Research - Acupuncture / Acupressure
Beyond Pills: Acupressure Impact on Self-Rated Pain and Anxiety Scores
Elizabeth Monson, Diane Arney, Beth Benham, Rebekah Bird, Erika Elias, Kami Linden, Kimberly McCord, Cathy Miller, Tammy Miller, Lori Ritter, and Deanna Waggy
Abstract
Objectives: To determine impact of an acupressure protocol on self-rated pain and anxiety scores.
Design: Retrospective database analysis of self-rated pain and anxiety scores before and immediately after administration of stress release acupressure protocol.
Participants: Participants include hospitalized patients, nurses, and public.
Intervention: Involves a 16-point stress release acupressure protocol.
Outcome measures: Outcome measures involve pre- and post-treatment self-rated pain scores (0–10) with the Wong-Baker Faces Scale and pre- and post-treatment self-rated anxiety scores (0–10) on a visual analog scale.
Results: Five hundred and nineteen acupressure treatments were retrospectively analyzed with pre- and post-treatment self-rated pain and anxiety scores, where 0 represented no pain or anxiety and 10 represented the worst pain and anxiety. Overall, participants demonstrated a two-point decrease in pain scores and a four-point decrease in anxiety scores post-treatment. Hospitalized patients demonstrated a four-point decrease in pain scores and a five-point decrease in anxiety scores post-treatment. Nurses demonstrated a three-point decrease in pain scores and four-point decrease in anxiety scores post-treatment. Public population demonstrated a one-point decrease in pain scores and two-point decrease in anxiety scores post-treatment. Seventy-five percent of participants were highly satisfied with acupressure treatments, and 96% of treatments were administered in less than 30 minutes.
Conclusions: Acupressure is a highly satisfactory complementary therapy that can demonstrate a clinically significant decrease in self-rated pain and anxiety scores.
Source : Journal Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Link to Full Article
The effect of acupressure therapy on pain, stiffness and physical functioning of knees among older adults diagnosed with osteoarthritis: A pilot randomized control trial
Nabi Akbarnezhad, Farahnaz Mohammadi Shahboulaghi, Hamidreza Khankeh, Yahya Sokhangouie, Akbar Biglarian,
Shokoufeh Modanloo
Abstract
Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common and fast-growing chronic diseases among older adults. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acupressure therapy on pain, stiffness, and physical functioning of a knee affected by osteoarthritis.
Methods: A single-blind pilot randomized control trial was conducted on 51 older adults living in one of 3 nursing homes with OA of the knee. Nursing homes were randomly allocated to one of three study groups; acupressure therrapy, placebo, and routine care. The intervention group received acupressure therapy on eight acupoints. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total score and the separate WOMAC subscales were used to evaluate pain, stiffness and physical functioning of knees.
Results: A one-way ANOVA revealed that WOMAC index was not significantly different at the baseline between the three groups (P=0.296). After intervention, ANOVA showed significant differences between groups in regard to total WOMAC index, pain and physical dysfunction (p<0.001). Post hoc comparisons revealed that participants receiving acupressure showed a significant decrease in total WOMAC index, pain and physical dysfunction (p<0.001). Indeed ANCOVA detected a difference in means of pain (p≤0.001), stiffness (p= 0.038) and physical dysfunction (p≤0.001) in three groups.
Conclusion: Acupressure may be an effective intervention for reducing the pain, stiffness, and improving the function of knees with osteoarthritis.
Source : European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Impact of Self-Acupressure on Co-Occurring Symptoms in Cancer Survivors
Suzanna Maria Zick Ananda Sen Afton Luevano Hassett Andrew SchrepfGwen Karilyn Wyatt Susan Lynn Murphy John Todd Arnedt Richard Edmund Harris
Abstract
Background
Cancer survivors with fatigue often experience depressive symptoms, anxiety, and pain. Previously, we reported that self-acupressure improved fatigue; however, its impact on other co-occurring symptoms and their involvement in treatment action has not been explored.
Methods
Changes in depressive symptoms, anxiety, and pain were examined prior to and following two formulas of self-acupressure and usual care using linear mixed models in 288 women from a previously reported clinical trial. Participants were categorized by random assignment into one of three groups: 1) relaxing acupressure, 2) stimulating acupressure, or 3) usual care. Moderators investigated were body mass index, age, depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep and pain, and mediators were change in these symptoms.
Results
Following treatment, depressive symptoms improved statistically significantly for the relaxing acupressure group (41.5%) compared with stimulating acupressure (25%) and usual care (7.7%). Both acupressure groups were associated with greater improvements in anxiety than usual care, but only relaxing acupressure was associated with greater reductions in pain severity, and only stimulating acupressure was associated with greater reductions in pain interference. There were no statistically significant moderators of sleep quality, anxiety, or depressive symptoms. Fatigue statistically significantly moderated pain, and age statistically significantly modified fatigue. Changes in depressive symptoms and sleep quality statistically significantly mediated the relationship between relaxing acupressure and usual care on fatigue; however, the effect was small.
Conclusions
Acupressure was associated with greater improvements than usual care in anxiety, pain, and symptoms of depression in breast cancer survivors with troublesome fatigue. These findings warrant further evaluation in suitably controlled randomized trials.
Source : JNCI Cancer Spectrum,
Link to Full Article
Effects of the Right Carotid Sinus Compression Technique on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate in Medicated Patients with Hypertension
Angélica María Campón-Checkroun, Agustín Luceño-Mardones, Inmaculada Riquelme, Jesús Oliva-Pascual-Vaca, François Ricard, and Ángel Oliva-Pascual-Vaca
Abstract
Objectives: To identify the immediate and middle-term effects of the right carotid sinus compression technique on blood pressure and heart rate in hypertensive patients.
Design: Randomized blinded experimental study.
Settings: Primary health centers of Cáceres (Spain).
Subjects: Sixty-four medicated patients with hypertension were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n = 33) or to a control group (n = 31).
Intervention: In the intervention group a compression of the right carotid sinus was applied for 20 sec. In the control group, a placebo technique of placing hands on the radial styloid processes was performed.
Outcome measures: Blood pressure and heart rate were measured in both groups before the intervention (preintervention), immediately after the intervention, 5 min after the intervention, and 60 min after the intervention.
Results: The intervention group significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate immediately after the intervention, with a large clinical effect; systolic blood pressure remained reduced 5 min after the intervention, and heart rate remained reduced 60 min after the intervention. No significant changes were observed in the control group.
Conclusions: Right carotid sinus compression could be clinically useful for regulating acute hypertension.
Source Journal Alternative + Complementary Medicine
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture on the Stress-Related Drug Relapse to Seeking
Hyo Sun Roh,1 Bo Ra Park,2 Eun Young Jang,2 Jin Sook Kim,3 and Young S.Gwak
Abstract
Drug addiction is a chronic relapsing disease, which causes serious social and economic problems. The most important trial for the successful treatment of drug addiction is to prevent the high rate of relapse to drug-seeking behaviors. Opponent process as a motivational theory with excessive drug seeking in the negative reinforcement of drug dependence reflects both loss of brain reward system and recruitment of brain stress system. The negative emotional state produced by brain stress system during drug withdrawal might contribute to the intense drug craving and drive drug-seeking behaviors via negative reinforcement mechanisms. Decrease in dopamine neurotransmission in the nucleus accumbens and recruitment of corticotropin-releasing factor in the extended amygdala are hypothesized to be implicated in mediating this motivated behavior. Also, a brain stress response system is hypothesized to increase drug craving and contribute to relapse to drug-seeking behavior during the preoccupation and anticipation stage of dependence caused by the exposure to stress characterized as the nonspecific responses to any demands on the body. Acupuncture has proven to be effective for reducing drug addiction and stress-related psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Furthermore, acupuncture has been shown to correct reversible brain malfunctions by regulating drug addiction and stress-related neurotransmitters. Accordingly, it seems reasonable to propose that acupuncture attenuates relapse to drug-seeking behavior through inhibition of stress response. In this review, a brief description of stress in relapse to drug-seeking behavior and the effects of acupuncture were presented.
In conclusion, studies provide strong evidences that acupuncture reduces stress-induced negative emotional state and relapse to drug-seeking behavior by modulating the mesolimbic dopamine system and CRF stress system. A better understanding of acupuncture’s role may lead to the development of successful therapeutic intervention in the treatment of drug addiction associated with stress.
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture’s Role in Solving the Opioid Epidemic: Evidence, Cost-Effectiveness, and Care Availability for Acupuncture as a Primary, Non-Pharmacologic Method for Pain Relief and Management—White Paper 2017
Arthur Yin Fan1 , David W. Miller2,3,4, Bonnie Bolash3 , Matthew Bauer3,5,John McDonald3,6, Sarah Faggert2,7, Hongjian He2,8,9, Yong Ming Li10, Amy Matecki9,11, Lindy Camardella2,3, Mel Hopper Koppelman3,6, Jennifer A.M. Stone2,12, Lindsay Meade2,3, John Pang1
Abstract
The United States (U.S.) is facing a national opioid epidemic, and medical systems are in need of nonpharmacologic strategies that can be employed to decrease the public’s opioid dependence. Acupuncture has emerged as a powerful, evidence-based, safe, cost-effective, and available treatment modality suitable to meeting this need. Acupuncture has been shown to be effective for the management of numerous types of pain conditions, and mechanisms of action for acupuncture have been described and are understandable from biomedical, physiologic perspectives. Further, acupuncture’s cost-effectiveness can dramatically decrease health care expenditures, both from the standpoint of treating acute pain and through avoiding addiction to opioids that requires costly care, destroys quality of life, and can lead to fatal overdose. Numerous federal regulatory agencies have advised or mandated that healthcare systems and providers offer non-pharmacologic treatment options for pain. Acupuncture stands out as the most evidence-based, immediately available choice to fulfil these calls. Acupuncture can safely, easily, and cost-effectively be incorporated into hospital settings as diverse as the emergency department, labor and delivery suites, and neonatal intensive care units to treat a variety of commonly seen pain conditions. Acupuncture is already being successfully and meaningfully utilized by the Veterans Administration and various branches of the U.S. Military, in some studies demonstrably decreasing the volume of opioids prescribed when included in care.
Source : Journal of Integrative Medicine
Link to Full Article to Download PDF
The Effect of Acupressure on Agitation and Salivary Cortisol in People with Dementia: A Pilot Study
Rick Y.C. Kwan, RN, MSc,1 Mason C.P. Leung, MCP, PDPT, PhD,2 and Claudia K.Y. Lai, RN, PhD3
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to identify the acupressure effect over time, compare the efficacy in different dosages, and identify feasibility issues with saliva sample collection and acupressure implementation in agitated nursing home residents with dementia.
Design: Time serial design with eight dosage-combination groups.
Setting: Three residential care homes (RCHs) in Hong Kong.
Participants: Agitated RCH residents with dementia.
Interventions: Acupressure was performed for 9 minutes altogether on five acupoints: Fengchi (GB 20), Baihui(GV 20), Shenmen (HT 7), Niguan (PC 6), and Yingtang (EX-HN 3). Two frequencies (once and twice a day) and four durations (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks) formed eight dosage combinations.
Outcome measures: The primary outcome was agitation, measured by the Cohen Mansfield Agitation Inventory. The secondary outcome was stress, measured by salivary cortisol.
Results: Twenty-four participants from three RCHs completed the study. Acupressure was successfully completed for 88% of total sessions, and 79.17% of participants completed more than 80% of expected sessions. The effect of acupressure on agitation onset was seen immediately at week 1 (p < 0.001), resurged at week 4 (p = 0.001), and was sustained until week 6 (p < 0.001). The effect on stress began immediately to a mild extent at week 1 (p = 0.011) and peaked at week 4 (p = 0.010). Acupressure was observed to show the largest effect when it was performed twice a day (p = 0.026) for 2 weeks (p = 0.005). Valid saliva samples were collected for 53.33% of participants. Hyposalivation caused this unsatisfactory yield of valid saliva samples.
Conclusion: Acupressure can be conducted on agitated RCH residents with dementia, but low yield of saliva samples related to participants' hyposalivation is a problem. Preliminary findings suggest that acupressure is effective in reducing both agitation and stress. Its onset of effect was immediate, and the effect was sustained until 6 weeks after the intervention. The optimal dosage appears to be a course of acupressure twice a day for 2 weeks.
Source : Sci-Hub via Journal Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Link to Full Article
Individualized Acupuncture for Symptom Relief in Functional Dyspepsia: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Ko SJ1, Kuo B2, Kim SK1, Lee H3, Kim J1, Han G1, Kim J1, Kim SY3, Jang S1, Son J1, Kim M1, Lee H3, Yeo I4, Joo KR5, Park JW1.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:This study was implemented to evaluate the effect of individualized acupuncture treatment (AT) on functional dyspepsia (FD).
