,
the function of the paralytic limb improved partly.
Ineffectiveness: The symptoms did not improve.
2. Curative effects
Of the treated 34 cases of apoplectic sequela, cure
occurred in 9 cases, marked effectiveness in 14 cases,
improvement in 10 cases and ineffectiveness in 1 cases,
with a total efficacy rate of 97.0%.
3. Case report
The patient, male and 47 years old, visited on Jun.
1st, 2002.
Main complaints: Wry mouth with distorted eye on
the right side, slurred speech and dyskinesis of left
arm for 6 months. Cerebral thrombosis was
diagnosed in some hospital. The state of illness was
stable after medication for it. He was referred to
our hospital for recuperation.
Clinical manifestations: Consciousness, slurred
speech, red complexion, fat body, incomplete closure
of right eye, shallow nasolabial groove on the right
side, left deviation of the stretched tongue, red
tongue with little coating, and taut and rapid pulse.
Grade l] myodynamia of left upper and lower limbs,
Eye Acupuncture
Eye acupuncture was founded basing upon the famous ancient doctor H U A Tuo's theory of Diagnosing
Disorders by Examining Eyes. In the therapy, the orbital cavity is divided into eight zones consisting of
thirteen acupoints, which are termed with the names of the Zangfu organs. The eight zones arrange deasil on
the left eye, and widdershins on the right eye. Eye acupuncture could be used to treat many disorders
especially having good effects on various pain and brain diseases.
9 49 9
inability of left arm to move up and straight leg
raising 10 cm. There was obvious dilatation of blood
vessels with red color in the upper-jiao and lower-
jiao areas of two eyes.
Treatment: Acupuncture was performed in the
upper-jiao and lower-jiao areas of two eyes and scalp
acupuncture in the motor area. During the retention
of the needle, the patient was told to move his limbs.
The patient soon markedly felt freer movement of
the limb, and the left hand was raised over the head
and the lower limb was elevated 50 cm. After
following 7 sessions of acupuncture, all the symptoms
disappeared and the disease was cured.
Experience
TCM considers that "The essence of all five zang
organs and six fu organs ascends to nourish the eye"
and the eye and zang-fu organs are very closely
related. Prof. PENG Jing-shan thereby invented eye
acupuncture and divided the surrounding area of the
eye into 8 regions and 13 points to treat clinical
diseases in different departments. Clinical practice
has showed that it is exactly effective to select the
upper-jiao and lower-jiao areas to treat apoplectic
hemiplegia by removing pathogenic wind, activating
blood and unblocking meridians.
"The head is the house of mind" and therefore,
acupuncture in the motor area of the head is added
to strengthen the relationship between zang-fu
organs and the meridian system. Besides,
stimulation of the head improves local blood cir-
culation, promotes cerebral metabolism and benefits
recovery from disease.
Both eye acupuncture and scalp acupuncture have
a curative effect on stroke. The combination of the
two treatments is more effective.
Translator: WANG Si-you(~Y-~ ~ )
9 Terminology 9
 9 50 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Treatment of 21 Cases of Post-herpetic Neuralgia by

Warm Acupuncture
ZI-IANG Dong-yun( ~ - ~ )
Department of Acupuncture,No.1 People's Hospital of Ji'ning City, Shandong,272111, China

~P1)~,4~~,~)~-1"~'],~7 21~,l~:R'~)~_~k~,~o ~ 16~,]'~. ~

Abstract: Jiaji (Ex-B 2), Waiguan (TE 5), Taichong (LR 3), Zulinqi (GB 41) and Ashi points
were mainly selected. Adjunct acupoints were added according to the affected positions. Neiting
(ST 44) was added when the affected position was mainly on the abdomen, Kunlun (BL 60) was
added on the back and Xingjian (LR 2) was added on the hypochondriac region. Twenty- one
patients with post-herpetic neuralgia were treated. The result showed that pain and skin injury
of 16 cases disappeared, skin injury of 4 cases disappeared with obviously alleviated pain and
skin injury of 1 case disappeared with slightly alleviated pain.
Key Words: Herpes Zoster; Needle Warming; Neuralgia
CLC number: R246.1
Document code: B

Herpes zoster refers to an acute herpetic dermal
disease caused by virus infection. The course of
disease lasts about 2 weeks. The severe patient still
has pricking pain after skin rash disappears. In the
recent 5 years, the author treated 21 cases of post-
herpetic neuralgia (PI-IN) by warm acupuncture.
Now it was reported as follows.
General D a t a
Among the 21 cases in this group, 13 cases were
male and 8 cases were female; the ages were within
6%80 years old, the shortest course of disease was 1
month and the longest was 6 years. Among them, 5
cases still had skin lesion and residual neuralgia on
the position of skin Lesion, which was pricking pain
like contraction and burning successively and
aggravated when touched, pressed and moved.
Therapeutic M e t h o d s
1. Acupoints
Main acupoints: Jiaji (Ex-B 2), Waiguan (TE 5),
Taichong (LR 3), Zulinqi (GB 41) and Ashi points.
Adjunct acupoints: Neiting (ST 44) was added when
the affected position was mainly on the abdomen; Kunlun
(BL 60) was added on the back and Xingjian (LR 2) was
added on the hypochondriac region.
2. Methods
The patient took lateral recumbent posture. After
the selected acupoints were given the routine
sterilization, the needles were inserted by tube
inserting method and the even reinforcing and
reducing manipulation was used for 30 rain. The
needles were manipulated once. Jiaji (Ex-B 2) should
be selected in the light of the affected and the upper
intervertebral spaces of intercostals nerve roots,
mostly among the 3rd to 7th the thoracic vertebrae.
Two or three Jiaji (Ex-B 2) and 1-2 acupoints on the
positions of skin injury and pain were selected to put
moxa sticks of 2 cm long. Then the sticks were
ignited and burnt for about 15 min successively.
The treatment was given once a day and one
course of treatment consisted 10 days. Three days
interval was done between the courses of treatment.
Therapeutic Results
1. Therapeutic effects
Pain and skin injury of 16 cases disappeared, skin
injury of 4 cases disappeared with obviously
alleviated pain and skin injury of 1 case disappeared
with slightly alleviated pain.
2. Case report
A male patient of 80 years old had residual pain
on left hypochondrium after herpes zoster form 6
years ago to this day. He had pain like contraction on
the left upper abdomen and hypochondrium, which
aggravated by movement and affected the sleep, and
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 51 9

