Clinical observation of auricular acupoint therapy for pain in early-stage extremity trauma

Objective

To observe the efficacy of auricular acupoint sticking based on conventional treatment in treating pain in early-stage extremity trauma.

Methods

A hundred eligible patients with acute soft tissue injury or acute closed fracture were randomized into an observation group and a control group by their admission sequence, 50 cases in each group. The two groups both received routine management including routine checking, external fixing, traction, raising up the affected limb, etc., as well as cold compress with Chinese medication (Xiao Zhong Zhi Tong Powder). In addition to the routine management, the control group was given oral administration of amidopyrine and phenacetin compound tablet, 1 tablet per dose, twice a day, which was then taken only when necessary or terminated after pain subsided. The observation group was given auricular acupoint sticking in addition to the routine management. The two groups were compared in terms of numerical rating scale (NRS) score, therapeutic efficacy and adverse reactions after pain was relieved.

Results

After the intervention, the NRS scores dropped significantly in both groups (P<0.01); the NRS score in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P<0.05). There were no severe adverse reactions in the two groups.

Conclusion

Based on routine management, auricular acupoint sticking can produce a more significant efficacy in treating pain in early-stage extremity trauma compared to amidopyrine and phenacetin compound tablet; it can effectively reduce pain of the affected limb and prevent complications; it’s easy-to-operate and safe; patients can learn and understand it easily; its efficacy is confirmed; it enhances the satisfaction degree of the inpatients. Therefore, this method is worth promoting in clinic.

     

Current situation and analysis of clinical application of auricular acupoint sticking therapy

Objective

By the bibliometrical analysis and evaluation of acupuncture theses on auricular acupoint sticking from 2005 to 2014, the analysis was processed from multiple aspects including the types and numbers of diseases and effective rates of various diseases, in order to objectively reflect the general situation of clinical application of ear point embedding method in the recent years.

Methods

By the bibliometrical analysis, the literature on auricular acupoint sticking in the recent ten years was counted up, analyzed and categorized.

Results and Conclusion

Auricular acupoint sticking is used clinically for diseases of 16 systems, including 130 diseases. 74 diseases were singularly treated with auricular acupoint sticking, including the advantageous disease category like insomnia, constipation and obesity, and secondary advantageous disease category like dysmenorrhea, myopia, allergic rhinitis, post-operative pain and acne vulgaris.

     

Therapeutic effect of warm needling plus acupoint sticking therapy on primary dysmenorrhea due to cold-dampness retention

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling plus acupoint sticking therapy for primary dysmenorrhea.

Methods

A total of 60 eligible cases were randomly allocated into a treatment group (n=30) and a control group (n=30) according to their sequence of consultation. Patients in the treatment group were treated with warm needling combined with acupoint sticking therapy, whereas patients in the control group were treated with oral Ibuprofen (Fenbid) capsules. After two menstrual cycles, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, COX menstrual symptom scale (CMSS) and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups.

Results

After treatment, the VAS and CMSS scores were significantly reduced in both groups, indicating that both treatment protocols can remarkably alleviate pain. There was a between-group statistical difference in comparing the CMSS score (P<0.05), but no between-group statistical difference in the VAS score (P>0.05). However, the follow-up visit showed between-group statistical differences in comparing VOA and CMSS scores (both P<0.01). The clinical effect, relapse rate and long-term efficacy in the treatment group were better than those in the control group.

Conclusion

Warm needling plus acupoint sticking therapy is a simple but effective therapy for primary dysmenorrhea. In addition, it causes fewer cases with relapse.

     

Applying tuina to exterior-interiorly connected meridians for post-stroke upper limb spasticity

Objective

To observe the effect of applying tuina to exterior-interiorly connected meridians for post-stroke upper limb spasticity.

Methods

A total of 150 patients with post-stroke upper limb spasticity were randomly allocated into a treatment group (n=75) and a control group (n=75) by the random number table. Patients in the treatment group received tuina on exterior-interiorly connected meridians, whereas patients in the control group received standard rehabilitation therapy. The therapeutic efficacies in both groups were observed after 3 weeks of treatment.

