Abstract: Objective To observe the therapeutic effects with Xuefuzhuyu tablets combined with acupuncture and pricking and cupping therapy in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia after herpes zoster. Methods 136 patients with postherpetic neuralgia were randomly divided into two groups, the treatment group(68 cases)and the control group(68 cases). The patients of control group took vitamin B1, methylcobalamin, Fenbid treatment, those in treatment group took 6 additional Xuefuzhuyu tablets except the same amount medicines applied in the control group, 2 times a day and supplemented by pricking and cupping therapy. The 2 groups were given 10 days for a course of treatment. By using visual analogue scale (VAS) score in two groups before and after treatment the degree of pain, curative effects were measured. Results The total effective rate was 82.35%in the treatment group, the total efifciency of control group was 48.52%, the total effective rate of treatment group was signiifcantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment the pain scores of the 2 groups decreased, and the curative effects of the treatment group was signiifcantly lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion Xuefuzhuyu tablets combined with cupping therapy can significantly reduce the pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia after herpes zoster, which has no obvious side effects, which is suitable for clinical use.

Key words: postherpetic neuralgia, Xuefuzhuyu tablets, pricking and cupping therapy