Objective: To observe the effect of combined treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis with Guasha therapy and oral administration of Chinese medicinal herbs.

Methods: A total of 50 cases of scapulohumeral periarthritis patients were subjected into this observation. The shortest duration of disease was 1 month and the longest 5 years: (l) Guasha treatment: Guasha stimulation was performed form the neck part on down to the shoulder region by increasing the force exerted on the skin gradually. Generally, this procedure was repeated for 10 to 20 cycles in one session of treatment till the local area appeared areola and erythemoid skin. At the same time, Tianzhu (BL 10), Jianjing (GB 21), Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (TE 5), etc. were pressed for about 20 minutes. Guasha treatment was conducted once every 5 days;(2) Chinese medicinal herb treatment: Huangqi (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari) 30g, Gegen (Radix Puerariax) 30g, Jixueteng (Caulis Spatholobi) 20g, Sangzhi (Ramulus Mori) 20g, Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 15g, Danshen (Radix Saliviae Miltiorrhizae) 10g, Danggui (Radix Angelicae) 10g, Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) 10g, Lulutong (Fructus Liquidambaris) 10g, Weilingxian (Radix Clematidis) 10g, Dilong (Lumbricus) 10g and Radix Glycyrrhizae praeparata 10g were decocted in water for oral administration, one dose daily. One week formed a therapeutic course.

Results: After treatment (average 5 times of Guasha and Oral administheion of 6 doses of Chinese medicinal herbs), of the 50 cases, 40 (80%) were cured. 8 cases had improvement after 8 times of Guasha stimulation and 12 doses of Chinese medicinal herbs. The rest 2 cases had no any obvious changes.

By Lin Zhong,  Xia shan