A small selection of research on common conditions such as back pain, osteoarthritis, and headaches.

Acupuncture has been in existence for at least 2,500 years and much has been recorded in China over this time. Over the last 10 years or so, in particular, people have begun to translate some of the ancient texts and writings. More recently, we have translations of some of the research carried out in China.

A small selection of research on common conditions such as back pain, osteoarthritis, and headaches.

Acupuncture has been in existence for at least 2,500 years and much has been recorded in China over this time. Over the last 10 years or so, in particular, people have begun to translate some of the ancient texts and writings. More recently, we have translations of some of the research carried out in China.

ANXIETY & DEPRESSION

Acupuncture for Psychiatric Illness

A literature review of acupuncture for psychiatric illness...

A literature review of acupuncture for psychiatric illness, which presents research that found acupuncture to increase central nervous system hormones, including ACTH, beta-endorphins, serotonin, and noradrenaline. It concludes that acupuncture can have positive effects on anxiety and depression.

Wu P, Liu S. Clinical observation on post-stroke anxiety neurosis treated by acupuncture.
J Tradit Chin Med 2008; 28: 186-8.

Acupuncture In Post Stroke Anxiety

A randomised controlled trial assessing the effect of acupuncture on post-stroke anxiety neurosis...

A randomised controlled trial assessing the effect of acupuncture on post-stroke anxiety neurosis, in which 34 patients received acupuncture treatment supplemented by electroacupuncture and 33 patients had oral alprazolam. Anxiety symptoms (measured using the Hamilton Anxiety scale [HAMA]) were relieved in 82.35% of patients given acupuncture, with no difference as compared with the alprazolam group. The researchers concluded that acupuncture is a safe, effective and important method for treating post-stroke anxiety neurosis.

Wu P, Liu S. Clinical observation on post-stroke anxiety neurosis treated by acupuncture.
J Tradit Chin Med 2008; 28: 186-8.

Acupuncture in General Anxiety Disorder

A 6-week randomised controlled trial that compared acupuncture with anti-anxiety drugs...

A 6-week randomised controlled trial that compared acupuncture with anti-anxiety drugs and with acupuncture and drugs combined, in 86 patients with generalised anxiety disorder. Both clinical and biochemical effects were measured before and after treatment. Anxiety levels on the clinical global impression scale were similar in the three groups, though favoured acupuncture in the efficacy component. The platelet concentration of serotonin and plasma ACTH fell significantly but similarly in all groups, while corticosterone levels did not change. The reviewers concluded that acupuncture had a similar anti-anxiety effect to routine Western medicine but with less unwanted effects, and that this effect may be realised through regulating serotonin and ACTH.

Yuan Q. Li J.-N. Liu B. Wu Z.-F. Jin R. Effect of Jin-3-needling therapy on plasma corticosteroid, adrenocorticotropic hormone and platelet 5-HT levels in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.
Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine.2007; 13 (4): 264-268.

BACK PAIN

Acupuncture Effective For Lower Back Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 trials involving 6,359 patients...

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 trials involving 6,359 patients, which looked at acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain. It found moderate evidence that acupuncture is more effective than no treatment and strong evidence that acupuncture is a useful supplement to other forms of conventional therapy. The reviewers concluded that acupuncture should be advocated for the treatment of chronic low back pain.

Yuan J et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture for low back pain: a systematic review.
Spine 2008; 33(23): E887-900.

Management of Acupuncture In Chronic Low Back Pain

Review article on management of chronic LBP with acupuncture.

Review article on management of chronic LBP with acupuncture. Explains theories of acupuncture’ mechanisms of action on pain and reviews evidence of its efficacy. Cites evidence that, compared with no treatment, acupuncture is effective in pain relief and functional improvement immediately after treatment and in short-term follow-up. Also that acupuncture is as effective for pain relief and functional improvement as conventional treatments. Concludes that the most consistent evidence is for the addition of acupuncture to other therapies, which demonstrated more effect in pain relief and functional improvement than the same therapies without acupuncture.

