OBJECTIVETo observe the differences in the efficacy on xerophthalmia treated with the needling technique for warming-promotion at Fengchi (GB 20) as the main acupoint in comparison with the conventional needling technique.

METHODSThirty cases were randomly divided into a warming-promotion needling group (n = 15) and a routine needling group (n = 15). In warming-promotion needling group, the needling technique for warming-promotion was applied to Fengchi (GB 20). Additionally, the local and distal acupoints [such as the point beneath Cuanzu (BL 2), Neiguan (PC 6), Guangming (GB 37), Taichong (LR 3), Fulio (KI 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6)], as well as the scalp acupuncture (bilateral supraoccipital lateral line and supraoccipital midline) were selected and stimulated with even-needling technique by rotating the needle. In routine needling group, the acupoints were same as warming-promotion needling group and were stimulated with even-needling technique by rotating the needle. After 2 sessions of treatment, the efficacy, tear secretion volume and the total score of symptoms were compared between two groups.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 86.7% (13/15) in warming-promotion needling group, which was superior to 66.7% (10/15) in routine needling group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the tear secretion volume and the total score of symptoms were all apparently improved in two groups (all P < 0.05), in which, the improvement in warming-promotion needling group was much obvious (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic effect of warming-promotion needling technique is apparently superior to that of conventional one.