Acupuncture for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis

"For the bilateral BL25, sterile disposable steel needles (Hwato, China; 0.3 mm×75 mm) will be inserted through adhesive pads to a depth of 50-70mm until participates feel a sensation similar to electric shock radiating downward to the knees. For the other four acupoints (BL23, BL40, BL57 and KI3), the needles (Hwato, China; 0.3 mm×40 mm) will be inserted through adhesive pads to a depth of 15-25 mm, gently rotated three times and lifted to achieve de qi."

For all the points, the needles will be inserted into adhesive pads without skin penetration. Needles will be lifted, thrust and twirled for 3 times to mimic real acupuncture. No manipulation will be conducted during 30-minute maintenance.