METHODS:A randomized, waitlist-controlled, two-center trial was performed. Seventy-six patients with FD were enrolled in the trial with partially individualized AT in a more realistic clinical setting performed twice a week for 15 minutes a session over 4 weeks. The participants were randomly allocated to a group receiving 8 sessions of AT for 4 weeks or a waitlist control group. After 4 consecutive weeks, the AT group was followed up without AT and the control group received the identical AT. The proportion of responders with adequate symptom relief, Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI), FD-related quality of life, Beck Depression Inventory, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Acupuncture Belief Scale, and acupuncture credibility test were assessed.
RESULTS:After the first 4 weeks, the proportion of responders significantly improved (59% in AT group [n = 37] versus 3% in control group [n = 39]; p < 0.001). The difference was no longer significant at 8 weeks, at which point the waitlist control group showed similar improvement after receiving AT (68% in the AT group versus 79% in the control group). Total NDI scores were significantly reduced in the AT group compared with the waitlist group (p = 0.03). Among NDI items, discomfort (p = 0.01), burning (p = 0.02), fullness after eating (p = 0.02), and burping (p = 0.02) were significantly improved in the AT group compared with the control group. No significant differences were observed between groups in other secondary variables.
CONCLUSION:Individualized AT adequately relieves symptoms in patients with FD, and this effect may persist up to 8 weeks.
Source : Sci-Hub via Journal Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Link to Full Article
Effectiveness of Acupressure on the Taichong Acupoint in Lowering Blood Pressure in Patients with Hypertension: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Gan-Hon Lin,1 Wei-Chun Chang,2 Kuan-Ju Chen,2 Chen-Chen Tsai,3,4 Sung-Yuan Hu,5,6 and Li-Li Chen7,8
Abstract
Objectives. To evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure on the Taichong acupoint in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in hypertensive patients.
Methods. Eighty patients with hypertension attending a cardiology outpatient department in central Taiwan were included in this randomized clinical trial. Acupressure was applied to the Taichong acupoint in the experimental group (n=40) and to the first metatarsal (sham acupoint) in the control group (n=40). Blood pressure was measured by electronic monitoring before and immediately 15 min and 30 min after acupressure.
Results. The average age of the experimental and control participants was 59.3 ± 9.2 years and 62.7 ± 8.4 years, respectively. The two groups were similar for demographics and antihypertensive drug use. Mean systolic and diastolic BP in the experimental group decreased at 0, 15, and 30 min after acupressure (165.0/96.3, 150.4/92.7, 145.7/90.8, and 142.9/88.6 mmHg); no significant changes occurred in the control group. There was a significant difference in systolic and diastolic BP between the experimental and control groups immediately and 15 and 30 min after acupressure (p<0.05).
Conclusion. Acupressure on the Taichong acupoint can lower BP in hypertensive patients and may be included in the nursing care plan for hypertension. However, additional studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage, frequency, and long-term effects of this therapy.
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Curative effect of acupuncture on quality of life in patient with depression: a clinical randomized single-blind placebo-controlled study
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the quality of life in patients with depression by clinical randomized single-blind placebo-controlled study.
Methods one hundred and sixty-three cases of depression according with the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a group of acupuncture dredging liver and regulating flow of theosophy (group 1), a group of acupoint shallow stab (group 2) and a group of non-acupoint shallow stab (group 3) at 1:1:1 ratio, and treated with acupuncture, moxibustion, and intradermal embedding of needle, twice a week, for a total of 12 weeks. Scale of Quality of Life (SF-36) was used to measure the scores at four different time points and evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the quality of life of the patients with depression.
Results At each time point after treatment, in scores of the 8 items, physical function, physical role, bodily pain, general physical condition, energy, social function, emotional function and mental health there were statistically significant differences among the 3 groups (P < 0.0125).
Conclusion Acupuncture can effectively improve the quality of life of patients with depression
Source : Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Link to Full Article
Investigation of 2 Types of Self-administered Acupressure for Persistent Cancer-Related Fatigue in Breast Cancer Survivors A Randomized Clinical Trial
Suzanna M. Zick, ND, MPH; Ananda Sen, PhD; Gwen K. Wyatt, PhD, RN; Susan L. Murphy, PhD; J. Todd Arnedt, PhD; Richard E. Harris, PhD
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Fatigue is a common and debilitating late-term effect of breast cancer that is associated with poor sleep and decreased quality of life, yet therapies remain limited. Acupressure has reduced fatigue in previous small studies, but rigorous clinical trials are needed.
OBJECTIVES To investigate if 6 weeks of 2 types of self-administered acupressure improved fatigue, sleep, and quality of life vs usual care in breast cancer survivors and to determine if changes were sustained during a 4-week washout period. DESIGN,
SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Phase 3 randomized, single-blind, clinical trial conducted from March 1, 2011, through October 31, 2014. Women were recruited from the Michigan Tumor Registry.
INTERVENTIONS Randomization (1:1:1) to 6 weeks of daily self-administered relaxing acupressure, stimulating acupressure, or usual care.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was change in the Brief Fatigue Inventory score from baseline to weeks 6 and 10. Secondary analyses were sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and quality of life (Long-Term Quality of Life Instrument).
RESULTS A total of 424 survivors of stages 0 to III breast cancer who had completed cancer treatments at least 12 months previously were screened, and 288 were randomized, with 270 receiving relaxing acupressure (n = 94), stimulating acupressure (n = 90), or usual care (n = 86). One woman withdrew owing to bruising at the acupoints. At week 6, the percentages of participants who achieved normal fatigue levels (Brief Fatigue Inventory score <4) were 66.2% (49 of 74) in relaxing acupressure, 60.9% (42 of 70) in stimulating acupressure, and 31.3% (26 of 84) in usual care. At week 10, a total of 56.3% (40 of 71) in relaxing acupressure, 60.9% (42 of 69) in stimulating acupressure, and 30.1% (25 of 83) in usual care continued to have normal fatigue. At neither time point were the 2 acupressure groups significantly different. Relaxing acupressure, but not stimulating acupressure, showed significant improvements in sleep quality compared with usual care at week 6, but not at week 10. Only relaxing acupressure significantly improved quality of life vs usual care at weeks 6 and 10.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Both acupressure arms significantly reduced persistent fatigue compared with usual care, but only relaxing acupressure had significant effects on sleep quality and quality of life. Relaxing acupressure offers a possible low-cost option for managing symptoms.
Source : JAMA Oncology
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture for insomnia after stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
- Sook-Hyun Lee and
- Sung Min Lim
Background Insomnia is the common complaint among patients with stroke. Acupuncture has increasingly been used for insomnia relief after stroke.
The aim of the present study was to summarize and evaluate evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving insomnia after stroke.
Methods Seven databases were searched from inception through October 2014 without language restrictions. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if acupuncture was compared to placebo or other conventional therapy for treatment of insomnia after stroke. Assessments were performed using the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), the insomnia severity index (ISI), the Athens insomnia scale (AIS), and the efficacy standards of Chinese medicine.
Results A total of 165 studies were identified; 13 RCTs met our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture appeared to be more effective than drugs for treatment of insomnia after stroke, as assessed by the PSQI (weighted mean difference, 4.31; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 1.67–6.95; P = 0.001) and by the efficacy standards of Chinese medicine (risk ratio, 1.25; 95 % CI, 1.12–1.40; P < 0.001). Intradermal acupuncture had significant effects compared with sham acupuncture, as assessed by the ISI (weighted mean difference, 4.44; 95 % CI, 2.75–6.13; P < 0.001) and the AIS (weighted mean difference, 3.64; 95 % CI, 2.28–5.00;P < 0.001).
Conclusions Our results suggest that acupuncture could be effective for treating insomnia after stroke. However, further studies are needed to confirm the role of acupuncture in the treatment of this disorder.
Source : BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia: Meta-Analysis
Weimei Zhou, MS, Jiewen Su, MS, and Hongjie Zhang, PhD
Abstract
Objectives: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is a common gastrointestinal disorder. Currently, no established optimal treatment is available. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with FD.
Methods: PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Sino-Med, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP databases, and Google Scholar engine were searched from inception through April 2014 to identify randomized controlled trials of acupuncture therapy that reported on overall FD symptoms or FD-related quality of life as a primary outcome. The Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool, RevMan 5.0, and Stata 12.0 software were used for meta-analysis. Data were pooled to calculate relative risk (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of substantial improvement after treatment for dichotomous data and mean differences (SMDs) and 95% CIs for continuous data using random-effects models.
Results: Twenty-four English- and Chinese-language articles describing randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trials involving 3097 patients were included. Acupuncture significantly improved FD symptoms in studies reporting outcomes using dichotomous (RR, 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12–1.27; p < 0.001) and continuous (standardized MD [SMD], −0.78; 95% CI, −1.21 to −0.35; p = 0.0004) variables. Pooled analyses showed that acupuncture improved FD-related (weighted MD [WMD], 5.97; 95% CI, 3.14–8.80; p = 0.0002) and health-related (WMD, 6.83; 95% CI, 3.02–10.65; p = 0.004) quality of life, without serious adverse events. However, acupuncture failed to increase plasma motilin concentration (SMD, 0.67; 95% CI, −0.07 to 1.42; p = 0.08).
Conclusions: Acupuncture appears to be efficacious in relieving FD symptoms and improving quality of life.
Source : Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Link to Full Article
Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Acupuncture Stimulation via the Vagus Nerve
Abstract
Although acupuncture therapy is widely used in traditional Asian medicine for the treatment of diverse internal organ disorders, its underlying biological mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we investigated the functional involvement of acupuncture stimulation (AS) in the regulation of inflammatory responses. TNF-α production in mouse serum, which was induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration, was decreased by manual acupuncture (MAC) at the zusanli acupoint (stomach36, ST36). In the spleen, TNF-α mRNA and protein levels were also downregulated by MAC and were recovered by using a splenic neurectomy and a vagotomy. c-Fos, which was induced in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus nerve (DMV) by LPS and electroacupuncture (EAC), was further increased by focal administration of the AMPA receptor blocker CNQX and the purinergic receptor antagonist PPADS. TNF-α levels in the spleen were decreased by CNQX and PPADS treatments, implying the involvement of inhibitory neuronal activity in the DVC. In unanesthetized animals, both MAC and EAC generated c-Fos induction in the DVC neurons. However, MAC, but not EAC, was effective in decreasing splenic TNF-α production. These results suggest that the therapeutic effects of acupuncture may be mediated through vagal modulation of inflammatory responses in internal organs.
Source : PLOS One
Link to Full Article
Unanticipated Insights into Biomedicine from the Study of Acupuncture
Abstract
Research into acupuncture has had ripple effects beyond the field of acupuncture. This paper identifies five exemplars to illustrate that there is tangible evidence of the way insights gleaned from acupuncture research have informed biomedical research, practice, or policy. The first exemplar documents how early research into acupuncture analgesia has expanded into neuroimaging research, broadening physiologic understanding and treatment of chronic pain. The second describes how the acupuncture needle has become a tool to enhance biomedical knowledge of connective tissue. The third exemplar, which illustrates use of a modified acupuncture needle as a sham device, focuses on emergent understanding of placebo effects and, in turn, on insights into therapeutic encounters in treatments unrelated to acupuncture. The fourth exemplar documents that two medical devices now in widespread use were inspired by acupuncture: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators for pain control and antinausea wrist bands. The final exemplar describes how pragmatic clinical trial designs applied in acupuncture research have informed current general interest in comparative effectiveness research. In conclusion, these exemplars of unanticipated outcomes of acupuncture research comprise an additional rationale for continued support of basic and clinical research evaluating acupuncture and other under-researched therapies.
Source : Journal Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Link to Full Article
Acupoint stimulation for chronic urticaria: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
- Jingdong Yana, ,
- Yuepeng Ana, ,
- Ling-shu Wangb, ,
- Yi Lic, ,
- Suqing Yanga
Abstract
Introduction Standard treatments are often unsatisfactory on chronic urticaria (CU). Acupoint stimulation, including acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupoint catgut embedding, acupoint injection, has shown benefit about alleviating itching, reducing amount and range of the lesions. However, the methodological quality of these trials is unknown. Thus, the objective of this review is to evaluate the quality and effectiveness of acupoint stimulation for chronic urticaria.
Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CNKI, CBM, VIP, Wanfang databases from January 1966 to June 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupoint stimulation for CU were included. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate methodological quality.
Results Eight RCTs met the inclusion criteria, which were all low quality. Acupuncture plus other treatment was significantly superior to western medicine alone and autologous blood injection plus herbal medicine was better than herbal medicine alone in increasing the number of cured patients.
Conclusions Acupoint stimulation may provide benefit in CU; however, more large scale, high quality studies are needed for assessing the effects before it is recommended.
