MEDICAL ACUPUNCTURE

Volume 20, Number 4, 2008

© Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.
DOI: 10.1089/acu.2008.0595

Original Paper

Clinical Studies on the Indications of 33 Acupoints

Zeng-bin Ma, MD, Yuan-yuan Zheng, MD, Liang-xiao Ma, MD,

Nan-nan Guo, MD, Chun Li, MD, Yan-ping Wang, MD, Kai Cheng, MD,
Huan Yang, MD, Wan-ning Liu, MD, Kim Leo Wi, MD, and Jiang Zhu, MD

Editor’s Note: This article is an English reprint from the original Chinese article as it appeared in the Journal Chinese
Acupuncture and Moxibustion in June 2008. Permission was granted to reprint this translated article in the journal of
Medical Acupuncture. This is part of our cooperative Center Of Excellence effort between the University of Beijing, School
of Medicine and Moxibustion, and the journal Medical Acupuncture. This was a large and tedious effort on behalf of our
Chinese colleagues to study the actual indications and use of 33 acupuncture points. It reflects a most high level of co-
ordination and effort to gather the data at many university centers and analyze it into the Chinese Compendium of Acu-
points. Most important question: were the ancient descriptions of these points accurate when analyzed in with our mod-
ern technological evaluations? This is what our colleagues set out to accomplish in a most labor-intensive and involved
scientific manner. It is interesting to note that the style of this Chinese paper reflects a conception of research that devi-
ates from the “West.” It is important that the reader be willing to accept that scientific methodologies are different and
influenced by culture. We should be flexible to appreciate and to respect our Chinese colleagues’ contributions. Of course,
there is no room for poor scientific research. All of us would agree. I apologize for any errors and inaccuracies that are
a result of the translation effort.
Richard C. Niemtzow, MD, PhD, MPH
Editor in Chief

ABSTRACT

Objectives: To verify the indications of 33 acupoints scientifically and provide definite clinical data for the in-
dications of acupoints (which will be recorded in the Compendium of Acupoints of China).
Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) in multiple centers were performed.
Results: Among a total of 52 studies, results of 40 studies showed the acupuncture-moxibustion (acumoxa)
groups had better therapeutic effects than those in control groups. Results of 11 studies showed the acumoxa
groups had similar therapeutic effects to those in control groups. Results of 1 study showed the control group
had better therapeutic effects than that in acumoxa group.
Conclusions: Needling a single acupoint to treat diseases and symptoms may have different therapeutic effects.

Key Words: Acupuncture, Single Point, Clinical Study

School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.

269
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INTRODUCTION
T HE PROJECT OF Compendium of Acupoints of China was
established in 2003 with funding from the State Ad-
ministration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China, in-
cluding 2 parts of compiling the Compendium of Acupoints,
and clinical studies on the indications of acupoints.
METHODS
Totally, there were 59 studies, which consisted of clini-
cal sub-projects, 52 of them applied multi-center, random-
ized, and controlled design. Those 52 studies have been con-
ducted for over 4 years; 540 acupuncture physicians and
related staff from 116 hospitals in 19 provinces, municipal-
ities, and autonomous regions took part in the 52 studies.
The indications of 33 points were studied by randomized
controlled trails (RCTs) in multiple centers. Thus, certain
definite clinical data for the indications of certain acupoints
were provided (which will be recorded in the Compendium
of Acupoints of China).
Thirty-three commonly used acupoints and 36 diseases
and symptoms were involved in the studies, including 30
meridian acupoints and 3 extraordinary acupoints, covering
12 meridians (except for the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin
and the Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin). The main contents
of those studies follow.
Participants
The 33 acupoints included: LI 4, LI 11, LI 15; ST 11,
ST 25, ST 36, ST 37, ST 38, ST 40; SP 6, SP 8; HT 7;
SI 1, SI 3; BL 13, BL 17, BL 35; KI 6; PC 6; SJ 6; GB 20,
GB 24, GB 30, GB 40; CV 3, CV 12, CV 17; GV 14,
GV 20, GV 26; Sifeng (EX-UE10), Sishencong (EX-HN1),
and Taiyang (EX-HN5).
