Objective To observe the effect of acupuncture at Back-shu points on chronic fatigue syndrome （CFS）.Methods The 45 CFS patients were randomized into two groups. Acupuncture at Back-shu points was used in the treatment group （22 cases）

while placebo needling was given to the control group （23 cases）. SF-20 and Chalder fatigue scale were used to measure the degree of general health before and after treatment.Results In the treatment group

the scores of SF-20 in physiological functions

social functions

role functions

psychological health

overall health

and pain were significantly increased（P<0.01）

and the improvement degree was superior to that of the control group （P<0.01 or P<0.05）. The scores of Chalder fatigue scale in both groups significantly decreased （P<0.01 or P<0.05）. The total effective rate of the treatment group was 68.1%

superior to 13.0% of the control group （P<0.01）.Conclusion Acupuncture at Back-shu points is significantly effective for CFS

and it can improve the quality of life of the patients as well.