Objective To observe the curative effect of acupuncture stimulation of the back segment(10 spots below the spinous processes from T3 to T12)of the Governor Vessel in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux cough(GERC).Methods A total of 60 cases of GERC patients were randomly divided into acupuncture and medication groups(n=30 in each).For patients of the acupuncture group

the depression spots below the spinous processes from T3 to T12

including acupoints Shenzhu(GV12)

Shendao(GV11)

Lingtai(GV10)

Zhiyang(GV9)

Jinsuo(GV8)and non-acupoints(T4

T8

T12)were punctured with filiform needles

once every other day for 8 weeks.Patients of the medication group were ordered to take omeprazole capsules(20 mg/time)

twice a day for 8 weeks.The therapeutic effect was assessed by using"Reflux Diagnostic Questionnaire"(RDQ

scores of symptoms of heartburn

retrosternal pain

acid regurgitation and food regurgitation

0-40 points)

cough symptom score(0-3 points)and"Leicester Cough Questionnaire"(LCQ

scores of physiological

psychological and social functions

0-21 points)

respectively.Results Following the treatment

RDQ score and cough symptom scores during both daytime and night were significantly decreased in both groups(P<0.05)

and the scores of physiological status

psychological health and social function of LCQ were significantly increased in both acupuncture and medication groups in comparison with their own pre-treatment(P<0.05).The therapeutic effect of acupuncture was markedly superior to that of medication in lowering RDQ score and cough symptom scores of daytime and night

and in raising LCQ scores of the physiological status

psychological health and social function(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture stimulation of the dorsal segment of the Governor Vessel is effective in improving clinical symptoms and living quality of GERC patients.