IMPACTS OF PENETRATION THERAPY WITH HEAD ELECTRICAL ACUPUNCTURE ON PROLIFERATION OF NEURAL STEM CELLS IN SUBSTANTIA NIGRA OF RAT MODEL OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE

Objective To probe into the function mechanism of penetration therapy with head electrical acupuncture on Parkinson＇s disease. Methods Microinjection of 6-hydroxydopamin （6-OHDA） on the left cor- pus striatum was adopted to prepare rotation model of Parkinson^s disease in rat. Penetration therapy with head electrical acupuncture was administered in treatment. Normal group, sham-operation group, model group and penetration therapy group were set up. （1）lmmunohistochemical （IHC） method was used to test the morphology and count of positive cell of tyrosine hydroxylase （TH）. （2）RT-PCR technology was used to detect the expression of nestin mRNA of neural stem cell （NSC）. Results （1）Compared with model group, in pene- tration therapy group, the expressions of TH-positive neurons in immune response were increased in areal density （AD）, numerical density （ND） and integrating optic density （P〈0.05）. （2）Compared with model group, in penetration therapy group, the expression of nestin mRNA was increased （P〈0. 05）. Conclusion Penetration therapy with head electrical acupuncture promotes the proliferation of endogenous neural stem cells in substantia nigra of rat model of Parkinson＇s disease.

Future directions:combination of acupuncture with mesenchymal stem cells for Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease(PD)is a progressive chronic disease currently with no radical cure drugs and means due to the complex pathological mechanisms and limited regenerative capacity of neurons.Acupuncture aids in neuronal regeneration via various signaling routes like ROCK,Wnt,and Notch,safeguarding dopaminergic neurons against inflammation,oxidative stress,and cell death,which in turn enhances the progression of PD progression.Numerous research findings indicate that integrating acupuncture with mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)transplantation is more effective than using either acupuncture or MSCs infusion alone.The combined treatment improves the survival rate of MSCs,promotes the generation of functional neural networks by stimulating the secretion of neurotrophic factors,and ultimately improves the disease microenvironment.In this review,we state the neuroprotective effects of acupuncture or MSCs treament alone in PD,then summarize the application of acupuncture combined with MSCs therapy in other diseases.Consequently,we anticipate that integrating acupuncture with MSCs transplantation may emerge as a novel and efficient approach for managing PD.This possibility needs to be verified through further basic and clinical research.

Acupuncture and vitamin B_(12) injection for Bell's palsy:no high-quality evidence exists

OBJECTIVE： To assess the efficacy of acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 acupoint injection versus acupuncture alone to reduce incomplete recovery in patients with Bell＇s palsy. DATA RETRIEVAL： A computer-based online retrieval of Medline, Web of Science, CNKI, CBM databases until April 2014 was performed for relevant trials, using the key words ＂Bell＇s palsy or idiopathic facial palsy or facial palsy＂ and＂acupuncture or vitamin B12 or methylcobalamin＂. STUDY SELECTION： All randomized controlled trials that compared acupuncture with acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 in patients with Bell＇s palsy were included in the me- ta-analysis. The initial treatment lasted for at least 4 weeks. The outcomes of incomplete facial recovery were monitored. The scoring index varied and the definition of healing was consistent. The combined effect size was calculated by using relative risk （RR） with 95% confidence interval （C/） using the fixed effect model of Review Manager. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： Incomplete recovery rates were chosen as the primary outcome. RESULTS： Five studies involving 344 patients were included in the final analysis. Results showed that the incomplete recovery rate of Bell＇s palsy patients was 44.50% in the acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 group but 62.57% in the acupuncture alone group. The major acupoints were Taiyang （EX-HN5）, Jiache （ST6）, Dicang （ST4） and Sibai （ST2）. The combined effect size showed that acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 was better than acupuncture alone for the treatment of Belrs palsy （RR = 0.71, 95%CI： 0.58-0.87; P = 0.001）, this result held true when 8 patients lost to follow up in one study were included into the analyses （RR = 0.70, 95%CI： 0.58-0.86; P = 0.0005）. In the subgroup analyses, the therapeutic effect in patients of the electroacupuncture subgroup was better than in the non-electroacupuncture subgroup （P = 0.024）. There was no significant dif- ference in the incomplete recovery rate by subgroup analysis on drug types and treatment period. Most of the included studies were moderate or low quality, and bias existed. CONCLUSION： In patients with Bell＇s palsy, acupuncture combined with vitamin 812 can reduce the risk of incomplete recovery compared with acupuncture alone in our meta-analysis. Because of study bias and methodological limitations, this conclusion is uncertain and the clinical appli- cation of acupuncture combined with vitamin B12 requires further exploration.

