Effect of Acupuncture at HT-7 (Shenmen) and GV-20 (Baihui) on Anxiety and Cardiovascular Functions in Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
G Dhanushya Devi, A Mooventhan, L Nivethitha et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial assessed acupuncture at HT-7 and GV-20 for anxiety and cardiovascular measures in 60 adults aged 20–55 with generalized anxiety disorder. Participants received either acupuncture or supine breath-awareness meditation for 20 minutes daily over 10 days. Anxiety scores decreased significantly more in the acupuncture group than in the control group (P < .001). Between-group differences were not significant for systolic blood pressure (P = .686), diastolic blood pressure (P = .998), or pulse rate (P = .925).
Key findings
- Anxiety levels fell significantly more with acupuncture than with breath-awareness meditation (P < .001).
- No significant between-group difference was found in systolic blood pressure (P = .686), diastolic blood pressure (P = .998), or pulse rate (P = .925).
Why it matters
The trial suggests that acupuncture at these two points may reduce anxiety symptoms in adults with GAD over a short intervention period, while measured cardiovascular functions did not differ significantly from the comparison group. The findings distinguish the reported anxiety outcome from cardiovascular effects and may inform further evaluation of this specific acupuncture approach.
What to keep in mind
The intervention and follow-up were limited to 10 days, and the abstract does not report the magnitude of the anxiety-score change.