Thursday, December 19, 2013

Acupuncture effectiveness as a complementary therapy in functional dyspepsia patients

2013 Jul-Sep;50(3):202-7. doi: 10.1590/S0004-28032013000200036.

Abstract

Context: Functional dyspepsia represents a frequent gastrointestinal disorder in clinical practice. According to the Roma III criteria, functional dyspepsia can be classified into two types as the predominant sympton: epigastric pain and postprandial discomfort. Even though the pathophysiology is still uncertain, the functional dyspepsia seems to be related to multiple mechanisms, among them visceral hypersensitivity, changes in the gastroduodenal motility and gastric accommodation and psychological factors.

Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture as a complementary to conventional treatment in functional dyspepsia patients.

Methods: Randomized clinical trial in which were enrolled patients with functional dyspepsia patients in according with Rome III criteria. One group was submitted to drug therapy and specific acupuncture (GI) and the other to drug therapy and non-specific acupuncture (GII). The gastrointestinal symptoms, presence of psychiatric disorders and quality of life were evaluated, at the end and three months after treatment.

Results: After 4 weeks of treatment there was improvement of gastrointestinal symptoms in Group I (55 ± 12 vs 29 ± 8.8; P = 0.001) and Group II (50.5 ± 10.2 vs 46 ± 10.5; P = 0.001). Quality of life was significantly better in Group I than group II (93.4 ± 7.3 vs 102.4 ± 5.1; P = 0.001). Anxiety (93.3% vs 0%; P = 0.001) and depression (46.7% vs 0%; P = 0.004) were significantly lower in Group I than group II. When comparing the two groups after 4 weeks of treatment, gastrointestinal symptoms (29 ± 8.8 vs 46 ± 10.5; P<0.001) and quality of life (102.4 ± 5.1 vs 96 ± 6.1; P = 0.021) were significantly better in Group I than group II. Three months after the treatment, gastrointestinal symptoms remained better only in Group I, when compared to the pre-treatment values (38 ± 11.3 vs 55 ± 12; P = 0.001).

Conclusion: In patients with functional dyspepsia the complementary acupuncture treatment is superior to conventional treatment. Further studies with more patients are needed to confirm these findings.

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Combined treatment with acupuncture reduces effective dose and alleviates adverse effect of l-dopa by normalizing Parkinson's disease-induced neurochemical imbalance

2013 Dec 7. pii: S0006-8993(13)01524-2. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres. 2013.11.28

Kim SN1, Doo AR2, Park JY2, Choo HJ3, Shim I2, Park JJ4, Chae Y1, Lee B5, Lee H1, Park HJ6

Abstract

This study first showed the behavioural benefits of novel combination therapy of l-dopa with acupuncture on Parkinson's disease, and its underlying mechanisms within basal ganglia. The previous study reported that acupuncture may improve the motor function of a Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse model by increasing the dopamine efflux and turnover ratio of dopamine. Hence, we hypothesised that combining l-dopa with acupuncture would have a behavioural benefit for those with PD. We performed unilateral injections of 6-OHDA into the striatum of C57Bl/6 mice to model hemi-Parkinsonian attributes. To test motor function and dyskinetic anomalies, we examined cylinder behaviour and abnormal involuntary movement (AIM), respectively.

We found that (1) a 50% reduced dose of l-dopa (7.5mg/kg) combined with acupuncture showed an improvement in motor function that was comparable to mice given the standard dose of l-dopa treatment (15mg/kg) only, and that (2) the combination treatment (l-dopa +acupuncture) was significantly superior in reducing AIM scores when equivalent doses of l-dopa were used. The combination treatment also significantly reduces the abnormal increase of GABA contents in the substantia nigra compared to the standard l-dopa treatment. Furthermore, abnormal expression of FosB, the immediate early gene of l-dopa induced dyskinesia (LID), was mitigated in the striatum by the combination treatment.

All of these results indicate that acupuncture enhances the benefits of l-dopa on motor function with reduced dose of l-dopa and alleviating LID by normalising neurochemical imbalance within the basal ganglia.

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Thread-moxa in Zhuang folk medicine combined with acupuncture and external application drugs on AIDS patients with herpes zoster: a clinical observation

2013 Aug;33(8):1050-3.

Liu ZW, Mo JH, Pang J, Deng X.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To observe the efficacy of thread-moxa in Zhuang folk medicine (TM) combined with acupuncture and external application drugs for AIDS patients with herpes zoster (AHZ).

