Multi-central controlled study on three-part massage therapy for treatment of insomnia of deficiency of both the heart and spleen / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To make multi-central clinical evaluation for three-part massage therapy for treatment of insomnia of deficiency of both the heart and spleen.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and sixty-six cases were randomly divided into a test group (n = 84) and a control group (n = 82). Multi-central, randomized and controlled methods were adopted. The test group were treated by the three-part massage therapy, i. e. acupoints at the head, abdomen and back were massaged, once each day; and the control group by oral administration of Guipi Pills [symbol see text], 8 pills each time, thrice daily. The treatment was given for 15 consecutive days and then the therapeutic effects were observed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Sixty-seven cases were cured, 11 markedly effective, 3 effective, and 3 ineffective in the test group, and the corresponding figures were 10, 21, 29 and 22 in the control group with a very significant difference between the two groups (P< 0.001). The test group was superior to the control group in improvement for Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sleepless Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Sleepless Depression Scale (SDS) (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The three-part massage therapy has definite therapeutic effect on insomnia of deficiency of both the heart and spleen with safety.</p>