| Objective: To compare the influence of different methods of acupuncture and moxibustion on incidence of neuralgia following herpes zoster. Methods: In a multicenter and clinical randomized controlled trial, 189 cases were randomly divided into 5 groups: group A given basic acupuncture, group B cotton spread moxibustion before basic acupuncture, group C fire needle before basic acupuncture, group D knock acupuncture and cupping before basic acupuncture, and group E routine western medicine. The incidence of neuralgia at 30th, 60th and 90th day following herpes zoster was compared among the groups. Results: There was no significant difference in the incidence of neuralgia following herpes zoster at 30th, 60th, and 90th day among groups A, B, C and D, but the incidence of neuralgia following herpes zoster at 30th and 60th day in groups A, B, C and D was significantly lower than in group E (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture and moxibustion can significantly decrease the incidence of neuralgia following herpes zoster. |
