[Acupuncture and moxibustion for rice body bursitis of knee joint: a case report]

This article reports the differentiation and treatment experience of acupuncture and moxibustion for a case of rice body bursitis of knee joint, which could be classified as "crane-knee wind" in TCM. The disease location involves the meridian sinews of the knee region, and is deficiency in origin and excess in symptom. Referencing the classical formula Sishen Jian for crane-knee wind, a staged acupuncture-moxibustion protocol was implemented: at the initial phase (the 1st week), quintuple needling was delivered at local points i.e. bilateral Heding (EX-LE2) and Xuehai (SP10), to regulate the local meridian qi, resolve swelling and alleviate pain; at the intermediate phase (the 2nd week), acupuncture was applied at modified "experienced ten acupoints" supplementarily, to reinforce the postnatal foundation and enhance healthy qi; at the late phase, fire needling was adopted at ashi points, to transform stasis, dissipate pathogenic qi and regenerate blood. After treatment, the patient's knee function was basically recovered, and no recurrence was found in 3 month of follow up visit.