Volume 29, Issue 3
DOI: 10.24205/03276716.2020.949
The Effect of Liver-Soothing, Spleen-Strengthening and Mind-Calming Acupuncture on Serum Levels of 5-HT, NE and DA and Sleep Quality in Patients with Insomnia
Abstract
Objective:To explore the mechanism of soothing liver, strengthening spleen and tranquilizing spirit acupuncture in treating insomnia patients with deficiency of heart and spleen combined with liver depression.
Methods: The 90 patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups according to the random number table: acupuncture group (soothing liver, strengthening spleen and calming nerves acupuncture), comprehensive group (acupuncture and drug combination therapy), and drug group (oral alprazolam tablets), with 30 patients in each group. The contents of serotonin (5-ht), norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) in serum were detected by HPLC before and after treatment, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and TCM syndrome score were observed. Results: After treatment, the contents of NE and DA in the three groups were all decreased (P < 0.01), while those in the acupuncture group and the comprehensive group were lower than those in the drug group (P < 0.01). The content of 5-ht in both the acupuncture group and the comprehensive group increased (P < 0.01), but the change in the drug group was not significant (P > 0.05). The total PSQI scores of the three groups were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). The score of acupuncture group and comprehensive group was better than that of drug group (P < 0.05). After follow-up, the scores of the acupuncture group and the comprehensive group decreased significantly (P < 0.05), but there was no difference in the drug group (P > 0.05). TCM syndrome score after treatment: acupuncture group and comprehensive group were significantly lower than drug group (P<0.01).
Conclusion: The method of soothing the liver and strengthening the spleen can increase the 5-ht content, reduce the NE and DA content, and improve the sleep quality of insomnia patients.
Keywords
Shugan jianpi anshen acupuncture, insomnia, 5-hydroxytryptamine, Norepinephrine,Dopamine