Intervention
pain, KOA
SPLEEN, STOMACH
Ten sessions of acupuncture stimulating medication were given to the VA and SA over two successive weeks, each session lasting for 30 min. In the SC group, celecoxib capsules (with an approval number of J20030098 and produced by Pfizer Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. in Beijing, China) were orally given to patients for 2 weeks of 200 mg. In the PB group, patients received a placebo capsule once a day for 2 weeks at the same dosage as celecoxib capsules. In the WL group, patients did not receive any treatment, but they were informed that after 2 weeks, they would receive ten sessions of acupuncture or 2 weeks of celecoxib for free.The details of acupoint and non‐acupoint selections in the VA and SA group can be seen in this previously published protocol.Acupoints and non‐acupoints locations. EX‐LE, Extra points‐lower extremities; GB, Gallbladder meridian of foot shaoyang; NAP, non‐acupoint; SP, Spleen meridian of foot taiyin; ST, Stomach meridian of foot yangming.Two trained and licensed acupuncturists conducted all acupuncture treatments. All acupoints and non‐acupoints on both sides of the body were pierced using small needles made of disposable stainless‐steel measuring 0.25 mm to 40 mm in length (Hwato, China). When inserting the needles, the penetrating depth was kept between 0.5 cun and 1.5 cun. The locations in the VA and SA groups were gently manipulated to induce a specific acupuncture sensation (deqi).All patients refrained from taking their usual medicines intended to treat KOA during the trial. Ibuprofen, in the form of sustained‐release capsules containing 300 mg, was authorized for use as the rescue therapy in cases of severe pain.