Professor Tian Cong-huo’s commonly used acupuncture methods and their clinical application

Yang Tao (杨涛), Wang Rui (王蕊), Zhao Hong (赵宏)

1 Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China

2 Acupuncture Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China

Famous Doctor’s Experience

Professor Tian Cong-huo’s commonly used acupuncture methods and their clinical application

Yang Tao (杨涛)1, Wang Rui (王蕊)1, Zhao Hong (赵宏)2

1 Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China

2 Acupuncture Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China

To introduce Prof. Tian Cong-huo’s commonly used acupuncture methods and their clinical application, in order to summarize the famous doctor’s experience, promote the experience inheritance of Chinese acupuncture, and enhance the therapeutic effect of acupuncture.

Acupuncture Therapy; Moxibustion Therapy; Acupuncture-moxibustion Therapy; Elongated Needles; Fire-needle Therapy; Plum-blossom Needle Therapy; Famous Doctor’s Experience

Prof. Tian Cong-huo, a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) doctor in China, and a tutor of second and fifth groups for instructing apprentices, has been engaged in acupuncture clinical practice for over 60 years and has profound theoretical knowledge and rich clinical experience. By his flexible thoughts and multiple therapeutic methods, Prof. Tian obtains good therapeutic effects. Besides, he also often makes and improves acupuncture equipments by hand and uses some specific needles and moxibustion tools in clinical practice. We are lucky to study with Prof. Tian and obtain multiple benefits. Now, Prof. Tian’s clinical experience in his commonly used acupuncture methods and their clinical application are introduced as follows.

1 Elongated Needle

1.1 Basic situation

It refers to a specially-made long needle, generally made of comparatively thready and elastic stainless steel wire, termed so because it is as fine and long as wheat awn. It is developed from ‘long needle’, one of the ancient nine needles. There are several different types in the length including 5, 7, 10, and 15 cun. The short ones are comparatively thin in the needle body and the long ones are comparatively thick. The elongated needles Prof. Tian frequently uses are of 10-16 cun (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Elongated needles

1.2 Applicable areas

It is applicable to the Governor Vessel and Jiaji (EX-B 2) points.

1.3 Needling methods

In puncturing the Governor Vessel, the needle is generally inserted from Dazhui (GV 14) after the patient takes a sitting position with the head lowered, or a prone position. The practitioner holds the needle by about 1 cun away from the needle tip with the right hand, presses the local skin with the left hand, to insert the needle subcutaneously with the needle tip downward and quickly through the epidermis andbeneath the skin, by the force of finger and wrist, and the combination of pressing and twisting action, slowly downward, with light clockwise and counterclockwise rotation, at a proper amplitude. The assistant helps to hold the needle handle and the practitioner adjusts the inserting direction with the right hand continuously to keep the needle always going under the skin (Figure 2). Usually, the needle will be retained for 20 min or not retained. In the withdrawal of the needle, the practitioner holds the needle handle with the right hand and lifts and twists the needle slightly, to withdraw the needle lightly and gradually, and then presses the needle hole by a cotton ball with the left hand, in order to prevent bleeding. After the withdrawal of the needle, it is advisable to ask the patient to rest for a while.

Figure 2. Treating hemiplegia by elongated needle (16 cun)

1.4 Indications

Apoplectic hemiplegia, mental disorders such as mania and severe depression[1].

1.5 Cautions

The operation of elongated needle is comparatively complicated. It is necessary to hold the needle with the finger force properly. Therefore, it is necessary to train the basic skills before application, in order to control the direction and depth after the needle is inserted into the human body. In the clinical treatment, it is necessary to be fully concentrated and to carefully observe the patient’s reaction, in order to prevent fainting and other accidents.

1.6 Case study

General information: A female patient, 60 years old, first visit on October 19, 2012.

Chief complaints: Motor impairment of the left limbs for six months.

Present history: Sudden seizure of motor impairment of the left limbs on April 2, 2012, diagnosed as cerebral infarction by another hospital, currently forceless and numb sensation in the left limbs, unable to walk, salivation, no bucking, normal urination and defecation, good appetite and sleep, a dark tongue with thin and white coating, a deep and thin pulse.

