The Effects of Acupressure on Vomiting, Stress, and Anxiety in Chinese Pregnant Women with Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Objective:To investigate the role of acupressure therapy in helping pregnant women with HG reduce the frequency or severity of vomiting and relieve stress and anxiety.Method:A quantitative study with a quasi-experimental design and non-equivalent group design was used.Sixty-six valid data points were obtained from pregnant mothers diagnosed with HG in a general hospital in Linyi City.These pregnant women received either acupressure(n=33)or general therapeutic care(n=33).They completed standardized questionnaires designed to assess vomiting,anxiety,and stress levels.Results:Data showed no differences between the experimental and control groups before the intervention.After the intervention,there were significant differences in anxiety(P≤0.05)and stress(P≤0.05)scores between the two groups.However,there was no significant difference in vomiting scores(P>0.05)between the two groups after the intervention.The anxiety and stress scores of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the control group post-intervention,while the vomiting scores of the two groups were similar.Conclusion:The findings suggest that acupressure significantly reduces anxiety and stress in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum(HG)and also helps reduce vomiting.Acupressure presents a viable clinical option for pregnant women seeking relief from HG symptoms.

Clinical Study on Improving Articulation Clarity in Spastic Cerebral Palsy with 120 Cases of Oral-Facial Acupressure Combined with Oral Placement Therapy

Objective:To observe the efficacy of oral-facial acupressure combined with oral placement therapy(OPT)in improving articulation clarity in 120 children with spastic cerebral palsy,and to explore effective therapeutic solutions for speech disorders associated with spastic cerebral palsy.Methods:A total of 120 children with spastic cerebral palsy and speech disorders,meeting the inclusion criteria,were randomly assigned into two groups:60 cases in the treatment group and 60 cases in the control group.The treatment group received orofacial acupressure combined with OPT,while the control group received only OPT.The Oral Motor Function Assessment Scale(OMFAS),developed by the China Rehabilitation Research Centre(CRRC),was used to evaluate the treatment outcomes before and after the intervention.Results:After the treatment,both the treatment and control groups showed improved mobility of the mandible,lips,and tongue.However,the treatment group exhibited significantly better improvement than the control group,with the difference between the two groups being statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Oral-facial acupressure combined with OPT can effectively improve articulation clarity in children with spastic cerebral palsy.This combined therapy is recommended for clinical promotion and application.

Effect of Acupressure Therapy on Anti-inflammatory Mechanism in Obesity-induced IR Rats

[Objectives] To study the effect of "acupressure therapy" on anti-inflammatory mechanism in obesity-induced IR rats. [Methods] 10 rats were randomly selected and fed with normal diet as blank group, and the remaining 30 rats were fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The obesity-induced IR model was induced and divided into two groups: model group and acupressure group. The acupressure group was treated by "acupressure therapy" three times a week for 6 weeks;the model group was taken 3 times at the same time every week, and the supine binding experiment lasted for 10 min for 6 weeks. Morphological observation was carried out before and after the experiment, mainly observing the general conditions and body weight. After the last intervention, the animals were killed and samples were collected. Western Blot method was used to detect the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 protein in adipose tissue of the three groups. [Results] Compared with the blank group, the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 protein in adipose tissue of the model group increased significantly ( P <0.01);compared with the model group, the expression of TNF-α and IL-6 protein in adipose tissue of the acupressure group decreased significantly ( P <0.01). [Conclusions] After intervening in the obesity-induced IR rats with acupressure method, the status of insulin resistance in obese rats was improved by inhibiting the expression of inflammatory factors.

Aromatic Essential Oil Acupressure Combined with Music Therapy in Cancer Pain Management

Objective: To explore the effect of aroma oil acupressure combined with music therapy in pain intervention for tumor patients. Methods: 60 patients with malignant tumors accompanied by cancer pain who were hospitalized in the oncology department of a tertiary-level hospital in Jingzhou City, Hubei Province, from January 2022 to December 2022 were selected as the study subjects, and were divided into 30 cases in the control group and 30 cases in the intervention group according to the stratified sampling method. The control group was divided into 30 cases of control group and 30 cases of intervention group according to the stratified sampling method. The control group was given medicine according to the conventional step analgesia, and the intervention group was given medicine according to the conventional step analgesia with the addition of aromatic oil acupressure combined with music therapy, and the effect of the intervention was valued by the NRS, the SAS and the SDS. Results: The NRS, SAS and SDS of patients in the intervention group were lower than those in the control group (p Conclusion: Aromatic oil acupressure combined with music therapy can effectively improve the pain symptoms of tumor patients, relieve anxiety and improve the quality of sleep of patients. Combined with pharmacological methods of pain relief, it can reduce the dose of pain medication and the frequency of administration of medication, and find a safe, low-cost, non-pharmacological pain complementary alternative therapy for tumor patients with cancer pain.

