An Analysis Of Effects Of Acupuncture On Intravenous Pyelography In 100 Cases

Department of Radiology, Wuhan Second Hospital

The preparatory measures taken and the urographic contrast media used in this procedure, are the same as routine urographic technique, except that no pressure is applied to abdomen.

I. Methods:

(1) Acupuncture: Place the patient in supine position and puncture "Sanyinjiao", "Kunlun" and Guanyuan" points bilaterally. Puncture lightly and retain the needles for 15 minutes without twisting or turning. After puncturing, the patient was placed in photographic position and the contrast media was given intravenously within 2 minutes.


(2) Photography taking and position of the patient: Films are taken at 5, 10, 15, and 20 minutes respectively after injection of the media. Particular attention should be paid to observing the films taken at 5 and 10 minutes after injecting contrast media. According to the different conditions of individual cases some additional films may be taken, e.g. films in cases of urinary calculus, which is associated with hydronephrosis. The additional films were compared with the former ones. Films at 15th and 30th minute should be taken in order to rule out the destructive and space-occupying lesions. By this method it is not only possible to take an antero-posterior view, but also a lateral and oblique view.


II. Limitations:

The limitations of the methods are the same as those of the routine intravenous pyelography. However, the methods we used are not without their advantages. The tiny urinary calculi, retroperitoneal masses, congenital abnormalities and early changes of inflammatory lesions could be detected.

III. Effects:

From Sept. 16, 1977 to the present time, 100 cases have been treated, totaling 103 times of acupuncture intravenous pyelography. In 80 times good and better results were obtained, i.e. correct diagnosis was effected. In 23 times the results were less satisfactory. The main cause of the poor opacifications is due to ilfunctioning of kidneys.


Comparing with the compression method in our practice, acupuncture is effective in the intravenous pyelography because such method is suitable to the human's physiological conditions. This method can relieve not only the pain of the patient but also demonstrate a more truly pathological changes, thus providing a higher diagnostic rate.

The Use Of Acupuncture As A Method For The Examination Of Sensory System And A Consultation On The Concept Of "Complete Loss Of Sensation"

Xue Chongcheng (Department of Neuropsychiatry and Neurosurgery, the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuangzu Autonomous Region)

It was found in 1949 that the needling sensation of acupuncture had been preserved in a patient who was diagnosed as a case of complete loss of sensations over her both paralyzed lower limbs using classical sensory examinations. After liberation in our country, a series of 59 similar patients had been observed, 47 of them were male and the others female, aged 11-70 years. All were mentally normal, cooperative and communicative in language with the examiner. The needling sensation was elicited in 34 patients including cases of lesions involving different levels of the CNS and peripheral nerves, and also functional illness. Duration of observation was from one month to more than 10 years. Fifteen cases of 24 paraplegics had taken operative and other treatments after discovery of the needling sensation and they were cured or relieved in different degrees. One of them could walk 15 years later and another developed epileptic attacks when violent involuntary movements had been present over his completely paralyzed lower limbs. This revealed that the descending fibers were somewhat preserved in the cord while the needling sensation showed that some ascending fibers had been spared before. Some spinal injuries underwent operative treatment depending upon the needling sensation as the only surgical criterion, and after the operation, the diagnosis of "complete anatomical transverse section of the cord" was discarded and conditions were much improved. One case of cerebral hemorrhage had needling sensation prior to the disappearance of hemianopsia, hemianesthesia and hemiplegia. Therefore the needling sensation gave an early signal of recovery of the nervous function. Four hysterics who had been quite troublesome to be differentiated from organic diseases were almost immediately cured or much improved after revelation of the needling sensation. These evidences mentioned above verified the validity of the judgements based upon the occurrence of the needling sensation. The needling sensation is obtained by inserting a needle into the deep tissues of the body with certain manipulations and differs from the classical neurological sensory examinations which are performed on the body surface. So it can still be present when other sensations can not be elicited by routine methods. Meantime these events suggest that the use of acupuncture as a method for sensory examination is an adjunct to judgements of case severity and prognosis, and differentiation of functional or organic nature in diseases of sensory disorders. It is much benefit for treatment, e.g. using it as an indication for operation. Therefore it can be concluded that acupuncture can be used as a method for sensory examination. There has been no new reports since the introduction of bilateral simultaneous stimulation for the examination of general afferent system by Bender in 1952 and now acupuncture takes a new step forward. It can thus be also concluded that the concept of the so called complete loss of sensations, defined upon the basis of previous limitation of examination procedures, cannot be acknowledged when acupuncture examination has not been performed.

The Determination Of The Depth Of Puncture For The Development Of Needling Sensation

Chen Weichang, Xu Gongmei, Bo Yantu, Qiu Jingquan, Li Yichun, Li Dingyi Ma Chengzhong, Zhang Kuiheng (Neimenggu Medical College)

A method was introduced for determining the depth of the development of the needling sensation with an acupuncture depth scaler. The scaler was made of a transparent polyethylene tube, with an outer diameter of 3 mm, and was calibrated with an accuracy of 1 mm. Before manipulation, the length of the trunk of the acupuncture needle L[0] was measured and after insertion the length of the needle trunk outside the skin L[1] was measured again. The depth of the acupuncture L could be calculated from the difference between the two values of length by the formula; L=L[0]-L[1]. The needling depth where needling sensation developed in five points (Shangyang, Hegu, Neiguan, Waiquan, Quchi) were determined on 35 adult volunteers. The thickness of these 5 acupuncture points was also measured for control. In the traditional Chinese medicine, "cun" is usually used as an acupuncture length unit to describe the accurate position of the acupuncture points and depth of insertion of needles. Simultaneously we also measured the length in different parts of the upper limbs in order to make a comparison of "middle finger cun" and "bone cun". The following results were obtained:


1. It was shown that the descriptions about the "cun" in the ancient traditional Chinese medicine were rather accurate. The acupuncture length unit based on the proportions of the body height (75 cun), the length of forearm (12.5 cun), the width of the hand's palm (3 cun), the length of the mid-section of the middle finger (1 cun), and the width of the thumb (1 cun) were approximately equivalent. According to the result of the experiment, one cun of the Chinese adult is 22.3± 0.14 mm. There is no significant difference between the two sides of the upper limbs. The middle finger cun is positively correlated with the body height significantly.


