Table 1 Details of the acupoints used in the EA group

Yangxi (LI 5)

On the radial side of the wrist between the extensor pollicis longus &brevis tendons in a depression formed when the thumb is tilted upward (anatomical snuffbox)

Yangchi (TE4)

On the transverse crease of the dorsum of the wrist between tendons of muscles extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi

Yanggu (SI 5)

Near the ulnar end of the transverse wrist crease on the dorsal side of the hand in a depression between the styloid process of the ulna and the triquetral bone

Hegu (LI 4)

On the dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones

Taiyuan (LU9)

On transverse crease of the wrist on the lateral side of the radial artery