Objective To observe the therapeutic effect and safety of acupuncture of Back-shu points [Xinshu(BL 15)

Pishu(BL 20)

etc.]in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS).Methods A total of 120 CFS patients were equally randomized into acupuncture and control groups.Acupuncture needles were inserted into bilateral Xinshu(BL 15)

Pishu(BL 20)

and Gaohuang(BL 43) points

once daily for 4 weeks except weekends.For patients of the control group

acupuncture needles were inserted into the shallow layer of the non-acupoints(two mid-points of the horizon lines passing through the crossing-points of the 1st and 2nd branches of the Gallbladder Meridian and the crests of 4th

5th and 11th thoracic vertebrae).General health scale(SF-20) and Chalder fatigue scale were used to measure the CFS patients' degree of general health.A follow-up survey was carried out 3 months after the last treatment.Results In comparison with pre-treatment

the scores of Chalder fatigue scale were decreased significantly in both treatment and control groups(P<0.01)

while the scores of physiological function(PF) and general health(GH) of SF-20 in both acupuncture groups and those of the role function(RF)

social function(SF)

mental health(MH) and pain sensation(PS) in the treatment group were increased apparently after the treatment(P<0.05

P<0.01).The scores of Chalder Scale and PF

RF

SF

GH

MH

PS and the CFS patients' satisfication degrees 4 weeks(64.4% and 36.7%) and 3 months(62.3%and 32%)after the treatment in the treatment group were significantly superior to those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture at Back-shu point has a good therapeutic effect(including immediate and mid-term effect) in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome patients.