2. The depths of the development of needling sensation in the following points were: Shangyang, 1.8 ± 0.53 mm (about 0.1 cun), Hegu, 23.0±4.73 mm (about 1 cun), Neiguan, 20.5 ± 4.61 mm (about 1 cun), Waiguan, 14.1 ± 4.44 mm (about 0.6 -- 0.7 cun), Quchi, 25.3 ± 5.62 mm (about 1.2 cun) respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between the depth of the development of the needling sensation and the thickness of the point. The proportions of the depth of needling sensation to the thickness in the five acupuncture points were: Shangyang, 1:5; Hegu, 2:3; Neiguan, 1:2; Waiguan, 1:3; and Quchi, 1:2.5 respectively.


3. Based on the proportions of the depth of the needling sensation to the thickness of the points, we used the labeled injection technique to investigate the topological structure of the point. It was found that the acupuncture point of Neiguan was close to the median nerve, the point of Waiguan was close to the dorsal interossal nerve, Hegu was close to the terminal bifurcation of the ulnar nerve, while the acupuncture point of Shangyang was situated within the periosteum of the digital bone. It seemed that the needling sensation was related closely with the deep neuroapparatus.

Clinical Observations On The Specificity Of The Back Shu-Points

Situ Ling (Guangzhou College of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

"The Back Shu-points" are loci where the viscera are related to the body surface, and are the points into which the vital energy of the channels-collaterals is poured. They reflect and can be used to treat diseases of internal organs. When the viscera are in disorder, positive reaction areas, points and hard mass will appear on the corresponding "Back Shu-points". Acupuncture on "the Back Shu points" can cure diseases of the corresponding organs.


We have made clinical observation on the treatments by applying Xinshu (UB.15), Feishu (UB.13), Ganshu (UB.18) Pishu (UB.20), and Shenshu (UB.23) points. Each of them possesses its own special function, which can treat the disorder of the corresponding viscera and its subordinated organs. For example:

In treating a case of bronchial asthma, we used Feishu, Dazhui (DU 14) and Bailao points three times a week. After 8 treatments, the symptoms of asthma and cough were essentially controlled. We continued the treatment for three weeks before stop. Follow-up for two years showed no recurrence.


A patient had a severe headache with recurrent diarrhea for more than ten years. We used moxibustion with reinforcing method mainly on Pishu point. Headache and diarrhea disappeared at the same time after several treatments. There was no recurrence for more than a year.

Clinically when we are going to choose between acupuncture or moxibustion, using re-enforcing or reducing methods, we should always adhere to the principle or determination of the treatment according to the different symptoms and signs, thus the expected effects will be obtained. For example, once we treated a patient who had coronary heart disease in early stage which was diagnosed by electrocardiogram. At first, we injected vitamin B[1] together with vitamin B[6] into Xinshu point. After ten injections (the first course of treatment), it showed no improvement. In the chapter of Lingshu-Guannengpian, it says: "if the acupuncture is not effective, then moxibustion should be used". So we applied moxibustion on Xinshu, Gaohuang (UB 43) and Zusanli (ST 36) points. After the first treatment, the precordial pain was much relieved, and after the sixth treatment, the precordial pain and palpitation were markedly reduced. His appetite returned, the pulse rate became normal and patient was in good spirits. At the end of the second course of treatment, the patient clinically recovered.

A Study Concerning The Relationship Between The Points On Channels And Auditus

Hu Ke, Zhang Wenan (Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

The traditional Chinese medicine had already realized long ago a certain relationship between the points on channels and auditory function of the body. In the book of "Canon of Medicine", it was stated that "When puncturing Ting-gong, the patient may have a reaction on his eye, and may hear something in his ear, so this is the point"; "Along the twelve channels and the 365 collaterals, their divisional vital energy is transported to the ear, so that something will be heard" and "The ear is an organ where the important channels are converged". In order to study this problem, we have made clinical observations and carried on experiments in animals.


1. The phenomenon of the needling sensation tends toward the ear: There were 13 patients with this phenomenon. Five of them complained of tinnitus and eight of them suffered from deafness. We have never seen this phenomenon among persons with normal auditory function. When the needle was inserted into the point, or non-acupuncture point, repeated rotating, lifting and thrusting of the needle, would cause the needling sensation to be conducted upward to the head and face along or not along the channel and finally entered into the ear. The conductive velocity of the sensation was evaluated at the quantitative level of centimeters per second. As soon as the needling sensation entered into the ear of the patient with tinnitus, the symptom would disappear. In some patients other sorts of sound might be heard when the needling sensation entered into their ears. If there was not such phenomenon of needling sensation tending toward the ear, the therapeutic effect of tinnitus would be unsatisfactory.


2. The observation of the evoked potential of the cortical auditory area by electric acupuncture stimuli on the points: Seventeen healthy guinea pigs were used in this experiment. Epidural silver-ball electrode was implanted in. The animals were kept awake during the experiment. The applied acoustic stimuli were clicks, the electric pulses of square waves were 2v. and 0.5 msec. and the evoked potential was expressed as mean average response. In thirteen (76.47%) animals could be recorded the evoked potential which consisted of mainly a negative fast wave followed by a positive slow wave from the auditory cortex by stimulating points selected from the channels of the Spleen, the Liver, the Urinary Bladder, the Gall Bladder, the Sanjiao, the Kidney and the Stomach.


3. The converged projection of the afferent impulses of the points on channels and auditus to a neuron in the inferior colliculus: This study was conducted on 28 healthy guinea pigs. The animals were anesthetized with chloralose (1%) in urethane solution (10%). Glass microelectrode with a tip about 1 micron in diameter was used for extracellular recording. The unit discharges of 95 neurons in the inferior colliculus were observed, 6 units of them responsed not only to clicks but also to the electric acupuncture stimuli of the points (Lingxia point). The latency of the acoustic response ranged from 6 to more than 10 msec., and the latency of the electric acupuncture response ranged from 20 to 72 msec.


4. The effect of electric acupuncture of points upon the evoked potentials of the cortical auditory area: Twenty four healthy guinea pigs were used in this experiment. The epidural silver-ball electrode implanted and the animals remained awake during the experiment. Clicks were used for the acoustic stimuli. The puncturing points were Tinggong and Lingxia. Changes of the evoked potential amplitude were observed and recorded once per ten min. Generally, three control tests were made before puncture. The effect of acupuncture upon auditory evoked potential showed individual difference among these animals. In 150 items of the results, 54.67% did not reveal any significant change, 26% showed increasing potential amplitude, while 19.33% decreasing amplitude.


It is obvious that implications of certain relationships between the points on channels and the auditory function were revealed in the evidences derived from our research: disapperance of tinnitus in some patients when the needling sensation reaches the ear; projection of the afferent impulses of acupuncture stimulus and hearing to the same region of the auditory cortex and inferior colliculus, even with convergence to the same neuron of the inferior colliculus; and influence on the acoustic evoked potential amplitude induced by acupuncture of points in certain experimental animals.

