Therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with wheat-grain moxibustion on perimenopausal depression with kidney deficiency and liver depression

Abstract

To compare the therapeutic effect of acupuncture combined with wheat-grain moxibustion and oral fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule on perimenopausal depression with kidney deficiency and liver depression. A total of 60 patients of perimenopausal depression with kidney deficiency and liver depression were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. Acupuncture combined with wheat-grain moxibustion were adopted in the observation group. Acupuncture was applied at Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (GV 29), Fengchi (GB 20), etc. for 30 min. Wheat-grain moxibustion was applied at Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Mingmen (GV 4) and Yongquan (KI 1), 3 moxa-cones for each acupoint. The treatment in the observation group was given once every 2 days, 3 times a week. Fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule was given orally in the control group, 20 mg each time, once a day. Treatment for 8 weeks was required in the both groups. The scores of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) and modified Kupperman scale were observed in the both groups before and after treatment, and at 1, 3, 6-month follow-up. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated after treatment. Compared before treatment, the scores of HAMD and modified Kupperman scale after treatment and at each time point of follow-up were decreased in the both groups (P<0.01), and the HAMD scores in the observation group were lower than the control group (P<0.01). The total effective rate was 93.3% (28/30) in the observation group, which was superior to 80.0% (24/30) in the control group (P<0.01). Acupuncture combined with wheat-grain moxibustion can effectively treat perimenopausal depression with kidney deficiency and liver depression, and have more stable and sustained therapeutic effect compared with oral fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule.