Clinical study on acupuncture for primary insomnia / 针灸推拿医学（英文版）

ABSTRACT

Objective: To observe the clinical effect of Acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Anmian [Extra, locates at the midpoint between Yiming (EX-HN 14) and Fengchi (GB 20)] for primary insomnia. Methods: A total of 112 patients with primary insomnia were randomized into an acupuncture group and a medication group according to the visiting sequence, 56 cases in each group. The acupuncture group was intervened by acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Anmian [Extra, locates at the midpoint between Yiming (EX-HN 14) and Fengchi (GB 20)], and points selected based on syndrome differentiation, while the medication group was by oral intake of zopiclone tablet. The Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) was measured before and after treatment, and the clinical efficacy was compared after 1 month of treatment. Results: After treatment, subscales of PSQI and global score in the acupuncture group were improved, and intra-group comparisons showed statistical differences (all P<0.05); subscales of sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep duration and global score of PSQI in the medication group were improved, showing statistical differences (all P<0.05). Inter-group comparison of global and subscales scores of PSQI showed statistical differences (all P<0.05). The total effective rate in the acupuncture group was 92.9%, higher than 67.9% in the medication group, and between-group comparison showed a statistical difference (P<0.05). Conclusion: Acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1) and Anmian [Extra, locates at the midpoint between Yiming (EX-HN 14) and Fengchi (GB 20)] as the main treatment method can produce a better effect than oral intake of zopiclone tablet.