Plum-blossom Needle Research Articles

The effectiveness and safety of plum-blossom needle therapy for Tourette syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundPrevious studies have indicated that acupuncture can alleviate the symptoms of Tourette syndrome (TS), but the evidence is insufficient. So far, there have been no reports on plum-blossom needle therapy for TS. Here we present a protocol for a randomized controlled trial using plum-blossom needle therapy to treat TS.Methods/designSixty patients will be randomly allocated into either the plum-blossom needle therapy group or the habit reversal training (HRT) group. All patients in each group will be given 12 weeks of treatment, with follow-up at the 24th week. The primary outcome measure will be the mean change from baseline in the total tic score on the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) at the 12th week. Secondary outcome measures will include the scores on the TS Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) and the mean changes from baseline in the YGTSS score and the Children and Adolescents’ Quality of Life Scale (CAQOL) at other time points. Safety will also be evaluated.DiscussionThis trial will evaluate the effectiveness and safety of plum-blossom needle therapy for TS compared with HRT. A limitation of this trial is that patients and acupuncturists cannot be blinded.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02403258 (Date of registration: March 31, 2015).

Plum-blossom needle tapping enhances the efficacy of aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy for actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma

Objective To investigate the effect of plum-blossom needle tapping on the efficacy of aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy（ALA-PDT）for actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and to evaluate the safety of plum-blossom needle tapping. Methods Twenty-four patients, including 12 patients with actinic keratosis, 6 patients with nodular basal cell carcinoma and 6 patients with squamous cell carcinoma in situ, were enrolled into this study and classified into two groups, i.e., combination group and control group, with the number of patients with actinic keratosis, nodular basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in situ being equal between the two groups. The patients in the combination group were pretreated with plum-blossom needle tapping followed by ALA-PDT, and the control group by ALA-PDT alone. Results The complete remission rate of actinic keratosis after the first session of treatment was significantly higher in the combination group than in the control group（grade 1 lesions, 12/12 vs. 10/14; grade 2 lesions, 79.5%（31/39）vs. 57.9%（22/38）; grade 3 lesions, 36.6%（15/41）vs. 17.0%（7/41）, all P< 0.05）. The number of treatment sessions required for the complete remission of actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma in situ lesions measuring more than 0.3 mm in thickness was significantly reduced in the combination group compared with the control group. On average, 1.9 sessions of treatment were required for the complete remission of grade 3 lesions of actinic keratosis in the combination group, compared to 2.6 sessions in the control group. Plum-blossom needle tapping also enhanced the efficacy of ALA-PDT for nodular basal cell carcinoma. Further more, plum-blossom needle tapping did not aggravate pain in patients during the treatment. Conclusion Plum-blossom needle tapping can enhance the efficacy of ALA-PDT for actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, with no increase in adverse reactions. Key words: Keratosis, actinic; Neoplasms, basal cell; Neoplasms, squamous cell; Photochemotherapy; Aminolevulinic acid; PLUM-BLOSSOM NEEDLE THERAPY

Efficacy observation on cervical spondylosis of nerve root type treated by the warm needling at Jiáj ( EX-B 2) and tapping with plum-blossom needle

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effect on cervical spondylosis of nerve root type treated by warm needling therapy at Jiáj▪ (▪ EX-B 2) and plum-blossom needle therapy. MethodsAccording to the random number table, 150 cases of cervical spondylosis of nerve root type were randomized into an acupuncture-moxibustion group (75 cases) and a control group (75 cases). In the acupuncture-moxibustion group, the warm needling at EX-B 2 and tapping with plum-blossom needle were applied. EX-B 2 on the affected segments were selected and stimulated with warm needling technique for 20–30 min. Afterward, the plum-blossom needle was used to tap the skin around the acupoints, for 3 min on each site. The treatment was given once every day. Seven treatments made one session. The interval between two sessions was 1 day. In the control group, the medication was used in combination with traction therapy. The intravenous drip with 5% glucose 250 mL and compound salvia miltiorrhiza injection 40 mL was used, once a day. In traction treatment, the patient was in a sitting position, neck anteflexion at 15°-30°, traction force at 10%–20% of the body mass, for 20–30 min in each time. The treatment was given once every day. The appointed person evaluated therapeutic effects after the three sessions of treatment in the two groups. ResultsThe clinical curative rate was 49.3% (37/75) and the total effective rate was 94.7% (71/75) in the acupuncture-moxibustion group and those were 24.0% (18/75) and 81.3% (61/75) respectively in the control group. The total effective rate and clinical curative rate in the acupuncture-moxibustion group were superior to the control group (both P<0.05). In the comparison of the duration of treatment and effect in the cured patients between the two groups, the curative rate in the 1st session of treatment in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). In the comparison of the 6-month follow-up visit in the cured patients between the two groups, the effect in the acupuncture-moxibustion group was much more stable (P<0.05). ConclusionThe warm needling therapy at EX-B 2 and tapping therapy with plum-blossom needle achieve the significant effect on cervical spondylosis of nerve root type.