METHODS:

A randomized, controlled clinical trial was conducted in 60 patients with AHZ. They were randomly assigned to the treatment group (treated with TM combined with acupuncture and Jingwanhong Scald Ointment) and the control group (treated with Famciclovir Tablet, nimesulide dispersible tablet, vitamin B1, ribavirin ointment). The treatment course was 14 days for both groups.The clinical efficacy, significant efficiency visual analog scale score (VAS), sleep quality score (QS), the postherpetic neuralgia rate in 1 year after treatment were observed.

RESULTS:

The markedly effective rate was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group (86.7% vs. 53.3%, P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference in the total effective rate between the two groups (96.7% vs. 80.0%, P > 0.05). The post-treatment VAS, QS, the time for pain disappearance, skin repair, crusting, and 1-year postherpetic neuralgia incidence rate were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P < 0. 05, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS:

TM combined with acupuncture and Jingwanhong Scald Ointment was effective for treating AHZ patients. It relieved pain quickly, shortened their course of disease, and improved their quality of sleep.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Ganglion cyst of the foot treated with electroacupuncture: A case report

2013 Dec;57(4):310-315.

Woitzik E, Kissel J.

Source

Division of Graduate Studies, Sports Sciences, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, 6100 Leslie Street, Toronto, Canada M2H 3J1.

Abstract

in English, French

Complete Text (PDF)

OBJECTIVE:

To present the clinical management of a ganglion cyst presenting on the dorsolateral aspect of the foot.

CLINICAL FEATURES:

A 45-year-old female cyclist complaining of ganglion cyst following training period.

INTERVENTION AND OUTCOME:

Patient was treated with high-frequency electroacupuncture in four consecutive sessions over four weeks, and reported resolution of the cyst following therapeutic intervention.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ganglion cysts of the foot are relatively rare connective tissue tumours with variable treatment approaches. Electroacupuncture may be a novel and non-invasive conservative approach for the treatment of ganglion cysts. Further evaluation of the efficacy of such treatment is warranted.

Saturday, December 7, 2013

Patients with anorexia nervosa receiving acupuncture or acupressure; their view of the therapeutic encounter

2013 Dec;21(6):675-81. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.08.015. Epub 2013 Aug 31.

Fogarty S, Smith CA, Touyz S, Madden S, Buckett G, Hay P.

Source

Centre for Complementary Medicine Research, University of Western Sydney, Australia. Electronic address: s.fogarty@uws.edu.au.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Anorexia nervosa is a serious illness with significant morbidity. The evidence base for existing psychological and pharmacological interventions to manage anorexia nervosa is not strong, and use of new adjunctive therapies that improve the effectiveness of existing treatments, and lead to improved mental health outcomes for this patient group is highly desirable. This study investigates the views of patients with anorexia nervosa receiving an acupuncture or acupressure intervention.

METHOD:

A randomised controlled trial was conducted in Sydney, Australia. Twenty-six inpatients with a diagnosis of anorexia nervosa were randomised to a six week intervention of acupuncture or acupressure with light massage. Treatment was administered twice weekly for three weeks, then weekly for three weeks. A post treatment questionnaire was administered to explore participant views, of the study consultation. Questions examined important aspects of the clinical encounter including the, patient's perception of the practitioners' relational empathy (CARE), treatment perceptions and the, therapeutic relationship.

RESULTS:

Participants in both groups scored highly on the CARE scale assessing empathy and the, therapeutic relationship. There was no difference in the mean CARE scores for the acupuncture group (50 (SD 0.0)) and the acupressure group (49.5 (SD 0.8)). Participants highly valued the therapeutic, encounter and in particular the characteristics of empathy, positive regard, acceptance, non, judgemental responses and trust. Having someone to talk to, being less stressed/relaxed and contact, with the study staff were also perceived to be important.