Ammendolia C, Furlan AD, Imamura M, Irvin E, van Tulder M. Evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain with needle acupuncture.
Spine J. 2008 Jan-Feb;8(1):160-72.

Sciatica

Acupuncture can help relieve back pain and sciatica by...

Acupuncture can help relieve back pain and sciatica by:

  • stimulating nerves located in muscles and other tissues, which leads to release of endorphins and other neurohumoral factors, and changes the processing of pain in the brain and spinal cord (Pomeranz 1987, Zhao 2008)
  • reducing inflammation, by promoting release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors (Kavoussi 2007, Zijlstra 2003)
  • improving muscle stiffness and joint mobility by increasing local microcirculation (Komori 2009), which aids dispersal of swelling
  • causing a transient change in sciatic nerve blood flow, including circulation to the cauda equine and nerve root. This response is eliminated or attenuated by administration of atropine, indicating that it occurs mainly via cholinergic nerves (Inoue 2008)
  • influencing the neurotrophic factor signalling system, which is important in neuropathic pain (Dong 2006)
  • increasing levels of serotonin and noradrenaline, which can help reduce pain and speed nerve repair (Wang 2005)
  • improving the conductive parameters of the sciatic nerve (Zhang 2005)
  • promoting regeneration of the sciatic nerve (La 2005).

BREECH BIRTH

Moxa Safe And Effective For Turning A Breech Birth

A large study carried out in Spain has shown that moxibustion at point Bl67is an effective and safe...

A large study carried out in Spain has shown that moxibustion at point Bl67is an effective and safe way to correct non-vertex presentation, when used between 33 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. In a multicentre randomised controlled trial, 406 low-risk pregnant women with a foetus in breech presentation, with a gestational age of 33-35 weeks, were assigned to one of three interventions: moxibustion at Bl67 true moxibustion plus usual care: moxibustion at non specific point Spl1 plus usual care; or usual care alone. In the true moxibustion group, 58.1% of the full-term presentations were cephalic compared with 43.4% in the sham moxibustion group and 44.8% if those in the usual care group. The results represent a relative risk reduction of 29.7% in favour of true moxibustion, compared with usual care, with a number needed to treat of eight. No severe adverse effects were seen.

Using moxibustion in primary healthcare to correct non-vertex presentation: A multicentre randomised controlled trial
Acupunct. Med. 2012 Dec 18 EPUB

CANCER CARE

Benefits of Acupuncture For Patients With Breast Cancer

A systematic review that assessed the evidence on the use of acupoint stimulation for managing therapy-related adverse events in patients with breast cancer.

A systematic review that assessed the evidence on the use of acupoint stimulation for managing therapy-related adverse events in patients with breast cancer. A total of 26 clinical trials, 18 in English and eight in Chinese, were included. They assessed the application of acupoint stimulation on six disparate conditions related to anticancer therapies, including vasomotor syndrome, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, lymphoedema, post-operation pain, aromatase inhibitors-related joint pain and leukopenia. Methods of acupoint stimulation included traditional acupuncture, acupressure, electroacupuncture, and the use of a magnetic device on acupuncture points. Overall, 23 trials (88%) reported positive outcomes on at least one of the conditions examined. However, only nine trials (35%) were of high quality. Three of these found that acupoint stimulation on P6 was beneficial to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. For other adverse events, the quality of many of the trials identified was found to be poor and no conclusive remarks could be made. The reviewers concluded that acupoint stimulation, particularly acupressure on the P6 acupoint, appears to be beneficial in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, especially in the acute phase.

Chao LF et al. The efficacy of acupoint stimulation for the management of therapy-related adverse events in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review.
Breast Cancer Res Treat 2009; 118: 255-67.

Benefits of Acupuncture For Patients With Breast Cancer

A systematic review that assessed the evidence on the use of acupoint stimulation for managing therapy-related adverse events in patients with breast cancer.

