OBJECTIVETo compare the curative effects of simple obesity of spleen deficiency and dampness excess treated by hour-prescription of points and routine acupuncture therapy.

METHODSSixty cases were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group; Taibai (SP 3), Gongsun (SP 4), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), Yinlingquan (SP 9), Fujie (SP 14) and Daheng (SP 15) were applied in both groups. Hour-prescription of points (the acupoints of Spleen Meridian were selected at the period of the day from 10:04 a.m. to 12:04 a.m. when the Spleen Meridian is most energetic at Chengdu) was applied in observation group, and routine acupuncture was applied in control group (acupoints weren't selected at 10:04 a.m. to 12:04 a.m.). Once a day, and 10 days of treatment made one session, totally 3 sessions were required.

RESULTSThe total effective rate was 86.2% (25/29) in observation group, and 75.9% (22/29) in control group. The total effect in observation group was superior to that in control group (P < 0.05). The observation group was better than the control group in reduction of weight, body mass index, obesity degree, awaist circumference and the ratio between waist and hip with significant differences between two groups (P < 0.01, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe therapeutic effect of obesity of spleen deficiency and dampness excess treated by hour-prescription of points therapy is superior to that by routine acupuncture therapy.