couldn't take the left lateral recumbent posture. The
pain still hadn't been alleviated after the treatment
of Chinese herbs, western drugs and physical
therapy. The patient came to the out-patient
department on March 2nd, 2003. His general
condition was just fair. There were the tenderness
on the middle axillary line between the fifth and sixth
ribs, causalgia like contraction when touching on the
left upper abdomen and tenderness on the left sides
of the 4th, 5th and 6th thoracic vertebrae. The pain
was alleviated after 1 course of treatment by the
above method, improved after 2 courses of
treatment, disappeared and was clinically cured after
3 courses of treatment.
Experience
The patients in this group had slight old age and
weak constitution, or relatively severe lesion and
sustained pain. Long-term uncured residual
neuralgia still existed after the treatment of western
drugs and some treatment of Chinese herbs and
physical therapy.
PHN mostly on the hypochondrias region, is
caused by the injury of intercostal nerves. Therefore
needle-warming treatment is used on the thoracic
Jiaji (Ex-B 2) to warm and promote the qi and blood
circulations of nerve roots, and make pathogenic
factors go out from skin and hair. Waiguan (TE 5),
Luo (Connecting) Point of Triple Energizer Meridian
and one of the Eight Confluent Points, connecting
with the Yang Link Vessel, is selected to clear and
activate the Shaoyang Meridian and Yang Link
Vessel. Yang Link Vessel also connects with six yang
meridians, which converge on Governor Vessel, to
regulate the six Yang meridians qi to sustain
harmony and balance. Zulinqi (GB 41), Shu (stream)
Point of Gallbladder Meridian and one of the Eight
Confluent Points connecting with Belt Vessel, is used
to promote flow of channel qi of both Gallbladder
Meridian and Belt Vessel, which functions to restrict
various meridians. Taichong (LR 3), Shu (Stream)
and Yuan (Primary) Point of Liver Meridian, is
selected to remove heat from liver and regulate the
functions of liver and gallbladder. Ashi points on the
affected positions and local points are selected to
perform moxibustion with warming needle for
warming and promoting flow of local channel qi and
making pathogenic factors go out.
All in all, the therapeutic effect of treatment of
PHN by moxibustion with warming needle is
significant without obvious side effects, which
functions to warm and promote the qi and blood
circulations, dredge the meridians and regulate Zang
and Fu, so as to achieve the purpose of eliminating
pain and removing pathogenic factors.
Translator: KUAI Le (J'] ft. )
Received date: Sep. 10, 2004

9 Advance Notice 9

Main Contents in the N e x t Issue

9 Ms HU Lingxiang's Experience in Treating Blood- Stasis Disorders with Acupuncture Balancing

Method
9 Forums: Asthma
9 Treatment of Asthma at Asthma-relieving Earpoint and its Influence on FEV1 and PEF
9 Relationship between Fester Capacity and Effect on Allergic Asthma Treated by Scarring Moxibustion
9 Clinical Observations on the Treatment of Allergic Asthma by Acupoint Application
9 Clinical Observations on the Control Acute Attack of Deficiencysyndrome Asthma with Eye
Acupuncture
9 Treatment of Myotenositis of Long Head of Biceps Brachii by Acupuncture plus Tuina
9 Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Disease in Remission Stage by Tuina
9 On the Considerations and Methods of Obesity Treatment with Acupuncture and Moxibustion
9 Effect of Acupuncture on SCL-90 of Heroin-dependent Patients in Abstinence End Stage
9 Clinical Application of Heavy Moxibustion: Cases Report
9 Qi-Acupuncture: An Effective and Simple Acupuncture Method Based upon Ancient Chinese
Acupuncture Literature and Clinical Experience
 9 52 9 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

Clinical Observations on Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis

by Electroacupuncture
ZHENG Xiao (~ $~),CHE Tao (-~ ~ )
Shanghai Hospital of TCM, Shanghai, 200071, China

/r~.:~)r ~o ~.Z.~.r ~ . l t , * ~ H - ~ ~ ' ~ . ~ , ~ ' - ~ . , ~ , t l . g ~ c - ) j [ , l ~ i ~ 2-ff--v2..Eo v2 JOA

18#,~ r~)~g.;b~4~8~9~.@)~~at,*~:ff_l:~ T 12.3 i f ( P < 0.05)0 ~ @ ~ ~ ' ~ & ~ 5 ~

Abstract: To investigate the curative effect of electroacupuncture on hip osteoarth-ritis, 120

patients with hip osteoarthritis were randomly dMded into two groups, 60 cases each group, and
treated by electroacupuncture and oral administration of slow released diclofenac tablet,
respectively. The degrees of pain, activity and swelling were observed in both groups before and
after treatments. A follow-up was performed for more than 2 years. The curative effects were
assessed by JOA criteria for evaluating the effect on hip osteoarthritis. After treatment, the
average score increased by 18 marks in the electroacupuncture group and by 12.3 marks in the
diclofenac group (P < 0.05). Electroacupuncture treatment has a significantly better effect on
hip osteoarthritis than oral administration of slow released diclofenac tablet.
Key Words: Electroacupuncture; Hip Osteoarthritis; Medication
CLC number: R246.2
Document code: A

In the recent years, the morbidity rate of occurrence of a, d or a, c, e or a, f at least.

