The Electroacupuncture therapy protocol included a total of 12 acupuncture points at the CV12,CV6, bilateral ST25, SP15, SP14,LI4, LI11, ST36, ST44. All acupuncture points were prepared with 70% alcohol pads, and disposable stainless steel needles were used. Abdominal acupuncture points were inserted horizontally 6~6.5cm in depth and the others were inserted vertically 2~2.5cm in depth until patient can feel De-Qi. All acupuncture points were stimulated electrically with a frequency of 24 Hz an intensity of 0.27-1.3mA(tolerable strength) with continuous stimulation by the pulse generator. The participants were given treatment twice a week for 30 minutes for 5 weeks by practitioner who had had 6 years of acupuncture training and 3 more years of clinical experience.

The Sham electroacupuncture therapy protocol(Non-acupoint, No electrical stimulation)included the same number and type of needle, duration, frequency of sessions and practitioner as for the EA treatment, but superficially at non acupuncture points 15 mm to the lateral of each acupuncture point was treated. The points were not stimulated electrically, but the sound of the pulse generator was heard by the participants. (Lee SH, LeeBC 2009) Those receiving EA or SEA therapy were treated on alternate days to prevent crosstalk among groups, which could have compromised the blinded study design.

No treatment was done for waiting group, but could receive same treatments as Electroacupuncture group after the end of trial.

We used Electrical stimulator(STN-111,Stratek)with a frequency of 24 Hz and intensity of 0.27-1.3mA(tolerable strength), asymmetric interactive pulse with continuous stimulation by the pulse generator. The participants were given treatment twice a week for 30 minutes for 5 weeks(10 sessions) by practitioner.(n=13)

Thickness of abdominal subcutaneous fat was measured by digital skinfold caliper(FatTrack).