Electro-acupuncture & Lumbar Disc Protrusion There were 31 males and 25 females enrolled in this study.

These patients were 19-72 years of age, sixteen suffered from disc protrusion between L3-L4. Twenty-one suffered disc protrusion between L4-S1, and 19 between L5-S1. Diagnosis of lumbar disc protrusion was confirmed by CT scan. Patients with tumors, tuberculosis, and missing lumbar vertebrae were excluded from this study. Treatment method: Points needled consisted of: Hua Tuo paravertebral points Ming Men (GV 4) Yao Yang Guan (GV 3) Huan Tiao (GB 30) Feng Shi (GB 31) Yang Ling Quan (GB 34) Qiu Xu (GB 40) Xuan Zhong (GB 39) After disinfecting the skin, each of these points was needled with a 30 gauge 40-75mm long fine needle. These needles were stimulated with twisting and turning supplementing and draining hand technique, after which they were attached to a 6805-2A electro-acupuncture machine. The points were divided up into 2-3 groups and stimulated with a dense-disperse wave-form to the degree the patient could bear. The needles were retained for 20-30 minutes. After the needles were removed, a plum blossom hammer was used to cause a slight degree of bleeding over the affected area. This was then followed by cupping for 10-15 minutes. This protocol was done once per day, with 10 treatments equaling one course. Study outcomes: Cure was defined as disappearance of low back and leg pain, with ability to lift the leg 70% straight up or more and return to normal activities and work. Improvement meant that the lumbar and leg pain had decreased, low back function had improved, and the patient was able to basically conduct his or her normal lifestyle and work. No effect meant that there was no change in the patients condition. Based on these criteria, 46 patients were judged cured after two courses of treatment, eight improved, and two got no effect. Therefore, the cure rate was 82.1% and the total effectiveness rate was 96.4%.

 Electro-acupuncture & Chronic Colitis There were 11 males and nine females enrolled in this study. The youngest was 21 years old and the oldest was 65. These patients had suffered from colitis for from 1-5 years. No other description of these patients was offered. Treatment method: Patients were needled at Tian Shu (St 25), Zhong Wan (CV 12), Guan Yuan(CV 4), and Zu San Li (St 36, bilaterally). These needles were inserted 1.5 inches deep. After obtaining the qi, they were attached to a BT701-B type electro-acupuncture machine and stimulated with a continuous wave to the degree that the patient could bear. At the same time, Shen Jue (CV 8) was treated with spirit lamp illunitation. My assumption is that this is a form of infra-red heat lamp. The lamp was positioned 30cm above Shen Jue. Treatment last 30 minutes each time, was done once per day, and 12 treatments equaled one course. Study outcomes: Cure was defined as complete disappearance of symptoms as well as a return to normal. Improvement was defined as disappearance of abdominal pain and normal bowel movements after three courses of treatment. Based on these criteria, 16 cases were cured and four cases improved. Therefore, the total effectiveness was 100%. Discussion: According to Dr. Ma, the purpose of the electro-acupuncture and the heat therapy at Shen Jue were to supplement vacuity and support the righteous, regulate the spleen and stomach and rectify the lower burner, boost the fire of the life-gate, warm the center and scatter cold, and thus improving the rottening and ripening of water and grains. Readers should note, however, that Dr. Ma did have to treat every day for at least 12 days and, in some cases, for 36 days in order to achieve these impressive results. Electroacupuncture & Tennis Elbow Pain is still, and may always be, the main reason for Westerners to seek treatment with acupuncture, and one of the most commonly seen types of pain is tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis, a.k.a. tenosynovitis of the elbow. This condition is mainly the result of repetitive strain of the elbow joint. In issue #6, 2003 of the Yun Nan Zhong Yi Zhong Yao Za Zhi (Yunnan Journal of Chinese Medicine & Chinese Medicinals), Zhou Ling published an article titled, The Acupuncture-moxibustion Treatment of 63 Cases of Lateral Epicondylitis of the Elbow. That article appeared on page 25 of that journal, and a summary is presented below. Cohort description: There were 21 males and 42 females among the 63 patients enrolled in this study, all of whom suffered from lateral epicondylitis of the elbow. Standard inclusion criteria for this condition were included in the cohort