Exploring The Effect And Mechanism Of Acupuncture In The Treatment Of Sensorineural Deafness By Electrical Response In Auditory Nerve System Of Guinea

Wei Nengrun, Wang Zuobin (Department of Otorhinolaryngology, 1st Teaching Hospital, Wuhan Medical College)

It has been demonstrated by long term clinical observation that the efficacy of acupuncture in treatment of hysterical and psychological deafness was remarkable and stable. The deaf-mute cases, in whom there is residual hearing, gained a subjective improvement of hearing, but it couldn't be illustrated in audiometry. The authors made an attempt to explain this clinical experience and to explore its mechanism by animal experiment.


6 guinea-pigs weighing 470-750 grams and about half year old were used. The animals had normal eardrum and auricular pinnae and positive Preyer's auricular reflex. According to Liangzhian's method, the cochlear microphonic potentials, eighth cranial nerve compound action potentials and cortical (auditory) evoked potentials during acupuncture were studied and photographically recorded. Two acupuncture points corresponding anatomically to Tinggong and Yongquan in human were used in this series. Needling of the cornea of each guinea-pig was used as a control. The main results and preliminary conclusions were as follows:


1. Acupuncture doesn't influence cochlear microphonic potentials. This finding agrees with the clinical experience that the deaf without residual hearing can't get a subjective improvement of hearing despite needling.

2. During needling of the cornea there is an alteration in cortical evoked potentials represented chiefly by raised excitation which subsided in about half an hour. This finding also agrees with the clinical fact that the subjective improvement of hearing usually last for a short period and can't be demonstrated in audiogram afterwards.


3. Needling of the cornea causes similar alteration in cortical evoked potentials as that caused by needling of Tinggong point. This finding shows that acupuncture may be of relative specification or of non-specific nature. In addition, it is perhaps possible to explain the mechanism of analgesic effect of acupuncture by the cortical inhibition following its excitation.

4. Needling has no effect or shows an inhibitory effect upon the activity of eighth cranial nerve.

Studies On Clinics And Mechanism Of Acupuncture In Treatment Of Deafness And Deaf-Mutism

Zhang Zhongfang, Gu Xiu, Wang Wenying, (Shanghai Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Zeng Zhaolin, Zhang Meili (Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

He Zongde (Shuguang Hospital of Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Zhou Shiheng (Eye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Shanghai First Medical College)

The application of acupuncture therapy in deafness and deafmutism made it possible to improve the hearing of the patients with profound impairment of auditory function. The clinical data observed in treatment of deafness and deafmutism and the results of the animal experiments concerning the mechanism for promoting the auditory function under the action of acupuncture since 1958 were summarized in the present article.


In the early works, a preliminary observation on 510 cases of deafness and 301 cases of deaf-mutism proved that the acupuncture therapy was effective to improve the hearing of the patients. The effective rate reached 93.3% in deafness and 84.7% in deaf-mutism. The acupuncture points used in both cases were essentially similar, consisting of those around the ear and on the extremities. The therapeutic measures were emphasized chiefly in treating deafness. In some patients, the improved hearing regressed progressively after the termination of the therapy to the original level prior to treatment. Among 316 cases of deafness and 180 cases of deaf-mutism, the reduction of hearing was found in 162 cases (50.6%) and in 54 cases (30%) respectively. Thus the reduction of hearing occured in 30-50% of patients after discontinuation of treatment was a general phenomenon of the acupuncture therapy both in cases of deafness and deaf-mutism.


For an accurate evaluation of the efficacy of the acupuncture therapy, further studies were performed on 30 cases of sensori-neural deafness and 28 cases of deaf-mutism with known etiological factor, and recieving a detailed E.N.T. and audiological examination. An improvement of hearing more than 10 db for pure tone audiometry was regarded as significant. The effective rate was 36.9% in deafness and 17.9% in deaf-mutism. The factors influencing the efficacy of acupuncture therapy were the course and the etiological factors of the disease as well as the nature and the reversibility of the pathological lesion in the inner ear. A better therapeutic effect was obtained in deafness of shorter duration with a reversible pathological changes in the inner ear such as sudden deafness, senile deafness and deafness caused by head trauma, but it was less effective in deafness of longer duration and that resulting from infectious disease such as typhoid, influenza and measles. The etiological factors of the deaf-mutism may be congential, but most cases were caused by high fever or general infections occured in childhood, which usually resulted in an extensive injury of the organ of Corti and leaving an irreversible pathological changes in the inner ear. Thus the efficacy of acupuncture therapy in treatment of deaf-mutism was reduced. It was also of little benefit to the patient with complete loss of the auditory and the vestibular functions.


Methods of combining traditional Chinese and western medicine were employed for further promoting the therapeutic effects of the deafness. These included the application of radioisotope P{32} on the tympanitic membrane for inducing a stimulating effect to the inner ear and the injections of coenzyme A and liquid extract of Ganoderma japonicum respectively into the acupuncture points around the ear for improving the metabolism of the tissue in the inner ear. In 78 cases of sensori-neural deafness treated with P{32} the effective rate was 47.5%. In 32 cases and 21 cases treated with injection of coenzyme A and Ganoderma japonicum into the points respectively, the rate of effectiveness was 46.9% in the former and 47.6% in the latter.


To investigate the mechanism of acupuncture in treatment of deafness, the animal experiments were designated to elucidate its effect on the excitability of the auditory cortex and on the permeability of the capillaries of the inner ear. In experiments with the electro-physiological methods on guinea pig, an increase in the amplitude of the evoked potential of the auditory cortex followed by a series of repetitive after-discharges in response to a click during needling the acupuncture points employed in the clinics demonstrated that the excitabllity of the auditory cortex was enhanced under the action of acupuncture. This effect was not evident as the animal was being under the deep anesthesia or after administration of chlorpromazine. It was suggested that the acupuncture effect on the auditory cortex depended on the normal function of the non-specific diffuse projection system. This finding showed evidence that the increase in the excitability of the auditory cortex might be considered to play a role for explaining the mechanism of acupuncture effect. It was of benefit to promote the analytic and synthetic function of the auditory cortex in processing the sound signal and made the residual hearing to be utilized sufficiently.