Past history: History of hyperlipidemia and allergic urticaria.

Skull CT scan: Right frontotemporal cerebral infarction.

TCM diagnosis: Stroke (qi deficiency and blood stasis).

Treatment: Dazhui (GV 14) was punctured with elongated needle without retaining. Additionally, Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui (GV 20), Shuigou (GV 26), Chengjiang (CV 24), Juque (CV 14), Zhongwan (CV 12), Qihai (CV 6) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were selected for filiform needle acupuncture. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given twice per week. After treatment for one month, the patient was able to walk under help.

1.7 Appendix: long-needle acupuncture

1.7.1 General information

It refers to filiform needle in the length of 75-125 mm. Clinically, Prof. Tian often uses the long needle to puncture Dazhui (GV 14), sublingual sites and Tiantu (CV 22). In puncturing Dazhui (GV 14) and Jiaji (EX-B 2) points, the needling method is as same as that for elongated needle. Long needle is lighter than elongated needle in stimulation, easy to operate and easy to be accepted by the patients and also can be used in extensive scope. In addition to the above diseases, it can also be used for asthma, rhinitis, insomnia and epilepsy, etc. The precautions are as same as those for elongated needle.

1.7.2 Case study of long-needle acupuncture at Dazhui (GV 14) and Jiaji (EX-B 2) points

General information: A female patient, 52 years old, first visit on October 23, 2009.

Chief complaints: Repeated seizure of panting and suffocation for over 10 years, aggravated for 2 months.

Present history: Sudden panting and suffocation over ten years, diagnosed as allergic asthma by the local hospital, often repeated afterwards, and aggravated every autumn and winter and at night. Panting and suffocating symptom were aggravated due to attack of wind and cold two months ago. Now, she is presenting frequent panting, worse by exertion, suffocating and stuffy sensation in the chest, worse at night, unable to fall asleep, cough with much light yellow foaming sputum, profuse yellow nasal discharge, aversion to cold, cold sensation in the limbs, stiff and painful sensation in the back, proper appetite, poor sleep, loose stool, a slight red tongue with yellow and greasy coating, a deep and thin pulse.

Physical examination: Fat body, no congestion in the throat, slightly dilated in the anterior and posterior diameter of the thoracic cavity, no obvious enlargement in the costal space, coarse respiratory sound in the lung, and audible dispersed wheezing sound.

TCM diagnosis: Asthma (deficiency in the lung, spleen and kidney, obstruction of the lung by phlegm and heat).

Treatment: Dazhui (GV 14) and Dingchuan (EX-B 1) were punctured with filiform needle of 75 mm in length downward for 60 mm. Fengchi (GB 20), T3, T5and T7Jiaji (EX-B 2) points, Feishu (BL 13), Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), Shenshu (BL 23) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were punctured with ordinary filiform needles. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once per week. After one session of treatment, the patient was able to lie flat, with panting and suffocation alleviated. After three sessions, sputum and nasal discharge were reduced and de-colored. After treatment for three months, panting and suffocation were obviously relieved, and only cough occurred occasionally.

1.7.3 Case study of long-needle acupuncture at sublingual points

Acupuncture method: Sites below the tongue frenulum and lateral to the sublingual veins. In puncturing the site below the tongue frenulum, it is necessary to select the filiform needle of 75 mm in length, and insert the needle after the patient opens the mouth, along the bottom of the tongue to the root of the tongue, and then remove the needle immediately after lifting and thrusting the needle for 3-5 times, for motor disturbance of the tongue muscles. In puncturing the sites lateral to the sublingual veins, it is necessary to select the filiform needle of 75 mm, and insert the needle after the patient opens the mouth, on one side first, along the bottom of the tongue to the root of the tongue, and then puncture the other side. The two needles are lifted and thrust at the same time for 3-5 times and then removed immediately. This method is appropriate for swallowing disorder and aphasia[2].

General information: A male patient, 64 years old, first visit on November 15, 2012.

Chief complaints: Motor impairment of the right limbs and aphasia for 3 months.

Present history: In the morning of August 20, 2012, the patient suddenly had motor impairment in the right limbs and vague speaking. He was sent to the local hospital and diagnosed as cerebral infarction. Weakness in the right limbs, disability to walk, salivation, aphasia, occasional bucking, normal urination and defecation, good appetite, good sleep, a dark tongue with thin and white coating, a thin and slippery pulse.

