Zang Organs Research Articles

Exploration of acupuncture for myasthenia gravis based on the theory of yiqi zhouliu

Based on HUANG Yuanyu's theory of yiqi zhouliu (constant circulatory flowing of qi) it is explored that the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis refers to qi deficiency in the middle jiao and the disarrangement of zhouliu. It is summarized that the approach to acupuncture diagnosis and treatment should focus on replenishing qi of the middle jiao based on yangming and tonifying the functions of zang organs to eliminate pathogens, assisted with regulating shen (spirit) and opening the orifices so as to promote the recovery of motor and non-motor functions of the four limbs, eyelids, speech articulation, swallowing, vision, respiration and mental state in patients.

Reconstruction of Knowledge and Medical Images in the Convergence of Chinese and Western Medicine ——Taking “Sweet Meat” as an Example

Abstract: The pancreas is neither part of the five Zang organs (五脏) nor the six Fu organs (六腑). Thus, it has received little attention in Chinese medical literature. In the late 19th century, medical missionaries in China started translating and introducing anatomical and physiological knowledge about the pancreas. As for the word pancreas, an early and influential translation was “sweet meat” (甜肉), proposed by Benjamin Hobson (合信). The translation “sweet meat” is not faithful to the original meaning of “pancreas”, but is a term coined by Hobson based on his personal habits, and the word “sweet” appeared by chance. However, in the decades since the term “sweet meat” became popular, Chinese medicine practitioners, such as Tang Zonghai (唐宗海), reinterpreted it by drawing new medical illustrations for “sweet meat” and giving new connotations to the word “sweet”. This discussion and interpretation of “sweet meat” in modern China, particularly among Chinese medicine professionals, is not only a dissemination and interpretation of the knowledge of “pancreas”, but also a construction of knowledge around the term “sweet meat”.

Correlation between jingjin injury and wulao and the relevant prevention and treatment strategies.

The paper explores the correlation between jingjin (muscle regions of meridians, sinews/fascia) injury and wulao (five types of exhaustion) and the relevant prevention and treatment strategies, and determines the internal mechanism of the disease so as to provide the ideas for prevention and treatment of jingjin injury. Wulao may result in jingjin injury not only through the damages of blood, qi, muscles, bones and tendons indirectly, but also through the damage of soft tissues directly. The great attention should be paid to preventing from jingjin injury, especially wulao, due to which, the appropriate combination of the static and the dynamic skills is emphasized in the way of physical exercise. When the injury occurred, the conditions of the whole body should be analyzed comprehensively and the local affected regions be concentrated simultaneously in treatment. For the indirect injury, the holistic idea should be the basis of regulating five zang organs and restoring the physiological functions of blood, qi, muscles, bones and sinews so as to adjust jingjin. Regarding the direct injury, the staging regimen for the local treatment is considered to harmonize qi and blood and balance sinews and bones. When the injury has been cured, the physical exercise is recommended to strengthen sinews and bones according to individual conditions to prevent from recurrence.

Polysaccharides from Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua prevent post-traumatic stress disorder behaviors in mice: Mechanisms from the perspective of synaptic injury, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAccording to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a kind of depression syndrome, and its occurrence is related to deficiencies of the heart and kidney. Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua replenishes Qi and blood and tonifies the five zang organs, so it is widely used in TCM as a prescription for the treatment of depression syndrome. The polysaccharides in P. cyrtonema Hua (PSP) are the main active components of the herb, but the effects of PSP on PTSD and the mechanisms remain unclear. Aim of the studyTo investigate the preventive effect of PSP on PTSD-like behaviors and to determine the mechanisms. MethodsWe used behavioral tests to evaluate PTSD-like behaviors in mice. Synaptic changes were assessed by transmission electron microscopy. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to assess pathological changes to the hippocampus, and immunofluorescence staining was used to observe changes in astrocytes. Serum corticosterone (CORT), cytokine, and hippocampal oxidation-related indicator levels were evaluated by ELISA. We detected the expression levels of synaptic, oxidative, and inflammation-related proteins in the hippocampus by western blotting. ResultsSingle prolonged stress (SPS)-modeled mice exhibited significant PTSD-like phenotypes, including increased fear memory acquisition and anxiety-like behaviors. These behavioral changes were prevented by PSP administration. Compared to controls, SPS modeling increased serum CORT, cytokine, and hippocampal malondialdehyde levels; decreased superoxide dismutase activity; and caused losses in pyramidal neurons, astrocytes, and synapses in the CA1 region. At the molecular level, the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, postsynaptic density protein 95, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), phospho-tyrosine kinase receptor B, activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), and GluA1 decreased in SPS mice compared with the control group, while the expression of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), GluN2B, and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein increased in SPS mice. Treatment with PSP counteracted these abnormal changes. Importantly, ML385, an Nrf2 inhibitor, blocked PSP's ability to ameliorate PTSD behaviors and abnormal protein expression. The NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 reduced the PTSD-like behaviors and normalized protein expression in SPS mice. ConclusionPSP prevents SPS-induced PTSD-like behaviors and synaptic damage by regulating oxidative stress and NLRP3-mediated inflammation, probably in an Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway-dependent manner.

