Acute lymphangitis treated by moxibustion with garlic in 118 cases

TCM holds that acute lymphangitis is pathogenically caused by the accumulated internal fire and toxicity, and the external skin injury-induced infection, leading to toxicity going upward along the meridians. The treatment should be given to clear away heat and toxin. Blood letting by a three-edged needle may promote qi and blood circulation and remove the toxic heat. Garlic has the function of antagonizing Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus dysenteriae and various kinds of bacteria. Since the volatile oil in moxa is antagonistic to bacteria, the burning moxa can also promote the local flow of qi and blood, and enhance the antagonistic effect of garlic on bacteria. Therefore, satisfactory curative results can be achieved by the therapy.