[Observation on the Efficacy of Electroacupuncture for Functional Constipation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic rule of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating functional constipation. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with severe chronic functional constipation were randomized divided into EA (n=45) and sham-EA (n=43) groups. Patients in the EA group were treated with EA at bilateral Tianshu (ST 25), Fujie (SP 14), Shangjuxu (ST 37), and those in the sham-EA group were received superficial acupuncture at 1 cun lateral to the identical acupoints without electrical current delivery. The number of patients with complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBM) was weekly compared between the EA and sham-EA groups at baseline week, during 8 weeks' treatment, as well as the follow-up 4th, 8th and 12th weeks after treatment. The Bristol Stool Chart (BSC) and defecation difficulty scores were also weekly compared from baseline until 8 weeks. RESULTS: The CSBM showed significant differences from 3 to 8 weeks and at 4th, 8th and 12th weeks post-treatment (P<0.05), but not within the first two weeks between the EA and sham-EA groups. The number of patients who had more than 3 times of CSBM per week was increased in the EA group(P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of EA group was superior to that of the sham-EA group in improving BSC over the 4th and 5th weeks (P<0.05). The defecation difficulty score was improved in the EA group than in the sham-EA group since the 4th week (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EA shows therapeutic effect for functional constipation by improving CSBM and BSC.

Electroacupuncture for the prevention of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in participants undergoing vascular laparotomy under general anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) is a common complication following laparotomy under general anesthesia (GA). Abdominal distension occurs in 8-28% of surgeries within 24 h postoperatively. The present study aimed to analyze the efficacy of electroacupuncture (EA) for the prevention of PGD by applying preoperative EA stimulation of PC6 (Neiguan), ST36 (Zusanli), and ST37 (Shangjuxv) bilaterally twice within 24 h prior to surgery, compared with no acupuncture treatment. METHODS: The study participants were assessed and selected from participants undergoing vascular laparotomy under GA at the Liver and Vascular Surgery Unit in West China Hospital of Sichuan University. The selected participants were randomly allocated to two groups: routine-treatment (RT) and EA group receiving EA at PC6, ST36, and ST37. A computer-generated list of random numbers was used to determine the allocation of the participants, with numbered opaque sealed envelopes containing the randomization schedule. Eligible participants were all adults aged 18 years or above who were scheduled to undergo vascular laparotomy under GA within 24 h and had no history of EA treatment. The exclusion criteria included participants with serious systemic disease and history of EA treatment. While the RT group received standard treatments, the EA group received additional EA treatments. During each treatment session, EA stimulation was performed for a duration of 20 min at a frequency of 15 Hz with a continuous wave. All such participants received two EA treatments within 24 h before surgery. The outcomes were measured in three metrics: incidence and degree of abdominal distension; first times of flatus and defecation; and duration of hospitalization. RESULTS: Forty-three participants were recruited, of whom 42 participants successfully completed the study. Each group contained 21 participants. The incidence of abdominal distension (42.8, 76.2%) and degree of abdominal distension were significantly reduced in the EA group (P = 0.03 and P = 0.03, respectively). In comparisons of the first times of flatus (3.05 ± 0.58, 3.29 ± 0.42 days) and defecation (2.81 ± 0.51, 3.20 ± 0.55 days) and duration of hospitalization (5.33 ± 0.68, 5.75 ± 0.66 days), the EA group was superior to the RT group to some extent (P = 0.13, P = 0.02, and P = 0.04, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative EA at PC6, ST36, and ST37 might be useful for preventing PGD, thereby improving gastrointestinal function recovery. Trial registration This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR-TRC-13003649.