Results

The total effective rate in the treatment group was 89.3%, versus 61.3% in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). After the treatment, the muscle tones by the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) were significantly improved in both groups (both P<0.05); and the improvement of muscle tone was more significant in the treatment group than that in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Applying tuina to exterior-interiorly connected meridians can obtain an exact efficacy for post-stroke upper limb spasticity.

     

Clinical observation of Liu’s infantile tuina therapy for allergic rhinitis

Objective

To discuss the clinical efficacy of Liu’s infantile tuina therapy in treating kid’s allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods

Sixty eligible AR kids were randomized into a tuina group and a Western medication group by their visiting sequence, 30 cases in each group. The tuina group was intervened by Liu’s infantile tuina therapy, once daily, 5 times as a treatment course, with a 2-day interval after a course; the control group was by orally taking Loratadine. The therapeutic efficacies were compared and analyzed after treatment for 4 successive weeks.

Results

After treatment, the symptoms such as itchy nose, sneezing, runny nose, and stuffy nose were significantly improved in both groups (P<0.05), and the improvements in the tuina group were more remarkable than those in the Western medication group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.0% in the tuina group versus 73.3% in the Western medication group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Liu’s infantile tuina therapy can produce a better therapeutic efficacy in treating AR kids compared to oral administration of Loratadine.

     

Effect of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Yi Jin Jing</Emphasis> (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) plus tuina on scapulohumeral periarthritis

Objective

To investigate the effect of Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) plus tuina on scapulohumeral periarthritis (SP).

Methods

A total of 30 cases with SP were randomized into an observation group and a control group. Those in the observation group practiced Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) plus tuina therapy; whereas those in the control group received only tuina therapy. Tuina therapy was conducted every other day, 20 min every time for 1 month and Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) was conducted once a day for 1 month. The therapeutic effects were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and Constant-Murley scale.

Results

After treatment, the VAS score and Constant-Murley scale were substantially improved, showing statistical significances (P<0.01); the Constant-Murley scale in the observation group was better than that in the control group, showing a statistical significance (P<0.01); the effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, between-group comparison showed a statistical significance (P<0.01).

Conclusion

Yi Jin Jing (Sinew-transforming Qigong Exercises) plus tuina and tuina alone have a verified effect in treating SP, and the former can achieve a better effect than the later.

     

Therapeutic observation of warm needling moxibustion plus tuina for knee osteoarthritis due to cold-dampness blocking collaterals

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of warm needling moxibustion plus tuina in treating knee osteoarthritis (KOA) due to cold-dampness blocking collaterals.

Methods

Forty-eight KOA patients were randomized into 2 groups by their visiting sequence, 24 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by warm needling moxibustion plus tuina, while the control group was treated with acupuncture plus tuina. The two groups were both treated once a day, 30 min for each session, 10 d as a treatment course, totally for 3 treatment courses. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lysholm knee scoring scale (LKSS) were observed before and after the treatment to evaluate the clinical efficacy.

Results

After 3 treatment courses, the VAS and LKSS scores were significantly changed in the two groups (P<0.01), and the between-group differences were also statistically significant (P<0.01). The markedly-effective rate was 83.3% in the treatment group versus 66.7% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Warm needling moxibustion plus tuina can produce a more significant efficacy than acupuncture plus tuina in treating KOA due to cold-dampness blocking collaterals.

     

Effect of acupoint sticking at Shenque (CV 8) for preventing spleen-stomach disharmony caused by venous analgesia pump

Objective

To observe the clinical effect of acupoint sticking of Chinese medicine at Shenque (CV 8) for preventing spleenstomach disharmony caused by venous analgesia pump.

Methods

A total of 120 post-surgery patients using venous analgesia pump and also conforming to the inclusion criteria were randomized into 2 groups by the random number table. There were 58 patients in the control group who received conventional post-surgery nursing care, and there were 62 patients in the treatment group who received acupoint sticking at Shenque (CV 8) on the basis of conventional nursing care. After treatment, the incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and abdominal bloating were measured.