A systematic review that assessed the evidence on the use of acupoint stimulation for managing therapy-related adverse events in patients with breast cancer. A total of 26 clinical trials, 18 in English and eight in Chinese, were included. They assessed the application of acupoint stimulation on six disparate conditions related to anticancer therapies, including vasomotor syndrome, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, lymphoedema, post-operation pain, aromatase inhibitors-related joint pain and leukopenia. Methods of acupoint stimulation included traditional acupuncture, acupressure, electroacupuncture, and the use of a magnetic device on acupuncture points. Overall, 23 trials (88%) reported positive outcomes on at least one of the conditions examined. However, only nine trials (35%) were of high quality. Three of these found that acupoint stimulation on P6 was beneficial to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. For other adverse events, the quality of many of the trials identified was found to be poor and no conclusive remarks could be made. The reviewers concluded that acupoint stimulation, particularly acupressure on the P6 acupoint, appears to be beneficial in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, especially in the acute phase.

Chao LF et al. The efficacy of acupoint stimulation for the management of therapy-related adverse events in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review.
Breast Cancer Res Treat 2009; 118: 255-67.

Benefits of Acupuncture For Patients With Breast Cancer

A systematic review that assessed the evidence on the use of acupoint stimulation for managing therapy-related adverse events in patients with breast cancer.

A systematic review that assessed the evidence on the use of acupoint stimulation for managing therapy-related adverse events in patients with breast cancer. A total of 26 clinical trials, 18 in English and eight in Chinese, were included. They assessed the application of acupoint stimulation on six disparate conditions related to anticancer therapies, including vasomotor syndrome, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, lymphoedema, post-operation pain, aromatase inhibitors-related joint pain and leukopenia. Methods of acupoint stimulation included traditional acupuncture, acupressure, electroacupuncture, and the use of a magnetic device on acupuncture points. Overall, 23 trials (88%) reported positive outcomes on at least one of the conditions examined. However, only nine trials (35%) were of high quality. Three of these found that acupoint stimulation on P6 was beneficial to chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. For other adverse events, the quality of many of the trials identified was found to be poor and no conclusive remarks could be made. The reviewers concluded that acupoint stimulation, particularly acupressure on the P6 acupoint, appears to be beneficial in the management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, especially in the acute phase.

Chao LF et al. The efficacy of acupoint stimulation for the management of therapy-related adverse events in patients with breast cancer: a systematic review.
Breast Cancer Res Treat 2009; 118: 255-67.

CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Acupuncture Improves Quality Of Life In Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A randomised controlled trial to observe effects of acupuncture on quality of life in 70 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

A randomised controlled trial to observe effects of acupuncture on quality of life in 70 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients were allocated to treatment with ‘real’ acupuncture or sham acupuncture, three times a week. Individuals’ own perception of their health condition and total score were significantly improved after treatment in the observation group (all P<0.05). There were no adverse effects reported. The researchers concluded that acupuncture can improve the quality of life of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Wang JJ et al. [Randomized controlled study on influence of acupuncture for life quality of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome].
Zhongguo Zhenjiu 2009a; 29: 780-

Acupuncture Improves Quality Of Life In Patients With Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

A randomised controlled trial to observe effects of acupuncture on quality of life in 70 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

A randomised controlled trial to observe effects of acupuncture on quality of life in 70 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Patients were allocated to treatment with ‘real’ acupuncture or sham acupuncture, three times a week. Individuals’ own perception of their health condition and total score were significantly improved after treatment in the observation group (all P<0.05). There were no adverse effects reported. The researchers concluded that acupuncture can improve the quality of life of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Wang JJ et al. [Randomized controlled study on influence of acupuncture for life quality of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome].
Zhongguo Zhenjiu 2009a; 29: 780-

HAY FEVER

Acupuncture Reduces Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever) Symptoms

A Korean multicentre randomised trial has found that acupuncture has a significantly greater effect on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis...

