Clinical efficacy of copper Gua Sha therapy based on the “Qi Channel Discharge” concept for cervical spondylosis with Qi stagnation and blood stasis in elderly patients

This study evaluates the clinical effectiveness of copper Gua Sha therapy guided by the Traditional Chinese Medicine concept of Qi Channel Discharge in elderly patients with cervical spondylosis characterized by qi stagnation and blood stasis and compares its efficacy with conventional copper Gua Sha therapy. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 115 elderly patients diagnosed with qi stagnation and blood stasis-type cervical spondylosis at a local Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital between January 2022 and December 2023. Patients were divided into 2 groups: the exposure group (n = 56) received copper Gua Sha therapy based on the Qi Channel Discharge concept, while the control group (n = 59) received conventional copper Gua Sha therapy. Outcome measures included cervical spine function (assessed by Clinical Assessment Scale for Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Disability Index), pain intensity (McGill Pain Scale), overall clinical efficacy, syndrome scores of qi stagnation and blood stasis, and quality of life. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 with significance set at P < .05. After 4 to 6 weeks of treatment, the exposure group demonstrated superior outcomes compared with the control group. Neck Disability Index scores decreased by 6.97 versus 4.50 (15.62 ± 1.92 vs 17.38 ± 2.71, P < .001), while Clinical Assessment Scale for Cervical Spondylosis total scores increased by 26.52 versus 17.68 (97.81 ± 9.56 vs 90.21 ± 10.62, P < .001). Pain intensity measured by the McGill scale was reduced more markedly in the exposure group (total score: 10.52 ± 1.82 vs 11.51 ± 2.99, P = .033; Visual Analogue Scale: 1.64 ± 0.72 vs 2.18 ± 0.61, P < .001). The overall clinical effective rate was 78.57% vs 69.49% (P = .002). Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome scores decreased by 6.22 versus 5.44 (P = .002), and quality of life improved significantly across physical (18.31 ± 1.86 vs 17.46 ± 2.61, P = .045), emotional (20.35 ± 2.31 vs 19.23 ± 1.08, P = .036), and functional domains (19.88 ± 0.89 vs 18.28 ± 2.15, P < .001). Copper Gua Sha therapy based on the Qi Channel Discharge concept is significantly more effective than conventional Gua Sha in improving cervical function, relieving pain, alleviating qi stagnation and blood stasis symptoms, and enhancing the overall quality of life in elderly patients with cervical spondylosis.