40 CASES OF PARKINSON'S DISEASE TREATED WITH ACUPUNCTURE

40 cases of Parkinson’s disease were treated with acupuncture at Baihui(GV 20), Taichong(LR 3), Shaohai(HT 3), Hegu(LI 4), Waigaun(TE 5) and Juegu(GB 39) points. As a result,the total effective rate was 95 %. The therapy has the action of regulating Qi and blood, and balancingYin and Yang.

EFFECTS OF ELECTRO ACUPUNCTURE AND TWIRLING REINFORCING-REDUCING MANIPULATIONS ON VOLUME OF MICROCIRCULATORY BLOOD FLOW IN CEREBRAL PIA MATER

Effects of electroacupuncture (EA) and routine acupuncture with twirling reinforcing and reducing manipulation of the needle (RA) both at Zusanli point (St 36) on volume of microcirculatory blood flow in the cerebral pia mater were observed by fenestration of the cranial bone and laser Doppler microcirculatory blood flow analyser. Results showed that both RA and EA could increase the volume of microcirculatory blood flow in the cerebral pia mater; and that the increase in the EA group was superior to that in RA group. This suggests that a moderate and effective stimulation is a key to the production of a regulative effect on the organism.

“疏肝调神”针刺对抑郁小鼠肝-脑轴MAT/SAM/m6A的影响

目的研究“疏肝调神”针刺对抑郁小鼠肝-脑轴甲硫氨酸腺苷转移酶(methionine adenosyl-transferase,MAT)/腺苷甲硫氨酸(S-adenosylmethionine,SAM)/N6-甲基腺苷(N6-methyladenosine,m6A)的影响,探讨“疏肝调神”的物质基础。方法将36只C57BL/6雄性小鼠随机分为对照组、模型组和针刺组,每组12只。模型组和针刺组连续7 d腹腔注射500μg/kg脂多糖进行抑郁造模,针刺组在LPS腹腔注射第3天开始针刺百会、印堂、合谷和太冲穴干预,其中太冲穴连接电针,予疏密波(2 Hz/50 Hz),电流1 mA,每次20 min,连续干预14 d。干预完成后,对各组小鼠进行旷场实验(open field test,OFT)、强迫游泳实验(forced swimming test,FST)和糖水偏好实验(sucrose preference test,SPT)行为学检测;用实时荧光定量聚合酶链式反应(quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,qPCR)检测肝脏甲硫氨酸腺苷转移酶1A(methionine adenosyltransferase 1A,Mat1a)、甲硫氨酸腺苷转移酶2A(methionine adenosyltransferase 2A,Mat2a)mRNA表达变化;用Western blot检测Mat1a、Mat2a蛋白表达;用酶联免疫吸附法检测血清SAM和前额叶皮质SAM、m6A表达水平。结果与对照组比较,模型组小鼠OFT中平均移动速度、总路程、水平移动次数、垂直移动次数均降低(P<0.05),FST中静止不动时间增加(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,针刺组小鼠OFT中平均移动速度、总路程、水平移动次数、垂直移动次数均升高(P<0.05),FST中静止不动时间减少(P<0.05),SPT中糖水偏好率增加(P<0.05);与对照组比较,模型组肝脏Mat1a mRNA表达未见明显变化,Mat2a mRNA表达下降(P<0.05),Mat1a、Mat2a蛋白表达减少(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,针刺组肝脏Mat1a mRNA表达未见明显变化,Mat2a mRNA表达升高(P<0.05),Mat1a、Mat2a蛋白表达升高(P<0.05);与对照组比较,模型组血清、前额叶皮质SAM表达下降(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,针刺组血清、前额叶皮质SAM表达升高(P<0.05);与对照组比较,模型组前额叶皮质m6A表达降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,针刺组m6A表达升高(P<0.05)。结论“疏肝调神”针刺可显著改善小鼠抑郁行为,其机制可能与针刺增加肝脏Mat1a、Mat2a合成,促进SAM分泌,进而上调前额叶皮质m6A水平有关。

Metaphysical Energy Therapy in the Treatment of Cranial Nerve Palsies with Special Reference to Bell’s Palsy