Source : European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Link to Full Article
The effects of acupuncture on polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Fan Qua, 1, Yan Wua, 1, Xiao-Yang Hub, 1, John A. Barryc, Jue Zhoud, Fang-Fang Wanga, Ying-Hui Yea, Rong Zhange, Song-Ping Hane, Ji-Sheng Hane, Rong Lif, Malcolm B. Tawg, Paul J. Hardimanc, Nicola Robinsonb
Abstract
Introduction
A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to assess the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Methods
RCTs that compared either acupuncture with no/sham (placebo) acupuncture or a certain therapy with acupuncture added in the treatment of PCOS were included in the review. Measures of treatment effectiveness were the pooled odds ratios (OR) for women with PCOS having acupuncture compared with women in the control group for the recovery of menstrual cycles, standardized mean difference (SMD) for body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin (FINS), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and the ratio of LH/FSH.
Results
A total of nine RCTs (531 women) met criteria for inclusion into the systematic review. Using the random effects model, pooling of the effect estimates from all RCTs showed recovery of menstrual cycles (OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.09–0.41, P < 0.01), BMI (SMD = −0.63, 95% CI: −1.04 to −0.21, P = 0.04), and LH (SMD = −0.39, 95% CI: −0.65 to −0.12, P < 0.01) which favored the acupuncture group. No significant differences were observed for FINS, FPG, FSH and the ratio of LH/FSH between acupuncture and control groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
Acupuncture appears to significantly improve the recovery of the menstrual cycles and decrease the levels of BMI and LH in women with PCOS. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the limited methodological quality of included RCTs.
Source : European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Principle Study of Head Meridian Acupoint Massage to Stress Release via Grey Data Model Analysis
Ya-Ting Lee *
Abstract
This paper presents the scientific study of the effectiveness and action principle of head meridian acupoint massage by applying the grey data model analysis approach. First, the head massage procedure for massaging the important head meridian acupuncture points including Taiyang, Fengfu, Tianzhu, Fengqi, and Jianjing is formulated in a standard manner. Second, the status of the autonomic nervous system of each subject is evaluated by using the heart rate variability analyzer before and after the head massage following four weeks. Afterward, the physiological factors of autonomic nerves are quantitatively analyzed by using the grey data modeling theory. The grey data analysis can point out that the status of autonomic nervous system is greatly improved after the massage. The order change of the grey relationship weighting of physiological factors shows the action principle of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves when performing head massage. In other words, the grey data model is able to distinguish the detailed interaction of the autonomic nervous system and the head meridian acupoint massage. Thus, the stress relaxing effect of massaging head meridian acupoints is proved, which is lacked in literature. The results can be a reference principle for massage health care in practice.
Source Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Treating Sciatica: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Zongshi Qin,1,2 Xiaoxu Liu,1,2 Jiani Wu,1 Yanbing Zhai,1,2 and Zhishun Liu1
Abstract
This is a systematic review and meta-analysis, which aimed to assess the current evidence on the effects and safety of acupuncture for treating sciatica. In this review, a total of 11 randomized controlled trials were included. As a result, we found that the use of acupuncture may be more effective than drugs and may enhance the effect of drugs for patients with sciatica, but because of the insufficient number of relevant and rigorous studies, the evidence is limited. Future trials using rigorous methodology, appropriate comparisons, and clinically relevant outcomes should be conducted.
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Decreased risk of acute myocardial infarction in stroke patients receiving acupuncture treatment: a nationwide matched retrospective cohort study
Sun-Fa Chuang1†, Chun-Chuan Shih2†, Chun-Chieh Yeh34, Hsin-Long Lane2, Chin-Chuan Tsai25, Ta-Liang Chen678, Jaung-Geng Lin9, Tainsong Chen1† and Chien-Chang Liao6789*†
Abstract
Background Whether acupuncture protects stroke patients from acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not been studied previously. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of AMI among stroke patients receiving acupuncture treatment.
Methods Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database was used to conduct a retrospective cohort study of 23475 stroke patients aged 40–79 years receiving acupuncture treatment and 46950 propensity score-matched stroke patients not receiving acupuncture treatment who served as controls from 2000 to 2004. Both stroke cohorts were followed until the end of 2009 and were adjusted for immortal time to measure the incidence and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) for new-onset AMI in multivariate Cox proportional hazard models.
Results Stroke patients who received acupuncture treatment (9.2 per 1000 person-years) exhibited a lower incidence of AMI compared with those who did not receive acupuncture treatment (10.8 per 1000 person-years), with an HR of 0.86 (95 % CI, 0.80–0.93) after adjusting for age, sex, low income, coexisting medical conditions and medications. The relationship between acupuncture treatment and AMI risk was investigated in female stroke patients (HR, 0.85; 95 % CI, 0.76–0.95), male stroke patients (HR, 0.87; 95 % CI, 0.80–0.95), patients from 50 to 59 years of age (HR, 0.75; 95 % CI, 0.63–0.90), patients from 60 to 69 years of age (HR, 0.85; 95 % CI, 0.75–0.95), patients suffering from ischemic stroke (HR, 0.87; 95 % CI, 0.79–0.95), and patients suffering from hemorrhagic stroke (HR, 0.62; 95 % CI, 0.44–0.88).
Conclusions We raised the possibility that acupuncture may be effective in lowering the risk of AMI in stroke patients aged 50–69 in this study, which was limited by a lack of information regarding stroke severity and acupuncture points. Our results suggest that prospective randomized trials are needed to establish the efficacy of acupuncture in preventing AMI.
Source : BMC Complementary and Alternatve Medicine
Link to Full Article
The Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Auricular Point Acupressure for Chronic Low Back Pain
Wei-Chun Lin, 1 Chao Hsing Yeh, 1 , * Lung-Chang Chien, 2 Natalia E. Morone, 3 Ronald M. Glick, 4 and Kathryn M. Albers 5
Abstract
Background. Auricular point acupressure (APA) is a promising treatment for pain management. Few studies have investigated the physiological mechanisms of APA analgesics.
Method. In this pilot randomized clinical trial (RCT), a 4-week APA treatment was used to manage chronic low back pain (CLBP). Sixty-one participants were randomized into a real APA group (n = 32) or a sham APA group (n = 29). Blood samples, pain intensity, and physical function were collected at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.
Results.Subjects in the real APA group reported a 56% reduction of pain intensity and a 26% improvement in physical function. Serum blood samples showed (1) a decrease in IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, and calcitonin gene-related peptide [CGRP] and (2) an increase in IL-4. In contrast, subjects in the sham APA group (1) reported a 9% reduction in pain and a 2% improvement in physical function and (2) exhibited minimal changes of inflammatory cytokines and neuropeptides. Statistically significant differences in IL-4 and CGRP expression between the real and sham APA groups were verified.
Conclusion. These findings suggest that APA treatment affects pain intensity through modulation of the immune system, as reflected by APA-induced changes in serum inflammatory cytokine and neuropeptide levels.
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Auricular Acupressure Can Modulate Pain Threshold
Antonietta Santoro,1 Stefania Lucia Nori,1 Letizia Lorusso,1 Carmine Secondulfo,1 Marcellino Monda,2 and Andrea Viggiano1
1Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84084 Fisciano, Salerno, Italy
2Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy
Abstract
The objective of our study was to investigate if auriculotherapy (AT) can modulate pain threshold. In our experiments, AT consisted of placing Vaccaria seeds over the “fingers point” of one ear. Two groups of healthy volunteers were enrolled for the study. Each subject was asked to perform an autoalgometric test developed by our group on three occasions: before, 1 hour after, AT and 24 hours after AT. Participants of the first group received a 2-minute long session of AT, while participants of the second group received a 2-minute long session of sham treatment, consisting of a puncture/massage above the skin of the neck. The autoalgometric test consisted of applying an increasing pressure with the finger-tips and finger-backs of four fingers by the subjects themselves (i.e., eight sites were evaluated) against a round-shaped needle for two times: until a minimum pain sensation (first time, minimal test) or a maximally tolerable pain sensation (second time, maximal test). Our results showed a significant higher pain threshold in the maximal test at 24 hours after AT compared to sham treatment. This result indicates for the first time that AT can increase pain tolerability, rather than affecting the minimal pain threshold.
Source : eCam
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture Therapy Is More Effective Than Artificial Tears for Dry Eye Syndrome: Evidence Based on a Meta-Analysis
Lei Yang,1 Zongguo Yang,2 Hong Yu,1 and Hui Song1
1Aerospace Center Hospital, Beijing 100049, China
2Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
Abstract
Background. The efficacy of acupuncture in dry eye syndrome patients remains controversial. Methods. Pubmed, Ovid, Cochrane libraries, CNKI, Wanfang, and CQVIP databases were electronically searched until October 1, 2014. Outcomes including tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer I test (SIT), and cornea fluorescein staining (CFS) were analyzed. A meta-analysis was performed using both fixed- and random-effects models based on heterogeneity across studies. Results. Seven studies were included in this study; 198 and 185 patients were randomly treated with acupuncture and artificial tears, respectively. The overall BUT of patients in acupuncture group was significantly longer than that of the artificial tears group after treatment (P<0.00001). The SIT was significantly higher in the acupuncture group than that in the artificial tears group after treatment (P=0.001). The CFS of patients in acupuncture group was significantly improved compared to that in artificial group (P<0.0001). Conclusions. Acupuncture therapy is effective for the dry eye patients, partly better than artificial tear treatment.
Source : Journal eCAM
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture accelerates recovery after general anesthesia: a prospective randomized controlled trial
1. Marco Gemma (Department of Anesthesia and Neurointensive Care, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy )
2. Elisa Nicelli (Department of Anesthesia and Neurointensive Care, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy )
3. Luigi Gioia (Department of Anesthesia and Neurointensive Care, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy )
4. Elena Moizo (Department of Anesthesia and Neurointensive Care, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy )
5. Luigi Beretta (Department of Anesthesia and Neurointensive Care, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy )
6. Maria Rosa Calvi (Department of Anesthesia and Neurointensive Care, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy )
ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Acupuncture anesthesia was created in the 1950’s in China and continues to be used there today during most major surgeries. It is widely used in China for such complex operations as brain, heart, and abdominal surgery. It is popular in China because it is economical, practical, and beneficial to the patients. With acupuncture anesthesia there is less bleeding during surgery and there is also quicker post-operative recovery.
OBJECTIVE: This randomized prospective study aims at comparing the effect of two acupoints (Yongquan, KI1 and Renzhong, DU26) with sham acupuncture and no acupuncture on the time to recovery of consciousness after general anesthesia by means of the Bispectral Index monitor (BIS).
DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: This is a prospective randomized controlled study. We randomly assigned 50 patients to 5 groups during recovery from surgical anesthesia. Four groups had acupuncture on KI1 (group A), DU26 (groups B), both KI1 and DU26 (group C), and sham points (group D), and one had no acupuncture (group E).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bispectral Index (BIS), time to spontaneous eye opening, time to tracheal extubation, and time to following commands were measured as the main outcome measures.
RESULTS: Time to spontaneous eye opening differed among groups (P=0.002), as well as time to tracheal extubation (P<0.000 1) and time to following commands (P=0.000 6). BIS values differed significantly among groups both 5 and 10 min after the end of anesthesia (P<0.000 1 and P=0.000 4, respectively). BIS values of groups D and E were lower than those of the other groups and those of group C were higher. The same pattern was observed also 15 and 30 min after the end of anesthesia, although the difference among groups was not significant at these time points (P=0.164 and P=0.104, respectively).
CONCLUSION: Acupuncture on DU26 and KI1 accelerates recovery of consciousness after general anesthesia. Moreover, a possible synergistic effect of DU26 and KI1 is suggested. This issue may play a role in the optimization of operating room management and raise interest about the usefulness of acupuncture on unconsciousness states of different nature.
Source : Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Fourier-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography for Monitoring the Lower Tear Meniscus in Dry Eye after Acupuncture Treatment
Tong Lin,1 Lan Gong,1 Xiaoxu Liu,2 and Xiaopeng Ma3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University, No. 83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
2Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
3Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, No. 650 Wanping South Road, Shanghai 200030, China
Abstract
Dry eye is highly prevalent and has a significant impact on quality of life. Acupuncture was found to be effective to treat dry eye. However, little was known about the effect of acupuncture on different subtypes of dry eye. The objective of this study was to investigate the applicability of tear meniscus assessment by Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of acupuncture treatment response in dry eye patients and to explore the effect of acupuncture on different subtypes of dry eye compared with artificial tear treatment. A total of 108 dry eye patients were randomized into acupuncture or artificial tear group. Each group was divided into three subgroups including lipid tear deficiency (LTD), Sjögren syndrome dry eye (SSDE), and non-Sjögren syndrome dry eye (Non-SSDE) for data analysis. After 4-week treatment, the low tear meniscus parameters including tear meniscus height (TMH), tear meniscus depth (TMD), and tear meniscus area (TMA) in the acupuncture group increased significantly for the LTD and Non-SSDE subgroups compared with both the baseline and the control groups (all P values < 0.05), but not for the SSDE. Acupuncture provided a measurable improvement of the tear meniscus dimensions for the Non-SSDE and LTD patients, but not for the SSDE patients.
