Objective: Observe the clinical effect of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of sciatica.

Methods: Use "Strong Clearing methods of Needling and Moxibustion" (Zhen Ci Wen Jiu Qiang Tong Shu) to puncture the points of Urinary Bladder Meridian of Foot Taiyang and Gall Bladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang in combination with moxibustion. Shenshu (BL23), Dachangshu (BL25) and Chengfu (BL36), Huantiao (GB30), Fengshi (GB31) of the affected side are selected as the main points with Chengjin (BL56), Kunlun(BL60), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Qiuxu (GB34) to Zhaohai (KI6) by penetrating method chosen as the supplementary points. After routine sterilization, insert the needle into the acupoint to cause an electric-numb-like sensation on the main points and supplements points. Apply reinforcing technique of Phoenix Spreading Wings by rotating the needle quickly with small amplitude and high frequency in order to transmit the needling sensation to the toes and sole. And then ignite the moxa stick and perform sparrow-pecking moxibustion on each point, meanwhile, apply Phoenix Spreading Wings again for 30 to 40 seconds. Retain the needle for 40 minutes, and manipulate once again every 10 minutes. The treatment is given once a day and 7 times constitutes one course.

Results: Disappearance of symptoms and signs are considered as cure, remarkable disappearance of symptoms and nearly disappearance of signs as effectiveness, alleviation of symptoms and improvement of signs as improvement, and no improvement of symptoms and signs as ineffectiveness. A total of 195 cases are treated, of whom, 122 (62.6%) are cured; 52 (26.7%) effective; 20 (10.2%) improved; 1 (0.5%) is ineffective. The total effective rate is 99.5%. The duration of treatment is from 1 course to the shortest to 12 courses to the longest. 2 to 4 courses are given in most effective cases.

Conclusion: Combination of acupuncture and moxibustion can greatly improve the therapeutic effect of sciatica.

By Wei Kuichao