Past history: History of hyperlipidemia and hypertension.

Skull CT scan: Left basal ganglion cerebral infarction. TCM diagnosis: Stroke (obstruction of phlegm and blood stasis).

Treatment: The above sublingual puncturing method was adopted together with filiform needle acupuncture at Dazhui (GV 14), Fengchi (GB 20), Shuigou (GV 26), Chengjiang (CV 24), Lianquan (CV 23), Zhongwan (CV 12), Huangshu (KI 16), Qihai (CV 6), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once per week. After treatment for two months, the patient was able to do simple communication.

1.7.4 Case study of long-needle acupuncture at Tiantu (CV 22)

Acupuncture method: The needle of 75 mm in length is selected. After the patient takes a sitting position, with the head lifted upward, the practitioner holds the needle by one cun above the needle tip with the puncturing hand, and presses the local skin with the pressing hand, and inserts the needle subcutaneously, with the needle tip downward, quickly through the epidermis, along the medial side of the manubrium slowly downward for 40-50 mm, for mainly treating nervous vomiting and intractable hiccup. Besides, after the needle is inserted under the skin, it is advisable to insert the needle along the lateral wall of the trachea downward for 40-50 mm, for mainly treating asthma. The precautions are as same as those in elongated needle acupuncture. In addition, it is necessary to puncture carefully, because there is a big artery in this area.

General information: A female patient, 53 years old, first visit on October 19, 2012.

Chief complaints: Discomfort in the throat for 3 years.

Present history: Three year ago, the patient had vomiting after motion sickness from taking a bus, and afterward felt that a foreign body was obstructed in the throat, unable to cough it up or swallow it down. Several examinations did not show any obvious abnormality.

TCM diagnosis: Globus hystericus (obstruction of turbid phlegm)

Treatment: Tiantu (CV 22) was obliquely punctured without retaining. The normal filiform needle acupuncture was applied to Hegu (LI 4), Baihui (GV 20), Fenglong (BL 40), Jiuwei (CV 15). The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once per week. The patient felt much better after one session, and was cured after three sessions.

2 Fire Needle

2.1 Basic situation

It refers to inserting the burnt-red needle into the acupoints quickly, and a therapeutic method for diseases, originated from the big needle of nine ancient needles. Now, the needle is mostly made of stainless steel or tungsten alloy, 75-90 mm in length, thick and round in the needle body and sharp in the needle tip. The fire needle that Prof. Tian uses is comparativelythick in the needle body, about 50 mm in length, and dull in the needle tip. There is another kind of multiplehead fire needle with wooden handle and 3 heads (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Fire needle

2.2 Needling method

In application, it is necessary to burn the needle red, and the needle tip white bright, and then insert and take it out quickly at the selected site (Figure 4).

Figure 4. Fire needle treatment

2.3 Application scope

Intractable limited dermal diseases, such as eczema, neurodermatitis, psoriasis, and intractable muscular pain or neuralgia in a fixed region[3].

2.4 Case study

General information: A male patient, 45 years old, first visit on August 28, 2012.

Chief complaints: Skin rash accompanied by itching for 1 year in the several sites of the eye, ear and hand dorsum.

Present history: Because of long-term stressful job and over-thinking, itching started to appear in the eyelids and local border of the ear. Now, intolerable itching sensation appeared in the two eyelids, plus skin rash at several sites of the earlobe and dorsum of the two hands, accompanied by thickened skin, in dry and hard nature and lichenoid changes, poor sleep, a slight red tongue with white coating, and a wiry pulse.

TCM diagnosis: Psoriasis (wind and dryness due to blood deficiency).

Treatment: First, the fire needle was used to prick local thickened lichenoid site, then the bleeding and cupping method was applied to Dazhui (GV 14) to bleed for about 5 mL. Finally, the ordinary filiform needle acupuncture was applied to Fengmen (BL 12), Geshu (BL 17), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20) and Quchi (LI 11). After the arrival of the needling sensation, the reducing technique was applied. The needles were retained for 20 min. The treatment was given twice per week. After the first session, the patient immediately felt local pain and itching obviously alleviated. After 10 sessions, skin itching was removed, and the thickened lichenoid change subsided gradually, with gradually-growing normal skin.

