ABSTRACT
Objective To compare the clinical efficacy and onset time between Tiao Ren An Shen (regulating Conception Vessel and soothing mind) needling method and conventional acupoint selection for peri-menopausal depression, for providing theoretical evidence for the application of Tiao Ren An Shen needling method. Method Sixty patients with peri-menopausal depression aged 45~55 years were randomized into two groups after admission to hospital. In addition to oral administration of Fluoxetine, one group was intervened by Tiao Ren An Shen needling method (treatment group, n=30), and the other group was by conventional acuppoint selection (control group, n=30). Before treatment, and at 2nd, 4th, and 6th week after treatment, Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) was investigated, Kupperman index and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score were evaluated before and after intervention. The therapeutic efficacy was estimated at the end of the 6th week. Result After intervention, the HAMD and TCM syndrome score were significantly improved in both groups (P0.05). Compared to the control group, the improvements of depression degree and peri-menopausal symptoms were more significant in the treatment group (P<0.05). The total effective rate was 93.3% in the treatment group versus 70.0% in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion Compared to conventional acupoint selection, Tiao Ren An Shen method can produce a more efficient effect and a higher long-term efficacy, not only improving the emotional state and easing depression, but also releasing vegetative nerve functional disturbance. As it can improve the TCM symptoms, treating both causes and manifestations, promoting the quality of life of peri-menopausal patients, this method is an effective approach.
