Effect of electroacupuncture at different acupoints in treating rapid gastric emptying: Zusanli (ST36) plus Zhongwan (CV12) versus Zhongwan (CV12) alone.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of electroacupuncture on rapid gastric emptying by comparing the effectiveness of electroacupuncture at both Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongwan (CV12) (He-Mu acupoints) versus electroacupuncture at Zhongwan (CV12) alone. METHODS Sixty-five patients were randomly divided into two groups; 33 patients in the He-Mu acupoints group received electroacupuncture at both Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongwan (CV12), while 32 patients in the single acupoint group received electroacupuncture only at Zhongwan (CV12). Both groups were treated once daily for 30 min, five times per week for 3 weeks. Before and after the 3-week treatment course, patients underwent gastric emptying scintigraphy and were assessed using the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) symptom scale of gastrointestinal diseases. The two groups were compared regarding the percentages of gastric retention at 30 and 60 min and the TCM symptom scores. RESULTS After the treatment course, the percentages of gastric retention at 30 and 60 min were significantly improved in both groups compared with the pre-treatment values (P < 0.01). The improvement in the gastric retention was significantly better in the He-Mu acupoints group than the single acupoint group at 30 min (P <0.01) and 60 min (P < 0.05). The TCM symptom score was significantly decreased after the treatment course in both groups (P < 0.01). The improvement in the TCM symptom score was significantly better in the He-Mu acupoints group than the single acupoint group (P < 0.01). The total effective rate was 93.55% (29/31) in the He-Mu acupoints group and 77.42% (24/31) in the single acupoint group. The treatment effect was better in the He-Mu acupoints group than the single acupoint group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Electroacupuncture at both Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongwan (CV12) or at Zhongwan (CV12) alone is effective in treating rapid gastric emptying. Furthermore, electroacupuncture at both Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongwan (CV12) is more effective than electroacupuncture at Zhongwan (CV12) alone.