Efficacy of electroacupuncture in the treatment of functional constipation: A randomized controlled pilot trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture at Tianshu (ST25) for patients with functional constipation (FC). METHODS: Ninety-six patients with FC were randomized to receive deep needling on bilateral ST25 (group A, 48 cases) or shallow needling on bilateral ST25 (group B, 48 cases) with electroacupuncture once daily for 4 weeks. The proportion of patients with four or more complete spontaneous bowel movements (CSBMs) per week, and scores of constipation symptoms and satisfaction with treatment were compared between two groups. Safety was also assessed. RESULTS: The proportion of patients with four or more CSBMs per week was 52.1% in group A, significantly higher than 25.0% in group B during the 4-week treatment (P<0.05). The constipation symptom score of patients were significantly improved in group A as compared with group B at week 2-4 (P<0.05). Patients in group A were more satisfied with their treatment compared with those in group B at week 1-4 (P<0.05). Five patients in group A felt significant pain and discomfort. No other adverse reaction was observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: Using electroacupuncture at ST25 to treat patients with FC is effectively, and deep needling had more stable effect than shallow needling.

Electroacupuncture for the prevention of postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction in patients undergoing vascular surgery under general anesthesia: study protocol for a prospective practical randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative gastrointestinal dysfunction (PGD) is one of the most common complications following major surgeries under general anesthesia (GA). Despite ongoing research and new drug treatments, abdominal distension within 24 h postoperatively occurs in 8%-28% of all surgeries. We aim to analyze the effectiveness of preventing PGD by preoperatively stimulating Neiguan (PC6), Zusanli (ST36) and Shangjuxu (ST37) bilaterally twice a day compared with sham-acupuncture treatment and standard treatment. METHODS AND DESIGN: This is a single-center, prospective practical randomized controlled trial. All groups will be given standard treatments. Patients undergoing vascular surgery under GA will be included from the Vascular Surgery Unit in West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China, and divided into three groups. The experimental group will receive routine treatments and acupuncture at PC6, ST36 and ST37 bilaterally with electrical stimulation twice a day for 20 min preoperatively. The sham-acupuncture group will receive pseudo-electroacupuncture at sham acupoints of PC6, ST36 and ST37, which are 1 cun away from the real acupoints. The routine-treatment group will not receive electroacupuncture. The outcomes include the incidence of abdominal distention, abdominal circumference, the degree of abdominal distension, the first time of flatus and defecation, and hospitalization duration. DISCUSSION: The results from this study will demonstrate whether preoperative electroacupuncture is an effective method for the prevention of PGD in patients undergoing vascular surgery under GA. This study may also provide a standardized acupuncture treatment for reduction of PGD.

Therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture at ST36 acupoint on sodium-taurocholate-induced severe acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of electroacupuncture (EA) at Zusanli (ST36) acupoint in rats with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). METHODS: Sixty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups of 22 each: a SAP model group (SAP group), a shamoperated group (sham group) and a EA at ST36 acupoint group (EA group). A rat model of SAP was induced by pancreatic duct injection with 3.5% sodium taurocholate. EA was performed at ST36 acupoint for 30 min after induction of SAP and 30 min before sacrificed. The rats were killed at 3 h (n=7), 6 h (n=7) and 12 h (n=8) after operation, and blood samples were taken for the measurement of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and acetylcholine (Ach) by enzyme-linked immunosorbnent assay. The pathological changes of pancreatic tissue, volume of ascites and pancreatic weight/body weight ratio were measured. RESULTS: The serum concentrations of TNF-α and IL-6 in the EA group were significantly lower than in the SAP group at 3, 6 and 12 h after the operation (p<0.05). Serum Ach in the EA group was significantly higher than in the SAP group at various time points after operation (p<0.05). The other parameters were clearly improved after treatment with EA. CONCLUSION: EA at ST36 acupoint might have a therapeutic effect in rats with SAP through activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway.

