[Tongdu Jieyu acupuncture combined with local surrounding needling for 34 cases of melasma with liver qi stagnation].

OBJECTIVE

To observe the short-term and long-term efficacy of Tongdu Jieyu (unblocking governor vessel and relieving depression) acupuncture combined with local surrounding needling on facial pigmentation, depression and anxiety in patients with melasma of liver qi stagnation, and explore its clinical value in "simultaneously treating spots and depression".

METHODS

A total of 34 patients with melasma of liver qi stagnation were treated with Tongdu Jieyu acupuncture [Baihui (GV20), Sishencong (EX-HN1), Shenting (GV24), Zhiyang (GV9), and Lingtai (GV10) etc. were selected] combined with surrounding needling of the lesion area. The treatment was given once every other day, 3 times per week for 12 consecutive weeks. Before and after treatment, the scores of melasma area and severity index (MASI), self-rating depression scale (SDS), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and TCM syndrome were evaluated, the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment, and the recurrence rate was recorded after 3 months of treatment completion.

RESULTS

After treatment, the patients' MASI, SDS, SAS and TCM syndrome scores were reduced compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The clinical effective rate was 91.2% (31/34). After 3 months of treatment completion, the recurrence rate was 17.9% (5/28).

CONCLUSION

Tongdu Jieyu acupuncture combined with local surrounding needling can improve both skin lesions and negative emotions in patients with melasma of liver qi stagnation，and demonstrates certain long-term efficacy.