Recent Acupuncture Research
Click here for a list of symptoms and conditions acupuncture has been shown to help
The National Institutes of Health Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine has a few eductional videos at their website. Titles include "Does Acupuncture Work?" and "How Does Acupuncture Work?"
Here is a brief video showing an electroacupuncture treatment for knee osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture Today Magazine
August 3, 2011
Acupuncture for Anisometropic Amblyopia (Lazy Eye) in Children Aged 7 to 12 Years
Archives of Ophthamology
In this study, lazy eye was resolved in 17 children in the acupuncture group (41.5%) and only 7 (16.7%) in the patching group.
The authors conclude, "Acupuncture produced equivalent treatment effect for anisometropic amblyopia, compared with patching, and was statistically superior.....Acupuncture could potentially become an alternative treatment to occlusion th erapy for amblyopia."
Archives of Ophthamology Volume 128 (No. 12), December 2010.
www.archophthalmol.com
April 18, 2011
Acupuncture Reduces Pain after Whiplash Injury
Reference: "A Randomized Trial Comparing Acupuncture and Simulated Acupuncture, for Sub-acute and Chronic Whiplash," Cameron ID, Wang E, et al, Spine (Phila Pa 1976), 2011 April 7; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Rehabilitation Studies Unit, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia).
Summary: In a randomized, controlled study involving 124 patients between the ages of 18 and 65 years, with chronic (85%) or subacute whiplash-associated disorder (WAD, grade I or II), treatment with acupuncture (specifically electro-acupuncture, 12 treatments over the course of 6 weeks) was found to be associated with significantly greater reduction in pain intensity at 3 and 6 months follow-up, as compared to subjects who received a simulated but not real acupuncture treatment. The authors conclude, "Real electro-acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in pain intensity over at least 6 months." Additional research is warranted.
March 28, 2011
Acupuncture May Benefit Patients with Open Angle Glaucoma
Reference: "Short-term effects of acupuncture on open-angle glaucoma in retrobulbar circulation: additional therapy to standard medication," Takayama S, Seki T, et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2011 March 7; [Epub ahead of print].
Summary: In a study involving 11 patients with open angle glaucoma (20 eyes with OAG) who were treated with topical anti-glaucoma medications for at least 3 months prior to enrollment in the study, acupuncture at bilateral acupuncture points: BL2, M-HN9, ST-2, ST-36, SP-6, KI-3, LR-3, GB-20, BL-18, and BL-23, was found to be associated with significant improvements in retrobulbuar circulation and intraocular pressure (IOP). The authors conclude, "Acupuncture can improve the retrobulbar circulation and IOP, which may indicate the efficacy of acupuncture for OAG."
March 7, 2011
Acupuncture May Ease Hot Flashes
Study Shows Acupuncture May Be Helpful for Symptoms of Menopause
By Bill Hendrick
WebMD Health News
Reviewed by Laura J. Martin, MD
March 7, 2011 -- Traditional Chinese acupuncture may be useful in reducing the severity of hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause, a new study suggests.
Researchers in Turkey conducted experiments with 53 postmenopausal women. Half of them received traditional acupuncture treatment. The rest were treated with “sham” acupuncture needles that were blunted and did not penetrate the skin......
Full Story at WebMD
February 21, 2011
Acupuncture Reduces Frequency and Severity of Primary Raynaud's Phenomenon
Reference: "Auricular electroacupuncture reduces frequency and severity of Raynaud attacks," Schlager O, E Gschwandtner M, et al, Wien Klin Wochenschr, 2011 Feb 17; [Epub ahead of print].
Summary: In a study involving 26 patients with primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP), who received 6 weekly treatments with auricular electroacupuncture (a form of acupuncture involving treatment of points on the ears with acupuncture needles attached to an electrical stimulator), significant reductions in attack frequency and attack associated pain were found after 3 and 6 weeks of auricular electroacupuncture treatment. Furthermore, these improvements sustained post-treatment, including up to 24 weeks when they were re-assessed. Skin temperature and skin perfusion did not change significantly throughout the study period. The authors conclude, "Auricular EA reduces symptoms by means of frequency and severity of attacks in PRP but has no influence on skin perfusion and skin temperature."
Acupuncture Goes Mainstream
Why doctors are increasingly turning to acupuncture to help their patients.
By Matt McMillen
WebMD the Magazine
Tara McElroy, MD, is sticking more needles in her patients than ever before. Three years ago, the Cleveland Clinic OB/GYN completed a physician's course in acupuncture. With it, she says, she has had increased success in treating problems that often resist Western medicine, such as female sexual dysfunction and compulsive overeating. "Physicians feel helpless in these areas," McElroy says. "I needed something more for my patients."
Full story here
January 17, 2011
Moxibustion - a traditional Chinese medicine technique associated with Acupuncture - Effective in Reducing Uterine Contraction Pain during Labor
Reference: "Effect on moxibustion at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) for uterine contraction pain in labor: a randomized controlled trial," Ma SX, Wu FW, et al, Zhongguo Zhen Jiu, 2010 Aug; 30(8): 623-6. (Address: TCM Department, North China Coal Medical University, Tangshan 063000, China).
Summary: In a single-blind study involving 174 cases of singleton pregnancy and cephalic presentation primipara, treatment with moxibustion - a heat therapy associated with acupuncture - applied to an acupuncture point (SP-6) for a period of 30 minutes when the uterus cervix was opening at 3 cm - was found to reduce uterine contraction pain significantly, as compared to a placebo and control group. The effective rate of labor analgesia was 69.5% in the active group versus 45.6% in the placebo group. In addition, postpartum hemorrhage was less in the active group versus the placebo group. The authors conclude, "Moxibustion at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) can relieve the uterine contraction pain, and has no side effect to mother and infant, it is one of the safe, effective and simple non-drug analgesia methods."