Therapeutic efficacy observation on combining herbal cake-partitioned moxibustion with plum-blossom needle therapy for cervical radiculopathy

Objective To observe the clinical effect of combining Herbal cakepartitioned moxibustion with plum-blossom needle therapy for cervical radiculopathy.

Clinical observation on treatment of chronic eczema with acupuncture plus acupoint injection therapy

To observe the clinical effects of acupuncture combined with acupoint injection therapy in treating chronic eczema. Seventy patients were randomly divided into two groups. Thirty-six cases in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture, acupoint injection therapy and tapping with plum-blossom needle, while 34 cases in the control group were treated with oral administration of Loratadine plus topical application of Halometasone Cream. After a three-week treatment, the curative and remarkable effective rate and the total effective rate were respectively 80.6% and 97.2% in the treatment group, versus 47.1% and 79.4% in the control group. The differences in the curative and remarkable effective rate and total effective rate between the two groups were statistically significant (all P<0.05). No obvious adverse reaction appeared in the two groups during the treatment. Acupuncture plus acupoint injection therapy is effective for chronic eczema with high in safety.

Treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy: acupuncture at neck Jiáj points and blood-letting puncture with the plum-blossom needle

ObjectiveTo observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at neck Jiáj▪ (EX) points and blood-letting puncture with the plum-blossom needle on cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. MethodsSixty cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy were divided into a treatment group and a control group with 30 cases in each group. Acupuncture at neck Jiáj▪ (EX) points (Extra) and blood-letting puncture with the plum-blossom needle were adopted for the treatment group. And acupuncture at neck Jiáj▪ (EX) points was adopted for the control group. The therapeutic effect, visual analogue scale (VAS) and the numbness score were observed after 2 treatment courses. ResultsThe total effective rate of the treatment group was 86.7% (26/30), while the rate of the control group was 83.3% (25/30). Comparison of the differences of the two groups was without statistic significance (P>0.05). The VAS scores of the two groups after treatment were both improved (both P<0.01), but without statistic significance between the two groups (P>0.05). The numbness scores of the two groups after treatment were both better than those before treatment (P<0.01). The therapeutic effect on numbness of the extremities of the treatment group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionBlood-letting puncture with the plum flower needle has a satisfactory effect on treatment of numbness of the extremities of patient with cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Sixty cases of ocular myasthenia gravis treated with acupuncture and moxibustion at extra-meridian and collateral

ObjectiveTo explore effective therapeutic method for the treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis. MethodsSixty cases of ocular myasthenia gravis were selected. The acupuncture was applied at Dàzhuī ▪ GV 14), B▪ihuì (▪) GV 20), Shàngxīng (▪ GV 23) of Governor Vessel, and its crossing points with Yinqiao and Yangqiao Meridian, such as Jīngmíng (▪ BL 1), shēnmài (▪ BL 62), Dìcāng (▪ ST 4), Jūliáo (▪ ST 3), Chéngqì (▪ ST 1), etc. Besides, ginger-partition moxibustion was applied at Yángbái (▪ GB 14) and Sìbái (▪ ST 2). The plum-blossom needle was applied at upper limb distribution of lung channel of hand taiyin, heart channel of hand shaoyin and pericardium channel of hand jueyin. The patients’ clinical symptoms, potential degradation percentages of repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) in low frequency were observed. Results8 cases were clinically cured, 20 cases were basically cured, 12 cases were remarkably effective, 15 cases were effective and 5 cases were failed. The total effective rate was 91.7%. Compared with before the treatment, the potential degradation percentages of repetitive nerve stimulation in low frequency were lowered [(19.44±6.28)% vs (8.78±3.12)%, (P<0.05)]. ConclusionAcupuncture and moxibustion at extra-meridian and collateral for ocular myasthenia gravis could achieve positive efficacy.

