Objective: Observe the effect of treatment of sciatica by combination of acupuncture and herbs.

Methods: Combine "T Zi Xiang Wei Zhen", "Yi xian Liang Dian Zhen", supplementary points and "Zhao Shi Huo Xue Bi Tong Yin" (Zhao Shi Blood-Invigorating for Pain Decoction) in treatment of sciatica. (1) "T Zi Xiang Wei Zhen": puncture Shenshu (BL23) bilaterally and perpendicularly at an angle of arrival of qi, lift the needle to the subcutaneous region, then puncture towards the lumber vertebrae obliquely with 35 degree; puncture a cun long needle into Mingmen (GV4) horizontally downward as long as 6 cun deep and apply the method "Setting the Mountain on Fire". (2) "Yi Xian Liang Dian Zhen" mean three points on ischium (Pangqiang, Xinhuantiao, and Shandian are respectively localed 1.5 cun 3 cun, 6 cun lateral to the tip of coccyx), which are punctured perpendicularly 3 to 4 cun deep; penetrate a needle from Yanglingquan (GB34) to Yinlingquan (SP9) 2.5 cun deep; Zuogu point (Extra) (With a lateral position of patient one cun below the midpoint of the line joining the highest point of great trochanter and the tip of coccyx) insert the needle towards the medial aspect 2 to 3 cun deep. (3) Supplementary points: Zuogushenjingdian (Sciatica nerve point) (the posterior border of the forth and fifth metacarpophalangeal joints of the back) is punctured 1 cun deep; puncture from Xuanzhong (GB39) to Sanyinjiao (SP6) with penetrating method 2 cun deep; puncture Zusanli (ST36), Fenglong (ST40), Fengshi (GB31), Zhibian (BL54), and Chengshan (BL57) respectively 3 cun deep; prick Weizhong (BL40) by three-edged needle to cause bleeding followed by cupping; puncture Kunlun (BL60) 0.5 cun deep, Zhongji (CV3) 2 cun deep to make needling sensation towards the external genitalia; puncture Houxi (SI3) and Shenmai (BL62) and rotate both points simultaneously. Retain the needle for 30 minutes. Give the treatment once at noon, and 7 times as one course with an interval of three days and three courses in all. "Zhao Shi Huo Xue Bi Tong Yin" (Zhao Shi Blood-Invigorating for Pain Decoction": Huangqi　(Radix Astragali seu Hedysari) 18g, Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 10g, Baishao (Radix Paeoulae Alba) 15g, Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) 20g, Duhuo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis) 20g, Cangzhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis) 20g, Fangfeng (Radix Ledebouriellae) 12g, Jixueteng (Caulis Sptholobi) 20g, Niuxi (Radix achyranthis bidentatae) 15g, Weilingxian (Radix Clematidis) 15g, Chuanduan (Radix Dipsaci) 12g, Mugua (Fructus Chaenomelis) 10g, Danshen (Radix Salvias Miltiorrhizae) 15g, Laohecao (Herba Erodii Geranii) 15g, Ganjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis) 7g, Dazao (Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae) 5 pieces. For excessive cold, add Chuanwu (Radix Aconiti), Fun (Radix Acotiti praeparata), Xixin (Herba Asari),etc. Decoction is taken once in the morning and once in the evening. Usually, three courses of acupuncture treatment are given with 10 bags of decoction. During treatment, it is not applicable to eat greasy and hot food.

Results: The cured is referred to the condition in which the symptoms disappear and functions resumed; improvement referred to that in which the main symptoms disappeared but the patient still feel discomfort with exposure to the cold, and no effectiveness referred to that there is no improvement of the symptoms. A total of 96 cases are treated, of which, 82 cases cured (85.4%); 11 improve (11.5%); 3 ineffective (3.1%). The total effective rate is 96.9%. Effectiveness is obtained in all of the 71 cases of primary type, and 25 cases of secondary type with 88.0% of the effective rate.

Conclusion: In this treatment, the points are mainly selected from Du Meridian, Urinary Bladder Meridian, together with those herbs acting on Liver Meridian, Kidney Meridian, Spleen Meridian and Urinary Bladder Meridian in order to improve the circulation of qi and blood, remove the obstruction and stop pain.

By Zhao Hongwei