description. The shortest course of disease was five days and the longest was two years. Forty-seven patients had pain in their right elbow, and 16 had pain in their left elbow. Treatment method: Points chosen for treatment were a shi points, Qu Chi (LI 11), Chi Ze (Lu 5), Wai Guan (TB 5), and He Gu (LI 4). A one inch needle was used at the a shi point(s), and a 1.5 inch needle was used at each of the other points. Perpendicular insertion was used at all points. Then the points were stimulated with a G-6805 electroacupuncture machine with a dense wave-form and the degree of stimulation the patient was able to bear. The needles were retained for 20 minutes. After taking out the needles, warming moxibustion was done over the elbow region with a moxa poll for 10 minutes. One treatment was given per day, and 10 treatsments equaled one course. Study outcomes: Cure was defined as disappearance of the aching and pain with normalization of the movement and use of the joint. Improvement was defined as decrease in the aching and pain with improvement in the function of the elbow joint. No effect was defined as no improvement in any of the symptoms. Based on these criteria, 56 out of 63 patients were cured and seven improved. Therefore, the total effectiveness rate was reported as 100%. Discussion: According to Dr. Zhou, this condition is traditionally called elbow impediment in Chinese medicine. It is mostly due to repetitive strain or overuse resulting in taxation detriment of the sinews and vessels in the elbow region along with simultaneous contraction of wind cold. This then results in the channel and vessel qi and blood becoming congealed, stagnant, and not freely flowing. As it is said, If there is no free flow, there is pain. Thus the elbow pain. Electroacupuncture is able to course and free the flow of the channels and network vessels. This is combined with warming moxibustion which is able to warm the channels and scatter cold. Therefore, the combination of these two modalities has the effect of quickening the blood, freeing the flow of the network vessels, and stopping pain. Typically, the pain decreases after 2-3 treatments, and most patients are cured or improved after 1-2 courses. During treatment, it is important to rest the affected limb. This shortens the disease course and raises the cure rate. Acupuncture Lowers Blood Sugar for Obese Diabetics New research finds that acupuncture lowers elevated blood glucose levels related to obesity and diabetes. A laboratory experiment using obese diabetic rats incorporated electroacupuncture applied to Zhongwan (CV12) and Guanyuan (CV4). The experimental model was compared with two other groups. A control group received no acupuncture and another group received acupuncture at Zusanli (ST36). The groups receiving acupuncture at ST36 and the control group receiving no acupuncture did not show significant changes in blood glucose levels. The group receiving acupuncture at CV4 and CV12 showed significantly lower glucose levels. The researchers concluded that electroacupuncture applied to CV4 and CV12 was effective in lowering baseline BG (blood glucose) and modulating the change in BG.

Acupuncture NeedlesThis finding coincides with the release of another recent study demonstrating that acupuncture significantly reduces diabetic neuropathy, a condition involving symptoms such as numbness, tingling, electrical sensations and pain in the extremities. The study showed that human patients taking medications improved only 37.45% but patients receiving medications combined with acupuncture treatments improved at a remarkable 90% rate. This finding supports the integrative medicine model of patient care wherein the synergistic effects of combined modalities yields better patient outcomes than either as a standalone therapy. The study used acupuncture point CV4 (Guanyuan) as did the aforementioned laboratory experiment showing the blood glucose lowering effects of electroacupuncture. This acupuncture point is located on the midline, three cun below the umbilicus. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, it is the Front Mu point of the Small Intestine. CV4 nourishes and stabilizes the Kidney, regulates Qi and restores Yang. CV4 is the intersection of the 3 leg Yin channels. Historically, Guanyuan is translated as the Gate of Origin and is also referred to as the Sea of Qi, Gate of Life (Mingmen) and Lower Dantian. According to Chinese medicine principles, this point has a powerful effect on nourishing and tonifying the body. There is a long history in Chinese Medicine (CM) historical texts and modern clinical usage for implementing this acupuncture point for diabetes related conditions including enuresis (lack of urinary control), impotence, dysuria (painful urination), retention of urine and kidney related disorders. This acupuncture point is one of the main strengthening points in Chinese Medicine and is given the function of tonifying the original Qi (energy) and benefitting the Jing (essence). Researchers also used Quchi (LI 11), Weiwanxianshu (EX-B3), Shenshu (BL 23), Zusanli (ST 36), Hegu (LI 4) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) in this study. Dietary modifications are a common way to affect blood glucose levels. Chinese Medicine dietetics covers dietary modifications for the treatment of diabetes in detail. Take a look at the video below to see samples of Chinese Medicine dietetics. One of the foods presented in this video for the treatment of acne, bitter melon, is also commonly used for the treatment of blood glucose disorders and diabetes. Migraines & Electro-acupuncture All 50 migraineurs in this study were seen and treated at the Shen Yang Municipal Chinese Medicine Hospital in Liaoning province. Among these 50 patients, there were 21 males and 29 females aged 13-51 years, with a median age of 28.1 4.8 years. In 15 cases, migraine headache was a new occurrence, while in 35 cases, migraines had been a recurrent condition. These 50 patients were randomly divided into two groups, a treatment group and a comparison group. In the treatment group, the youngest patient was 13 and the oldest was 50, while in the comparison group the age ranged went from 16 to 51. Treatment method: All members of the treatment group received acupuncture at the following points: Tai Yang (M-HN-9) Shuai Gu (GB 8) Shen Men (Ht 7) Lie Que (Lu 7) Feng Chi (GB 20)

