AURICULO ACUPUNCTURE FOR DILATATION OF CERVICAL OS

Zhang Heyuan, Yu Lihua

(The First Hospital, Guiyang College of TCM, Culzhou)

This paper presents satisfactory results of auriculo-acupuncture for dilatation of cervical os in 56 cases, in whom artificial abortion and diagnostic curettage had proved impossible because of the tightness of cervical os. Successful dilatation was obtained in 55 cases after performing auriculo-acupuncture.

Of all the 56 cases, 37 were primigravidae with artificial abortion, 9 secondary gravid with artificial abortion, 6 with diagnostic curettage and 4 with other operations. In 46 cases with normal cervix of uterus, relaxation and dilatation occurred within 30 sec after the insertion of the needle. 9 cases were with mild adhesion cervix, and the needle was slightly rotated to and from and then retained for 1-3min. after insertion dilatation resulted. This treatment failed to work in only one case, due to the serious adhesion and deformity of the cervix.

Three auriculo-points (Luanchao, Zigong and Neifenmi) of either car were used. After routine sterilization, needling with No. 23-30 filiform needles were performed. The needles should be inserted into the cartilage of the ear. (If the needling was precisely inside the points, auricular congestion of the same side would usually be brought about, and local warmth and distension could be felt by the patient).

Neither traditional nor western medicines had been administered before needling. In all the 56 cases, satisfactory results were obtained, except one case with serious adhesion and deformity of the cervix. The rate of effectiveness was 98%. It was observed that the speed of dilatation of the cervical os was correlated with the condition whether there existed cervical adhesion. In cases with mild adhesion, good results could be obtained by prolonged needle retaining and strengthening of the stimulation.

Auriculo-acupuncture had proved an effective method for dilatation of the cervical os. It shortened the time of artificial abortion, ensured complete aspiration of the embryo, and diminished bleeding. In addition, it was a procedure easy to handle.