Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to explore the characteristics and principles of acupoints, which were applied for treating tension-type headache (TTH). Methods Four databases were searched for the literature studies of treating TTH with acupuncture and moxibustion up to September 1, 2020. Titles, journals, authors, key words, interventions, main acupoints, and outcomes of the included literature studies were extracted and inputted into the self-established Data Excavation Platform of Acupoint Specificity for analysis. Results In total, 128 papers containing 137 prescriptions, 89 meridian acupoints, and 7 extraordinary acupoints of treating TTH with acupuncture and moxibustion were included. The total frequency of acupoints' application was 763 times. Fengchi (GB20), Baihui (GV20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) were used most frequently. The acupoints in Yang meridians were utilized more than those in Yin meridians (66.1% vs. 17.8%), and the acupoints in the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang were applied most commonly. 59.9% (457/763) of the applied acupoints were on the head, face, and neck, and 31.7% (242/763) were on the four limbs. Additionally, the proportion of specific acupoints' application was 78.2% (597/763). Conclusions The prescription of Fengchi (GB20), Baihui (GV20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) might be relatively reasonable in clinical practices of treating TTH with acupuncture, which should be verified in further studies.
Highlights
Fengchi (GB20), Baihui (GV20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) were used most frequently. e acupoints in Yang meridians were utilized more than those in Yin meridians (66.1% vs. 17.8%), and the acupoints in the Gallbladder Meridian of Foot Shaoyang were applied most commonly. 59.9% (457/763) of the applied acupoints were on the head, face, and neck, and 31.7% (242/763) were on the four limbs
Conclusions. e prescription of Fengchi (GB20), Baihui (GV20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) might be relatively reasonable in clinical practices of treating Tension-type headache (TTH) with acupuncture, which should be verified in further studies
Headache disorders become one of the most common diseases on the nervous system worldwide. e fact sheet of the World Health Organization (WHO) in April 2016 reported that half to three-quarters of adults aged 18–65 years have suffered from headache within one year
Summary
Headache disorders become one of the most common diseases on the nervous system worldwide. e fact sheet of the World Health Organization (WHO) in April 2016 reported that half to three-quarters of adults aged 18–65 years have suffered from headache within one year. Headache disorders become one of the most common diseases on the nervous system worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease study, TTH has become the second most common chronic disease worldwide, affecting more than 10% of the world population [2]. Previous meta-analyses and systematic reviews revealed that acupuncture was an effective therapy in treating pain disorders, such as tension-type headache [1], Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine lateral elbow pain [7], labour pain [8], low back pain [9], migraine prophylaxis [10], shoulder pain [11], and peripheral joint osteoarthritis [12]. Previous meta-analyses and systematic reviews revealed that acupuncture was an effective therapy in treating pain disorders, such as tension-type headache [1], Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine lateral elbow pain [7], labour pain [8], low back pain [9], migraine prophylaxis [10], shoulder pain [11], and peripheral joint osteoarthritis [12]. e systematic reviews from the Cochrane Library conclude that acupuncture is a valuable nonpharmacological tool in patients with frequent episodic or chronic TTH [1, 13], and it appears to be effective and safe for TTH [14, 15]
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