3 Plum-blossom Needle

3.1 Basic situation

It refers to an acupuncture method to puncture certain areas or acupoints of the human body superficially with several short needles, a clusteredneedle shallow puncture, developed from the ancient needling techniques of ’half puncture’, ’floating puncture‘ and ’hairy puncture’.

The plum-blossom needle that Prof. Tian uses is a tool with seven small needles in a cluster, comparatively dull in the needle tips, with a plastic or bamboo handle. There is another dermal rolling needle, a cylindrical plastic roller with hair-fine small needles densely arranged on the surface, for facial skin and infants (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Plum-blossom needle and dermal needle roller

3.2 Tapping method

After finding out the reactive spots in the sick area, and adjacent area, spinal column and its bilateral sides, it is advisable to tap the skin with the needle tipsquickly and spring up quickly, continuously in rhythm, and stably, accurately and flexibly. Every site should be tapped for 2-5 min. This technique should be combined with the cupping method for the patients with skin diseases.

3.3 Application scope

Asthma, skin diseases, stomach and spleen problems, ocular diseases, and pediatric diseases[4-6].

3.4 Case study

General information: A male patient, 3 years old, first visit on February 19, 2013.

Chief complaints: Deviated mouth and eye of the left side for over 2 years.

Present history: After birth, the mouth corner was asymmetrical in crying. In 10 months old, the left face was found slightly smaller than the right, diagnosed as facial paralysis in the local hospital. Now, the boy had good appetite, normal urination and defecation, a slight red tongue with thin and white coating, a thin and slippery pulse.

Physical examination: Thin muscle in the left cheek, complete closure of the left eyelid, weaker than the right side, shallow left nasolabial groove, deviated mouth corner to the right side, tongue in the middle position.

TCM diagnosis: Facial paralysis (insufficiency of qi and blood).

Treatment: Slight stimulation was given on the left face and nape with dermal needle roller. Acupuncture with the ordinary filiform needle was applied to Dazhui (GV 14), Fengchi (GB 20), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Quanliao (SI 18), Dicang (ST 4), and Hegu (LI 4). The needles were retained for 15 min. The manipulation of Nie-pinching spine was combined. The treatment was given twice per week. After 4-month treatment, the facial muscles of the left side became plump.

4 Hook Needle

4.1 Basic situation

It refers to a specific needle tool. The hook needle Prof. Tian uses is about 10 cm in length, and the needle handle is like a hook needle used for embroidery, with the tip as thick as fire needle, slightly curved, in crescent shape, and with a blade.

4.2 Pricking method

After the patient opens the mouth, it is advisable to find the circuitous blood vessels and larger follicle tissues behind the posterior wall of the throat and prick them. After the patient sick with facial paralysis opens the mouth, it is advisable to find white linear stuffs on the medial side of the paralyzed cheek and prick them.

4.3 Application scope

Acute and chronic pharyngitis, facial paralysis.

4.4 Case study

A female patient, 30 years old, first visit on September 14, 2012.

Chief complaints: Discomfort in the throat for 5 years, aggravated and accompanied by cough for 2 d.

Figure 6. Hook needle

Present history: The patient suffered from repeated discomfort in the throat for 5 years, intermittent cough. Two days ago, fever, cough and sore throat occurred. After treatment with Western medications, fever disappeared, but there were still non-productive cough, and sensation of a foreign body in the throat.

TCM diagnosis: Cough (infection of exogenous wind and heat, and obstruction of lung qi).

Treatment: Acupuncture by the filiform needle was applied to Lianquan (CV 24), Tiantu (CV 22), Chize (LU 5), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36), and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The needles were retained for 20 min. After withdrawal of the needles, the patient took a sitting position, and the practitioner pricked the two circuitous sites behind the posterior wall of the throat with the hook needle and bled a little bit. The patient felt immediately clear in the throat. After treated by the pricking of a hook needle for another two sessions, the discomfort sensation disappeared.