Other experiments on rabbits were carried out to elucidate the effect of acupuncture on the permeability of the capillaries of the inner ear. Radioisotope P{32} was administered to the rabbit intraperitoneally. The concentration of P{32} was found higher in the perilymph of the rabbit after needling the points around the ear than that of the control. The difference was statistically significant. This effect failed to occur when the rabbit was deeply anesthetized by nembutal. That the high concentration of P{32} appeared in the perilymph due to the action of the acupuncture could be resulted either from an increase of permeability of the capillaries or an augmentation of the micro-circulation of the inner ear. However, no matter which process might be, it was expected that an improvement on the exchange of nutrients and other substances between the blood and perilymph would occur, which was beneficial to restore the function of inner ear to normal.

Observation On Sensori Neuro-Deafness Treated With Acupuncture

Wang Zhongyuan, Hou Xianqing, Dai Shuhong, Ji Baichun, She Yunshan, Sun Yunzhang (Audiological Research Group, Bethune Medical College and Deafmutism Research Co-operative Group of Jilin Province, Changchun)

Observations on the mechanism of the therapeutic effect of acupuncture concerning deafness were carried out both experimentally and clinically.

1. Pathological findings of deafness: Auditory threshold shift was observed in 70 guinea pigs subjected to white noise stimulation of 128 db for ten hours. Acupuncture at "Tinggong" point was then applied on the next day to half of the animals, while the rest of the animals without acupuncture served as control. Animals were killed eight weeks later and the whole cochlear preparations from left side of the animals was dissected and examined. Noise stimulation caused damage in some of the hair cells in the cochlea. The damaged hair cell population was counted. A mean value was obtained for each mm. of the Corti's organ in both groups of the animals, acupuncture treated and control, and the damage curves were plotted with the mean values of every mm. for each of the two groups for comparison and comparison of both groups was carried out turn by turn. For the control group, the mean damage curve was the highest in the third turn, then came down in a slope in the second turn and almost approached its normal value in the first turn. For the group that received acupuncture, the mean damage curve in the third and the first turn as compared with the control group were essentially the same, but the curve in the second turn was significantly lower than that of the control group. That is to say, this is the place where damage of the hair cells was distinctly less than those in the control group. It is possible that the damage of the hair cells were in a stage of reversibility and that necrosis of the damaged hair cells was prevented by the application of acupuncture which improved the cochlear microcirculation and hair cell nutrition. As for the third turn damage to the hair cells was so severe that necrosis of hair cells was inevitable, and it was not possible for acupuncture to exert its effect upon the hair cells.


2. Physiological study of hearing: The effect of electro-acupuncture at the "Tinggong" point and promontory area upon the cochlear potentials, by the use of transtympanic technique and treatment with the computer, was observed in sensori neuro-deafness of various types. Under the action of 90db click, the range of fluctuation of the amplitude of cochlear potentials was observed in 60 ears (53 deaf patients), and the upper limit of 90% individuals treated statistically was found to be 24.3%. Therefore, the fluctuations of the amplitudes of cochlear potentials over a value of 25% in either direction in comparison with the amplitudes before electro-acupuncture stimulation would be considered to be significant. The results after five minutes electro-acupuncture stimulation are shown in the following table.


It can be seen from the table that the cochlear potentials were raised with the application of electro-acupuncture to either "Tinggong" or promontory area in some of the patients. As we know, an increase in the amplitude of cochlear potentials would be a reflection of the promotion of cochlear hair cell function. This might partly account for the therapeutic effect of electro-acupuncture at "Tinggong" point or promontory area. The therapeutic effects of the electro-acupuncture at promontory area in relation to changes in cochlear potentials were analyzed in 42 ears (30 deaf patients). It was found that 7 of the 8 ears with elevation of cochlear potentials were therapeutically effective, with only one ineffective. There was no therapeutic effect at all in 27 of a total of 3 ears with no changes in their cochlear potentials and also in the one with decrease of cochlear potential. It can be seen therefore that the therapeutic effect would be probably better in those with elevation of cochlear potentials following the application of promontory electro-acupuncture.


3. Therapeutic trials: 129 cases of sensori neuro-deaf patients were treated with promontory electro-acupuncture for therapeutic trial. After disinfection, the promontory needle (specially made) was allowed to penetrate the ear drum to reach the promontory area and electro-stimulation were carried out for 10 minutes. The process was repeated every other day and it was assumed that a total of 10 stimulations would be considered as a full therapeutic course. At the end of the therapeutic course, it was found to be effective in promoting hearing in 15 cases (with an average promotion of more than 10db in 3 consecutive frequencies) and highly effective in 16 cases (with an average promotion of more than 20db in 3 consecutive frequencies). In other words it was found to be effective in a total of 31 cases, with an total effective rate of 24%, the effect being more marked in those with sudden deafness and those who attended the clinic for treatment early. The standard of therapeutic effect was deduced on the basis of fluctuated range of auditory threshold that we encountered in our work. Comparing 250310 fluctuation values from data obtained by the examination of 2400 ear-times in 182 deaf-mute patients, it was found statistically that the probability is less than 5% with an average promotion of 10db in 3 consecutive frequencies, 15db in two consecutive frequencies and 20db in one frequency. Comparisons between the puretone audiometry and the speech audiometry were also carried out in some of the patients and it was found that there were improvements of 5 db in SRT and a promotion of 10% in PBmax in the majority of the 20 ears whose pure tone audiometry were found to be effective with an average promotion of 10db in 3 consecutive frequencies. Prediction of the therapeutic effect by combining the indices of pure tone, SRT and PBmax would prove to be more accurate and reliable.

Integration Of Chinese Traditional And Western Medicine, Electro-Acupuncture With "Plum -- Blossom" Needle For The Treatment Of Myopia In The Adolesce

Zhong Meiquan, Niu Yinhua (Division of "Plum-blossom" Acupuncture, Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Guanganmen Hospital, Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

Since 1964, "plum-blossom" needle was adopted in the treatment of myopia among the adolescent. Following repeated trials in series of a large number of cases, the result of treatment were proved to be satisfactory. From 1971, electric-charged "plum-blossom" needle was introduced for clinical use, giving rise to further improvement in the therapeutic effect.


Clinical Data

This group of 1043 cases consists of 2057 eyes. Selection of the patients was based on the following criteria: (1) naked eye vision below 1.0, (2) refraction examination done before the commencement of the treatment, (3) a near eye vision examination prior to the treatment, (4) age below 20, (5) continuation of seven courses of treatment. Standards of therapeutic effect are as follows: (1) cure: vision above 1.0 or over, (2) remarkable effect: increase of vision for 3 degrees, but still below 1.0, (3) improved: increase of vision for 1-2 degrees and (4) failure: no improvement of vision.


