PERIARTHRITIS OF SHOULDER JOINT BY PI ZHEN AND CUPPING THERAPY

Chen Yingyan

(112th Hospital of PLA, Lman, ZheJiang)

"Pi Zhen" (sword-shaped needle) is one of the nine needles in the ancient time. "Ling Shu (Miraculous Pivot) On Nine Needles'' pointed out, "Pi Zhen is modeled upon the sharp point of a sword; it is 2.5 fen in breadth and 4 cun in length, and used to treat the carbuncle caused by pathogenic heat." "Guanci" is one of the five insertions in "Nei ling (The Canon of Medicine)". It pointed out "Perpendicular inserting around the tendons of a joint had treated 'Jin Bi'. In fact, the periarthritis of shoulder joint is the "]in Bi" of traditional Chinese medicine, so-called "frozen shoulder'. In recent five years, we had treated 112 case by perpendicular inserting with "Pi Zhen" and cupping therapy, the effective rate was 87%.

1. After strictly sterilizing the painful points of the joint, using Pi Zhen to perpendicularly insert around the joint and letting out blood about 1-3 ml. by cupping, then removing the cup and locally massageto stop bleeding, and dressing the hole the doctor helped the patient to move his shoulder joint 5-10 minutes. Generally, 1-3 painful points were used each time, once 3-5 days, 3" sessions constitute a course.

2. The doctor advised the patient to move his shoulder as an exercise by himself three times each day. The exercise was:

(1) Lifting his hands to touch over his head with palms;

(2) Making his hands across his shoulders;

(3) Hand up toward head;

(4) Using the tips of his fingers moving upward on the wall;

(5) And lifting up hands cupped one on the other.

3. After the treatment 34 cases had been cured, 36 showed marked effect, 29 improved but 13 failed. Most patients were glad to receive this treatment, because the operation is very simple and shows better effect,

4. The perpendicular inserting of Pi Zhen and cupping therapy stimulate the tendons. The heat in them promotes the blood circulation to reduce the pain sensation. On the other hand, this treatment helps to move their shoulder joints, to relax the tense tendons and muscles, and to invigorate the meridians and collaterals.