Objective: To observe the curative effect of needling the points selected and based on syndrome differentiation on convalescent apoplexy, and the laws of compound formula in point selection.

Methods: Patients were divided into two groups: Syndrome differentiation-based point combination group (Group 1, n=34) and head electroacupuncture (EA) group (Group 2, n=34). In Group1 , Syndrome differentiation was made to show that the pathogenesis of the disease was as follows: deficiency of Qi (vital energy) and blood stagnation, phlegm-dampness causing obstruction of collaterals, injury of the brain marrow, leading to inability of the brain. On the basis of the syndrome differentiation, the curative principles were determined to replenish Qi and promote blood circulation, resolve phlegm and invigorate collaterals, and restore brain functions. Two groups of acupoints were selected: Qihai (CV6), Xuehai (SP10), Weizhong (BL40), Jiquan (HT1), Fenglong (ST40), Xuanzhong (GB39), Baxie (EX-UE9),and Jinjin (EX-hnl2) and Yuye (EX-hnl3), constituted Group A. And Zusanli (ST36), Shousanli (LI10), Geshu (BL17), Jianshi (PC5), Yinlingquan (SP9), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Bafeng (EX.LE10), Lianquan (CV23) made Group B. The two groups of points were alternatively used one group each day. Bilateral points were used for all the points except Baxie (EX-UE9) and Bafeng (EX-LE10) on the affected side was used. The operation procedures were as follows: Needles were firstly inserted into Qihai (CV6) and Zusanli (ST36) points. After needling sensation was obtained forcefully thrusting and gently lifting were made for 3 times, which was followed by warm moxibustion for 3 Zhuang with 2cm long moxa for each Zhuang. After the first moxa was lit, the other points were punctured respectively from the upper ones to the lower ones' with even reinforcing and reducing manipulation for 30 minutes in each point, and then the needles were remained for 60 minutes. In Group 2, filiform needles of 1 .5 -2 cun in length and 0.28 -3.2 mm in diameter were punctured at a 15 -30 anger to the cross points of the Governor Vessel and the lateral lines 1 and 2 of the vertex with the contralateral anterior and posterior oblique lines of the vertex-temporal into the sublayer of the galea aponeurotica. Following slight twisting and twirling, the needles were connected with and EA apparatus of G6805 Type, and alternative dense and sparse waves with 6 v in voltage and 200-300 Hi in frequency were delivered for 50 minutes. The treatment was given once daily, and 5 times each week for 6 weeks in both groups.

Results: The total effective rate was 97.06% in Group 1, and 67.25% in Group 2.; In Group 1, the therapy obviously regulated the levels of serum lipid peroxide and superoxide dismutase (p<0.0l), markedly elevated the contents of serum IgG, complement C3 (p<0.01), and IgA, and IgM (P<0.05). The indices of blood rheology were more improved in Group 1 (p<0.01), than those in Group 2 (p<0.01). Nail fold microcirculation and serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels were obviously improved (p<0.01) in Group 1.

Conclusion: By way of syndrome differentiation-based point prescription, acupuncture can considerably improve the symptoms and signs, and integrated ability including Qi deficiency, blood stagnation and phlegm-dampness of convalescent apoplexy patients. The therapy should be employed based on environment combination, dose-response relation, acupuncture and moxibustion combined with reinforcing and reducing maneuver, and time selection acupuncture.

By Qin Youping, Lei Ming & Deng Zhongjia