osteoarthritis has increased year by year. Osteoarth- 2. General materials
ritis is a commonly and frequently encountered
Among the 120 patients in this group, 38 cases
disease among the middle and old aged people in the
were male and 82 cases were female; the ages were
whole world and affects the life quality of the
between 40 and 70 years old, 5 male and 10 female
patients badly. Hip is the joint with higher morbidity
cases were between 40 and 50 years old, 10 male and
rate in osteoarthritis. Between 1999 and 2002, the
34 female cases were between 50 and 60 years old,
authors performed the clinical observations on 120
23 male and 38 female cases were between 60 and70
patients with hip osteoarthritis in their out-patient
years old. All the cases came from the out-patient
department. It was reported as follows.
department and were randomly divided into two
Clinical M a t e r i a l s groups, 60 cases each group. The two groups had the
comparability.
1. Diagnostic criteria
According to the diagnostic criteria of hip Therapeutic Methods
osteoarthritis promulgated by USA Rheumatism
1. Electroacupuncture group
Union (1986) m .
Acupoints: Biguan (ST 31), Juliao (GB 29), Zuwuli
a. Pain of hip in the most days of one month.
(LR 10) and Yinlian (LR 11).
b. Joint movements with sound.
Operation: The patient took a horizontal supine
c. Morning rigidity ~ 3 0 rain
position. Biguan (ST 31), Juliao (GB 29), Zuwuli (LR
d. A g e ~ 3 8 years old.
10) and Yinlian (LR 11) were selected. The filiform
e. Osseous tumefaction of hip joint with snap.
needles in 0.4 mm diameter and 75 mm length were
f. Osseous tumefaction of hip joint without snap.
inserted perpendicularly to the degree that the
Hip osteoarthritis could be diagnosed by the
patient had the feelings of soreness, distention and
numbness. Even reinforcing and reducing manipula-
Author: ZHENG Xiao (1970-), male, attending physician
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
tion was used. Then the needles were connected with
BT701B electroanesthesia instrument. Lower
frequency (1.67 Hz), intermittent wave and 8 V
voltages were used for 60 min successively. The
treatment was given twice a week and 1 course of
treatment consisted of 15 times.
2. Control group
Oral administration of slow released diclofenac
tablet, 75 rag, was taken before or during the meal
once a day. One course of treatment consisted of 30
days.
All the patients in the two groups did the exercises
of flexion, extension and abduction to increase the
movement degrees of the affected hip and the
exercise to increase myodynamic.
Therapeutic Results
1. Criteria of therapeutic effects
According to JOA criteria c2~ for evaluating the
therapeutic effects on hip osteoarthritis, a grading
table was established to obverse the degrees of pain
(walk space, going upstairs and downstairs), activity
and swelling of the patients in both groups before and
after the treatments (full mark being 100 marks). A
follow-up survey was performed for more than 2 years.
SPSS 10.0 software was applied to test and compare the
therapeutic effects on the basis of the data.
Cure: Pain of hip disappeared, the patient could
move freely.
Effectiveness: Pain of hip disappeared, or pain
occurred occasionally and disappeared with rest, the
activity was slightly affected.
Inefficacy: No improvement in pain of hip, the
movement of hip joint was affected.
2. Therapeutic effects
After the treatment, the average total score
increased by 18 marks in the electroacupuncture
group and by 12.3 marks in the control group.
Table 1. Comparison of functional grades of hip joints before
and after treatments in the two groups (~ 4-s)
Groups N Pre-treatment Post-treatment
Electroacupuncture 60 53.3-+9.60 71.3-4-9.99
Control 60 55.3-+10.10 67.7-+7.33
Comparison of functional grades of hip joints
before treatment in the two groups, P = 0.9, showed
the two groups had the comparability before
treatment. Comparison of functional grades of hip joints
after treatment in the two groups, P < 0.05, indicated
that the therapeutic effect in the treatment group was
significantly superior to that in the control group.
9 53 ~
Table 2. Comparison of functional grading effects of hip joints
in follow-up survey after treatment in the two groups
(x -+s)
Groups N 3 months 1 year
Electroacupuncture 54 62.7+ 10.06 59.0 9.06
Control 54 59.0--+8.67 56.0-+8.87
Six cases in each group were lost in the follow-up
survey. The follow-up survey in the two groups
showed that the therapeutic effect in treatment
group was still significantly superior to that in
control group 3 month after treatment (P < 0.05).
There was no significant difference in therapeutic
effects between the electroacupuncture and control
groups one year after treatment ( P > 0.05).
Table 3. Comparison of therapeutic effects between the two
groups (Cases)
Groups N Cure EffectivenessInefficacyTER (%)
Electroacupuncture 60 15 41 4 93.3
Control 60 8 40 12 80.0
Note: TER, total effective rate
The clinical observations indicated electroacupunc-
ture treatment has a better effect on hip
osteoarthritis than oral administration of slow
released diclofenac tablet ( P < 0.05).
Discussion
In TCM hip osteoarthritis belongs to the category
of " Bone Bi-Obstruction" and " Bi-Obstruction
Syndrome". Ling Shu ( ( ( , ~ ) ) ) says " The elder's qi
and blood are feeble, muscles are withered, air
passage is not clear." ]isheng Fang ((( ~ ~ ~ ))) also
indicates ........ all the causes are feeble body,
empty striae of skin and wind-cold-dampness
pathogen invasion, leading to Bi-obstruction
Syndrome." This disease is due to insufficiency of
liver and kidney, aching and soft of the waist and
knees, obstruction of tendons and meridians by
pathogenic wind, cold, dampness and stasis, pain
caused by obstruction, leading to Bi-obstruction
Syndrome. Therefore osteoarthritis is usually seen
among middle and old aged people. In TCM the
principles of treatment are regulating qi and blood,
removing stasis and dredging collaterals. Biguan (ST
31), Juliao (GB 29), Zuwuli (LR 10) and Yinlian (LR 11)
are punctured to expel wind and dampness, remove stasis
and obstruction, dredge and guide meridian qi.
The clinical observations indicated that the
therapeutic effect of treatment of hip osteoarthritis
by electroacupuncture on Biguan (ST 31), Juliao (GB
29), Zuwuli ( L R 10) and Yinlian ( L R 11) was
significant. This treatment avoided the side effect of
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs
 9 54 9 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2

completely. At the same time, it has been proved by
experiment that electromagnetic field caused by
electroacupuncture could increase the volume of
blood flow, improve the microcirculation, remove
inflammatory medium, restrain the conduct of
nocuous information, release endogenous opioid sub-
stance, so as to reduce endosteal pressure, promote
the absorption of inflammation and eliminate pain.
Especially the it has also been indicated that
electromagnetic field could change synthetic speed of
DNA and collagenous fibers in cells [~3, influence the
microcirculation of albumen membrane and
protease E43, so as to induce the differentiation of
mesenchyme of cartilage cell into cartilage cell and
promote the rehabilitation of massive defective
cartilage ~53, which had significant therapeutic effect
of improving the pain and function of hip joint and
stopping the further development of hip
osteoarthritis.
The early manifestation of hip osteoarthritis is
weakness of hip muscles group, thus, the treatment
should be cooperated with the functional exercises of
hip joint to increase the stability of hip joint.
The clinical observations of 120 cases of hip
osteoarthritis indicated that the therapeutic effect in
electroacupuncture treatment group was significantly
superior to that in oral administration of slow
released diclofenac tablet group. Electroacupuncture
treatment didn't damage digestive system and the
functions of liver and kidney, and had the safe and
reliable effects, relatively low fee, which is suitable
to be popularized in clinic.
References
-k~~;~ ;~t.&.g :~ ~ :k. "~ ~ )~.~:,2002:220-221.
LIU Yun-peng, LIU Xin. Criteria of Diagnosis,
Classification and Assessing Function of Injury and Disease
of Bone and Joint. Beijing: Qinghua University Publishing
House,2002:220-221.
. & ~ Z ~_ ~ ~,1996:378-380.
DI Xun-yuan, JIN Yiao-bei, LI Fuo-bao. Injury and Disease
of Bone and Joint in Elder. Beijing: People's Medical
Publishing House, 1996:378-380.
~4-,1987:350-353.
MAO Bin-yao, ZHANG Xue-yi, LE Xing-xiang. Surgery of
Hip Joint. Beijing: People's Medical Publishing House, 1987:
350-353.
-~ & ~ q~'0i ~, ~,1995,10(2):91.
WANG Ai-min, DU Quan-yin. Experimental Research on
Regeneration of Joint Cartilage Inducedby Electromagnetic
Field. The Journal of Bone and Joint Injury, 1995,10(2):91.
-~ & ~ ;It ~ ~, ~,1995,10(1):61-64.
GUO Shi-bo. Omracteristics of Appearance, Physiologyand
Biochemistry,Injury and Rehabilitation of Joint Cartilage. The
Journal of Bone and Joint Injury, 1995,10(1):61-64.
Translator.. KUAI Le(~'] /g-)
Received date: Jan. 15, 2005
9 Related Article 9