The 36 diseases and symptoms studied in the projects were:
the common cold, chronic pharyngitis, asthma in the respira-
tory system; hyperlipidemia, premature heartbeat, hyperten-
sion, shock in the cardiovascular system; adverse reaction in
the stomach and intestines, chronic cholecystitis, peptic ulcer,
constipation, intestinal irritation syndrome, ulcerous colitis,
infantile anorexia and infantile malnutrition in the digestive
system; urinary retention, chronic prostate hyperplasia, re-
ducing clinical symptoms, insufficient lactation, lack of con-
traction of uterus, female urethral syndrome, primary dys-
menorrhea and menopause syndrome in the genito-urinary
system; goiter, side effects of chemotherapy and radio ther-
apy in malignant tumor in the endocrine and immunity sys-
tems; depression due to stroke, insomnia, dysfunction of mo-
bility after cerebral thrombosis, primary sciatica, migraine,
central dizziness in psychological and nerve systems; peri-
arthritis of shoulder, acute sprain of lumbar in the motor sys-
tem, chronic urticaria, toothache, and high fever.
MA ET AL
All 52 studies consisted of RCTs in multiple centers with
follow-up. Electroacupuncture was applied in the treatment
groups of 41 studies; regular acupuncture was applied in the
treatment groups of 10 studies; moxibustion was used in the
treatment group of 1 study. The studies were conducted in
116 hospitals; 540 acupuncture physicians and related staff
were involved.
Four controlling methods were applied in the clinical tri-
als, including comparison methods between the acumoxa and
drug therapy in 33 studies; comparison method between dif-
ferent points for exploring the specificity of points in 13 stud-
ies; placebo-controlled trials in 3 studies; normal controlled
trials in 2 studies; and comparison method between acupunc-
ture and transcutaneous electrical stimulation in 1 study.
RESULTS
The results of clinical studies for 33 single acupoints
were:
1. Hegu LI 4
Wang et al1 found that applying electroacupuncture at
LI 4 was effective for toothache. Its analgesic effect was
immediate, but delay analgesic effect was more obvi-
ous. Wang et al2 found that applying electronic
acupuncture at LI 4 could extend the duration of con-
tinuous uterine contractions and shorten the average
time of intermittence, resulting in less usage dosage
of oxytocin.
2. Quchi LI 11
Song et al3 found that applying electroacupuncture at
LI 11 to treat chronic urticaria had better therapeutic ef-
fect than that of control group (using cetirizine) in the
number and size of skin rashes, edema, itching, fre-
quency, and duration. Yang et al found that applying
electroacupuncture at LI 11 to treat hypertension had
better therapeutic effect than that of control group by
needling Heyang (BL 55).
3. Jianyu LI 15
Fang et al found that applying electroacupuncture at LI
15 was effective for shoulder omarthritis. The effect was
better than that of the control group taking ibuprofen.
4. Qishe ST 11
He et al found that applying acupuncture at ST 11 to
treat goiter had therapeutic effect. There was no signif-
icant difference between the acupuncture treatment
group and control group (using thyroxine tablets) in thy-
roid ultrasonography, sTSH, FT 4, and FT 3. Acupunc-
ture showed better effects in swallowing difficulties,
throat irritation, fullness and distention of chest, and
swelling of the thyroid gland.
5. Tianshu ST 25
Liu et al found that applying electroacupuncture at ST
25 for diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome
INDICATIONS OF 33 ACUPOINTS
had better effects in the total scores of symptoms, diar-
rhea, and abdominal distention than using SP 15. Zhang
et al found that needling ST 25 to treat constipation had
better effects in improving colonic transit time, reliev-
ing constipation, and better 6-month remote efficacy
than those of the control group by taking lactulose
liquid.
6. Zusanli ST 36
Zhang et al found that electroacupuncturing ST 36,
combined with granisetron hydrochloride injection to
relieve the side effects of chemotherapy and radio-
therapy in malignant tumors, had better therapeutic ef-
fect than that of granisetron hydrochloride injection
control group. Acupuncture significantly inhibited
nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Wu et
al found that electroacupuncturing ST 36 had a defi-
nite clinical effect to prevent adverse reaction in the
stomach and intestine during the process of gastro-
scope examination. Zhao et al found that moxibustion
at ST 36 for the common cold was safe and reliable.