CONCLUSION:

Study participants perceive the therapeutic relationship and empathy as important qualities of the acupuncture or acupressure intervention as an adjunct therapy for the treatment of anorexia nervosa.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

Electroacupuncture treatment for pancreatic cancer pain: A randomized controlled trial

2013 Nov-Dec;13(6):594-7. doi: 10.1016/j.pan.2013.10.007. Epub 2013 Oct 23.

Chen H, Liu TY, Kuai L, Zhu J, Wu CJ, Liu LM.

Source

Department of Integrative Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Pancreatic cancer is often accompanied by severe abdominal or back pain. It's the first study to evaluate the analgesic effect of electroacupuncture on pancreatic cancer pain. A randomized controlled trial compared electroacupuncture with control acupuncture using the placebo needle.

METHODS:

Sixty patients with pancreatic cancer pain were randomly assigned to the electroacupuncture group (n = 30) and the placebo control group (n = 30). Patients were treated on Jiaji (Ex-B2) points T8-T12 bilaterally for 30 min once a day for 3 days. Pain intensity was assessed with numerical rated scales (NRS) before the treatment (Baseline), after 3 treatments, and 2 days follow-up.

RESULTS:

Baseline characteristics were similar in the two groups. After 3 treatment, pain intensity on NRS decreased compared with Baseline (-1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.46 to -1.87) in the electroacupuncture group; there was little change (-0.13, 95% CI 0.08 to -0.35) in control group; the difference between two groups was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Follow-up also found a significant reduction in pain intensity in the electroacupuncture group compared with the control group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Electroacupuncture was an effective treatment for relieving pancreatic cancer pain.

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis With Chinese Scalp Acupuncture

2013 Jan;2(1):8-13.

Hao JJ, Cheng W, Liu M, Li H, Lü X, Sun Z.

Source

National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States.

Abstract

Chinese scalp acupuncture is a contemporary acupuncture technique with just 40 years of history. It integrates traditional Chinese needling methods with Western medical knowledge of the cerebral cortex and has been proven to be a very effective technique for treating multiple sclerosis (MS) and other central nervous system disorders.

A 65-year-old male patient who had had MS for 20 years was treated with Chinese scalp acupuncture. The motor area, sensory area, foot motor and sensory area, balance area, hearing and dizziness area, and tremor area were stimulated once a week for 10 weeks, then once a month for six sessions. After the 16 treatments, the patient showed remarkable improvements. He was able to stand and walk without any problems. The numbness and tingling in his limbs did not bother him anymore. He had more energy and had not experienced incontinence of urine or dizziness after the first treatment. He was able to return to work full time. At this writing, the patient has been in remission for 26 months.

This case demonstrates that Chinese scalp acupuncture can be a very effective treatment for patients with MS. Chinese scalp acupuncture holds the potential to expand treatment options for MS in both conventional and complementary or integrative therapies. It can not only relieve symptoms, increase the patient's quality of life, and slow and reverse the progression of physical disability but also reduce the number of relapses and help patients with multiple sclerosis to remain in remission.

Sunday, December 1, 2013

Treating coronary heart disease by acupuncture at neiguan (PC6) and xinahu (BL15): an efficacy assessment by SPECT

2013 Sep;33(9):1196-8.

Gao Z, Hu S, Wang ZJ, Chen Q, Jia SW.

Source

Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Guangdong 518036, China.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of acupuncture combined single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) in treating coronary heart disease (CHD) and its effect on the myocardial ischemia/perfusion and the recovery of heart functions.

METHODS:

Totally fifty-nine patients with confirmed CHD were randomly assigned to two groups, the acupuncture group (32 cases) and the nitroglycerine group (27 cases). Patients in the acupuncture group were electro-acupunctured at bilateral Neiguan (PC6) and Xinshu (BL15) for 30 min with the frequency of 2/15 Hz and the current strength 9 - 18 mA after myocardial imaging induced by routine exercises or drug load. 99mTc-MIBI 370 MBq was injected 15 min after needling. The myocardial perfusion imaging was performed immediately after needling. 99mTc-MIBI740 MBq was injected to those in the nitroglycerine group during routine exercises or drug load. The myocardial perfusion imaging was performed 5 min after injection. Patients were asked to sublingual administration of nitroglycerine 1 mg after the myocardial perfusion imaging was completed. 99mTc-MIBI 370 MBq was intravenously injected 5 min later, and myocardial perfusion imaging was performed 5 min after injection.