Effects of Electroacupuncture on the Number of N K - 1 R / I L - I ~ Double Labeled Immunofluorescent Positive

Cells in the Epidermal and Subcutaneous Tissue Around the Ankle Joint of Adjuvant Monoarthritis in Rats
ZENG Qing (~ ~), LI Man (~ '~), CAO Ftryuan ( ~ ' ~ ) , et al
Abstract: Adjuvant monoarthritis was induced by the injection of 50 t~l Complete Freund's Adjuvant
(CFA) into ankle joint of adult SD rats. Electroacupuncture (EA) was performed on Huantiao (GB 30) and
Yanglingquan (GB 34) (0.5-1.5 v, 4-16 Hz, 30 min) after the injection. On the second day immunofluresent
histochemstry was applied to observe the effect of EA on the number of NK-1R/ IL-113 double labeled
immunofluorescent positive cells in the epidermal and subcutaneous tissue around the inflammatory ankle
joint of the rats. In all groups, double labeled NK-1R/IL-I~3 cells were located in the epidermal and
subcutaneous tissue around the ankle joint . On the third day, the number of double labeled NK-1R/IL-I~3
cells of the inflammation group (INF) was significantly greater than that of the normal saline group (NS) (P
< 0.01), but the number was markedly smaller in the EA group in NS and INF groups ( P < 0.01). The
percentage of the number of double-labeled cells to the total number of NK-1R labeled cells in EA group was
significantly less than that in NS and INF groups ( P < 0.05, P < 0.01). The percentages of the number of
double-labeled cells to the total number of I.L-l[3 labeled cells in EA group was significantly less than that in
NS and INF groups ( P < 0.05). EA treatment can inhibit the synthesis of IL-I~ in NK-1R labeled cells and
down-regulate the NK-1R expression in IL-l~3 labeled cells in the epidermal and subcutaneous tissue around
the inflammatory ankle joint of rats.
Cited from Chinese Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, 2004, 39(10):464-468
 Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 55 9

Treatment of Prostatic Hyperplasia by

Plum-blossom-magnet-needle Synthetic Therapy:
A Report of 149 Cases
LIU Qing-guo (~:~]i~i"N ), GAO He-yu (r~ ~ ~t')
Acupuncture-MoxibustionCollege, Beijing Universityof TCM, Beijing, 100121, China

~ k ~ BPH , * ~ 219"N, $ P r t ~ . N ~: ~ ~t 149 4~,], ~ h ] ~ , ~ . ) ~ , ~ ~ ~

R~-~,lr~t&ht~, ~ ' ~ , ~ 1, ~ , ~ 7 ~, q~'~, ~ g f f ~ g ~ q ; ~,~gg 70 ~,~, ~ , " , ~
r 2 mg/~s ~r]~, 4 ~ 2 ~ L . ~ q ~ ~ 4 ~ . ~ , 1 + ~ q ~ ) ~ r 1 6 3 ~: ~r
.~Jt~-'t( - 63.3%, , ~ . ~ z ~ 91.8%; x~-,~..~.~L~s ,~.~#dc2g 72.7%, ~ ~ 4 ~ - ~ ~
~ ( P < 0.05).N~-: ~ 2 q f "~$~ gf BPH ;q N: ._g_.~, # . _ ~ @ ~ & - ~ N ~ q~ BPH N ~ g f ~ o

Abstract Purpose: To observe the therapeutic effect of plum-blossom-magnet-needle synthetic

therapy on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Method: 219 cases of BPH patients were
randomly divided into two groups. There were 149 cases in treatment group, which treated by
pressing, needling with plum-blossom-magnet-needle and putting effect-increasing pads on
Prostate Reflex Area, bilateral Zhongliao (BL 32), Neck 1, Neck 7, Mingmen (GV 4) and
Yongquan (KI 1). There were 70 cases in control group, which treated by orally taken Terazosin
Hydrochloride (Gaoteling) tablets, 2 mg/time, twice a day. The therapeutic course was 4 weeks.
After one therapeutic course, the therapeutic effect was evaluated. Results: The marked effect
rate was 63.3% and total effective rate was 91.8%; in the control group, there were no
markedly effective cases and the total effective rate was 72.7%. There was a significant
difference between two groups ( P < 0.05). Conclusion: The plum-blossom-magnet-needle
synthetic therapy had a significant therapeutic effect for the treatment of benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH), so it was a safe and effective therapy for BPH.
Key Words Acupuncture-Moxibustion; Massage; Magnetic Acupoint Therapy; Prostatic
Hypertrophy
CLC number: R246.1
Document code: B

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a commonly
encountered disease that occurs mostly in aged men
who are over 50. Its incidence is constantly
increasing along with the increase of aged
population. Sexual hormone disequilibrium is a n
uppermost reason for BPH. Prostatic hyperplasia
causes urethral stenosis and obstruction which leads
to difficulty in micturition, urinary frequency, urinary
urgency, painful micturition, acraturesis, hesitant,
interrupted urine stream, accompaning by whole
body tiredness, dizziness, insomnia and so on. Until
now, BPH is mainly treated by drug and operation.
But the therapeutic effect of drug is not ideal and
has a severe side effect. Operation, laser and
urethral inner bracket have some complications. So
seeking a safe and effective therapy has become an
important topic in aged medicine. The authors
treated this disease by plum-blossom-magnet-needle
synthetic therapy. Now it is reported as follows.
General Data

