Clinical Application of the Jiuwei Point

Jiuwei (CV 15) is a point mainly used to treat epigastric pain, regurgitation, dysphagia, epilepsy, palpitation, vexation, cough and dyspnea.

Clinical Application of Double-hand Needling Manipulation

Double-hand manipulation is a needling technique, with which No. 30 filiform needles of various lengths are selected and inserted into the affected part of the body in opposite directions or symmetrically upward-downward, rightward- leftward, anteriorly-posteriorly to the point, followed by needle twirling with both hands. When the two opposite needle tips are twirled to a certain degree, the soreness, warm, numbness, and distending needling sensation tends be connected in a line, forming a rather strong needling sensation. After such manipulation for some time, the needles are retained for 30 min., during which the needle manipulation is given 3-5 times at intervals. This needling treatment is given once daily. The author of this article has adopted this manipulation method in the acupuncture treatment of various diseases with quite satisfactory results. Some of the sample cases are listed as follows.

Experience in the Clinical Application of Naokong(GB19)

Naokong (GB19) is located 1.5 cun above Fengchi (GB20) and at the level with Naohu (GV17) in the depression of the lateral side of the external occipital protuberance. It belongs to the Gallbladder Channel of Foot Shaoyang, and is a crossing point of the Foot Shaoyang Channel and the Yangwei Channel. As is said in A Collection of Gems in Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Naokong (GB19) is indicated for emaciation due to over strain and stress, fever, neck rigidity, unbearable pain in the head, heavy eyes and palpitation as well as xenophthalmia and rhinalgia caused by epileptic seizure in severe cases. In clinical practice, the author has adopted Naokong (GB 19) as the main point in treating some obstinate diseases and obtained quite good therapeutic effects.

Clinical Application of the Du Channel

The authors have, in recent years, obtained quite good therapeutic results in their acupuncture treatment of mental diseases, heat syndromes and cerebrovascular diseases through treating mainly the Du Channel with the methods of resuscitating and regulating the mind, and clearing and activating the channels and collaterals. The illustrative cases are reported below.

EXAMPLES OF CLINICAL APPLICATION OF ACUPUNCTURE OF ZHONGWAN(CV12) WITH ELONGATED NEEDLE

In the present paper, the authors in troduce Professor YAN Li’s experie nce on clinical application of elongated needle for the treatment of gastralgia, migraine and hysteria by acupuncture of Zhongwan (中脘 CV 12). In addition, the y also introduce its operation methods and some points for attention. During ope ration of the elongated needle, the operator should manipulate it gently, avoidi ng rude insertion and rash withdrawal; rather, utilize the elasticity of the steel wire to press the needle downward slowly, and cause the favorable needlin g sensations to spread slowly downward to the affected region along with the mov ement of the needle body.

AN ANALYSIS ON THE ACCIDENT OF PNEUMOTHORAX INDUCED BY INCORRECT ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT

Acupuncture induced pneumothorax is a rarely seen clinical accident. In the present paper, the authors analyze its causes of onset, clinical manifestations and measures for prevention and management.

MEDICINAL VESICULATION THERAPY AND ITS CLINICAL APPLICATION

In this paper, the authors introduce medicinal vesiculation therapy from its origin, points for attention in clinical application, and their individual experiences. In clinical application, the authors advocate: ① avoid using drugs that are over-irritating in the property, and strictly controlling the dose of drugs and the duration of application, ② in selection of drugs, some factors as patients’ conditions, the season, the geographic location, etc. should be taken into account. In the present paper, 3 typical cases of bronchial asthma, tonsil swelling and facial paralysis treated with medicinal vesiculation therapy are introduced. Clinical practice demonstrates that this therapy is economical, simple and convenient and fairly effective in treatment of some chronic diseases.

BRIEF ANALYSIS ON THEORETIC EVIDENCE OF FOUR-GATE POINTS IN TREATMENT OF DISEASE

In the present paper, the authors expound the approaches of four-gate points on treatment of diseases and the relevant theoretic evidence. The analysis and discussion were carried on in the aspects of the origins of four-gate points and the relationships of four-gate points with primary qi, running course of meridian, qi and blood and biaoben qijie of meridian and collateral. Being the major points in clinic, four-gate points provide extensive indications and good therapeutic effects, which are supported thoroughly by the theoretic evidence.

Observation on therapeutic effects of postoperative enteroparalysis treated with acupuncture

Objective To verify the clinical efficacy of postoperative enteroparalysis treated with acupuncture. Methods One hundred and seven cases of postoperative enteroparalysis were divided into three groups. In group A, 35 cases were immediately treated with acupuncture when routine fasting, gastrointestinal decompression and support treatment were applied at same time; Neiguam （内关 PC 6）, Zusatnli （足三里 ST 36） and Shatngjuxu （上巨虚 ST 37） were selected. In group B, 36 cases were treated by western medicine routine therapy, such as enema, Domperidone or Mosapride with oral administration. In group C, 36 cases were treated with acupuncture as well after 5 days ineffective treatment of western medicine routine therapy; the acupoint selection was as same as that in group A. The curative effect was evaluated after 3 weeks treatment. Results The effective rate of 97.1% （34/35） in group A was superior to that of 58.3% （21/36） in group B and 80.6% （29/36） in group C （both P〈0.05）. The treatment days of cured patients in group A were obviously shorter than that of group B and C （both P〈0.05）. Conclusion Postoperative enteroparalysis can be effectively treated by acupuncture, and the effect will be better with early intervention of acupuncture.

