Objective: To observe the clinical therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Qianlianquan (Extra) and eight confluent points on chronic pharyngitis.
Methods: A total of 42 patients with chronic pharyngitis were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 21 cases in each one. In the observation group, acupuncture was applied at Qianlianquan (Extra) and eight confluent points [Neiguan (PC 6), Waiguan (TE 5), Lieque (LU 7), Houxi (SI 3), Gongsun (SP 4), Shenmai (BL 62), Zhaohai (KI 6) and Zulinqi (GB 41)], once a day, 6 days as one course, with an interval of 1 day between the courses, 4-course treatment was required. In the control group, Qinghou Liyan granules were taken orally 5 g each time, 3 times a day, 7 days as one course and 4 courses were required. Before and after treatment, symptoms and signs scores of chronic pharyngitis and the contents of IL-2 and TNF-a in serum were compared in the two groups.
Results: Compared before treatment, symptoms and signs scores of chronic pharyngitis and the contents of IL-2 and TNF-a in serum were improved in both groups (all P<0.05), and the changes in the observation group were superior to the control group (all P<0.05). The total effective rate was 90.5% (19/21) in the observation group, which was superior to 81.0% (17/21) in the control group (P<0.05).
Conclusion: The therapeutic effect of acupuncture at Qianlianquan (Extra) and eight confluent points on chronic pharyngitis is superior to conventional Chinese patent medication treatment by Qing Liyan granules.
Keywords: Qianlianquan (Extra); acupuncture; chronic pharyngitis; eight confluent points.