[Adhesive ileus treated by electroacupuncture at Zhigou (TE 6) and Zusanli (ST 36): a randomized controlled study].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy on adhesive ileus treated by electroacupuncture (EA) at Zhigou (TE 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), and to explore the different effects of acupoint and non-acupoint. METHODS: Forty cases were randomized into an acupoint group and a non-acupoint group, 20 cases in each one. At the same time of the basic treatment, in the acupoint group, EA was applied at bilateral Zhigou (TE 6) and Zusanli (ST 36). In the non-acupoint group, EA was applied at the sites (that were neither on any meridian nor belonged to any acupoint) that were 0.5 to 1 cm lateral to Zhigou (TE 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) on both sides. Acupuncture was given twice a day, lasting for 4 days totally. The situation of abdominal pain, the time for the improvement in abdominal distention, the time of first voluntary defecation, the time of solid food intake and the others were observed. RESULTS: In the acupoint group, the abdominal pain and distention were relieved rapidly as compared with those in the non-acupoint group. The results of the assessment face scale (AFS), the first anal exhaust time [(51.35 +/- 32.40) h vs (101.85 +/- 53.87) h], the first defecation time [(82.70 +/- 57.27) h vs (154.70 +/- 145.28) h] and the first solid food intake time [(119.65 +/- 56. 16) h vs (231.95 +/- 180.89) h] were all remarkably improved as compared with those in the non-acupoint group, presenting the statistical significance (P<0.05, P<0.01). Concerning the case number for the conversion to surgery, the death number and the number for the re-admission in 1 year follow-up visit, there was no significant difference in statistics between two groups (all P>0.05). But, the data suggested that the results were improved in tendency in the acupoint group. CONCLUSION: EA at Zhigou (TE 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) achieves the good clinical efficacy on adhesive ileus. This therapy can remarkably improve abdominal pain and distention and promote the intestinal peristalsis for the patients and is superior to EA at non-acupoint.

[Rapid pore cranial drilling and ventricular drainage in the treatment of ventricular hemorrhage caused by thalamic hemorrhage: an analysis of 401 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical efficacies and experiences of using rapid pore cranial drilling and external ventricular drainage (EVD) in the treatment of ventricular hemorrhage caused by thalamic hemorrhage. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was conducted for 401 patients at 5 hospitals from May 1983 to December 2010. They underwent EVD with an infusion of urokinase for intraventricular hemorrhage caused by thalamic hemorrhage. There were 212 males and 189 females with an age range of 19 - 78 years. RESULTS: After a 1-month therapy, the outcomes were cure 147/401 (36.7%), improvement 192/401 (47.9%) and others (death and against-advice discharge) 62/401 (15.4%). After 1-3-month treatment, their prognoses were evaluated by activity of daily living (ADL): ADLI 147/401, ADLII 82/401, ADLIII 76/401, ADLIV 19/401, ADLV 15/401, death 43/401 and against-advice discharge 19/401. During a follow-up period of 1 - 3 years, 274 patients showed the following outcomes: ADLI 122/243, ADLII 63/243, ADLIII 58/243 while 31 patients died from pulmonary infection. CONCLUSION: The procedure of EVD (including an infusion of urokinase) with rapid pore cranial drilling is preferred treatment for ventricular hemorrhage caused by thalamic hemorrhage.

[Double-center randomized controlled trial on post-stroke shoulder pain treated by electroacupuncture combined with Tuina].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical therapeutic effect of post-stroke shoulder pain treated by acupuncture combined with Tuina. METHODS: Three hundred cases of post-stroke shoulder pain were randomly divided into an acupuncture and Tuina group and a rehabilitation group by double-center randomized controlled clinical trial method. In acupuncture and Tuina group, normalized electroacupuncture and Tuina therapy were applied, that was electroacupuncture at main points, such as Chize (LU 5), Quze (PC 3), Shaohai (HT 3), Jianyu (LI 15), Jianliao (TE 14) and Jianjing (GB 21),etc., combined with traditional Tuina manipulations; in rehabilitation group, the rehabilitation methods such as the electrostimulation through nervus cutaneus and the squeezing and stabilizing manipulations of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), etc. were applied. The treatment courses of both groups were 6 weeks. The main therapeutic effect indices were the Assessment Face Scale (AFS) for pain when shoulder was in passive motion and the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment for upper limbs active function; the secondary indices were the moditied Rankin Scale (mRS) and the clinical incidences of shoulder-hand syndrome of hemiplegia and shoulder joint subluxation of hemiplegia. RESULTS: After 6 weeks treatment and 12 weeks follow-up, AFS score, Fugl-Meyer motor assessment of upper limbs active function and mRS evaluation in acupuncture and Tuina group were more obviously improved than those in rehabilitation group (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Although the clinical incidences of shoulder-hand syndrome of hemiplegia and shoulder joint subluxation of hemiplegia in acupuncture and Tuina group was equal to those in rehabilitation group [3.55% (5/141) vs 8.45% (12/142), 1.42% (2/141) vs 5.63% (8/142), both P > 0.05], the data indicated that there was a superiority tendency in acupuncture and Tuina group. CONCLUSION: The combined therapy of electroacupuncture and Tuina is a normative manipulation, and the therapeutic effect is satisfying for post-stroke shoulder pain, superior to that of comprehensive rehabilitation treatment.

