Tuina intervention and sleep and emotional disorders due to chronic fatigue syndrome

Objective  To study the tuina effect on sleep disorder and emotional problems of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) cases. Method  Thirty CFS cases were treated in the treatment group, by applying one-thumb pushing, rolling and pressing-kneading manipulations along the Governor Vessel, Bladder and Yangming Meridians. The intended major points include Fengfu (GV 16), Yaoyangguan (GV 3), Xinshu (BL 15), Pishu (BL 20), Ganshu (BL 18), Hegu (LI 4) and Taixi (KI 3). The treatment was done once every other day; 10 times constitute a course of treatment. Another 30 healthy cases were selected in the control group, without any intervention. The sleep quality and mental state in the two groups were evaluated by PSQI, HAMA and HAMD. In addition, the pre-treatment and post-treatment score changes were observed. Results  Before treatment, the total score of PSQI, sleep quality, time of falling asleep, sleep efficiency, sleep disorder, daytime functional impairment, and scores of HAMD and HAMA in treatment group were all substantially higher than the control group (P<0.01). After 10 tuina treatments, the total score of PSQI, time of falling asleep, sleep disorder and daytime functional impairment as well as scores of HAMD and HAMA in treatment group were significantly changed, compared with before treatment, P<0.05. Conclusion  Those with CFS may present with sleep disorder and mental or psychological abnormality, tuina can improve their sleep quality and adjust their mental conditions. FANG Min (1965–), male, chief physician, doctor of medicine