A Korean multicentre randomised trial has found that acupuncture has a significantly greater effect on the symptoms of allergic rhinitis than either sham acupuncture or no active treatment. A total of 238 participants were randomised to one of three groups. The active and sham acupuncture groups received acupuncture treatment three times per week for four weeks. Active acupuncture consisted of needling at ten points – bilateral LI4, LI20, St2, St36 ad unilateral M–HN-3 and Du23. Sham acupuncture consisted of minimal needing at non-acupuncture points, while the waitlist group did not receive any treatment.

After the treatment, the difference in the total nasal symptom score (TNSS) was significantly reduced in the active acupuncture group compared with both sham and waitlist groups. The active acupuncture group also exhibited a significant change in the total non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS) compared with the waitlist (but not with the sham acupuncture group). Both active and sham acupuncture treatments resulted significant improvements in the TNSS and TNNSS compared with the baseline.

A multicentre, randomised, controlled trial testing the effects of acupuncture on allergic rhinitis, allergy.
2012 Dec 18 EPUB

HEADACHES AND MIGRANES

Acupuncture For Migraine

A review of 22 trials that investigated whether acupuncture is effective for the prevention of migraine attacks.

A review of 22 trials that investigated whether acupuncture is effective for the prevention of migraine attacks. Patients who received acupuncture had fewer headaches than those given basic care. ‘True’ acupuncture and sham acupuncture seemed to be similarly effective. When acupuncture was compared to proven drug treatment, patients receiving acupuncture tended to report more improvement and fewer side effects. Overall, migraine patients benefited from acupuncture, and it was at least as effective as, or possibly more effective than, drug treatment, with fewer adverse effects.

Linde K et al. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis.
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009 Issue 1. Art.No.: CD001218. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub2

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)

Acupuncture And Moxibustion For IBS

Twenty-nine people with IBS were randomized to 8 sessions of either individualized acupuncture/moxibustion or sham/placebo.

Twenty-nine people with IBS were randomized to 8 sessions of either individualized acupuncture/moxibustion or sham/placebo.  The average daily abdominal pain/discomfort improved in the Acupuncture/Moxa group but there was little change in the sham control (a statistically significant difference between groups). Furthermore the intestinal gas, bloating, and stool consistency composite score showed a similar pattern of improvement. Conclusions: Acu/Moxa treatment shows promise for symptom management for patients with IBS.

Anastasi JK et al. Symptom management for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a pilot randomized controlled trial of acupuncture/moxibustion.
Gastroenterol Nurs. 2009 Jul-Aug;32(4):243-55

Acupuncture And Moxibustion For IBS

Twenty-nine people with IBS were randomized to 8 sessions of either individualized acupuncture/moxibustion or sham/placebo.

Twenty-nine people with IBS were randomized to 8 sessions of either individualized acupuncture/moxibustion or sham/placebo.  The average daily abdominal pain/discomfort improved in the Acupuncture/Moxa group but there was little change in the sham control (a statistically significant difference between groups). Furthermore the intestinal gas, bloating, and stool consistency composite score showed a similar pattern of improvement. Conclusions: Acu/Moxa treatment shows promise for symptom management for patients with IBS.

Anastasi JK et al. Symptom management for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): a pilot randomized controlled trial of acupuncture/moxibustion.
Gastroenterol Nurs. 2009 Jul-Aug;32(4):243-55

IVF

Acupuncture Improves Rates Of Pregnancy And Live Birth

A systematic review that evaluated whether acupuncture improves rates of pregnancy and live birth when used as an adjuvant treatment...

A systematic review that evaluated whether acupuncture improves rates of pregnancy and live birth when used as an adjuvant treatment to embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF). It included a total of 7 randomised controlled trials with 1,366 women Trials with sham acupuncture and no adjuvant treatment as controls were pooled for the primary analysis. Complementing the embryo transfer process with acupuncture was associated with significant and clinically relevant improvements in clinical pregnancy (OR 1.65, 95%CI 1.27 to 2.14; number needed to treat [NNT] 10, 95%CI 7 to 17), ongoing pregnancy (1.87, 1.40 to 2.49; NNT 9 (6 to 15); five trials), and live birth (1.91, 95%CI 1.39 to 2.64; NNT 9, 95%CI 6 to 17). The reviewers concluded that current preliminary evidence suggests that acupuncture given with embryo transfer improves rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF).

