Effects of Silver Spike Point Therapy on Blood Flow of the Middle Cerebral Arteries in Headache Patients When Applied to Acupuncture Points

경혈에 적용한 은침점 자극치료가 두통환자의 중대뇌동맥 혈류속도 및 통증에 미치는 영향

Objectives : The aim of this study is to examine the effects of SSP(silver-spike point) therapy, applied to acupuncture points, on the middle cerebral arteries blood flows of sample group(tention-type headache patients, n=12) and control group(non tension-type headache patients, n=12), and on the reduction of their headaches, when applied to acupuncture points. Methods : We stimulated 6 acupuncture points for headache with the SSP(three times a week for three weeks), and measured VAS(visual analogue scale) and the blood flow of the middle cerebral arteries with TCD(transcranial doppler ultrasonography). Results : The blood flow of the middle cerebral artery and VAS of the sample group and the control group were compared four times(initial, 1weeks, 2weeks, 3weeks) and significant differences in the measurements were found at 3 weeks(p<.05). The blood flow of the middle cerebral artery of the sample group was significantly increased, and VAS was significantly decreased in both groups. Conclusions : The silver-spike-point low-frequency electrical-stimulation treatment, applied to acupuncture points, can significantly increase the blood flow of the middle cerebral arteries in headache patients and can thus alleviate their headaches.