Objective: To observe the therapeutical effect of acupuncture and electric acupuncture in treating traumatic paraplegia.

Methods: Two groups of points are used in acupuncture treatment: (l) Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST25), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zhongji (CV 3), Qihai (CV 6), Shuidao (ST 28), Guilai (ST 29), Biguan (ST 31), Futu (ST 32), Fengshi (GB 31), Liangqiu (ST 34), Xuehai (SP 10), Yanglingquan (GB 34), Yinlingquan (SP 9), zusanli (ST 36),Shangjuxu (ST 37), Xiajuxu (ST 39), Fenglong (ST 40), Jiexi (ST 41), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Diwuhui (GB 42), and Taichong (LR 3); to the high paraplegia due to the injury of thoracic spine, Zhongting (CV 16), Shangwan (CV 13), Jianli (CV ll), and Liangmen (ST 21) are added; to the high paraplegia caused by the injury of cervical spine, Quchi (LI 11), Chize (LU5), Kongzui (LU 6), Shousanli (LI 10), Waiguan (TE.5), Hegu (LI 4) and Zhongzhu (TE 3) are combined; (2) Shenshu (BL 23), Guanyuanshu (BL 26), Pangguangshu (BL 28), Huantiao (GB 30), Shangliao (BL 31), Zhongliao (BL 33), Ciliao (BL 32), Xialiao (BL 34), Qihaishu (BL 24), Chengfu (BL 36), Wnmen (BL 37), Weizhong (BL 40), Feiyang (BL58), Xuanzhong (GB 39), Kunlun (BL 60), and Yongquan (KI l); to high paraplegia due to the injury of thoracic spine, Dushu (BL 16), Geshu (BL 17), Ganshu (BL 18), Danshu (BL19), Weishu (BL21), and Sanjiaoshu (BL 22) are suplemented; and to the high paraplegia due to cervical spine injury, Dazhui (GV 14), Dazhu (BL 11), Jianzhonggshu (SI 15), Tianzong (SI 11), Quyuan (SI 13), and Jianyu (LI 15) are added. To start with, the first group of point is used, while the patients could turn around and lies prone, both groups are alternated from day to day. During the acupuncture treatment, Oriental Miraculous NE-5 Therapeutic Apparatus is combined with its B function employed. There are two tentacles of the machine, they are soaked into clean watch, and then connected separately onto the handle or the body of needles in various points. When the electricity is turned on, the intensity of stimulation is dependent on the muscle contrition and the patient's tolerance. In every 3 seconds, there is a change for different points. The tentacles can not be dispositioned on both sides of the spine, neither on the cross limbs at same time. The treatment is once daily, 30 sessions as I course of treatment. There is a break for 3 to 5 days after each course. Among the patients, the minimal treatment is one day and the maximum is 18 courses.

Results: 25 cases were cured (normal motoring function, good condition of muscles, the neurological and lab tests normal), 58 were improved (symptoms improved, neurological and lab tests basically normal), and 27 unchanged (the paralyzed limbs not improved or patients uncooperative).

Conclusion: Acupuncture, and electric acupuncture, taking points stomach and urinary bladder meridians as primary points in combination with those of, kidney, spleen, and liver meridians, can invigorate the flow of Qi and make the upper and the lower more connected, thus the auto-adjustment and repairment of nerves is reinforced.

By Yuan Guiren