Manheimer E et al. Effects of acupuncture on rates of pregnancy and live birth among women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF): systematic review and meta-analysis.
BMJ 2008;336(7643):545-9.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Moxibustion On Rheumatic Conditions

A systematic review that pooled data from 14 randomised controlled trials testing effectiveness of moxibustion for major rheumatic conditions.

A systematic review that pooled data from 14 randomised controlled trials testing effectiveness of moxibustion for major rheumatic conditions. Trials were included if moxibustion was used alone (8 trials) or as a part of a combination therapy with conventional drugs (6 trials) for rheumatic conditions. All were of low methodological quality. The data suggested favourable effects of moxibustion alone on response rate compared with conventional drug therapy (p<0.02). A subgroup analysis showed significant effects of moxibustion compared with drug therapy in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The results also suggested favourable effects of moxibustion plus drug therapy on the response rate compared with conventional drug therapy alone (p<0.02). The reviewers concluded that the trials included in this review were of low methodological quality, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions.

Choi TY et al. Moxibustion for rheumatic conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Clin Rheumatol. 2011 Feb 18. Epub.

Effects Of Acupuncture In Osteoarthritis Of The Knee

A randomised controlled trial that assessed function and pain relief from 8 weeks of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy to standard care...

A randomised controlled trial that assessed function and pain relief from 8 weeks of acupuncture as adjunctive therapy to standard care in 55 elderly patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Patients were allocated to biweekly acupuncture treatment or a control group that received sham acupuncture, both in addition to standard therapy. Primary outcomes measures were changes in the Knee Society Score (KSS) knee score and in KSS function and pain ratings at therapy onset, at 8 weeks (closure of study) and at 12 weeks. There was significant improvement in all three scores in both groups after 8 and 12 weeks compared with baseline (p<0.05). Significant differences between the intervention and control groups in the KSS knee score (p=.0036) was apparent only after 12 weeks. Patient satisfaction was higher in the intervention group. The researchers concluded that adjunctive acupuncture treatment seems to provide added improvement to standard care in elderly patients with OA of the knee.

Lev-Ari S et al. Delayed effect of acupuncture treatment in OA of the knee: A blinded, randomized, controlled trial.
Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2011; Article Number: 792975

PAINFUL PERIODS (DYSMENORRHEA)

Effects Of Sp6 Acupressure On Menstrual Pain In Young Women

A controlled trial that aimed to evaluate the effects of acupressure at Sp6 on reducing pain and menstrual distress resulting from dysmenorrhoea (painful periods).

A controlled trial that aimed to evaluate the effects of acupressure at Sp6 on reducing pain and menstrual distress resulting from dysmenorrhoea (painful periods). Forty participants were assigned to either the acupressure group (n = 19) or the control group (n = 21). The acupressure group received 20 min of SP6 acupressure during the initial intervention session, was taught to perform the technique for themselves and asked to do it twice a day from the first to third days of their menstrual cycle, for 3 months subsequent to the first session. In contrast, the control group was only told to rest. Outcomes were measured using the Pain Visual Analogue Scale (PVAS), the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ), and the Short-Form Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (SF-MDQ). There was a statistically significant decrease in pain score for PVAS (p = 0.003) and SF-MPQ (p = 0.02) immediately after the 20 min of SP6 acupressure. In the self-care periods, significant reduction of PVAS (p = 0.008), SF-MPQ (p = 0.012), and SF-MDQ (p = 0.024) scores was noted in the third month of post-intervention. The researchers concluded that SP6 acupressure has an immediate pain-relieving effect for dysmenorrhoea. Moreover, acupressure applied to the SP6 acupoint for 3 consecutive months was effective in relieving both the pain and menstrual distress levels resulting from dysmenorrhoea.

Wong CL et al. Effects of SP6 acupressure on pain and menstrual distress in young women with dysmenorrhea (painful periods).
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 2010; 16: 64-9.

