RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To observe clinical effect of acupuncture combined with medicine therapy for elderly women in Britain with lymphedema syndrome. METHODS: Twenty-seven cases were classified according to syndrome differentiation of TCM into cold congealing and dampness obstruction type (11 cases), qi-blood stagnation type (12 cases) and downward attack of damp-heat type (4 cases). They were treated with acupuncture at main points Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Yinglingquan (SP 9), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taichong (LR 3), Fenglong (ST 40), Xuehai (SP 10), Fengshi (GB 31), Futu (ST 32), Liangqiu (ST 34), Weizhong (BL 40), etc., twice each week and oral administration of modified Duhuojisheng Decoction, Huangqiwuwu Decoction and Simiao San Decoction, respectively, meanwhile washing the affected limb with again decoction of remaining gruffs one medicament each day. They were treated for 12 weeks. RESULTS: Twelve cases were clinically cured, accounting for 44.4%, 14 cases were effective, accounting for 51.9%; and 1 case was ineffective, accounting for 3.7%. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with medicine has a good therapeutic effect on lymphedema syndrome.