Source : eCAM
Link to Full Article
An Updated Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Acupuncture Treatment for Cerebral Infarction
Li Li, Affiliation: Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
Hong Zhang ,Affiliation: Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
Shu-qing Meng,Affiliation: Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
Hai-zhou Qian
Abstract
BackgroundIschemic stroke is the second most common cause of death and the primary cause of disability throughout the world. Acupuncture is frequently advocated as an adjunct treatment during stroke rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to update the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture for cerebral infarction.
Methods
Randomized controlled trials (RCT) on acupuncture treating cerebral infarction were searched from the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CNKI, CMB and VIP from inception to October 2013. The data of RCTs meeting the inclusive criteria were extracted according to Cochrane methods. The meta-analyses were conducted using Rev Man 5.0 software.
Results
A total of 25 trials involving 2224 patients were included. The results of this meta-analysis showed that the groups receiving acupuncture (observation group) were superior to the comparison groups (control group), with significant differences in the Clinical Efficacy Rates [OR = 4.04, 95%CI (2.93, 5.57), P<0.001], Fugl-Meyer Assessment [MD = 11.22, 95%CI (7.62, 14.82), P<0.001], Barthel Index Score [MD = 12.84, 95%CI (9.85, 15.82), P<0.001], and Neurological Deficit Score [MD = −2.71, 95% CI (−3.84, −1.94), P<0.001]. Three trials reported minor adverse events.
Conclusion
Current evidence provisionally demonstrates that acupuncture treatment is superior to either non-acupuncture or conventional therapy for cerebral infarction. Despite this conclusion, given the often low quality of the available trials, further large scale RCTs of better quality are still needed.
Source : PLOSOne
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture for Spasticity after Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Sung Min Lim,1 Junghee Yoo,2 Euiju Lee,2 Hyun Jung Kim,3 Seungwon Shin,2 Gajin Han,2 and Hyeong Sik Ahn3
1Department of Motor & Cognition Rehabilitation, Korean National Rehabilitation Research Institute, 111 Gaorigil, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul 142-884, Republic of Korea
2College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 23 Kyungheedae-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-872, Republic of Korea
3Institute for Evidence-Based Medicine, Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, 126-1 Anam-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-705, Republic of Korea
The aim of this systematic review was to determine how effective acupuncture or electroacupuncture (acupuncture with electrical stimulation) is in treating poststroke patients with spasticity. We searched publications in Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library in English, 19 accredited journals in Korean, and the China Integrated Knowledge Resources Database in Chinese through to July 30, 2013. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with no language restrictions that compared the effects of acupuncture or electroacupuncture with usual care or placebo acupuncture. The two investigators assessed the risk of bias and statistical analyses were performed. Three RCTs in English, 1 in Korean, and 1 in Chinese were included. Assessments were performed primarily with the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture or electroacupuncture significantly decreased spasticity after stroke. A subgroup analysis showed that acupuncture significantly decreased wrist, knee, and elbow spasticity in poststroke patients. Heterogeneity could be explained by the differences in control, acupoints, and the duration after stroke occurrence. In conclusion, acupuncture could be effective in decreasing spasticity after stroke, but long-term studies are needed to determine the longevity of treatment effects.
Source : Journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Suffering from constipation? Self-acupressure can help
About 19 percent of North Americans suffer from constipation, with the digestive condition being more common among women, non-whites, people older than 60, those who are not physically active and the poor.
The costs are significant. Hospital costs to treat the condition were estimated at $4.25 billion in 2010 alone. Constipation can also lead to depression, lower quality of life and a drop in work productivity. Treatments include use of laxatives, increased intake of dietary fiber and fluid, and exercise.
But new research from the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine published online in the Journal of General Internal Medicine shows how Eastern and Western medicine can blend to find solutions to this common medical problem. In a randomized clinical trial, 72 percent of participants said that perineal self-acupressure, a simple technique involving the application of external pressure to the perineum -- the area between the anus and genitals -- helped them have a bowel movement.
The research suggests that all primary care and general internal physicians should consider this technique as a first line intervention together with conventional treatment, said Dr. Ryan Abbott, the study's principal investigator and a visiting assistant professor of medicine in the division of general internal medicine and health services research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
"Constipation is very common and can have debilitating symptoms," said Abbott, who is also a researcher and educator with the East-West center. "But patients can perform this simple intervention themselves to treat their own constipation and improve their quality of life. It can also help to limit health care costs and excessive medication use."
The researchers recruited 100 patients, nine of whom dropped out during the trial, age 18 and older whom met the established criteria for functional constipation. Among these criteria are that they have fewer than three defecations per week and that for at least 25 percent of the their bowel movements they:
• Strain during defecation
• Have lumpy or hard stools
• Experience a sensation of incomplete evacuation
• Experience a sense of obstruction or blockage
• Use manual maneuvers such as digital evacuation
After researchers gave patients just three to five minutes of instruction, patients were encouraged to perform the exercises on their own for four weeks when they felt the urge to defecate. Patients reported using the technique three to four times a week on average. The self-acupressure broke up hard stools, relaxed muscles and stimulated nerves responsible for bowel movements.
Among the other findings:
• 72 percent said the technique helped them break up, soften or pass stools
• 54 percent claimed it helped avoid hemorrhoids or lessen the severity of existing hemorrhoids.
• 82 percent said they would continue using the technique
• 72 percent said they would recommend the technique to family and friends
"This unique self-administered acupressure treatment for constipation is just one example of how an integrative approach to medicine helps patients and is cost-effective, too," said Dr. Ka-Kit Hui, Wallis Annenberg Endowed Chair in Integrative East-West Medicine at UCLA and founder and director of the UCLA Center for East-West Medicine. "Utilizing both Eastern and Western approaches helps create a new paradigm of medicine that combines the best of both worlds."
There are some limitations to this study, the authors write. For instance, like all trials of behavioral interventions, this was not a blinded trial. The sample size was also relatively small, with fewer than 100 patients completing the study. Also, the researchers were uncertain whether the technique could prevent constipation or whether similar techniques would result in comparable improvements.
But the study does provide evidence that the technique could be useful in tandem with other treatments.
"As a non-invasive, non-pharmacological treatment intervention for constipation, perineal self-acupressure likely carries a lower risk for side effects and complications than commonly used medications such as stool softeners, fiber supplements, stimulants, laxatives and lubricants," the researchers write. "In addition, perineal self-acupressure may help to control treatment costs because it only requires a brief, initial period of training. Furthermore, not all patients respond favorably to existing treatment options, and perineal self-acupressure may represent an effective alternative to conventional treatment options."
Link to Source
Source : Science Daily
[A meta-analysis on acupuncture treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome].
[Article in Chinese]
Ren LN, Guo LH, Ma WZ, Zhang R.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect and safety of acupuncture treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) by using systematic review in view of evidence-based medicine (EBM).
METHODS:Original articles about acupuncture treatment of PCOS published from the database-established year to November of 2013 were searched from the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Library (CBM), Wanfang Data, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library and the associated references-indicated papers by using keywords of polycystic ovary syndrome, randomization, acupoint, acupuncture, acupuncture plus moxibustion, acupuncture plus acupoint-embedment of catgut, and acupuncture plus otopoint application. Those articles about treatment of PCOS with simple abdominal acupuncture, simple acupoint-embedment of catgut, simple otopoint-pellet-pressure, and simple moxibustion treatment, and simple abstracts were excluded. If the articles re-published in both Chinese and English and in academic conferences and journals, one of them with higher quality was included. Two independent reviewers extracted data from located articles in a pre-defined structured way, and the Meta-analysis was conducted using software RevMan 5.2, otherwise using the qualitative analysis.
RESULTS:A total of 31 articles (28 in Chinese, 3 in English) containing 2,321 cases of PCOS patients met the included criteria. Meta-analysis showed that the clinical efficacy of simple acupuncture was the same as that of western medicine, and the efficacy of acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine interventions was obviously higher than that of western medicine (P < 0.05). In addition, simple acupuncture intervention and acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicines or with moxibustion treatment have advantages in reducing serum luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone (LH/FSH), insulin resistance (IR), testosterone (T), and body mass index (BMI). However, the quality of the collected articles is generally lower due to unclear bias, no sample quantity estimation, incorrect randomization methods, no follow-up survey, etc.
CONCLUSION:Acupuncture therapy may be effective for PCOS, but needs to be confirmed further by larger sample randomized controlled trials.
Source : PubMed
Link to Abstract
A Meta-Analysis of Acupuncture Use in the Treatment of Cognitive Impairment After Stroke
Fang Liu, MS,1Zhuang-Miao Li, MS,2Yi-Jing Jiang, MS,1and Li-Dian Chen, PhD3
Abstract
Objective:This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture on cognitive impairment(function) after a stroke.
Design:Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation were identified from databases (PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Chinese Periodical Database, Wangfang Chinese Periodical Database, Chinese Bio-medicine Database, Cochrane Library, and Chinese medical literature da-tabases) and two relevant journals (Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion and the Journal of Shanghai Acupuncture and Moxibustion). Meta-analyses were conducted for the eligible RCTs.
Results:Twenty-one trials with a total of 1421 patients met inclusion criteria. Pooled random-effects estimates of the change in the Mini-Mental State Examination were calculated for the comparison of acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation. Following 4 weeks and 8 weeks of intervention with acupuncture, the merged mean difference was 3.14 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.06–4.21;p<.00001) and2.03 (95% CI, 0.26–3.80;p=0.02), respectively. For the comparison of 3–4 weeks of acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation groups, the merged MD in Neurobehavioral Cognitive State Examination total scores was 5.63 (95% CI, 3.95–7.31;p<.00001). For the comparison of 8–12 weeks of acupuncture with no acupuncture in addition to medicine or rehabilitation groups, the P300 latency merged MDwas-12.80 (95% CI,-21.08 to-4.51;p<.00001), while the P300 amplitude merged MD was 1.38 (95% CI,0.93–1.82;p<.00001). Overall, the study quality was rated as moderate on the basis of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions(part 2: 8.5).
Conclusions:This meta-analysis suggests that acupuncture had positive effects on cognitive function after stroke and supports the need for additional research on the potential benefits of this therapeutic approach
Source : Journal Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Link to Full Article
.Acupuncture provides significant quality of life improvements among breast cancer patients taking drugs to prevent recurrence, study shows
Use of electroacupuncture (EA) -- a form of acupuncture where a small electric current is passed between pairs of acupuncture needles -- produces significant improvements in fatigue, anxiety and depression in as little as eight weeks for early stage breast cancer patients experiencing joint pain related to the use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) to treat breast cancer. The results of a randomized, placebo-controlled trial examining the intervention led by researchers at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania are published online this week in the journal Cancer. The study is the first demonstration of EA's efficacy for both joint pain relief, as well as these other common symptoms. The results build upon earlier findings reported in November 2013, showing that EA can decrease the joint pain reported by roughly 50 percent of breast cancer patients taking AIs -- the most-commonly prescribed medications to prevent disease recurrence among post-menopausal women with early-stage, hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Despite their efficacy, the joint pain associated with the use of AIs often leads to fatigue, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances for these patients, which researchers suggest may cause premature discontinuation of the drug. Previous studies have shown that nearly half of women taking AIs do not complete their recommended course of treatment, and that those who stop taking the drugs or don't take them as prescribed have a higher chance of dying of both breast cancer and other causes.
"Since many patients experience pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression simultaneously, our results provide an opportunity to offer patients one treatment that may target multiple symptoms," said lead author Jun Mao, MD MSCE, associate professor of Family Medicine and Community Health in Penn's Perelman School of Medicine, who directs the Integrative Oncology program in the Abramson Cancer Center. "We see patients every day who are looking for ways to combat some of the side effects of their treatment. What is particularly significant about these new results is that we can now offer more evidence-based treatment and management solutions for these women."
In the eight-week trial, researchers evaluated the short-term effects and safety of EA for AI-related joint pain and other side effects, compared with sham acupuncture (SA -- a non-electric, placebo acupuncture where the needles are not actually inserted into the skin), and usual care. The study participants, who were all receiving AI therapy and experiencing joint pain, were randomly assigned to receive EA, SA or usual care. Patient-reported experiences of fatigue and psychological distress, were measured prior to the study, and periodically throughout the duration, with additional follow-up four weeks after treatment.
• Fatigue: Compared with usual care, patients receiving EA had a greater reduction in the fatigue score at week eight and the effect was maintained at week 12. On average, patients reported a 2.0 point reduction in fatigue on the Brief Fatigue Inventory, an instrument designed to assess fatigue severity on a numerical scale ranging from 0-10.
