Dr. Xie treated 30 cases with climacteric syndrome by acupuncture, whose ages ranged from 40 to 60. Menopause occurred in 20 cases, menstrual disorder in 7 cases and non-stopped menstruation in 3 cases; the duration of menopause ranged from 4 months to 20 years. The chief clinical manifestations were headache, dizziness, insomnia, stomachache, abdominal pain, back numbness, palpitation, breathlessness, poor appetite, mental depression, abnormal vaginal bleeding, etc. Acupoints Dazhui (GV 14), Guanyuanshu (BL 26), Qihai (CV 6), Zhongwan (CV 12), Shenshu (BL23), Hegu (LI 4) and Zusanli (ST 36) were selected and Qugu (CV2) and Yintang (EX- HN 3) were added. Results showed all symptoms disappearing in 27 cases, improvement in 1 case, unknown effect in 1 case and ineffectiveness in 1 case.
Ma Yindu treated climacteric syndrome by puncturing three points with six needles. Points Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) on both sides were punctured from the upper to the lower and even reinfor-cing-reducing technique was given; the needles were manipulated during the needle retention. Taiyang (EX- HN 5) and Hegu (LI 4) on both sides were added for headache; bilateral Neiguan (PC6) was added for pain in hypocondrium; Zhongwan (CV 12) and Qihaishu (BL24) were added for abdominal fullness; bilateral Shenshu (BL23) and Yanglingquan (GB 34) were added for aching pain of lumbus and legs; bilateral Zhigou (TE6) were added for constipation; bilateral Yongquan (KI 1) were added for hypertension. Generally, needles were retained for 30 minutes and manipulated once every 10 minutes; 3 continuous treatments made up one course and next course continued after 1-day interval. The cases were mostly cured after 2 - 5 courses of treatment.
Typical case: A Mrs. Zhang, aged 48, was seen on Aug 16 in 1989. She had dizziness and vexation for 1 year. Her menstruation was about to pause, accompanied by scanty and dark menstruation, leukorrhea, insomnia, dreaminess and flushed face. It was diagnosed as climacteric syndrome in hospital affiliated to He' nan Medical University. She was treated by many Chinese and western medicines but in vain. Physical examination showed flushed complexion, vertigo, vexation, insomnia, forget-fulness, aching lumbus, fatigue, sentimentality, swelling of face and lower limbs, non-pitting edema in lips, red tongue with thin and white coating, wiry and rapid pulse. Bilateral Shenmen (HT 7), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP6) were punctured in sequence, and even reinfor-cing-reducing manipulation was given. The needles were retained for 30 minutes. Instantly after treatment, she felt asleep that night and thus she was pleased; vertigo abated greatly with happiness. Three courses of treatment, she was cured without the help of medicine.
