ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT OF TRAUMATIC PARAPLEGIA

Chen Zhihua, Shi Yuguang, Liu Jinyi, Lii Fengchen, Yan Li, Sun Lanrong, Yu Zengji

(Department of Acupuncture, The First Hospital, TianJin College of TCM, Tianjin)

Since 1972, 150 cases of traumatic paraplegia have been admitted in our department, including 145 male and 5 female. Most of them are coal miners and building workers. The age ranged from 20 to 40 years. HuatuoJiaji (Extra 21) points which were located on the injured plane between the upper and lower spinous processes was selected as the main points for acupuncture treatment, coordinated with Zhibian, Weizhong, Juegu, Kunlun, Biguan, Zusanli, Yanglingquan and Xiexi to relief the flaccidity syndrome and relax the muscular spasm; coordinated with Zhongji, Tianshu to regulate the stool and urine. The above points were divided into two groups, and used on abdominal region and back region alternatively. Acupuncture was given once a day with the depth of 1.5-2 cun on Jiaji point. Lifting and thrusting the twisting was used as the chief acupuncture method, coordinating the twisting and rotating method within a narrow range. After 3-8 months of treatment the general effectiveness rate was 97%, including 31 cases recovered, 36 cases marked improved, 79 cases improved, and 4 cases ineffective. The standard of determining the therapeutic effect depended on the standard prescribed in the National Study Class of Experience Exchanges for the Treatment of Traumatic Paraplegia in 1972-

THE THERAPEUTIC EXPERIENCES:

In the early stage of injured spinal cord, while noticing the stability of spinal column, acupuncture treatment could promote the resuscitation of spinal cord which is in a condition of inhibition by prevented it from liquefactive necrosis, and promoted the spinal cord which was in a normal physiological condition to play the transmission of acupuncture feeling by the meridians disappeared below the injured plane as the spinal cord was transected completely. The appearance of spontaneous transmission of acupuncture feeling along the meridians in 4 cases of them was not related with acupuncture and called as "cerebral transmission" temporarily. Getting the Qi or not was quite important for the acupuncture therapeutic effect. Deep, heavy and strong manipulation should be taken for the treatment of flaccid paralysis showing Xu-syndrome (asthenia syndrome). Shallow and light stimulation should be taken for the treatment of stiff paralysis showing Shi-syndrome (sthe-nia-syndrome). During the treatment, both passive and active exercise should be done, avoiding the passive waiting,