Effectiveness of electroacupuncture at Jiaji acupoints (EX-B2), plus moxibustion and intermediate on postherpetic neuralgia: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture at Jiaji acupoints (EX-B 2) plus moxibustion and intermediate frequency on postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). METHODS A total of 140 outpatients who satisfied the inclusion criteria and volunteered for this treatment were randomly divided into treatment (n = 70) and control (n = 70) groups. Both groups received a localized lesion area and electroacupuncture treatment combined with moxibustion and intermediate frequency. The treatment group (TG) increased acupuncture at Jiaji acupoints (EX-B 2) and electroacupuncture. Pain and anxiety were assessed before and after 5, 10, 15, and 20 treatments by using visual pain simulation score (VAS) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA), respectively. Clinical efficacy was also evaluated. RESULTS The baseline between the two groups did not significantly differ (P > 0.05). The VAS and HAMA scores of the two groups after treatment significantly decreased compared with those of various treatment stages (P > 0.05). The HAMA score (P < 0.01) of TG was lower than that of the control group (CG). The VAS score of TG was lower than that of CG in the 5th and 10th treatments (P < 0.01). In the 15th and 10th scores, CG was also superior to TG (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The combined treatment of electroacupuncture at Jiaji acupoints (EX-B 2), moxibustion, and intermediate frequency can relieve the pain and anxiety symptoms of PHN. The efficacy of the combined treatment was superior to traditional acupuncture.