Clinical observation on acupuncture treatment of alopecia areata

To observe the clinical effects of acupuncture therapy for alopecia areata. Seventy-eight patients were randomly divided into two groups. 43 cases in the treatment group were treated by acupuncture and pricking of plum-blossom needle therapy. 35 cases in the control group were treated with oral administration of Cystine tablets, Vit B1, and topical wash with Minoxidil Solution. The therapeutic effects were assessed after 4-month treatment in the two groups. The curative effect and total effective rate were 58.1% and 97.7% in the treatment group, and 34.3% and 77.1% in the control group respectively, with statistical differences in the curative rate and total effective rate between the two groups (both P<0.05). Acupuncture is better than medications in the treatment of alopecia areata.

The relation between puncturing at superficial venules and effectiveness of acupoint application in summer to treat winter diseases

Objective To explore the relation between puncturing at superficial venules and effectiveness of acupoint application in summer to treat winter disease. Methods 4872 chronic bronchitis patients who received therapy of acupoint application in summer for treating winter diseases were divided into a superficial-venule group (including 994 patients) and a non-superficial-venuls group (including 3878 patients), according to the conditions that if or not they had superficial venuls. Both groups received the treatment of acupoint application combined with plum-blossom needles quick puncture. On this basis, the superficial-venule group was additional treated by puncturing at superficial venules. Results The cure rate and total effective rate were 73.2% and 98.1% in the superficial-venule group, and 35.9% and 90.8% in the non-superficial-venuls group. There was a significant difference between the two groups in their therapeutic effect (P＜0.01).Conclusion The treatment of acupoint application combined with puncturing at superficial venules are effective in treating chronic bronchitis. Key words: Chronic bronchitis; Puncturing at superficial venules; To treat winter disease in summer

Thirty cases of infantile Anorexia treated by acupuncture and tapping with plum-blossom needle

To explore the effects of acupuncture therapy on infantile Anorexia. Sixty cases were randomly allocated into treatment and control groups. In the treatment group, patients were managed by acupuncture Sifeng (Ex-UE 10) in combination with plum-blossom blood-letting puncture on Back-Shu and Zusanli (ST 36) acupoints, while multienzyme tablets and motilium suspension were administered to patients in the control group. The cure rate and efficient rate in the treatment group were 83.3% and 96.6% respectively, while 26.7% and 90.0% in the control group, the treatment group has a better curative effect (P<0.05). The combination of needle puncture with plum-blossom blood-letting puncture employed for children with Anorexia is of positive effects with no adverse reactions.

External application of chinese medicine following tapping using a plum-blossom needle for allergic rhinitis

To observe the clinical efficacy of external application of Chinese medicine following tapping using a plum-blossom needle for allergic rhinitis. All 328 cases were randomized into an observation group of 206 cases, Chinese medicine group of 70 cases and point application group of 52 cases. The differences between the observation and Chinese medicine groups (P<0.01) and between the observation and point application group (P<0.05) were both of statistical meaning. The cases in the observation obtained the best effect, the point application group obtained a moderate effect and the Chinese medicine group obtained the least effect. A younger age and an increased number of treatments contributed to a better effect. External application of Chinese medicine following tapping using a plum-blossom needle is safe and effective for allergic rhinitis.