Effects Of Moxibustion On Primary Dysmenorrhea

A randomised controlled trial that observed the clinical efficacy on primary dysmenorrhoea treated with moxibustion on Ren 8.

A randomised controlled trial that observed the clinical efficacy on primary dysmenorrhoea treated with moxibustion on Ren 8. One hundred and two women were assigned to a moxibustion group or a western medication group (i.e. analgesic s). In the moxibustion group, 17 patients were cured, 21 improved markedly, 9 improved some and 4 did not improve. In the western medication group corresponding figures were; 7, 11, 21, 12. The total effective rates were 92.2%. with moxibustion versus 76.5% with drugs (p < 0.01). The dysmenorrhoea scores before and after treatment and the side effects profiles were superior with moxibustion (all p< 0.01). The researchers concluded that moxibustion on Ren 8 is superior to oral analgesics for primary dysmenorrhoea, and deserves to be promoted due to its safety advantages, fewer side effect and good patient compliance.

Zhu Y et al. Efficacy observation of primary dysmenorrhea treated with isolated-herbal moxibustion on Shenque (CV 8) [Article in Chinese].
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2010 ; 30: 453-5.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Effects Of Acupuncture On Rheumatoid Arthritis

An uncontrolled pilot study that explored the effects of acupuncture on disease activity, pain scores, functional ability and quality of life in 8 patients with RA.

An uncontrolled pilot study that explored the effects of acupuncture on disease activity, pain scores, functional ability and quality of life in 8 patients with RA (6 were positive for rheumatoid factor). No change in disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) was allowed 3 months before the study. Tender joint count improved by 33.3% to 100% in six patients. The visual analogue scale for pain score improved by 12.5% to 87.5% in four patients. Disease activity score using 28-joint counts dropped by 3.4% to 29.1% in 6 patients. Health assessment questionnaire score remained unchanged in five patients and improved by 37% to 60% in two patients. Physical well- being improved by 28.6% to 71.4% and social well-being improved by 4.4% to 75% in half of the patients, emotional well-being improved by 25% to 57.2% in three patients, functional well-being improved by 16.7% to 35.3% in two patients, fatigue sub-scale improved by 10% to 56.5% in three patients. No patients required adjustment of DMARDs, anti-inflammatory drugs or steroid during the therapy. The researchers concluded that their observations suggest acupuncture may be helpful in alleviating pain, improving disease activity, quality of life and functional ability in some patients with RA.

Lao WN et al. Effects of acupuncture on rheumatoid arthritis. International Journal of Rheumatic Diseases.
Conference: 14th Congress of Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology, APLAR 2010 Hong Kong Hong Kong. Conference Publication 2010; 13: 231.

SCIATICA

Acupuncture Effective For Lower Back Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 trials involving 6,359 patients, which looked at acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 trials involving 6,359 patients, which looked at acupuncture in the treatment of low back pain. It found moderate evidence that acupuncture is more effective than no treatment and strong evidence that acupuncture is a useful supplement to other forms of conventional therapy. The reviewers concluded that acupuncture should be advocated for the treatment of chronic low back pain.

Yuan J et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture for low back pain: a systematic review.
Spine 2008; 33(23): E887-900.

Acupuncture And Dry-Needling For Lower Back Pain

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 trials involving 2,861 patients, which assessed acupuncture for low back pain.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of 35 trials involving 2,861 patients, which assessed acupuncture for low back pain. The reviewers concluded that for chronic low back pain, acupuncture is more effective for pain relief and functional improvement than no treatment or sham treatment, and that acupuncture may be a useful adjunct to other therapies for chronic low back pain.

Furlan AD et al. Acupuncture and dry-needling for low back pain.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005; (1): CD001351.

Electroacupuncture Better Than TENS

A randomised trial that compared therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture and TENS on radical sciatica in a total of 139 patients.

