Objective To compare the therapeutic effects of assistance fili-fire needling（AFFN） and fili-fire needling combined with moxibustion（FFNM） on acute herpes zoster in the elderly.Methods Totally 120 patients were randomized into the AFFN group and FFNM group

with 60 in each.Cupping and moxibustion was added respectively in the AFFN group and FFNM group on the basis of fili-fire needling

2 to 6 times per course of treatment.One more treatment course could be administrated until fully recovery.The observation lasted for 21 days.The analgesia time

crusting time

treatment times

pain degree before and on the second

sixth treatment and the last treatment

the most pain degree and lesion area within the past 24 hours were observed.Results The analgesia time and crusting time in the AFFN group was significantly shorter than that in the FFNM group（P<0.01）.The average number of treatment in the AFFN group was less than that in the FFNM group（P<0.01）.The degree of most pain and lesion area decreased significantly within 24h after the 2nd

6th and last treatment in both groups（P<0.01）

with no significant difference between groups（P>0.05）.The total effective rate of lesion area in the FFNM group and AFFN group was 67.8% and 70.7% respectively

with no significant difference between groups（P>0.05）.The total effective rate of local pain in the FFNM group and AFFN group was 93.3% and 100% respectively

with significant difference between groups（P<0.05）.The comprehensive therapeutic effect of the FFNM group and AFFN group was 94.9% and 98.3% respectively

with no significant difference between groups（P>0.05）.Conclusion Both therapies are effective and safe

especially the assistance fili-fire needling with rapid onset and good analgesic effect.The fili-fire needling combined with moxibustion is suitable for topical herpes purulent.