ABSTRACT
Objective:To evaluate influence of electroacupuncture combined point massage on aptients with cartid ar- tery arteriosclerosiss.Methods:A total of 106 patients with carotid atherosclerosis were randomly divided into rou- tine group (n=54,received health education based on routine therapy)and electroacupuncture+ massage group (n=52,received additional electroacupuncture and point massage based on routine group).Both groups were treated for two courses,20 times/course, 1 time/d.Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT)and thickness of carotid plaques were measured and compared between two groups before and after treatment.Results:There were no sig- nificant difference in thickness of carotid plaques and IMT between two groups before treatment,P>0.05 all. Compared with before treatment,after treatment,there were significant reductions in thickness of carotid plaques [left:(0.104±0.103)mm vs.(0.044±0.031)mm,right:(0.111±0.093)mm vs.(0.055±0.046)mm]in elec- troacupuncture + massage group,and they were significantly thinner than those of routine group [left:(0.190± 0.175)mm,right:(0.223±0.183)mm],P<0.01 all;significant reductions in carotid IMT [left:(0.096±0.021) mm vs.(0.086±0.019)mm,right:(0.091±0.019)mm vs.(0.087±0.018)]in electroacupuncture + massage group,and they were significantly thinner than those of routine group [left:(0.105±0.016)mm,right:(0.103± 0.020)mm],P<0.05 or <0.01.Conclusion:Electroacupuncture combined point massage can effectively reduce thickness of carotid plaques and carotid intima-media thickness.