5 Walnut Husk Glasses Moxibustion

5.1 Basic situation

Walnut husk glasses moxibustion is improved based upon treatment of furuncles and carbuncles with walnut husk moxibustion, mentioned in Chuang Yang Da Quan (Compendium of Carbuncles and Furuncles), and by actual practice (Figure 7). It has been proven by clinical application for many years that it is certainly effective for conjunctivitis, hordeolum, keratitis, myopia, senile cataract, and optic nerve atrophy. Currently, it is mainly used to treat optic nerve atrophy, retinitis pigmentosa, and macular degeneration in acupuncture clinic.

5.2 Moxibustion method

The spectacle frame is made of iron wire, installed with a curved hook of iron wire respectively in the front for putting moxa roll. Before moxibustion, it is advisable to soak walnut husks in the decoction of Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemum) and Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii) for 30-50 min, and then fill the walnut husks with soaked Ju Hua (Flos Chrysanthemum) and Gou Qi Zi (Fructus Lycii), and put them into the spectacle frame, and then insert moxa roll of 1.5 cm in length into the curved hooks outside the spectacle frame, finally, ignite the median ends of moxa rolls for moxibustion. Each time, 1-3 moxa cones are used. The treatment is given 3-5 times per week. Four weeks make one course. The patients with optic nerve atrophy can be treated with 3-6 courses (Figure 8).

Figure 7. Spectacle frame of walnut husk glasses moxibustion

Figure 8. Walnut husk glasses moxibustion for optic nerve atrophy

5.3 Cautions

During moxibustion, it is essential to maintain walnut husks moist, otherwise walnut husks are easy to crack. The cracked walnut husks should be replaced.

5.4 Application scope

Senile cataract, optic nerve atrophy, retinal pigmentation, and macular degeneration[7-8].

5.5 Case study

A female patient, 79 years old, first visit on December 7, 2012.

Chief complaints: Vision decreased in the two eyes for over 2 years.

Present history: In the second half year of 2010, the patient’s vision started to drop sharply. The diagnosis from the ophthalmology clinic of other hospital was retinal pigment degeneration (atypical). Now, the vision of the left eye was 0.1 and only light sensation existed in the right eye. The patient was difficult to fall into asleep and the sleep time was short. Now, sleeping pills were used. Appetite, urination and defecation were normal. The tongue was slight red, with thin and white coating. The pulse was wiry and thin.

Past history: Cataract surgery in the right eye in 2002, and cataract surgery in the left eye in 2008.

TCM Diagnosis: Senile macular degeneration (insufficiency of the liver and kidney).

Treatment: Walnut husk glasses moxibustion was applied. Acupuncture by the ordinary filiform needles was applied to Dazhui (GV 14), Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui (GV 20), Tongtian (BL 7), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Tongziliao (GB 1), and Yemen (TE 2) to Zhongzhu (TE 3). The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given twice per week. After two sessions, sleeping condition was improved. After treatment for 3 months, the vision was 0.4 in the left eye and only light sensation existed in the right eye.

6 Reed Moxibustion

6.1 Basic situation

The reed tube of 0.4-0.6 cm in diameter and 5-6 cm in length is selected. A spoon-shape moxibustion device made of aluminum foil (usually beverage can is used) is inserted into one end of the reed tube, and the other end is smooth for inserting into the auditory meatus for moxibustion (Figure 9).

Figure 9. Reed moxibustion device

6.2 Reed moxibustion method

Two gram of fine moxa wool is put on the spoon of the reed moxibustion device and ignited with an incense stick and the other end of the reed moxibustion device was inserted into the external auditory meatus of the patient. During moxibustion, there is a warm sensation in the ear. Usually, it is appropriate for the skin temperature to increase by 2-3 ℃ (Figure 10). In each session, 2-3 cones are given. The treatment is given once per day, and 10 d as a course.

Figure 10. Treating facial paralysis with reed moxibustion

6.3 Cautions

In the application of moxibustion, it is important to avoid burning the local skin.

6.4 Application scope

Facial paralysis, tinnitus, deafness, etc[9-10].

6.5 Case study

A female patient, 31 years old, first visit on December 7, 2012.

Chief complaints: Deviated mouth and eye of the left side for 1 day.