• Anxiety: By week 12, patients receiving EA reported a significant improvement in their anxiety score, whereas patients receiving SA did not. On average, patients in the EA group reported a 2.2 point reduction in anxiety on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) compared to the usual care group.
• Depression: Patients in both EA and SA groups reported a significant improvement in HADS-Depression scores (2.4 points and 2.0 points, respectively) compared with the usual care group by week eight. The effects of both EA and SA on depression were maintained at week 12.
"Our study provides a novel understanding of how fatigue, sleep and psychological distress relate to pain in patients with AI-related joint pain. More importantly, we found that acupuncture helped reduce these symptoms and the effects persisted for at least four weeks following treatment," said Mao. "There is a small but growing body of literature showing that acupuncture is effective for the management of pain, fatigue, anxiety and depression. However, studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to provide more in-depth knowledge about how these treatments, combined with usual care, are improving quality of life for our patients."
Journal Reference:
- Jun J. Mao, John T. Farrar, Deborah Bruner, Jarcy Zee, Marjorie Bowman, Christina Seluzicki, Angela DeMichele, Sharon X. Xie. Electroacupuncture for fatigue, sleep, and psychological distress in breast cancer patients with aromatase inhibitor-related arthralgia: A randomized trial. Cancer, 2014; DOI: 10.1002/cncr.28917
Source : Science Daily
Link to Source
Auricular Point Acupressure to Manage Chronic Low Back Pain in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Chao Hsing Yeh,1 Natalia E. Morone,2 Lung-Chang Chien,3 Yuling Cao,4 Huijuan Lu,4 Juan Shen,5 Leah Margolis,1 Shreya Bhatnagar,1 Samuel Hoffman,1 Zhan Liang,1 Ronald M. Glick,6 and Lorna Kwai-Ping Suen7
1School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, 3500 Victoria Street, 440 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
2Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Veterans Administration, Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, 230 McKee Place Suite 600, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
3Division of Biostatistics, University of Texas, School of Public Health at San Antonio Regional Campus and Research to Advance Community Health Center, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Regional Campus, 7411 John Smith Drive, Suite 1050 Room 505, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
4School of Nursing, Fudan University, 305 Fenglin Road, Shanghai, China
5School of Nursing, Suzhou Health College, No. 28 Kehua Road Northern District of Suzhou International Education Park, Suzhou, China
6Departments of Psychiatry, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
7School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Abstract
This prospective, randomized clinical trial (RCT) pilot study was designed to (1) assess the feasibility and tolerability of an easily administered, auricular point acupressure (APA) intervention and (2) provide an initial assessment of effect size as compared to a sham treatment. Thirty-seven subjects were randomized to receive either the real or sham APA treatment. All participants were treated once a week for 4 weeks. Self-report measures were obtained at baseline, weekly during treatment, at end-of-intervention (EOI), and at a 1-month follow-up. A dropout rate of 26% in the real APA group and 50% in the sham group was observed. The reduction in worst pain from baseline to EOI was 41% for the real and 5% for the sham group with a Cohen’s effect size of 1.22 (P<0.01). Disability scores on the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) decreased in the real group by 29% and were unchanged in the sham group (+3%) (P<0.01). Given the high dropout rate, results must be interpreted with caution; nevertheless, our results suggest that APA may provide an inexpensive and effective complementary approach for the management of back pain in older adults, and further study is warranted.
Source : Journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to full Article
Effects of acupuncture on menopause-related symptoms and quality of life in women on natural menopause: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Chiu HY1, Pan CH, Shyu YK, Han BC, Tsai PS.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life in women in natural menopause.
METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed/Medline, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and CINAHL using keywords such as acupuncture, hot flash, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life. Heterogeneity, moderator analysis, publication bias, and risk of bias associated with the included studies were examined.
RESULTS: Of 104 relevant studies, 12 studies with 869 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study. We found that acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency (g = -0.35; 95% CI, -0.5 to -0.21) and severity (g = -0.44; 95% CI, -0.65 to -0.23) of hot flashes. Acupuncture significantly decreased the psychological, somatic, and urogenital subscale scores on the Menopause Rating Scale (g = -1.56, g = -1.39, and g = -0.82, respectively; P < 0.05). Acupuncture improved the vasomotor subscale score on the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (g= -0.46; 95% CI, -0.9 to -0.02). Long-term effects (up to 3 mo) on hot flash frequency and severity (g = -0.53 and g = -0.55, respectively) were found.
CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis confirms that acupuncture improves hot flash frequency and severity, menopause-related symptoms, and quality of life (in the vasomotor domain) in women experiencing natural menopause.
Source : Journal Menopause
Link to Abstract
Auricular Acupressure Helps Improve Sleep Quality for Severe Insomnia in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients:A Pilot Study
Yuchi Wu, MS,1,*Chuan Zou, PhD,2,*Xusheng Liu, MS,1Xiuqing Wu, BS,1and Qizhan Lin, MS2
Abstract
Background:Insomnia is common in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Long-term use ofsedative-hypnotic agents is often correlated with increasing adverse effects. Auricular acupressure therapy(AAT) applied to specific auricular acupoints for managing insomnia has achieved favorable outcomes in ahemodialysis unit. This pilot study was performed to demonstrate the potential of AAT for insomnia in MHDpatients and to prepare for a future randomized controlled trial
Methods:Eligible patients were enrolled into this descriptive pilot study and received AAT designed to manage insomnia for 4 weeks. Questionnaires that used the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were completed at baseline, after a 4-week intervention, and 1 month after completion of treatment. Sleep quality and other clinical characteristics, including sleeping pills taken, were statistically compared between different time points.
Results:A total of 22 patients were selected as eligible participants and completed the treatment and questionnaires. The mean global PSQI score was significantly decreased after AAT intervention (p<0.05). Participants reported improved sleep quality (p<0.01), shorter sleep latency (p<0.05), less sleep disturbance(p<0.01), and less daytime dysfunction (p=0.01). They also exhibited less dependency on sleep medications,indicated by the reduction in weekly estazolam consumption from 6.98–4.44 pills to 4.23–2.66 pills(p<0.01). However, these improvements were not preserved 1 month after treatment.
Conclusion:In this single-center pilot study, complementary AAT for MHD patients with severe insomnia wasfeasible and well tolerated and showed encouraging results for sleep quality.
Source : Journal Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Link to Full Article
The Effects and Measures of Auricular Acupressure and Interactive Multimedia for Smoking Cessation in College Students
Mei-Ling Yeh,1 Pei-Lan Wang,2 Jaung-Geng Lin,3,4 and Mei-Ling Chung1
1School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, 365, Ming-Te Road, Pei-Tou, Taipei 112, Taiwan
2Department of Nursing, Hsin Sheng College of Medical Care and Management, Taoyuan, Taiwan
3Graduate Institute of Acupuncture Science, China Medical University & China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
4School of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture Science, China Medical University, 91 Hsueh-Shih Road, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
Abstract
The earlier one starts to smoke, the more likely it is that one’s tobacco use will increase. Either auricular acupressure or multimedia education could improve physiological health status and reduce smoking for young smokers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 10-week auricular acupressure (AA) and interactive multimedia (IM) on smoking cessation in college smokers. A pre- and posttest control research design with two experiments (AA and IM) and one control was used. Thirty-two participants were in each of three groups. A significant difference from pretest to posttest among three groups was exhibited on carbon monoxide (CO), cotinine, and nicotine dependence. Scheffe’s post hoc test found significances on CO in the AA between the IM and the control and cotinine and nicotine dependence between the AA and the control. After controlling the covariates, the main effect of the group was no difference in all outcomes. The interventions, especially AA, may contribute to a decrease of CO, cotinine, and nicotine dependence along with the time change. An analysis without controlling influences may overestimate interventional effects.
Decreased Risk of Stroke in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury Receiving Acupuncture Treatment: A Population-Based Retrospective Cohort Study
Chun-Chuan Shih, Yi-Ting Hsu, Hwang-Huei Wang, Ta-Liang Chen, Chin-Chuan Tsai, Hsin-Long Lane, Chun-Chieh Yeh, Fung-Chang Sung, Wen-Ta Chiu, Yih-Giun Cherng equal contributor, Chien-Chang Liao
Abstract
Background
Patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) face increased risk of stroke. Whether acupuncture can help to protect TBI patients from stroke has not previously been studied.
Methods
Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database was used to conduct a retrospective cohort study of 7409 TBI patients receiving acupuncture treatment and 29,636 propensity-score-matched TBI patients without acupuncture treatment in 2000–2008 as controls. Both TBI cohorts were followed until the end of 2010 and adjusted for immortal time to measure the incidence and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of new-onset stroke in the multivariable Cox proportional hazard models.
Results
TBI patients with acupuncture treatment (4.9 per 1000 person-years) had a lower incidence of stroke compared with those without acupuncture treatment (7.5 per 1000 person-years), with a HR of 0.59 (95% CI = 0.50–0.69) after adjustment for sociodemographics, coexisting medical conditions and medications. The association between acupuncture treatment and stroke risk was investigated by sex and age group (20–44, 45–64, and ≥65 years). The probability curve with log-rank test showed that TBI patients receiving acupuncture treatment had a lower probability of stroke than those without acupuncture treatment during the follow-up period (p<0.0001).
Conclusion
Patients with TBI receiving acupuncture treatment show decreased risk of stroke compared with those without acupuncture treatment. However, this study was limited by lack of information regarding lifestyles, biochemical profiles, TBI severity, and acupuncture points used in treatments.
Source : PLOS One
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture for Preventing Complications after Radical Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Wei-min Yi,1,2 Qing Chen,3 Chang-hao Liu,3 Jia-yun Hou,1 Liu-dan Chen,1 and Wei-kang Wu2,4
1Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
2Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510635, China
3Department of Gynecology Oncology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510120, China
4Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the preventive effects of acupuncture for complications after radical hysterectomy. A single-center randomized controlled single-blinded trial was performed in a western-style hospital in China. One hundred and twenty patients after radical hysterectomy were randomly allocated to two groups and started acupuncture from sixth postoperative day for five consecutive days. Sanyinjiao (SP6), Shuidao (ST28), and Epangxian III (MS4) were selected with electrical stimulation and Zusanli (ST36) without electrical stimulation for thirty minutes in treatment group. Binao (LI14) was selected as sham acupuncture point without any stimulation in control group. The main outcome measures were bladder function and prevalence of postoperative complications. Compared with control group, treatment group reported significantly improved bladder function in terms of maximal cystometric capacity, first voiding desire, maximal flow rate, residual urine, and bladder compliance, and decreased bladder sensory loss, incontinence, and urinary retention on fifteenth and thirtieth postoperative days. Treatment group showed significant advantage in reduction of urinary tract infection on thirtieth postoperative day. But no significant difference between groups was observed for lymphocyst formation. By improving postoperative bladder function, early intervention of acupuncture may provide a valuable alternative method to prevent bladder dysfunctional disorders and urinary tract infection after radical hysterectomy.
Source : Journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Auriculotherapy for Persisting Postoperative Pain Caused by Total Knee Replacement
Marco Romoli, MD,1,2Chrissanthi Avgerinos, MD,3Luigi Baratto, MD,3and Andrea Giommi, PhD4
ABSTRACT
Introduction:Total knee replacement (TKR) is a common procedure that entails severe postsurgical trauma,prolonged hospitalization, and impaired patient rehabilitation, especially in patients who are elderly. Among the nonpharmacologic methods used with TKR, auriculotherapy/ear acupuncture (AEA) has recently shown a favorable effect on perioperative/postoperative pain and disability in patients who have undergone TKR.
Objective:The primary aim of this study was to examine the adjuvant effects of one session of auricular acupuncture on persisting pain and disability in patients hospitalized for TKR postoperative rehabilitation. The secondary aim was to propose a simplified diagnostic method for selecting the most effective points to treat in each patient.
Materials and Methods:In 17 patients (14 females and 3 males; mean age 75.2 years) hospitalized for postoperative TKR rehabilitation, pain level and time for sit-to-stand were measured before, 30 minutes after,and 6 hours after one session of auricular acupuncture. In each patient, an electric skin resistance test (ESRT)was performed on both auricles, followed by a pain pressure test (PPT) for identifying the most sensitive points. A second PPT was consecutively performed on the previously located auricular points and only those ipsilateral to the operated knee were selected for treatment.
Results:All 17 patients reported a having lower level of pain after the AEA treatment, and this effect was still maintained after 6 hours. A better performance in the sit-to-stand test was observed after 6 hours following treatment.
Conclusions:The auricular points, which were effective for reducing pain and disability, were spread out over a broad area of the upper external ear, which overlaps both the French and Chinese somatotopic auricular representations of the knee joint.
Source : Medical Acupuncture
Link to Full Article
How Did Paul Nogier Establish the Map of the Ear?