Results

The total incidence of nausea, vomiting and abdominal bloating in the treatment group was 11.3%, versus 39.7% in the control group, and the difference of the incidence between the two groups showed a statistical significance (P<0.05). In comparison of the severity of spleen-stomach dishormony which happened during 72 h after surgery, cases in the treatment group showed lower severity than those in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Acupoint sticking at Shenque (CV 8) can effectively prevent spleen-stomach disharmony caused by venous analgesia pump, which will alleviate sufferings of the patients.

     

Therapeutic efficacy observation on combining auricular and routine acupuncture for peripheral facial paralysis in acute stage

Objective

To investigate the clinical efficacy of combining auricular and routine acupuncture for peripheral facial paralysis in acute stage.

Methods

A total of 60 eligible cases were randomly allocated into a treatment group (n=30) and a control group (n=30). Cases in treatment group received auricular and routine acupuncture, whereas cases in the control group received routine acupuncture alone. Both groups were treated for 10 d.

Results

The recovery rate was 73.3% in the treatment group and 53.3% in the control group, showing a statistical difference (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Combining auricular and routine acupuncture is effective for peripheral facial paralysis in acute stage and has a better effect than routine acupuncture.

     

Effect of combining acupuncture and auricular point sticking on heart rate variability in patients with post-stroke depression

Objective

To investigate the effect of combining acupuncture and auricular point sticking on heart rate variability (HRV) in patients with post-stroke depression (PSD).

Methods

A total of 80 cases with PSD were randomized into a treatment group and a control group. The control group was intervened by oral administration of paroxetine hydrochloride, whereas the treatment group received acupuncture plus auricular point sticking base on the same oral administration. The Hamilton depression rating scale (HAMD) and HRV were measured before and after treatment in both groups.

Results

The individual and global scores of HAMD significantly dropped after 8 weeks of treatment in both groups (all P<0.05). In the treatment group, anxiety/somatization factor, sleep disturbance, hopelessness factor, cognition factor and global score were significantly different from those in the control group (all P<0.05). The 24 h standard deviation of all normal-to-normal R-R interval (SDNN), standard deviation of 5-minute average of normal R-R intervals (SDANN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), percent of differences between adjacent normal R-R intervals >50 ms (PNN50) and high frequency (HF) were increased while low frequency (LF) and LF/HF decreased significantly after 8 weeks of treatment in both groups (P<0.05). All items in the treatment group were significantly different from those in the control group (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

Combining acupuncture and auricular point sticking can enhance the conventional medical treatment for HRV in patients with PSD.

     

Therapeutic observation of acupuncture plus tuina for cervical vertigo

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture plus tuina in treating cervical vertigo (CV).

Methods

One hundred CV patients were randomized into an observation group and an acupuncture group by the random number table, with 50 cases in each group. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at Xiang Ba Zhen (eight acupoints on the nape); the observation group received tuina treatment in addition to the Xiang Ba Zhen acupuncture. The two groups were both treated once every other day for 10 sessions in total. The two groups were examined by transcranial cerebral Doppler (TCD) before and after the treatment, and their therapeutic efficacies were evaluated.

Results

After the treatment, the mean velocity (Vm) of vertebral artery (VA) and basilar artery (BA) showed significant improvement in both groups (all P<0.001); there were significant differences in the Vm of VA and BA between the two groups (both P<0.05). The total effective rate was 100.0% in the observation group versus 82.0% in the acupuncture group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01).

Conclusion

Xiang Ba Zhen acupuncture as a monotherapy or used together with tuina can improve CV, but Xiang Ba Zhen plus tuina can produce a more significant efficacy.

     

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.

     

Clinical study on tuina plus functional training for scapulohumeral periarthritis

Objective

To observe the clinical effects of tuina manipulations plus the functional training on scapulohumeral periarthritis (SP), and provide the better therapeutic plan for SP patients.

Methods

A total of 76 cases with SP in conformity with the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a tuina group and an acupuncture group, 38 patients in each group. All the patients were instructed to do functional training under the guidance of the professional medical practitioners. The patients in the tuina group were treated additionally with tuina manipulations, while the patients in the acupuncture group were added with acupuncture treatment. The two groups were treated once every day. After ten sessions, the changes in the scores of visual analog scale (VAS) and Melle were observed, and the clinical effect was compared.