January 10, 2011
Acupuncture Effectively Treats Chronic Neck Pain
Reference: "Assessment of a traditional acupuncture therapy for chronic neck pain: A pilot randomised controlled study," Liang Z, Zhu X, et al, Complement Ther Med, 2011 Jan; 19S1: S26-S32, [Epub 2010 Dec 23].
Summary: In a two-arm, single-blinded, randomized, controlled study involving 178 patients with chronic neck pain, treatment with acupuncture was found to "relieve pain intensity and improve the quality of daily life with a relative long-term clinical efficacy in patients with chronic neck pain." Results of statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) v13, found that patients who received acupuncture were found to have significantly greater scores on the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), the visual analogue scale, and the short form (36) health survey (SF-36), suggesting that treatment with acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment for chronic neck pain.
January 2011
Stimulation of Acupoint ST-34 Acutely Improves Gait Performance in Geriatric Patients During Rehabilitation: A Randomized Controlled Trial Reference: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Volume 92, Issue 1 , Pages 7-14, January 2011
Summary: In this randomized controlled trial, the study involved 60 frail geriatric patients during rehabilitation. Both groups received a one time treatment with a real acupuncture treatment and a fake treatment, and the results were compared. The results showed that only the real acupuncture treatment provided statistically signifiant improvements in the rehab ward. No severe adverse clinical events related to the intervention occurred.
December 13th, 2010
Acupuncture Reduces Symptoms of Dry Eye Syndrome
Reference: "Acupuncture reduces symptoms of dry eye syndrome: a preliminary observational study," Jeon JH, Sin MS, et al, J Altern Complement Med, 2010 Dec; 16(12): 1291-4.
Summary: In a prospective, observational study involving 36 patients with dry eye disease, treatment with acupuncture (3 treatments per week for 4 weeks) was found to significantly reduce symptom scores, ocular surface disease index scores, and the number of dry eye symptoms. In addition, tear wettings were significantly higher, but there were no significant differences in break-up times. The authors conclude, "This study suggests that acupuncture treatment can effectively relieve the symptoms of dry eye and increase watery secretion."
September 29th, 2010
Acupuncture Benefits Women Seeking Fertility Support
Reference: "An exploratory study of the effect of acupuncture on self-efficacy for women seeking fertility support," Kovarova P, Smith CA, et al, Explore (NY), 2010 Sept-Oct; 6(5): 330-4. (Address: School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia).
Summary: In a study involving 13 women between the ages of 18 and 45 years, receiving acupuncture to aid in the process of conception, either naturally or as an adjunct to assisted reproductive technology, treatment with acupuncture (4 treatments) was found to significantly increase self-efficacy and psychological coping scores. The authors state, "Further rigorous research is needed to examine the overall therapeutic effect from acupuncture to support women while undergoing the stressful repetitive process of assisted reproductive technology or natural fertility, and to examine the role of outcome and self-efficacy expectations."
Dr. Shawn Thistle demonstrates benefits of acupuncture for arthritis pain on CBS News feature.
July 28th, 2010
Acupuncture for Chronic Low Back Pain
Brian M. Berman, M.D., Helene H. Langevin, M.D., Claudia M. Witt, M.D., M.B.A. and Ronald Dubner, D.D.S., Ph.D.
N Engl J Med 2010; 363:454-461 July 29, 2010
July 28, 2010 — Recent evidence and management principles concerning the use of acupuncture for chronic low back pain are reviewed in an article published in the July 29 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Article introduction here: http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMct0806114
June 14th, 2010
Acupuncture Alleviates Depression and Muslce Pain in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis
Reference: "Acupuncture for depression and myalgia in patients with hepatitis: an observational study," Tufan ZK, Arslan H, et al, Acupunct Med, 2010 June 7; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Department, Ministry of Health Ankara Training and Research Hospital, Etlik Ankara, Turkey).
Summary: In a study involving 28 patients with hepatitis as well as depression and myalgia, treatment with acupuncture was found to significantly improve symptoms of depression and myalgia. Of 44 patients with hepatitis who were screened for depression and myalgia, 17 (39%) were found to have a Beck's Depression Inventory score >/=17, and 24 (55%) were found to have a pain score >/= 5. The 28 patients who were enrolled in the study were divided into 3 groups: 1) patients (n=13) with high BDI and high myalgia; 2) patients (n=11) with low BDI score but high myalgia; 3) patients (n=4) with high BDI but low myalgia. Results found that patients in all 3 groups experienced significant improvements in depression and myalgia. The authors conclude, "Acupuncture seems to be a promising treatment for patients with hepatitis. Further studies are warranted in large populations to establish the therapeutic role of acupuncture."
May 30th, 2010
Acupuncture May Improve Strength Performance
Reference: Immediate effects of acupuncture on strength performance: a randomized, controlled crossover trial, Hubscher M, Vogt L, et al, Eur J Appl Physiol, 2010 May 25.