Raphaël Nogier, MD
Abstract
Objective:This article describes the different methods that Paul Nogier, MD, used to study the correspondences between ear points and organs. This historical background allows readers to understand better the discovery and evolution of auriculotherapy.Cartography
Methods:Starting with painful ear points, Paul Nogier extended the point detection using an electronic device that measures cutaneous resistivity and then palpating the auriculocardiac reflex (also known as the Reflex Auriculo Cardiac or RAC). Thus, he developed a detailed ear chart built on experimentation but also on the embryology and neuroanatomy. This article describes the historical context that allowed Paul Nogier to develop the ear cartographies.
Discussion:Based on Paul Nogier’s work, several schools created their proper ear charts. The current author tries to explain why there are discordances among the different ear maps and offers propositions to unify the ear-point localizations.
Conclusions:The precise knowledge of the points’ nature, the contribution of dynamic techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging and cellular marking, might facilitate improvement in the precision of the auricular charts in future
Source : Medical Acupuncture
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture and Acupressure and Massage Health Outcomes for Patients with Anorexia Nervosa:Findings from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial and Patient Interviews
Caroline Smith, PhD, 1 Sarah Fogarty, PhD, 1 Stephen Touyz, PhD, 2 Sloane Madden, MBBS, 3 Geoff Buckett, MB, ChB,4 and Phillipa Hay, DPhil 5,6
Abstract
Objectives:This study examined the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture compared with an active control in an inpatient setting, to examine individuals’ experience of the interventions, clinical outcomes from the trial, and to integrate data to explain the trial findings.
Design:This was a pilot randomized controlled trial with in-depth interviews with trial participants.Setting:The study was conducted at a private medical facility in Sydney, Australia.Subjects:Twenty-six (26) patients with anorexia nervosa who were medically stable were the subjects.Interventions:Treatment as usual was administered, and the intervention was delivered twice a week for the first 3 weeks, followed by weekly treatment for three weeks. The acupuncture group received acupuncture at the points Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), Neiguan (PC6), Taichong (LR3), Yanglingquan (GB34), and additional points based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis. The control group received acupressure and massage.Acupressure involved consciously and gradually directing pressure to the center of the point being worked on.Outcome measures:Clinical outcomes were measured at baseline and at 6 weeks following completion of the intervention. The primary outcome measure was body–mass index (BMI), and secondary outcomes included eating disorder psychopathology, anxiety, and depression. A semi structured interview was conducted asking questions about their interaction with the practitioner, what happened, how they felt, whether it made them feel differently, and what they attributed any change to.
Results:We found timely recruitment with the population recruited within a 5-month period. Study dropouts were 23% and treatment compliance was moderate, but acceptable for this challenging population. Participants in the control group demonstrated reduced eating concerns. Participants described both interventions positively,and experienced a sense of calmness and relaxation.
Conclusions:Acupuncture and acupressure and massage may improve the patient’s subjective sense of well-being, and further research is needed
Source : Alternative and Complementary Medicine Journal
Link to Full Article
The Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Kah Bik Cheong, Ji-ping Zhang, Yong Huang mail,Zhang-jin Zhang
Abstract
Background
Acupuncture therapy for preventive and treatment of postoperative nausea and vomiting(PONV), a condition which commonly present after anaesthesia and surgery is a subject of growing interest.
Objective
This paper included a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effect of different type of acupuncture and acupoint selection in PONV prevention and treatment.
Methods
Randomised controlled trials(RCTs) comparing acupuncture with non-acupuncture treatment were identified from databases PubMed, Cochrane, EBSCO, Ovid, CNKI and Wanfangdata. Meta-analysis on eligible studies was performed using fixed-effects model with RevMan 5.2. Results were expressed as RR for dichotomous data, with 95%CI.
Results
Thirty RCTs, 1276 patients (intervention) and 1258 patients (control) were identified. Meta-analysis showed that PC6 acupuncture significantly reduced the number of cases of early vomiting (postoperative 0-6h) (RR=0.36, 95%CI 0.19,0.71; P=0.003) and nausea (postoperative 0-24h) (RR=0.25, 95%CI 0.10,0.61; P=0.002), but not early nausea (postoperative 0-6h) (RR=0.64, 95%CI 0.34,1.19; P=0.150) and vomiting (postoperative 0-24h) (RR=0.82, 95%CI 0.48,1.38; P=0.450). PC6 acupressure significantly reduced the number of cases of nausea (RR=0.71, 95%CI 0.57,0.87; P=0.001) and vomiting (RR=0.62, 95%CI 0.49,0.80; P=0.000) at postoperative 0-24h. PC6 electro-acupoint stimulation significantly reduced the number of cases of nausea (RR=0.49, 95%CI 0.38,0.63; P<0.000) and vomiting (RR=0.50, 95%CI 0.36,0.70; P<0.000) at postoperative 0-24h. Stimulation of PC6 with other acupoint(s) significantly reduced the number of cases of nausea and vomiting (RR=0.29, 95%CI 0.17,0.49; P<0.000) at postoperative 0-24h. Stimulation of other acupoint(s)(non PC6) also significantly reduced the number of cases of nausea and vomiting (RR=0.63, 95%CI 0.49,0.81; P=0.000) at postoperative 0-24h. However, the quality of study was generally low in studies of PC6 combined with other acupoint(s) and other acupoint(s). Details of blinding were not reported in most reports.
Conclusions
Besides PC6, PC6 combined with other acupoint(s) and other alternative acupoint(s) might be beneficial in prevention and treatment of PONV, the evidence justifies future high-quality studies.
Source : PLOS One
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture Stimulation Attenuates Impaired Emotional-Like Behaviors and Activation of the Noradrenergic System during Protracted Abstinence following Chronic Morphine Exposure in Rats
Bombi Lee,1,Bong-Jun Sur,2, Insop Shim,1,2, Dae-Hyun Hahm,1,2, and Hyejung Lee1,2
1 Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University, 1 Hoegi-dong,
Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
2 The Graduate School of Basic Science of Oriental Medicine, College of Oriental Medicine, Kyung Hee University,
Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether acupuncture stimulation attenuates withdrawal-induced behaviors in the rats
during protracted abstinence following chronic morphine exposure. To do this, male rats were first exposed to morphine gradually
from 20 to 100mg/kg for 5 days, and subsequently naloxone was injected once to extend despair-related withdrawal behaviors
for 4 weeks. Acupuncture stimulation was performed once at the SP6 (Sanyinjiao) acupoint on rat’s; hind leg for 5 min during
protracted abstinence from morphine. The acupuncture stimulation significantly decreased despair-like behavior deficits in the
forced swimming test and low sociability in the open-field test as well as increased open-arm exploration in the elevated plus
maze test in the last week of 4-week withdrawal period. Also the acupuncture stimulation significantly suppressed the increase in
the hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression, the decrease in the tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the locus
coeruleus,and the decrease in the hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor mRNA expression,induced by repeated injection
of morphine. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that the acupuncture stimulation of SP6 significantly reduces withdrawal-
induced behaviors, induced by repeated administration of morphine in rats, possibly through the modulation of hypothalamic CRF
and the central noradrenergic system
Conclusion
In summary, the current study establishes a direct connection between protracted abstinence from morphine and depressive-like symptoms in rats. These results demonstrate that acupuncture stimulation of SP6 reduces the depression-and anxiety-like symptoms strongly associated with morphine abstinence, probably by modulating hypothalamic CRF and the noradrenergic system that underlies mood disruption. This indicates that acupuncture stimulation ofSP6 might be effective in preventing patients with drug addiction from relapsing into drug seeking while trying to quit, by relieving some of the discomfort of morphine withdrawal symptoms including depression and anxiety.Therefore, acupuncture stimulation may be a useful therapy in the development of alternative medicines for treating morphine withdrawal-related symptoms, such as depression and anxiety
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture and Counselling for Depression in Primary Care: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Hugh MacPherson, Stewart Richmond, Martin Bland,Stephen Brealey, Rhian Gabe,Ann Hopton, Ada Keding,
Harriet Lansdown, Sara Perren, Mark Sculpher, Eldon Spackman, David Torgerson, Ian Watt
Abstract
Depression is a significant cause of morbidity. Many patients have communicated an interest in non-pharmacological therapies to their general practitioners. Systematic reviews of acupuncture and counselling for depression in primary care have identified limited evidence. The aim of this study was to evaluate acupuncture versus usual care and counselling versus usual care for patients who continue to experience depression in primary care.
Methods and Findings
In a randomised controlled trial, 755 patients with depression (Beck Depression Inventory BDI-II score ≥20) were recruited from 27 primary care practices in the North of England. Patients were randomised to one of three arms using a ratio of 2:2:1 to acupuncture (302), counselling (302), and usual care alone (151). The primary outcome was the difference in mean Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) scores at 3 months with secondary analyses over 12 months follow-up. Analysis was by intention-to-treat.
PHQ-9 data were available for 614 patients at 3 months and 572 patients at 12 months. Patients attended a mean of ten sessions for acupuncture and nine sessions for counselling. Compared to usual care, there was a statistically significant reduction in mean PHQ-9 depression scores at 3 months for acupuncture (−2.46, 95% CI −3.72 to −1.21) and counselling (−1.73, 95% CI −3.00 to −0.45), and over 12 months for acupuncture (−1.55, 95% CI −2.41 to −0.70) and counselling (−1.50, 95% CI −2.43 to −0.58). Differences between acupuncture and counselling were not significant. In terms of limitations, the trial was not designed to separate out specific from non-specific effects. No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported.
Conclusions
In this randomised controlled trial of acupuncture and counselling for patients presenting with depression, after having consulted their general practitioner in primary care, both interventions were associated with significantly reduced depression at 3 months when compared to usual care alone.
Source : PLOS Medicine
Link to Full Article
Sleep ameliorating effects of acupuncture in a psychiatric population.
Bosch P, van Luijtelaar G, van den Noort M, Lim S, Egger J, Coenen A.
Donders Centre for Cognition, Radboud University Nijmegen, Postbus 9104, Montessorilaan 3, 6500 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands ; LVR-Klinik Bedburg-Hau, Bahnstrasse 6, 47551 Bedburg-Hau, Germany ; Division of Acupuncture & Meridian, WHO Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine, East-West Medical Research Institute and School of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Number 1 Hoegi-Dong, Dongdaemoon-ku, Seoul 130-701, Republic of Korea.
AbstractThe interest of psychiatric patients for complementary medicine, such as acupuncture, is stable, but effect studies in psychiatry remain scarce. In this pilot study, the effects of 3 months of acupuncture treatment on sleep were evaluated and compared between a group of patients with schizophrenia (n = 16) and a group with depression (n = 16). Healthy controls were included in order to establish reference values (n = 8). Patients with schizophrenia and depression were randomly assigned to either a waiting list or a treatment condition. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Inventory was completed before and after the acupuncture treatment (individualized and according to traditional Chinese medicine principles) or the waiting list condition. Both acupuncture groups showed significant lower scores on the sleep inventory, which was not the case for the waiting list condition. Moreover, it was found that the effectiveness of the acupuncture treatment was higher in the patients with schizophrenia than in the patients with depression. Acupuncture seems able to improve sleep in this convenient sample of patients with long-lasting psychiatric problems and may be a suitable and cost-effective add-on treatment for this group, particularly if conducted group-wise.
Source : Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Link to Abstract
A randomized clinical trial of fibromyalgia treatment with acupuncture compared with fluoxetine
M J Hadianfard1,* and M Hosseinzadeh Parizi2
Abstract
Background
To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and compare it with fluoxetine in treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS).
Methods
We conducted a prospective, randomized clinical trial. Fifteen patients were treated with acupuncture and compared with a control group (n=15) of patients who received fluoxetine. Visual analogue scale, Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) and determined number of tender points were used as outcome measurements.
Results
After four weeks, the acupuncture group was significantly better than the control group in the number of tender points. Total fibromyalgia symptoms were significantly improved in the acupuncture group compared with the control group during the study period (P= 0.01). The largest difference in mean FIQ total scores was observed at 4 weeks (42.2 VS. 34.8 in the control and acupuncture groups, respectively; P= 0.007). At the end of one year of the follow up, patients who received acupuncture were significantly better than the control group in all measures. Fatigue and anxiety were the most significantly improved symptoms during the follow up period.
Discussion
Acupuncture significantly improved pain and symptoms of fibromyalgia. Also, we found that acupuncture did not have any side effect and was tolerable.
Source : Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2012 October; 14(10): 631–640
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture or acupressure for pain management in labour
- Caroline A Smith1,*,
- Carmel T Collins2,
- Caroline A Crowther3,
- Kate M Levett4
Many women would like to avoid pharmacological or invasive methods of pain management in labour and this may contribute towards the popularity of complementary methods of pain management. This review examined evidence supporting the use of acupuncture and acupressure for pain management in labour.