1. Criteria for diagnosis

Author: LIU Qing-guo, medical doctor, director of Science
Department of China Association of Acupuncture and
Moxibustion; Vice President of Acupuncture-Moxibustion
College of Beijing TCM University; Deputy editor of
International ClinicalAcupunctureJournal (USA)
Refer to the criteria of diagnosis in Clinical
Guidance Principle for New Chinese Herbs.
a. Dysuria history: Urinary hesitancy, weak
urinary stream, and residual urine sensation after
 9 56 9
voiding, frequent urination at night, even
incontinence
b. Digital rectal exam (DRE): Two lateral lobes
of the prostate gland enlarged, or central sulcus
disappeared.
c. Ultrasonic examination: The hyperplastic
tubercula in inner gland appears and the thickness
ratio of inner gland to outer gland was abnormal ( ~
2.5: 1). The shape of prostate became round. Every
diameter enlarged. It protruded to bladder cavity.
Prostate volume measurement VBPH= 4/3rtr,r2r3, in
this formula, V means prostate volume, rl, r2, r3
mean transverse diameter, anteroposterior diameter
and vertical diameter.
d. Residual urine ( R U ) test: B Ultrasonic
examination was performed.
e. Urine flow volume test: Maximum flow rate
(MFR) < 1 5 ml/s.
f. Cystography: This examination will show an
ascendant impression and the posterior urethra
being pressed andprolonged. The lateral position
film shows a half-expanding sector image.
g. Cystourethroscopy: This examination will show
that the bilateral lobes and middle lobe of the
prostate increases in size and protrudes to urethra
and bladder.
h. Laboratory examinations: Blood BUN, Cr,
creatinine clearance, SPS test.
The existence of a, b and c can confirm the
diagnosis.
2. Criteria for exclusion
a. The patient was below 50 years old or above 70
years old.
b. The dysuria was possibly caused by neuropathic
bladder, cervix vesicae sclerosis, urethral stricture
and prostatic cancer.
c. The prostatic hyperplasia had caused vesical
calculus or severe urinary infection and renal failure.
d. Cardiac failure or pulmonary failure, abnormal
hepatic function, orthostatic hypotension
e. Sexually transmitted disease history.
3. General data
The patients who accorded with above diagnosis
criteria, International Prostate Symptom Score (I-
PSS) E1~12, didn't take drug or stopped prostate
drug over 2 weeks were taken into the observation
cases. In this group 219 cases were all outpatients.
Their age ranged from 57 to 69 years old and the
average age was 64.1 years old. The shortest
duration of was 1 year and the longest 20 years. B
ultrasonic examination prompted prostatic hyper-
Journal of Acpunctureand Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
plasia.
According to random comparison principle, they
were divided into two groups. There were 149 cases
in treatment group and the average age was 63.8+_
6.2 years old; there were 70 cases in control group
and the average age was 64.2-+-5.8 years old. There
was no statistical difference in age, duration of
disease, state of illness, and symptoms before
treatment, maximum flow rate (MFR) and residual
urine (RU). It was comparable ( P > 0.05).
Therapeutic M e t h o d
1. Treatment group
Acupoints [2] : Tunqian (at the tenderness which
9
three finger-breadth below the junction of the
anterior 1/3 and posterior 2/3 of the distance
between anterior superior iliac spine and posterior
superior iliac spine), Tunzhong (at the tenderness
which two finger-breadth below the midpoint of the
line between anterior superior iliac spine and
posterior superior iliac spine), Tunhou (at the
tenderness which three finger-breadth below the
junction of the posterior 1/3 and anterior 2/3 of the
distance between anterior superior iliac spine and
posterior superior iliac spine), Sacrum 2 (New
Ciliao, at the junction of the superior 1/3 and inferior
2/3 of the distance between 2 finger-breadth lateral
to the lumbosacral joint on the posterior midline and
1.5 cun lateral to Changqiang, GV 1), Sacrum 3
(New Zhongliao, at the junction of the superior 2/3
and inferior 1/3 of the distance between 2 finger-
breadth lateral to the lumbosacral joint on the
posterior midline and 1.5 cun lateral to Changqiang,
GV 1), Shenque (CV 8), Zhongji (CV 3), Prostate
Reflex Area (in the depression below and after the
medial malleolus), and Yongquan (KI 1).
Manipulations: The patient was required to take a
prone position. The doctor stood to the one side of
the patient. Firstly pressing-pushing manipulation
was performed on the cord-form tissue on the
Tunqian, Tunzhong, Tunhou, Sacrum 2 and Sacrum3
three to four times. Then plum-blossom-magnet-
needle was used to press the above region 3-5 min.
The magnetic stone surface of the plum-blossom
shape was against to the skin. The magnet needle
was performed to press one minute on the most
sensitive point of the Prostate Reflex Area. The
pressing direction was vertical to the skin. The
strength was adjusted until the patient can tolerate.
Eventually, 4 # and 10 # effect-increasing pads
(Beijing Bohong Medical Science & Technology
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
Development Center) were selected to apply on
every point. After the drug cake in effect-increasing
pads was crushed, wine or vinegar was added. (For
tender skin, clear water was added or dry application
was performed). 4 # effect-increasing pads were
applied on the bilateral Tunqian, Tunzhong, Tunhou,
Sacrum 2, Sacrum 3 and Zhongji (CV 3). 10# effect-
increasing pads were applied on Shenque (CV 8),
bilateral Prostate Reflex Area and Yongquan (KI 1);
Sacrum 2, Zhongji (CV 3) and Prostate Reflex Area
were applied one magnetic needle respectively.
Point pressing-pushing and pressing manipulation
were performed once every three days. Effect-
increasing pads were replaced once every seven days.
28 days made up one therapeutic course.
2. Control group
Terazosin Hydrochloride (Gaoteling) Tablets, 2
mg/time, orally taken, twice a day. The therapeutic
course was 4 weeks. After one therapeutic course,
the therapeutic effect was evaluated.
Therapeutic Effects
1. Criteria of therapeutic effects
Refer to the criteria of diagnosis in Clinical
Guide Principle f o r New Chinese Herbs.
Marked effectiveness: I-PSS score~7, L index~l,
or illness state reduced to over 90%; the prostate
volume reduced to below original 60%; MFR
Table 1. Improvement comparison of IPSS, L, MFR and RU between treatment group and control group
Treatment group (n= 149)
Group
Before treatment
IPSS (point) 23.5-+5.60
L (point) 5.1-+0.82
MFR (ml/s) 10.5-+2.12
RU (ml) 22.5+_21.30
Notes: Compared with pre-treatment, 1) P< 0.01, 2) P< 0.05
Table 2. Comparison of therapeutic effects between treatment
group and control group (Cases)
Groups N ME Effectiveness IneffectivenessTER (%)
Treatment 149 95 42 12 91.8