Treatment of chronic urticaria with acupuncture and moxibustion by "mind-body regulation" based on "psychosomatic medicine"

The treatment idea for chronic urticaria with acupuncture and moxibustion by "mind-body regulation" is explored in reference with "psychosomatic medicine". Chronic urticaria refers to "mind and body comorbidity" because qi and blood dysfunction and emotional abnormality are presented simultaneously in the disease and affected each other. In clinical diagnosis and treatment, the mutual regulation of mind and body should be considered to improve the curative effect. In treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion, through regulating the mind of brain, heart and zang organs, as well as qi movement, the mental activity is adjusted; through harmonizing the defensive qi and the nutrient blood, eliminating wind and stopping itching, the unhealthy conditions of body are treated. The comprehensive therapy of acupuncture is adopted in combination with moxibustion, bloodletting and auricular point therapy, in which, "regulating the mind" goes through the whole process of treatment, and the doctors and patients are well cooperated to ensure the qi-blood harmonization and the mind-body wellness.

Research progress of depression in TCM

Depression, known as the ' first psychological killer ', can bring negative hints to people, produce negative emotions, and affect the daily life of patients. With the increasing pressure of modern life, the incidence of depression is more and more frequent. At present, the most common pathogenesis of depression research is monoamine neurotransmitters and their receptors. Therefore, Western medicine in the treatment of antidepressants is mainly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, but studies have pointed out that such drugs have a slow onset of depression, only about 60 % of the clinical efficiency and obvious adverse drug reactions, so they should not be taken for a long time. [1] The traditional Chinese medicine is based on the basic theory of each system established for thousands of years to treat depression and other emotional diseases. The good curative effect is also obtained through the practice of ancient doctors. Through a large number of literatures, the author summarizes the understanding of depression in traditional Chinese medicine from five zang organs, six meridians, ying and wei, qi, blood and body fluid, brain-gut axis theory and so on. These theories are inherited and innovated in modern times. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, modern medicine has explored a variety of methods for the treatment of depression, such as acupuncture, Baduanjin, light therapy, exercise therapy and five-element music therapy. Under the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine, a diversified treatment method for depression with reliable curative effect, good compliance, economical and practical, and small side effects has been derived. Through the integration and combing of depression-related literature in recent years, the author aims to provide new ideas for TCM treatment of depression.

Professor Yin Kejing's Theory and Experience in Treating Breast Hyperplasia

Breast hyperplasia is the most common disease among women of childbearing age, which is equivalent to "milk addiction" in traditional Chinese medicine. Its pathogenesis is mostly liver qi stagnation caused by emotional internal injury, spleen dysfunction, endogenous phlegm turbidity, deficiency of qi and blood, imbalance of Chongren, and accumulation of phlegm and blood stasis in the breast. Therefore, liver stagnation and qi stagnation are the cause of the disease. Professor Yin Kejing, based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical research results, combined with the meridian tropism and the four qi and five flavors of drugs, combined with the connection between the meridian circulation and the five zang organs, uses the liver as the pivot, dredges the qi mechanism, unblocks the blood vessels, dissipates blood stasis, dispels phlegm and coagulation, replenishes the liver and kidney, and regulates the flow of qi and Ren. The method of syndrome differentiation and treatment has significant therapeutic effects, opening up a new idea and method for clinical treatment.

