Effect of electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) points on the expression of microRNA-21 and neuronal apoptosis in rats with acute spinal cord injury

Objective:To observe the effect of electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) points on the expression of microRNA-21 and neuronal apoptosis in rats with acute spinal cord injury. Methods:SD rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group, model group, electro-acupuncture group and methylprednisolone group. The model of acute spinal cord injury was reproduced by modified Allen's method. Each group was given corresponding intervention treatment 2 hours after modeling. The electroacupuncture group was treated with electro-acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) points in T8 to T12, the methylprednisolone group was given intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg methylprednisolone sodium succinate, and the sham operation group and model group were not treated. After treatment, BBB scores were observed to evaluate the motor function of posterior limb in each group, and the injured spinal cord tissues were taken. The pathological changes of spinal cord neuropathy were observed by Nissl staining. The expression of microRNA-21 was detected by RT-qPCR, and the expression of apoptotic proteins (Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved-Caspase-3) was detected by Western-Blot. Result:Compared with sham operation group, BBB, neuron survival rate and expression of microRNA-21 were significantly lower, apoptotic rate of neurons was significantly higher, expression of Bax, Bcl-2, cleaved Caspase-3 protein and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were significantly increased in model group (P< 0.05). Electroacupuncture could significantly increase BBB score, neuron survival rate and expression of microRNA-21, reduce apoptotic rate of neurons and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, and inhibit the expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved Caspase-3 protein in tissues, which were significantly different from those of model group (P< 0.05). Conclusions: Electroacupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) points can significantly promote the recovery of neurological function in rats after ASCI, and its mechanism may be closely related to the up-regulation of the expression of microRNA-21 in tissues and the inhibition of the activation of Bax/Bcl-2/cleaved Caspase-3 signaling pathway.

THE TREATMENT OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOPATHY BY LASER ACUPUNCTURE AT THE CERVICAL JIAJI POINTS: AN ANALYSIS OF THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF 102 CASES

Laser acupuncture therapy was employed in the treatment of spondylopathy.Thetherapeutic effect of the three types of the spondylopathy,nerve root type,vertebral artery type andspinal cord type were stuied and compared.The results indicate a significant difference between thethree types of spondylopathy.The best therapeutic effect was obtained in nerve root type with a remarkable effective rate of 98.5％;the effective rates for the vertebral artery type and the spinal cordtype were 92.3％and 25％,respectively.Combining laser irradiatlon with acupuncture,the therapyposseses the functions of acupuncture,heat effect and mild moxibustion action.Therefore,it showedeffect quickly and had the advantages of short treatment course and high therapeutic effect.Clinicalobservation has confirmed that laser acupuncture is more effective than single laser irradiation.Thistherapy offers another simple but effective method for the treatment of spondylopathy.

针刺开音1号穴配合颈夹脊穴治疗声带小结25例临床观察

【目的】观察针刺开音1号穴配合颈夹脊穴治疗声带小结的临床疗效。【方法】将47例声带小结患者随机分为治疗组25例和对照组22例。治疗组以针刺开音1号穴配合颈夹脊穴3-5为主治疗,对照组以口服金嗓散结丸治疗。2组均以20 d为1个疗程。观察2组的临床疗效及安全性。【结果】治疗后治疗组愈显率为56.00%,对照组为36.36%,2组比较差异有显著性意义（P〈0.05）。治疗组患者治疗后的症状积分有明显改善（与治疗前比较,P〈0.05）;对照组治疗后的症状积分也有所改善,但与治疗前比较差异无显著性意义（P（0.05）。2组治疗后比较差异有显著性意义（P〈0.05）,说明治疗组对症状积分的改善作用明显优于对照组。2组病例均未出现任何不良反应。【结论】针刺开音1号穴配合颈夹脊穴为主治疗声带小结是临床安全有效的治法。