Effect of acupressure on sleep quality of middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertension

Purpose:To evaluate the effect of acupressure on blood pressure and sleep quality in middle-aged and elderly patients with hypertension.Methods:A total of 75 elderly hypertensive patients with sleep disorders were randomly divided into either an experimental group(n=38)or a control group(n=37).All subjects received conventional treatment and health guidance.The experimental group also received acupressure treatment.The score of PSQI(Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index)and blood pressure were measured and recorded before and after the treatment.Results:After the intervention,the systolic(SBP)and diastolic blood pressure of the experimental group decreased significantly(p<0.01).There was a significant difference in SBP between the groups(p<0.01).After four weeks of intervention,the total PSQI score in the experimental group was significantly lower compared to the control group(p<0.01).Conclusion:Acupressure can lower SBP and effectively improve the sleep quality in middleaged and elderly patients with hypertension.

Effects of Acupressure and Ibuprofen on the Severity of Primary Dysmenorrhea

The present study aims at comparing the effects of acupressure using new combination of acupoints, and Ibuprofen on the severity of primary dysmenorrhea (PD). 216 female high school students, aged between 14 to 18 years, were randomly selected and divided into three groups. Each group underwent different treatment techniques: acupressure, Ibuprofen and sham acupressure as a placebo. The results indicated that the three therapeutic techniques were significantly effective in reducing the pain. However the therapeutic efficacies of acupressure and Ibuprofenwere similar with no significant difference, and were significantly better thanthe placebo. Thus acupressure, with no complications, is recommended as an alternative and also a better choice in the decrease of the severity of PD. ……

Beneficial effects of auricular acupressure on preventing constipation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy:evidence from systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective： To evaluate the available evidence from randomized controlled trials （RCTs） of auricular acupressure （AA） therapy for preventing constipation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methods： The following databases were searched from their inception until August 2017： Ovid Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials （CENTRAL）, and Allied and Alternative Medieine （AMED）. We also searched four Chinese databases： Chinese BioMedical Database （CBM）, China National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI）, WANFANG Data, and Chinese VIP Database. Only the RCTs related to the effects of AA therapy on preventing constipation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were included in this study. Quantitative syntheses of data from RCTs were conducted using RevMan 5.3 software. Study selection, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by two authors. Cochrane criteria for risk of bias were used to assess the methodological quality of the trials. Results： Four RCTs met the inclusion criteria, and most were of low methodological quality. Study participants in the AA plus routine care group showed significantly greater improvements in the response rate （risk ratio [RR] = 1.27, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.14, 1.42], P 〈 0.01） with low heterogeneity （x2=2.31, P =0.31, F = 14%）. In addition, when compared with routine care alone, one RCT suggested favorable statistically significant effects of AA plus routine care on Constipation Assessment Scale （CAS; mean difference [MD] =-5.07, 95% CI [-6.86, -3.28], P 〈 0.01）. Furthermore, when compared with routine care alone, one RCT suggested positive statistically significant effects of AA plus routine care on Patient Assessment of Constipation-Quality of Life （PAC-QOL; MD = -1.26, 95% CI [-1.59, -0.93], P 〈 0.01）. Conclusions： Overall, as a potential safety therapy, only weak evidence can support the hypothesis that AA can effectively prevent constipation in breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Impacts of acupressure treatment on depression:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Depression is recognized as a major public health problem with a substantial impact on individuals and society.Complementary therapies such as acupressure may be considered a safe and cost-effective treatment for people with depression.An increasing body of research has been undertaken to assess the effectiveness of acupressure in various populations with depression,but the evidence thus far is inconclusive.AIM To examine the efficacy of acupressure on depression.METHODS A systematic literature search was performed on PubMed,PsycINFO,Scopus,Embase,MEDLINE,and China National Knowledge(CNKI).Randomized clinical trials(RCTs)or single-group trials in which acupressure was compared with control methods or baseline in people with depression were included.Data were synthesized using a random-effects or a fixed-effects model to analyze the impacts of acupressure treatment on depression and anxiety in people with depression.The primary outcome measures were set for depression symptoms.Subgroups were created,and meta-regression analyses were performed to explore which factors are relevant to the greater or lesser effects of treating symptoms.RESULTS A total of 14 RCTs(1439 participants)were identified.Analysis of the betweengroup showed that acupressure was effective in reducing depression[Standardized mean differences(SMDs)=-0.58,95%CI:-0.85 to-0.32,P<0.0001]and anxiety(SMD=-0.67,95%Cl:-0.99 to-0.36,P<0.0001)in participants with mildto-moderate primary and secondary depression.Subgroup analyses suggested that acupressure significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared with different controlled conditions and in participants with different ages,clinical conditions,and duration of intervention.Adverse events,including hypotension,dizziness,palpitation,and headache,were reported in one study.CONCLUSION The evidence of acupressure for mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms was significant.Importantly,the findings should be interpreted with caution due to study limitations.Future research with a well-designed mixed method is required to consolidate the conclusion and provide an in-depth understanding of potential mechanisms underlying the effects.

