Objective To investigate the clinical change of post-stroke dysphagia after the intervention of Liyan Tongqiao(relieving sore-throat and dredging orifices)acupuncture using cranial diffusion tensor imaging(DTI). Methods A total of 60 patients with post-stroke dysphagia were enrolled and randomly divided into Liyan Tongqiao acupuncture group and neurology treatment group

with 30 patients in each group. The patients in the neurology treatment group were given routine neurology treatment and swallowing rehabilitation training

and those in the Liyan Tongqiao acupuncture group received acupuncture at Sishencong(EX-HN1)

Baihui(GV20)

bilateral Tai-yang(EX-HN5)

and bilateral Fengchi(GB20) and tongue triple acupuncture

with an electroacupuncture apparatus for EX-HN1

bilateral GB20

and tongue triple acupuncture

for a needle retaining time of 30 minutes each time

once a day and 5 times a week

in addition to the treatment in the neurology treatment group. Each course of treatment was 3 weeks

and both groups were treated for 2 courses. Swallowing function assessment and cranial DTI were performed after treatment. Results After 6 weeks of treatment

both groups had a marked improvement in swallowing function

a significantly greater change in video fluoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS) score and a higher mean FA value(P<0.05). Compared with the neurology treatment group

the Liyan Tongqiao acupuncture group had a marked improvement in swallowing function

a significantly greater change in VFSS score in the pharyngeal phase and a higher mean FA value(P<0.05). Conclusion Liyan Tongqiao acupuncture can improve dysphagia and swallowing function in the pharyngeal phase in VFSS

possibly by promoting the remodeling of cerebral cortex and increasing the FA value of infarct zone through the stimulation of related acupoint signals.