[Effect of electroacupuncture on serum proinflammatory cytokine levels and pancreatic nuclear factor kappa-b expression in acute pancreatitis rats].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of "Zusanli" (ST 36) on serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 contents and pancreatic nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kappaB) expression in acute pancreatitis rats. METHODS: Sixty-six male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation (sham), model and EA groups (n=22). Acute pancreatitis model was established by intra-pancreatic duct injection of 3.5% sodium taurocholate (0.1 mL/100 g). EA (2 Hz /100 Hz, 2 mA) was applied to bilateral ST 36 for 30 min after modeling and at the end of the experiment. The animals were killed at 3 h (n=7), 6 h (n=7) and 12 h (n=8) after modeling. The expression of pancreatic NF-,cB P65 was detected by immunohistochemical staining, and serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 contentswere determined by ELISA. The pathological changes of pancreatic tissue were displayed by H. E. staining and the quantity of ascite was measured by electronic balance. RESULTS: The pathologic score, ascite quantity, serum TNFalpha and IL-6 contents, and pancreatic NF-kappaB P 65 expression levels at 3 h, 6 h and 12 h after modeling were significantly higher in the model group than in the sham group (P < 0.05). Compared with the model group, the pathologic score, ascite quantity, serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 contents, and pancreatic NF-kappaB P 65 expression levels at 3 h, 6 h and 12 h were significantly decreased in the EA group (P < 0.05). Microscopic observation displayed that the necrosis of the pancreatic acinar cells and infiltration of inflammatory cells were lighter in the EA group than in the model group. CONCLUSION: EA at ST 36 is able to down-regulate sodium taurocholate injection incduced increase of serum TNF-alpha and IL-6 contents, and pancreatic NF-kappaB P65 expression level in acute pancreatitis rats, which may contribute to its effect in relieving necrosis of the pancreatic acinar cells and infiltration of pancreatic inflammatory cells.

OIP30, a RuvB-like DNA helicase 2, is a potential substrate for the pollen-predominant OsCPK25/26 in rice.

Calcium ions are a well-known essential component for pollen germination and tube elongation. Several calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are expressed predominantly in mature pollen grains and play a critical role in pollen. However, none of their interacting proteins or downstream substrates has been identified. Using yeast two-hybrid screening, we isolated OsCPK25/26-interacting protein 30 (OIP30), which is also predominantly expressed in pollen. OIP30 encodes a RuvB-like DNA helicase 2 (RuvBL2) that is well conserved in eukaryotic species from yeast to human. Yeast and Drosophila defective in RuvBL2 are non-viable. The interaction between OsCPK26 and OIP30 was confirmed by far-Western blot and pull-down experiments. OIP30 was phosphorylated in a calcium-dependent manner by OsCPK26 but not OsCPK2, which is highly similar to OsCPK26 in sequence and expression profile. OIP30 unwound partial duplex DNA with a 3' to 5' directionality by ATP hydrolysis. Concurrently, the ATPase activity of OIP30 depended on single-stranded DNA. OsCPK26 phosphorylated OIP30 and enhanced both its helicase and ATPase activity about 3-fold. OIP30 may be the potential downstream substrate for OsCPK25/26 in pollen. This report characterizes a RuvBL in plants and links its activities with its upstream regulator.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at Tianshu (ST 25) with deep needling technique on functional constipation].

