ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe therapeutic effect of multiple cupping at back-shu points of zang-and fu-organs on chronic fatigue syndrome.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and ninety-one cases were randomly divided into 2 groups. The multiple cupping group (n = 142) were treated with multiple cupping along both sides of the spinal cord, and the acupuncture group (n = 49) were treated with acupuncture at acupoints selected according to TCM syndrome differentiation. Their therapeutic effects were assessed by clinical symptoms and Fatigue Assessment Indexes (FAI).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 97.9% in the multiple cupping group and 79.6% in the acupuncture group with a very significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.01), and after treatment, there was a very significant difference between the two groups in FAI score (P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Multiple cupping at back-shu points of zang-and fu-organs is an effective method for chronic fatigue syndrome.</p>