Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Acupuncture at Houxi, Zhongzhu and Laozhen Acupoints versus Houxi and Xuanzhong Elecctro-acupoints: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction and objectives: Current health problems in the working age population result from sitting and working in front of the computer or working in the same position for a long time. Such problems include cumulative stress tense muscles and most commonly neck and shoulder pain. Modern medicine uses treatment with pain killer drugs, muscle relaxants, or physical therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine uses herbal medications, Tuina massage, cupping, acupuncture on the neck, and acupuncture on the hands and feet. The latter method uses a small number of needles; it is convenient, safe, and reportedly effective for treating neck and shoulder pain. In this study, three acupoints at the hands were used (Houxi, Zhongzhu, and Laozhen) as they are anatomically clear for the experimental group, while another two acupoints (Houxi and Xuanzhong) at the hands and feet were used for the control group for treatment efficacy comparison. 

Methods: Forty patients with neck and shoulder pain took part in this randomized controlled trial, 20 each in the experimental group and the control group; and each group received 3 treatment sessions. The patients’ pain was assessed with the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire and a Neuropathic Pain Scale; and data analysis was undertaken with ANOVA statistics.

Results: According to data analyses for both groups, after treatment their pain levels dropped significantly. The difference in the mean pain scores before the first treatment and after the third treatment was 5.53 for the experimental group and 5.0 for the control group.

Discussion: After three treatments with acupuncture in both groups, the therapies were significantly effective in relieving pain; and there was no significant difference in pain reduction between both groups.

Conclusions and recommendations: Treatments of neck and shoulder pain with acupuncture at Houxi, Zhongzhu, and Laozhen acupoints and at Houxi and Xuanzhong acupoints had similar effectiveness. There was no significant difference between the two methods. Thus, both treatments are options for treating neck and shoulder pain, and are simple, convenient, effective, fast, and safe for use in clinical practice.