OBJECTIVE: To probe into a better therapeutic method for functional constipation. METHODS: Ninety-five cases of functional constipation were randomly divided into deep puncture at ST 25 group (48 cases), shallow puncture at ST 25 group (24 cases) and medication group (23 cases). In deep puncture at ST 25 group, Tianshu (ST 25) was punctured deeply to the peritoneum, with electric stimulation. In shallow puncture at ST 25 group, Tianshu (ST 25) was punctured shallowly, 5 mm beneath the skin, with electric stimulation. In medication group, Duphalac was administered orally. These cases were treated continuously for 4 weeks in 3 groups and followed up for 6 months. It was to observe the numbers of person who had defecation 4 times a week, difference in weekly defecation frequency and the difference in the Cleveland Clinic Score (CCS). RESULTS: In deep puncture at ST 25 group, the frequency of weekly defecation and the numbers of person who had defecation 4 times a week increased and CCS decreased, which were similar to the efficacy in shallow puncture at ST 25 group (all P > 0.05). But the efficacy of both ST 25 groups was superior to that in medication group (both P < 0.05). In comparison, the deep puncture at ST 25 group acted more quickly than either shallow puncture at ST 25 group or medication group and its efficacy remained much longer. CONCLUSION: The deep puncture at ST 25 with electric stimulation presents similar efficacy on functional constipation as shallow puncture at ST 25, but it acts more quickly than shallow puncture at ST 25, both of them are more advantageous than medication and the long-term efficacy is better.

[Clinical observation of urinary retention after hemorrhoid and fistula operation treated with suspen-ding moxibustion].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effects among moxibustion, local hot compress and infrared irradiation on urinary retention after hemorrhoid and fistula operation so as to provide the clinical evidences for the promotion and application of moxibustion. METHODS: The randomized controlled trial method was adopted to divide 60 cases of post-operative urinary retention into moxibustion group, hot compress group and infrared irradiation group, 20 cases in each group. In moxibustion group, suspending moxibustion was applied on Qihai (CV 6) and Zhongji (CV 3). In hot compress group, hot compress was applied on the bladder region above the symphysis pubis of the lower abdomen. In infrared irradiation group, MF-C701 multi-source infrared apparatus was used on the bladder region above the symphysis pubis of the lower abdomen. One intervention therapy was administered for the cases of post-operative urinary retention. The efficacy was assessed based on the numbers of urethral catheterization indwelled in 24 h after treatment. RESULTS: There were 2 cases (10.0%) with urethral catheterization in moxibustion group, 10 cases (50.0%) in hot compress group and 9 cases (45.0%) in infrared irradiation group. The urethral catheterization rate in moxibustion group was lower than that of the other two treatment programs (both P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxibustion can reduce much effectively the rate of urethral catheterization indwelled for urinary retention after hemorrhoid and fistula operation as compared with local hot compress therapy and infrared irradiation on the lower abdomen.