Results

After the treatment, VAS and Melle scores were all lower in the tuina group than those in the acupuncture group, with statistical significances between the two groups (P<0.05). The remarkable effective rate was 5.3% in the acupuncture group and 21.1% in the tuina group. The remarkable effective rate was higher in the tuina group than that in the acupuncture group, with a statistical significance (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Tuina manipulations plus functional training for SP can effectively alleviate pain and restore the functions of the shoulder joint, with a better effect than acupuncture plus functional training.

     

Clinical observation of tuina plus heat-sensitive moxibustion for temporomandibular disorders

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of tuina plus heat-sensitive moxibustion in treating temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methods

Fifty patients with TMD were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 25 cases in each group. The treatment group was intervened by tuina plus heat-sensitive moxibustion, while the control group was by medication. The Fricton-Shiffman craniomandibular index (CMI) was observed before and after intervention, and the clinical efficacies of the two groups were also evaluated.

Results

There was no significant difference in comparing the CMI score between the two groups before intervention (P>0.05). After a treatment course, there were significant improvements in evaluating the CMI score in both groups (P<0.01), and the improvement was more significant in the treatment group than that in the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate of the treatment group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01).

Conclusion

Tuina plus heat-sensitive moxibustion is effective in treating TMD, and it’s safe, without adverse reactions, thus worth promoting in clinic.

     

Effect of tuina along the pathways of meridians plus rehabilitation training on lower limb swelling after surgical repair of fracture

Objective

To investigate the effect of tuina along the pathways of meridians on lower limb swelling after surgical repair of fracture.

Methods

A total of 72 cases with lower limb fractures were randomly allocated into an observation group (n=36) and a control group (n=36). On the third day when the draining tube was removed after surgery, patients in both groups started same rehabilitation training. The patients in the observation group received additional tuina therapy along the pathways of meridians, twice a day for 7 d. Then the swelling and deswelling time of patients in both groups were observed.

Results

After 7 d of treatment, the swelling degree of patients in both groups were significantly alleviated (P<0.05); and the alleviation was more significant in the observation group than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was between-group statistical difference in clinical effect (P<0.05). The follow-up visit 6 months after treatment showed a significantly shorter deswelling time in the observation group than that in the control group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Tuina along the pathways of meridians plus rehabilitation training can effectively prevent or alleviate (fracture) postoperative lower limb swelling.

     

Traditional Chinese medicine treatment selection for straightened cervical curvature and therapeutic observation

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of different therapies in treating straightened cervical curvature.

Methods

A hundred patients with straightened cervical curvature were randomized into 5 groups to receive corresponding treatment. The clinical efficacies and the changes of cervical curvature in the five groups were compared.

Results

Different therapies all produced certain effectiveness in treating cervical spondylosis patients. The total effective rates in the acupuncture group and tuina group were both 100%, and the rates in the traction group, oral medication group and Chinese medicinal application group were all lower than the rates in the acupuncture group and tuina group (P<0.05). It was shown that the more significant the change of cervical curvature, the more significant the clinical efficacy.

Conclusion

Correcting the straightened cervical curvature is a way to swiftly release pain brought by cervical spondylosis; the optimization of different therapies ensures the achievement of long-term effectiveness; acupuncture and tuina are both effective in restoring the cervical curvature.

     

Therapeutic effect observation of Shanghai-style tuina method for infantile diarrhea

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of Shanghai-style tuina method based on syndrome differentiation in treating infantile diarrhea.

Methods

Sixty patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The patients in the observation group were treated by Shanghai-style tuina method based on syndrome differentiation, while the patients in the control group were treated by conventional Shanghai-style tuina method, once per day, continuous 5 d for a treatment course. The efficacy was evaluated according to the score of the quantization table for symptoms differentiation in infantile diarrhea after one course.

Results

During the treatment, two cases in the control group dropped out. After treatment, the scores were significantly decreased in both groups and the intra-group differences were statistically significant (both P<0.01), indicating the two treatment methods were effective with infantile diarrhea. In the efficacies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome, the cured and markedly effective rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05), suggesting that Shanghai-style tuina method based on syndrome differentiation was more effective than conventional Shanghai-style tuina method.

