Acupuncture for immune-mediated disorders

AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASE: AP and moxa decreased steroid use and improved the symptoms and signs of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (44,299). Symptoms and signs of rheumatoid arthritis were alleviated by AP (300), AP plus cupping (301), semi-permanent needle, point injection, gold beads or magnets (302-304), festering moxa (305,306) and dietary change. The lesions and pruritus of psoriasis were helped by AP, catgut embedding (307) and dietary change.

Signs and symptoms of multiple sclerosis can be controlled by AP, EAP (308-311) and dietary change, especially removal of wheat products.

Signs and symptoms (exophthalmos, palpitations, nervousness etc) in auto-immune hyperthyroidism (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) can be helped by AP (312-314), point injection (315), moxa (316) and LLLT (286,317,318).

EMERGENCIES, ANAPHYLAXIS, SHOCK: Emergencies include shock (traumatic-, haemorrhagic-, endotoxic-, toxic- and anaphylactic-); convulsions, coma, unconsciousness or collapse from many other causes; CVD, CHD, heatstroke, drowning, poisoning etc. Points for revival include GV26 and KI01. GV26 (or KI01) with PC06 is useful in coma or unconsciousness with cardiac failure. AP, EAP and LLLT was effective in anaphylactic shock (319-321); in experimental haemorrhagic shock (322-324) and protected against damage to myocardial cells (325). The antishock effect of AP, EAP, TENS, moxa or electrocautery at GV26 is via sympathicomimetic cardiovascular responses (326-330). AP at GV26 reversed anaesthetic shock and apnoea within 10-30 seconds (331-336). In circulatory collapse with cardiac arrest, the success rate was 43% but stimulation had to be continued for up to 10 minutes (331). In histamine-induced shock, moxa at CV04 increased cardiac output, peripheral resistance, mean BP, renal plasma flow, glomerular filtration rate, urine flow and excretion of Na, Cl and K ions (337). AP at PC06 and the Four Pass points was successful in treating convulsions (187).

CVD, CEREBRAL PALSY, PARALYSIS: In the acute stage of CVD, AP can help to save life and to reduce sequelae. Points include GV26, whose stimulation causes an immediate and marked increase in brain and cerebral pia mater perfusion (322), similar to that following increase of carbon dioxide, but greater than that following 100% oxygen, in the inspired air (338). EAP at ST09 (over the carotid plexus) or AP at GB34, LI04,11 had similar effects to GV26 (338-340).

Signs and symptoms of acute or recent CVD were cured or improved in 50-95% of cases by AP (341-348), AP plus point injection (349) or EAP (350). Early AP treatment gave better results.

CVD sequelae: Loss of motor or sensory power after CVD may be due to clot persistence, oedema and vasospasm. After the vascular rupture has sealed and BP has stabilised, great improvement may be obtained by methods which (a) increase cerebral oxygenation (local vasodilation and removal of oedema) and (b) increase fibrinolysis. AP can give both of these effects.

When the patient is stabilised, to prevent or treat sequelae, points include Scalp points (351), Meridian points and New Points. Points are chosen according to the signs and symptoms and can be combined with distant points, such as SI03 and the "Loo point" (midway between BL62 and GB40) and points on the affected nerve trunk (261). Points are often used on the "good" limb or on the diagonal of the affected limb. The SHU points of the main channels are useful.

Improving cerebral oxygenation post-CVD: AP relieves spasm in cerebral vessels and increases circulation by improving the elasticity of vessels, improving cardiac pumping capacity and promoting formation of collateral circulation (341). AP or EAP is 56-96% effective, even in cases 6-12 months old (308,328,352-356). Best results were in cases less than 3-6 months old. AP plus moxa is used in weak or fatigued patients (355).

Improving fibrinolysis post-CVD: Blood clotting time is reduced in many cerebral thrombosis cases. AP, EAP, LLLT and moxa reduced blood viscosity, decreased fibrinogen and increased clotting time and cerebral arterial flow (357-360).