Clinical Observation on Electroacupuncture at Neiguan (PC 6) and Shenmen (HT 7) for Heroin Protracted Withdrawal Syndrome

Objective To observe and analyze the intervention of acupuncture at different acupoints in treating heroin protracted withdrawal syndrome,and provide clinical evidence to selecting specific points in treating the syndrome in scientific and clinical practices.Method Sixty male subjects with heroin dependence were randomized into a control group,acupuncture group 1 and acupuncture group 2.The Protracted Withdrawal Symptom Rating Scale and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD) were used in evaluating the changes of the patients before treatment,during treatment and after 3-week treatment.Result Both acupuncture group 1 and 2 had significant differences when compared with the control group in controlling protracted withdrawal symptoms(P0.01,P0.05),but the difference between acupuncture group 1 and 2 was insignificant(P0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture can effectively alleviate the protracted withdrawal symptoms and anxiety in patients with heroin dependence.Neiguan(PC 6) and Shenmen(HT 7) both have significant effect in treating protracted symptoms in patients with heroin dependence,and Shenmen(HT 7) has advantage in relieving emotional disorders.