| Points |
Baihui (GV-20), Yintang (GV-29), Shenmen (HT-7, bilateral), Sanyinjiao (SP-6, bilateral) |
Jianyu (LI15, bilateral), Binao (LI14, bilateral), Futu (ST32, bilateral) |
| Depth description |
GV-20, GV-24 and GV-29 being inserted 10 mm obliquely. HT-7 being penetrated 10 mm straightly, while SP-6 being perpendicularly punctured 15 mm |
All acupoints were inserted 1–2 mm |
| Needle retention time |
30 min |
30 min |
| Needle type |
0.30×25 mm (Huatuo, Suzhou, China) |
0.30×25 mm (Huatuo, Suzhou, China) |
| Needle stimulation |
By thrusting and twirling to achieve the sensation of ‘De-qi’ |
Without twirling, lifting, and thrusting to minimize the placebo effect by avoiding manual stimulation and sensation of ‘De-qi’ |
| Frequency and duration of treatment sessions |
Three times a week for 4 weeks |
Three times a week for 4 weeks |