电针对模型兔退变腰椎间盘蛋白多糖、Netrin-1表达的影响

目的观察夹脊电针对模型兔退变腰椎间盘蛋白多糖、Netrin-1表达的影响。方法20只新西兰兔随机分为正常组、模型组、假模型组、模型+电针组、模型+假电针组,每组4只。采用轴向压力诱导制造腰椎间盘退变模型。第28天正常组、模型组、假模型组取出椎间盘组织,模型+电针组和模型+假电针组行夹脊电针干预,第56天取椎间盘组织。用AB-PAS检测椎间盘蛋白多糖含量,采用免疫组化方法检测Netrin-1在椎间盘中的表达。结果正常组与假模型组PAS染色、Netrin-1表达差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);对比假模型组,模型组PAS染色增强、Netrin-1增多(P<0.05);与模型组比较,模型+电针组PAS染色部分减弱、Netrin-1明显下调(P<0.05);模型+假电针组PAS染色较模型+电针组明显减弱,而Netrin-1表达有所上调(P<0.05)。结论电针能上调椎间盘组织中黏多糖表达及水的含量,下调退变椎间盘Nerin-1中的表达,促进椎间盘组织修复。

电针颈夹脊穴对神经根型颈椎病大鼠局部脊髓组织自噬相关因子LC3和Beclin-1的影响

目的:观察神经根型颈椎病(CSR)模型大鼠脊髓及神经根组织神经细胞自噬小体的变化及LC3、Beclin-1蛋白表达情况,探讨电针颈夹脊穴对CSR大鼠的镇痛作用机制。方法:将30只SPF级SD大鼠,随机分为模型组、针刺组及电针组,每组10只。采用颈椎插线法构建CSR模型大鼠,并于造模后第3天进行干预,模型组予每日抓取1次,针刺组取双侧颈2-3(C2-3)、颈6-7(C6-7)节段颈夹脊穴进行普通针刺,电针组在此基础上以一侧穴位为一组进行电针干预,1次/d,20 min/次,连续干预7 d后处死。治疗后检测各组大鼠外周神经机械性痛阈,取压线处脊髓及神经根组织,通过透射电镜观察其神经细胞自噬小体的变化,并采用免疫组化法检测LC3、Beclin-1蛋白的表达水平。结果:与模型组比较,针刺组及电针组外周神经机械性痛阈、LC3、Beclin-1蛋白表达明显升高(P<0.05),自噬小体数量明显增加;与针刺组对比,电针组外周神经机械性痛阈、LC3、Beclin-1蛋白表达升高(P<0.05),自噬小体数量增多。结论:电针颈夹脊穴对CSR大鼠具有明显的镇痛作用,通过调节神经细胞自噬可能是实现其镇痛作用的重要机制之一。

Effectiveness of electroacupuncture at Jiaji acupoints(EX-B 2), plus moxibustion and intermediate on postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture at Jiaji acupoints(EX-B 2)plus moxibustion and intermediate frequency on postherpetic neuralgia(PHN).METHODS:A total of 140 outpatients who satisfied the inclusion criteria and volunteered for this treatment were randomly divided into treatment(n=70)and control(n=70)groups.Both groups received a localized lesion area and electroacupuncture treatment combined with moxibustion and intermediate frequency.The treatment group(TG)increased acupuncture at Jiaji acupoints(EX-B 2)and electroacupuncture.Pain and anxiety were assessed before and after 5,10,15,and 20 treatments by using visual pain simulation score(VAS)and Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA),respectively.Clinical efficacy was also evaluated.RESULTS:The baseline between the two groups did not significantly differ(P>0.05).The VAS and HAMA scores of the two groups after treatment significantly decreased compared with those of various treatment stages(P>0.05).The HAMA score(P<0.01)of TG was lower than that of the control group(CG).The VAS score of TG was lower than that of CG in the 5th and 10th treatments(P<0.01).In the 15 th and 10 th scores,CG was also superior to TG(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:The combined treatment of electroacupuncture at Jiaji acupoints(EX-B 2),moxibustion,and intermediate frequency can relieve the pain and anxiety symptoms of PHN.The efficacy of the combined treatment was superior to traditional acupuncture.