Analysis of feasibility of application of Beishu point acupressure therapy in treating gastroesophageal reflux disease via AMPK / ULK1 mediated autophagy pathway based on "adjusting central axis via pivot" theory

Gastroesophageal reflux disease(GERD)is a digestive system disease characterized by uncomfortable symptoms caused by reflux of gastric contents.It has increased sharply with the development of my country’s society and economy.If there is no reasonable and effective Prevention and treatment measures will inevitably increase the financial burden of patients,and also pose a major threat to the quality of life and health of patients.Cell signal transduction mediated by various receptors participates in the regulation mechanism of the body's various levels of biological functions.By inhibiting or activating its functions,the purpose of curing diseases can be achieved,and cell signal transduction has been used in traditional Chinese medicine.Studying.The theory of"adjusting the central axis"was explored by Professor Xie Sheng through decades of clinical experience.It has been proven in practice to treat GERD.It starts from the model of TCM viscera and expounds that the pathogenesis of GERD involves multiple viscera.Multi-system and multi-factor,explain the correlation of the disease with a variety of zang-fu syndromes,and use this as a basis to guide the clinical use of hidden prescriptions.The back-shu pointer therapy can prevent GERD by correcting the unbalanced state of the viscera and qi machine,and promoting the junction of the two channels of Ren and Du.Based on the theory of"adjusting the hub by the pivot",this article expounds the pathogenesis of GERD from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine.By consulting the literature and combining with the previous research,it proposes to analyze the methods and methods of Backshu pointer therapy to prevent and treat GERD from the AMPK/ULK1 mediated autophagy pathway.

The Changes in the Neck Meridian Test Scores Induced by Self-Administered Acupressure: A Secondary Analysis of Data from a Randomized Controlled Trial of Self-Administered Acupressure

In the neck meridian test, the examinee stretches his or her neck in four directions and rates the intensity of pain and/or symptoms on a four point Likert scale. The four responses are summed to calculate the test score. This study conducted secondary analyses of data from a randomized controlled trial of self-administered acupressure. The study aimed to examine the change of the neck meridian test score induced by self-administered acupressure. The data of 54 (male, n = 34;female, n = 20) students, who were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG) and a control group (CG), were subjected to secondary analyses. The IG participants were asked to complete a self-administered acupressure intervention for two weeks;the CG participants were not. In the IG, the perceived stress decreased significantly over time, while the neck meridian test score decreased significantly;in contrast, this score increased in the CG. A significant positive correlation was found between the changes in the perceived stress and neck meridian test scores. These results supported validity of the neck meridian test as a tool for assessing perceived stress.

Effect of a Four-Week Self-Administered Acupressure Intervention on Perceived Stress over the Past Month

The use of relaxation techniques in daily life is an effective means for the self-management of stress. Acupressure is a traditional technique where pressure is applied to acupuncture points instead of puncturing the skin. Self-administered acupressure is a potential method for dealing with stress. The effect of self-administered acupressure on anxiety has been examined but whether it can reduce perceived stress over longer periods is unknown. This study aimed to examine whether a self-administered, four-week acupressure intervention would reduce perceived stress over the past month. Fifteen male and nine female college students (age, 28.9 ± 8.51 yr) majoring in acupuncture and moxibustion medicine were randomly assigned to self-acupressure (AG) and control groups (CG). AG participants were instructed to conduct five sessions of acupressure in the morning, midday, and night. Each session included pressing six acupressure points on the neck (three points on the left and right side each) for five seconds. CG participants were asked to spend their daily life as usual. The outcome was the perceived stress level during the past month, which was assessed using a reliable and valid four-item scale. Perceived stress was measured at baseline, two weeks later, and after intervention. The stress level did not significantly differ between the two groups at baseline. In the AG, the stress level decreased from baseline to two weeks later and remained constant until the end of intervention. The stress level was significantly lower in the AG than in the CG only after intervention. These results provided initial evidence that self-administered acupressure reduces perceived stress over the past month.