Neuropathy, or nerve injury, is a severe and common impediment of diabetes. Studies evaluate that 50% of people with diabetes will develop neuropathy. Diabetic nerve injury is impairment of a single solitary nerve (also named mononeuropathy). Com- monly 2 cranial nerves Viz., cranial nerve VII and cranial nerve VI are involved in facial nerve palsies. The former one is called Bell’s palsy and is acute Lower Motor Neuron facial nerve paralysis (>80%) causing an inability to control facial muscles on the affected side. The later one is sixth nerve palsy, (the abducens nerve), which is responsible for triggering contraction of the lateral rectus muscle to abduct (i.e., turn out) the eye resulting in double vision on the affected side. In recent times, we have found to our amazement, rapid restoration of normalcy within a few hours to a few days, of Cranial Nerve palsies in diabetic subjects at our centre. We are presenting a group of cases having Type2DM over different time periods from 6 to 20 years and those who suddenly suffered facial nerve palsy and they came to VHSDRC for treatment. They were started on the new modality called the Dynamic Acupuncture Mediated Meta-physical Energy Therapy (DAMM Therapy), to recover from the facial palsy. The DAMM therapy is a unique novel way of infusing and transferring healing energy from the therapist to the patient. Within 2 - 7 sittings of DAMM therapy patients showed 75% - 100% improvement in their clinical condition.

Discussion on the mechanisms of BO's abdominal acupuncture therapy

This article discussed the mechanisms and precautions of abdominal acupuncture from three different perspectives. First, the relationship between Shénquè （神阙 CV 8） and zang-fu and eight extra meridians stated in the ancient literature explained that the theory of CV 8 as the theoretical core of abdominal acupuncture therapy had literature support and theoretical evidence; second, with emphasis on the diagnosis and treatment based on differentiation of syndromes, four methods for selecting the points, including the ones according to hologram, meridians and collaterals, the Ba-kuo （八 廓） and three energizer, meanwhile, the origin of method selecting the points according to Three Energizer and clinical experience was also addressed; third, some problems about the manipulation of abdominal acupuncture therapy were put forward, such as selection of depth, direction, needle tool, as well as personal ideas and precautions, in order to ensure the clinical effect.

穴位注射胞二磷胆碱对创伤性脑损伤大鼠血清神经元烯醇化酶、S100-β蛋白的影响

目的观察足三里穴位注射胞二磷胆碱疗法对创伤性脑损伤大鼠血清神经元烯醇化酶(NSE)、S100-β蛋白含量的影响。方法成年健康雄性SD大鼠30只,采用改进的Feeney法建立大鼠脑损伤模型,设假手术组大鼠6只(A组),造模成功大鼠24只随机分为穴位注药组(B组)、穴位注水组(C组)、腹腔给药组(D组)和腹腔注水组(E组)各6只。造模后1 h,B、C、D、E组分别单次给予足三里穴位注射胞二磷胆碱或生理盐水,腹腔注射胞二磷胆碱或生理盐水处理。造模后24 h检测各组大鼠血清NSE和S100-β含量。结果 B、C、D、E各造模组与A组比较,S-100β和NES含量均显著升高(P均<0.05)。在造模各组中,B组S-100β和NES含量明显低于C、D、E组(P均<0.05)。结论穴位注射胞二磷胆碱疗法可减少创伤性脑损伤大鼠S-100β和NES的产生,对创伤性脑损伤有一定的神经保护作用。

Clinical observation of body acupuncture combined with FANG’s scalp acupuncture for limb dysfunction in the remission stage of stroke

Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy of body acupuncture combined with FANG’s scalp acupuncture in treating limb dysfunction in the remission stage of stroke and explore the mechanism.Methods:Sixty patients in the remission stage of stroke with limb dysfunction were divided into a control group and a treatment group using the random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.The control group was treated with ordinary acupuncture based on the conventional rehabilitation treatment,and the treatment group was additionally offered FANG’s scalp acupuncture.The interventions were conducted once daily with 10 sessions as 1 course.The Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA)and Barthel index(BI)scores and serum malondialdehyde(MDA)and superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels were compared after 2 treatment courses,and the clinical efficacy was evaluated.Results:After treatment,the FMA and BI scores increased in both groups(P<0.05)and were higher in the treatment group than in the control group(P<0.05).Both groups showed a decreased MDA level and an increased SOD level after the intervention,all showing statistical significance(P<0.05);there were significant differences between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion:Based on the conventional rehabilitation treatment,ordinary acupuncture used alone or in combination with FANG’s scalp acupuncture can lower the oxidative stress level and improve limb function in treating limb dysfunction in the remission stage of stroke;body acupuncture plus FANG’s scalp acupuncture can produce better results.