Clinical observation on acupuncture at Jiaji(EX-B 2) points plus tuina in treating thoracic facet joint disorder

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of acupuncture at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points plus tuina manipulation for thoracic facet joint disorder, and get new clinical evidence for treatment of thoracic facet joint disorder. Methods： Totally 106 patients with thoracic facet joint disorder were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group based on the random number table. Patients in the control group were treated by tuina manipulation, while those in the observation group were treated by acupuncture at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points before tuina manipulation. Patients in the two groups were treated once a day. The improvements of signs and symptoms and the efficacy were observed after 3 treatments. Results： After treatment, there were intra-group statistical differences in scores of 8 signs and symptoms in both groups （P〈0.01}; the score of each item in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, and there was statistical significance in the inter-group difference （P〈0.05）. The cure rate of the observation group was 50.9%, versus 26.4% in the control group, and there was a significant difference between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： In treating thoracic facet joint disorder, acupuncture plus tuina manipulation can restore the biomechanical balance of thoracic vertebrae, fully maximized the combined effect, and significantly improve the clinical efficacy.

Acupuncture-moxibustion at Jiaji(EX-B 2) points for intervertebral disc herniation: a systematic review

By organizing and classifying the literatures related to acupuncture-moxibustion at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points in treating intervertebral disc herniation （IDH） published before December 32, 2013, to summarize the application status and features of Jiaji （EX-B 2） points. It＇s found that its most favorable indication is IDH. It also further analyzed the action mechanism of acupuncture-moxibustion at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points in treating IDH, and brought up some ideas to highlight the further study.

Observation on Therapeutic Effects of Electroacupuncture at Jiaji (Ex-B 2) Points plus Herbal Medicine for Herpes Zoster

Objective： To observe the clinical effects of electroacupuncture （EA） at Jiaji （Ex-B 2） points plus herbal medicine for herpes zoster （HZ）. Methods： Sixty-two cases were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group was treated with EA at Jiaji （Ex-B 2） points plus herbal medicine based upon the pattern differentiation. The control group was treated with oral administration of Aciclovir tablets for resisting virus, and Mecobalamin tablets for nourishing the nerves and Aciclovir cream for skin rash. The therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups, after two-week treatment Results： After 7 d of the treatment, the therapeutic effect was remarkably better in the treatment group than that in the control group （P〈0.01）. After two-week treatment, the therapeutic effects were still different between the two groups （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The therapeutic effect of EA at Jiaji （Ex-B 2） points plus herbal medicine for HZ is better than that of Western medications in resisting virus and nourishing nerves.

Intractable post-herpetic neuralgia in the trunk treated with point injection at Jiájǐ(夹脊 EX-B 2)

ABSTRACT Objective To compare the efficacy difference between point injection at Jiiaji （夹脊 EX-B 2） and oral medication in the treatment of intractable post-herpetic neuralgia （PHN） in the trunk. Methods One hundred and thirty cases were randomly divided into an point injection group and an medication group, 65 cases in each one. In point injection group, according to the invasion site of herpes zoster, Jiiaji （夹脊 EX-B 2） of corresponding segments and the meridian points on skin lesion areas, such as Fengchi （风池GB 20）, Tianzhu （天柱 BL 10）, Feishu （肺俞 BL 13） and Geguan （膈关 BL 46） were selected and injected with the mixed solution of compound Betamethasone （administered only in the first injection）, Vitamin B12 and Lidoeaine Carbonate, 2 mL on each point, once per day. In medication group, Diclofenac Sodium sustained release tablets, 75 mg were administered, twice per day. The clinical efficacy was compared 10 days later between two groups. Results The total effective rate in point injection group was 100.0% （65/65）, which was better than 66.1% （43/65） in medication group （P〈0.01）. Conclusion Point injection mainly at Jiiaji （夹脊 EX-B 2） is effective significantly on intractable PHN in the trunk, which is superior to Diclofenac Sodium sustained release tablets.

