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Acupuncture plus wet cupping therapy for post stroke depression: a randomized controlled trial.
Dong Li1,2, Hang Gao3, Jin Li3
1Department of Acupuncture, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.
Frontiers in Psychiatry
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Acupuncture combined with wet cupping therapy demonstrated superior efficacy in alleviating post-stroke depression symptoms and improving neurological function compared to acupuncture alone. This approach also positively influenced the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and inflammatory markers.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Integrative Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a common complication affecting patient recovery and quality of life.
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and inflammatory factors are implicated in the pathophysiology of PSD.
- Current treatment options for PSD have limitations, necessitating exploration of alternative therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture plus wet cupping therapy for PSD.
- To investigate the impact of this combined therapy on HPA axis hormones and inflammatory markers.
- To compare the effects of acupuncture plus wet cupping with acupuncture monotherapy.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 130 patients with mild-to-moderate PSD.
- Participants were assigned to either acupuncture plus wet cupping (AC group) or acupuncture-only (Acu group).
- Primary outcome: change in Hamilton Depression Scale-24 (HAMD-24) score at 4 weeks. Secondary outcomes included SDS, NIHSS, MADRS scores, and hematological markers (cortisol, ACTH, cytokines).
Main Results:
- 118 patients completed the trial.
- The AC group showed significantly greater improvements in HAMD-24, SDS, NIHSS, and MADRS scores compared to the Acu group.
- AC therapy led to significant regulation of cortisol, ACTH, pro-inflammatory, and anti-inflammatory cytokines, with no serious adverse events reported.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture plus wet cupping therapy appears to be more effective than acupuncture monotherapy in treating PSD.
- The combined therapy positively modulates the HPA axis and inflammatory responses in PSD patients.
- These findings suggest incremental therapeutic benefits of acupuncture with wet cupping for PSD, warranting further investigation.
