Abstract
Objective To observe the influence of the catgut-embedding method in Du Meridian acupoint on the mental and psychological state of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and analyze its possible mechanism. Methods According to the random number table, 60 patients with GERD were randomly divided into groups of acupoint catgut embedding and Western medicine, 30 cases in each group. The acupoint group was given catgut embedment in the positive reaction points along the Du Meridian, while the Western medicine group received lansoprazole tablet. They were both treated for six weeks. Scores of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ), Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Zung's Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and Health-Related Quality of Life Scale for GERD (GERD-HRQL) were measured before and after treatment to analyze and evaluate the differences of symptom scores and mental and psychological conditions between the two groups. Results (1) The scores of GerdQ, GERD-HRQL, SAS, and SDS in the two groups both significantly decreased after treatment (P < 0.05), and those of the acupoint group were much lower than the Western medicine group (P < 0.05). (2) The total effective rate was 90.00% in the acupoint group and 53.33% in the Western medicine group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). (3) The correlation coefficients r between the GerdQ score and scores of SAS and SDS were 0.563 and 0.322, respectively, and those between the GERD-HRQL score and scores of SAS and SDS were, respectively, 0.506 and 0.435. Conclusion (1) The main symptoms of GERD patients, such as acid reflux and heartburn, mental and psychological condition, and quality of life, were all improved in the two groups, but the efficacy in the acupoint group is superior to that of the Western medicine group. (2) The clinical symptoms and scores of patients' quality of life are positively correlated with the degree of their anxiety and depression. (3) The acupoint catgut-embedding method can effectively regulate the anxiety and depressive symptoms of patients, which complements the efficacy of proton-pump inhibitors and benefits a wider range of population.
Highlights
(3) Correlation analysis was expressed by Pearson’s correlation coefficient. e correlation coefficient r values of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Questionnaire (GerdQ) score with scores of Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were 0.563 and 0.322 respectively, and the r value of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-HRQL score with scores of SAS and SDS were, respectively, 0.506 and 0.435, suggesting that the clinical symptoms and quality of life of GERD patients were positively correlated with the degree of anxiety and depression, as shown in Table 3 and Figures 2 and 3
Du Meridian is closely related to the brain since it passes from the uterus to the top of the head along the posterior median line, as described in the Chapter “Yingqi” of Huangdi Neijing: Lingshu. e brain is the house of the original spirit and the center of consciousness and thought
If yang qi cannot flow upward or the meridians and collaterals are obstructed, the qi flow of Du Meridian will be blocked and fail to transport essence to nourish the brain, which may lead to mental diseases such as depression and anxiety. erefore, the smooth qi flow of Du Meridian is a key factor affecting the normal functions of brain governing mind and consciousness
Summary
To observe the influence of the catgut-embedding method in Du Meridian acupoint on the mental and psychological state of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and analyze its possible mechanism. E catgutembedding therapy, an important part of external treatment methods of traditional Chinese medicine, stimulates acupoint with a longer effect than simple acupuncture It is simple and safe in operation, which can balance yin and yang, dredge qi and blood by stimulating acupoint based on syndrome differentiation of meridians and collaterals so as to reduce symptoms and improve patients’ quality of life. E previous study of our research group has proved that acupuncture and catgut embedment in Du Meridian acupoint have better effects on GERD than oral administration of proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) [6, 7] On this basis, this study discussed the influence of Du Meridian acupoint catgut embedding on the psychosocial factors of GERD, objectively evaluated its therapeutic effect on the disease, and analyzed its mechanism of improving patients’ psychosocial symptoms, in order to support the application and promotion of Du Meridian catgut-embedding therapy in the future
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