Yang Ling Quan (GB 34) If there was phlegm turbidity obstruction and stagnation, Feng Long (St 40) was added. After obtaining the qi via twisting and turning needle manipulation, these points were stimulated with electro-acupuncture using a G-6805 electro-acupuncture machine with dense wave and as strong a stimulation as the patient could bear. All members of the comparison group were orally administered 1mg of ergotamine per day. This dose was able to be increased but did not exceed 6mg per day. Seven days of treatment equaled one course for both groups, and results were analyzed after two such courses. Study outcomes: Remission was defined as complete disappearance of headaches with no recurrence within six months. Marked effect was defined as complete disappearance of pain. However, there was a recurrence within six months. Some effect was defined as a decrease in pain which was now bearable. No effect meant that none of these foregoing criteria was met. The following table shows the outcomes based on these definitions. This table shows that the electro-acupuncture protocol was significantly more effective than the ergotamine. The Pvalue for the difference between the total marked effectiveness of these two treatments was published as (P + 0.005). Further, the 18 cases in the treatment group whose pain completely disappeared got this therapeutic effect with only one course of treatment. Discussion: Tai Yang, Shuai Gu, and Feng Chi are all local points on the affected area, the head. Dr. Guo deems them all essential points for the treatment of migraine. Tai Chong is a liver channel transport point homing to or affecting both the external and internal branches of this channel. Its effect is to calm or level the liver. Shen Mens effect is to quiet the spirit, while Lie Ques is an essential point for the treatment of diseases of the head and face in general.

An Acupuncture Protocol for the Treatment of Obesity The 39 cases of obesity enrolled in this cohort study were all between 18 and 50 years of age. Seventeen were males and 22 were females. Five cases were under 20, 23 cases were 21-40, and 11 cases were 41 or over. The shortest course of disease was one year and the longest was 11 years. Twenty-one cases were grade I overweight, and 12 were grade II overweight. In addition, 11 cases were pattern- discriminated as presenting spleen vacuity with damp obstruction, 13 cases presented with stomach-intestine replete heat, nine cases presented with spleen-kidney yang vacuity, and six cases presented with qi stagnation and blood stasis. In terms of diagnostic criteria, all cases had a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or more. Grade I overweight is a BMI of 25.0-29.9, while grade II overweight is a BMI of 30.0 or more. Treatment method: Treatment of this cohort consisted of both body and ear acupuncture. Body acupuncture consisted of the main points: Yin Ling Quan (Sp 9) San Yin Jiao (Sp 6) Zu San Li (St 36) Nei Ting (St 44)

