Electroacupuncture

(1) Point Selection

Commonly used points: Suliao (GV25), Neiguan (PC6), Taichong (LR3), Adrenal gland (ear point).

Reserve points: Yongquan (KI1), Neiting (ST44), Taiyuan (LU9), Tiantu (CV22), Diaphragm meridian stimulation point.

Location of the diaphragm meridian stimulation point: At the lower 1/3 of the outer edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

(2) Treatment Method

Generally, the commonly used points are selected. If the effect is not obvious, reserve points may be added as appropriate. After obtaining qi through needling, connect to a 6805-type electric stimulator. Connect Suliao (GV25) and Neiguan (PC6) to the anode, and Taichong (LR3) and the adrenal gland to the cathode. For patients with sudden respiratory arrest, add the diaphragm meridian stimulation point. Use intermittent waves. Start with a weaker current intensity and gradually increase it. The intensity should be determined based on the condition and individual response. For patients with sudden respiratory arrest, the stimulation should be strong. The frequency is commonly 20-30 times per minute. If adaptation occurs, temporarily switch to other wave types or continuously adjust the current intensity. During electroacupuncture, a dedicated person should be responsible and closely observe the patient. Effects are usually seen within 1-2 minutes. For patients with severe irregular respiratory rhythms, it may take 20-30 minutes to recover, and intermittent electrical stimulation should be continued for another 20-30 minutes to consolidate the effect. For a few patients who relapse after stopping electroacupuncture, intermittent stimulation can be used for 2-3 days.

Based on the collected data of 161 cases of acute respiratory failure, the overall effective rate of electroacupuncture is about 89% (1-3).

Body Acupuncture

(1) Point Selection

Commonly used points: Qishe (ST11), Renzhong, Zusanli (ST36).

(2) Treatment Method

All commonly used points are selected. After obtaining qi through needling, perform twisting and lifting-thrusting techniques with continuous needling manipulation. The duration and intensity of stimulation should be determined based on the condition. Generally, each needling session lasts 3-5 minutes, retaining the needle for 1 hour. This method should be performed on the basis of conventional treatment.

(3) Efficacy Evaluation

Using this method combined with conventional Western medical treatment, 5 cases of Zhongshu (GV7) respiratory failure were successfully rescued, all showing significant effects (4).

Main References

(1) Tian Daozheng. Emergency acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 1983; 3(1): 58.

(2) Pediatric Department of Hainan Hospital, Guangdong Province. Preliminary report on electroacupuncture rescue of 30 cases of respiratory failure. Chinese Medical Journal 1974; 54(1): 426.

(3) Yang Shunyi. Preliminary experience of electroacupuncture rescue of 67 cases of respiratory failure. New Chinese Medicine 1976; (6): 45.

(4) Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Tianjin Chinese Medicine Institute. Acupuncture rescue of 5 cases of Zhongshu (GV7) respiratory failure. Shanghai Journal of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 1987; 6(4): 39.