Effects of Acupressure on Vertebral Artery Blood Flow in Tension-type Headache Patients

(4) Korean Journal of Acupuncture, Vol 28, No. 2, pp. 49–58, 2011

Effects of Acupressure on Vertebral Artery Blood Flow in Tension-type Headache Patients

Yun-Ho Lee, Ki-Mae Eom, Hyo-Seok Seo, Young-Dae Yun

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of apply acupressure to acupuncture points (study group) and interferential current therapy (ICT) to the cervical region (control group) on the cerebral blood flow in 20 tension-type headache patients and on the reduction of their headaches. For this purpose, clinical research was conducted for three weeks on these two groups, each containing 10 patients.

Methods: We stimulated seven acupuncture points for headache with acupressure (for three weeks) and applied ICT to the cervical region. Also, we measured the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and the blood flow in the vertebral arteries by using TCD (transcranial doppler ultrasonography).

Results: (1) When the left and the right vertebral arteries of the study group were compared, significant differences were found after the 1st treatment (p<.001). Also, significant differences were found after 2 and 3 weeks of treatment (p<.05).

(2) The Visual Analog Scale of the study group were recorded periodically, and significant reductions were found after 1 week of treatment (p<.05). Significant differences were also found after 2 and 3 weeks of treatment (p<.001). In the case of the control group, significant reductions were found after 2 and 3 weeks of treatment (p<.001).

Conclusion: Acupressure applied to acupuncture points reduced the headache and increased the rate of cerebral blood flow.

Key Words: acupressure, vertebral artery, tension-type headache, TCD