J. Acupunct. Tuina. Sci. 2011, 9 (3): 133-136 DOI: 10.

1007/s11726-011-0491-7

Famous Doctors Experience

Brief Talk on Sun Lijuans Clinical Experience in Acupuncture

Wu Lingxiang (), Liu Jie (), Zhang Cuihong () Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai 200030, P. R. China

Key WordsAcupuncture-Moxibustion Therapy; Hydro-acupuncture; Famous Doctors Experience ; ; R249 A

Sun Lijuan, female, born in 1943, graduated from Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 1964, has held the position of director of Acupuncture Department, Long Hua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, director of Acupuncture Teaching Section of Long Hua Clinical Medical College, council member of Shanghai Acupuncture Association, and deputy directorial member of Shanghai Association of Acupuncture Clinics. She has been engaged in education and clinical treatment of acupuncture for over 40 years, being skillful in hydro-acupuncture, acupoint catgut-embedding method, acupoint-cutting method and pricking method. Her main works are Practical Acupuncture and Tuina Therapeutics, Acupuncture Treatment of Commonly Encountered Diseases in Rural Area, Acupuncture and Moxibustion Techniques of Acupoints, General Explanation of Chinese Ancient Literature on Meridians, and General Survey of Chinese Medical Compositions Argumentations in the Successive Dynasties. She edited and acted in the videotapes of Practical Acupuncture and Moxibustion Techniques and Anatomy and Operation of Carefully-punctured Acupoints, and published over 20 pieces of academic articles. Shehas attended mainly international and national academic seminars and been invited to deliver speeches and demonstrate the manual techniques. She used to be invited to give lectures in Japan, Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia for several times. She has students all over the world.

Professor Sun Lijuan has been engaged in acupuncture clinics for over 40 years and has created many specific acupuncture methods based upon her academic thoughts in respecting but not limited to ancient methods and by creating but not indulgent in new techniques, and by learning widely from others strong points, she has achieved remarkable therapeutic effects in the treatment of difficult and intractable diseases not ideally treated by Chinese and western medications. The authors are very lucky to study with Prof. Sun in clinical workshop and to listen to her teachings. Now, Prof. Suns clinical experience in acupuncture is briefly explained as follows.
Author: Wu Lingxiang, master of medicine, intern researcher, yasui@qq.com Corresponding Author: Zhang Cuihong, doctor of medicine, assistant researcher, zjzch@163.com

1 Miscellaneous Ophthalmological Diseases

Prof. Sun is skillful in miscellaneous ophthalmological diseases, and particularly experienced in the treatment of papillitis, oculomotor paralysis, and chronic allergic conjunctivitis. She believes that because this type of disease is related to qi stagnation in meridians and deficiency of qi and blood, the therapeutic principle should be designed to dredge the meridians of the eye region, to reinforce and benefit qi and blood in the clinical treatment. So, the effective acupuncture recipes were summarized. In the treatment, two groups of acupoints were selected and used in alternation. Jingming (BL 1), Tongziliao (GB 1), Fengchi (GB 20) and Yanglao (SI 6) were one group; Qiuhou (Ex-HN 7), Cuanzhu (BL 2), Guangming (GB 37) and Hegu (LI 4) were the other group. Jingming (BL 1) was punctured for 1.5 cun, and Fengchi (GB 20) was puncture toward

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the opposite nostril for 1.0 cun (reduced depth in children), and Tongziliao (GB 1) was punctured toward Taiyang (Ex-HN 5), and Cuanzhu (BL 2) was punctured toward Sizhukong (TE 23). Any four acupoints were applied with electric stimulation. The needles were retained for 30 min. The treatment was given once every other day. 10 sessions made one course of the treatment. After an interval of one week, the second course was processed. After an acupuncture treatment, an acupointinjection was given. After Qiuhou (Ex-HN 7) was routine disinfected, 5 mL disposable syringe with No.5 dental needle was used to suck placental tissue fluid and Vit B12, 2 mL respectively. The doctor pushed the eyeball slightly with the thumb of the left hand and inserted the needle slowly at the junction of the lateral 1/4 and medial 3/4 of the infraorbital border with the right hand for 1.5 cun and slow injected after no blood was extracted. 0.5-1 mL was injected in each acupoint for children. 1-1.5 mL was injected in each acupoint for adults. After the needle was withdrawn, disinfected dry cotton balls were used to press the acupoint to avoid bleeding. The treatment was given twice every week and five sessions made one course of treatment. Jingming (BL 1), Cuanzhu (BL 2) and Tongziliao (GB 1) have the effects to dredge the meridian qi in the eye region and promote blood circulation and anti-inflammation. Yanglao (SI 6), Hegu (LI 4) and Guangming (GB 37) were selected along the meridians. It is said in Xi Hong Fu (Xi Hongs Odes) that "if no effect is obtained in the treatment of eye diseases by Jingming (GB 1), Hegu (LI 4) and Guangming (GB 37) should be used". Three acupoints used in combination can smooth blood circulation in the eye region. Fengchi (GB 20), an important acupoint for eye diseases and also adjacent to Visual Zone in the modern scalp acupuncture, is helpful to the restoration of the visual center. Qiuhou (Ex-HN 7) directly functions on the optic nerve. Medication injection into Qiuhou (Ex-HN 7) can prolong the time and intensity of the stimulation on the acupoint, and display the dual effects of acupoint and medication, helpful to the restoration of the optic nerve functions.

