Annals of Medicine (Dec 2025)

Modified ‘Xingnao Kaiqiao’ acupuncture technique shortens the recovery time of comatose patients

  • Dan Meng,
  • Liangfeng Wang,
  • Shengqiang Cheng,
  • Pan Cai

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1080/07853890.2025.2453095
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 57, no. 1

Abstract

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Background This study was conducted to analyse the therapeutic effect of the modified ‘Xingnao Kaiqiao’ acupuncture technique in the recovery of comatose patients, as well as the clinical factors that may influence recovery from coma.Methods Diagnostic and therapeutic data from 166 patients in a coma due to neurological diseases were retrospectively collected. Eighty-seven comatose patients received conventional treatment, and 79 patients received conventional treatment + the modified ‘Xingnao Kaiqiao’ acupuncture technique. The recovery outcomes and times of the two groups were then compared. A Cox regression analysis was then performed to assess the impact of acupuncture treatment on recovery time in recovered and non-recovered groups.Results The acupuncture group exhibited a shorter total duration of coma and treatment duration (p 1).Conclusion Acupuncture can effectively shorten the duration of coma and promote recovery time in patients. Therefore, it is recommended to initiate acupuncture treatment early when applicable.

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