Attribution between yin meridians and five zang organs in Tianhui medical slips

The records in Ni Shun Wu Se Mai Zang Yan Jing Shen of Tianhui medical slips are generally viewed as the attribution between five zang organs and meridians and also have the confusion about the "absence" of "liver" and its attributive meridian. In the paper, by elaborating the contents of this medical slip, it is discovered that the statement refers to "pulsating site" specially for the diagnosis of five zang disorders and has nothing to lose. In fact, it reflects a specific stage in the construction of meridian theory, meaning "taishao yinyang" system in the connection between five zang organs and yin meridians of hand and foot.

Discussion on the essential thought of Ma's warm moxibustion technique for "unblocking fu-organs"

"Unblocking fu organs" is one of the essential principles of Ma's warm moxibustion technique, characterized as "dredging" and "harmonizing" for either deficiency or excess condition. Under the guidance of this therapeutic thought, the acupoints for moxibustion are mainly selected from the middle and lower parts of the body. Regarding the therapeutic approach, the acupoint prescription for moxibustion should be formed in line with warming and promoting circulation of fu organs; the moxibustion degree should be specially considered, in which, the mild moxibustion is recommended to induce promoting action; and the systematic moxibustion technique should be the root for dredging fu organs and regulating zang organs. Ma's mild moxibustion technique stresses on removing the obstruction of fu organs and emphasizes promoting the qi activity of sanjiao (triple energizer) and regulating the balance of five zang organs.

Discussion on treatment from the spleen in the theory of treating diarrhea from five Zang organs

Discussion on treatment from the spleen in the theory of treating diarrhea from five Zang organs

Curative effect of the combined therapy of warm acupuncture at back-shu points of five zang organs and western medicine on depression of yang deficiency pattern and its attenuating effect

To compare the therapeutic results and the occurrence of adverse reactions of medicine between the combined therapy of warm acupuncture at back-shu points of five zang organs and the western medicine and the simple wes-tern medication, and observe the therapeutic effect and attenuating effect of this combined therapy in treatment on depression of yang deficiency pattern. A total of 80 patients with depression of yang deficiency pattern were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group （39 cases/group）. In the control group, escitalopram oxalate tablets were administered orally every day. In the observation group, on the base of the medication as the control group, warm acupuncture therapy was exerted at back-shu points of five zang organs, for 30 min each time, 5 times a week. The duration of treatment was 6 weeks in two groups. Before and after treatment, the scores of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) and the antidepressant side effect scale (SERS) were evaluated and electroencephalogram (EEG) was detected; and the curative effect was assessed according to HAMD reduction rate in patients of the two groups. After treatment, the HAMD and SERS scores were lower than those before treatment in both groups. Compared with the control group, the HAMD and SERS scores were lower (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the EEG result was improved (P<0.01) in the observation group. The clinical total effective rate of the observation group was 97.43% (38/39), higher than 92.30% (36/39) of the control group (P<0.05). The combined therapy of warm acupuncture at back-shu points of five zang organs and western medicine effectively relieves depression of yang deficiency pattern in the patients and its overall therapeutic effect is better than simple western medication, besides, the combined therapy alleviates the adverse reactions induced by simple western medication.

Professor FU Wen-bin's experience in treatment of mental disorder with acupuncture and moxibustion from perspective of "psychosomatic medicine"

The paper summarizes the ideas and characteristics of acupoint selection in treatment of mental disorder with acupuncture and moxibustion by professor FU Wen-bin. Professor FU believes that mental disorder is manifested as the simultaneous illness of "heart" and "body". On the base of "holism" for the unity of body and mind, professor FU proposes the treating idea as "soothing the liver, regulating the mind and focusing on the heart and the gallbladder in treatment". In clinical practice, the acupoint prescription on specifically regulating and harmonizing yin and yang is composed to calm down the mind. The eight confluent points and back-shu points of five zang organs are selected to regulate zangfu functions. The "ghost" points, the points on the second line of bladder meridian and the acupoints with specific effect are used to tranquilize the mind, open the orifices and consolidate therapeutic effect. Meanwhile, the complicated symptoms are also considered in treatment. The integrative and holistic pattern of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy as "acupuncture at the top priority, followed by moxibustion, and consolidation at the end" achieves the co-regulation of qi and blood and tranquilization for both the mental and the physical.