Summary: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 33 recreational athletes (average age: 25 years; 20 men, 13 women), treatment with acupuncture was found to significantly improve strength performance, as compared to placebo laser acupuncture (a deactivated laser device). Subjects received either a) real acupuncture; b) placebo laser acupuncture; c) sham acupuncture (needling at non-acupuncture points). Immediate changes in maximum rebound height and quadriceps maximum isometric voluntary force (MIVF) associated with bipedal drop jumps, surface EMG activity of the rectus femoris muscle during 30 second sustained MIVF of knee extensors, and muscular endurance were assessed. Results found that immediately following real acupuncture the mean change in MIVF from baseline was 46.6 N, as compared to sham laser acupuncture (19.6 N) and sham acupuncture (28.8 N). The authors conclude, "The present study shows that a single acupuncture treatment was efficacious for improving isometric quadriceps strength in recreational athletes. These results might have implications not only for athletic performance enhancement, but also for rehabilitation programs aimed at restoring neuromuscular function."
May 3rd, 2010
Acupuncture-related technique Beneficial in Rectifying Breech Presentation During Pregnancy
Reference: "Cost-effectiveness of breech version by acupuncture-type interventions on BL 67, including moxibustion, for women with a breech foetus at 33 weeks gestation: a modelling approach," van den Berg I, Kaandorp GC, et al, Complement Ther Med, 2010; 18(2): 67-77. (Address: Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. E-mail: ineke.vandenberg@erasmusmc.nl ).
Summary: In a study designed to determine the effectiveness and finances associated with using acupuncture and the acupuncture-related technique, moxibustion on the acupoint BL-67, in turning a fetus in a breech presentation to a normal healthy vertex position in women at 33 weeks of gestation, this acupuncture related treatment was found to significantly reduce the number of babies who presented as breech at full term, therefore reducing the number of C-sections, thereby proving to be a very cost-effective treatment as compared to "expectant management," including the use of external cephalic version. While 50% of women who underwent "expectant management" ended up having C-section, a significantly lower 37% of women who underwent the acupuncture-moxibustion treatment ended up having C-sections. Furthermore, according to sensitivity analysis, the authors found that if 16% or more of women who were offered moxibustion treatment complied, it would have proven to b e significantly more effective and less costly than expectant management. Analysis revealed that 7 women would have had to have used the acupuncture-moxibustion treatment in order to prevent 1 C-section. These results suggest that the very simple and safe treatment of the acupuncture-associated technique, moxibustion given to women starting at 33 weeks gestation whose fetus presents as breech, may significantly reduce the likelihood of having a breech presentation at full term, may reduce the risk of C-section, and is a cost-effective treatment.
March 30th, 2010
Acupuncture May Ease Dental Anxiety
Patients who resisted dental procedures because of anxiety successfully received treatment after five minutes of acupuncture, a small case series showed....
full story here
Reference: "Acupuncture in the management of anxiety related to dental treatment: a case series" Rosted P, et al Acupunct Med 2010; DOI: 10.1136/aim.2009.001933.
March 22nd, 2010
Acupuncture in the Treatment of Essential Hypertension
Reference: "Acupuncture for essential hypertension," Kim LW, Zhu J, Altern Ther Health Med, 2010; 16(2): 18-29.
Summary: In a review of randomized, controlled studies investigating the effects of acupuncture in patients with essential hypertension, in which acupuncture was compared with "sham acupuncture," anti-hypertensive medications, Chinese herbal medicine, and/or exercise in 20 trials, treatment with acupuncture was found to significantly reduce blood pressure. As compared with controls, subjects who received acupuncture were found to have significantly lower systolic blood pressure (mean difference - 4.23 mmHg) and diastolic blood pressure (-2.53), however, significant heterogeneity was found in the trials. Among trials of high quality, acupuncture plus anti-hypertensive drugs reduced blood pressure significantly more than anti-hypertensive drugs plus "sham acupuncture" (systolic BP: -5.72 mmHg, diastolic BP: -2.80 mmHg), with no significant heterogeneity. In studies which involved acupuncture treatment devised according to syndrome differentiation, significant redu ctions in blood pressure were found as well, as compared to control (systolic BP: -6.46 mmHg, diastolic BP: -3.07 mmHg), with no significant heterogeneity. On the other hand, in studies which involved acupuncture not using treatment devised according to principles of syndrome differentiation, no significant reduction in BP was found (systolic BP: -1.55 mmHg and diastolic BP: -2.12 mmHg), with significant heterogeneity. Despite the positive results found in most of the trials, the authors suggest that these results be interpreted with caution due to the mixed results and mixed quality of the trials. Additional research is needed to clarify the effects of acupuncture on blood pressure in patients with essential hypertension.
February 22nd, 2010 Acupuncture: An Effective Treatment in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation
Reference: Acupuncture in Poststroke Rehabilitation. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials, Wu P, Mills E, et al, , 2010 Feb 18; [Epub ahead of print].Stroke
Summary: In a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture in post-stroke rehabilitation, the authors conclude, "Randomized clinical trials demonstrate that acupuncture may be effective in the treatment of poststroke rehabilitation." The analysis included results from 35 Chinese language articles and 21 English language articles that met the authors' inclusion criteria. The quality of the studies overall was "fair" and most were small in terms of number of subjects. Keeping those limitations in mind, results of the analysis were impressive, finding acupuncture to be beneficial in 80% of the studies. However, the authors point out, "Poor study quality and the possibility of publication bias hinder the strength of this recommendation and argue for a large, transparent, well-conducted randomized clinical trial to support this claim and implement changes to clinical practice."
February 9th, 2010
Acupuncture May Successfully Lift Depression in Pregnant Women
Nancy Fowler Larson
February 9, 2010 (Chicago, Illinois) — Acupuncture might be an effective method of treating depression in pregnant women, according to a study presented here at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 30th Annual Meeting: The Pregnancy Meeting.