电针刺激百会穴、夹脊穴对脊髓损伤大鼠神经病理性疼痛的改善作用观察

目的观察电针刺激百会穴、夹脊穴对脊髓损伤大鼠神经病理性疼痛的改善作用,并探讨其可能作用机制。方法45只雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为电针组、模型组及对照组,每组15只。电针组、模型组制备脊髓损伤模型,对照组正常饲养。电针组造模后第7天时对百会穴、脊柱两侧夹脊穴进行电针治疗,1次/天,共治疗7 d。分别于造模后第3、7、14天测量各组大鼠机械性触痛阈值(paw withdrawal pressure threshold,PWPT)。造模后第14天取各组大鼠脊髓,观察脊髓损伤部位形态变化;造模后第7、14天时抽取大鼠尾静脉静脉血,ELISA法检测各组大鼠血清白细胞介素(interleukin,IL)-1、IL-6、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)。结果与对照组比较,造模后第7、14天模型组PWPT降低(P<0.05),一直维持到术后14 d。与造模后第7天比较,造模后第14天电针组PWPT升高(P<0.05)。对照组脊髓的细胞形态学正常、组织结构完整;模型组可见脊髓组织结构破坏严重,可见脊髓空洞,神经元及尼氏体显著减少,细胞呈空泡样状,伴随细胞核的固缩;电针组可见脊髓组织的损伤程度减轻,神经元及尼氏体较前增多。与对照组比较,造模后第7、14天模型组大鼠血清IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α水平升高(P均<0.05);与造模后第7天比较,造模后第14天时电针组大鼠血清IL-1、IL-6、TNF-α水平下降(P均<0.05)。结论电针刺激百会穴、夹脊穴可改善脊髓损伤大鼠的神经病理性疼痛情况,改善镜下脊髓组织损伤,其机制可能为降低血清IL-1、IL-6及TNF-α水平。

电针夹脊穴对腰椎间盘退变兔髓核细胞沉默信息调节因子1表达的影响

目的 观察电针夹脊穴对腰椎间盘(IVD)退变(IDD)模型兔髓核细胞沉默信息调节因子1(SIRT1)表达的影响。方法 选用25只雄性新西兰兔随机均分为正常组、模型组、假手术组、模型+电针组、模型+假电针组,每组5只。除正常组外,各组通过造模器对L4~L5 IVD轴向加压28天制备IDD模型,其中假手术组仅安装造模器而不轴向加压;造模完成后,正常组、模型组、假手术组正常饲养,模型+电针组行L4、L5双侧夹脊穴电针干预,模型+假电针组仅针刺干预。观察并记录各组兔一般情况、步态功能评分,行磁共振成像(MRI)平扫观察IVD信号并进行Pfirrmann分级,分别采用Western Blot法和免疫组织化学方法检测髓核细胞SIRT1的表达。结果 正常组一般情况良好,步态功能正常,磁共振成像呈均匀明亮的高信号,SIRT1蛋白表达丰富,SIRT1阳性细胞较高,假手术组情况与正常组接近(P>0.05);与正常组比较,模型组一般情况不佳,步态评分显著降低(P<0.05),IVD信号消失,Pfirrmann分级显著升高(P<0.05),SIRT1蛋白表达降低(P<0.05),SIRT1阳性细胞降低(P<0.05);与模型组比较,模型组+电针组一般情况出现好转,兔精神状态更佳,步态评分显著增加(P<0.05),IVD信号强度明显增强,Pfirrmann分级降低(P<0.05),SIRT1蛋白表达升高(P<0.05),SIRT1阳性细胞增多(P<0.05);模型+假电针组有一定程度改善,但改善程度水平较低。结论 轴向压力可诱导兔腰椎间盘发生退变,而电针能够促进兔髓核细胞SIRT1因子表达,一定程度上延缓细胞衰老,从而抑制腰椎间盘退变。