Present history: In recent days, the patient started to cough after catching cold. Yesterday, the patient suddenly had the mouth and eye deviated, and was unable to close the left eye, accompanied by lacrimation and poor appetite, plus slight red tongue, thin and white tongue coating, wiry and tense pulse.

Physical examination: The left frontal creases disappeared and the left eye was unable to close completely. The nasolabial groove was flat and the patient was unable to frown, blow up cheeks, whistle and show teech.

TCM diagnosis: Facial paralysis (infection of wind cold).

Treatment: Reed moxibustion was applied. Acupuncture by the ordinary filiform needles was applied to Yangbai (GB 14), Sibai (ST 2), Quanliao (SI 18), Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6), Hegu (LI 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6). The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given three times per week. After seven sessions, the problem was cured.

7 Taiyi Moxibustion

7.1 Basic situation

It is also termed Taiyi divine needle, referring to a therapy of herbal moxa roll-pressing moxibustion, developed by modifying the herbal formula of thunderfire needle.

7.2 Preparation

Currently, the preparing method is still from Tai Yi Shen Zhen Xin Fa (Mental Method of Taiyi Divine Needle): moxa wool 100 g, Liu Huang (Sulfur) 6 g, She Xiang (Moschus) 3 g, Ru Xiang (Olibanum) 3 g, Mo Yao (Myrrha) 3 g, Song Xiang (Colophonium) 3 g, Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) 3 g, Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae) 3 g, Zhi Ke (Fructus Aurantii) 3 g, Zao Jiao Ci (Spina Gleditsiae) 3 g, Xi Xin (Herba Asari) 3g, Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong) 3 g, Du Huo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis) 3 g, Chuan Shan Jia (Squama Manitis) 3 g, Xiong Huang (Realgar) 3 g, Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae) 3 g, Quan Xie (Scorpion) 3 g. The above herbal stuffs are grinded into fine power and mixed well. A piece of mulberry paper about 30 cm in width is flattened. First, 24 g of moxa wool is paved evenly on the paper and then 6 g of herbal powder is mixed into moxa wool evenly, and finally moxa wool and herbal powder are rolled up like firecracker, and another piece of mulberry paper is glued after its outside is coated with egg white (Figure 11).

Figure 11. Taiyi moxibustion and thunder-fire needle

7.3 Taiyi moxibustion method

A piece of Taiyi moxa roll is ignited and wrapped up with 8-10 pieces of cotton paper made of bast fibers and then quickly pressed on the selected acupoint and lifted quickly, i.e. spot-pressing moxibustion. While fire went out without any heat sensation, the moxa roll could be ignited again, for continuing the above moxibustion, usually for 5-10 times.

7.4 Application scope

Common cold, cough, headache, wind, cold and damp Bi-impediment syndrome, Wei-flaccidity syndrome, abdominal pain, diarrhea, initial stage of intestinal obstruction, post-operative retention of urine, irregular menstruation, etc.

7.5 Case study

A male patient, 26 years old, in-patient of the Surgery Department, first visit on November 17, 1994.

Chief complaints: Intolerable abdominal pain for one day.

Present history: At 6-7 pm one day before the visit, the patient had 10 strings of roasted mutton, about 0.5 kg, and did not have any beverage then. After coming home, he was sent to the hospital for emergency at about 12 pm, because of sudden abdominal colic pain, intolerable abdominal distension, and nausea. X-ray image showed obstruction in the middle segment of the small intestine. After diagnosed as mechanical intestinal obstruction, the patient was immediately hospitalized for observation. By the therapeutic measures of drainage, gastrointestinal decompression, and intestinal lavage, there was still no exhausting phenomenon. Abdominal distension, abdominal pain and restlessness were obvious. Injection of dolantin once every four hours could somewhat alleviate pain, and surgery treatment was arranged for the second day. At 10:25 pm that night, because of intolerable abdominal pain, his parents asked Prof. Tian to give acupuncture treatment.