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide prevents depression-like behaviors by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular and synaptic damage

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAccording to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory (Yi Xue Zheng Zhuan), the main factors associated with the pathogenesis of depression are deficiencies relating to five zang organs, Qi, and blood. Polygonatum sibiricum F. Delaroche (PS), which may avert these pathological changes, has been used in a variety of formulas to treat depression. However, the effects and mechanism of action of PS, alone, and especially those of its main active component PS polysaccharide (PSP), on depression remain unexplored. Aim of the studyTo determine the effects of PSP on depression-like behaviors and to elucidate its mechanism of action. MethodsPSP was isolated from dried PS rhizomes and qualified using transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depression models were used to evaluate the antidepressive effects of PSP. Veinal blood and brain tissue were collected to determine the levels of hippocampal 5-HT, serum cortisol (CORT), brain and serum cytokines, and hippocampal oxidation-related indicators. The protein expression levels of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (p-ERK1/2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt), phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), caspase-3, GluA1 and GluA2, and GluN2A and GluN2B were determined using western blotting and immunofluorescence. Nissl staining was performed to detect histopathological changes in brain tissues. ResultsInjection of LPS (i.p.) induced depression-like behaviors, reduced the level of hippocampal 5-HT, increased the serum CORT level and hippocampal oxidative stress (ROS), and prompted the activation of ERK1/2, NF-κB, and GFAP and an inflammatory response. Conversely, PSP administration reduced these changes and prevented depression-like behaviors. PSP administration also promoted hippocampal expression of p-Akt, p-mTOR, GluA1, and GluA2; reduced the expression of caspase-3, GluN2A, and GluN2B; and prohibited the loss of granular cells in the DG region. ConclusionThese results indicate that PSP prevents depression-like behaviors, and synaptic and neuronal damage probably by reducing ROS/HPA axis hyperfunction and the inflammatory response.

Insomnia treated with three acupuncture combinations guided by theory of Tongdu Tiaoshen: a randomized controlled trial

To compare the clinical therapeutic effect and safety on insomnia among three acupuncture combinations, named Tongdu Tiaowei (promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating the defensive system), Tongdu Yangxin (promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and nourishing the heart) and Tongdu Tiaozang (promoting the circulation of the governor vessel and regulating zang functions). A total of 90 patients with insomnia were randomized into a Tongdu Tiaowei group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off ), a Tongdu Yangxin group (30 cases, 2 cases dropped off ) and a Tongdu Tiaozang group (30 cases, 1 case dropped off ). Besides electroacupuncture (EA) applied to Baihui (GV 20) and Yintang (GV 29) in all of the three groups, acupuncture was added at Shenmai (BL 62) and Zhaohai (KI 6), Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) as well as back-shu points of five zang organs [Feishu (BL 13), Xinshu (BL 15), Ganshu (BL 18), Pishu (BL 20) and Shenshu (BL 23)] in the Tongdu Tiaowei group, the Tongdu Yangxin group and the Tongdu Tiaozang group successively. The treatment was given once every two days, 3 times weekly, consecutively for 4 weeks. The score of Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) before and after treatment was observed, the therapeutic effect was evaluated and the adverse reactions were recorded in the patients of each group. After treatment, the score of each of 6 factors, named sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep disturbance and daytime dysfunction, as well as the total score of PSQI scale were all reduced as compared with the scores before treatment in the patients of each group (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of sleep latency and daytime dysfunction in the Tongdu Tiaowei group were lower than the other two groups (P<0.05). The score of sleep time in the Tongdu Yangxin group was lower than the other two groups (P<0.05) and the score of sleep quality in the Tongdu Tiaozang group was lower than the other two groups (P<0.05). After treatment, the total effective rates were 96.6% (28/29), 96.4% (27/28) and 96.6% (28/29) in the Tongdu Tiaowei group, the Tongdu Yangxin group and the Tongdu Tiaozang group successively, without significant difference in comparison among the three groups (P>0.05). During treatment, 1 case of mild adverse reaction occurred in each group. All of the three acupuncture combinations, named Tongdu Tiaowei, Tongdu Yangxin and Tongdu Tiaozang can effectively improve the sleep conditions in the patients with insomnia and are satisfactory in safety. The acupuncture combinations of Tongdu Tiaowei has the potential advantage in shortening sleep latency and relieving daytime dysfunction, the combinations of Tongdu Yangxin has the potential advantage in increasing sleep time and the combinations of Tongdu Tiaozang has the potential advantage in improving sleep quality.

