Clinical Observations on Acupoint Selection at Distant Places and Local Tenderness Points for Treatment of Migraine Without Aura / 上海针灸杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the efficacy of acupoint selection at distant places and local tenderness points in treating migraine without aura.Method Sixty patients were randomly allocated, using a random number table, to two groups, 30 cases each. The treatment group received acupuncture at distant points selected along meridians and local tenderness points and the control group, acupuncture at conventionally selected points. The therapeutic effects were evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ).Result After treatment, the VAS pain score was lower in the treatment group than in the control group; there was a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The total efficacy rate was 93.3% in the treatment group and 73.3% in the control group; there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Both acupuncture at distant points selected along meridians and local tenderness points and acupuncture at conventionally selected points have a certain therapeutic effect on migraine, but the former produces a better effect than the later and can markedly relieve the pain and improve the quality of life in the patients. The outcome of this study provides a certain reference value for clinical treatment of this disease.