Objective: To observe the effect of acupuncture on viral hepatitis type B.

Methods: 62 patients of viral hepatitis type B were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group of 32 patients was treated with acupuncture therapy in combination with TCM decoction, the other 30 patients as control group with decoction only. As for the treatment group, Zusanli (ST.36) was the principal point, combined with Yanglingquan (GB34), Taichong (LR3) and Hegu (LI4). The patient should take lateral position. The principal points and one of the adjuvant points were used in one treatment. Lift-thrust and rotation manipulations were done to induce Qi. After Qi was felt, the manipulations were performed every 5 minntes. The needles were retained for 30 minutes and the treatment was carried out once per day. 15 treatments made 1 course of treatment. After 2 treatment courses, statistical method was applied to assess the effect.

Results: In the treatment group, the effective rates according to change in the 3 indexes ALT, BIL and TTT are 91.6%, 95.6% and 84.0% respectively. In the control group, the corresponding data are 77.2%, 85.7% and 68.1%. There is a significant difference between the 2 groups (P<0.05). In relieving hypochondriac pain, the treatment group got a better effect than that of the control group, showing a very significant difference (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Acupuncture in combination with Chinese medicine in treating viral hepatitis type B has sure effect in rejuvenating liver function and relieving symptoms, especially hypochondriac pain.

By Cheng Qihua, Liu Xiang & Zhu Huachun.