Liang Qiu (St 34) Gong Sun (Sp 4) Feng Long (St 40) Tian Shu (St 25) Zhong Wan (CV 12) Qi Hai (CV 6) Shui Fen (CV 9) Auxiliary points were then added based on each patients pattern discrimination. For spleen vacuity with damp obstruction, Pi Shu (Bl 20) andWei Shu (Bl 21) were added. For stomach-intestine replete heat, He Gu (LI 4), Shang Ju Xu (St 37), and Qu Chi (LI 11) were added. For spleen-kidney yang vacuity, Pi Shu (Bl 20), Shen Shu (Bl 23), Ming Men(GV 4), and Guan Yuan (CV 4) were added. For qi stagnation and blood stasis, Dan Zhong (CV 17), Xue Hai (Sp 10), Tai Chong (Liv 3), and Shen Men (Ht 7) were added. Thirty-gauge 2-3 inch needles were used. After obtaining the qi, the main points were attached to a G6805 electro-acupuncture machine and stimulated with a dense-dispersing wave to the degree the patient could bear. The needles were retained for 30 minutes each time, and treatment was given once per day for the first 10 days. After that, treatment was given once every other day for one month. One month equaled one course of treatment. In terms of ear acupuncture, mostly the points used consisted of: Spirit Gate Endocrine Sympathetic Three Burners Lungs Stomach If there was spleen vacuity with damp obstruction, Subcortex, Spleen, Pancreas, and Gallbladder were added. If there was stomach-intestine replete heat, Upper Screen, Lower Screen, Edge of Center, and Large Intestine were added. If there was spleen-kidney yang vacuity, Kidney, Bladder, Edge of Center, and Subcortex were added. If there was qi stagnation and blood stasis, Heart, Liver, Subcortex, and Inner Reproductive Organs were added.

After disinfection of the ear, Wang Bu Liu Xin (Semen Vaccariae) were taped over the appropriate points, and the patient was instructed to push these points a total of 30 minutes two times per day. In other words, each point was stimulated 1-2 minutes per session. Only one ear was stimulated at a time, and, after 3-5 days, the seeds in the ear were switched to the other ear. It is assumed that these ear points were also stimulated for the same length of time as the treatment of body points above. Study outcomes: Outcomes criteria were based on the 1998 criteria set at the National Integrated Chinese-Western Medical Symposium on Research on Obesity. Cure was defined as a BMI of less than 23.0 after treatment. Marked effect meant that there was a weight loss of more than five kilograms. Some effect meant that there was a weight loss of 3-5 kilograms. No effect meant that there was weightloss of less than three kilograms. Based on these criteria, after two courses of treatment, six cases were cured, 13 cases got a marked effect, 16 cases got some effect, and four cases got no effect, for a total reported effectiveness rate of 89.7%. Discussion: In this study, the pattern discrimination and point choices were pretty straightforward. However, the main thing that I would like to emphasize to Western readers is the close spacing of treatment and the many treatments administered. Western practitioners needling the same points only once or twice per week should not expect the same results. This is a very important difference between the practice of acupuncture in the West and that in China. Many of the treatment failures with acupuncture in the West are due to insufficient number of treatments and too widely spaced treatments.

Chronic Hives & Shen Que (CV 8) On pages 512-513 of issue #7, 2008 of Bei Jing Zhong Yi Yao (Beijing Chinese Medicine & Pharmacology), Lie Jing-han et al. published an article on the theory behind why cupping or indirectly moxaing Shen Que (CV 8) can effectively treat chronic urticaria or hives, an otherwise recalcitrant condition. The authors of this article are students of Prof. Hu Ling-xiang of the Acupuncture, Moxibustion, and Tuina Department of Chengdu University of Chinese Medicine & Pharmacology. Basically, Prof. Hu believes that chronic urticaria is due to a natural endowment insufficiency. Although it is not stated in this article, this appears to be Prof. Hus Chinese medical explanation of why certain people have an atopic terrain predisposing them to allergic reaction such as hives. This former heaven insufficiency then causes qi and blood vacuity weakness with defensive qi loss of securing. Hence wind evils take advantage of this vacuity to enter. Based on this theory, Prof. Hus treatment principles are to support the righteous and secure the root while also regulating and harmonizing the viscera and bowels, constructive and defensive, qi and blood. Essentially, the rest of the article is devoted to showing how, based on quotations from the classics, stimulating Shen Que accomplishes these ends. To sum up this argument, Shen Que supplements the source qi as well as connects with all 12 regular channels. Hence it is able to regulate and harmonize the qi and blood of all the five viscera and six bowels. Other interesting names for Shen Que cited by the authors of this article include Center of the Navel, Abode of Qi, Uniting of Qi, and Belt of Life. I myself have used cupping of Shen Que to treat chronic hives with success. However, one must cup this point every day for several days in a row in order for this technique to be successful. In such cases, it is possible to teach patients or their family members how to apply this method at home.

