Wednesday, May 28, 2008

Acupuncture Effect On Treating 1,279 Cases Of Intestinal Ascariasis In Children

Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Intestinal ascariasis has been highly prevalent among children. The infestation rate is over 90% in certain areas, interfering with the normal growth and development of children. There were descriptions about expulsion of worms by acupuncture in an ancient book called Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (A Classic of Acupunture and Moxibustion). In order to search for methods of treating ascariasis and to verify the ancient descriptions, we have treated with acupuncture 1,279 cases of ascariasis in school children diagnosed by stool examinations with encourging results. They are summarized as following:


Major points: Daheng (both)

Accessory points: Zusanli (both)

Methods: With the patient lying in supine position, after routine sterilization of the skin over Daheng points, the needles were inserted perpendicularly or at an angle of 90ยบ slightly towards the umbilicus. The depth of insertion for small children was 1.5-2 cun, for elder children 2-2.5 cun. Then according to the body built of the patient, apply strong or medium stimulation by twisting the needle with large amplitude for 5-6 times. The needles were then removed without retention. The same method was used at the Zusanli points. One course of treatment consisted of daily insertion on semiempty stomach for 1-3 days. During each insertion the patient should experience the sensation of soreness, numbness and distention.


Patients were observed for 1-5 days after acupuncture for expulsion of worms. It occurred in 472 children out of 1279 cases receiving acupuncture treatment. The average rate of worm expulsion was 36.9%; the highest rate was 53.3%; and 25.9% for those who received one treatment; 42.5% for those who received two treatments and 53.3% for those who received three treatments. 24 cases were divided into different age groups and their worm expulsion rates after acupuncture were compared: It was 65.9% in the age group of 7, 44.5% in the age group of 11.

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