Acupuncture with Electrical Stimulation on Lian Quan-S (CV23-S) and Shang Lian Quan-S (Ex-HN21-S) Treats Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Two Case Reports

Introduction: To investigate the utility of acupuncture with electrical stimulation (AES) on Lian Quan-S (CV23-S) and Shang Lian Quan-S (Ex-HN21-S), each located bilaterally 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) from their respective acupoints Lian Quan (CV23) and Shang Lian Quan (Ex-HN21), in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Case 1. A 55-year-old male sought acupuncture treatments as an alternative for complications from using a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine for OSAS. Case 2. A 26-year-old male sought acupuncture treatments to relieve complaints of excessive daytime sleepiness, hunger, and snoring. Case Report: Case 1. 20 min AES treatments of CV23-S and Ex-HN21-S with various other supplemental acupoints were performed every other day for 1 week, totaling four treatment sessions. Case 2. AES of CV23-S and Ex-HN21-S with another supplemental acupoint. The patient received four trials of care, totaling 24 treatments in 10 months. For the first trial of care, daily 30 min treatments were performed for 8 days. For subsequent trials of care, the treatment frequencies were decreased, but the treatment duration was gradually increased. Discussion: Case 1. After AES treatments, the patient stopped using the CPAP machine and noticed reduced facial swelling. The patient subjectively described his sleep quality improving from poor to good. His uninterrupted sleep time increased from 3 to 8 h per night. Case 2. After AES treatments, the patient found relief of symptoms and noted more energy during the day. Conclusion: AES on new acupuncture points, CV23-S and Ex-HN21-S, bilaterally has shown reduction of symptoms in OSAS.