Full story: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/716657?sssdmh=dm1.588441&src=nldne&uac=15003AN
Reference: Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) 30th Annual Meeting: The Pregnancy Meeting: Abstract 8. Presented February 4, 2010.
February 1st, 2010
Acupuncture Reduces Back Pain and Pelvic Pain in Pregnant Women
Reference: "Acupuncture treatment of pregnant women with low back and pelvic pain - an intervention study," Ekdahl L, Petersson K, Scand J Caring Sci, 2010 Jan 20; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Centrallasarettet, Vaxjo, Sweden).
Summary: In a study involving 40 pregnant women with low back and pelvic pain, but otherwise healthy, treatment with acupuncture (8 treatments over the course of 6 weeks), starting at either gestational week 20 (group 1) or week 26 (group 2) was found to reduce pain in both groups, assessed via Pain-O-Meter, visual analogue scale, short-form McGill pain questionnaire, and short-form 36. Subjects who began treatment at week 26 were also found to have improvement in several variables listed on SF-36, despite increasing physical restrictions. Patients were followed up with 2-3 months after delivery. The results of this study suggest that acupuncture may be a safe and effective therapy for reducing low back and pelvic pain during pregnancy.
January 25th, 2010
Acupuncture May Help Reduce Insomnia
Reference: "Electroacupuncture treatment of chronic insomniacs," Ruan JW, Wang CH, et al, Chin Med J (Eng), 2009; 122(23): 2869-73.
Summary: In a study involving 47 patients with chronic insomnia, four courses of electroacupuncture therapy (a form of acupuncture) were found to be associated with improvements in sleep quality and social function during the daytime. Specifically, increases in slow wave sleep time and REM sleep time were found. One month post-treatment, the insomnia rebound rate was 23%. The authors conclude, "...electroacupuncture therapy could be a promising avenue of treatment for chronic insomnia." Additional research is warranted.
January 18th, 2010
Acupuncture Proves Effective in Treatment of Chronic Daily Headaches
Reference: “The effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic daily headache: an outcomes study,” Plank S, Goodard J, et al, Military Mededicine, 2009; 174(12): 1276-81.
Summary: In a pilot study involving 26 subjects suffering from chronic daily headaches, treatment with acupuncture was found to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. Beneficial results remained even 12 weeks after the last acupuncture treatment was given. These results suggest that acupuncture may be beneficial in the treatment of patients with chronic daily headaches.
August 31st, 2009
Acupuncture Effective in the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Reference: “Symptom management for irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot randomized controlled trial of acupuncture/moxibustion,” Anastasi JK, McMahon DJ, et al, Gastroenterol Nurs, 2009; 32(4): 243-55. (Address: Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA. E-mail: jka8@columbia.edu).
Summary: In a preliminary, randomized, sham/placebo-controlled trial involving 29 men and women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), treatment with acupuncture and moxibustion, twice a week for a period of 4 weeks, was found to significantly improve symptoms of abdominal pain/discomfort, intestinal gas, bloating, and stool consistency. Subjects who received real acupuncture and moxibustion therapy were assessed by an acupuncturist according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and treated with an individualized acupuncture point prescription. The results of this study are promising, suggesting that acupuncture and moxibustion therapy may be an effective treatment for managing symptoms in patients with IBS.
August 24th, 2009
Acupuncture Treatment May Limit Dose of Anti-Depressant Needed
Reference: "Combination of acupuncture and fluoxetine for depression: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial," Zhang WJ, Yang XB, et al, J Altern Complement Med, 2009; 15(8): 837-44. (Address: Beijing MeiTan General Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China).
Summary: In a randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled study involving 80 patients with major depressive disorder, treatment with acupuncture (5 treatments per week for 6 weeks) in addition to a low-dose of the anti-depressant, fluoxetine (10 mg/d) was found to be as effective at improving symptoms of depression as subjects who received a higher dose (the recommended dose) of fluoxetine (20-30 mg/d). Moreover, subjects who received acupuncture reported less side effects of the anti-depressant and greater improvement in symptoms of anxiety. The authors conclude that acupuncture may be beneficial to "depressive patients with severe anxious symptoms and/or intolerable side-effects of antidepressants…."
August 3rd, 2009
Electrical Stimulation on Acupuncture Points of the Wrist May Reduce Neck Pain
Reference: "Electrical acustimulation of the wrist for chronic neck pain: a randomized, sham-controlled trial using a wrist-ankle acustimulation device," Chan DK, Johnson MI, et al, Clin J Pain, 2009; 25(4): 320-6. (Address: Hong Kong Acupuncture and Physiotherapy Pain Center, Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China. E-mail: dann99y@netvigator.com ).
Summary: In a randomized, single-blind, sham-controlled trial involving 49 patients with chronic neck pain, electrical stimulation of acupuncture points on the wrist (traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat neck pain) in addition to neck exercises was found to be more effective than neck exercises alone in alleviating chronic neck pain. Subjects received real electrical stimulation or sham stimulation for 30 minutes, 2 times/week, for a period of 4 weeks. Simultaneous with the stimulation, 30 minutes of standardized neck exercises were performed. Immediately post-treatment and one month post-treatment significant improvements were found among the patients who received electrical stimulation. 39% of subjects in the acupoint electrical stimulation group reported a greater than 50% decrease in symptoms, as compared to only 8% in the sham treatment group. These results suggest that adding electrical stimulation to acupuncture points on the wrist may enhance the ef fects of neck exercises and reduce chronic pain, without producing any adverse effects. Receiving treatments twice/week for a period of one month was found to yield beneficial effects that lasted at least through 1-month post-treatment.
