ABSTRACT
ObjectiveToobserve the regulating effect of acupuncture at Fengchi (GB20) and extraordinary points on tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-aand endothelin (ET) in hypertension.MethodTotally 150 patients with hypertension were randomized into two groups at a ratio of 1:1.In the control group, 75 subjects were intervened by acupuncture at bilateral Fengchi; in the treatment group, 75 subjects were intervened by acupuncture at bilateral Fengchi plus extraordinary points. The needles were manipulated once every 10 min duringthe 30-min session. The treatment was given once per day, 2 weeks as a treatment course. ResultDuring the intervention, the TNF-aand ET contents were decreased significantly in the treatment group (P0.05). After 1 treatment course, the TNF-aand ET contents were decreased significantly in the treatment group (P0.05); there was a significant difference in comparing the TNF-aand ET contents between the two groups (P<0.05). There were also significant differences in comparing the TNF-aand ET contents inhypertension of various degrees between the two groups (P<0.01). The results showed that the TNF-aand ET contents in patients intervened by acupuncture at Fengchiand extraordinary points were lower than that in those intervened by acupuncture at Fengchialone, i.e. combination of Fengchi and extraordinary points produces a significant effect on regulating TNF-aand ET contents.Conclusion Acupuncture at Fengchi and extraordinary points can produce a more significant effect than acupuncture at Fengchi alone on regulating TNF-aand ET in patients with hypertension.