Professor LIU Huilin’s experience in treating cluster headache with acupuncture-moxibustion

This paper introduces chief physician LIU Huilin’s empirical characteristics in treating cluster headache based on holism and pattern-identification-based treatment,with spirit-regulating filiform needling,filiform fire needle pricking,and collateral-pricking for bloodletting sequential therapy,which inherits the academic thoughts of“acupuncture-moxibustion for treating spirit”from Professor ZHOU De’an and“three-unblocking acupuncture therapy”from HE Puren,thus providing a reference for treating cluster headache with acupuncture-moxibustion therapy.

平衡针灸疗法对颅脑损伤急性期S-100B蛋白的影响

【目的】观察平衡针灸疗法对急性颅脑损伤模型大鼠血清S-100B蛋白水平的影响。【方法】选用SD大鼠随机分为假手术组、模型组、平衡针灸治疗组。采用大鼠液压冲击模型,台式钻在左顶骨部钻孔,保持硬膜完整,用氰基丙烯酸酯粘合剂将不锈钢螺丝帽粘接于钻孔处;使用中等压力(0.2 mPa)冲击,复制急性颅脑损伤模型。假手术组只进行手术,但不进行冲击。从造模成功当日起,平衡针灸疗法组选用偏瘫穴、腰痛穴、头痛穴、降压穴进行平衡针灸疗法治疗,连续3 d。采用酶联免疫吸咐(ELISA)法检测各组动物血清S-100B蛋白水平。【结果】模型组血清S-100B蛋白水平显著性升高(P<0.01),平衡针灸治疗可显著性降低S-100B蛋白水平(P<0.01),但未恢复至正常水平。【结论】平衡针灸疗法在颅脑损伤急性期能降低血清中S-100B蛋白水平,可能具有一定的脑保护作用。

Effect of acupuncture at Bǎihuì (百会GV 20) and Zúsānlǐ (足三里ST 36) on the level of serum inflammatory cytokines in patients with depression

Objective To investigate the immunologic mechanism of acupuncture at Bǎihuì（百 会 GV 20） and Zúsānlǐ（足三里 ST 36） for treatment of depression. Methods Eighty-four cases of depression patients were randomly divided into an electroacupuncture observation group（group A）, an electroacupuncture control group（group B） and a medication control group（group C）, 28 cases in each group. Bǎihuì（百会 GV 20） and Zúsānlǐ（足三里 ST 36） were used in the group A; Tàichōng （太冲 LR 3）, Sānyīnjiāo （三阴交 SP 6）, Nèiguān （内关 PC 6） and Shénmén （神门 HT 7） were used in the group B; and the group C was treated with oral administration of Fluoxetine. The scores of Hamilton Depression Scale （HAMD） were tested and the level of serum interleukin 1（IL-1β）, interleukin 6 （IL-6）, and tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α） were measured by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay （ELISA）before and after treatment. Results Their scores of HAMD were obviously decreased after treatment in three groups（all P0.01）. In the group A, 2 cases were cured, 19 cases were markedly effective, 5 cases were effective and 2 cases were failed. In the group B, 16 cases were markedly effective, 12 cases were effective. While in the group C, 1 case was cured, 17 cases were markedly effective, 7 cases were effective and 3 cases were failed. The grade distribution of clinical effect showed that the effect of group A was better （P0.05）. The levels of serum IL-1β and IL-6 in the three groups were obviously decreased after treatment （P0.05, P0.01）, while there was no significant difference between the level of serum TNF-α before and after treatment. Conclusion The effect of electroacupuncture observation group is superior to those of electroacupuncture control group and medication control group.All of these three methods can clear the inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and IL-6 away and improve the symptoms of depression.