电针颈夹脊穴旁开1寸对神经根型颈椎病大鼠TNF-α表达的影响

目的:观察电针颈夹脊穴旁开1寸对神经根型颈椎病模型大鼠局部神经组织内肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)含量的影响。方法:将8周龄Wistar大鼠50只分为模型组、电针颈夹脊穴组、电针颈夹脊穴旁开1寸组、芬必得组及假手术组。建立神经根型颈椎病大鼠模型,以相应方法治疗7d后处死,取材并制作局部神经组织匀浆,取上清液以ELISA法测定其中TNF-α的含量。结果:模型组大鼠局部神经组织内TNF-α水平较假手术组明显升高(P<0.05),且电针颈夹脊穴旁开1寸组大鼠受损脊髓及神经组织中TNF-α含量较其余组低(P<0.05)。结论:电针刺激颈夹脊穴旁开1寸能显著降低局部神经根受损后所致的神经组织内肿瘤坏死因子α的高水平表达。

电针“夹脊”结合神经松动术对坐骨神经损伤兔腓肠肌萎缩及NF-κB、MuRF1表达的影响

目的:观察电针“夹脊”结合神经松动术对兔坐骨神经损伤后腓肠肌肌纤维横截面积及核因子κB(NF-κB)、肌肉特异性环指蛋白1(MuRF1)表达的影响。方法:将180只普通级新西兰大耳兔(雌雄各半)随机分为正常对照组、模型对照组、神经松动术组、夹脊电针组、结合组5组,各36只。除正常对照组外,其余4组采用钳夹术制备坐骨神经损伤模型。造模成功后第3天,神经松动术组予神经松动术治疗;夹脊电针组于双侧L_(4)-L_(6)“夹脊”行电针干预,疏密波,频率2 Hz/100 Hz;结合组先电针双侧L_(4)-L_(6)“夹脊”,再予神经松动术干预。均每日1次,每周6 d,按取材时间分别干预1、2、4周。干预1、2、4周后,观察各组兔趾张反射及改良Tarlov评分;HE染色法观察各组兔腓肠肌形态,并测定肌纤维横截面积;Western blot法检测各组兔腓肠肌NF-κB、MuRF1蛋白表达。结果:干预1、2、4周后,模型对照组兔趾张反射和改良Tarlov评分低于正常对照组(P<0.05);神经松动术组、夹脊电针组、结合组兔趾张反射和改良Tarlov评分高于模型对照组(P<0.05);结合组兔趾张反射和改良Tarlov评分高于夹脊电针组、神经松动术组(P<0.05)。正常对照组腓肠肌肌纤维排列整齐、肌细胞形态正常;模型对照组腓肠肌肌纤维排列紊乱、肌细胞形态不规则,局部炎性细胞浸润;神经松动术组、夹脊电针组、结合组腓肠肌肌纤维形态较模型对照组规则。干预1、2、4周后,模型对照组腓肠肌肌纤维横截面积小于正常对照组(P<0.05);神经松动术组、夹脊电针组、结合组腓肠肌肌纤维横截面积大于模型对照组(P<0.05);结合组腓肠肌肌纤维横截面积大于神经松动术组、夹脊电针组(P<0.05)。干预1、2、4周后,模型对照组腓肠肌NF-κB、MuRF1蛋白表达高于正常对照组(P<0.05);神经松动术组、夹脊电针组和结合组干预1、2、4周后NF-κB蛋白表达及干预2、4周后MuRF1蛋白表达低于模型对照组(P<0.05);结合组干预1、2、4周后NF-κB蛋白表达及干预2、4周后MuRF1蛋白表达低于神经松动术组和夹脊电针组(P<0.05)。结论:电针“夹脊”结合神经松动术可改善坐骨神经损伤兔肌肉力量、坐骨神经功能及腓肠肌萎缩,其机制可能与抑制NF-κB、MuRF1表达有关。

