Presentation summary

Co-authors :
Na-Yoen Kwon, MD, PhD, KMD, Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Gachon University College of Korean Medicine, South Korea
Jin-Moo Lee,  K.M.D., Ph.D.
Professor, Department of Gynecology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Background :
Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) is a prevalent condition that adversely affects dailyfunctioning and quality of life, especially among women. Despite its impact, standardized non-pharmacologicalinterventions remain limited.

Objective :
This study aimed to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) and traditionalacupuncture (AC) versus no treatment in alleviating CHHF symptoms.

Methods :
In a three-arm randomized controlled trial, 72 women with CHHF were allocated into EA, AC, or control groups.Treatment was administered biweekly over five weeks (10 sessions total). Outcomes included coldnessseverity measured by visual analog scale (VAS), skin temperature differences (non-contact thermometer), andquality of life assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF. Evaluations were conducted at baseline (T0), post-treatment(T1), and 4-week follow-up (T2).

Results :
Both EA and AC groups showed statistically significant reductions in hand and foot VAS scores andimprovements in WHOQOL-BREF scores compared to the control group. Notably, the EA group exhibitedsustained benefits at T2, including enhanced physical and psychological quality of life domains. Repeatedmeasures ANOVA confirmed significant interaction effects between group and time, highlighting distincttrajectories of recovery in treatment groups.

Conclusion :
EA and AC are both effective, safe non-pharmacological treatments for CHHF, with EA showing longer-lastingeffects. These findings support the integration of acupuncture-based therapies into clinical care for CHHF andsuggest EA’s role in autonomic regulation as a potential mechanism.