OBJECTIVE: By B ultrasound, the changes of contraction function of gallbladder by acupuncture at Jianjing (GB 21) were observed and the internal relations between Jianjing (GB 21) and cholecystitis were explored, in order to explore the better therapy.

METHODS: Two hundreds cases who had been diagnosed as cholecystitis (acalculous cholecystitis) were classified in observation group, including gallbladder expanding (84 cases) and gallbladder constricting (116 cases); 100 cases who had examined as healthy were taken in control group. Acupuncture at Jianjing (GB 21)
on right shoulder was applied in both groups. Through B ultrasound examination, the changes of gallbladder volume in both groups were compared before acupuncture, 15 min after needle insertion and 30 min after needle withdrawing.

RESULTS: The gallbladder volume of gallbladder expanding and gallbladder constricting cases were constricted or expanded 15 min after needle insertion and 30 min after needle withdrawing, and there were statistical significances (all P < 0.01). Compared the outcomes at different time points after acupuncture with that before acupuncture, the changes of gallbladder constricting were unobvious (both P > 0.05) in control group. In observation group, the pain relief rate for 142 cases companied with shoulder and back pain was 98.6% (140/142).

CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Jianjing (GB 21) can improve the gallbladder constricting, regulate bidirectional function of expanding and constricting, and efficiently relieve shoulder and back pain.