[Effect of electroacupuncture of Tianshu (ST 25) on the rational symptoms of functional constipation patients and evaluation on its efficacy satisfaction: a single-center, prospective, practical and randomized control trial].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) of Tianshu (ST 25) and medication on the subjective symptoms and the satisfactory degree of functional constipation (FO) patients, and to evaluate the efficacy of different depth-needling. METHODS: Single-blind, randomized and parallel-controlled methods were adopted in the present study and a total of 95 FC patients were randomly divided into medication group (Lactulose, 20-30 mL/d, n = 24), deep needling (DN, about 45 mm beneath the skin) of ST 25 group (n = 48), and shallow needling (SN, about 5 mm beneath the skin) of ST 25 group (n = 23). The treatment was given once daily (except weekends) for 4 weeks. The actual number of patients whose defecation frequency was up to 4 times per week, the integrative score of defecation symptoms (defecation exertion degree, abdominal pain, etc.), and the patients' satisfaction degree after the treatment were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: One, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after the treatment, of the 48, 23 and 24 cases in DN, SN and medication groups, the numbers of FC patients whose defecation was up to 4 times per week were 31 (64.58%), 32 (66.67%), 34 (70.83%) and 37 (77.08%), 9 (39.13%), 16 (69.57%), 15 (65.22%) and 14 (60.87%), and 8 (33.33%), 7 (29.17%), 5 (20.83%) and 4 (16.67%), respectively. The effects of DN and SN groups were significantly superior to those of medication group in increasing the number of FC patients whose defecation was up to 4 times per week, improving constipation symptom integrative score (defecation exertion degree, survival desire for defecation, abdominal distension, etc.) and patients' satisfaction degree (P < 0.05). Comparison between DN and SN groups showed that the effects of the former group in accelerating the improvement of survival desire for defecation, patients' satisfaction degree were markedly superior to those of the latter group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Deep needling-EA of ST 25 has a positive effect in improving functional constipation, being faster in the onset of action and stable efficacy in comparison with shallow needling.

The needle-rolling therapy for treatment of non-organic chronic insomnia in 90 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of needle-rolling therapy for chronic insomnia. METHODS: In the present multi-central randomly controlled clinical study, 180 cases of chronic insomnia were randomly divided into the following two groups, a treatment group (90 cases) treated by the needle-rolling therapy and a control group (90 cases) treated with clonopin. The treatment course for both the two groups was 4 weeks. The therapeutic effects were evaluated based on improvement of the TCM symptoms and the Pittsburgs's sleep-quality index (PSQI). RESULTS: After treatment, there were significant differences between the two groups in the effective rate (P<0.05), and in the total score of PSQI and in the scores of the 4 sub-items, i.e. sleep-quality, sleep-efficiency, hypnotic and daytime function (P<0.05). Although there was no significant difference between the two groups in the effective rate after a 3-month follow-up period, significant differences still existed in the 3 sub-items of sleep-efficiency, hypnotic, and daytime function of the PSQI (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: As compared with hypnotics of the second generation, the needle-rolling therapy may show better therapeutic effects for chronic insomnia patients.

[Survey study of conditions of patients with acute stroke seeking for acupuncture treatment].

To explore possible factors that affecting patients with acute stroke seeking for acupuncture treatment by questionnaire survey. The average age of the 202 patients was 63.14. Before the survey, only 66 patients had received acupuncture treatment, and 136 patients did not consider accepting acupuncture treatment. After the survey, there were more patients want to accept acupuncture treatment (P < 0.05). Patients expressed three major opinions about acupuncture, i.e., lack of knowledge of acupuncture, analgesia after needling, and slow effectiveness. Patients lack awareness of acupuncture and cultural identity. Therefore, it is urgent to promote awareness of acupuncture, strengthen culture identity which will facilitate the development of acupuncture.

[Observation on therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture at Chengshan (BL 57) and Changqiang (GV 1) on hemorrhoidal pain].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical effect of combination of far with near acupoints, Chengshan (BL 57) and Changqiang (GV 1), for acupuncture treatment of hemorrhoidal pain. METHODS: One hundred and twenty cases of hemorrhoids with pain were randomly divided into 2 groups, an electroacupuncture group and a medication group, 60 cases in each group. The electroacupuncture group were treated by electroacupuncture at Changqiang (GV 1) and Chengshan (BL 57) with sparse-dense wave, frequency 2/100 Hz; and the medication group with oral administration of Tramadol and rectal application of Mayinglong Shexiang Zhichuang Suppository. The two group were treated for five days. Changes of pain were assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores at the defecation each day. RESULTS: In the electroacupuncture group, VAS score was 6.64 +/- 3.66 before treatment and 5.65 +/- 2.21 on the second day of treatment with a significant decrease (P < 0.05), and 1.85 +/- 1.24 on the fifth day after treatment end. In the medication group, VAS score was 6.58 +/- 3.18 before treatment and 4.86 +/- 2.04 on the third day after treatment with significant decrease compared with that before treatment, and 2.24 +/- 1.46 on the fifth day. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the pain score on the fifth day after the treatment end. CONCLUSION: Combination of Chengshan (BL 57) with Changqiang (GV 1) is effective for improvement of hemorrhoidal pain in defecation.

