Abstract: Objective To study the relationship among neuropsychological factors, De Qi, and efficacy of acupuncture on chronic alcoholic peripheral neuropathy (CAPN) patients. Methods 55 male patients with CAPN were randomized into acupuncture manipulation group (n=25) and non-manipulation group (n=25). The degree of symptoms and clinical efficacy in patients were evaluated with Neuropathy Impairment Score in the Lower Limbs (NIS-LL) and Neurological Severity Score (NSS). The levels of De Qi for patients and acupuncturists were assessed by Subjective Acupuncture Sensation Scale (SASS), the psychological factors in patients were tested with Sixteen Personality Factor Questionnaire (16PF), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). Results 7, 14, 21, 28 days after treatment, the scores of De Qi and the average score were significantly higher in the manipulation group than in the non-manipulation group (P<0.05). The higher the scores of warmth, independence, intelligence, irritability and sensitivity, the more susceptible to SASS. 14, 28 days after treatment, the scores of SASS were lower in the depression group and anxiety group than in the healthy group (P<0.05). 28 days after treatment, the scores of NIS-LL and NSS were higher in the depression group and anxiety group than in the healthy group (P<0.05), and were lower in the acupuncture manipulation group than in the non-manipulation group (P<0.05). Conclusion Acupuncture is effective on CAPN. The neuropsychological factors play important role in De Qi and the efficacy.

Key words: chronic alcoholic peripheral neuropathy, neuropsychological factor, acupuncture, De Qi