EA for BPS: an RCT and Study for Central Mechanism

"The prespecified acupoints applied here will include bilateral Sanyinjiao(SP6), Shenshu(BL23), Ciliao(BL32), Zhongliao(BL33), Zhibian(BL54) .~Acupuncture treatment is carried out by acupuncturists who have been well trained. Acupuncture will be performed with disposable and sterile needles in the specification of 0.25 ×40 mm(diameter: 0.25mm; Suzhou Medical Products Factory Co., Ltd, China). Electroacupuncture procedures will be performed with electronic instruments (Hans-100A, Nanjing Jisheng Medical TechnologyCo., Ltd, China). Two paired of acupoints (i.e., two Shenshu(BL23) and two Ciliao(BL32), respectively) are connected to the EA apparatus. Alternating-frequency mode is selected and frequency is 2/100 Hz. EA intensity is determined in accordance with patients' endurance. EA will last for 30 min for each treatment. Patients will receive a total number of 12 EA sessions, with the frequency of 3 sessions per week for 4 weeks."

Participants in the medication group will be merely treated with oral administration of amitriptyline capsule. The dosage of amitriptyline is 25mg bid, for 4 weeks. Any changes in the medications of individual participants will be recorded on diary cards.

"In the trunk region, the points are 5 cm away from respective acupoints. In the lower limb region, the point is 3 cm away from Sanyinjiao(SP6). All points will only receive shallow insertion.~Acupuncture will be performed with disposable and sterile needles in the specification of 0.25 ×40 mm(diameter: 0.25mm; Suzhou Medical Products Factory Co., Ltd, China).The needles are shallowly inserted to the subcutaneous area, and acupoints are connected to the EA apparatus without electricity. The frequency, intensity and duration of treatment will be the same as the electric needle group."