Schizophrenia is similar to mania in TCM. It is usually caused by long-term mental depression, rage and fright that lead to stagnation of liver qi and transformation of fire from qi stagnation; or by production of phlegm from qi stagnation and obstruction by interaction of phlegm and qi; or by prolonged qi stagnation and blood stasis in the vessels; or by impairment of both the heart and spleen and insufficiency of qi and blood that affect cardiac spirit.

Acupuncture Treatment for Schizophrenia

1.Body acupuncture

Prescription: Baihui (GV 20), Daling (PC 7) and Fenglong (ST 40).Modification: For exuberance of heart and liver fire, Shuigou (GV 26), Shaoshang (LU 11), Laogong (PC 8), Dazhui (GV 14) and Yinbai (SP 1) are added; for stagna-tion of phlegm and qi, Shenmen (HT 7), Jianshi (PC 5 ) and Tanzhong (CV 17) are added; for stagnation of qi and stasis of blood, Hegu (LI 4), Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3) are added; for asthenia of both the heart and spleen, Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) are added.Performance: Asthenia of both the heart and spleen can be treated with reinforcing needling technique. Back-Shu acupoints can be moxibusted after needling. The rest of the acupoints can be needled with reducing or mild rein-forcing and reducing needling techniques. Shaoshang (LU 11) and Yinbai (SP 1 ) can be punctured to let out blood. The needles are retained for about 30 - 40 minutes and manipulated at intervals. Cares should be taken to avoid bending and breaking the needles.

2. Electro-acupuncture

Prescription: Each time 1 - 2 pairs of acupoints men-tioned are selected.

Performance.. After the needling sensation is felt, impulse current is attached to the needles. The needles are retained for 20 minutes. Such a treatment is given once a day.