Objective To observe the curative effect of needling stimulation of the dorsal segment(7spots below the spinous processes from T3 to T9)of the Governor Vessel for gastro-esophageal reflux disease(GERD).Methods A total of 60 cases of GERD patients were randomly divided into acupuncture group and medication group(n=30in each group).For patients of the acupuncture group

the depression spots below the spinous processes from T3 to T9

including both acupoints [Shenzhu(GV 12)

Shendao(GV 11)

Lingtai(GV 10)

Zhiyang(GV 9)

Jinsuo(GV 8)]and non-acupoints(T4

T8)were punctured with filiform needles

once every other day for 8weeks.Patients of the medication group were asked to take Omeprazole capsules(20mg/time)twice a day for 8weeks.The curative effects were assessed by"Reflux Disease Questionnaire"score(RDQ score of heartburn

retrosternal pain

acid regurgitation and food regurgitation

0-40points)

the"Guidelines for Clinical Research on Chinese New Herbal Drugs"(GRED symptom scale scores about the 38 symptoms of the digestive system

respiratory system

five-sense organs

cardiovascular system

back-pain

sleep

headache

daily life activity

etc.0-114 points

0-3scales)

and "the Consensus about Diagnosis and Treatment of GERD of Traditional Chinese Medicine"

respectively.Results Following the treatment

both RDQ score and GERD symptom scale score were significantly decreased in patients of the acupuncture and medication groups(P<0.05)

and the effect of acupuncture was markedly superior to that of the medication in lowering RDQ and GERD scale scores(P<0.05).The cured plus markedly effective rate for RDQ score and the effective rate for GERD scale score were 70.0%(21/30)and 93.3%(28/30)respectively in the acupuncture group

being significantly higher than those [43.3%(13/30)and 66.7%(20/30)]in the medication group(P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture stimulation of the dorsal segment of the Governor Vessel is effective in improving clinical symptoms GERD patients.