Objectives To examine the effects of acupuncture and acupressure for pain management in labour.
Search methods We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register and The Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field's Trials Register (October 2010), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2010, Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to October 2010), and CINAHL (1980 to October 2010).
Selection criteria Published and unpublished randomised controlled trials comparing acupuncture and acupressure with placebo, no treatment or other non-pharmacological forms of pain management in labour. We included all women whether primiparous or multiparous, and in spontaneous or induced labour.
Data collection and analysis We performed meta-analysis using risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MD) for continuous outcomes. The outcome measures included pain intensity, satisfaction with pain relief, use of pharmacological pain relief, relaxation, caesarean section rate, augmentation with oxytocin, length of labour and anxiety.
Main results We included 13 trials with data reporting on 1986 women. Nine trials reported on acupuncture and four trials reported on acupressure. Less intense pain was found from acupuncture compared with no intervention (standardised mean difference (SMD) -1.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.33 to -0.67, one trial, 163 women). One trial increased satisfaction with pain relief compared with placebo control (RR 2.38, 95% CI 1.78 to 3.19, 150 women). Reduced use of pharmacological analgesia was found in one trial of acupuncture compared with placebo (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.88, 136 women), and compared with standard care, however, there was significant heterogeneity (RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.83, three trials, 704 women). Fewer instrumental deliveries from acupuncture were found compared with standard care (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.46, 0.98, three trials, 704 women). Pain intensity was reduced in the acupressure group compared with a placebo control (SMD -0.55, 95% CI -0.92 to -0.19, one trial, 120 women), and a combined control (SMD -0.42, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.18, two trials, 322 women). No trial was assessed as being at a low risk of bias for all of the quality domains.
Authors' conclusions Acupuncture and acupressure may have a role with reducing pain, increasing satisfaction with pain management and reduced use of pharmacological management. However, there is a need for further research.
Plain language summary
Acupunture or acupressure for relieving pain in labour Acupuncture or acupressure may help relieve pain during labour, but more research is needed.
The pain of labour can be intense, and may be worsened because of a woman's tension, anxiety and fear affecting their labour and birth experience . Many women would like to labour without using drugs or invasive methods of pain management, and turn to alternatives to manage the pain. The review of 13 trials, with data reporting on 1986 women, found that acupuncture or acupressure may help relieve labour pain. Single or limited numbers of trials reported less intense pain, increased satisfaction with pain relief and reduced use of analgesic drugs with acupuncture compared with placebo or usual care. Acupressure also reduced pain intensity. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into different parts of the body to correct the imbalance of energy in the body. The intervention was administered at term as individualised treatment (six trials) or at standardised acupuncture points in the majority of trials but with wide variation in the mode of stimulation, duration of needling, number of points used, depth of needling and duration of the trial.
Source : The Cochrane Library
Link to Full Study
Acupuncture in the Management of Acute Dental Pain
Cássia Maria Grillo, Ronaldo Seichi Wada, Maria da Luz Rosário de Sousa
Abstract
Introduction
Acute dental pain is the main reason for seeking dental services to provide urgent dental care; there is consensus about the use of alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, to control dental pain in pre-dental care.
Objective
Evaluate the use of acupuncture in reducing the intensity of acute dental pain in pre-dental care, in patients waiting for treatment in emergency dental care.
Materials and methods
This study was conducted at the after-hours emergency dental care center of the Piracicaba Dental School and at the Emergency Center Dental Specialties I in Piracicaba, São Paulo (Brazil). The sample consisted of 120 patients. A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to measure pain intensity. All patients underwent one session of acupuncture; the points LI4, ST44, and CV23 were selected, used alone, or combined.
Results
A reduction in pain was observed (in 120 patients: mean initial VAS = 6.558 ± 1.876, mean final VAS = 0.962 ± 2.164, p < 0.00001).
Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that the effects of acupuncture analgesia could be a technical adjunct to pain control in patients with acute dental pain, contributing to the restoration of health with social benefits.
Source : Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies
Link to Full Article
A randomized pilot study of acupuncture treatment for primary dysmenorrhea.
Kiran G, Gumusalan Y, Ekerbicer HC, Kiran H, Coskun A, Arikan DC.
Kahramanmaras Sutcu Imam University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kahramanmaras, Turkey.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of acupuncture and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy in primary dysmenorrhea patients.
STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-five young women with a diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea were recruited for the study. Their dysmenorrhea severity was rated by visual analog scale (VAS) immediately prior to entry into the study. They were randomly divided into two groups; and the following month they were given NSAID (group 1, n=24) or acupuncture treatment (group 2, n=11). Pain was rated again using VAS during menstruation in both groups.
RESULTS: After one month's treatment, pain scores were significantly lower in both groups (p<0.05). Mean pain scores decreased by 52.2% and 69.5% in the NSAID and acupuncture groups, respectively.
CONCLUSION: Acupuncture was as effective as NSAID therapy for patients with primary dysmenorrhea. Since this was a pilot study with a small sample size and short follow-up period, larger studies are needed to clarify the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea.
Source : Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2013 Mar 19. pii: S0301-2115(13)00104-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2013.02.016
Link to Abstract
Influence of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilisation when embryo implantation has failed: a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial
Abstract OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and moxibustion as an adjuvant treatment in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) when embryo implantation has failed.
METHODS: A prospective, randomised controlled clinical trial was conducted with 84 infertile patients who had had at least two unsuccessful attempts of IVF. The patients were randomised in three groups: control (n=28), sham (n=28) and acupuncture (n=28). The sample size was calculated by assuming a pregnancy rate of 10% when embryo implantation had failed. The pregnancy rates of the current IVF cycle were evaluated by measurement of blood β human chorionic gonadotrophin (βhCG) and subsequent transvaginal ultrasound. Acupuncture was performed on the first and seventh day of ovulation induction, on the day before ovarian puncture and on the day after embryo transfer. In the acupuncture group, patients were treated with moxibustion at nine acupuncture points (BL18, BL22, BL23, BL52, CV3, CV4, CV5, CV7, GV4) and needling at 12 points. In the sham group needles were inserted in eight areas that did not correspond to known acupuncture points.
RESULTS: The clinical pregnancy rate in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control and sham groups (35.7% vs 7.1% vs 10.7%; p=0.0169).
CONCLUSIONS: In this study, acupuncture and moxibustion increased pregnancy rates when used as an adjuvant treatment in women undergoing IVF, when embryo implantation had failed.
Source : Acupunct Med. 2013 Mar 19
Link to Abstract
Series of studies first to examine acupuncture's mechanisms of action
While acupuncture is used widely to treat chronic stress, the mechanism of action leading to reported health benefits are not understood. In a series of studies at Georgetown University Medical Center (GUMC), researchers are demonstrating how acupuncture can significantly reduce the stress hormone response in an animal model of chronic stress.
The latest study was published today in the April issue of Journal of Endocrinology.
"Many practitioners of acupuncture have observed that this ancient practice can reduce stress in their patients, but there is a lack of biological proof of how or why this happens," says the study's lead author, Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, an associate professor of nursing at Georgetown University School of Nursing & Health Studies, a part of GUMC. "We're starting to understand what's going on at the molecular level that helps explain acupuncture's benefit."
Eshkevari, a physiologist, nurse anesthetist and certified acupuncturist, designed a series of studies in rats to test the effect of electronic acupuncture on levels of proteins and hormones secreted by biologic pathways involved in stress response.
Eshkevari used rats because these animals are often used to research the biological determinants of stress. They mount a stress response when exposed to winter-like temperatures for an hour a day.
"I used electroacupuncture because I could make sure that each animal was getting the same treatment dose," she explains.
The spot used for the acupuncture needle is called "Zusanli," which is reported to help relieve a variety of conditions including stress. As with rats, that acupuncture point for humans is on the leg below the knee.
The study utilized four groups of rats for a 10-day experiment: a control group that was not stressed and received no acupuncture; a group that was stressed for an hour a day and did not receive acupuncture; a group that was stressed and received "sham" acupuncture near the tail; and the experimental group that were stressed and received acupuncture to the Zusanli spot on the leg.
The researchers then measured blood hormone levels secreted by the hypothalamus pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, which includes the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the adrenal gland. The interactions among these organs control reactions to stress and regulate digestion, the immune system, mood and emotions, sexuality and energy storage and expenditure.
They also measured levels of NPY, a peptide secreted by the sympathetic nervous system in rodents and humans. This system is involved in the "flight or fight" response to acute stress, resulting in constriction of blood flow to all parts of the body except the heart, lungs and brain (the organs most needed to react to danger). Chronic stress, however, can cause elevated blood pressure and cardiac disease.
"We found that electronic acupuncture blocks the chronic, stress-induced elevations of the HPA axis hormones and the sympathetic NPY pathway," Eshkevari says. She adds that the rats receiving the sham electronic acupuncture had elevation of the hormones similar to that of the stress-only animals.
Eshkevari says this research complements her earlier reported work that focused only on NPY. In that study, Eshkevari and her team found that NPY levels were reduced in the experimental group almost to the level of the control group, while the rats that were stressed and not treated with Zusanli acupuncture had high levels of NPY (Experimental Biology and Medicine Dec. 2011).
"Our growing body of evidence points to acupuncture's protective effect against the stress response," she continues. Eshkevari says additional research is needed to examine if acupuncture would be effective in reducing hormone levels after the animals are exposed to the stress of cold temperatures, and whether a similar observation can be made in humans.
Source : Science Daily via L. Eshkevari, E. Permaul, S. E. Mulroney. Acupuncture Blocks Cold Stress-Induced Increase in Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis in Rat. Journal of Endocrinology, 2013; DOI: 10.1530/JOE-12-0404
Link to Source
Western Acupuncture in a NHS General Practice:Anonymized 3-Year Patient Feedback Survey
Timothy W. Robinson, MB, BS
Abstract
Objectives:The purpose of this study was to observe the response to Western acupuncture performed in a National Health Service (NHS) general practice. Outcomes, patient experience, impact on conventional therapies, and appropriateness of acupuncture in general practice were assessed.
Design:An explanatory letter and questionnaire were sent to every patient in a 3-partner rural general practice regarding the acupuncture treatment they had received from the author over a period of 3 years. Completed questionnaires were returned anonymously to the Practice Manager to be collated.
Results:There were 194 surveys were posted; 71% were completed and returned to the Practice Manager.Demographics of patients treated with acupuncture demonstrate that it was administered to patients of all age groups, with the majority on the 40–80-year age span, and female-to-male ratio of 64%:36%, respectively. Following the course of acupuncture, 75% of patients surveyed noted an improvement in their presenting condition; 24% noted no change. Those who benefited from the treatment reported the improvement as complete(26%) or major (38%). Seventy-two percent (72%) of patients judged their ‘‘quality of life’’ to be improved. Sixty-nine percent (69%) of patients stated a reduction or cessation of painkillers and/or anti-inflammatory drugs.Fifty-seven percent (57%) thought that referral to hospital specialist or physiotherapist was avoided as a result of the acupuncture treatment. Twenty-three percent (23%) of patients found acupuncture to be painful; of those,60% said the pain was only mild. Seventy-two percent (72%) of patients were treated within 1 week of being seenby the general practitioner (GP); the majority (81%) of patients had between one and three treatments. Patient opinion on interval time between GP consultation and treatment, as well as appropriateness of acupuncture in the general practice setting, was extremely favorable.
Conclusions:This survey demonstrates the application of Western acupuncture within a NHS general practice administered by an individual GP. The patients’ response scores from an anonymized questionnaire showed beneficial outcomes from acupuncture; patients also perceived that the treatment negated secondary care referral and reduction or cessation of pain-relieving medication
Source : Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Link to Full Article
Intense Acupuncture Can Improve Muscle Recovery in Patients With Bell Palsy, Study Suggests
Patients with Bell palsy who received acupuncture that achieves de qi, a type of intense stimulation, had improved facial muscle recovery, reduced disability and better quality of life, according to a randomized controlled trial published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).
Bell palsy is sudden onset of facial paralysis that is usually temporary, resolving within weeks or months, although it can sometimes be permanent.
Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions and is gaining acceptance worldwide. De qi is a combination of sensations stimulated by manipulation of acupuncture needles -- soreness, tingling, coolness, warmth and others radiating at the insertion points -- but has not been validated by randomized controlled trials.
"There is a long-held belief in the traditional theory and clinical practice of acupuncture that the intensity of the stimulus must reach a threshold to elicit de qi, which plays a pivotal role in achieving the best therapeutic effects," writes Dr. Wei Wang, Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Neurological Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China, with coauthors.
In a randomized controlled trial with 338 patients, Chinese researchers sought to understand the efficacy of acupuncture with weak stimulation or strong (de qi) stimulation. The trial, conducted at 11 tertiary hospitals in China, involved 15 experienced acupuncturists who administered acupuncture to the de qi group (167 people), which received intense stimulation, and the control group (171 people), which received needles but no stimulation. Patients' facial expressions, a marker of facial-nerve function, were rated on a 6-point scale and videotaped to ensure consistent findings across hospital sites.
