Objective: To study the mechanism and clinical results of acupuncture in treating tumor patients with leukopenia after receiving chemotherapy.

Methods: Clinical research: A total of 59 cases had a diagnosis of malignant tumor determined by pathology and cytology and received chemotherapy after being admitted to hospital. Warming needling technique was used. The patient was asked to lie on his back. Zusanli (ST36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were selected bilaterally. After sterilizing the skin, 2-cun and l-cun filiform needles were used to Puncture the points into a certain depth respectively. When there was arrival of qi, reinforcing method by lifting, thrusting and rotating was applied. The needles were manipulated for 3 minutes and retained in the required depth. Then a piece of 2-3cm moxa stick was attached to the handle of the needle and ignited. After finishing burning, the needle was removed. Other points selected were Dazhui (GV14), Geshu (BL17), Pishu (BL20), Weishu (BL21), Shenshu (BL23),etc. 36 Moxa cones were made into a size of 1.5cm in diameter and 2cm in height. Ginger were cut into slices 2-3cm in diameter and 0.3-0.4cm in thickness. The patient was asked to take a prone posture. Ginger piece was placed on each point. Moxa cones were then placed on ginger and ignited for natural burning. When a moxa cone was burning into 4/5, the patient had burning sensation, the moxa cone was removed, and another cone was replaced. 4 pieces of cones were applied on each point. After moxibustion, the local skin became slightly red but there should be no blisters. The treatment was given once daily, and continued for 9 days. Then leukocyte count in peripheral blood, myelogram, colony stimulating factor (CSF) of serum were analyzed.

Results and Conclusion: (1) Leukocyte count in peripheral blood: After 3 treatments, it increased by 88.1%; after 6 treatments, by 93.2%; after 9 treatments, by 98.3%. In addition, there were cases in which leukocyte counts increased to normal condition, according for 91 .5%. After 3, 6 and 9 treatments, there was a significant difference between pre- and post-acupuncture treatment (p<0.001); (2) Myelogram: After 9 acupuncture treatments, juvenile cells in 28 cases increased, accounting for 87.5%; mature cells in 25 cases increased, accounting for 78.l%; percentage of myelogranular system increased, percentage of granular leukocytes and red cells system increased.
According to T test, there were significant differences of 4 items between pre- and post-acupuncture treatment (p<0.001); (3) CSF: 7 cases were selected randomly. 3ml blood from veins was collected from each patient before and after 9 treatments. The serum was isolated in sterile room. According to analysis, the ratio of serum CSF increased after the treatment. There was a significant difference between pre- and post-treatment (p<0.001).

By Lu Mei