"Three methods of dredging the channels" of acupuncture and moxibustion, namely micro-promoting, warm-promoting and strong-promoting methods, are three kinds of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy.

Micro-promoting method, i. e. fill form-needle acupuncture method. A great number of clinical practices have proved that the method is proper to restoration stage and acute stage of apoplexy, and adjuvant treatment at sequel stage of apoplexy. Sishencong(EX-HN 1 ), Hegu(LI 4), Taicong(LR 3), Taixi(KI 3), Tinggong(SI 19), Quchi(LI 11 ), Huantiao(GB 30), Yanglingquan(GB 34), Zusanli (ST 36) and other points were selected according to different syndromes.

Warm-promoting method includes mainly the needling method with a red-hot needle, except
　　moxibustion therapy, warming acupuncture through moxibustion and other hot-therapies. The therapy uses warm add hot power to dredge warmly the channels, activate circulation of qi and blood, reaching the purpose of curing diseases. The therapy has the function of promoting flow of qi and circulation of blood, and dredging the channels. It is proper for sequel stage of apoplexy. In treatment, Ashi points are needled and other points are selected according to condition of diseases.

Strong-promoting method, namely, pricking blood therapy, has stronger afficacy than micro-promoting method and warm-promoting method. The method should be used for long-term of stagnation of qi and blood. It has the function of promoting circulation of blood and qi, regulating the channels and removing stasis and old trauma. It is proper to use at acute stage of apoplexy. Acupoints selected are Sishencong(EX-HN 1 ), Quchi(LI 11 ), Hegu(LI 4), Yanglingquan(GB 34 ), Zusanli(ST 36 ), Taicong(LR 3) and Qihai(CV 6).

By Wang Yan