[Acupuncture combined with tuina therapy for stiff neck with levator scapula injury type: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined with tuina therapy for stiff neck with levator scapula injury type. METHODS: A total of 162 patients with stiff neck of levator scapula injury type were randomly divided into an acupuncture combined with tuina group (combined group, 52 patients), a tuina group (55 patients), and an acupuncture group (55 patients). The patients in the acupuncture group received acupuncture on the affected side's Houxi (SI 3), inserting the needle 10 to 20 mm towards Laogong (PC 8) with strong or moderate stimulation, and patients were instructed to move their neck, shoulders, and upper limbs during the process, with the needle retained for 2 to 3 min. The patients in the tuina group received strong stimulation pressing on tender points to release the starting and ending points of the trapezius muscle with modified techniques. The combined group first received tuina therapy, followed immediately by acupuncture treatment at the Houxi (SI 3). Treatments were administered every other day for a total of three sessions. Before treatment and on 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment, the simple McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) scores [including the pain rating index (PRI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and present pain intensity (PPI) scores] of the head, neck and shoulder, cervical spine mobility scores were observed, and the clinical efficacy and safety of each group were evaluated. RESULTS: On the 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment, the SF-MPQ, PRI, VAS, and PPI scores of the head, neck, and shoulder in all groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01). On the 1 and 3 days after treatment, the above scores in the combined group were lower than those in the tuina group and the acupuncture group (P<0.05, P<0.01). On the 7 days after treatment, the above scores in the combined group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). On the 3 days after treatment, the SF-MPQ, PRI, and VAS scores in the tuina group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.01). On the 7 days after treatment, the SF-MPQ, PRI, VAS, and PPI scores in the tuina group were lower than those in the acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). On the 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment, the cervical spine mobility scores in each group were decreased compared to those before treatment (P<0.01). On the 3 days after treatment, the cervical spine mobility score in the combined group was lower than that in the acupuncture group and the tuina group (P<0.01). On the 1, 3, and 7 days after treatment, the cured rate in the combined group was higher than that in the tuina group and the acupuncture group (P<0.01). During the treatment period, no serious adverse reactions occurred in any group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with tuina therapy could effectively improve stiff neck with levator scapula injury type, alleviate patient pain, restore cervical spine mobility, and clinically outperform both tuina and acupuncture therapy alone.

Change in Skin Surface Temperature at the Posterior Neck When Using Acupuncture at Houxi Acupoint in Healthy Volunteers.

Introduction The use of acupuncture has been suggested for the treatment of neck pain. Recently, a large body of evidence demonstrated that acupuncture has an effect on microcirculation in pain regions, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the skin surface thermographic changes in the posterior neck associated with manual acupuncture at the Houxi (SI-3) acupoint. Methods Sixty healthy volunteers of both genders, aged 18 to 30 years, were randomly determined into two groups: left acupuncture (Group A) and right acupuncture (Group B). Each group underwent two sessions with a seven-day interval. The first session involved acupuncture at the control Yuji (LU-10) acupoint, while the second session featured acupuncture at the SI-3 acupoint. Skin temperature at the posterior neck was measured by using an infrared thermal camera (FLIR C5™, FLIR® Systems, Inc., Wilsonville, OR, USA) at five time points with 5-minute intervals. Results There were statistically significant increases in posterior neck skin surface temperature (p < 0.05) during acupuncture at both the left and right SI-3 acupoints, but no significant change was observed during acupuncture at the left and right LU-10 acupoints. Furthermore, acupuncture at the SI-3 acupoint on either hand increased posterior neck skin surface temperature without a statistically significant difference (p > 0.05). Conclusion We observed that applying acupuncture at the SI-3 acupoint increased the skin surface temperature of the posterior neck area. Furthermore, the SI-3 acupoint exhibits a uniform impact on the posterior neck area's skin surface temperature, regardless of the side chosen for acupuncture.