The patients were divided into two groups: (1) Acupuncture point group, Zhengguang and Zhengguang[2], Fengchi, Neiguan, Dazhui. (2) Acupuncture applied to different regions. During the treatment the "plum-blossom" needle were on line to a weak electric current. One course of treatment consists of 15 times of acupuncture which is given in alternative days for prophylaxis of myopia and consolidation of the therapeutic effect, the patients were instructed with the two requirements and six taboos and to persist in massage over the acupuncture point Zhengguang.


Result of the treatment: cure 453 eyes, (21%); remarkable effect 1153 eyes (56.1%); improved 45 eyes (21.9%) and no effect 20 eyes (1%). Clinical practice reveals that, the result of the treatment is better for patient with low myopia than those of high myopia, though even for the latter remarkable effect is still found to be 50-60%. From the result of refraction examination in the 235 cases in whom the vision has increased for two rows after the treatment, it is clearly shown that the improvement of vision is in direct proportion to the decrease of the degree of refraction; among the 54 cases undergone reflection examination after dilatation of pupil, 72.2% showed decrease of the degree of refraction, and in 27.8% of the cases with better improvement of vision, no change in the degree of refraction was observed. These results may be attributed to the functional accommodation of the retina. To clear up the question of whether or not spontaneous recovery of myopia does occur, an uninterrupted observation was made in 147 eyes for 2-5 years. Among them 117 eyes showed continual attenuation of vision (79.6%), and only three eyes (2.1%) recovered to normal. This clearly indicates that an active attitude should be taken in the prophylaxis of myopia.


As to the relation of optic correction with the therapeutic effect, the group without wearing the glasses gave better results than those with the spectacles (P<0.001)>0.1). During the treatment period, the patients were advised putting aside the glasses, so as to attain better results and in so doing, lowering of vision was observed in none.


Therapeutic effect observed from long-term follow-up: Among the cases with remarkable effects, a total of 953 eyes were followed up for three months to five years since the conclusion of the treatment course. (1) In 248 eyes (26%) further improvement of vision were observed, (2) 368 eyes (58.6%) remained at status quod, (3) impairement of vision or retrogression to the original level in 270 eyes (28.4%), (4) a decline to the pre-treatment level or even worse in 67 eyes (7%). A continual improvement of the vision after the conclusion of the treatment is closely related to the insistence of practicing massage on the Zhengguang point by the patient himself.

The Report Of 210 Cases Of Electric Ophthalmitis Treated With Acupuncture

Fan Xinfu, Zou Jusheng (Longhua Hospital, Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

There is no record about electric or flash ophthalmitis in ancient Chinese medical literatures. The symptoms of this disease, including redness of conjunctiva, pain in both eyes, photophobia, blurred vision etc., are due to the invasion of both eyes through the route of channels by external "Wind" and "Heat". The pathological changes are located in conjuactiva and cornea. According to the traditional Chinese ophthalmology, the conjunctiva is related to the "Lung" while cornea is related to the "Liver". Furthermore, in the "Canon of Medicine" it is pointed out that conjunctiva belong to "Yang", so that two points, Hegu and Fengchi, are selected for treatment. These two points are located on Large Intestine Channel of Hand-Yangming and Gallbladder Channel of Foot-Shaoyang respectively, both of which are exterior (Yang) channels while Lung and Liver Channels are interior (Yin) channels.

Based on the principle of acupuncture, we applied Xie (reducing) manipulation to these patients using No. 30 needle placed at the site for 15 minutes.

In our series of 210 cases the effect was all estimated after the first treatment of acupuncture. Patients are considered prominently effective cases if symptoms subsided quickly; while effective cases are considered for those patients whose symptoms were only improved. Those patients whose symptoms remained unimproved or subsided just for a while and recurred in an hour are considered noneffective. The results are reported as follows, prominently effective 38 cases occupying 18.1% of all cases; effective 168 cases occupying 80% of all cases; noneffective 4 cases occupying 1.9% of all cases.

Acupuncture And Moxibustion Treatment Of Recurrent Hemorrhage Into The Retina And Vitreous Humour Among Adolescents

Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Guanganmen Hospital, Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine

A total of 123 cases involving 194 eyes of recurrent hemorrhage into the retina and vitreous humour among adolescents were treated with acupuncture and moxibustion during recent years and the effective rate was found to be 87.62%. A satisfactory outcome was also shown by the results of follow-up in a portion of the patients. Our observations are summarized as follows:


Methods of Observations:

Two systems of diagnostic criteria according to the traditional Chinese and western medicine were adopted, and both the treatment and the observations were done in the out-patient-department.

1. Therapeutic principles based on the theories of the traditional Chinese medicine "in case of 'Xu' ('' deficient activity) regulate with 'Bu' ('' reenforcing), and in case of 'Shi' ('' excessive activity) 'Xie' ('' reducing) is applied", we have adopted the method Qingtou Mingmu ( clearing the mind and enligtening the sight vision) and Huoxie Huayu ( improving the blood circulation and eliminating the stasis).


2. Point selection and manipulation: Acupuncture by the method of reenforcing with heat was done over the points Fengchi, Yiming and Qubin and promising results were to be expected with the thermal sensation transmitted to the ocular region. Except over the points Taiyang, Zanzhu and Yangbai, where the needle may be retained for 15-30 minutes, in general, needle-retaining acupuncture is not necessary. The needles were inserted slowly with slight pressure over the Neijingming and Qiuhou points for 1-1.5 inches, and pressure was applied to the points with a sterilized cotton ball for 1-2 minutes after withdrawal of the needles. For renal deficient activity cases add Shenshu, Dazhui, and Taixi; for splenic deficient activity add Pishu, Sanyingjiao or Zhongwan and Qihai; for hepatic hyperfunction add Ganshu, Ligou and Guangming; for insomnia add Shengmen; for headache add Hegu; for hemorrhage into the fundus add Erbai. Indirect moxibustion over walnut shell is applied in cases of "retinitis proliferans" over the ocular region. One course of treatment consists of twelve times of acupuncture and moxibustion which is given in successive or alternate days.


Results of treatment:

Criteria of therapeutic effect: Cure -- stoppage of the hemorrhage and disappearance of the symptoms, vision recovered to 1.0 or above and essentially normal fundoscopic findings. Remarkable effect-- hemorrhage checked, symptoms subsided, vision increased to above 0.3 and marked improvement of the disc pathology. Improvement -- symptoms alleviated with hemorrhage checked both in frequency and amount, improvement of vision above 0.1. Failure -- hemorrhage continued and vision not improved.