June 22, 2009
Acupuncture May Help Prevent Migraine Headaches
Reference: "Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis," Linde K, Allais G, et al, Cochrane Database Syst Rev, 2009; 21(1): CD001218. (Address: Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, Department of Internal Medicine II, Technische Universitaet Muenchen, Wolfgangstr. 8, Munich, Germany, 81667. E-mail: Klaus.Linde@lrz.tu-muenchen.de ).
Summary: In a Cochrane review of studies investigating the effectiveness of acupuncture in migraine prophylaxis, after examining results from 22 trials which involved 4,419 subjects, acupuncture was found to be slightly more effective than drug prophylaxis therapy, with significantly fewer adverse outcomes. The reviewers conclude, "Available studies suggest that acupuncture is at least as effective as, or possibly more effective than, prophylactic drug treatment, and has fewer adverse effects. Acupuncture should be considered a treatment option for patients willing to undergo this treatment."
http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab001218.html
May 28th, 2009
British NHS pins its hopes for treating back pain on acupuncture and spinal manipulation
Unprecedented approval for alternative therapies from health service watchdog
Tens of millions of pounds are being wasted by the NHS on useless treatments for back pain, money that should be diverted to alternative therapies such as acupuncture and spinal manipulation, a health service watchdog says today. full story here:
http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/nhspins-its-hopes-for-treating-back-pain-on-acupuncture-1691215.html
May 28th, 2009
Acupuncture Helps Reduce Muscle Trigger Point Pain
Reference: Remote Influences of Acupuncture on the Pain Intensity and the Amplitude Changes of Endplate Noise in the Myofascial Trigger Point of the Upper Trapezius Muscle Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Vol 90, No 6, pages 905-912
http://www.archives-pmr.org/article/S0003-9993%2809%2900185-3/abstract
Summary: The pain intensity in the muscle trigger point was significantly reduced after real acupuncture treatment, but not after sham acupuncture. The mean end-plate noise amplitude as measured with electromyography was significantly lower than the pre-treatment level after acupuncture treatment, but not after sham acupuncture treatment. The change in the pain intensity was significantly correlated with the change of end-plate noise amplitude as well.
May 18th, 2009
Acupuncture Effective in Treating Acute Attacks of Migraine Headaches Reference: "Acupuncture for Treating Acute Attacks of Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial," Li Y, Liang F, et al, Headache, 2009 April 27; [Epub ahead of print].
Summary: In a multi-center, randomized, controlled trial involving 175 subjects with migraine headaches, treatment with acupuncture was found to alleviate pain due to acute migraine attacks more effectively than 'sham acupuncture.' Subjects were randomized into 3 groups. One group received verum acupuncture and the other 2 groups were treated with sham acupuncture (needling at non-acupoints). The intervention involved 1 acupuncture (or sham) treatment, followed by 24 hours of observation. Results found significant decreases in visual analog scale scores 2 hours post-treatment in the verum acupuncture group only (0.7 cm reduction), and at 4 hours post-treatment, the reduction in VAS scores was greatest among subjects who received verum acupuncture (1.0 cm reduction), as compared to 0.5 cm and 0.1 cm reductions in the sham treatment groups. 79.6% of subjects in the acupuncture group did not experience recurrence or intensification of pain, an d 40.7% experienced complete pain relief. The authors conclude, "Verum (traditional) acupuncture is also clearly effective in relieving pain and preventing migraine relapse or aggravation. These findings support the contention that there are specific physiological effects that distinguish genuine acupoints from nonacupoints."
May 11th, 2009
WHEELING, W.Va., May 11 -- Acupuncture was more effective than conventional treatment for relieving lower back pain in a randomized trial, but performed no better than poking patients gently with toothpicks.
Source reference:
Cherkin D, et al "A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain" Arch Intern Med 2009; 169: 858-66.
May 4th, 2009
Acupuncture Found to be Beneficial in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Reference: "Acupuncture in patients with allergic rhinitis: a pragmatic randomized trial," Brinkhaus B, Witt CM, et al, Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol, 2008 Nov; 101(5): 535-43. (Address: Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology, and Health Economics, Charité University Medical Center, Berlin, Germany. E-mail: benno.brinkhaus@charite.de ).
Summary: In a randomized controlled trial involving 981 subjects, treatment with acupuncture (15 sessions over the course of 3 months) in addition to random care was found to significantly improve "rhinitis quality of life" and "general health quality of life," as compared to subjects who received routine care alone. The study also involved 4,256 subjects who did not consent to randomization, who all received acupuncture treatment. Overall, subjects who received acupuncture showed a 1.48 improvement in score on the Rhinitis Quality of Life Questionnaire, as compared to 0.50 in the control group, and significant improvements in "general health-related quality of life" scores as well. The improvements seen at 3 months immediately following the period of acupuncture treatments remained, but were not as great at 6 months. The authors conclude, "The results of this trial suggest that treating patients with allergic rhinitis in routine care with additional acupuncture leads to clinically relevant and persistent benefits."
February 9th, 2009
Acupuncture and Acupressure May Relieve Menopausal Hot Flashes in Women Whose Ovaries Have Been Removed
Reference: "Acupuncture and Auricular Acupressure in Relieving Menopausal Hot Flashes of Bilaterally Ovariectomized Chinese Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial," Zhou J, Qu F, et al, Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2009 Feb 2; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: No. 604 Room in B Building, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, 388 Yuhang Tang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, P. R. China. E-mail: qufan43@yahoo.com.cn ).