RESULTS:

There was statistical difference in changes of radioactive uptake between before and after treatment in the two groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Both acupuncture and buccal administration of nitroglycerine could increase the blood perfusion of ischemic myocardium. But there was no statistical difference in the improvement of ischemic myocardial cells (t = 1.57, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Using SPECT could clearly display therapeutic effects of acupuncture on CHD, thus providing a new visible research method for CHD studies.

Friday, November 29, 2013

Acupuncture for Treatment of Uncontrolled Pain in Cancer Patients: A Pragmatic Pilot Study

2013 Nov 25.

Garcia MK, Driver L, Haddad R, Lee R, Palmer JL, Wei Q, Frenkel M, Cohen L.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

Pain control is an ongoing challenge in the oncology setting. Prior to implementing a large randomized trial at our institution, we investigated the feasibility, safety, and initial efficacy of acupuncture for uncontrolled pain among cancer patients.

HYPOTHESE:

Our hypotheses were that the acupuncture treatments provided would be feasible, safe, and a beneficial adjunct to pain management.

STUDY DESIG:

This was a single arm, nonrandomized pragmatic pilot study.

METHOD:

Participants experiencing pain ≥4 on a 0 to 10 numeric rating scale received a maximum of 10 treatments on an individualized basis. Recruitment, attrition, compliance, and adverse events (AEs) were assessed. Pain (Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form), quality of life (MD Anderson Symptom Inventory [MDASI]), and patient satisfaction were assessed at baseline and at the end of treatment.

RESULT:

Of 115 patients screened, 52 (45%) were eligible and agreed to participate. Eleven (21%) were lost to follow-up, leaving 41 who completed all study procedures. No AEs were reported. Mean pain SEVERIT: was 6.0 ± 1.3 at baseline and 3.8 ± 2.0 at follow-up ( : < .0001). Pain INTERFERENC: was 6.2 ± 2.3 at baseline and 4.3 ± 2.8 at follow-up ( : < .0011). On the MDASI, the mean symptom SEVERIT: was 4.6 ± 1.8 at baseline and 3.2 ± 1.9 at follow-up ( : < .0001), and mean symptom INTERFERENC: was 5.8 ± 2.4 at baseline and 4.1 ± 2.9 at follow-up ( : < .002). Prescribed pain medications decreased across the course of the study. Patient satisfaction was high: 87% reported that their expectations were met "very well" or "extremely well"; 90% said they were likely to participate again; 95% said they were likely to recommend acupuncture to others; and 90% reported they found the service to be "useful" or "very useful."

CONCLUSION:

Acupuncture was feasible, safe, and a helpful treatment adjunct for cancer patients experiencing uncontrolled pain in this study. Randomized placebo-controlled trials are needed to confirm these results.

Thursday, November 7, 2013

Ear therapy and massage therapy in the elderly with dementia: a pilot study

2013 Aug;33(4):461-7.

Rodríguez-Mansilla J, González-López-Arza MV, Varela-Donoso E, Montanero-Fernández J, Jiménez-Palomares M, Garrido-Ardila EM.

Source

Department of Medical-Surgical Therapy, Medicine Faculty, Extremadura University, Badajoz 06006, Spain

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the impact of massage versus ear acupuncture on behavior and participation in occupational therapy of dementia patients.

METHODS:

We performed a controlled, randomized longitudinal trial approved by the Bioethics Commission of the University of Extremadura. One hundred twenty elderly subjects with dementia institutionalized in residential homes in Extremadura (Spain) received treatment based on massage and ear acupuncture over three months. Behavior alterations, sleep disturbance, and participation in rehabilitation and eating were assessed every month during the three months of intervention, and at one and two months of follow-up after the end of treatment. The assessment was performed through a structured questionnaire with closed format questions done by an occupational therapist not involved in the study.

RESULTS:

There was a statistically significant positive effect of massage and ear acupuncture (P < 0.001) on measured variables in the third month of intervention, which were maintained at two months after completing the treatment (P < 0.021), when compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION:

Massage therapy and ear acupuncture can improve behavior and sleep disturbances, and increase the participation in eating and rehabilitation organized in residential homes, in dementia patients.

Curative effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on insomnia: a randomized clinical trial

2013 Aug;33(4):428-32.

Gao X, Xu C, Wang P, Ren S, Zhou Y, Yang X, Gao L.

