Electro-acupuncture Combined with Plum-blossom Needle Tapping for Treatment of Supraorbital Neuritis - A Clinical Observation of 59 Cases

Electro-acupuncture Combined with Plum-blossom Needle Tapping for Treatment of Supraorbital Neuritis - A Clinical Observation of 59 Cases

by Zeng Hongwen et al.

Supraorbital neuritis is an aseptic inflammatory condition, considered to be related to the lowering of autoimmunity, usually with pain located at the midpoint of the inferior margin of the orbit, i.e. the Ahshi point Shangming (N-HN-4). In this series of 59 cases, 33 were male and 26 female, ranging in age from 18-45 years, and in duration of illness from one week to half a year. The points selected were New Zanzhu (Extra), Shangming (N-HN-4), and Hegu LI-4 on the affected side. The patient was asked to lie in a supine position. A 1-cun filiform needle was inserted perpendicularly into Shangming (N-HN-4), followed by 2 needles inserted obliquely at both sides of the point, forming a shape like a chicken claw. Then, New Zanzhu (Extra) and Hegu LI-4 on the same side were needled with filiform needles. After being manipulated in small amplitude, the needles were connected to an electric stimulator with a continuous wave. The needles were retained for 20 minutes. At the same time, plum-blossom needle tapping was carried out for 5-10 minutes on the supraorbital margin of the affected side (sterilised with alcohol before tapping). The treatment was given once daily, 10 treatments constituting a course. Cases with disappearance of the symptoms and with no recurrence after half a year were considered to be cured. The 59 cases in this series were all cured within one course of treatment, while 39 cases were cured after only 4-5 treatments.

JTCM September 2003