Objective: To discuss the clinical effect of Yiqi Tongluo decoction combined thermal silver needle treatment instrument in treating postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in middle-aged and elderly patients

and to investigate its influence on T cell subpopulations and serous β-endorphin (β-EP). Method: One hundred and twenty-five patients were randomly divided into the control group (61 cases) and the observation group (64 cases). Patients in the control group received 0.5 mg mecobalamin injection for intramuscular thrice weekly

25 mg doxepin hydrochloride tablets twice daily

1 grain of ibuprofen sustained release capsule twice daily. Patients in the observation group received one dose Yiqi Tongluo decoction combined thermal silver needle treatment instrument. All patients in both two groups received 8 weeks of treatment. Pain situation was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS). Before and after treatment

scores of Hamilton's depression scale (HAMD)

Athens insomnia scale (AIS)

qi deficiency and blood stasis and the quality of life index of skin disease (QLQI) were made. Levels of T cell subpopulations (CD3+

CD4+

CD8+

CD4+/CD8+) and β-EP were detected. Result: The clinical effect in the observation group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). At the fourth and eighth week after treatment

scores of VAS in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). After treatment

scores of HAMD

AIS

qi deficiency and blood stasis and QLQI in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.01). Levels of CD3+

CD4+and CD4+/CD8+were higher (P<0.01)

level of CD8+ was lower (P<0.01)

and level of β-EP was higher (P<0.01) than those in the control group. Conclusion: Yiqi Tongluo decoction combined thermal silver needle treatment instrument could relieve the pain

ameliorate depression

insomnia and qi deficiency and blood stasis

improve patients' quality of life

regulate T cell subpopulations and improve the level of β-EP in treating middle-aged and elderly patients with PHN.