Therapeutic effect: short-term follow-up in 194 eyes revealed cure in 52 eyes (26.8%), remarkable improvement in 43 (22.17%) and improvement in 75 (38.66%). In all, treatment was effective in 170 (87.63%). Failure occurred in 24 (12.57%). 44 eyes had long-term follow-up among them 32 (77.28%) had no recurrence and in 10 (22.72%) the lesion recurred. A remarkably low recurrent rate is seen in the cured cases.

Discussion:

1. The therapeutic effect is closely related with the pretreatment level of eye vision. As a rule excellent results are expected in cases with higher acuity of vision, and this is also true vice versa. Among the 94 eyes with a vision level below 0.1, only five eyes claimed cure (5.32%) and 17 (18.00%) were failures. In the 100 eyes with the pre-treatment vision above 0.1, 47 (47.0%) cured and no effect in 7 7%). The difference of cure rate among these two groups is statistically significant (P=0.001).


2. The therapeutic effect is influenced by the amount of hemorrhage into the fundus as well as the extent of the disc lesion. Poor results are often seen in those cases with profuse hemorrhage and severe pathological changes in the disc, and the outcome is as a rule promising when both hemorrhage and the disc lesion are not severe. Among the 194 eyes with profuse bleeding and dense vitreous opacities, the fundi could not be visualized in 103; and in the latter group only 8 claimed cure (7.76%), and failure in 16 (15.53%). In 47 eyes of traumatic choroidal heomarrhage, 22 cured (46.8%), failure in two (4.26%). The difference is statistically highly significant (P<0.001).

Acupuncture Treatment Of Exudative Central Chorioretinopathy - A Preliminary Report Of 600 Cases

Department of Ophthalmology, The first Hospital, Zhejiang Medical College*

*Compiled by Ye Linmei

Exudative central chorioretinopathy is one of the common ocular diseases. The early impairment of the central vision and protracted clinical course may seriously interfere with the life of those suffered. Various remedies have been advocated by authors of different countries with certain beneficial results, though far from being satisfactory. On account of the lengthy therapeutic course and great expense needed, their practical use has not met with general approval.


Since the mid of 1970 we began to treat this disease with acupuncture of "Xiangyang" point and the clinical results attained were encouraging with an overall cure or improved rate up to 97.66%. From the accumulated clinical experiences for more than 7 years, it has been shown that acupuncture of "Xiangyang" point in the treatment of exudative central chorioretinopathy is the method of choice. It is efficacious, with shorter therapeutic course, simple, safe and almost painless with a low cost and less equipment needed.


Analysis of 600 cases with exudative central chorioretinopathy undergoing acupuncture therapy showed an overall results of cured or improved in 586 cases (97.66%) and unsatisfactory in 14 cases (2.34%).

The role of acupuncture might be postulated as that the favorable effects of needling "Xiangyang" point perhaps traverse through the distribution of cervical plexuses and sympathetic chains. More recently the fluorescin angiography of the fundus has demonstrated definite changes in the permeability of choriocapillaries. One would anticipated that the mild stimulation by needling may regulate the malfunctioned cervical sympathetic plexus, reduce the permeability of choriocapillaries and promote the resolution of edema and exudation.


As regards the nature of channel, whether it does designate nervous system still remains unsolved. For the time being we would assume that channel may intimately correlate with nervous system.

Literatures referring to this disease both in Western and traditional Chinese medicine were reviewed with discussion.

Observation On Acupuncture Therapy Of 403 Cases Of Chronic Central Angiospastic Retinopathy

Li Pinqing (371 Hospital of PLA)

A total of 772 cases of chronic central angiospastic retinopathy was treated with acupuncture in our hospital since 1970. This article analysed therapeutic effects of 403 cases of this disease.

In acupuncture therapy of this group of patients we applied only two new acupuncture points discovered by ourselves without using other points. Some of the patients were given also supplementary drugs: vitamin, niacin and so forth. "Front Yifeng": It is 16 mm front above "Yifeng", close to the center of the skin wrinkle of the earlobe. After piercing the skin the needle is pointed forward and upward at an angle of 60º to the surface, about 33 mm deep, reaching the front of incisura intertragica and the hind side of the lower jaw. The "Meishao" ("") point: it is 33 mm above the tip of the eye-brow and 10 mm outward, the needle goes in straight, 15-18 mm deep.


When the sensation of needling is found, the needle is quickly twisted and pierced in and slowly lifting up, using the method of twisting and turning, lifting up and sticking in and rubbing of the needle. After having acupunctured at these two points the feeling of distension and being electrified appeared in the eyeball or in the region of the eye.

Of this group of 403 cases, 649 eyes suffered from this type of disease. There were 343 males and 60 females in these cases. The therapeutic results were measured according to the following standard: a) recovery: the vision exceeded 1.0, the exudate of macula flava of the retina was completely or partially absorbed, the disorder of pigment disappeared or markedly improved; b) marked effect: raising of the vision exceeded 5 scales, the old exudate of macula flava retina was partially absorbed or that of the fovea centralis was markedly absorbed; c) improved: the effect was under "b)"; d) no effect: there were no changes in the vision and fundus oculi. Therapeutic results were: recovery, 396 eyes, 61%; markedly improved, 46 eyes, 7.1%; improved, 192 eyes, 29.6%; no effect, 15 eyes, 2.3%. General effective rate was 97.7%. The degree of absorption of the exudate in this series of cases had a certain relation to its form. The absorption of the punctate-exudate was better: of 423 eyes, 158 eyes, fully absorbed; 123 eyes, mostly absorbed; 85 eyes partially absorbed; 30 eyes, not absorbed at all.


Of this group of patients, 167 cases of them were followed up for one year; therapeutic results were stable -- 71 cases; the vision slightly fluctuated -- 16 cases; the vision reduced -- 7 cases. 73 cases of them were followed up for more than one year: therapeutic results were stable -- 64 cases; the vision slightly fluctuated -- 5 cases. The fluctuation or reduction of the vision had the following causes: before patients left the hospital, the exudate was not completely absorbed; after discharge the patients caught cold and fever; they worked very hard and were over-tired, etc.


The points selected for the group of patients have the following characteristics: strong needling feeling, easy and simple of operation, safe and good therapeutic effects.