Clinical Observation On Treatment of Depression with Plum-blossom Needling

Objective To observe clinical therapeutic effect of treating depression with plum-blossom needling.Methods A total of 80 cases were randomly divided into a acupuncture treatment group and a medicinal control group,with 40 cases in each group. The treatment group was treated with plum-blossom needling, and the control group was treated with oral administration of Citalopram. Results The effective rate in the acupuncture treatment group was 87.5%, which was better than 72.5% in the medicinal control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion The treatment of Plum-blossom needling is better than medicinal control therapy on depression, which is safe and with no side effects. Key words: Depression; Plum-blossom needling; Tapping

Treatment of 120 cases of nuchal ligament strain by acupuncture and Tuina

120 cases of nuchal ligament strain were treated with Tuina at the nape, tapping Dazhui (GV 14) with plum-blossom needle, and cupping Dazhui(GV 14). Clinical observation was made after 14-day treatments. Eighty-seven cases got cure, 28 cases improvement and 5 cases failure; the total effective rate was 95.8%.

Treatment of 98 cases of bronchial asthma by plum-blossom magnetic needle

In accordance with the requirement of comprehensive therapy of plum-blossom magnetic needle, the corresponding acupoints were punctured by plum-blossom needles, in combination with effect-enhancing pad. In 98 cases of the patients, after 1–2 courses of the treatments, the results showed remarkable effect in 50 cases, improvement in 39 cases and failure in 9 cases, in the total effective rate of 92.8%. Comprehensive therapy of plum-blossom magnetic needle is an effective therapy for bronchial asthma.

Clinical observations on the treatment of Ramsay Hunt syndrome by blood-letting puncture and cupping as main therapy

Purpose: To investigate the clinical efficacy of blood-letting puncture and cupping in cooperation with acupuncture and moxibustion for treating Ramsay Hunt syndrome. A treatment group of 32 cases was treated by blood-letting puncture with plum-blossom needle and cupping in cooperation with acupuncture and moxibustion and a control group of 32 cases, with acupuncture and moxibustion, and andaciclovir. Results and conclusion: The cure and marked effectiveness rate was 81.2% in the treatment group and 56.2% in the control group after 4 courses of treatment. It was higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P <0.05). The short-term otalgia-relieving rate was also significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.01).

Clinical observation on treatment of women climacteric insomnia by plum-blossom needle: A report of 50 cases

To observe the treatment of 50 female patients with climacteric insomnia by plum-blossom needle therapy. According to differentiation of symptoms and signs the head, back, belly and other location were tapping. Besides 50 patients were treated with Western medicine as a control group. The result showed the immediate and long-term effect in plum-blossom needle group was better than that in control group (P<0.01).

Treatment of alopecia areata with plum-blossom needles plus moxibustion: A report of 53 cases

Fifty-three patients with alopecia areata were treated by plum-blossom needles tapping and mild moxibustion of the focus and 54 cases taking Bozhi tablets orally were considered as a control group. The total effective rates were 96.2% and 70.4 respectively after 3-course’s treatment.

Treatment of psoriasis by plum-blossom and moxibustion

● Plum-blossom After the skin was sterilized routinely with 2% iodine and 75% alcohol, a plum blossom needle was used to tap the area 2 - 3 cm away from the board of psoriasis region, from outside to inside, until the skin became red, congested and slightly bled. Then a small quantity of 2% Mylabris tincture (斑蝥酊) was drawn by a disposable sterile syringe and sprayed on the affected area. Let the medicated liquid be absorbed automatically.

Treatment of 40 cases of alopecia areata by plum-blossom needle plus rubbing with ginger slice

Treatment of 40 cases of alopecia areata by plum-blossom needle plus rubbing with ginger slice

Dip. Ac. Beijing (1995)

The author was given extended study leave from his general practice in Merseyside to attend a three month Diploma in Acupuncture Course at the International Acupuncture Training Centre in Beijing, China. The course involved 137 hours of lectures, mainly on traditional Chinese medicine, but covering electroacupuncture analgesia, ear and scalp acupuncture, plum-blossom needling, cupping and Qigong The 168 hours of classical training was in small groups at one of the ten Beijing hospitals or at the centre's clinics. Having completed the course and found it a clinical experience difficult to rival, the author suggests that much of benefit has been lost from traditional acupuncture in its westernisation.