Modified 'Xingnao Kaiqiao' acupuncture technique shortens the recovery time of comatose patients.

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 < 0.05). When considering recovery as an outcome variable, acupuncture treatment (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.658), pre-treatment Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (HR = 1.188), and post-treatment GCS score (HR = 1.519) were associated with favorable patient recovery time (HR > 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.