Comparison on the relevant characteristics between meridians and zangfu organs

Even though the twelve meridians are connected with five zang and six fu organs separately according to the record in Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Internal Classic), the relations of meridians with corresponding zangfu organs are different in characteristics. Through comparing the relative characteristics between meridians and zangfu organs, it is believed that the relationship is established earlier and is quite closer between meridians and five zang organs. There is a great correlation between the disorders of five zang organs and the disorders of meridians. The disorders of five zang organs are commonly treated by the corresponding five-shu points of meridians. The relationship between meridians and six fu organs is established relatively late and the correlation between them is not as closer as that between meridians and five zang organs. The disorders of six fu organs are generally treated by the lower he-sea points. The different characteristics of the correlation between meridians and zangfu organs are relevant with the degree of their integration, the philosophical and cultrual factors and the recognition of ancient masters on zangfu organs.

Anatomical revivification of the structure of the belt vessel

On the base of the records in Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor 's Inner Classic) and relevant ancient literature, the anatomical structure of the belt vessel was revivified. The belt vessel covers the kidneys and inlays in the 14th vertebrae on the lumbar region. It joints qijie (qi street) at the groin and connects with the thoroughfare vessel, the conception vessel and the governor vessel, as well as the muscle region of foot-yangming meridian. Correspondingly, the related anatomic structure includes renal fascia and transversalis fascia. The transversalis fascia is the main part of the belt vessel structure. The superior lumbar triangle is the vulnerable spot of abdominal wall structure and also coincident with the localization of "3 cun away from the spinal column bilaterally". It is the optimal selection when stimulating the belt vessel. In late generations, "governing all of meridians" has been supplemented as the function of the belt vessel. The diaphragm extends to the transversalis fascia and renal fascia through the inferior diaphragmatic fascia and it is also the only structure that connects with the twelve meridians and five zang organs. Hence, modern acupuncture and moxibustion has actually transferred the structural center of the belt vessel from the transversalis fascia to the diaphragm.

LI Ying-kun's experiences in treatment of intellectual disability with acupuncture at "yizhi touxue line"

Professor LI Ying-kun's experiences in treatment of intellectual disability with acupuncture at "yizhi touxue line" is summarized. In the pathogenesis of intellectual disability, the insufficiency of essential qi and the malnutrition of the prenatal essence and the postnatal essence result in the insufficiency of qi of five zang organs. Persistent sickness consumes qi and injures blood. The insufficiency of qi and blood causes the dysfunction of transportation and transformation. Hence, phlegm is produced and mixed with stasis. This disease is localized in the brain and closely related to heart, kidney, spleen and stomach. The "yizhi touxue line" was created on the base of the theory of qi street and the international standard of scalp acupuncture. The satisfactory effect has been achieved in the children with intellectual disability treated by this therapeutic method. In clinical treatment, the syndrome differentiation of the disease should be integrated with the symptoms.

Analysis on adolescent depression treated with acupuncture based on the theory of "taking shaoyang as the pivot"

Depression is related to qi stagnation in the body. At present, the treatment with acupuncture for depression focuses on the theories of the governor vessel, liver, spleen, stomach and the entity of five zang organs, especially for the adult group. However, the attention to adolescent depression is insufficient. It is recorded in Internal Classic that shaoyang meridian is taken as the pivot of three yang meridians, dominates the regulating of the ascending and dispersing of yang qi and plays the key role in treatment. The authors believe that yang qi starts growing at the period of youth, to which shaoyang meridian is corresponded. It is viewed that adolescent depression is closely related to the pivot function of shaoyang. In this paper, based on the theory of "taking shaoyang as the pivot", the mechanism of adolescent depression and the acupoint selection in acupuncture treatment are explored so as to utilize this theory in the treatment of adolescent depression with acupuncture.

