Editor’s Note: This is the latest article in a new column from the Society for Acupuncture Research (www.acupunctureresearch.org) offering research insights relevant to acupuncture practitioners.
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a debilitating condition characterized by persistent fatigue, autonomic dysfunction and diminished quality of life. While conventional treatments often focus on symptom management, acupuncture and moxibustion are gaining recognition for their potential to modulate autonomic function and improve clinical outcomes. A recent randomized controlled trial explored the impact of these therapies on heart rate variability (HRV) and fatigue symptoms in patients with CFS.
Study Overview
The trial included 210 participants: 175 diagnosed with qi deficiency syndrome-associated CFS and 35 healthy controls. Participants were randomly assigned to one of six groups:
All treatments were administered every other day for a total of 10 sessions over 20 days. Acupuncture sessions lasted 15 minutes, with manual manipulation every five minutes to maintain the deqi sensation. HRV indicators and fatigue scores were measured at four intervals: 1) pre-treatment, 2) after the first session, 3) after the fourth session, and 4) after the last session. Secondary outcomes included SF-36 quality-of-life scores.
Key Findings
Both acupuncture and moxibustion significantly improved HRV parameters and reduced fatigue in CFS patients. Acupuncture demonstrated superior short-term effects by enhancing parasympathetic activity, particularly at ST 36. Meanwhile, moxibustion provided long-term autonomic benefits, suggesting complementary mechanisms between the two therapies.
Notably, combined stimulation of ST 36 and CV 4 yielded the most substantial autonomic regulation, outperforming single-point treatments.
These findings suggest that acupuncture can be optimized for CFS by targeting specific acupoints that regulate autonomic balance, offering a pathway to individualized, mechanism-based treatments.
Clinical Relevance for Acupuncture Practitioners
This study underscores the therapeutic value of Zusanli (ST 36) and Guanyuan (CV 4) in managing CFS-related autonomic dysfunction. The evidence supports using combined acupuncture and moxibustion to enhance autonomic regulation, alleviate fatigue and improve quality of life in CFS patients. Practitioners may consider these findings to tailor treatments based on autonomic presentation and symptom severity.
Conclusion
Acupuncture and moxibustion continue to show promise in addressing autonomic imbalance in CFS. By enhancing HRV parameters and fatigue symptoms, these therapies contribute to improved patient outcomes and quality of life. As research advances, mechanism-based acupuncture strategies may offer more effective and personalized interventions for CFS.
Reference
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