A Simple Acupuncture Protocol for Habitual Constipation Habitual constipation is a commonly seen complaint in clinical practice which affects both males and females, old and young alike. Typically, acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic constipation. However, many acupuncture protocols for constipation use at least 7-8 points needled bilaterally. In issue #8, 2002 of Si Chuan Zhong Yi (Sichuan Chinese Medicine), Shen Hai-ming published an article titled, The Acupuncture Treatment of 85 Cases of Habitual Constipation. This article appeared on page 76 of that journal. Because the protocol it described is such an easy one to employ, I have summarized it below. Cohort description: Of the 85 patients in this clinical trial, 37 were male and 48 were female aged 15-62 years old. These patients had been constipated from three months to 10 years and all had only one bowel movement more than every third day. Organic diseases of the intestinal tract were ruled out, and all met the diagnostic criteria for habitual constipation in the Shang Hai Shi Zhong Yi Bing Zheng Zhen Liao Chang Gui (Shanghai Municipal Chinese Medical Standards of Diagnosis & Treatment for Diseases & Their Patterns). Treatment method: After being disinfected, men were needled on the left side and women on the right at Nei Guan (Per 6) and Zhao Hai (Ki 6). Strong stimulation or as strong stimulation as the patient could bear was used. Needles were retained for one hour and the needles were stimulated once every 10 minutes. Treatment was given once every other day for two times. Treatment outcomes: Cure was defined as a bowel movement within two days of the first treatment with the substance of the stools become moist, the passage of the stools easy and smooth, and no recurrence over a short period of time. Marked effect was defined as a bowel movement within three days of the first treatment with the substance of the stools become moist and expulsion of the stools relatively easier. No effect meant that there was no improvement in the patients signs and symptoms. Based on these criteria, 51 of 85 patients were judged cured, 27 got a marked effect, and seven got no effect. Therefore, the total amelioration rate was 91.8%, with a cure rate of 56.9% in one treatment. Representative case history: The patient was a 39 year old female who was first examined on Sept. 23, 2000. This woman had had dry bound stools for the past two years with only one movement every 5-7 days. Her face and ears turned red at the time of defecation due to straining. When she took medicines for this condition, it improved, but when she stopped these medicines, it returned. Therefore, the woman was needled at right Nei Guan and Zhao Hai. The needles were retained for one hour, during which they were stimulated six times. The next day, the patient had a bowel movement which was moister and easier than before. On follow-up after one month, her bowel movements were still moist and smooth and occurred once per day. Discussion:Typically in Chinese acupuncture, constipation is treated by a combination of large intestine back transport, front alarm points, and lower uniting points. Then, depending on whether the patient presents a replete or vacuous, hot or cold pattern, other points are added following the patients signs and symptoms. However, the Chinese author of this article, Dr. Shen Hai-ming, likes to use Nei Guan and Zhao Hai for habitual constipation. Zhao Hai is a transport point on the foot shao yin kidney channel. It is also one of the meeting points of the eight extraordinary vessels, connecting with the yin springing vessel. It is a relatively commonly used point for the treatment of constipation recommended for this complaint by a number of famous premodern texts, such as the Zhen Jiu Ju Ying (The Assembly of Eminent Acupuncture & Moxibustion). Nei Guan is one of the five transport points on the hand jue yin pericardium channel. It is also one of the meeting points of the eight extraordinary vessels, connecting with the yin linking vessel. Clinically, it is a less commonly seen point for the treatment of constipation. However, when Zhao Hai and Nei Guan are combined together, Dr. Shen believes that they are able to engender fluids and moisten the intestines as well as promote intestinal peristalsis. According to Dr. Shen, this protocol is easy to administer and gets exceptionally good results. When this protocol is combined with appropriate dietary therapy, it achieves even better results. As for needling women on the right and men on the left, this was the habit of Dr. Shens teacher, Chen Youren.