A randomised trial that compared therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture and TENS on radical sciatica in a total of 139 patients. At the end of the first course of treatment, the cure rate was greater (41.4%) in the electroacupuncture group than the TENS group (29.0%, p<0.05), and at the end of second course, was still greater (80.0% vs. 44.9%, p<0.005). The researchers concluded that the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture on senile radical sciatica is significantly better than TENS.

Wang ZX. [Clinical observation on electroacupuncture at acupoints for treatment of senile radical sciatica].
Zhongguo Zhenjiu 2009; 29(2): 126-8.

STRESS

Effects Of Acupuncture Point PC6 On Chronic And Mild Stress

The effects of acupuncture on the behavioural responses induced by chronic mild stress (CMS) were evaluated in rats by using a maze and a sucrose intake test.

The effects of acupuncture on the behavioural responses induced by chronic mild stress (CMS) were evaluated in rats by using a maze and a sucrose intake test. C-fos expression in the brain was examined by immunohistochemistry. Acupuncture stimulation at point P6 (3 min) (but not at point SJ5) reversed stress-induced behavioural changes and significantly attenuated c-fos expression in the hypothalamus, suggesting that acupuncture has a therapeutic effect on chronic stress-related diseases such as depression and anxiety.

Kim H et al. The effects of acupuncture stimulation at PC6 (Neiguan) on chronic mild stress-induced biochemical and behavioral responses.
Neuroscience Letters. 2009; 460: 56-60.

Effects Of Acupuncture On Emotional Stress In Females With A Speech Disorder

A randomised placebo-controlled trial that investigated the effects of acupuncture (genuine vs. sham) on emotional stress in 18 people with phonotraumatic injuries.

A randomised placebo-controlled trial that investigated the effects of acupuncture (genuine vs. sham) on emotional stress in 18 people with phonotraumatic injuries. Cortisol levels were measured in samples of the participants’ saliva. Samples were collected from each subject at 10 minutes pre-needling, immediately pre-needling, mid-needling, immediately post-needling, and 10 minutes post-needling time points. The findings suggested that the subjects’ salivary cortisol concentrations did not reduce after acupuncture, and thus, acupuncture may not be able to reduce the emotional stress level in female dysphonic speakers.

Kwong EY, Yiu EM. A preliminary study of the effect of acupuncture on emotional stress in female dysphonic speakers.
J Voice. 2010; 24: 719-23.

TENNIS ELBOW

Acupuncture Helps Tennis Elbow

A systematic review that evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for lateral epicondylitis.

A systematic review that evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for lateral epicondylitis. Six randomised controlled trials (four sham-controlled) were included. All the studies suggested that acupuncture was effective in the short-term relief of lateral epicondyle pain. Five of the six studies indicated that acupuncture treatment was more effective compared to a control treatment. The reviewers concluded that there was strong evidence suggesting that acupuncture is effective in the short-term relief of lateral epicondyle pain.

Trinh KV et al. Acupuncture for the alleviation of lateral epicondyle pain: a systematic review.
Rheumatology 2004; 43: 1085-90.

Effects Of Electro-Acupuncture On Tennis Elbow

A randomised controlled trial that assessed the different effects of electro-acupuncture of different frequencies in 85 patients with refractory tennis elbow syndrome.

A randomised controlled trial that assessed the different effects of electro-acupuncture of different frequencies in 85 patients with refractory tennis elbow syndrome. The patients were allocated to continuous wave or rarefaction wave electro-acupuncture at the same acupoints. A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) was used to evaluate the tenderness score. The effective rate was 82. 9% in continuous wave group and 84. 1% in rarefaction wave group, with no significant difference between the two groups. The healing rate was better in rarefaction wave group (56. 8% vs. 31.7% in the continuous wave group; p<0.05). The VAS scores were significantly reduced after electro-acupuncture treatment in both groups (both p<0.001). The researchers concluded that rarefaction wave electro-acupuncture is better than continuous wave electro-acupuncture for refractory tennis elbow syndrome.

Su X et al. Effects of electroa-cupuncture of different frequencies for treatment of patients with refractory tennis elbow syndrome.
Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2010; 30: 43-5.

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