2 Bronchial Asthma
Prof. Sun believes that asthma is mostly induced by

invasion of pathogenic factors, or improper food ingestion and emotional disturbance, resulting in retention of phlegm and fluid, obstruction in airway and failure of the lung in its dispersing ability. In the treatment, Tiantu (CV 22), Dingchuan (Ex-B 1) and Lieque (LU 7) were selected for chronic patients. Danzhong (CV 17), Huagai (CV 20), Feishu (BL 13) and Fengmen (BL 12). Shaoshang (LU 11) was added for those with sore throat. Fenglong (ST 40) was added for those with excessive phlegm. Yingxiang (LI 20) was added for those with nasal obstruction. After routine acupuncture, electric stimulation was used. The needles were retained for 20 min. After the electric stimulation, the cups were applied on the two sides of the spine [Dazhu (BL 11) to Xinshu (BL 15)] and retained for 10 min. After the cupping method, acupoint-injection method was applied to Tiantu (CV 22) and Feishu (BL 13). Each 0.5 g of streptomycin sulfate was diluted into 3 mL. First, Tiantu (CV 22) was punctured perpendicularly by 0.2-0.3 cun and then punctured obliquely along the posterior border of the sternum manubrium for 1-1.5 cun. Feishu (BL 13) was punctured perpendicularly by 1 cun, with the needle tip obliquely toward the spine. After the needle insertion in the two acupoints, the needles were lifted and thrust in small amplitude. After the arrival of the needling sensation, 1 mL was injected into each acupoint. The treatment was given once every 2 d. Three sessions made one course for acute patients, and 12 sessions made one course for chronic patients. This disease belongs to the scope of "asthma", "wheezing" and "fluid retention pattern" in Chinese medicine. The pathological position of this disease is in the lung. Therefore, Feishu (BL 13) is used to promote the lung in its dispersing ability and stop cough. Tiantu (CV 22) is used to normalize qi, correct the reverse qi flow and stop dyspnea. The lung is a delicate organ and situated in the upper energizer. Therefore, the cupping method is applied from Dazhu (BL 11) to Xinshu (BL 15) for promoting qi and blood circulations in the upper energizer, so as to dispel the retained cold, dampness and phlegm in the local area with smooth blood circulation, and directly improving the metabolism of the local tissues of the lung and trachea, for realizing the aims to stop inflammation and cough. There are dual effects of medication and acupuncture in the acupoint-injection

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method by small dose of streptomycin (Compound Angelica Injection), not only enhancing the therapeutic effect but also reducing the side effects from medications. In addition, several cases were treated by muscular injection of medications (including streptomycin) before acupuncture treatment, but the therapeutic effects were not satisfactory. After the acupoint-injection method was adopted, the therapeutic effects gradually appeared.

3 Gastric Problems
Prof. Sun believes that the gastric problems, including ulcer, gastritis, antral gastritis, gastroptosis, are mostly caused by deficiency in the spleen and stomach and disability of qi activities. In the treatment, there were three groups of the main acupoints. Zhongwan (CV 12) and Weishu (BL 21) as one group, Jianli (CV 11) and Pishu (BL 20) as one group, and Liangmen (ST 21) and Danshu (BL 19) as one group, with additional acupoints of Zusanli (ST 36), Xiawan (CV 10), Qihai (CV 6) and Ashi point in the abdominal region. No.1 catgut was cut into pieces in length of 1.5-2 cm and soaked in 75% alcohol for one week. In each treatment, one group of the main acupoints was used. After routine disinfection, the cut catgut was inserted through No.11 lumbar puncture needle, and then the needle was quickly inserted underneath the skin and adjusted and manipulated by proper angle and depth. After the patient had an aching and distending sensation, catgut was slightly pushed out and embedded inside the muscles. By pressing the needle hole with disinfected cotton stick, the lumbar puncture needle was withdrawn, and the needle hole was still pressed for a while for avoiding bleeding. Then, disinfected gauze was used to cover the needle hole. The treatment was given once every month and 3-5 sessions made one course of the treatment. This type of diseases belongs to the scope of "epigastric pain" and "abdominal mass" in Chinese medicine. Zhongwan (CV 12), Front-Mu point of the stomach, is combined with Weishu (BL 21), Back-Shu point of the stomach. Liangmen (ST 34) and Jianli (CV 11) can be used to promote digestion and eliminate food retention, and strengthen the spleen and stomach. Pishu (BL 20) and Danshu (BL 19), Back-Shu points, can be used to regulate and