The History of Ear Acupuncture and Ear Cartography: Why Precise Mapping of Auricular Points Is Important.

The current author had the opportunity to present a study on the history of ear acupuncture at the International Summit Forum on Clinical Application of Acupoints in August 2018 (from August 25 to August 27), in Beijing, China, and to introduce the latest ear chart by Frank R. Bahr, MD, there. This article is based on that presentation and includes more historical facts. Although the relationship between the ear and meridians was discussed previously in the famous book, The Internal Classic of the Yellow Emperor (Huang Di Neijing), the first auricular map was published in 1888 by Zhenjun Zhang in his book Essential Techniques for Massage (Lizheng Anmo Yaosu). This map was a drawing of the posterior aspect of the ear showing areas of the five Zang organs: Heart; Liver; Spleen; Kidney; and Lung. Paul Nogier, MD, discovered ear somatotopy, a representation of the whole person on the ear in the shape of a homunculus, or inverted fetus, on the ear. Dr. Paul Nogier's ear map was first published in 1957. A more-detailed presentation, the Loci Auriculomedicinae, elaborated by Drs. Paul Nogier and Bahr as well as René J. Bourdiol, MD, appeared in 1974. A new edition will soon appear in French. Auricular medicine is an excellent method, but only if the ear points are located precisely. Preconditions for this ability are excellent knowledge of the ear's anatomy, documented on a very detailed modern ear chart, such as the one recently created by Dr. Bahr, and constant practice of pulse palpation according to Dr. Paul Nogier with the vascular autonomous signal.

Acupuncture on back-shu points of five zang for chronic fatigue syndrome: A randomized control trial

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on back-shu points of five zang in treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). MethodsSixty patients were randomized into treatment group and control group. In treatment group, the back-shu points of five zang organs were adopted for acupuncture. Shènshū (肾俞 BL23) was perpendicularly needled 15–30 mm in depth. The rest of the selected points were inserted obliquely 15–30 mm in the direction of the spine with even method of lifting-thrusting and twisting-twirling, 10 s for each acupoint. In control group, the acupoints were approximately 1.5–2 cm away outward from the back-shu points of five zang organs (about on the middle of the two sidelines of the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang) and the points from the bladder meridian of foot-taiyang were excluded. Acupoints were needled 6–9 mm in depth, and deqi was not required, without any manipulation. The treatments were carried out twice a week for twenty minutes each time, a total of eight treatments were given. The clinical efficacy of acupuncture treatment for CFS was evaluated through the Fatigue Scale-14 (FS-14) and the Symptom Check-List 90 (SCL-90) after treatment. ResultsThe total effective rate was 86.67% in the treatment group and 53.33% in the control group (P < 0.01). In treatment group, FS-14 total scores, somatic fatigue scores, and mental fatigue scores were significantly reduced than before treatment (all P < 0.01). In control group, FS-14 total scores and somatic fatigue scores were significantly reduced (both P < 0.01). The improvement of FS-14 total scores, somatic fatigue scores, and mental fatigue scores in the treatment group were better than those in the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). After treatment, SCL-90 total scores and somatization, compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, psychoticism, and other factors scores were significantly reduced in the treatment group compared with before treatment (P < 0.01). In control group, the SCL-90 total scores and the scores of somatization, compulsion, hostility, and other factors after treatment were lower than those before treatment (P < 0.01). The total scores of SCL-90 and somatization, compulsion, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, psychoticism, and other factors in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). ConclusionsAcupuncture on back-shu points of five zang can significantly improve the somatic fatigue and mental fatigue of the patients, and at the same time improve their psychological status. Significant therapeutic effect was found on CFS. Compared with the control group, the acupuncture treatment can significantly improve the patient's somatic fatigue, mental fatigue and psychological status.