[Effect of acupuncture at "Houxi" (SI3) and"Huantiao" (GB30) on high mobility group box 1 protein in spinal nerve trunk of rats with lumbar disc herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of acupuncture at "Houxi"(SI3) and "Huantiao"(GB30) on high mobility group box 1(HMGB1) protein and mRNA in spinal nerve trunk(SNT) of rats with lumbar disc herniation(LDH), so as to explore the mechanisms of acupuncture at this paired points on the treatment for LDH. METHODS: SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation, model, conventional acupuncture(CA) and paired points(PP) groups (with 8 rats in each group). The LDH model was established by injection of autologous suspension made from rats' own nucleus pulsus into the epidural space. Rats in the CA group received acupuncture treatment at bilateral "Weizhong"(BL40), "Dachangshu"(BL25) and "Shenshu"(BL23), while rats in the PP group received acupuncture at bilateral SI3 and GB30, 30 min each time, once daily for 14 consecutive days. The thermal pain threshold of bilateral hind feet of rats was detected by thermal pain stimulator. The contents of serum IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-8 of rats were detected by ELISA. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of HMGB1 protein in the lumbar(L)5 SNT of rats. The relative expression of HMGB1 mRNA in L5 SNT was determined by qPCR. HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes of L5 SNT. RESULTS: Compared with the sham operation group, the thermal pain threshold of bilateral hind feet in the model group was decreased (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the thermal pain threshold of bilateral hind feet in the CA group and the PP group were increased (P<0.05). The expressions of HMGB1 protein and mRNA in L5 SNT, and the contents of serum IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-8 of rats in the model group were significantly increased(P<0.000 1, P<0.001) in contrast to the sham operation group. The expressions of HMGB1 protein and mRNA in L5 SNT, and the levels of serum IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-8 were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.000 1, P<0.001, P<0.05) in the CA and PP group, in comparison with those of the model group. Compared with the CA group, the above indexes of rats in the PP group recovered more significantly (P<0.05,P<0.001, P<0.01,P<0.000 1). The histomorphological results showed scattered and various-sized nerve fibers, vacuolation, a large number of disintegrating myelin sheath and lysed Schwann cells in the model group. Myelin sheaths regeneration, regularly-arranged nerve fibers were seen in the CA group and the PP group, with more obvious histopathological recovery observed in the PP group than the CA group. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture intervention inhibites the expressions of HMGB1 protein and mRNA in rats with LDH, and further reduces the production of IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-8, which is beneficial to inflammatory response inhibition and pain alleviation. The therapeutic effect of the PP group is more obvious than that of the CA group.

["Houxi (SI 3) communicating the governor vessel" verified with the infrared thermal imaging technology].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect on facial acupoint temperature between acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) and Dazhui (GV 14) so as to verify "Houxi (SI 3) communicating the governor vessel" based on the infrared thermal imaging technology. METHODS: Thirty-five healthy subjects (5 cases dropped off) were collected and before-after study in the same subject was adopted. The subjects were successively assigned into a sham-acupuncture group, a Houxi group, a Wangu group and a Dazhui group. Sham-acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) on the left, acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) on the left, Wangu (SI 4) on the left and Dazhui (GV 14) were given respectively. One intervention was given and the needles were retained for 30 min in each group. 30 min before and after acupuncture, the infrared thermal images of the face were collected, and the facial temperature was compared among the following 5 acupoints, i.e. Yintang (GV 24+), Suliao (GV 25), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24). RESULTS: After acupuncture, the facial temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) and Chengjiang (CV 24) was increased compared before acupuncture in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The facial temperature at Suliao (GV 25) in the Houxi group was reduced after acupuncture (P<0.05). In the Wangu group, the temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) was increased compared before acupuncture (P<0.01). The facial temperature was increased at Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) compared before acupuncture in the Dazhui group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The differences of facial temperature at Chengjiang (CV 24) and Suliao (GV 25) after acupuncture were larger than before acupuncture in the Houxi group and the Dazhui group (P<0.01). In comparison with the temperature at Suliao (GV 25) of the same group, the differences of facial temperature before and after acupuncture at Yintang (GV 24+), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) were increased in the Houxi group (P<0.01, P<0.05); while, the increase was also obtained at Yintang (GV 24+), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) in the Dazhui group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The difference of facial temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) before and after acupuncture was increased compared with Suliao (GV 25) in the Wangu group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) generates a similar thermal effect as Dazhui (GV 14). It regulates and dissipates the core temperature to "govern the yang qi of the whole body".

