Objective:To observe the therapeutic effect of “Xingnao Kaiqiao Zhenfa”(Acupuncture Technique for Restoring Consciousness)in the treatment of post-stroke depression.Methods:A total of 256 stroke patients were divided into acupuncture group(n=180

male 138

female 42)and medication group(n=76

male 57 and female 19)according to their visiting sequence to our hospital.Acupoints used were Neiguan(PC 6)

Renzhong(GV 26)

Baihui(GV 20)

Yintang(EX-HN 3)and Sanyinjiao(SP 6

the affected side)and the needles were retained for 20 min every time.Patients of medication group were asked to take Amitriptyline(50 mg/d at first

200 mg/d).Acupuncture treatment was conducted twice daily

and after one month's treatment the therapeutic effect was evaluated.Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression(HRSD)were used to assess the patient's state of depression.Results:After the treatment

of the 180 and 76 cases in acupuncture and medication groups

31(17.2%)and 13(17.1%)were cured

73(40.6%)and 18(23.7%)had a marked improvement in their depression state

27(15.0%)and 12(15.8%)had an improvement

49(27.2%)and 33(43.4%)failed

with the effective rates being 72.8% and 56.6% respectively.The markedly effective rate and the total effective rate of acupuncture group were significantly higher than those of medication group(P<0.05).After the treatment

the total scores of SDS and HRSD and the severity index of two groups decreased pronouncedly in comparison with those of their individual pre-treatment;and the therapeutic effects of acupuncture group were significantly better than those of medication group in reducing SDS

HRSD and severity index(P<0.05).In addition

the decreased values of depression

pessimistic mood and irritability of acupuncture group were all bigger than those of medication group(P<0.05).No significant difference was found between two groups in the decreased value of insomnia(P>0.05).Conclusion:“Acupuncture Technique for Restoring Consciousness” can effectively improve depression patients' symptoms and the therapeutic effect of acupuncture is markedly superior to that of medication for post-stroke patients.