Clinical observation on acupoint injection of Chuankezhi injection plus acupoint sticking in treating bronchial asthma

Objective: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupoint injection of Chuankezhi plus acupoint sticking treatment for bronchial asthma, and provide clinical evidence for the synergy of the two therapies, and explore their synergistic mechanism. Methods: A total of 70 patients were randomized into an acupoint injection plus sticking group and an acupiont sticking group by the random number table, with 35 cases in each group. The treatment took place in July and August. The acupoint injection plus sticking group was treated with acupoint injection and acupiont sticking, while the acupiont sticking group was treated only with acupiont sticking therapy. The treatment course was 4 weeks. After the treatment, the scores of symptom scale in the two groups before treatment, 3 months and 6 months after the treatment were observed. Results: During the treatment, there were 5 dropouts in the acupoint injection plus sticking group with 30 cases remained, and 4 dropouts in the acupiont sticking group with 31 cases remained. Before the treatment, there was no significant difference in the total scores of symptom scale between the two groups. Three months after the treatment, the total scores of symptom scale of both groups were lower than those before treatment, and the intra-group differences were statistically significant (bothP<0.05). In the inter-group comparison, there was no significant difference in the difference values of the scores before treatment and 3 months after treatment (P>0.05). Six months after the treatment, the total scores of symptom scale in both groups were lower than those before treatment, and the intra-group differences were statistically significant (bothP<0.05), so were the differences in the difference values of the scores before treatment and 6 months after treatment (bothP<0.05). Conclusion: Acupoint injection of Chuankezhi plus acupoint sticking or acupoint sticking alone both can improve the symptoms of patients with bronchial asthma. Acupoint injection of Chuankezhi plus acupoint sticking has a higher total effective rate than single acupoint sticking therapy.

合谷刺配合输刺阳性反应点治疗颈型颈椎病疗效观察

目的:比较合谷刺配合输刺阳性反应点与常规针刺治疗颈型颈椎病的临床疗效。方法:将90例颈型颈椎病患者随机分成观察组和对照组,每组45例。观察组采用合谷刺配合输刺阳性反应点的方法治疗,选取颈部和肩背部阳性反应点;对照组采用常规针刺法,主穴取天柱、风池、曲池、外关、C4～C6夹脊穴、阿是穴,配穴取阴郄、膈俞。两组均隔日治疗1次,10次为一疗程,治疗1个疗程。分别于治疗前、首次治疗后及治疗结束后观察两组症状体征评分和疼痛视觉模拟评分表(VAS)评分,并于治疗结束后比较两组的综合临床疗效。结果:两组首次治疗后、治疗结束后症状体征评分和VAS评分均较治疗前明显降低(均P<0.05);首次治疗后,两组间症状体征评分和VAS评分比较差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05);治疗结束后,观察组症状体征评分和VAS评分较对照组明显降低(均P<0.05);观察组愈显率为84.1%(37/44),优于对照组的65.1%(28/43,P<0.05)。结论:合谷刺配合输刺阳性反应点和常规针刺均能有效治疗颈型颈椎病,首次治疗后的即刻疗效无明显差异,疗程结束后,合谷刺配合输刺阳性反应点的疗效优于常规针刺。

Application of Nape Acupuncture in Treatment of Vertebral-artery Type Cervical Spondylosis

Objective： To observe the effect of nape acupuncture on vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis. Methods： Eighty patients with vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis were randomly divided into nape acupuncture group and Jiaji acupuncture group, with 40 cases in each group. The patients in the nape acupuncture group were treated with the nape acupuncture plus Jiaji acupuncture, while the patients in the Jiaji group were treated with Jiaji acupuncture only, to observe the functional scale before and after treatment. Results： The total effective rate in the nape acupuncture group was 95.0%, while the total effective rate in the Jiaji acupuncture group was 82.5%. By Ridit analysis, u=5.186, P〈0.01. It indicated that the therapeutic effect in the nape acupuncture group was better than that in the Jiaji acupuncture group. Compared with Jiaji acupuncture group, the difference value of pre- and post-treatment about functional scale of vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis and the post-treatment score have statistic differences （P〈0.01）. It indicated that the therapeutic effect of nape acupuncture group was more obvious in treating vertigo than that in the Jiaji acupuncture group. Conclusion： The treatment of vertebral-artery type cervical spondylosis by Jiaji acupuncture plus the nape acupuncture may enhance the therapeutic effect significantly.