Effects of acupuncture at Houxi(SI3)and Huantiao(GB30)on NF-κB/iNOS/NO pathway in lumbar disc herniation model rats / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To observe the effects of acupuncture at Houxi(SI3)and Huantiao(GB30)on the expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB),inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),and nitric oxide(NO)of NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway in L5 spinal nerve root of lumbar disc herniation(LDH)model rats and explore the mechanism of acupuncture in LDH treatment.Methods:Forty specific-pathogen-free healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group,a model group,acupuncture group 1,and acupuncture group 2,with 10 rats in each group.The non-compression nucleus protrusion model was made by puncturing L4-L5 spinous process space and injecting autologous nucleus suspension.Acupuncture at bilateral Shenshu(BL23),Dachangshu(BL25),and Weizhong(BL40)was carried out in acupuncture group 1,and acupuncture at bilateral Houxi(SI3)and Huantiao(GB30)in acupuncture group 2.All rats were treated with balanced reinforcing and reducing needling manipulations,and the needles were retained for 30 min/time with one episode of needling manipulation every 10 min,once a day,14 times in total.The threshold value of paw withdrawal pain was measured by a thermal stimulation pain instrument;the serum NF-κB,iNOS,and NO levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The pathomorphological changes of spinal nerve roots were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining;quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect iNOS mRNA expression in spinal nerve roots;the NF-κB and iNOS protein expression in spinal nerve roots was detected by the immunofluorescence method.Results:Compared with the sham operation group,the threshold of paw withdrawal pain in the model group was decreased,and the expression levels of serum NF-κB,iNOS,and NO were increased;HE staining showed many degenerated and dissolved Schwann cells in spinal nerve roots with vacuolar changes;meanwhile,the expression levels of NF-κB and iNOS proteins,and the iNOS mRNA in spinal nerve roots were increased.Compared with the model group,the paw withdrawal pain thresholds in acupuncture group 1 and acupuncture group 2 were increased,and the increase in acupuncture group 2 was greater(P<0.05);the expression levels of serum NF-κB,iNOS,and NO in acupuncture group 1 and acupuncture group 2 were decreased,especially in acupuncture group 2(P<0.01);the vacuolar changes of spinal nerve roots,and the degeneration and lysis of Schwann cells in acupuncture group 1 and acupuncture group 2 were decreased,which were more obvious in acupuncture group 2;the NF-κB and iNOS protein expression and the iNOS mRNA expression levels in spinal nerve roots of acupuncture group 1 and acupuncture group 2 were decreased,especially in acupuncture group 2(P<0.01).Conclusion:Acupuncture at Houxi(SI3)and Huantiao(GB30)can improve the morphology of spinal nerve roots,inhibit the NF-κB and iNOS protein expression levels in spinal nerve roots and the serum NO level,and relieve the pain caused by inflammation of spinal nerve roots,which may be one of the mechanisms of acupuncture in LDH treatment.

"Houxi (SI 3) communicating the governor vessel" verified with the infrared thermal imaging technology / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effect on facial acupoint temperature between acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) and Dazhui (GV 14) so as to verify "Houxi (SI 3) communicating the governor vessel" based on the infrared thermal imaging technology.@*METHODS@#Thirty-five healthy subjects (5 cases dropped off) were collected and before-after study in the same subject was adopted. The subjects were successively assigned into a sham-acupuncture group, a Houxi group, a Wangu group and a Dazhui group. Sham-acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) on the left, acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) on the left, Wangu (SI 4) on the left and Dazhui (GV 14) were given respectively. One intervention was given and the needles were retained for 30 min in each group. 30 min before and after acupuncture, the infrared thermal images of the face were collected, and the facial temperature was compared among the following 5 acupoints, i.e. Yintang (GV 24+), Suliao (GV 25), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24).@*RESULTS@#After acupuncture, the facial temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) and Chengjiang (CV 24) was increased compared before acupuncture in the sham-acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The facial temperature at Suliao (GV 25) in the Houxi group was reduced after acupuncture (P<0.05). In the Wangu group, the temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) was increased compared before acupuncture (P<0.01). The facial temperature was increased at Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) compared before acupuncture in the Dazhui group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The differences of facial temperature at Chengjiang (CV 24) and Suliao (GV 25) after acupuncture were larger than before acupuncture in the Houxi group and the Dazhui group (P<0.01). In comparison with the temperature at Suliao (GV 25) of the same group, the differences of facial temperature before and after acupuncture at Yintang (GV 24+), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) were increased in the Houxi group (P<0.01, P<0.05); while, the increase was also obtained at Yintang (GV 24+), Shuigou (GV 26), Duiduan (GV 27) and Chengjiang (CV 24) in the Dazhui group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The difference of facial temperature at Yintang (GV 24+) before and after acupuncture was increased compared with Suliao (GV 25) in the Wangu group (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) generates a similar thermal effect as Dazhui (GV 14). It regulates and dissipates the core temperature to "govern the yang qi of the whole body".