Summary: In a study involving 46 women whose had been bilaterally ovariectomized and who were experiencing menopausal hot flashes, treatment with acupuncture and auricular acupressure (n=21) was found to be effective in relieving the severity of menopausal hot flashes. Subjects received acupuncture and auricular (ear) acupressure (n=21) or hormone replacement therapy (Tibolone, n=25). Immediately following the treatment period, no significant difference in the severity of hot flashes was found between the groups. At follow-up (4 weeks post-treatment end), the severity of hot flashes was less in the HRT group as compared to the acupuncture and acupressure group, and at treatment end and at follow-up, the frequency of hot flashes was less in the HRT than in the acupuncture and acupressure group. However, in both groups, levels of FSH decreased significantly and levels of E(2) increased significantly. The authors conclude, "Acupuncture and auricular acupressure can be used as alternative treatments to relieve menopausal hot flashes for those bilaterally ovariectomized women who are unable or unwilling to receive HRT."
December 8, 2008
Auricular Acupressure May Benefit Patients with High-risk Diabetes Mellitus
Reference: "Effect of auricular pellet acupressure on antioxidative systems in high-risk diabetes mellitus," Liu CF, Yu LF, et al, J Altern Complement Med, 2008; 14(3): 303-7. (Address: Chi-Feng Liu, PhD, National Taipei College of Nursing, Taipei, Pei Tou 112, Taiwan. E-mail: chifeng@ctcn.edu.tw ).
Summary: In a study involving 69 patients with high-risk diabetes mellitus, applying pressure to specific points on the ear (auricular acupressure) with pellets was found to increase the concentration of antioxidant enzymes in blood, as compared to subjects who did not receive auricular acupressure treatment (controls). Subjects in the intervention group received auricular pellet acupressure over a period of 20 days. Subjects received the auricular pellet acupressure 3 times per day, for 5 consecutive days on one ear, followed by a 2 day rest period, after which the treatment was given on the other ear. Acupressure was performed twice on both ears. Results found significantly higher levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase concentrations in subjects who received the treatment, as compared to those in the control group. These results suggest that diabetic patients, particularly those with 'high-risk diabetes mellitus,' may benefit from auri cular acupressure, through its beneficial effects on levels of antioxidative enzymes, thereby reducing "free radicals and lipid peroxides, both of which are easily formed in the diabetic state," and which, "…play an important role in the development of diabetic complications." Additional research into the use of this safe and effective therapy is warranted.
Auricular Acupuncture Reduces Post-Operative Vomiting Following Gall Bladder Surgery
Reference: "Does Auricular Acupuncture Reduce Postoperative Vomiting After Cholecystectomy?" Fazelzadeh A, Sahmeddini MA, J Altern Complement Med, 2008 Nov 25; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Department of Anesthesiology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran).
Summary: In a study involving 100 female patients undergoing transabdominal cholecystectomy, auricular acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in post-operative vomiting 24 hours after undergoing transabdominal cholecystectomy. While 66% of subjects who did not receive acupuncture experienced vomiting 24 hours post-surgery, 0% of those who received acupuncture experienced vomiting during this same post-operative period. These results highlight the effectiveness of auricular acupuncture in peri-operative care.
December 1, 2008
Auricular Acupuncture in the Treatment of Postoperative Pain
Reference: "Auricular acupuncture for postoperative pain control: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials," Usichenko TI, Lehmann Ch, Ernst E, Anaesthesia, 2008; 63(12): 1343-8. (Address: Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University of Greifswald, Germany).
Summary: In a review of the evidence related to the efficacy of auricular acupuncture for postoperative pain control, the authors conclude, based on the results of 9 studies (of 23 identified) that fulfilled the inclusion criteria, that "The evidence that auricular acupuncture reduces postoperative pain is promising but not compelling." In 8 of the trials, auricular acupuncture was superior to control conditions, and 7 of the randomized clinical trails scored 3 or more points on the Jadad scale, though none reached the 5 point maximum. These results suggest that auricular acupuncture shows potential as an effective therapy in the treatment of postoperative pain. Additional research is warranted.
Acupressure Device Effectively Reduces Insomnia
Reference: "Efficacy of wrists overnight compression (HT 7 point) on insomniacs: possible role of melatonin?" Nordio M, Romanelli F, et al, Minerva Med, 2008; 99(6): 539-47. (Address: Department of Medical Physiopathology University of Rome ''Sapienza'', Rome, Italy. E-mail: maurizionordio1@gmail.com ). Summary: In a double-blind study involving 40 patients with insomnia, treatment with a device which applies pressure to an acupuncture point on the wrist, known to help reduce anxiety and alleviate insomnia, HT-7 (Shen Men), was found to improve quality of sleep and reduce anxiety. Subjects wore the device to sleep for 20 nights (or a placebo). In addition to improvement in symptoms, a higher percentage of subjects who wore the device were found to have normal 24 hours urinary melatonin metabolite rhythm, as compared to those who wore a placebo device. Considering the prevalence of insomnia, and its significant impact on decreasing quality of life, these results are promising, suggesting that wearing this acupressure device may be a safe and effective method for improving quality of sleep in persons with insomnia.
November 24, 2008
Acupuncture May Effectively Reduce Intensity and Frequency of Chronic Headaches
Reference: Acupuncture for the Management of Chronic Headache: A Systematic Review, Sun Y, Gan TJ, et al, Anesth Analg, 2008; 107(6): 2038-2047. (Address: Duke University Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Box 3094, Durham, NC 27710, USA. E-mail: Gan00001@mc.duke.ed ).