Control 70 0 51 19 72.7
Notes: ME, marked effectiveness;TER, total, effective rate.
There was significant difference in marked
effective rate and total effective rate between two
groups ( P < 0.01).
There was no obvious adverse reaction occurred in
treatment group. The incidence of drug adverse
reaction was 15.7% in control group. There was
statistical difference between two groups (P < 0.01).
9 57 ~
18 ml/s.The existence of 2 items was enough.
Effectiveness: I-PSS score ~ 7, L index before
treatment is 4-6 and it reduces to 2-3 after
treatment, or illness state total score reduced to
over 60%; the prostate volume reduced to below
original 80%; RU reduced to over 50%; MFR
12ml/s; M F R > / 1 2 ml/s. The existence of one item
was enough.
Ineffectiveness: The symptoms, such as urinary
frequency and urinary urgency had no obvious
change.
2. Curative effects
Measurement data applied paired t-test or inter-
group t-test, enumeration data applied ~(2 test.
After four week's treatment, the improvement of
IPSS, L, MFR and Ruin treatment group and control
group was compared (Table 1). I-PSS averagely
reduced 85.6% and 42. 5% respectively; L index
averagely reduced 86.2% and 49. 1% respectively;
MFR averagely enhanced 80. 2% and 51. 8%
respectively; RU averagely reduced 95.4% and 65.
8%, there was very significant change in treatment
group ( P < 0.01), and there was significant change in
control group (P < 0.05). There was very significant
difference between two groups ( P > 0.01). After 4
weeks' treatment, the comparison of therapeutic
effects between two groups was in table 2.
Control group (n= 70)
After treatment Before treatment After treatment
3.4-+ 4.601) 21.7-+__4.70 12.5+ 3.605)
1.0+0.761) 5.1_+0.78 2.6+0.77~)
18.9-+2.60') 10.3+_2.20 15.6 3.90~)
3.3+_9.801) 21.9 20.50 9.7-+8.80z)
The main symptoms of drug adverse reaction were
dizziness and dry mouth. The reaction was slight and
usually tolerable. It needn't drug disposal. For
treatment group and control group, after 4 weeks,
routine urine test, red blood count (RBC), white
blood cell count, GPT, blood creatinine (C r) and
blood urea nitrogen ( B U N ) were checked again.
Every parameter was within clinical normal range.
Compared with pre-treatment, there was no
statistical difference ( P > 0.05).
Discussion
BPH is mainly caused by enlargement of prostate
 9 58 9
pressing against the urethra, which leads to urinary
obstruction symptoms, such as frequent urination,
dysuria and so on. Etiology study~3~ shows that there
was a close relationship between the occurrence of
this disease and body hormone level. It possibly
related with smoking, adiposity, drinking and
heredity. The prostate gland is a male hormone
depended organ. Testosterone has a key action for
the growth, development, differentiation and
function-exerting. Androgen, estrogen, glucocorticoid
and endocrine-correlated substance that takes from
diet and environment and transforms in the body are
considered as external factor that regulates the
growth of the prostate. All sorts of peptide growth
regulation factor achieve these external factors for
the biological effect of prostatic growth. These
growth factors are produced by prostate, promoting
the signal gateway switch in and between cells and
influence prostatic function by paracrine, autocrine
and intercell secretion methods. So these growth
factors are internal factors for regulating prostatic
growth. The prostate of human being appears local
epithelial proliferation from over 20 years old to
tuberculous prostatic hyperplasiain 50 years old, it is
considered as the result of androgen E43. But now
androgen is considered that it is as same as estrogen
that has effect on BPH, especially for interstitial
cell, such as hyperplasia of smooth muscle cell. After
50 years old, the blood testosterone descends and the
effect of estrogen relatively enhances. The ratio of
estrogen to D H T in prostate enlarges with the
increase of age.
The bladder outlet obstruction caused by BPH is
the ultimate reason of dysuria. The obstruction is
divided into mechanical and dynamic obstruction. The
mechanical obstruction is caused by hyperplastic
prostate oppressing bladder outlet and characterized
by a kind of gradual change. There are lots of al-
receptor in smooth muscle of bladder neck and
prostatic stroma and capsule. When the sympathetic
nerve is excited, the smooth muscle contractility
increases by the stimulation of el-receptor. The
detrusor is unstable and bladder outlet dynamic
obstruction occurs.
BPH belongs to the categories of Longbi and
dysuria in TCM. TCM holds that the position of this
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
disease is at bladder and it has closest relationship
with Sanjiao and kidney. This disease is also related
with lung, spleen and liver. At the beginning of old
age, the viscera gradually weaken. The ungrowth of
spleen qi, deficiency of kidney yang, deficiency of life-
gate fire, qi transformation failing in middle jiao, or
stagnation of dampness and heat, obstruction of
dampness, liver qi stagnation, lung heat and qi
stagnation cause difficulty in urination. But in clinic,
intermixing of deficiency and excesses often seen.
The excessiveness of pathogen and deficiency of
resistance are the disease cause and the stagnation
is the key. So on the basis of principle of "Fu-organ is
better in unobstructed", the treatment principle is
dredging.
The plum-blossom-magnet-needle therapy for
BPH dredges the meridian, regulates yin and yang
and balances viscera by point-pressing, applying
plum-blossom-magnet-needle and effect-increasing
pad on the specific points. It can regulate
sympathetic nerve system, reduce the smooth muscle
tension and alleviate or eliminate bladder outlet
dynamic obstruction; It reaches the treatment
purpose of BPH by improving microcirculation,
regulating endocrine, regulating prostatic growth
inner-outer factors, inhibiting prostatic hyperplasia,
reducing prostate volume and alleviating or
eliminating bladder outlet mechanical obstruction.
References
[1] Aso Y, Homma Y. Clinical research criteria: response
criteria for evaluating efficacy of treatments for benign
prostatic hypertrophy. British J Urol, 1995; 76 (Suppl.1):
69-73.
1~ 2003:2.
ZHANG Bi-qing. Therapy Atlas of Plum-blossom-magnet-
needle Synthetic Therapy. Xinjiang People's Health Press,
2003: 2.
[3] Girman CJ, Guess HA. Epidemiologyof Benign Prostatic
Hyperplasia. In: Lepor H ed. Prostatic Diseases.
Philadelphia: WB Saunder, 2000: 116-126.
[4]Lotti T, Mirone V, Prezioso D, et al. Observation on Some
Hormone Fractions in Patients with BPH Treated with
Mepartracin. Curr Res, 1988, 44: 402-406.
Translator: CUI Yi-jtm (-t~#~$: )
Received: Dec. 15, 2004
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 59 -