Clinical observation on effect of cranial suture acupuncture combined with donepezil hydrochloride tablets for Alzheimer's disease

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with medicine for AIzheimer＇s disease. Methods Fifty-five patients of Alzheimer＇s disease were randomly divided into two groups in accordance with random number table： the drug group （n=28） was treated with oral donepezil hydrochloride tablets, once a day for 5-10 mg with 10 days as a course of treatment; the combined acupuncture and drug group （n=27） was treated with cranial suture acupuncture combined with donepezil hydrochloride tablets in the above-mentioned way. The cranial suture acupuncture was given once a day for 30 min with 10 days as a course of treatment. Both groups were given treatment for two courses. Mini-mental state examination （MMSE）, Alzheimer＇s disease assessment scale （ADAS-Cog）, activities of daily living scale （Barthel） and electroencephalogram （EEG） were checked before and after treatment, to evaluate the efficacy of each group via integral changes of Barthel. Results MMSE score increased, Barthel index score increased, and ADAS-Cog score decreased in the two groups after treatment （P〈0.05, P〈0.01）, and the efficacy of the combined acupuncture and drug group was more significant （P〈0.01）. The α wave frequency and amplitude and θ wave frequency of EEG increased after treatment in both groups （P〈0.05）, θ wave amplitude decreased （P〈0.01）, and the efficacy of the combined acupuncture and drug group was superior to that of the drug group in terms of EEG improvement （P〈0.05）. The total effective rate of the combined acupuncture and drug group （88.9%, 24/27） was superior to that of drug group （67.9%, 18/28, P〈0.05）. Conclusion The effect of cranial suture acupuncture combined with donepezil hydrochloride tablets for Alzheimer＇s disease is more significant than only medicine therapy.

基于生物信息学、网络拓扑分析探讨针刺治疗帕金森病便秘的机制

目的:探讨针刺治疗帕金森病便秘的作用机制。方法:检索近10年针灸治疗帕金森病便秘的文献,筛选出治疗前后明显改变的活性成分,通过PubChem和Swiss Target Prediction数据库获得其关联靶点。确定活性成分和疾病靶点的交集,构建PPI网络,通过微生信平台对治疗的关键靶点分别进行GO功能和KEGG信号通路富集分析,得到蛋白的分子功能、细胞组分、参与的生物过程和通路。结果:通过预测分析得到171个与针灸治疗帕金森病便秘相关的基因靶点,KEGG富集分析通路10条。结论:针刺治疗帕金森病便秘(PDC)可能通过DRD2、GRM5、SLC6A3、MAOB及HTR1A等核心靶点调节DA、α-Syn、NE和5-HT水平,主要通路有钙离子信号通路、G蛋白偶联受体信号通路和神经活性配体-受体相互作用等。

Efficacy observation on Governor Vessel-unblocking and mind-calming acupuncture for insomnia

Objective：To observe the effect of Governor Vessel-unblocking and mind-calming acupuncture on insomnia and further develop the academic idea on Gao＇s lineage acupuncture.Methods：A total of 68 insomnia cases were randomly allocated into an acupuncture group（n=34） and a medication group（n=34） according to their sequences of consultation.Patients in the acupuncture group received acupuncture treatment once a day,5 d a week,for 4 weeks.Patients in the medication group took 1 mg of Estazolam before sleep for each dose,one dose a day,for 4 weeks.Before and after treatment,the sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index（PSQI）,and the efficacy was assessed using the PSQI reductive rate.Results：After treatment,the global PSQI score and scores of each component in the acupuncture group were significantly decreased（all P〈0.01）.The global PSQI score in the medication group was significantly decreased（P〈0.01）.Except for sleep disturbance,scores of the rest of components were significantly decreased（P〈0.01 or P〈0.05）.The between-group difference was statistically significant in global PSQI score（P〈0.01）.Except for sleep latency and duration,scores of the sleep quality,efficiency,disturbance and daytime dysfunction in the acupuncture group were significantly lower than those in the medication group（all P〈0.05）.In addition,the recovery and marked effect rate in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the medication group（P〈0.05）.Conclusion：The Governor Vessel-unblocking and mind-calming acupuncture is safe,reliable for insomnia and has better efficacy than Estazolam.

Chief physician Zhang Tang-fa＇s experience of acupuncture for gouty arthritis

Skillful in the treatment of gouty arthritis （GA） by integrated therapies of Chinese and Western medicine, chief physician Zhang Tang-fa proposes to ＇deal with the exterior with the needles, and attack the interior with the drugs, by integrated application of acupuncture and herbal medicine＇, in combination with comprehensive intervention of dietetic therapy and health education. In the treatment of GA, he adopts the syndrome differentiation based upon the pathogenic factors, in combination of syndrome differentiation based upon the six meridians, to reinforce and benefit the spleen and kidney, clear away heat and remove dampness as the therapeutic principle. By acupuncture mainly at the acupoints of the Spleen and Liver Meridians, he also proposes to select the acupoints by the theory of Na Zi Fa （earthly branch method） ofZi Wu Liu Zhu （midnight-noon ebb-flow）, and to puncture the surrounding area of the involved joints shallowly by multiple needles as the major needling method, simultaneously with the reinforcing and reducing manipulations based upon the respiration. In the treatment, acupuncture and acupoint-injection are often used. In diet, low purine diet is often suggested. In health education, the patients are often instructed to understand the disease correctly, eliminate fears and cooperate with doctor＇s treatment positively.

