Strong Manual Acupuncture Stimulation of “Huantiao” (GB 30) Reduces Pain-Induced Anxiety and p-ERK in the Anterior Cingulate Cortex in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain
Table 1
The comparison of three different acupuncture stimulation groups.
Stimulation patterns
Stimulation parameters
Acupoints
Time of treatment
EA
Constant square wave current output (pulse width: 0.6 ms at 2 Hz, 0.2 ms at 100 Hz); remaining intensities at 1 ± 0.5 mA (causing the slight vibration of muscles around acupoints); alternating frequencies of 2 Hz and 100 Hz (automatically shifting between 2 Hz and 100 Hz stimulation for three seconds each).
sMA
Sterilized disposable stainless steel needles (0.3 mm in diameter) on bilateral GB 30 were inserted to a depth of 10 mm and then twisted manually clockwise and counterclockwise (360°) for 2 min at a rate of 180 times per min, followed by an interval of 13 min with needles retained and then another 2 min twisting stimulation. Finally the needles were retained in place for 13 min before removal. The bilateral GB 34 simply retained the needles for 30 min without any twirling and rotating manipulation.
The main point is GB 30 and the additional point is GB 34.
30 min
mMA
Sterilized disposable stainless steel needles (0.22 mm in diameter) on bilateral GB 30 were inserted to a depth of 10 mm and then twisted manually clockwise and counterclockwise (180°) for 2 min at a rate of 60 times per min, followed by an interval of 13 min with needles retained and then another 2 min twisting stimulation. Finally the needles were retained in place for 13 min before removal. The bilateral GB 34 simply retained the needles for 30 min without any twirling and rotating manipulation.
