Objective

2

To observe the short-term and long-term efficacy of

Tongdu Jieyu

(unblocking governor vessel and relieving depression) acupuncture combined with local surrounding needling on facial pigmentation

depression and anxiety in patients with melasma of liver

qi

stagnation

and explore its clinical value in "simultaneously treating spots and depression".

Methods

2

A total of 34 patients with melasma of liver

qi

stagnation were treated with

Tongdu Jieyu

acupuncture [Baihui (GV20)

Sishencong (EX-HN1)

Shenting (GV24)

Zhiyang (GV9)

and Lingtai (GV10) etc. were selected

]

combined with surrounding needling of the lesion area. The treatment was given once every other day

3 times per week for 12 consecutive weeks. Before and after treatment

the scores of melasma area and severity index (MASI)

self-rating depression scale (SDS)

self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and TCM syndrome were evaluated

the clinical efficacy was evaluated after treatment

and the recurrence rate was recorded after 3 months of treatment completion.

Results

2

After treatment

the patientsʹ MASI

SDS

SAS and TCM syndrome scores were reduced compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.05). The clinical effective rate was 91.2% (31/34). After 3 months of treatment completion

the recurrence rate was 17.9% (5/28).

Conclusion

2

Tongdu Jieyu

acupuncture combined with local surrounding needling can improve both skin lesions and negative emotions in patients with melasma of liver

qi

stagnation，and demonstrates certain long-term efficacy.