It not only could reduce the incidence of common cold
in the elderly, but also reduce the incidences of it and
alleviate the symptoms.
7. Shangjuxu ST 37
Lin found that acupuncturing ST 37 and combined sul-
fasalazine to treat ulcerous colitis had certain effects in
improving ulcerative colitis symptoms, signs and the
points score, the colonic mucosa, and blood integral
state classification. But compared with the effect of tak-
ing sulfasalazine in the control group, the difference was
not significant.
8. Tiaokou ST 38
Guo et al4 found that taking anti-inflammatory anal-
gesics and electroacupuncturing ST 38 to treat peri-
arthritis of the shoulder had quick, safe, and stable ef-
fect, and its effect was better than only taking
analgesic drugs. Shao et al found that applying elec-
troacupuncture at ST 38 was effective for periarthri-
tis of the shoulder. The shoulder disorders score stan-
dards (JOA) was used for results evaluation. Results
showed that the effect was better than that of taking
diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets in the
control group. Xuan et al found that electroacupunc-
turing ST 38 to treat periarthritis of shoulder could re-
markably relieve shoulder pain. The recent, remote ef-
ficacy of sedating pain and improving joint function
were significantly better than those taking nuofuding
tablets in the control group.
9. Fenglong ST 40
Gan et al found that electroacupuncturing ST 40 to treat
hyperlipidemia could improve the overall symptoms
and reduce LDL. Zhang et al5 found that electro-
acupuncturing ST 40 and taking pravastatin both had
the therapeutic effect of reducing blood fat; the differ-
ence between them was not significant.
271
10. Sanyinjiao SP 6
Gao et al found that electroacupuncturing SP 6 had a
rapid effect in improving signs and symptoms of acute
urinary retention. Cheng et al found that elec-
troacupuncturing SP 6 to treat perimenopausal syn-
drome has obvious therapeutic effects. Compared with
oral drug therapy in the control group, acupuncture had
specific effects on symptoms of flushing, insomnia, ir-
ritability, hot feeling in palm and sole, depression, dizzi-
ness, headache, palpitation, and itchy skin. Zhou et al6
found that electroacupuncturing SP 6 to treat peri-
menopausal syndrome was safe and effective. Ma et al
found that electroacupuncturing SP 6 could shorten the
active period of the first stage of labor, ease labor pain,
and reduce bleeding during the birth process and 2 hours
after the labor.
11. Diji SP 8
Wu et al found that electroacupuncturing SP 8 to treat
primary dysmenorrhea and taking ibuprofen both had
good analgesic effect, and there was no significant dif-
ference between them in the clinical symptom score, vi-
sual analog score (VAS), and the total effective rate af-
ter 3 months’ treatment.
12. Shenmen HT 7
Dong et al found that electroacupuncturing HT 7 to treat
insomnia had a therapeutic effect. It prolonged the to-
tal sleep time, shortened the time to fall asleep, reduced
the times of nights awake, improved sleep quality, re-
duced dreams, as well as significantly improving wake-
up.
13. Shaoze SI 1
Wand et al7 found that electroacupuncturing SI 1 to
treat insufficient lactation had better effect than that
of using LI 1 in the control group. Indications were
that SI 1 was a special acupoint for insufficient lac-
tation.
14. Houxi SI 3
Wu et al8 found that electroacupuncturing SI 3 to treat
acute lumbar sprain had better recent and remote ther-
apeutic effect than that of taking MO (MOBIC) tablets
in the control group in sedating lumbar pain and im-
proving lumbar activities.
15. Feishu BL13
Zhao et al found that electroacupuncturing BL13 to treat
bronchial asthma (acute attacking stage) had a thera-
peutic effect. However, compared with the effect of tak-
ing theophylline sustained-release tablets, it showed no
significant difference.
16. Geshu BL17
Lin et al found that electroacupuncturing BL 17 to treat
the side effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy in
malignant tumors had therapeutic effects. It reduced the
side effects caused by chemotherapy such as poor qual-
ity of life, physical decline, damage to the blood sys-
tem, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
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17. Huiyang BL 35
Cen et al9 found that electroacupuncturing BL 35 to treat
female urethral syndrome had better therapeutic effects
than that of Huantiao (GB 30) or Shenshu (BL 23) in
the control group in improving the I-PSS symptom
score, emiction and urodynamic aspects. Better effects
were found after 5 continuous sessions.