Conclusion

Conventional Shanghai-style tuina method is characterized by fixed acupoints, remembering easily and operating conveniently. It has a significant effect in treating children with diarrhea, and is worthy of clinical promotion and popularization. However, Shanghai-style tuina method based on syndromes differentiation requires the solid theoretical foundation and rich clinical experience of TCM. And because Shanghai-style tuina method based on syndromes differentiation is applied under the guidance of syndrome differentiation and TCM theory, it can improve the clinical efficacy.

     

Clinical observation on tuina plus foot bath with Chinese medicine for diabetic foot in early stage

Objective

To observe the clinical effect of tuina plus foot bath with Chinese medicine for patients with diabetic foot (DF) in early stage.

Methods

A total of 70 patients with early-stage DF were randomly allocated by the random number table into two groups, with 35 cases in each group. Patients in the control group received conventional medication, while patients in the observation group received tuina plus foot bath with Chinese medicine on the basis of conventional medication. The clinical efficacy was compared after 2 courses of treatment.

Results

After treatment, intra-group comparisons of ankle-brachial index (ABI) showed statistical significance in both groups (both P<0.05). The curative rate was 83.3% in the observation group, with the total effective rate of 96.7%, versus 29.4% and 76.5% in the control group, respectively, and the between-group comparisons showed statistical significance (both P<0.05), indicating a better effect in the observation group.

Conclusion

Tuina plus foot bath with Chinese medicine has a good therapeutic effect for DF patients in early stage.

     

Effect of acupoint massage plus acupoint sticking therapy for the stress reaction during postoperative anesthesia recovery period in patients undergoing nasal endoscopic surgery

Objective

To observe the effect of acupoint massage plus acupoint sticking therapy for the stress reaction during postoperative anesthesia recovery period in patients undergoing nasal endoscopic surgery.

Methods

A total of 120 patients undergoing nasal endoscopic surgery were included, and all patients were under trachea intubation and general anesthesia. The patients were randomized into an observation group and a control group, with 60 patients in each group. Patients in the control group received conventional anesthesia resuscitation, while patients in the observation group received acupoint massage plus acupoint sticking therapy on the basis of conventional anesthesia resuscitation. Changes in the heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were observed at three time points including the end of the surgery (T0), the removal of the tracheal tube (T1) and 10 min after the removal of the tracheal tube (T2). The awakening and tube removal time, choking cough and restlessness, and adverse reactions (dizziness, nausea and vomiting) in 24 h post-surgery period were compared.

Results

At T1 and T2, the comparisons of HR, SBP and DBP between the two groups showed statistical significance (all P<0.05). Intra-group comparisons showed that the HR, SBP and DBP of the control group at T1 and T2 were significant different from those at T0 (all P<0.05). There were significant differences in the awakening time and tube removal time between the two groups (both P<0.05). The incidences of choking cough and restlessness were 8.3% and 3.3% respectively in the observation group, versus 53.3% and 30.0% in the control group, and the between-group comparisons showed statistical significance (both P<0.05). The incidences of dizziness, nausea and vomiting in 24 h post-surgery period were 3.3%, 5.0% and 0.0% respectively in the observation group, versus 43.3%, 33.3% and 25.0% in the control group, and the between-group comparisons showed statistical significance (all P<0.05).

Conclusion

Acupoint massage plus acupoint sticking therapy can effectively regulate the stress reaction during postoperative anesthesia recovery period in patients undergoing nasal endoscopic surgery, and maintain a stable internal environment.

     

穴位按摩配合艾灸治疗顽固性失眠疗效观察

目的：观察穴位按摩配合艾灸治疗顽固性失眠的临床疗效。方法：将60例顽固性失眠患者随机分为两组,每组30例。治疗组予头面部穴位按摩及艾灸涌泉穴治疗,对照组予与治疗组相同的头面部穴位按摩治疗。两组均每日治疗1次,治疗4星期后进行疗效观察。结果：治疗组总有效率为93.3%,对照组总有效率为80.0%,两组总有效率差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。结论：穴位按摩配合艾灸治疗顽固性失眠优于单纯穴位按摩治疗。