Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture on the pain in mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve.

Manipulation: Mental foramen and mandibular foramen are selected as the principal points. Jiache (ST6), Xiaguan (ST7), Quanliao (SI15) and Hegu (LI4) are combined points. Mandibular foramen is located interiorly adjacent to the concavity that is bellow and anterior to the angle of mandible. It feels sour and full when pressed. At this point, 2 cun filiform needle is selected and inserted perpendicular- upwardly to a depth of l.5-l.8 cun., The mental foramen is located Perpendicularly below the point Dicang (ST4) and level with the point Chengjiang (CV24). As for this point, a l.5 cun needle is selected and inserted 0.8-1 .0 cun deep. The sign of the needle entering the foramen is that no resistance is felt. When the needle is inserted deep, the patient's face feels sour and full and the sensation radiates to the root of tooth. The combined points on the face are punctured perpendicularly, and general method is applied. Manipulation is also done to make the needling sensation go to the root of tooth. When Puncturing Hegu (LI4), after Qi is felt, the needle should be adjusted to make the tip slightly directed at the wrist for the purpose of upward conduction of the needling sensation. The needles are kept for 30 minutes. Lift-thrust and rotation technique should not be done. G6805 therapy instrument can be used, which is adjusted to produce stimulation of low frequency and continuous waves. The treatment is done once per day. 10 days makes a treatment course. The effect is worked out through statistical analysis after l-3 courses.

Results: Criterion of therapeutical effect is as follows: (l) Clinical recovery: The pain disappears and no recurrence happens according to the follow-up survey within 6 months; (2) Marked improvement: The pain is relieved to a large degree. There is occasional recurrence, but the pain is mild and lasts a short time; (3) Improvement: The pain is slightly relieved; (4) No improvement: the condition of the patient is not improved after treatment. 126 patients were given the treatment. The clinical recover group includes 70 cases, and the other 3 corresponding numbers are 40,13 and 3. According to the clinical observation, good effect is achieved in patients of short clinical course and less severe condition.

Conclusion: Treating the pain in mandibular branch of trigeminal nerve by acupuncturing menial foramen and mandibular foramen can relieve pain and subdue inflammation through irritating acupoints. Because the two foramens are both afflicted area and pod of Yangming channel, the treatment can clear the channel as well as relieve the pain.

By Dong Yuxiang, Han Chunxia & Zhang Erli.