18. Zhaohai KI 6
Luo et al found that electroacupuncturing KI 6 to treat
chronic pharyngitis was as effective as that of taking
compound caoshanhu buccal tablet. Both improved the
clinical symptoms of chronic pharyngitis.
19. Neiguan PC 6
Wang et al found that applying electroacupuncture at
PC 6 for 10 continuous days may reduce the frequency
of premature heartbeats, and had better therapeutic ef-
fects than that of Xuanzhong(GB 39) in the control
group. Liu et al found that electroacupuncturing PC 6
relieved vomiting, throat discomfort, and other major
reactions caused by gastroscopy. Acupuncture was sim-
ple, well-tolerated in patients, and a safe and effective
natural therapy. Wang et al found that electroacupunc-
turing PC 6 to treat adverse reactions of the stomach
and intestine was safe and effective.
20. Zhigou SJ 6
Zhang et al found that electroacupuncturing SJ 6 to treat
constipation due to Qi deficiency had significant thera-
peutic effects in improving defecation intervals and
time, degree of bowel and feces traits, and abnormal
colonic transit tests.
21. Fengchi GB 20
Chen et al found that acupuncturing GB 20 had rapid
effects on hypertension (first or second stages). There
was significant differences in the effects of reducing
blood pressure between the acupuncture treatment
group and the control group. The control group, in tak-
ing (the Western medicine) metoprolol had better ther-
apeutic effects.
22. Riyue GB 24
Li et al found that acupuncturing GB 24 to treat chronic
cholecystitis had better therapeutic effects than that of
the Kunlun (BL 60) in the control group in relieving
pain and tenderness in the gallbladder.
23. Huantiao GB 30
Wang et al found that electroacupuncturing GB 30 to
treat primary sciatica had a definite clinical efficacy in
easing pain and relieving clinical symptoms.
24. Qiuxu GB 40
Jia et al found that electroacupuncturing GB 40 to treat
migraine had immediate analgesic effects; significantly
better than Tianshu (ST 25) in the control group.
25. Dazhui GV 14
Xiao et al10 found that acupuncturing DU 14 to treat high
fever could lower body temperature; its effect was better
than that of the antipyretic control group.
MA ET AL
26. Baihui GV 20
Tang et al found that applying acupuncture at GV 20 by
using a penetrating technique, plus conventional Western
medicine to treat dysfunction of mobility after cerebral
thrombosis, had better therapeutic effects than the con-
ventional Western medicine control group in total effects,
Fugl-Meyer score, neurological impairment score, and
ADL score. Zhang et al found that acupuncturing GV 20,
plus conventional treatment to treat depression due to
stroke, had better therapeutic effects than that of the stroke
conventional treatment control group in overall effects and
improving physical and mental anxiety. Zhao et al11 found
that acupuncturing GV 20 to treat depression due to stroke
was as effective as that of taking difenidol.
27. Renzhong GV 26
Fu et al found that electroacupuncturing GV 26, plus
Western medicine to treat mild or moderate shock, had
better therapeutic effects than that of Western medicine.
Zhao et al found that acupuncturing GV 26 to treat acute
lumbar sprain had better therapeutic effects.
28. Zhongji CV 3
Liu et al found that electroacupuncturing CV 3 to treat
benign prostatic hyperplasia had significant therapeutic
effects in improving the prostate symptom score, qual-
ity of life index, number of nocturia, urinary line sta-
tus, lower symptoms, biggest urine flow, residual urine
volume, and prostate volume.
29. Zhongwan CV 12
Niu et al12 found that acupuncturing CV 12 had thera-
peutic effects in treating peptic ulcer. Compared with
the comprehensive and gastroscopy efficacy of the
cimetidine control group, results showed no statistical
difference. However, in the initial stage of treatment,
the effect of acupuncturing CV 12 in improving stom-
ach pain was superior to that of the cimetidine control
group. The effects of the acupuncture group in improv-
ing chest pains and late GI symptoms was better than
that of the cimetidine control group.