Summary: In a systematic review of 31 randomized, controlled trials examining the effects of acupuncture in patients with chronic headaches - including migraines, tension-type, or both - actual acupuncture was found to be superior to medication therapy in improving the intensity (weighted mean difference: -8.54 mm) of headaches, frequency of headaches (standard mean difference: -0.70), as well as physical function (weighted mean difference: 4.16) and response rate (RR=1.49). Actual acupuncture was also found to be superior to sham acupuncture during early follow-up (RR=1.19) and late follow-up (RR=1.22). These results suggest that acupuncture therapy may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with chronic headaches.
November 17, 2008
Acupuncture in the Treatment of Patients with Cardiac Arrhythmias Reference: "The effects of acupuncture on cardiac arrhythmias: a literature review," VanWormer AM, Lindquist R, Sendelbach SE, Heart Lung, 2008; 37(6): 425-31. (Address: Arin M. VanWormer, MS, University of Minnesota School of Nursing, 4-136 WDH, 308 Harvard St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA).
Summary: In a review of 8 studies examining the effects of acupuncture in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, 87-100% of subjects involved in the studies were found to convert to normal sinus rhythm after acupuncture. However, the authors point out that the methodological quality of the studies was not optimal, pointing to the need for better designed and controlled clinical trials. The authors conclude, "…More rigorous studies are needed with standardized treatment protocols, diverse patient populations, and long-term follow-up."
November 3, 2008
Acupuncture Alleviates Spastic States in Stroke Patients
Reference: "Effect of acupuncture treatment on spastic states of stroke patients," Zhao JG, Cao CH, et al, J Neurol Sci, 2008 Oct 29; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: The First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 314 Anshanxi Road, Tianjin, 300193, China).
Summary: In a study involving 131 stroke patients (mean age: 59 years) experiencing spastic hemiplegia (17 months post-stroke), acupuncture was found to reduce spasticity and neuron excitability. Subjects received either traditional acupuncture or a combination of traditional acupuncture with acupuncture stimulation on surface projection zone of decussation of pyramid - each for a period of 30 days. Results found similar improvements in Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) of the upper extremity and lower extremity in both treatment groups, however, the group that received traditional acupuncture along with acupuncturing of surface projection zone of decussation of pyramid was found to have greater improvements in total Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Barthel Index, and F/M ratio. These results suggest that this type of acupuncture treatment may, "…improve spastic states of stroke patients, thus providing a safe and economical method for treating stroke patients. "
October 27, 2008
Acupuncture Prevents Nausea and Vomiting in Pediatric Cancer Patients
Reference: "Acupuncture to Alleviate Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting in Pediatric Oncology - A Randomized Multicenter Crossover Pilot Trial," Gottschling S, Reindl TK, et al, Klin Padiatr, 2008; 220(6): 365-70. (Address: Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany).
Summary: In a multicenter, crossover study involving 23 children (age: 13.6 years) receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy for the treatment of solid malignant tumors, treatment with acupuncture was found to significantly prevent nausea and vomiting. Children who received acupuncture had significantly less of a need for anti-emetic medication, as compared to children not receiving acupuncture. In addition, there were significantly fewer episodes of vomiting among children who received acupuncture. The authors conclude, "Acupuncture as applied here seems to be effective in preventing nausea and vomiting in pediatric cancer patients."
September 29, 2008
Acupuncture and Autogenic Training Benefit Persons with Rheumatoid Arthritis Reference: "Adjuvant auricular electroacupuncture and autogenic training in rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Auricular acupuncture and autogenic training in rheumatoid arthritis," Bernateck M, Becker M, et al, Forsch Komplementmed, 2008; 15(4): 187-93. (Address: Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Clinic, Hannover, Germany. E-mail: bernateck.michael@mh-hannover.de ).
Summary: In a study involving 44 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, treatment with acupuncture (auricular electroacupuncture), once a week for a period of 6 weeks, was found to be more effective than autogenic training (relaxation technique involving visualizations) in reducing pain and reducing erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Patients received either auricular electroacupuncture or autogenic training once a week for six weeks. Statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements were found among subjects in both groups, both immediately following the 6 week treatment period and at 3 months follow-up. The beneficial effects appeared earlier among patients receiving acupuncture (after the 2nd treatment), and were in general more pronounced. By the 4th treatment, patients receiving acupuncture reported significantly less pain than those undergoing autogenic training. Furthermore, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was significantly les s and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha was significantly increased among patients receiving acupuncture, as compared to autogenic training. At the end of the treatment period, patients who received acupuncture assessed their outcome as significantly more improved than those who received autogenic training. Given the safety of such treatments, the results of this study suggest that acupuncture, as well as autogenic training, may be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Spetember 23, 2008
Acupuncture Relieves Vasomotor Symptoms in Breast Cancer Patients (with video)
BOSTON -- For breast cancer patients with treatment-related vasomotor symptoms, acupuncture may offer an effective, durable alternative to drug therapy with fewer side effects, researchers found.
http://www.medpagetoday.com/MeetingCoverage/ASTROMeeting/tb/10990
September 22, 2008 Japanese-style Acupuncture Reduces Pelvic Pain in Adolescents with Endometriosis
Reference: "Japanese-style acupuncture for endometriosis-related pelvic pain in adolescents and young women: results of a randomized sham-controlled trial," Wayne PM, Kerr CE, et al, J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol, 2008; 21(5): 247-57. (Address: Harvard Medical School, Osher Research Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA. E-mail: peter_wayne@hms.harvard.edu ).
