Observation of Therapeutic Effect on Depression with a Combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs

The purpose of this paper was to observe the therapeutic effect on depression with a combination of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine and the theory of meridian and acupuncture, diagnosis and treatment of a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbs were done based on overall analysis of symptoms and signs of the cause, nature and location of the illness and physical condition. Psychotherapy was also used. 32 patients were treated. Among them, patients were male and aged over 55 years old, 28 were female and aged from 35 to 54 years old.

The main acupoints were as follows: Baihui(DU 20), Shengting (DU 24), Tanzhong (RN 17), Juque (RN 14), Taichong (LR 3), Hegu (LI 4). If the case was diagnosed as blood stasis, Guanyuan (RN 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Xuehai (SP 8), Xinshu (BL 15), Geshu (BL 17) points were added. The prescription of Chinese herbs was based on Xuefu Zhuyu Tang (Decoction for Removing Blood Stasis in The Chest) and Mujin San (Radix Aucklandiae, Radix Curcumae, Radix Polygalae, Cortex Albiziae, Succinum).

If the case was diagnosed as fire stagnancy, Daling (PC 7) and Shenmen (HT 7) points were added. The prescription of Chinese herbs was based on Dan Zhi Xiaoyao San (Ease Powder of Moutan Bark and Cape Jasmine Fruit) and Baihe Gujin Tang (Lily Decoction for Strengthening the Lung).

If the case was diagnosed as phlegm stagnancy, Fenglong (ST 40), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Lieque (LU 7), Zhaohai (KI 6) and Tiantu (RN 22) points were added. The prescription of Chinese herbs was based on Banxia Houpo Tang (Decoction of Pinellia and Magnolia Bark) and Xuanfu Daizhe Tang (Decoction of Inula and Hematitum).

If the case was diagnosed as food stagnancy, Zhongwan (RN 21), Xiawan (RN 10), Zusanli (ST 36), Xuanji (RN 21) points were added. The prescription of Chinese herbs was based on Pingwei San (Peptic Powder, adding Fructus Crataegi and Massa Fermentata Medicinalis) and Xiangsha Xiao Chengqi Tang (Radix Bupleuri, Rhizoma Cyperi, Fructus Amomi, Radix Curcumae, Endothelium Corneum, Cortex Magnoliae Officinal, Poria, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, Radix et Phizoma).

If the case was diagnosed as deficiency of yin or hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency, Shenmen (HT 7), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Taixi (KI 3), Fuliu (KI 7) and Yinxi (HT 6) points were added. The prescription of Chinese herbs was based on Tianwang Busin Dan (Cardiotonic Pill) and Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Bolus of Six Herbs Including Rehmannia).

If the case was diagnosed as deficiency of qi and blood in the heart and spleen, Qihai (RN 6), Guanyuan (RN 4), Zusanli (ST 36), Xuehai (SP 10), Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), Shenmen (HT 7), and Taibai (SP 3) points were added. The prescription of Chinese herbs was based on Guipi Tang (Decoction for Invigorating the Spleen and Nourishing the Heart) and Gancao Xiaomai Dazao Tang (Licrice Decoction for Purging the Stomach-fire).

The treatment of acupuncture was done 2 or 3 times every week, and 10 times was a course of treatment. After 3 times treatment, most patients had improved. Among 32 patients, 8 were cured, 13 markedly improved, 8 improved, 3 unimproved, with the total effect rate of 90.6%.

(By Chen Yunze, Dispensary of a Combination of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs, 663, S. King St. Seattle, WA 8104 USA)