[Clinical and qualitative research on acu-moxibustion: considerations on acupuncture clinical trail methods].

Qualitative research refers to a generic name of research methods corresponding to the quantitative research. It is different from quantitative research not only in methods, properties of the collected data, but also and particularly in philosophy, ideology and epistemology. In the present paper, the authors make a brief introduction about the background and methodology of qualitative research, and forecast the future possible tendency of the combined clinical trails of acu-moxibustion. Hopefully, it may provide a possible model for acupuncture clinical research methods and make the acupuncture researchers understand the qualitative research methods in clinical practice so as to promote the further development of acupuncture clinical trails, improve the level of acupuncture theory and provide substantial acupuncture clinical evidence.

[Discussion on randomized controlled trials about clinical researches of acupuncture and moxibustion medicine].

The characteristics of clinical tests of acupuncture and moxibustion were analyzed by studies of the literature about clinical evidence-based trials of acupuncture and moxibustion medicine at present and on the basis of full analysis on the cause of insufficient evidence of clinical researches of acupuncture and moxibustion, in combination with the authors' experiences of clinical studies, and it is put forward that future clinical researches of acupuncture and moxibustion medicine should actively search for new research methods, insist evidence-based acupuncture and moxibustion medical researches, pay attention to retaining own researching characteristics of the acupuncture and moxibustion medicine, accumulate experiences, gradually establish and perfect the assessment system conforming with clinical research methods of acupuncture and moxibustion medicine, elevate the position of acupuncture and moxibustion medicine and develop the acupuncture and moxibustion medicine.

[Transient analgesic effect of electroacupuncture at Taiyang (EX-HN 5) for treatment of migraine with hyperactivity of the liver-yang].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the difference of therapeutic effects between electroacupuncture (EA) and medication for treatment of migraine with hyperactivity of the liver-yang. METHODS: With 3-center randomized controlled study method, 300 cases were assigned to a treatment group and a control group, 150 cases in each group. They were treated respectively with EA at Taiyang (EX-HN 5) and oral administration of western medicine. Changes of the score for headache intensity, remission degree of headache and remission rate of headache after treatment were investigated. RESULTS: After once treatment, VAS score of the headache intensity showed dynamical decrease in the two groups; in the treatment group the score reached the lowest 3-4 h after treatment, with the decreasing degree better than the control group (P < 0.01). The lasting time of headache remission was (388.6 +/- 430.1) min and (163.3 +/- 182.3) min, respectively, the treatment group being significantly longer than that of the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: EA at Taiyang (EX-HN 5) has transient analgesic effect for treatment of migraine with hyperactivity of the liver-yang, which is better than that of routine western medication.

[Effect of rolling needle therapy on quality of life in the patient of non-organic chronic insomnia: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE: To probe therapeutic effect of rolling needle therapy on insomnia and standardize the therapeutic program. METHODS: Multi-central randomized blind controlled trials were used, and 180 cases were randomly divided into a rolling needle group and a medication group, 90 cases in each group. The rolling needle group were treated with rolling needle therapy at the Urinary Bladder Channel line 1 and 2 at the back and the Governor Vessel, and the medication group with clonopin 4-6 mg, for 4 weeks. Effective rates for sleep disturbance improvement and Spitzer index of life quality were evaluated after 4 weeks' treatment and 3 months' follow-up. RESULTS: The effective rate was 82.2% in the rolling needle group and 60.0% in the medication group with a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05), and with a significant difference between the two groups in Spitzer index of life quality (P < 0.05). After 3 months' follow-up, the effective rate was 40.0% in the rolling needle group and 30.3% in the medication group with no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05), and there was a significant difference between the two groups in Spitzer index of life quality. CONCLUSION: Rolling needle therapy can treat chronic insomnia and increase life quality of the patient.