A Preliminary Study On The Moxibustion Treatment Of Thromboangiitis Obliterans -- An Analysis Of 58 Cases

Peng Hourong et al. (Chongqing Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

During the period from January 1976 through September 1978, we have admitted 58 cases of thromboangitis obliterans. They were treated with two dissimilar regimes and the results of treatments were analysed. Of the total, the first twenty eight consecutive cases were treated with decoctions of medicinal herbs but no moxibustion (group A), the remainder were treated with moxibustion but no herbal decoctions (group B). Group A was further splitted, in accordance with conventinal traditional Chinese medical typing, into two clinical forms: the "cold-damp" and the "hot-toxemic". The former was given a compound decoction of Radix Angelicae Sinensis, while the latter received either a compound decoction of Radix Rehmanniae or a compound decoction of four herbs, namely, Radix Scrophulariae, Angelicae sinensis, Lonicera japonica and Glycyrrhizae. For group B patients, the ignited moxa stick was held over various acupuncture points around the ankle and other points such as Zusanli, Weizhong, Xuehai, Shenshu and etc. For open wounds the management was the same for both groups. The two groups were also comparable as regards age and the duration and severity of morbidity.

Therapeutical results: Alleviation or abatement of pain within 5 days was obtained in 15 patients (amongst 28) and 24 (amongst 30), of group A and B respectively. (P>0.05). Complete healing of wound within 3 months occurred in 11 patients and 22 patients, of Group A and B, respectively (P<0.05). The latter difference is statistically significant and therefore justifies our opinion that moxibustion accompanied by local application of Chinese pharmaceutical preparations on open wounds may be deemed a rational therapeutic approach to promote healing in thromboangiitis obliterans with open wounds.

A Clinical Observation Of 138 Cases Of Acute Lymphangitis Treated With Acupuncture And Moxibustion

Jin Ande (Gansu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine)

138 cases of acute lymphangitis (common name in Chinese -- Hong Si Ding or red streaked boil) were treated with acupuncture and moxibustion during 1960-1972.

Only common acupuncture needle and moxa stick (Artemisia supp.) were used, and the acupuncture points selected were 3-5 in all, placed laterally or near the red streaks of the malignant boil in question as well as another two Asi points, situated along the anterior and posterior ends of the boil. As soon as the acupuncture needles pierced into the depth of these above points and the patient treated got a convinced or complicated sense of soreness, numbness and distension, we started moxibustion with moxa stick, at a distance about 3 cm apart from the skin. The stick moved slowly from the anterior end posteriorly in 15-20 minutes, so that the focus of infection was transformed into a broad and red-colored band. The needle was then pulled out immediately, and the patient was allowed to leave the ward after 15-30 minutes' rest.


Among the 138 cases treated with acupuncture and moxibution, 109 (78.9%) were brought back to health after a single course of treatment, 18 (13%) recovered after a second treatment, and 7 (5.1%) recovered after third treatment.

The remaining 4 cases (2.9%) had their symptoms eased and their red streaks disappeared after 4-5 treatments, although the primary focus of infection remained unhealed.

Studies On The Anti-Inflammatory Effects Of Acupuncture

Bi She, Xu Jingxing, Gao Jiyuan, Li Shanmin, Wang Shufen (Department of Pathologrcal Physiology, Zhongguo Medical College)

0.025 ml. of turpentine-oil was injected into rabbit ear and the effects of acupuncture on the inflammatory reaction were observed. Acupuncture was performed 0, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hrs. after the injection. The points acupunctured were Hegu, Zusanli, Quchi and Yifeng. Each time the needling of a point lasted 1 min. with the needle thrusted, lifted and twisted twice per second and then remained in situ for 20 min.


The hyperemia, exudation and PMN infiltrations were significantly suppressed in acupunctured animals. The ear-volume of controls steadily increased following oil injection, reached its maximum at the 24th hour (121.8%) and then declined. While in the acupunctured animals, the increase markedly lagged behind, with a maximum increment of 41.8% only. Experiments indicated that intact sympathetic innervation of the ear was necessary for the above effects.

In experiments on rats with granuloma pouch, electro-acupuncture demonstrated similar effects. The volume of exudate and the wet weight of pouch were significantly less in the acupunctured than in controls.


In another group of experiments with rabbit ear, 0.2 microcurie of {32}P was injected into the inflammatory site (outer zone). The absorption rate of the isotope at the 29th min. was 63.7% in the acupunctured versus 25.6% in controls. This suggested an improvement of local circulation and lymphatic drainage, and the latter was also confirmed by lymphographic studies.

Clinical Report Of 366 Cases Of Acupuncture Antiphlogosis

Zhang Zuomin (Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 4th People's Hospital, Jilin)

Since Jan. 1975 acupuncture antiphlogosis as the routine has been used in the treatment of varieties of operations or the cases of inflammatory infections in department of gynecology and obstetrics. We have treated 2037 cases within four years. Now, the curative effect of 366 cases of operations with bacteria and inflammatory infection are mentioned as follows:

Selection of Points and Methods


The four "Liao points" of both sides. A long needle is inserted from Xialiao, Zhongliao, Ciliao to Shangliao under the skin and close to the sacrum by applying strong stimulation, but without retaining of the needle.

The both Quchi and Zusanli points. The needle is inserted to a depth of 1.5 cun.

The needling method is like this: insert the needle for three times and withdraw once. When the needle is inserted to a depth of half cun, rotate it to the left side for several times. All are used with strong stimulation and without the retention of the needle. The more sensitive of distension and numbness, the better the effect. The needle should be withdrawn rapidly and the needle hole should be pressed for a little while. As soon as the operation is finished, puncture "Zusanli point" and the "Four-Liao points", then the patient is sent to his ward. The "Quchi point" should be needled the next day, and continued for 3-7 days, twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The duration of acupuncture may be even longer for some patients.


No antiphlogistic is used during the process of acupuncture. For the nonoperated inflammatory infection, only the both "Quchi points" are used with the same method as mentioned above.

Observations of Effect

All the 366 cases were those of operations with bacteria and inflammatory infection. The body temperature of most patients was higher than 38ºC. The total leukocyte count was 10,000-30,000/mm{3}. All the inflammations including the repair of uro-fistula, pelvic abscess and puerperal infection were relieved by acupuncture. The curative effect was very evident. The hospitalized time is about 10 days for various abdominal operations with bacteria and it is about 8.6 days on an average for all the cases. Among the 366 cases, only 7 cases which were failed by acupuncture were recovered by antibiotics treatment. The curative rate was 98.1%. Another 8 cases whose curing time were prolonged were recovered after applying several dressings. In clinical treatment it requires correct selection of points and grasping the acupuncture manipulation. And it is the key importance for achieving the good results.