Physical examination: The patient moaned continuously and abdominal distention felt like a drum. In percussion, the patient shouted abdominal pain loudly. Then, moxibustion by thunder-fire needle was applied to Tianshu (ST 25), Wailing (ST 26) and Xiajuxu (ST 39) for 30 min. After treatment, the patient became calm gradually, with abdominal pain alleviated, and did not moan anymore and fell into sleepy state. When Prof. Tian went to the ward in the morning next day, the patient told he had no abdominal pain after moxibustion last night and could sleep peacefully for whole night. During enema in the morning, the patient passed out some feces. At that moment, moxibustion by thunder-fire needle was applied again on the above acupoints, and the patient defecated once automatically in the afternoon and avoided surgery treatment. After rest for two days, the patient was cured and discharged.

8 Scrapping Method by Electric Heating Stone

8.1 Basic situation

It refers to an ancient Chinese medical therapy. In the application, the polished stone is fastened on the electrically-heated wood lattice and heated to the high temperature for doing scrapping treatment, so as to have the better effects to activate blood, circulate qi, disperse cold, stop pain, dredge the meridians and activate the collaterals (Figure 12).

Figure 12. Electric heating stone scrapping plate

8.2 Scrapping method

After the stone piece is heated, the practitioner holds the upper part of the wood handle to scrap the selected areas repeatedly, by the force within the patient’s tolerance. The treatment is given for 5 min each time and 1-2 sessions per week.

8.3 Application scope

Fever, cough, panting, pain, especially suitable for infants and patients afraid of acupuncture.

8.4 Precautions

Before treatment, it is necessary to test the temperature of the stone needle, in order to avoid over high temperature. It is prohibited on skin lesions.

8.5 Case study

General information: A male patient, 6 years old, first visit on February 18, 2013.

Chief complaints: Repeated cough for 1 year, aggravated and accompanied by fever for 2 d.

Present history: One year ago, cough appeared repeatedly after tracheitis, with panting in severe condition. Two days ago, fever appeared at night, body temperature 38 ℃, accompanied by cough, scanty white sputum, rattling sound in the throat, and dry stool. After the administration of antipyretic medication (name and dose unknown), fever subsided now, but cough was still obvious, accompanied by a red-tip tongue with slightly thick coating, a slippery and rapid pulse.

TCM diagnosis: Cough (obstruction of the lung by wind and cold).

Treatment: Acupuncture by the ordinary filiform needles was applied to Dazhui (GV 14), Dingchuan (EX-B 1), Fengchi (GB 20), Tiantu (CV 22), Tianshu (ST 25), Chize (LU 5), Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST 36). After acupuncture, electric stone needle was applied toscrap the back, producing a fewer scarlet spots. After treatment, cough was obviously relieved. The treatment was given twice per week. After two sessions, the patient was cured.

9 Conclusion

Prof. Tian is open-minded in his clinical practice. The therapeutic effects are remarkable by his multiple therapeutic methods and combination of the acupuncture and herbal medicines. We only introduce his commonly used specific acupuncture methods and their applications in clinical practice. Prof. Tian’s academic achievements in other aspects need further summarizing.

Conflict of Interest

The authors declared that there was no conflict of interest in this article.

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[7] Lin H, Huang XQ, Tian CH. Highlights of Prof. Tian Cong-huo’s experience in treating ophthalmological diseases. Zhongguo Zhongyiyao Xinxi Zazhi, 2012, 17 (12): 91.

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[9] Lin H, Tian CH, Liu ZS. Clinical experience in treating the tinnitus and deaf of Prof. Tian Cong-huo. Zhongguo Zhongyiyao Xuekan, 2010, 28(7): 1365-1366.

[10] Hakojima Taisyou, Tian CH. Exploratory analysis of reed moxibustion for facial paralysis. Shanghai Zhenjiu Zazhi, 1999, 18(5): 31.

Translator: Huang Guo-qi (黄国琪)

田从豁教授临床常用针灸方法及其临床应用

介绍田从豁教授临床常用的针灸方法及其临床应用，总结名老中医临床经验，促进中医针灸经验传承，提高针灸治疗疾病的临床疗效。

针法; 灸法; 针灸疗法; 芒针; 火针疗法; 梅花针疗法; 名医经验

R246 【

】A

28 August 2014/Accepted: 20 October 2014

Author: Yang Tao, master of medicine, deputy chief physician.

E-mail: bjytyangtao@163.com