harmonize the spleen and stomach and relieve pain. Catgut is a biological protein thread absorbable by the human body and can give an antigen-antibody immune reaction, so as to strengthen the antipathogenic ability of the human body. The therapeutic effect from the catgut-embedding method is a comprehensive effect, including the biological effect of dissolved catgut substance, acupoint effect, functions of the nerve system and neurohumor system, and various stimulant signals reach the cerebral cortex and cause reaction, and cerebrum orders to reach the relevant organs via the meridians and efferent nerves to regulate the functions of the organs, so as to realize the therapeutic aims.

4 Hemorrhoids
The pricking method is a special method that Prof. Sun treats hemorrhoids. To prick Yinjiao (GV 28) of the Governor Vessel, and hemorrhoid reaction points on the Governor Vessel or the Bladder Meridian of the lumbosacral region is a concrete application of "upper acupoints for problems in the lower body" in the acupuncture clinic. In most patients with bleeding hemorrhoids, a white dot or node (or polyp) of an irregular shape would occur in Yinjiao (GV 28), also termed hemorrhoids node, mostly in size of 1/4-1/2 rice, in white color or similar to mucous membrane. In accordance with the clinical observation, this type of the node mostly occurs on the glossodesmus adjacent to the end of the upper lip in the patients with external hemorrhoids, and occurs on the center or lower part of the glossodesmus in the patients with the mixed hemorrhoids and occurs on the lower part of the glossodesmus in the patients with internal hemorrhoids. In the treatment, the medical practitioner picks up the upper lip with one hand, and after routine disinfection, cut off the node by a small ophthalmologic scissors with another hand, and then press with aseptic cotton ball for 1-2 min. One session is enough. Besides, it is advisable to find hemorrhoids reaction spots on the lumbosacral region of the patients. Generally, it is purple red or pink in color, similar to papule slightly above the skin. The therapeutic effect is better, if hemorrhoids spots are adjacent to the Governor Vessel. If hemorrhoids spots are not

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obvious, it is advisable to select the relevant acupoints like Dachangshu (BL 25) and Xiaochangshu (BL 27) for treatment. After routine disinfection, the medical practitioner pinches up the patients skin with one hand, and pricks open the epidermis for 0.1-0.2 cm and then pricks in the deep area to break several or dozens of the white fibers under the skin with a syringe by the other hand. The treatment is given once every week and three sessions make up one course. The medical doctors in modern times believe that pressure in the venous plexus of the lower part of the rectum and border of the anus would be elevated by walking for a long time, standing for a long time or forced bowel movements, leading to disturbance of blood back-flow and angiectasis of the venous plexus, and hence causing hemorrhoids. It is believed in Chinese medicine that hemorrhoids are induced poor circulation of qi and blood in the Governor Vessel and retention of blood stasis in the anus. By pricking Yinjiao (GV 28) and hemorrhoids spots, the meridian

qi can be dredged in the Governor Vessel, to help the flow of blood inside hemorrhoids at the lower part of the Governor Vessel, and help absorption of hemorrhoids. This method is simple and convenient in operation and remarkable in the therapeutic effect and is Prof. Suns experienced method.

5 Conclusion
Prof. Suns acupuncture experience is highly valuable in clinical application, with unexpected therapeutic effects for some difficult and intractable diseases in particular. The above- mentioned four therapeutic methods are just a part of Prof. Suns specific acupuncture therapy, and many therapeutic methods need to be further summarized, studied and popularized.
Translator: Huang Guoqi () Received Date: February 20, 2011

Introduction to Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Monthly, CN 31-1317/R, ISSN 1005-0957, 64 pages) is a modern professional and academic publication on Chinese traditional acupuncturemoxibustion science, initiated in 1982, sponsored by Shanghai Academy of TCM and Shanghai Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, and undertaken by Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian. It won excellent scientific and technologic publication prizes awarded by the Ministry of Science and Technology of the Peoples Republic of China, Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality, and Shanghai Association of Science and Technology respectively, and was selected as double-hundred periodical of Chinese Journal Phalanx in 2001. All its articles are recorded in the Chinese Journal Database, the Chinese Biomedical Journal and Literature Database. Address: No. 650, South Wanping Road, Shanghai 200030, P. R. China Telephone (Fax): 0086-021-64382181 E-mail: zhenjiush@126.com; shzj@chinajournal.net.cn

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