Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of electro-acupuncture cervical paravertebral points

Huatuo’s paravertebral points

middle line of vertex （MS5） and middle line of forehead （MS1） of scalp acupoints on depression. Methods Totally 76 cases of depression were randomized into electroacupuncture group and western medicine group

with 38 in each. The electroacupuncture group was given electroacupuncture at the cervical paravertebral points

Huatuo’s paravertebral points

MS5

MS1

bilateral Fengchi （GB20） and Anmian （points for deep sleep） 30 min each time and once every other day. The western medicine group was given Fluoxetine hydrochloride 20 mg daily. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks and the therapeutic effect was observed. The scores of Hamilton Depression Rating Scale （HAMD-17） and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were observed before and after treatment. Results The total effective rate of the electroacupuncture group and western medicine group was 94.74% and 84.21% respectively

with no significant difference between groups （P>0.05）. The scores of HAMD-17 and PSQI were significantly decreased in both groups after treatment （P<0.01）

especially in the treatment group （P<0.01）. Conclusion The electroacupuncture at cervical paravertebral points

Huatuo’s paravertebral points and scalp points can obviously relieve the depression and insomnia symptoms.