Thirty-two cases of vascular headache treated by acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal decoction.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the acupuncture plus oral administration of Chinese herbal decoction with simple oral administration of Chinese herbal decoction in the treatment of vascular headache. METHODS: Sixty two patients were randomly divided into a treatment group (32 cases) and a control group (30 cases). Acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Shuaigu (GB 8), Xingjian (LR 2), Neiguan (PC 6), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Ashi points combined with oral administration of Chinese herbal decoction, was applied in the treatment group, and simple oral administration of Chinese herbal decoction was applied in the control group. RESULTS: The total therapeutic effect in the treatment group was better than that in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the frequency, and duration of the attacks were reduced and shortened, and headache greatly alleviated in both groups (P < 0.01). The alleviation in the treatment group was more obvious than that in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with oral administration of Chinese herbal decoction provided remarkable therapeutic effects in treating vascular headache.