Brief introduction to Professor Gao Wei-bin's needling technique of ‘Ten Acupuncture Skills'

‘Ten Acupuncture Skills＇ refers to ten types of needling techniques for difficult and intractable neurological diseases. It has been summarized by Prof. Gao Wei-bin, a famous traditional Chinese medicine expert in China, based upon his clinical experience for years, including neck acupuncture for bulbar palsy, neck acupuncture for laryngeal muscular paralysis, stuck needling technique for ocular muscular paralysis, electric field therapy at Jiaji（EX-B 2） points for incomplete spinal paraplegia, electroacupuncture（EA） for urination disorder, electric neck acupuncture for waking up and treating various cerebral and nuchal diseases, EA at Jiaji（EX-B 2） points for intractable hiccup, EA at Jiaji（EX-B 2） points for cervical and lumbar spondylopathy, antagonistic EA for post-apoplectic hemiplegia, and EA for facial paralysis. The ten acupuncture skills are summarized in order to guide the clinical application.

Observation on the therapeutic efficacy of acupuncture plus tuina for cervical vertigo

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy and action mechanism of Jin＇s three-needle acupuncture plus Long＇s chiropractic tuina manipulations in treating cervical vertigo. Methods： By adopting a randomized controlled method, 80 eligible patients were randomized into an observation group of 41 cases and a control group of 39 cases. The control group was intervened by Jin＇s cervical three-needle acupuncture plus acupuncture at the vertigo-pain points and Fengchi （GB 20）; the observation group was by Long＇s chiropractic tuina manipulations in addition to the treatment given to the control. For both groups, the intervention was given once a day, 7 sessions as a treatment course, with a 1-day interval after a course, for 2 courses in total. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after the first session and the second treatment course, at the 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. Results： After the first session, the recovery plus markedly effective rate of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group （P〈0.01）; the rate was markedly higher in the observation group than that in the control group after 2 treatment courses （P〈0.01）; at the 3-month follow-up, the relapse rate was 2.5% in the observation group versus 23.5% in the control, and the between-group difference was statistically insignificant （P〉0.05）; the 6-month follow-up study showed that the relapse rate was 5.0% in the observation group versus 21.6% in the control group, and the between-group difference was statistically significant （P〈0.05）; at the 6-month follow-up, the total relapse rate was 7.5% in the observation group versus 35.1% in the control group, and the inter-group difference was statistically significant （P〈O.01）. Conclusion： The two treatment protocols are both effective in treating cervical vertigo. However, due to its more significant efficacy, more efficient action and lower relapse rate compared to acupuncture alone, acupuncture plus tuina can be regarded as a verified protocol for cervical vertigo.

Observation on instant analgesic effect of Governor Vessel-regulating and collateral-unblocking acupuncture method for primary headache

Objective： To observe the instant analgesic effect of Governor Vessel-regulating and collateral-unblocking acupuncture method in treating primary headache and to inherit and carry forward the academic achievements of Gao＇s acupuncture school in Yanzhao （Hebei Province） area. Methods： Eighty eligible primary headache patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group following their visiting sequence, 40 patients in each group. The observation group was intervened by Yanzhao Gao＇s Governor Vessel-regulating and collateral-unblocking acupuncture, and the control group was intervened by ordinary acupuncture method. The visual analogue scale （VAS） was used to evaluate the headache intensity before and after the first treatment session in the two groups, to compare the instant analgesic effect of the two acupuncture methods. Results： After the first treatment session, the VAS scores dropped significantly in both groups （both P〈0.05）. The change of VAS score after the initial treatment in the observation group was significantly different from that in the control group （P〈0.05）. The percentage of patients with headache completely vanished instantly after the first treatment was markedly higher in the observation group than that in the control group （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The two acupuncture methods both can produce a significant instant analgesic effect in treating primary headache, while Yanzhao Gao＇s Governor Vessel-regulating and collateral-unblocking acupuncture method is superior to ordinary acupuncture method.