30. Tanzhong CV 17
Chen et al found that electroacupuncturing RN 17 to
treat insufficient lactation had therapeutic effects in im-
proving maternal breast filling, lactation, neonatal
weight, reducing the times of artificial feeding and ca-
pacity, etc. Compared to the effects of the control group
with milk-producing decoction, there was no significant
difference.
31. Sishencong EX-HN 1
Liu et al found that the efficiency of acupuncturing EX-
HN 1 to treat insomnia was 94.2%; PSG monitoring in-
dicators and the SPIEGEL Scale score showed more im-
provement than the Sweet Dream Capsule drug group.
Zhang et al found that acupuncturing EX-HN 1 to treat
insomnia was effective; during treatment, it had signif-
icant effects on relieving insomnia and improving the
quality of sleep.
INDICATIONS OF 33 ACUPOINTS
32. Taiyang EX-HN 5
Zhou et al found that electroacupuncturing EX-HN 5 to
treat migraine of ascendant hyperactivity of Liver Yang
had immediate analgesic effects. Zhao et al13 found that
electroacupuncturing EX-HN 5 could treat central dizzi-
ness caused by vertebrobasilar arterial blood insuffi-
ciency, and improve vertigo symptoms and verte-
brobasilar arterial blood. The effects were better than
that of electroacupuncturing Ligou (LR 5) in the con-
trol group.
33. Sifeng EX-UE 10
Liang et al14 found that acupuncturing EX-UE 10 of Four
Hands to treat infantile malnutrition had certain effects in
the signs and symptoms of malnutrition, loss of appetite,
subcutaneous fat thickness, weight, and serum albu-
min concentration. Ma et al found that acupuncturing
EX-UE 10 of Four Hands significantly improved the ap-
petite and food intake of children, as well as children with
significantly increased subcutaneous fat, The conditions
of spirit, sleep, abdominal pain, sweat, and hair luster were
also improved in varying degrees.
Summary of the 33 Points
(1) In the 52 studies, results of 40 studies showed the acu-
moxa groups had better therapeutic effects than those in con-
trol groups. Results of 11 studies showed the acumoxa
groups had similar therapeutic effects to those in control
groups. Results of 1 study showed the control group had bet-
ter therapeutic effects than the acumoxa group.
(2) There were 28 acupoints studied in comparison with
the drugs (including ST 38 and GV 20). The results of 12
acupoints studies indicated that the effect of acumoxa groups
was superior to that of drug control groups. Seven acupoints
studies had similar effects in 2 groups. Nine acupoints stud-
ies indicated that acupuncture treatment could strengthen the
role of drug therapy. One acupoint study indicated that the
effect of the drug control group was superior to that of the
acumoxa group. One acupoint study showed that the effect
of acupuncture treatment was not obvious.
There were 13 acupoints studied in comparison with the
other acupoints. Results indicated that 13 acupoints had spe-
cific therapeutic effects on some diseases and symptoms.
There were 3 acupoints studied in comparison with the
placebo control group. Results indicated that the 3 acupoints
had therapeutic effects, except for conciliative effects.
Two acupoints were studied in comparison with blank
control group. Results indicated that the 2 acupoints had
therapeutic effects on the diseases and symptoms.
One acupoint was studied in comparison with transcuta-
neous electrical stimulation. The result indicated that
eletroacupuncture had a better effect.
(3) There were 27 studies with follow-ups, accounting for
51.9%. The remainder of 25 studies were: no follow-ups,
accounting for 48.1%; 13 studies of 27 had good effects
273
(overall follow-up effects of the treatment groups were sig-
nificantly better than the control groups) in the follow-ups,
accounting for 48.1%; 5 studies showed that the acupoints
had partly better therapeutic effects than other controlled ther-
apies in their follow-ups, accounting for 18.5%; 7 studies in-
dicated that acupoints had similar therapeutic effects to the
controlled therapies in their follow-ups, accounting for 25.9%;
1 study indicated that both groups had therapeutic effects
without comparison in its follow-up, accounting for 3.7%; and
1 study showed that the treatment group had remote thera-
peutic effects in the follow-up, accounting for 3.7%.
DISCUSSION
In recent years, the studies of acupoints mainly focus on
specificity of acupoints and stimulation techniques of acu-
points, as well as single-acupoint studies. More attention was
given to clinical studies of single acupoints. The clinical
studies of the above-stated 33 Points Indications, which
lasted for 4 years, could be considered as new achievements
in the area of single-acupoint studies.