Clinical Analysis on the Treatment of Nerve Root Sciatica

by Stuck Needle Method
SUN Hua-tang (:r,],~-~'), WANG Jun-fang ( ~ )
Acupuncture and PhysicalTherapy Department of Anqiu City People's Hospital, Shandong,262100, China

i~r ~ 96.4~ 90.0~ o

Abstract: Fifty-six cases of nerve root sciatica patients were treated by stuck needle method
at Ashi and Jiaji points (Ex-B 2) at the waist region, Huantiao (GB 30), Zhibian (BL 54),
Weizhong (BL 40), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Chengshan (BL 57) and Kunlun (BL 60) in the
diseased region. 40 cases were treated as control by routine even reinforcing-reducing
manipulation with above acupoints. The curative effects were 96.4% and 90.0% respectively.
Key Words: Sciatica; Acupuncture Therapy; Control Trail
CLC number: R246.6
Document code: B

Sciatica is a radiating pain along the sciatic nerve 2. Common data

pathway and its distribution area. It is a pain
syndrome due to several causes. In clinic, it is divided
into root type and stem type. The stem type of
sciatica is caused by inflammatory edema of
lumbosacral nerve root after injury. The main
disease cause is centrum disease and spinal cord
disease. Among them, prolapse of lumbar
intervertebral disc is the most common cause. Our
department treated 56 cases of this disease by stuck
needle method. Now it was reported as follows.
Clinical Data
1. Criteria of diagnosis
Acute or subacute attack. Radiactive and burning
pain or stabbing pain at one side or sometimes
bilateral waist region, buttock, lateral aspect of
thigh, postero-lateral aspect of the leg. The lumbar
movement is limited. The tenderness at waist-
buttock region is obvious. The test of straigh leg-
raising ( + ) , Chin-Chest test (+),Heel-Buttock test
( + ) , weak knee reflex and ankle reflexin in some
patients. Lower muscle strength, lower skin
sensation of the outside of the leg. CT scan shows
that prolapse of lumbar intervertebral disc, or
narrow vertebral canal, narrow side-crypt,
retrograde change.
Author: SUN Hua-tang (1971-), male, attending physician
Ninety-six cases were diagnosed by clinical
symptoms and signs and X-ray or CT examination.
They were divided into two groups according to
consultation order. Of 56 cases in treatment group,
30 cases were male and 26 cases were female; their
ages ranged from 16 to 80 years old. The average
age was 42.5 years old. Of 40 cases in control group,
25 cases were male and 15 cases were female; their
ages ranged from 17 to 79 years old. The average
age was 43 years old. The shortest duration of
disease was 2 days while the longest was 3 years.
Statistical analysis showed that there was
comparative between the common data of two
groups.
T h e r a p e u t i c Methods
1. Treatment group
Acupoints: Ashi point, Jiaji points (Ex-B 2) of the
waist region, Huantiao (GB 30), Zhibian (BL 54),
Weizhong ( B L 40), Yanglingquan ( G B 34),
Chengshan (BL 57) and Kunlun (BL 60).
Manipulation: The patient was required to take a
prone or side-lying position. After routine steri-
lization, filiform needles of 0.35 mm in diameter, 50-
150 mm in length were rapidly inserted into the skin.
The needles' tips were required to reach the lamina
of vertebral arch at Jiaji points of the waist region.
Needling sensation should be got at other points.
 9 60 9
Then the needle-handle was twirled anticlockwise
until the needle body was entwined by the muscle
fiber and the needle cannot be further twisted. The
needle-handle was lifted and thrusted by thumb,
index finger and middle finger to drag the muscle.
The needle was twisted clockwise to loose the stuck
needle, and then was slowly withdrawn.
2. Control group
The acupoints selected were as same as the
treatment group. The filiform needles of 0.35 mm in
diameter, 50-150 mm in length were selected and
even reinforcing-reducing manipulation was per-
formed.
Two groups were treated once every day. The
needles were retained for 30 min. Every 15 min, the
needles were performed once by different mani-
pulations. After the needles were withdrawn, the
patients were treated once with computer middle
frequency. Seven treatments made up one
therapeutic course. After one-day interval, second
therapeutic course was given. After three courses
were given, the evaluation on the therapeutic effect
was made.
Therapeutic Effects
1. Criteria of curative effects
The score was made according to the patient's
sensation. The pain degree at the first consultation
was 10 points. After three therapeutic courses, the
patients were asked for the alleviation degree of the
pain.
Cured: The score reduced by 10 points (The pain
disappeared).
Markedly effective: The score reduced by 6-9
points.
Effective: The score reduced by 3-5 points.
Ineffective: The score reduced by less than 2
points.
2. Therapeutic results
Table 1. Comparison between treatment group and control
group (Cases)
Groups N Cured ME Effective IneffectiveTER(%)
Treatment 56 21 27 6 2 96.4
Control 40 7 11 18 4 90.0
Notes: ME, markedly effective; TER, total effect rate
The comparison of cured rate and markedly
effective rate between two groups showed that
therapeutic effect in treatment group was better
than that in control group ( P < 0. 05). Statistical
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
analysis showed that there was significant difference.
The total effective rate was no significant difference
( P > 0.05).
Table 2. Relationship between therapeutic course and cured
rate (Cases)
Groups N 7d 14 d 21 d
Treatment 21 5 13 3
Control 7 0 2 5
The comparison of cured rate within 3 therapeutic
courses between two groups was made. Statistical
analysis (;(2 = 8.7557, P < 0.05) showed that stuck
needle method can reduce the treatment times and
enhance the therapeutic effects.
Discussion
Stuck needle is usually considered as a kind of
acupuncture accidents and should be avoided. But,
when the needle was stuck, the lifting-thrusting
manipulation can strengthen the stimulation and
prolong the needling sensation duration. In clinic,
this method is performed for some stubborn disease
and the therapeutic effect is good. According to the
literature [1] , stuck needle is caused by muscle fiber
and connective tissue enwinding around the needle
body. The manipulation of stuck needle slightly
destroys local tissue, which causes slight aseptic
inflammatory reaction. This reaction constantly
stimulates the acupoint until the aseptic
inflammatory reaction disappears. The lifting-
thrusting manipulation cause the needling sensation
strongly to radiateto ambient tissue. Especially the
selection of Ashi point can correctly conduct the
needling sensation to the diseased region.
During the manipulation of stuck needle, the
doctor should constantly enquire the sensation of the
patient. Rough manipulation is forbidden. Careful
manipulation should be performed around the big
nerve and big blood vessel. ~The doctor and the
patient should cooperate. The distention and happy
needling sensation is good and the needling
sensation reaching the diseased region is better.
Reference
[1] ~ ' ~ : L . ~ ~) ~ ~ ~ ~)T-~.~ r~ q' l~, 1992,12(6) :
263.
SHI Xue-yi. Morphologic Basic Study of Stuck Needle.
Henan Journal of TCM. 1992,12(6) 9 263.
Translator: CUI Yi-jun ( ~ )
 Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science,Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2 9 61 9

Treatment of Simple Obesity of Stomach-intestine Excessive

Heat Type by Acupuncture and Tuina
LI Li-qiu(~ gg,~L),GONG Wei-zhi(/~N,~), DENG Xin(X~ ~)
Heilongjiang University of TCM, Ha'erbin, 150040, China

Abstract: Sixty cases of simple obesity of stomach-intestine excessive heat type were
randomly divided into acupuncture-Tuina group and single acupuncture group, 30 cases in each
group, and were given acupuncture-Tuina and single acupuncture respectively. The clinical
effects of two groups were analyzed and compared by obesity and fat indexes before and after
treatment. The total effective rates in acupuncture-Tuina and simple acupuncture group were
90.0% and 73.3% respectively. The effect of acupuncture-Tuina in treating simple obesity with
stomach-intestine excessive heat type was satisfactory, and better than that of acupuncture(P <
0.05).
Key Words: Obesity; Acupuncture Therapy; Tuina; Massage
CLC number: R246.6
Document code: A

