Objective: To observe the therapeutic effect of combined treatment of apoplectic hemiparalysis with acupuncture and Chinese medicinal herbs.

Methods: 26 apoplectic hemiparalysis outpatients including 10 males and 16 females were subjected into this study. Among them, the youngest was 36 years and the oldest 62 years. The duration of disease was below 3 months. Acupoint groups: 1) Sishenchong (EX-HN 1), Jianyu (LI 15), Quchi (LI 11), Waiguan (SI 5), Hegu (LI 4), Huantiao (GB 30), Zhibian (BL 54), Fengshi (GB 31), Zusanli (ST 36), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Juegu (GB 39), Kunlun (BL 60) and Jinmen (BL 63) on the affected side; and 2) Fengchi (GB 20), Niesanzhen (on the healthy side), Dazhui (GB 14), Yaoyangguan (DU 3), Zhiyang (DU 9), Shenshu (BL 23) and Taixi (KI 3). These two acupoint groups were used in turn. After needling and achieving needling sensations, these needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was conducted once daily, with 6 days being a therapeutic course. The interval between two courses was 2 days. Chinese medicinal herbs: Modified Buyang Huanwu Decoction (Decoction invigorating Yang for Recuperation) plus Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi), Niuxi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), Jixueteng (Caulis Spatholobi), Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), Honghua (Flos Carthami), Wugong (Scolopendra), etc. Were used, combined with Longgu (Os Draconis Fossilia Ossis Mastodi) and Muli (Concha Ostreae) for hypotension; with Shengmai Powder (Pulse-Activating Powder) and Zhaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) for palpitation, insomnia and perspiration; and with Yunling (Poria) and Baizhu (Rhizoma Astractylodis Macrocephlae) for limb swelling.

Results: After 4 courses of treatment, of the 26 cases, 6 were cured, 9 had marked improvement, 9 had improvement and 2 had no any effect, with the total effective rate being 92.3%.

Conclusion: Combined treatment of apoplectic hemiplegia with acupuncture and Chinese medicinal herbs has a satisfactory therapeutic effect.

By Huang Shifu