Points
The single-point clinical studies involved commonly used
33 acupoints, including 30 Meridian acupoints and 3 Extra-
ordinary acupoints, covering 12 Meridians (with the excep-
tion of the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin and the Liver
Meridian of Foot-Jueyin). Among the 33 points, 20 are acu-
points located on the Yang meridians–60.7%; 4 are points
located on the Yin meridians—12.1%; 6 acupoints are lo-
cated on Conception Vessel and Governor Vessel—18.2%;
3 Extraordinary acupoints—9.0%. Within the 33 acupoints,
26 of them are specific points (no repeat count), including
6 Five-Shu points, 1 Yuan-Primary point, 2 Luo-Connect-
ing points, 5 Front-Mu points, 1 Back-Shu point, 1 Xi-Cleft
point, 1 Lower He-Sea point, 1 Eight Influential point, 1
Eight Confluence point, 7 Crossing points. The selection of
points in those studies still showed that the main attention
of clinical acupuncture studies was devoted to specific
points, which is similar to the past. Since the clinical study
of the scope of the acupoints remains relatively narrow, the
study on more acupoints needs to be further expanded.
Critiques
The previous clinical studies on indications of single acu-
points used less electroacupuncture stimulation methods, but
more manual acupuncture. They rarely described the rein-
forcing or reducing methods, which made the other studies
hard to follow. Therefore, the experiments could not be ad-
equately repeated.
In the 52 studies, 41 of them were treated with elec-
troacupuncture; 10 of them were treated with manual
acupuncture. One study was treated with moxibustion. The
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same electroacupuncture stimulating parameters were used
in an experiment, so that the results of the study could be
more objective and precise. However, in the above 33 clin-
ical studies, the researchers disregarded the influence of
stimulation volume and method to the clinical effect. It is
expected that more consideration will be given to those fac-
tors to the clinical effect in the future.
Clinical Study Methods on the Indications
of 33 Acupoints
(1) All the clinical studies involved randomized, con-
trolled, clinical trials in multiple centers. Previous studies
on acupoints mostly studied the coordination of several acu-
points, while single-acupoint clinical studies were relatively
fewer, and the related literature was mostly about case stud-
ies. Meanwhile, most single-acupoint clinical studies did not
have control groups and occurred as randomized, controlled
clinical trials in multiple centers; thus, the results couldnot
be proven reliable. The above clinical studies on 33 points
all took randomized, controlled clinical trials in multiple
centers, processed the data scientifically, and attained reli-
able results. However, according to previous clinical study
literature, clinical studies of acupoints need to be system-
atized, such as clinical studies on the expansion of the in-
dications of single acupoints, regularities of the indications,
and mechanisms of the related efficacy.
(2) Most previous clinical studies of acupoints were de-
signed informally and there were no strict diagnostic crite-
ria, participating criteria, exclusion criteria, and standards of
evaluation—-which made the studies lacking in scientific
evidence. The above clinical studies on 33 points primarily
used nationally or internationally recognized standards
which enhanced the reliability of the conclusion.
Control Design
Nearly half of the previous studies of acupoints em-
ployed controls, which affects the credibility of the conclu-
sion. In our studies, a total of 52 items adopted parallel
controls and the control designs had 4 categories: blank con-
trol, placebo control, acupoint and drug control, acupoint
and acupoint control.
(1) The trials of blank control were an acupuncture group
and a blank group. There are 2 such studies.
(2) The trials of placebo-control composed of consolation
acupuncture (electroacupuncture group and transcutaneous
electrical stimulation in the control group in 1 study, elec-
troacupuncture group and the consolation electroacupunc-
ture control group in another study), and consolation mox-
ibustion (moxibustion group and sham moxibustion control
group in 1 study), excluding the acupuncture consolation
role to prove the validity of the acupoints.
(3) In acupoint and drug control trials, there were 2 cat-
egories: herbs control and medications control. There were
MA ET AL
5 trials of herbs control (including 4 trials of mere acupunc-
ture group with oral herbs group, and 1 of acupuncture plus
oral herbs group with mere oral herbs group), and 27 trials
of medications control (of those, 17 of mere acupuncture
group with oral medications group, 9 of acupuncture plus
oral medications group with mere oral medications group,
1 of acupuncture plus oral medications group with same
medications plus other medications group).