Labor Pain Treated with Acupuncture or Acupressure

Opioid-dependent women have an 80% to 90% unintended pregnancy rate, almost double the overall unintended pregnancy rate: 40% globally and 51% in north America. The prescription drug abuse milieu increases the possibility opioid abusing laboring patients. In 2012, neonatal abstinence syndrome occurred in 5.8 per 1000 hospital births. Non-pharmacological labor pain management (NPLPM) is especially recommended for laboring patients with a history of substance abuse. Therefore, literature review was performed to elucidate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture, noninvasive electro-acupuncture (EA), and acupressure in labor pain management. Compared to standard intrapartum controls, bilateral EA at JiaJin or Sanyinjiao significantly reduced visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores 30-minutes post intervention (p < 0.01) and Stage 1 active phase labor length (p < 0.05). EA achieves shorter Stage 2 labor than patient-controlled epidural analgesia (p = 0.05);and 10-point lower VAS pain scores and reduced cesarean delivery rate than no-analgesia controls, p < 0.05. Current evidence indicates that EA should have a role in NPLPM, and that acupressure may have a role in NPLPM. Nevertheless, future RCTs could strengthen the argument for increased EA and acupressure use in NPLPM.

Effect of auricular acupressure nursing on anxiety in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Objective:To explore the effect of auricular acupressure nursing on the relief of anxiety after aortic balloon counterpulsation implantation in patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS).Methods:From June 2018 to August 2021,160 ACS patients who met the inclusion criteria in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University were selected and divided into the control group and experimental group according to the random number table method,with 80 cases in each group.The control group received comprehensive management of psychological stress management and sham procedure.The experimental group was treated with routine psychological stress management and auricular acupressure nursing.Patient anxiety scores were compared before and after nursing.Results:A total of 150 participants completed the study.There was no significant difference in the anxiety score between the two groups of patients before the intervention(P>0.05).After the intervention,the anxiety scores of the two groups were lower and statistically significant(P<0.05).The scores of moderate and severe anxiety were significantly better than those of the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05);but in the subgroup of mild anxiety,the two groups were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared with that of the experimental group.The three subgroups(Unstable angina,Non ST segment elevation myocardial infarction,Segment elevation myocardial infarction)in the experimental group were significantly lower than those before the intervention,which was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Auricular acupressure nursing can significantly reduce the anxiety of patients with ACS after aortic balloon counterpulsation implantation.

Effect of psychological nursing intervention combined with acupressure on postoperative recovery of women after cesarean section

BACKGROUND Psychological intervention nursing(PIN)has been considered to have a curative effect on cesarean section(CS)post-operative recovery.However,the therapeutic mechanisms remain obscure.AIM To explore the effects of PIN combined with acupressure massage on CS postoperative recovery.METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 150 pregnant women admitted to an obstetrics department between January 2020 and January 2023.The control group(CG)received acupressure therapy(n=73),and the intervention group(IG)received acupressure therapy and PIN therapy(n=77).Postoperative recovery time was assessed by anal-exhausting,defecation,bed activity,breastfeeding,and hospital stay times.Adverse effects,including infection,bleeding,limb numbness,intrauterine hematoma,urinary retention,and venous thromboembolism,were recorded.the pain visual analogue scale(VAS)was used to evaluate the degree of pain.Anxiety and depression status were qualitatively assessed using the selfrating anxiety scale(SAS),self-rating depression scale(SDS),and Edinburgh postpartum depression scale(EPDS).The Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)was used to compare sleep quality between the groups.RESULTS The baseline data and SAS,SDS,EPDS,and PSQI scores did not significantly differ before CS(P>0.05)and neither did complication rates between the two groups after CS(P>0.05).However,anal-exhausting,defecation,waking up,breastfeeding,and hospitalization times were significantly shorter for participants in the IG than those for participants in the CG(P<0.05).The VAS,SAS,SDS,EPDS,and PSQI scores of the IG were significantly lower than those of the CG(P<0.05).CONCLUSION PIN,combined with acupressure massage,effectively promotes maternal recovery,reduces post-CS pain,and improves post-operative negative emotions and sleeping quality.

Laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure improves low-back pain and quality of life in nurses:A randomized controlled trial

Background Low-back pain(LBP)in nurses is a major health concern that affects their quality of life and ability to work,with consequences for their economic status.Objective This study evaluates the effect of low-level laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure(LAA)on pain intensity,pain interference and quality of life in nurses with LBP.Design,setting,participants and interventions This randomized controlled trial recruited a convenience sample of hospital-based nurses from one teaching hospital in Taiwan,China.Participants were randomly assigned to the LAA group(n=38)receiving low-level laser acupuncture and auricular acupressure for 4 weeks,and the control group(n=38)receiving only sham laser acupuncture treatment without laser energy output.Main outcome measures Data were collected for the primary pain outcome using the Short Form of the Brief Pain Inventory,while the secondary outcome,quality of life,was evaluated using the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire.Both primary and secondary outcomes were scored before the intervention,and after 2-week and 4-week intervention.The rate of LBP recurrence was evaluated at the 4th week and 8th week after the end of intervention.Results After controlling for prior pain,the result of linear mixed model analysis showed trends in significant between-group differences in the level of current pain occurring in week 4(P<0.001),worst pain in week 2(P<0.001)and week 4(P<0.001),least pain in week 2(P=0.032)and week 4(P<0.001),pain interference in week 2(P=0.009)and week 4(P<0.001),and in the life dysfunction in week 2(P<0.001)and week 4(P<0.001).Recurrence rates of LBP at the 4th and 8th weeks after the end of intervention were 0%and 36.89%in the LAA group,and 69.44%and 36.11%in the control group.Conclusion This study shows that 4-week LAA intervention reduced pain intensity and pain interference,and improved quality of life for hospital-based nurses with LBP.These effects were maintained continuously for at least 4 weeks after the intervention.The nonpharmacological intervention,LAA,may be another efficacious,feasible,noninvasive,analgesic intervention for LBP.

Effectiveness of Auricular Acupressure for Acute Postoperative Pain after Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To identify the effectiveness of auricular acupressure(AA) in patients with acute postoperative pain after surgery by systematic review. Methods: A search of randomized controlled trials was conducted in 5 English medical electronic databases and 4 Chinese databases. Two reviewers independently retrieved related studies, assessed the methodological quality, and extracted data with a standardized data form. Meta-analyses were performed using all time-points meta-analysis. Results: A total of 26 studies with 1,682 participants were included. Results showed that compared with conventional therapy, AA significantly improved the total effective rate [risk ratio=1.25, 95% confidence interval(CI), 1.13 to 1.37, P<0.0001; heterogeneity: P<0.0001, I^2=85%]. In the subgroup analysis, the results changed in different follow-up time and surgery categories. The pain relief in the AA group might be the most significant at 72 h after surgery(mean difference=–0.85, 95% CI, –1.20 to –0.50, P<0.0001) and in abdominal surgery(mean difference=–1.15, 95% CI, –1.41 to –0.90, P<0.0001). Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the results of this meta-analysis were stable. No serious adverse effects were recorded. Conclusions: It was recommended to provide AA to patients with acute postoperative pain. However, a more accurate estimate of the effect requires further rigorously designed large-scale and high-quality RCTs for improving acute postoperative pain after surgery.

Effect of acupressure on postpartum low back pain, salivary cortisol, physical limitations, and depression: a randomized controlled pilot study

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of acupressure on postpartum low back pain(LBP),salivary cortisol,physical limitations,and postpartum depression.METHODS:Participants were 70 postpartum women who were randomly assigned to either an intervention(n=35)or a control(n=35)group.The intervention group received 10 acupressure sessions(1 session per day,5 d per week).The control group received 10 sham acupressure sessions.Outcomes were assessed using a visual analogue scale(LBP intensity),salivary cortisol values(LBP biomarker),and Chinese versions of the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire(daily activity limitations),Oswes-try Disability Index(physical activity limitations),and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale(postpartum depression).RESULTS:Participants in the intervention group had significantly lower levels of LBP intensity,daily activity limitations,physical activity limitations,and postpartum depression than those in the control group.There was no significant between-group difference in salivary cortisol.CONCLUSION:Acupressure may reduce postpartum LBP intensity and limitations in daily and physical activity,and alleviate postpartum depressive symptoms.Acupressure should be offered in postpartum care settings as an alternative treatment for postpartum women with LBP.

