Table 1 Acupoints used in the MA group

Ashi point

The most obvious local pain point over the breast

Oblique needle insertion at depth of 15–20 mm

Tanzhong (CV17)

On the anterior midline, on the level of the 4th intercostal space, at the midpoint of the line joining the two nipples

Horizontally needle insertion at depth of 5–10 mm

Wuyi (ST15)

In the 2nd intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline

Horizontally needle insertion at depth of 15–20 mm

Rugen (ST18)

In the 5th intercostal space, vertically below the nipple

Horizontally needle insertion at depth of 15–20 mm

Tianzong (SI11)

In the middle of the infrascapular fossa

Perpendicular needle insertion at depth of 15–25 mm

Geshu (BL17)

On the back, under the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline

Oblique needle insertion at depth of 15–20 mm

Ganshu (BL18)

On the back, under the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline

Oblique needle insertion at depth of 15–20 mm

Hegu (LI4)

On the back of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the 2nd metacarpal bone

Perpendicular needle insertion at depth of 15–25 mm

Sanyinjiao (SP6)

On the anterolateral side of the calf, 3 cun below the nose, a transverse finger (middle finger) from the front edge of the tibia

Perpendicular needle insertion at depth of 15–25 mm

Taichong (LR3)

In the depression anterior to the junction of 1st and 2nd metatarsal bones

Perpendicular needle insertion at depth of 15–25 mm