EPISTAXIS TREATED BY ACUPUNCTURE AND MOXIBUSTION

Cooperative Group for Treating Epistaxis wit Acupuncture, Fujian

19 cases of epistaxis were treated with acupuncture and moxibustion during 1978 to 1982. Satisfactory results were obtained. 16 were male and 3 were female, ranging of age from 15 to 48 years, with the shortest course of 1 day to the longest of 8 years. Types classified showed: Heat in lung meridian 8, Yin-deficiency of liver and kidney 4, excessive heat in Yangming 3, and traumatic injury 1.

Methods of Treatment: For heat in the lung meridian, we selected Shangxing and Hegu with reducing method, at the same time fast punctured both sides of Shaoshang of the lung meridian of Hand Taiying let some blood oozing out. For Yin-deficiency of liver and kidney, we selected Taichong, Hegu and Nose-Heliao, Renzhong manipulated with mild reinforcing and reducing method preferably light than heavy. For excessive heat in Yangming, we selected Nose-Heliao, Pianii, Neiting and Hegu, with reducing method to expel heat, to soothe the collaterals and stop bleeding. Of all the above mentioned types, we treated them once a day by retaining needle 20 to 30 min. Each time rotating and lift-thrusting once at every 5 min. interval to keep the better needling reaction, adjusted within the tolerance of the patient. We continued the treatment 3 to 5 times after the epistaxis stopped to consolidate the effectiveness. For traumatic injury, we applied moxa-sticks to both sides Shaoshang with a distance of 2 to 3 cms. above the skin for 20 mins until a warm sensation was felt but without pain. During moxibustion, the distance should be regulated between the moxa-sticks and skin until the skin showing pinkish red.

In our series, epistaxis would be stopped after 1 to 4 times of treatment. There was a case suffering from epistaxis for more than 8 years no relapse followed up one year after the treatment. Acupuncture and moxibustion for treating epistaxis showed advantages of fast coagulation, safety and convenience. According to the principle of determination of treatment based on the differentiation of syndromes, correct classification of types, accurate applying different kinds of manipulation are the important factors for better results. During treatment, pungent, hot and irritating dry food stuffs are to be avoided.

Compiled by Liang Dongfu