Observation on immediate analgesic effect of acupuncture for primary dysmenorrheal

Objective To observe the immediate analgesic effect of acupuncture at Shiqizhui （十七椎）, etc. for primary dysmenorrhea （PD）. Methods Ninety- three cases of PD were selected, who were given acupuncture at ShfqTzhui, Diji （地机 SP 8）, SQnyinjiao （三阴交. SP 6） and Ciliao （次髎 BE 32） for 30 min. The score of visual analogue scale （VAS） was observed at immediate time before treatment, and 5, 20, 20 and 30 min after needle insertion, as well as 30, 60 and 220 min after needle withdrawal. Results Compared with immediate time before treatment, there were significant differences of the VAS score in the PD patients from 5 min after needle insertion to 220 min after needle withdrawal （all P〈O.01）. The acupuncture analgesic effect had appeared since 5 min after needle insertion, and as time went by it gradually increased until 220 min after needle withdrawal. Conclusion Acupuncture at Shiqizhui, etc. for primary dysmenorrhea has obviously immediate analgesic effect, which has important clinical significance.

Knee osteoarthritis treated with acupuncture based on syndrome differentiation:a randomized controlled trial

Objective To compare the efficacy differences between acupuncture and western medicine in treating osteoarthritis of knee joints.Methods One hundred and twenty cases were randomly divided into an acupuncture group and a western medication group with 60 cases in each group.In the acupuncture group,acupuncture was applied mainly at Nèixīyǎn（内膝眼 EX-LE 4）,Dúbí（犊鼻 ST 35）,Yīnlíngquán（阴陵泉 SP 9） and Yánglíngquán（阳陵泉 GB 34） plus other acupoints selected according to syndrome differentiation.In the medication group,Glucosamine Hydrochloride capsules were orally given 3 times daily with 2 capsules each time.Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index（WOMAC）,Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey（SF-36,Chinese version） were used to assess therapeutic effects before treatment,after 4 weeks treatment and 9 weeks after treatment,respectively.Results After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rates were 86.7%（52/60） and 88.3%（53/60） in the acupuncture group and the western medication group,respectively,without significant difference（P〈0.05）.In 9 weeks after treatment,the total effective rates were 83.3%（50/60） and 61.7%（37/60） in the acupuncture group and the western medication group,respectively,with significant difference between the two groups（P〈0.05）.According to WOMAC and SF-36,the scores were all improved in both groups（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）,with significant difference in follow-up visit of 9 weeks after treatment between the two groups（P〈0.05,P〈0.01）,but not after 4 weeks of treatments（both P〈0.05）.Conclusion Short-term of therapeutic effects of acupuncture and oral administration of Glucosamine Hydrochloride on osteoarthritis of knee joints are similar,but long-term efficacy in the acupuncture group is better than that in the western medication group.

Ideas on Several Issues of Acupuncture-moxibustion Science

The Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Journal of Acupuneture and Tuina Science witnessed a development of numerous authors. On the occasion of the 6th anniversary of Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, I＇d like to share my ideas about several issues on acupuncturemoxibustion science.

Exploration of Clinical Regularities in Acupuncture and Moxibustion Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis

Objective： To review literature from 1956 to 2007 and explore regularities in points selection and methods for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of allergic rhinitis. Methods： A comprehensive analysis was made by a method of metrological analysis according to the data from ＂China Modem Acupuncture-moxibustion Information Databank＂. Results： Points Yingxiang （LI 20） and Feishu （BL 13） were most frequently used. Acupuncture and hydro-acupuncture were the major treatment methods. Conclusion： It is suggested that Yingxiang （LI 20）, Yintang （Ex-HN 3）, Feishu （BL 13） and Dazhui （GV 14） be used as a basic prescription for acupuncture-moxibustion treatment of allergic rhinitis, which is combined with point selection based on syndrome differentiation.

rherapeutic efficacy observation on acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis （PAR）. Methods： A total of 154 PAR patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 78 cases in the treatment group received acupuncture at meridian points, while 76 cases in the control group received acupuncture at non-meridian points. The treatment was done every other day, 3 times a week for a total 4 weeks. The total nasal symptom score （TNSS）, the total non-nasal symptom score （TNNSS） and the rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire （RO, LQ） were measured before the treatment and after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment, as well as 1 month and 3 months after the treatment to compare the clinical effect between the two groups. Results： After 4 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate in the treatment group was 92.3%, versus 76.3% in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference （P〈0.05）. Intra-group comparisons of TNSS, TNNSS and R0.L0. scores after 4 weeks of treatment showed statistically significant differences （all P〈0.05）. Between-group comparisons of TNSS, TNNSS and RQLQ score after 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up visits showed statistically significant differences （all P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Acupuncture is effective for PAR, and acupuncture at meridian points can produce a better effect than acupuncture at non-meridian points.