[Analysis on combination regularities of Houxi (SI3) in ancient times of China based on latent structure model].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the feasibility and application value of combination regularities of acupoint Houxi (SI3) in Chinese ancient times based on latent structure model. METHODS: Relevant articles about SI3 for treating various diseases with acupuncture, moxibustion, acupoint application, etc. were mainly searched from book Chinese Medical Classics (5th edition), followed by establishment of a Database of Houxi Acupoint Recipes. The Lantern 5.0 software was used to construct and analyze the latent structure model of high-frequently-used acupoints. RESULTS: A total of 46 high frequently-used acupoints contained in 240 articles of 26 medical books were collected. The top 7 acupoints are Shenmai (BL62), Hegu (LI4), Qiangu (SI2), Fengchi (GB20), Jianshi (PC5), Wangu (SI4) and Quchi (LI11) in sequence. After modeling the 46 high-frequently used adjunct acupoints, 12 latent variables (Y0-Y11) and 24 latent classes were obtained by setting the cumulative coverage threshold ratio to be 95%. According to the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) measure, the model score was -2 170.68 points. Seven comprehensive clustering models were summarized up according to the latent structure. Compared with the yin meridians, the yang meridians played a more significant role. The multiple combinations of SI3 with specific acupoints provided a reference for clinical practice. The supplementary acupoints mainly distribute in the upper and lower limbs, head, face, neck, etc. and the SI3 acupoint recipes function mainly in dredging and activating meridians and collaterals, clearing away pathologic heat and wind, improving eyesight, and relieving swelling and pain. CONCLUSION: The latent structure model is applicable in analysis of the regularities of SI3 acupoint combination for treating some diseases. Comprehensive clustering is employed to determine the primary acupoint SI3 and adjunct acupoint matching, revealing the common regularity and logical progressive relationship between the primary and secondary points, which may be helpful for teaching, clinical and scientific research.

[Clinical observation on the treatment of hand dysfunction after stroke with chicken-claw needling at Shangbaxie (Extra) and Hegu (LI 4) combined with acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3)].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the difference in clinical efficacy between chicken-claw needling at Shangbaxie (Extra) and Hegu (LI 4) combined with acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) and the conventional acupuncture at the 3 points for the treatment of hand dysfunction after stroke. METHODS: Forty-two patients were divided into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table, 21 cases in each one. The chicken-claw needling was used at Shangbaxie (Extra) and Hegu (LI 4) on the affected side combined with acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) in the observation group. The conventional acupuncture was performed at the same point as the observation group in the control group, once a day, 6 days for a course, 1 day of interval after a course, and the therapeutic effect was observed after 5 courses. The simplifying Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Rating Scale (FMA), the modified Barthel index and the Brunnstrom grading criteria were used to evaluate the hand function of the two groups before and after treatment. RESULTS: The FMA score, Barthel index and Brunnstrom grade were improved after treatment in the two groups (all P<0.05), and the FMA score, Barthel index and Brunnstrom grade in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Chicken-claw needling at Shangbaxie (Extra) and Hegu (LI 4) combined with acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) can effectively treat hand dysfunction after stroke, and the curative effect is better than the conventional acupuncture at the 3 points.