Source

College of Acupuncture and Massage, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450008, China

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To observe the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on insomnia and explore its mechanism.

METHODS:

One hundred and twenty patients were randomly divided into an experiment group and a control group. Sixty patients in the experiment group were treated once a day with acupuncture at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenmai (BL 62), and Zhaohai (KI 6) and with moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20) and Sishencong (EX-HN 1). Sixty patients in the control group were acupunctured once a day at Shenmen (HT 7), Neiguan (PC 6), and Sanyinjiao (SP 6).The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to compare sleep improvement between the two groups.

RESULTS:

The total effective rate was 87.7% in the experiment group and 76.3% in the control group. The PSQI scores and the total score were lower after treatment than before treatment in both groups. However, the reduction in the experiment group was greater than that in the control group in sleeping quality, time to fall asleep, sleeping disorder, and daytime function (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Acupuncture and moxibustion at Baihui (GV 20), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Shenmai (BL 62), and Zhaohai (KI 6) significantly improved insomnia symptoms in the experiment group compared with the control group.

Gag reflex control through acupuncture: a case series

2013 Nov 5. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010377.

Bilello G, Fregapane A.

Source

Section of Orthodontics, Department of Surgical, Oncology and Stomatologic Sciences, University of Palermo, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Many patients avoid dental appointments because of severe gagging when they have work performed, such as taking impressions. There are several methods known to alleviate gagging, and some studies have suggested that acupuncture may be effective in reducing gag reflex. The aim of the present study therefore was to evaluate whether acupuncture can produce a reduction of the gag reflex.

METHODS:

A total of 20 patients, aged between 19 and 80 years, with history of gag reflex on taking dental impressions, were recruited. All patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria had an upper and lower dental alginate impression taken without acupuncture, and a second upper and lower alginate impression taken immediately after acupuncture based on traditional Chinese medicine. After each impression, the patients recorded their emetic sensation using a visual analogue scale (VAS).

RESULTS:

The results showed a significant (p<0.05) reduction in the gag reflex scores after acupuncture. For upper impressions, they fell from 6.8 (1.1) to 1.1 (1.1); and for lower impressions, from 5.45 (1.0) to 0.4 (0.7) (mean (SD)).

CONCLUSIONS:

The findings from our study suggest that acupuncture may be useful for preventing and treating gag reflex, and justifies further study.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Electroacupuncture reduces myocardial infarct size and improves post-ischemic recovery by invoking release of humoral, dialyzable, cardioprotective factors

2013 May;63(3):219-23. doi: 10.1007/s12576-013-0259-6. Epub 2013 Mar 26.

Redington KL, Disenhouse T, Li J, Wei C, Dai X, Gladstone R, Manlhiot C, Redington AN.

Source

Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G1X8, Canada.

Abstract

Previous studies have shown that electroacupuncture (EA) can induce cardioprotection against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury, but its mechanisms are incompletely understood. We have previously shown that several other forms of remote preconditioning of the heart work, at least in part, via the release of circulating cardioprotective factors into the bloodstream, that can be dialyzed and subsequently shown to reduce IR injury in isolated hearts.

We used the same methods to assess whether EA leads to similar humoral cardioprotection. EA rabbits were subjected to 60 min of bilateral stimulation at the Neiguan point, following which their blood was drawn, dialyzed, and used to perfuse hearts in Langendorff preparation and subsequently subjected to 60 min of global ischemia and 120 min of reperfusion. Compared to controls, dialysate from EA animals led to significant reduction in infarct size and improved functional recovery. The degree of cardioprotection was no different to that seen in animals randomized to receive remote preconditioning using transient limb ischemia (4 cycles of 5 min ischemia/5 min reperfusion).

These results suggest that EA recapitulates the cardioprotection achieved by remote preconditioning, by similarly leading to release of circulating cardioprotective factors.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The effect of acupuncture on high blood pressure of patients using antihypertensive drugs

2013;38(1-2):1-15.
Cevik C, Işeri SO.

Source

Dept. of Clinical Biochemistry, Director of The Acupuncture Clinic & The Coordinator of The Acupuncture Certificate Courses, Gazi University Medical Faculty, Ankara/Turkey.