Treatment of 82 Cases of Allergic Rhinitis with Aconite Cake-partitioned Moxibustion

Allergic rhinitis is mainly characterized by recurrent sneezing and runny nose. The author has treated 82 cases of allergic rhinitis with aconite cake-partitioned moxibustion and now it is reported as follows.

Treatment of 31 Cases of Allergic Rhinitis with Acupuncture plus Moving Cupping

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture and cupping on the back in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Methods： Thirty-one cases of allergic rhinitis were treated by acupuncture and moving cupping, twice a week; five treatments made up one course and two-course treatments were given. Result： Sixteen cases were cured, 14 cases improved and 1 case failed. Conclusion： Acupuncture plus cupping has positive effects on allergic rhinitis.

Acupuncture for allergic rhinitis: a systematic review and meta analysis

Objective： To analyze and review the clinical efficacy of acupuncture（including electroacupuncture） alone for allergic rhinitis（AR） and to compare its efficacy with antihistamines and Chinese patent medicine Bi Yan Kang Tablet. Methods： The search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteria were made according to the principle of evidence-based medicine. We performed a systematic search on China National Knowledge Infrastructure（CNKI）, Wanfang Academic Journal Full-text Database（Wanfang）, Chongqing VIP Database（CQVIP）, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database（CBM）, Pub Med, Excerpta Medica Database（EMBASE）, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials（CENTRAL） for randomized controlled trials（RCTs） of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis between January 1990 and December 2015. The quality was evaluated by Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions Version 5.1, and the meta-analysis was conducted by Rev Man 5.3 version. Results： Twenty eligible RCTs were included into the meta-analysis after selection. Compared with antihistamines, the meta-analysis showed RR=1.241, 95%CI[1.15, 1.33], P〈0.00001, indicating that acupuncture achieved a better total effective rate for AR than antihistamines; MD=–0.93〈0, 95%CI[–1.22, –0.63], P〈0.00001, indicating that acupuncture is better than antihistamines in decreasing the total nasal symptom score（TNSS） in AR patients; and MD=1.46〉0, 95%CI[–10.84, 13.75], P=0.82, indicating that there was no statistical difference between acupuncture and antihistamines in regulating immunoglobulin E（Ig E） in AR patients. Compared with Bi Yan Kang Tablet, the meta-analysis has shown RR=1.50〉1, 95%CI[1.30, 1.73], P〈0.00001, indicating that acupuncture achieved a better total effective rate for AR than Chinese patent medicine Bi Yan Kang Tablet. Conclusion： Acupuncture alone can achieve a better total effective rate for AR than antihistamines and Bi Yan Kang Tablet. It is also better than antihistamines in improving clinical symptom scores; however, whether acupuncture is better than Bi Yan Kang Tablet needs further proof. As far as current data are concerned, there was no statistical difference between acupuncture and antihistamines in improving serum Ig E; further study is needed in this regard. The risk of bias due to absent randomization methods or blinding implementation decreased the evidence level of the overall conclusion.

Clinical study on Jin's three-needle plus Xiang Ju Capsules for allergic rhinitis

Objective：To observe the clinical effects of Jin＇s three-needle plus Xiang Ju Capsules for allergic rhinitis（AR）.Methods：Fifty patients with AR were randomly divided into an acupuncture-medication group and a medication group by the random digital table,25 cases in each group.The acupuncture-medication group was treated with dorsal three-needle and nasal three-needle in Jin＇s three-needle therapy,once every day,plus oral administration of Xiang Ju Capsules,4 pills each time,and three times per day.The medication group was only treated with oral administration of Xiang Ju Capsules,4 pills each time,and three times per day.For both groups,10-day treatment constituted a course.The therapeutic effects were observed after continuous 2 courses.The symptoms and signs are scored before and after treatment,and the therapeutic effects were assessed based upon the changes of the patient＇s symptoms and signs.Results：After treatment,the total effective rate was 96.0% in the acupuncture-medication group and 72.0% in the medication group.The difference in the total effective rate between the two groups was statistically significant（P〈0.05）.Conclusion：The therapeutic effect was remarkable in treating AR of Jin＇s three-needle plus Xiang Ju Capsules,better than oral administration of Xiang Ju Capsules alone.

Stagnant acupuncture therapy in 50 cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy

Objective To discuss the role of stuck needle therapy on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. Method Fifty patients with cervical spondylot-ic radiculopathy were selected to accepted stuck needle therapy. Comprehensive curative effects were determined by Northwick Park Questionnaire （NPO） according to Criteria of Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect of Diseases and Syndromes in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Results Eighteen cases with NPQ effect size ≥90% account for 36%; 27 cases with 90%〉NPO. effect size≥60% account for 54%; 3 cases with 60%〉NPQ effect size≥30% account for 6%; 2 cases with no improvement in symptom and body activity account for 4%. The total effective rate was up to 96%. Conclusion Stuck needle therapy on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy has significant curative effects.