Simple obesity is a condition in which the heat
absorption is more than consumption and the
excessive is restored in the body with the form of fat.
The most common type of it is the stomach-intestine
excessive type. In this study, 30 cases of simple
obesity with stomach-intestine excessive heat type
were treated by acupuncture-Tuina and observed the
clinical effect compared with single acupuncture.
Clinical Data
1. Diagnostic standards m
Obesity was the main clinical symptom. And it
might have the dysfunction of metabolism but was
not obviously abnormal in neuroendocrine system.
Medical history, symptom and sign or the assays in
endocrine could rule out the secondary obesity.
Three or two of the following should be conformed
to: body weight exceeded the standard weight above
20%, fat percentage (F%) above 30, BMI (body
mass index) above 26.
Except for the above-mentioned, in this study 60
cases were caused by stomach-intestine excessive
heat type in simple obesity. The main symptoms
were as follows: obese shape; well-distributed fat;
good appetite and likely hunger; dry stool; scanty
brownish urine; reddish tongue and yellowed fur;
Author: LI Li-qiu (1978-), female, master.
wiry, rapid, slippery pulse.
2. General data
Among 60 cases, 9 cases were male and 51 cases
were female; their average age was 38.7-t-8.62; their
duration of disease ranged from 6 months to 8 years.
They were randomly divided into acupuncture-Tuina
group (treatment group, n = 30) and single
acupuncture group (control group, n--- 30).
3. Observational indexes
Obesity indexes: Height, weight waistline, skin-
wrinkled thickness in the triceps and infrascapularis,
fat percentage (F%), BMI.
Blood fat indexes: Total cholesterol (TC) and
Triglyceride (TG).
Therapeutic Methods
1. Acupuncture
Main points: Tianshu (ST 25), Zusanli (ST 36),
Neiting (ST 44), Fenglong (ST 40), Shangjuxu (ST
37), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Daling
(SP 15), Zhongwan (CV 12), and Ashi points.
Manipulation: The patient lied on his back. The
points were vertically punctured about 1.5-2.0 cun
with the needle of 0.35 mm in diameter and 50 mm
in length after disinfection. Then reduction was
applied after needling sensation came on. The
needles were manually lifted, thrust, twirled and
rotated intensely till intense needling sensation
 9 62 9
occurred. The needles were retained for 30 min and
manipulated once at a 10-minitue interval. The
treatment was given once daily and one course of
treatment consisted of 15 times. The same points
were used in the two groups.
2. Tuina
Tuina was applied to the patients in acupuncture-
Tuina group after acupuncture, mainly on abdomen.
The patient lied on his back. The doctor's hands
overlapping pressed the abdomen, and rubbed for 5
min around the center of Shenque (CV 8) till the hot
and comfort sensation came on. And the middle
finger pressed and vibrated Shangwan (CV 13),
Zhongwan (CV 12), Xiawan (CV 10), Guanyuan (CV
4), Tianshu (ST 25) for 2 min respectively till the ach
sensation came on. At the same time the local parts
where fat piled up, such as limbs, buttock shoulder and
back were kneaded, grasped, put a dot and patted etc.
The stimulation of manipulation should be
intensified properly and continued for 30 min once.
The treatment was given once daily and one course
of treatment consisted of 15 times. The clinical
Table 1. Weight, lumbar circumference, F%, BMI, and blood fat in two groups before and after treatment (~5: s)
Lumbar
Group n Treatment Weight (kg)
circumference (cm)
Treatment 30 Before 76.9-4-10.40 86.19-t- 9.79
After 66.85:10.391) 77.265:6.911)
Control 30 Before 77.24-10.55 s) 87.305:14.23 s)
After 71.85:9.891)4) 82.795:10.86 z)4)
Notes: Comparing with before treatment, 1) P < 0.01, 2) P< 0.05; comparing with treatment group, 3) P> 0.05, 4) P< 0.05.
According to table 1, in the respects of weight,
lumber circumference, F%, BMI and blood fat, there
were no significant differences between two groups
before treatment, but there were significant
differences between two groups after treatment.
Table 2. Comparison of therapeutic effects in two groups
Group N Cured ME Effective IneffectiveTER(%)
Treatment 30 4 11 12 3 90.0
Control 30 1 7 14 8 73.3
Notes: ME, marked effective; TER, total effective rate
According to table 2, there was a significant
difference in total effective rate between the two
groups (U = 2.09, P < 0.05).
Discussion
Nowadays simple obesity has become a common
disease with our living level rising continuously and
the diet pattern out of balance. It is widespread
adopted that simple obesity is treated by TCM.
Acupuncture especially has become a main
Journal of Acpuncture and Tuina Science, Apr. 2005. Vol.3, No.2
therapeutic effects were evaluated after 2 courses.
Therapeutic E f f e c t s
1. Criteria of therapeutic effects ~
Cured: The clinical symptoms basically disap-
peared, losing weight above 80%, F% of male
closely to 26 or that of female closely to 30, BMI
closely to 26-27.
Marked effective: Part of clinical symptoms
basically disappeared, losing weight about 30%-70%,
decrease of F % ~ 5 , decrease of BMI~4.
Effective: The clinical symptoms were obviously
alleviated, losing weight about 25%-30 %, decrease
of F% 3-5, decrease of BMI 2-4
Ineffective: The clinical symptoms were not
obviously improved, losing weight < 25, decrease of
F% < 3, decrease of BMI< 2.
2. Treatment results
After 2 courses of treatment, the investigative
results Were presented in table 1 and the therapeutic
effects of the two groups were compared tables 2.
BMI (kg/m2) F% TC (retool/L) TG (mmol/L)
29.15_+ 3.06 38.125:3.98 2.65 1.58 6.87+ 1.63
26.125:2.451) 31.94+ 3.711) 1.54+ 1.041) 5.245:1.421)
29.055:3.533) 38.37+ 5.693) 2.725:1.633) 6.965:1.803)
27.445:3.221)4) 33.93+ 5.572)4) 1.985:1.152)4) 6.285:1.532) 4)
treatment method with the characteristic of
convenience, safety, effectiveness and no side effect.
Acupuncture-Tuina not only has the advantage of
acupuncture but also apply intense Tuina to the local
parts where fat piled up. Intense Tuina can increase
the quantity of capillary opening, improve local
metabolism and increase the consumption of fat. So
acupuncture-Tuina is a comprehensive therapy that
can adjust the total qi, blood as well as local parts.
Acupuncture-Tuina has a better clinical effect than
single acupuncture in treating simple obesity. It is of
great value to popularize and apply.
Reference
[11~, ~"~ . ~ ~,1~)I~~ ~ @ ~ ~ r J ~ ~;~ ;~. ~'
I~1~ ~ I~.~ff~,, ~ , 1998,18(5): 317-319.
WEI Bei-hai, JIA Bao-peng. Standard of Diagnosis and
Effect-evaluation of Simple Obesity. Chinese Journal of
Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine. 1998, 18(5):
317-319.
Received date: Sep. 10, 2004