2.3.1. RA group
SKIN
Skin around acupoints was sterilized with 75% alcohol, and then 14 standard sterilized disposable, stainless steel needles [0.25 mm in diameter and 25 mm/40 mm in length; Shanghai Jiajian Medical Instrument Co., Ltd. (Shanghai, China)] were inserted into nine acupoints, including Yintang (EX-HN3), Baihui (GV20), Guanyuan (CV4), Yinjiao (CV7) and bilateral Neiguan (PC6), Taixi (KI3), Taichong (LR3), Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Zigong (EX-CA1). The location of each acupoint adhered to the “Nomenclature and Location of Acupuncture Points [GB/T 12346-2006]” (National Standard of People's Republic of China, 