Clinical observation on the treatment of hand dysfunction after stroke with chicken-claw needling at Shangbaxie (Extra) and Hegu (LI 4) combined with acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To observe the difference in clinical efficacy between chicken-claw needling at Shangbaxie (Extra) and Hegu (LI 4) combined with acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) and the conventional acupuncture at the 3 points for the treatment of hand dysfunction after stroke.@*METHODS@#Forty-two patients were divided into an observation group and a control group according to the random number table, 21 cases in each one. The chicken-claw needling was used at Shangbaxie (Extra) and Hegu (LI 4) on the affected side combined with acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) in the observation group. The conventional acupuncture was performed at the same point as the observation group in the control group, once a day, 6 days for a course, 1 day of interval after a course, and the therapeutic effect was observed after 5 courses. The simplifying Fugl-Meyer Motor Function Rating Scale (FMA), the modified Barthel index and the Brunnstrom grading criteria were used to evaluate the hand function of the two groups before and after treatment.@*RESULTS@#The FMA score, Barthel index and Brunnstrom grade were improved after treatment in the two groups (all <0.05), and the FMA score, Barthel index and Brunnstrom grade in the observation group were better than those in the control group (all <0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#Chicken-claw needling at Shangbaxie (Extra) and Hegu (LI 4) combined with acupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) can effectively treat hand dysfunction after stroke, and the curative effect is better than the conventional acupuncture at the 3 points.

Observations on the Therapeutic Effect of Acupuncture at Point Houxi (SI3) on Cervical Spondylotic Vertebral Arteriopathy / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at point Houxi (SI3) in treating cervical spondylotic vertebral arteriopathy. Method Three hundred and fourteen patients with cervical spondylotic vertebral arteriopathy were randomly allocated to a treatment group of 158 cases and a control group of 156 cases. The treatment group received acupuncture at points Houxi, Fengchi (GB20), Wangu (GB12), Tianzhu (BL10) and cervical Huatuo jiaji (Ex-B2) points and the control group, no acupuncture at point Houxi. The therapeutic effects were evaluated in the two groups after treatment. The recurrence rates were compared at the one-year follow-up. Result The total efficacy rate was 94.9% in the treatment group and 87.2% in the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The recurrence rate was 5.1% in the treatment group and 13.6% in the control group at the one-year follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture at point Houxi and other combined points has a better therapeutic effect on cervical spondylotic vertebral arteriopathy. It can markedly reduce the recurrence rate in the patients.

Electroacupuncture at Houxi (SI 3) for acute lumbar sprain：a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) at Houxi (SI 3) in treating acute lumbar sprain. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving EA at Houxi (SI 3) for acute lumbar sprain were retrieved from PubMed (1966-2014), EMBASE (1980-2014), Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2014), CQVIP Database (1989-2014), Wanfang Digital Journal (1998-2014), the Chinese Biological Medical Literature Database (CBM, 1978-2014), and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI, 1979-2014). The collection of data also adopted hand-search of the relevant journals from the Library of Shanghai Jiao Tong University. All of the data were first evaluated and extracted by two reviewers independently with a specially designed form. Then, the available data were analyzed by the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.2.0 software. Results:A total of 6 trials involving 1 288 patients were eligible. Meta-analysis showed that the total effectiveness rate in the EA group was significantly different when compared with Nimesulide [RR=1.33; 95% CI (1.19 to 1.49)] and Mobic [RR=1.08; 95% CI (1.03 to 1.14)], but similar to that of acupuncture at Yaotongdian (EX-UE 7) [RR=71.09; 95% CI (1.00 to 1.19)] and Diclofenac Sodium [RR=1.08; (95% CI 0.96 to 1.21)]. The recovery rate in the EA group was significantly different when compared with Mobic [RR=1.67; (95% CI 1.45 to 1.92)] and Nimesulid [RR=1.37; (95% CI 1.15 to 1.62)], but similar to that of acupuncture at Yaotongdian [(RR=1.35; 95% CI 0.99 to 1.84)] and Diclofenac Sodium [(RR=1.19; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.61)]. Conclusion:Up to the search date, there are few high quality RCTs to evaluate the clinical efficacy of EA at Houxi (SI 3) for acute lumbar sprain, especially studies in English. Yet EA at Houxi (SI 3) still appeared to be an efficacious method for acute lumbar sprain, despite several inherent defects of the included studies. Further large scale trials are required to define the role of EA at Houxi (SI 3) in the treatment of this disease.