Six months after randomization, facial-nerve function, disability and quality of life were better in patients in the de qi group than in the control group.
"We found evidence that acupuncture with de qi improved facial muscle recovery, disability and quality of life among patients with Bell palsy. Stronger intensity of de qi was associated with better therapeutic effects."
"De qi and its related techniques should be properly appreciated in acupuncture practice and research, and should be considered for inclusion in clinical guidelines for acupuncture," the authors conclude.
Source : Science News
Link to Source
Acupuncture for tension-type headache in pregnancy: A prospective, randomized, controlled study
J.B. Guerreiro da Silva, M.U. Nakamura, J.A. Cordeiro, L. Kulay Abstract
Acupuncture for tension-type headache in pregnancy: a prospective, randomized, controlled study.
Aim
This study was undertaken to test, under real-life conditions, the effects of acupuncture on headaches during pregnancy and compare this with a group of patients undergoing conventional treatment alone.
Methodology
Forty-three conventionally treated (lifestyle modifications and stretching) pregnant women were randomly allocated into two groups to routine care or acupuncture. The severity and disability caused by this pain and its affect on mood, sleep and work were assessed using a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The main end-point was the mean difference between the first and the last interview after eight weeks of treatment. Secondary end points were the changes over time in the NRS assessments of pain intensity, disturbances in mood, sleep and working and the use of medications.
Differences between initial and final sessions were analyzed by a two-sample test. Changes over time in the NRS assessment were analyzed by the Fisher exact test. Mood's test for medians was used and a p-value<0.05 indicated a significant difference.
Results
All women completed the treatment. No important adverse effects related to acupuncture treatment or to pregnancy's outcome were reported. Significant improvements were demonstrated for pain at the end of the trial in the study group, 3.9 vs 1.7 difference in favor to acupuncture group (p<0.05). This group also used less medication and had a greater improvement in mood and sleep when compared with the control group.
Conclusions
This study suggests acupuncture alleviates tension-type headaches during pregnancy.
Source : European Journal of Integrative Medicine
Link to Abstract
One year study on the integrative intervention of acupressure and interactive multimedia for visual health in school children
- a School of Nursing, National Taipei University of Nursing and Health Sciences, No. 365, Minte Road, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- b Department of Applied Mathematics, Chung-Yuan Christian University, No. 200, Chungpei Road, Chung-Li City, Taoyuan, Taiwan, ROC
- c School of Nursing, Yuanpei University, No. 306, Yuanpei Street, Hsinchu, Taiwan, ROC
Summary
Objective
This study used a larger sample size, added a long-term observation of the effect of intervention, and provided an integrated intervention of acupressure and interactive multimedia of visual health instruction for school children. The short- and long-term effects of the interventions were then evaluated by visual health knowledge, visual acuity, and refractive error.
Design
A repeated pretest–posttest controlled trial was used with two experimental groups and one control group.
Setting
Four elementary schools in northern Taiwan.
Participants
287 School children with visual impairment in fourth grade were recruited.
Method
One experimental group received the integrative intervention of acupressure and interactive multimedia of visual health instruction (ACIMU), and another received auricular acupressure (AC) alone; whereas a control group received no intervention. Two 10-week interventions were separately given in the fall and spring semesters. The short- and long-term effects of the interventions were then evaluated by visual health knowledge, visual acuity, and refractive error.
Results
During the school year the visual health knowledge was significantly higher in the ACIMU group than the control group (p < 0.001). A significant difference in the changing visual acuity was in the three groups (p < 0.001), with the improvement in the ACIMU group. No difference in the refractive error was found between any two groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusions
This study demonstrated that a long-term period of acupressure is required to improve school children's visual health. School children receiving the intervention of acupressure combined with interactive multimedia had better improvement of visual health and related knowledge than others. Further study is suggested in which visual health and preventative needs can be established for early childhood.
Source : Complementary Therapies in Medicine
Link to Summary
Neuroendocrine Mechanisms of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Hypertension
Wei Zhou1 and John C. Longhurst2
1Department of Anesthesiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
2Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
Abstract
Hypertension affects approximately 1 billion individuals worldwide. Pharmacological therapy has not been perfected and often is associated with adverse side effects. Acupuncture is used as an adjunctive treatment for a number of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension. It has long been established that the two major contributors to systemic hypertension are the intrarenal renin-angiotensin system and chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system. Recent evidence indicates that in some models of
cardiovascular disease, blockade of AT1 receptors in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (rVLM) reduces sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure, suggesting that overactivity of the angiotensin system in this nucleus may play a role in the maintenance of hypertension. Our experimental studies have shown that electroacupuncture stimulation activates neurons in the arcuate nucleus,
ventrolateral gray, and nucleus raphe to inhibit the neural activity in the rVLM in a model of visceral reflex stimulation-induced hypertension. This paper will discuss current knowledge of the effects of acupuncture on central nervous system and how they contribute to regulation of acupuncture on the endocrine system to provide a perspective on the future of treatment of hypertension with this ancient technique.
Summary
Acupuncture has been shown to decrease BP in hypertensive patients and in animal models of hypertension. The mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of acupuncture are associated with modulation of sympathetic outflow and possibly the endocrine system. Experimental studies have shown that EA inhibits the reflex-induced hypertension by modulating the activity of cardiovascular presympathetic neurons in the rVLM. Activation of neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, vlPAG in the midbrain, and NRP in the medulla by EA can inhibit the activity of premotor sympathetic neurons in the rVLM. Glutamate, acetylcholine, opioids, GABA, nociceptin, serotonin, NO, and endocannabinoids in the brain all appear to participate in the EA antihypertensive response (Figure 2). The central action of EA may also affect the endocrine system and lead to a decrease in plasma renin, aldosterone, angiotensin II, norepinephrine, and serotonin. The neuroendocrine mechanisms of acupuncture in the treatment of hypertension are not yet fully understood, and thus are worthy of further investigation
Source : Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2012 (2012), Article ID 878673
Link to Full Article
Acupuncture Does Help With Pain Sweeping new study finds it helps more than standard treatments
Millions of Americans who use acupuncture can take heart from a new study that provides evidence that the ancient Chinese healing therapy can help reduce chronic pain by as much as 50 percent — welcome news for sufferers of back pain, arthritis, headaches and other painful conditions.
A rigorous review of 29 randomized controlled trials, involving nearly 18,000 patients, shows that acupuncture was better at relieving pain than over-the-counter medicines and other common treatments, says Andrew Vickers, a researcher at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, who led the multinational study.
"What this study provides is fairly strong evidence that acupuncture is an effective treatment for chronic pain," Vickers says, adding that about 3 million Americans use acupuncture each year.
In these trials, some people suffering from back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache and shoulder pain received standard acupuncture treatment, in which tiny needles are inserted into traditionally specified points on the skin. Others received fake acupuncture treatments, in which the needles were inserted at random points on the skin, or they were "treated" with needles that retracted into handles instead of entering the skin. Additional participants received no needle-based treatment at all.
Overall, those treated with real acupuncture had their pain symptoms reduced by 50 percent. Those who received sham needling saw a 43 percent drop in pain, while the no-acupuncture group reported their pain was reduced by 30 percent. A placebo effect — the strong psychological belief in a treatment's effectiveness — likely accounts for the greater improvements seen with sham therapy than no therapy. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health and published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, drew on the work of dozens of researchers across the United States and Europe. Vickers says he and his collaborators painstakingly checked the original patient data as part of their review.
"It's a potentially very important article," says Edgar L. Ross, M.D., director of the Pain Management Center at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and an associate professor at Harvard Medical School. Ross, who works with an acupuncturist at his center, says he sees similar benefits, although the average 50 percent pain reduction reported in the study was greater than that experienced by his patients. In his practice, "it's closer to 25 or 30 percent reduction in pain scores."
Western-trained doctors are increasingly willing to recommend acupuncture to their patients, but there's still no clear scientific explanation for why it works, Ross says. One theory is that acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, natural painkilling compounds in the brain. Another is that it affects neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers that help brain cells communicate pain.
"It's very safe in trained hands," Ross says, though he also believes in a pain management plan that uses a mixture of techniques. Acupuncture "is certainly a very viable therapy," but it should be considered as one part of a whole pain treatment plan, he adds.
Source : AARP
Link to Source
Acupuncture Offers Low-Cost Alternative to Knee Surgery for Osteoarthritis, Research Finds
Acupuncture can relieve the pain of knee osteoarthritis and offer a low cost alternative to surgery for the condition, finds research published online in Acupuncture in Medicine.
The researchers base their findings on 90 patients with knee osteoarthritis, who were referred for group acupuncture to two knee pain clinics in St Albans, Hertfordshire, in 2008 and subsequently monitored for two years.
The clinics were set up in 2008 for NHS patients, and run in two GP practices by specially trained acupuncture nurses, to see whether this could improve care, while reducing costs, and offer a viable alternative to referrals for expensive knee replacement surgery (http://youtu.be/HX3ziJ_DNCQ?hd=1).
This type of surgery works well, and provides value for money, say the authors. But it is not suitable for everyone, and as many as one in seven patients experience severe pain a few years after the procedure.
It also costs £5,000 a pop, and knee osteoarthritis is common, causing significant pain in 17% of the UK population over the age of 50, they add.
Out of 114 patients who were offered acupuncture for osteoarthritic knee pain in 2008, 90 accepted and were treated in the clinics. Their average age was 71. All the patients referred to the clinics had severe symptoms -- constant pain, including at night, and inability to walk far -- and would have been eligible for surgery.
Fifty patients said they would be prepared to have surgery; four said they would only have the operation as a last resort; and 29 said they did not want surgery.
They were given acupuncture once a week for a month after which the frequency was reduced to a session every six weeks.
Forty one patients were still attending the clinics after a year, and 31 were still receiving treatment after two years. Each patient received an average of 16.5 treatments.
A validated score (MYMOP), used to measure symptom control, functional capacity, and wellbeing, showed clinically significant improvements in pain levels, stiffness, and functional capacity after one month of treatment. These improvements continued throughout the two year monitoring period, as assessed by MYMOP at six monthly intervals.
Based on the assumption that only two thirds of patients would take up an offer of acupuncture, the authors calculate that the service could save the NHS around £100,000 a year. Each treatment costs the NHS £20.
The authors also looked at the rates of total knee replacements for the three neighbouring commissioning groups after the service had been introduced.
They found that the group that had commissioned the service, which includes 13 general practices serving 180,000 patients, had the lowest rate, and that this was 10% lower than one of the other groups by 2011.
A second small study in the journal shows that group acupuncture was popular with both nurses and patients, and in an accompanying podcast (http://snd.sc/NaCdbu), a patient who underwent the treatment describes what a difference it has made to her life.
Source : Science Daily via
Group acupuncture for knee pain: evaluation of a cost-saving initiative in the health service. Acupuncture in Medicine, 2012; DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2012-010151
Link to Source
Short-Term Effects of Acupuncture on Open-Angle Glaucoma in Retrobulbar Circulation: Additional Therapy to Standard Medication
Shin Takayama,1 Takashi Seki,1 Toru Nakazawa,2 Naoko Aizawa,2 Seri Takahashi,2 Masashi Watanabe,1 Masayuki Izumi,1 Soichiro Kaneko,1 Tetsuharu Kamiya,1 Ayane Matsuda,1 Akiko Kikuchi,1 Tomoyuki Yambe,3 Makoto Yoshizawa,4 Shin-ichi Nitta,3 and Nobuo Yaegashi1
1Department of Traditional Asian Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8574, Japan
2Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8574, Japan
3Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
4Research Division on Advanced Information Technology, Cyberscience Center, Tohoku University, Japan
Abstract
Background. The relation between glaucoma and retrobulbar circulation in the prognosis has been indicated.
Purpose. To investigate the effects of acupuncture on retrobulbar circulation in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients.
Methods. Eleven OAG patients (20 eyes with OAG) who were treated by topical antiglaucoma medications for at least 3 months were enrolled. Acupuncture was performed once at acupoints BL2, M-HN9, ST2, ST36, SP6, KI3, LR3, GB20, BL18, and BL23 bilaterally. Retrobulbar circulation was measured with color Doppler imaging, and intraocular pressure (IOP) was also measured at rest and one hour after rest or before and after acupuncture.
Results. The Δ value of the resistive index in the short posterior ciliary artery (𝑃< .01) and the Δ value of IOP (𝑃 < .01) were decreased significantly by acupuncture compared with no acupuncture treatment.
Conclusions. Acupuncture can improve the retrobulbar circulation and IOP, which may indicate the efficacy of acupuncture for OAG.
Source : Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2011 (2011), Article ID 157090, 6 pages doi:10.1155/2011/157090
Link to Full Article