Clinical observation of warm needling moxibustion for rheumatoid arthritis

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion at points on the back in treating rheumatoid arthritis （RA）. Methods： Sixty RA patients were randomized into two groups by the random number table, 30 in each group. The observation group was intervened by warm needling moxibustion at the points from the Governor Vessel on the back and Jiaji （EX-B 2） points, while the control group was by regular acupuncture. Results： After intervention, the morning stiffness, joint pain index, joint swelling index and erythrocyte sedimentation rate （ESR） were significantly improved in both groups （P〈0.01）; the inter-group difference was also statistically significant （P〈0.05）. The total effective rate was 93.3% in the observation group versus 76.6% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant （P〈0.01）. Conclusion： Warm needling moxibustion at points from the Governor Vessel on the back and Jiaji （EX-B 2） points can produce a higher efficacy than regular acupuncture in treating RA.

Treatment of Herpes Zoster with Electroacupuncture plus Collateral-pricking and Cupping Therapy

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of electroacupuncture （EA） plus collateral-pricking and cupping therapy for herpes zoster. Methods： Fifty-three cases with herpes zoster were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty-one cases in the treatment group were treated with EA at Jiaji （EX-B 2） points plus local collateral-pricking and cupping therapy. Twenty-two cases in the control group were treated with oral administration of VaLacido~;ir Hvdrochloride and Indomethaci~. Results： The curative and remarkable effective rate was 93.5% in the treatment group and 72.7% in the control group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant （P〈0.01）, indicating that EA plus collateral-pricking and cupping therapy is better than Western medications in the clinical effects for herpes zoster. Conclusion： The EA plus collateral-pricking and cupping method is an effective therapy for herpes zoster.

Observation on clinical effects of acupuncture plus cupping therapy for cervical radiculopathy

Objective：To observe the therapeutic effects of acupuncture plus cupping therapy and Western medication alone for cervical radiculopathy.Methods：A total of 139 patients with cervical radiculopathy were randomly divided based on the random digital table into an acupuncture-cupping group（70 cases） and a Western medication group（69 cases）.In the acupuncture-cupping group,Fengchi（GB 20）（bilateral）,Dazhui（GV 14）,Jianjing（GB 21）（bilateral） and Jiaji（EX-B 2） points of the neck [bilateral,midpoint between Fengchi（GB 20） and Dazhui（GV 14）] were punctured.After the arrival of the needling sensation,bilateral Fengchi（GB 20） and Jianjing（GB 21） were linked with electric stimulation and the rest acupoints were manipulated with the moderate needling technique.In the retaining of the needles,TDP lamp radiation was used.After acupuncture,the cupping therapy was applied to the local area.The treatment was given once every other day,20 d for a course.After one course,the therapeutic effects were observed.The Western medication group was treated by oral administration of Meloxicam（Mobic）,7.5 mg,once a day,with water and liquid after meal.The therapeutic effects were observed after 20 d.Results：The total effective rate was 92.8% in the acupuncture-cupping group and 73.9% in the Western medication group,with a statistical difference between the two groups（P〈0.05）.After treatment,the scores of the clinical symptoms of the two groups were obviously declined（P〈0.01）,and the score of the clinical symptoms of the acupuncture-cupping group was better than that of the Western medication group,with a statistical difference（P〈0.05）.Conclusion：Acupuncture plus cupping therapy was more effective than administration of Meloxicam tablets alone in the treatment of cervical radiculopathy.