Clinical research on detoxification with acupuncture

Abstract

Purpose To confirm the effects of acupuncture, and Chinese medicines in controlling the withdrawal symptoms from the opium-like drugs.Method 96 hero-in-dependent subjects were divided into four groups, which were treated respectively by western medicine (A group), acupuncture (B group), Chinese herbs (C group), and acupuncture & Chinese herbs (D group). Before, during and after treatment, the concentration of serum testosterone and prolactin, and immune functions (serum CD₃ ⁺, CD₄ ⁺, CD₈ ⁺ and CD₄ ⁺/CD₈ ⁺) were tested.Results After treatment, the concentration of serum testosterone in A and B group were higher than before and during treatment, and in C and D group, during treatment were higher. In the four groups, the concentration of serum prolactin before treatment was the highest. The levels of CD₃ ⁺, CD₄ ⁺, CD₈ ⁺ and CD₄ ⁺/CD₈ ⁺ were lowest before treatment and highest after treatment.Conclusion

Acupuncture and Chinese medicines effective in relieving spasm and pain can control the opium-like drug with-drawal symptoms to different degrees, especially acupuncture. However, acupuncture cannot ease the with-drawal symptoms completely. Acupuncture does not strikingly cooperate with the Chinese medicines effective in relieving spasm and pain (including M-receptor antagonists). In detoxification, the Jiaji points are the primary ones and symptom-based points the secondary ones.