(4) The acupoint controlled trials are divided into 4 cate-
gories, A. Acupoint treatment group to correlative acupoint
control group trails; B. Acupoint treatment group to non-cor-
relative acupoint control group trials; C. Acupoint treatment
group to non-points control group trials; and D. Acupoint-
group plus single acupoint treatment group to acupoint-group
control group. Acupoint treatment group to correlative acu-
point control group trials refers to the comparison of effi-
ciency of 2 acupoints which are commonly used in treatment
of the same disease (2 studies used this method). Acupoint
treatment group to acupoint non-correlative control group tri-
als refers to the comparison of efficiency of 2 acupoints; the
acupoint treatment group is commonly used in treatment of
the disease, while the acupoint in the control group is seldom
used in treatment of the disease (10 studies used this method).
Acupoint treatment group to non-points control group trials
refers to the comparison of efficiency of 2 acupoints; the ori-
entation of the 2 acupoints have different meanings. The non-
acupoints in the control group trial (neither on the meridian,
nor an extraordinary point, nor an Ah Shi point) compares the
real acupoints either located in the meridian or is an extraor-
dinary point. There was 1 study that employed this method.
This kind of trials proves the specificity of acupoint in treat-
ment of the certain disease. Acupoint-group plus single-acu-
point treatment group to acupoint-group control group trial (1
study used this method) suggested that the single point and
point-group had joint satisfactory effect for a certain disease.
(5) There was 1 study that applied transcutaneous elec-
trical stimulation in the control group.
According to the present clinical study of acupoints, the
process of acupuncture is a visible procedural treatment;
however, to implement a control experiment properly is dif-
ficult, and it is different from placebo control in which pa-
tients could clearly know whether they received acupunc-
ture treatment. Hence, if we want to comply with the
principle of the blind method, we would face many opera-
tional difficulties. It is necessary to continuously develop
the methodology to overcome the difficulties in the future.
Clinical Effects
The clinical studies on 33 points achieved mostly posi-
tive results. Only 1 study showed the effects of acupuncture
to be inferior to the drug control group. One study showed
that acupuncture did not attain the treatment effect. Perhaps
it was due to the acupoints in those studies were usually ef-
fective, verified by the past clinical practice. The results of
INDICATIONS OF 33 ACUPOINTS
those clinical studies proved the effectiveness of the 33 acu-
points on the one hand; conversely, it also proved the su-
periority of acupuncture therapy to certain diseases.
Clinical Follow-up
Follow-up descriptions were fewer than reported in pre-
vious studies; thus, the remote effects of acupuncture were
not clear. The 51.9% of the above clinical studies on the in-
dications of 33 acupoints conducted follow-ups with a se-
ries of follow-up data. Hence, the remote effects of acupunc-
ture could be scientifically tested.
Clinical studies on the indications of 33 acupoints demon-
strated that acupuncturing single acupoints to treat diseases
and symptoms had therapeutic effects during a period of ob-
servation. This largest-scale single-acupoints clinical stud-
ies revealed progress in the study of acupoints in accordance
with their multi-center, randomized, and controlled designs.
Compared with the past clinical studies of single acupoints,
these clinical studies were more standardized. At the same
time, prior studies trained a group of acupuncture clinical
study personnel—-laying the foundation for the future clin-
ical studies of acupoints. It was expected that it would
strengthen and expand the clinical study of single-acupoints,
and fully integrate with evidence-based medicine and clin-
ical epidemiology methods. Thus, the Chinese acupuncture
studies would be internationally recognized and would pro-
mote the internationalization of Chinese acupuncture and ac-
celerate new progress.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This work was supported by the study project of Com-
pendium of Acupoints of China, State Administration of Tra-
ditional Chinese Medicine of China (Grant No. 27, in 2003),
and China National Basic Research Program (Program 973,
Grant 2006CB504503).
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Address correspondence to:
Professor Jiang Zhu, MD
School of Acupuncture and Moxibustion
Beijing University of Chinese Medicine
11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu
Beijing 100029, PR China
E-mail: jzhjzh@263.net