[Observation on therapeutic effect of plum-blossom needle combined with medicated thread moxibustion of traditional zhuang nationality medicine on postherpetic neuralgia].

OBJECTIVE: To search for a better therapy for postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) on the trunk. METHODS: One hundred and fifty cases with PHN on the trunk were randomly divided into group A, group B and group C, 50 cases in each group. The group A was treated with medicated thread moxibustion of traditional Zhuang nationality medicine at Kuihua point (special points of Zhuang nationality medicine), Jumei point (special points of Zhuang nationality medicine), Shousanli (LI 10), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc; the group B with simple plum-blossom needle at Kuihua point and Jumei point; the group C with the above two therapies. The clinical effects of the three groups were compared. RESULTS: After 1 course of treatment, the effective rate was 88.0% (44/50) in the group C, being better than 72.0% (36/50) in the group A (P < 0.05) and 40.0% (20/50) in the group B (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). After 2 courses of treatment, the cured rate was 74.0% (37/50) in the group C, being better than 54.0% (27/50) in the group A (P < 0.05) and 22.0% (11/50) in the group B (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). No adverse reaction emerged during treatment. CONCLUSION: Plum-blossom needle combined with medicated thread moxibustion of traditional Zhuang nationality medicine has rapid therapeutic effect on PHN and is superior to that of simple medicated thread moxibustion of traditional Zhuang nationality medicine or plum-blossom needle therapy.