Changes in the Body after Acupuncture

After acupuncture the body temperature will drop quickly and become normal in 2 or 3 days. It also has a regulating function on the leukocyte count.

Acupuncture will also increase the level of estrogens. When the vaginal smear is observed at the midtime of non-menstrual period, a lot of keratinized cells can be seen. After caesarian section the secretion of breast milk will be increased. After acupuncture, the ascending curves will become steep, the inflow time is decreased, the descendent curves dropped more quickly and the dicrotic pulse waves have no obvious changes when the rheogram is observed.


Cases not Suitable for Selection

The acupuncture is mainly to bring into play the ability of resisting bacteria in the body, and to bring the propagation of bacteria under control and finally to do away with the bacteria. The cases such as septicemia, serious dystrophy, the worst resisting conditions and disfunction of self-defence are not suitable for selection.

Anti-Inflammatory Effect From Acupuncture (With Analysis Of 607 Cases)

Orthopedic Hospital of Wendeng County, Shandong

607 patients, including 77 cases of osteoarthritis, 107 cases of open fracture after debridement and internal fixation, and 413 cases after aseptic operation, were treated by means of acupuncture in our hospital from Oct. 1976 to Sep. 1978. The efficacy was 97%.

1. Materials and Methods:

(1) Selection of cases:

Cases of osteoarthritis with fever, leucocytosis, local swelling and pain, 29 cases of which showed lesions of suppurative arthritis on X-ray examination, cases of open fracture with wounds of more than 10 cm. in length and severe contamination, delayed for more than four hours before hospitalization, cases of complicated operation with the operating time more than two hours.


(2) Acupuncture points:

Upper limbs: Hegu, Quchi, Shousanli, Neiguan.

Lower limbs: Sanyinjiao, Zusanli, Xingjian, Yanglingquan, Xuehai, Biguan, Xuanzhong, Chongmen, Weizhong.

Trunk: Huantiao, Zhibian, Dazhui.

The majority of acupuncture points were selected on the same side of lesions. If there were external fixations on the side of lesions, took the points on the opposite side. The points Dazhui and Quchi were added in case of fever. The point Zusanli was added in case of anorexia.


(3) Manipulation of needling:

"Reducing" method was recommended for robust patients or patients with fever and pain. "Moderate" manipulation was recommended for patients with chronic inflammation.

(4) Maintenance of needling:

As the patient felt soreness, numbness, distension and heaviness around the needling points, the needles were left in the points for 20 minutes and the same manipulation repeated once again during this period. Acupuncture was carried out once a day, and twice a day for severe cases.


2. Clinical observation:

All of 77 cases with osteoarthritis were cured, except one patient who died of acute yellow atrophy of liver. Among 107 cases of open fracture after debridement and internal fixation, 93 cases were healed by first intention, 13 cases were healed by second intention, and four cases resulted in infection of wound. Among 413 cases after aseptic operation, 412 cases were healed by first intention and one case was healed by second intention.

Within two days after acupuncture, patients' mental state, appetite and sleeping condition were markedly improved, and the pain relieved.


During the course of acupuncture, 26 patients had examinations on blood picture. Eosinophil counts were found to be elevated one day after acupuncture, reached their peaks three days later, and returned to the original levels one week later.

All the patients in this group received neither antibiotics nor other anti-inflammatory drugs.

Acupuncture Treatment Of Cervical Erosion

Liang Ruijun (Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hospital of Jilin Medical College)

Since 1975 we have treated 1010 patients with erosion of cervix by needling "Xiayi" point. Of 1010 treated cases, 630 are cured, 280 improved and 100 ineffective. There are 419 patients with the I degree erosion of cervix, 467 with II degree, 124 with III degree. The therapeutic effects on cases of I and II degree are satisfactory, while those on cases of III degree are less effective. Remarkable difference in therapeutic effects are noted (P<0.01)>0.05). The acupuncture effective rate is 92% for I and II degree patients, 75% for III degree patients, the total effective rate being 90.1%.

Procedures:

Point Sanyinjiao is selected. Apply a 5 cm. stainless thin needle on Sanyinjiao points of both sides. Patients may take recumbent or sitting position. During needling, the patient should relaxedly extend his legs. The body of the needle and the local skin of the patient are sterilized with bromogeramine. While needling, an angle of 30º between the tip of the needle and the skin is maintained. After inserting the body of needle should be kept parallel with the skin, while the tip of the needle is directed upwards. The inserted needle is 1-1.5 cun in depth and kept in place for 20--30 minutes. According to the method mentioned above, in the course of the needling the patient felt no sensation of numbness and distension, but resulting in therapeutic effects. In case the patient complains of sensation of numbness and distension, the needle should be withdrawn and inserted along the skin again. We didn't give the strong stimulation by a deeper insertion on the patient. Therefore whether the deeper insertion gives a better result remains to be seen.

The Induction Of Labor By Electroacupuncture Stimulation -- An Analysis Of 771 Cases

Zhu Renlie, Kao Xiuhui, Zhou Yulian, Yu Jin (Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Medical College)

Between January 1977 and October 1978, at the Obstet. and Gynecol. Hospital of the First Medical College of Shanghai, labour was induced by electroacupuncture stimulation in 771 pregnant women who were postterm or had premature rupture of the membranes. The duration of gestation varied from 37 to 44 weeks.

The points used for acupuncture were Hegu on the hand and Sanyinjiao on the ipsilateral lower leg. Two types of electroacuppncture apparatus, producing square waves and sharp waves, were used.


A success rate of 72.11% was achieved, which was similar to that of pitocin injection 70.24% in 118 cases.

The main factors effecting the results of electro-acupuncture induction were the prelabour pelvic scoring status and whether the membranes were ruptured. The higher the score, the greater the chance for successful induction of labour. The success rate with pelvic scores 7 or greater was significantly higher than that of 6 or lower (P<0.01).

The results of acupuncture induction are neither correlated to the type of electrical stimulation, nor to pre-induction stripping of the membranes or parity (P>0.05).


No maternal risk, and also no deleterious effect on the infant could be demonstrated as being caused by this method of induction.

The exact mechanism of electroacupuncture indution of labour is not yet clearly understood, based upon the several types of uterine contractions observed, it may be considered that effects on the uterus is probably not only neural, but also hormonal.

The biologic actions of progesterone and cortisol in the maintenance of pregnancy and initiation of labor is discussed, but no conclusion is drawn, because of the limited cases with laboratory evaluations. Further investigation will be undertaken.


We feel that electroacupuncture stimulation can be used as an effective, safe, and simple technique in obstetrical practice.