[Professor Qiu Mao-Liang's theory of "three benefits" of acupuncture for diseases of digestive system].

Professor QIU Mao-Iiang is a famous Chinese physician of acupuncture and Chinese medicine in modern time and is one of representative figure of Chengijang acupuncture schools. The theory of "three benefits" of acupuncture for diseases of disgestive system is established according to pathogenesis. He holds that acupuncture is favorable in removing the stagnated liver qi, reinforcing the functions of the spleen and the stomach in treatment of gastroduodenal ulcer. For problems due to spleen deficiency, reinforcing method should be given to the main points, Back-shu points and Yuan-primary points, while reducing method should be given to Front-mu points. Deficiency type of chronic gastritis is much more seen than excessive type. Therefore, the treating principle of acupuncture shoujd be tonifying the spleen and dispeling the cold. Removing the liver qi and regulating qi circulation can be applied in phases. And for special cases, method of tonifying the stomach yin should be used. For gastroptosis, reinforcing qi in the middle jiao should be applied generally. For those with qi stagnation, qi in middle jiao should be regulated. For retention of food and dampness, treatment should focus on removing phlegm and dampness. And the following points can be selected to lift the stomach by long needle, Juque (CV 14), Liangmen (ST 21) and the acupoints around stomach. For treatment of diarrhea, toward the three pathological factors of dampness, heat and cold, treatment of removing dampness, clearing heat and dispelling cold, especially the first one should be applied, and others are selected by differentiation of syndromes. And for gallstone, treating principle should be established according to the theory of qi stagnation, disharmony between the gallbladder and the sto-mach as well as obstruction by substantial pathogens. And regulation of qi, relieving pain, regulating the functions of the gallbladder and the stomach should be applied so as to removing calculus. Professor QIU Mao-Iiang 's theory of "three benefits" of acupuncture for diseases of digestive system is formed on the analysis of the primary and secondary pathologies, the degree of symptoms, progress of the diseases, characteristics of the acupuncture techniques and aims of the treatment. Thus, his theory has great significance in the clinic.