OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy difference on the treatment of supraspinal ligament injury in deficiency syndrome between only-puncturing at Dazhong (KI 4) and routine acupuncture therapy and then explore an optimum process.

METHODSOne hundred and twenty-six cases were randomly divided into a Dazhong group (63 cases) and a routine acupuncture group (63 cases). Based on the same treatment including TDP irradiation, cupping at Shenshu (BL 23), Dachangshu (BL 25), Mingmen (GV 4), Yaoyangguan (GV 3) and Ashi points, the patients in the Dazhong group received only-puncturing Dazhong (KI 4) with respiratory reinforcing method once daily or every other day, three times of which made a course of the treatment, with on interval of one day or without between different courses. For the routine acupuncture group, the same reinforcing method was applied at shenshu (BL 23) pointect, and the other requirements such as courses were also the same.

RESULTSThe cured and markedly effective rate was 88.9% (56/63) in the Dazhong group, which was significantly superior to that of 54.0% (34/63) in the routine acupuncture group (P < 0.01). Compared before and after the treatment, the score of Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and the clinical symptom score of the two groups were significantly decreased (all PF < 0.01). Compared between the two groups, there were significant differences in NRS and clinical symptom score the Dazhong group was better than the routine acupuncture group (both P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONThe only-puncturing Dazhong (KI 4) method combined with cupping and TDP irradiation are simple and effective for supraspinal ligament injury in deficiency syndrome.