Clinical effect on migraine treated with acupoint implantation / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the clinical efficacy on migraine treated with acupoint implantation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Sixty cases of migraine were randomized into a implantation group and an electroacupuncture (EA) group, 30 cases in each one. In the implantation group, implantation was used at Fengchi (GB 20), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Waiguan (TE 5), Yanglingquan (GB 34), etc., once every 2 weeks, for 4 weeks totally. In the EA group, the acupoints were the same as the implantation group, and EA was applied to Fengchi (GB 20) and Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Yanglingquan (GB 34) and Zusanli (ST 36), once every two days, for 4 weeks totally. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was adopted before and after treatment and the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After treatment, VAS score was reduced in the implantation group and the EA group as compared with that before treatment (both P < 0.01). After treatment, VAS score in the implantation group was lower than that in the EA group (P < 0.01). The difference in VAS score before and after treatment in the implantation group was improved apparently as compared with that in the EA group (P < 0.01). The total effective rate in the implantation group was higher than that in the EA group (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The acupoint implantation reduces VAS score in the patients of migraine and its clinical efficacy is better than that in the EA group. The therapy presents the long-term clinical effect and deserves to be promoted in clinical practice.</p>

Preliminary study on depth of embedded catgut and qi arrival at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) under ultrasound guidance / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the relationship between the needling sensation of catgut embedding therapy and the depth of embedded catgut so as to improve the safety of the needle insertion and catgut implantation of the therapy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty healthy adults were selected. Under the ultrasound, the structure of the cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) was observed. In the ultrasound guidance, the catgut was embedded. The two-dimensional imaging method was adopted to observe the anatomic structure and the procedure of needle insertion at the cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2). The high-frequency ultrasound was used to collect the images at Jiaji (EX-B 2) of C5 and determine the depths from the skin surface to the different layers of the point. Additionally, the visual analogue scale (VAS) was adopted to score the needling sensations when the needle inserted at different layers. The persistent sensation duration in the local area was followed continuously.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Under the ultrasound, the anatomic structure and tissue layers of cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2) were displayed clearly. The difference was significant in the average depth from the skin surface to the subcutaneous tissue, trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, semipinalis cervicis, multifidus and vertebral arch between the males and females (all P<0. 01). During the needle insertion, the sensations were apparently different when the implantation went to different layers. The qi arrival presented when the catgut was embedded to the trapezius, splenius capitis, semispinalis capitis, semipinalis cervicis and multifidus. But the distending pain was the most significant when in the myofascial. Commonly, the embedded catgut 2. 5 cm in length may be implanted deeply to the multifidus and the local needling sensation lasted averagely for (72. 0 ± 10. 2) h. Conclusion Under the ultrasound guidance, the depth of embedded catgut is clearly displayed at cervical Jiaji (EX-B 2). The needle insertion and the implanted material are visible, and the relationship between qi arrival and the layer of needle insertion is determined. The accuracy and safety of minimally invasive catgut embedding therapy is improved in the treatment of cervical spondylosis.</p>