A fMRI Comparative Studyof the Correlation of Left and Right Points Houxi(SI3)with Activated Brain Function Areas / 上海针灸杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between electro-acupunctured point Houxi(SI3)and activated brain function areas, contrast the images produced with electroacupuncture at left and right points Houxi and make a comparison with electroacupuncture at point Hegu(LI4)in patients with peripheral facial paralysis.MethodPatients with peripheral facial paralysis, six on the left side and six on the right side, were enrolled as subjects. A scan of the whole brain was taken using fMRI during electroacupuncture stimulation. The images were processed using SPM software. An analysis using at-test (P<0.01) showed differences in brain functional images produced with electroacupuncture at different points.ResultElectroacupuncture at left point Houxi increased the signals of brain regions: rightcaudate nucleus, right cingulate gyrus, right parahippocampal gyrus, right superior temporal gyrus, the brainstem and the cerebellar vermis. Electroacupuncture at right point Houxi increased the signals of brain regions: right medial frontal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus, left anterior cingulate gyrus, rightcingulate gyrus and right superior temporal gyrus.ConclusionThere is a difference in the image between electroacupuncture at point Houxi and at point Hegu or Dicang(ST4). There is also a larger difference in the image between bilateral points Houxi. The brain regions with high-frequency or low-frequency signals are not consistent. The results further prove the scientificalness of “Point Hegu is indicated for diseasesin the face and mouth” and also show that the cognominal acupoints on the two sides ofthe human body may have some differences, e.g. the conduction pathways are not completely the same and the therapeutic effects are not completely consistent.

Observations on the Therapeutic Effect of Acupuncture at Points Yanglingquan(SP 9) and Houxi(SI 3) plus Medicine on Lumbar Intervertebral Disc Herniation / 上海针灸杂志

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture at points Yanglingquan(SP 9) and Houxi(SI 3) plus Medicine in treating lumbar intervertebral disc herniation.Methods Sixty patients with lumbar intervertebral disc herniation meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated to treatment and control groups, 30 cases each. Both groups of patients took a bed rest, wore a waist belt and did moderate functional exercises. The control group received medication and the treatment group, acupuncture at points Yanglingquan(SP 9) and Houxi(SI 3) in addition. The VAS score and the ODI score were recorded before and after treatment. The therapeutic effects were compared between the two groups.Results The total efficacy rate was 96.7% in the treatment group and 70.0% in the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). There were statistically significant pre-/post-treatment differences in the VAS score and the ODI score in the two groups (P<0.01). There were statistically significant post-treatment differences in the VAS score and the ODI score between the treatment and control groups (P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusions Acupuncture at points Yanglingquan(SP 9) and Houxi(SI 3) plus Medicine is an effective way to treat lumbar intervertebral disc herniation. It can relieve pain and reduce dysfunction.

Principle Hualysis on Acute Lumbar Sprain Treated with Single Acupoint / 浙江中医药大学学报

[Objective]Acute lumbar sprain is a common disease in clinical acupuncture treatment, inconvenient in patients with daily life, this paper system-atical y analyses a single point in treatment of acute lumbar sprain. [Method] The research through the literature and some clinical physician experience, and the treating principle analysis. [Results] Summarized the clinical on commonly used and effective acupuncture point, proving its real y good effect on acute lumbar sprain. [Conclusion] The treatment of acute lumbar sprain with single point method is simple, fast and effective.

Observations on the Short-term and Long Term Effects of Point Houxi(SI 3) Electroacupuncture on Acute Lumbar Sprain / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

To investigate the clinical efficacy of point Houxi(SI 3) electroacupuncture for treating acute lumbar sprain. Methods:Three hundred patients with acute lumbar sprain were randomly grouped with a random number table. The electroacupuncture group was treated by electro-acupuncture at point Houxi (SI 3) and the medication group,with meloxicam.Results:A comparison of the short-term effects showed that the efficacy rate was 97.3% in the electroacupuncture group and 89.3% in the medication group. The average rank of the short-term effect score was lower in the electroacupuncture group than in the medication group (P＜0.01);there was a significant difference between the two groups. A comparison of the long-term effect showed that the efficacy rate was 99.3% in the electroacupuncture group and 93.2% in the medication group. The average rank of the long-term effect score was lower in the electroacupuncture group than in the medication group (P＜0.01);there was a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion:Both point Houxi (SI 3) electroacupuncture and meloxicam have a marked effect on acute lumbar sprain,but the short-term and long-term effects are better in the electroacupuncture group than in the medication group.