Effect of acupressure on procedural pain before heel lancing in neonates

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of acupressure applied to UB60 and K3 acupuncture points in order to relieve the procedural pain caused by heel lancing blood sampling process in the term newborns.METHODS:The data were collected by using the Information Form and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale.Acupressure applied for 3 min before heel lancing blood sampling in the newborns in the experimental group(n=31).No intervention was applied to newborns in the control group(n=32).RESULTS:A significant difference was found between mean scores of the newborns in the control and acupressure group in favor of the acupressure group in terms of heart rate during and after the procedure,oxygen saturation before,during and after the procedure,duration of crying during and after the procedure(P<0.05).It was found that there was a significant difference between groups in terms of Neonatal Infant Pain Scale mean scores during(P=0.001)and after the procedure(P<0.05),and the difference was found to be in favor of the acupressure group.CONCLUSION:As a result,acupressure was found to be an effective method in relieving pain caused by heel lancing blood sampling in newborns.

Effect of Auricular Acupoint Bloodletting plus Auricular Acupressure on Sleep Quality and Neuroendocrine Level in College Students with Primary Insomnia:A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective:To evaluate the effects of auricular acupoint bloodletting(AB)and auricular acupressure(AA)on sleep quality and the levels of melatonin(MT),glutamic acid(Glu),and γ-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in college students with primary insomnia,and to explore the possible mechanism.Methods:Totally 74 college students at Hebei University of Chinese Medicine with primary insomnia were selected from October 2019 to October 2020.All patients were assigned to AB+AA group(37 cases,received combination of AB and AA)and AA group(37 cases,received only AA on the same acupoints)by a random number table.Each group was treated twice a week for 4 weeks.The Pitsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI)score,Chinese medicine(CM)syndrome score,total effective rate,serum concentrations of MT,Glu,and GABA,and Glu/GABA ratio were compared between the two groups after treatment and at follow-up.The safety of therapy was also evaluated.Results:After 4-week treatment,the total scores of PSQI,each PSQI component score,and the CM syndrome scores in both groups all decreased(P<0.05);the serum MT concentrations in both groups all increased(P<0.05).The concentrations of Glu and GABA in the AB+AA group were significantly higher than those in the AA group after treatment(P<0.05).However,there was no significant difference in the ratio of Glu/GABA in both groups before and after treatment(P>0.05).At follow-up,the CM syndrome score in the AB+AA group was significantly lower than that in the AA group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference between the two groups in total effective rates and adverse events(P>0.05).Conclusions:Both AB+AA and AA can relieve insomnia symptoms,but a stronger long-term effect were observed for AB+AA.AB+AA canpromote the secretion of MT,increase the levelsof Glu and GABA more effective than AA,and regulate their imbalance,and thus it may bebenificial for treating insomnia.

Electrical Stimulation of Auricular Acupressure for Dry Eye:A Randomized Controlled-Clinical Trial

Objective： To evaluate the clinical efficacy of electrical stimulation（ES） of auricular acupressure on reducing the ocular symptoms and signs before and after treatment for dry eye. Methods： The inclusion criteria were the tear film break-up time（TFBUT） below 5 s and a Schirmer test-Ⅰ below 5 mm in dry eyes with ocular symptoms for at least 6 months. Subjects were randomized into a treatment group（50 cases） with continuous low frequency ES under auricular acupressure at acupoints and a no ES under auricular acupressure（no-ES, control group, 50 cases） on the same acupoints. Auricular acupressure were stimulated with ES at 4 master points of both ears, which were performed twice a week for 4 weeks at each point for 30 s. The ocular symptoms, the TFBUT, and Schirmer test-Ⅰ were evaluated before and after this procedure. Results： There were significantly better scores in TFBUT（P=0.032）, the Schirmer test-Ⅰ（P=0.044） and ocular symptoms（P=0.029） at 3 months post-treatment in the treatment group than in the control group. The total effective rate in the treatment group was accomplished in 41（82%） of the 50 cases of dry eye. Conclusions： Auricular acupressure with ES at auricular acupoint improves ocular symptoms and signs of dry eye for a period of at least 3 months.