Summary: In a study involving 14 young women between the ages of 13 and 22 years with endometriosis-related chronic pelvic pain, treatment with a Japanese style of acupuncture was found to significantly reduce pain. Patients received 16 treatments over a period of 8 weeks - 9 patients received actual acupuncture and 5 patients received a sham treatment. Results found that after 4 weeks of treatment, subjects in the acupuncture group experienced a 62% reduction (4.8 point reduction) in pain (on an 11 point scale), compared to a mere 1.4 point reduction among subjects in the sham treatment group. A six-month post-treatment assessment found that reductions in pain persisted among patients who had received acupuncture. Furthermore, all health-related quality of life measures found greater improvements among patients who received acupuncture, although many of these improvements were not statistically significant. The results of this study suggest that Japanese-style acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment for adolescent girls with endometriosis-related pelvic pain.
September 8, 2008 Acupuncture Benefits Patients with Fibromyalgia
Reference: A randomized controlled trial of acupuncture added to usual treatment for fibromyalgia," Targino RA, Imamura M, et al, J Rehabil Med, 2008; 40(7): 582-8.
Summary: In a randomized study involving 58 women with fibromyalgia, treatment with acupuncture (20 sessions), added to exercise and tricyclic antidepressant drug therapy, was found to significantly reduce pain (assessed via a visual analogue scale) and improve quality of life in 5 of the SF-36 subscales more effectively than treatment with exercise and antidepressant drug therapy alone. After 6 months, subjects who received acupuncture continued to have significantly less tender points, significantly better pressure pain threshold at the 18 tender points, and better scores on 3 subscales of the SF-36. After 1 year, subjects in the acupuncture group still showed improved in 1 subscale of the SF-36, and at 2 years, no differences between the 2 groups were noted. The authors conclude, "Addition of acupuncture to usual treatments for fibromyalgia may be beneficial for pain and quality of life for 3 months after the end of treatment."
Acupuncture Benefits Patients with Tension Neck Syndrome Reference: Tension neck syndrome treated by acupuncture combined with physiotherapy: A comparative clinical trial (pilot study)," Franca DL, Senna-Fernandes V, et al, Complement Ther Med, 2008; 16(5): 268-77.
Summary: In a prospective, comparative clinical trial involving 46 patients with tension neck syndrome (TNS), treatment with acupuncture plus physiotherapy was found to be more effective than physiotherapy alone in reducing pain and functional disability, and treatment with acupuncture plus physiotherapy was found to be more effective than acupuncture alone in improving isometric neck muscle strengthening. After a period of 10 weeks during which subjects received 1-2 treatments/sessions per week, improvements in pain intensity, muscle tension, functional disability, and muscle strength were found among subjects in all 3 groups - 1) acupuncture plus physiotherapy; 2) physiotherapy alone; 3) acupuncture alone. More significant improvements in pain and functional disability were found with acupuncture plus physiotherapy, as compared to physiotherapy alone, and more significant improvements in muscle strength were found with acupuncture plus physiotherapy, as com pared to acupuncture alone. These results suggest that acupuncture combined with physiotherapy may be a more beneficial treatment for patients with neck tension syndrome, rather than either treatment alone.
September 1, 2008
Acupuncture and Strength Training Reduce Muscle Spasticity and Improve Motor Function in Chronic Stroke Survivors
Reference: "Electroacupuncture may help motor recovery in chronic stroke survivors: A pilot study," Liu W, Mukherjee M, et al, J Rehabil Res Dev, 2008; 45(4): 587-9. (Address: Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. E-mail: wliu@kumc.edu ).
Summary: In a randomized, crossover study involving 10 chronic stroke survivors with moderate or severe muscle spasticity, acupuncture, added to strength training, was found to reduce muscle spasticity more effectively than strength training alone. For 6 weeks, subjects received strength training alone, or strength training plus acupuncture (electroacupuncture), twice a week. After the first 6 weeks, the groups were crossed over for another 6 weeks. After the combined treatment, improvements were found in quantitative measurements of wrist spasticity, active wrist extension range of motion (mean increase: 16.3), and clinical evaluation with Fugl-Meyer upper-limb motor scores (mean increase: 4.9 points), while no such improvements were found with strength training alone. These results suggest that acupuncture plus strength training may reduce muscle spasticity in chronic stroke survivors.
Acupuncture Found to Be Effective in the Treatment of Diabetic Gastroparesis
Reference: "A Single-Blinded, Randomized Pilot Study Evaluating Effects of Electroacupuncture in Diabetic Patients with Symptoms Suggestive of Gastroparesis," Wang CP, Kao CH, et al, J Altern Complement Med, 2008 August 23; [Epub ahead of print]. (Address: Ching-Liang Hsieh, MD, Department of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, No. 2, Yuh-Der Road, Taichung City, 404, Taiwan, R.O.C. E-mail: clhsieh@mail.cmuh.org.tw ).
Summary: In a randomized, single-blinded, pilot study involving 19 diabetic patients (type 2) with symptoms of gastroparesis (a disorder in which the stomach takes too long to empty its contents) for more than 3 months, treatment with acupuncture (electroacupuncture at ST-36/Zusanli and LI-4/Hegu), twice a week for 2 weeks, was found to significantly reduce gastric half-emptying time (143.8 minutes versus 98.8 minutes), as compared to treatment with sham acupuncture, which did not reduce gastric half-emptying time. Furthermore, among patients treated with real acupuncture, symptom severity (assessed using the Gastroparesis Cardinal Symptom Index) improved significantly immediately following the 2 weeks of treatment (2.38 versus 1.48), and continued to show improved status 2 weeks after the end of the trial (2.38 versus 1.65). No such benefits were found with the sham acupuncture. The results of this study suggest that acupuncture may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with diabetic gastroparesis. The authors conclude, "…A larger trial is required to draw definitive conclusions."