Effect of Eight Vacuity Theory Adopted Complex Acupuncture Therapy on Patients with External Epicondylitis

Objectives : The objective of this study was to report two cases that patients with external epicondylitis were improved by based on 'eight vacuity' theory bloodletting therapy, acupuncture therapy and bee venom pharmacopuncture. Methods : In this study, patients were treated with bloodletting therapy, then acupuncture therapy and bee venom pharmacopuncture to Ashi point on eight vacuity of elbow in the patients without retention of needles. Subsequently, electroacupuncture and Dong-qi acupuncture treatment were implemented in order to strengthen the effect of acupuncture. In terms of evaluation methods, visual analog scale(VAS) score, range of motion(ROM), grip strength and physical examination were used to assess external epicondylitis-related symptoms. Results : VAS score decreased, ROM and grip strength were increased and physical examination was improved in all cases. Conclusions : It was suggested that the symptoms of intractable external epicondylitis could be improved by eight vacuity theory adopted bloodletting therapy, acupuncture therapy and bee venom pharmacopuncture.