Abstract

Blood pressure control is an important component of cardiovascular disease prevention. Despite the advances in the treatment of hypertension; effective management remains poor. The combined use of multiple drug strategies fail to regulate blood pressure and chronic use of those agents cause severe side-effects. New strategies are required to control high blood pressure.

We aim in our study to research the effects of acupuncture treatment on blood pressure of hypertensive patients who have already been exposed to antihypertensive drug therapy for at least 24 months. Each patient was using 1-3 antihypertensive drug of a heterogeneous pharmacological group ranging from ACE inhibitors, diuretics, and beta blockers and the most common complaint of those patients were fatigue, dizziness, weakness, headache and joint pain, sleeping problems, cold hands and feet, edema, depression. We did not alter patients' diet (salt intake), physical activity or use of antihypertensive drugs. The study includes 24 male and 10 female patients. Ki 3 (Taixi), Liv 3 (Taichong), Sp 9 (Yinlingquan), L.I. 4 (Hegu), Ht 7 (Shenmen), St 36 (Zusanli), Sp 6 (Sanyinjiao), Ki 7 (Fulio), Lu 9 acupuncture points were needled.

After being treated with acupuncture for one month in every two days for a total of 15 sessions, we found significant reductions (p ? 001) in both systolic (from 163.14 +/- 19.33 to 129.49 +/- 18.52) and diastolic (from 94.37 +/- 19.70 to 79.31 +/- 7.87) blood pressures of these patients.

The aim here is not to compare the effectiveness of acupuncture and drug therapy on blood pressure, but to simply report that on patients currently using antihypertensive medication, acupuncture facilitated a significant reduction in blood pressure and reduced the patients complaints.

We therefore conclude that our data strongly suggest that acupuncture should be in the hypertension treatment guidelines and widely used for blood pressure regulation.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Efficacy of Integrated Rehabilitation Techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

2013;41(5):971-981.

Zhang Y, Jin H, Ma D, Fu Y, Xie Y, Li Z, Zou Y.

Source

Department of Neurology and Stroke Center, Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Chinese Ministry of Education, China.

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of Integrated Rehabilitation Techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine (IRT-TCM) on patients with ischemic stroke as an alternative therapy to conventional rehabilitation techniques.

Sixty-nine patients with ischemic stroke were randomly assigned to receive either IRT-TCM (intervention group, n=46) or conventional rehabilitation techniques (control group, n=23). The IRT-TCM consisted of a sequential combination of acupuncture and massage techniques. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), Barthel index (BI) and modified Rankin Scale (mRS) were measured on day 0 (baseline, before treatment), day 21, and day 90.

We observed that the scores in FMA and BI were increased, and NIHSS were decreased in both groups on day 21 and 90, compared with the baseline (day 0). Furthermore, significantly better scores in FMA of lower limbs and NIHSS were found in patients treated with IRT-TCM on day 21 and 90. For mRS, the percentage of patients ranking 0 and 1 in the intervention group presented a striking contrast to the control group on day 90 but with no significant difference.

The results indicated that, as a feasible alternative therapy, IRT-TCM is beneficial for patients with ischemic stroke. Further research with larger sample size, long-term observation, and strict blinding are still in need to confirm the efficacy of IRT-TCM.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation in a Chinese Population

2013 Oct 4.
Ma E, Chan T, Zhang O, Yang JS, Wang YY, Li YC, Ho R, Lai C, Lam PY.

Source

Department of Health, Hong Kong.

Abstract

An observational study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture for smoking cessation, and determine predictors for successful quitters. Smokers received at least 6 sessions of body acupuncture provided by Chinese medicine practitioners and initiated self-administered auricular acupuncture. We determined self-report 26-week and 52-week quit rates by intention-to-treat analysis and examined predictors for successful quitting by univariate and multivariate analyses. A total of 1002 smokers were recruited; 26-week and 52-week quit rates were 16.8% and 15.8%, respectively. Male sex, older age, lower nicotine dependence level, and number of body acupuncture and counseling sessions received were associated with successful quitting. A multiple logistic regression model showed that sex, nicotine dependence level, and number of body acupuncture sessions received were predictors for successful quitting. Body and auricular acupuncture is effective in smoking cessation and should be considered as an alternative to help smokers in quitting, especially for those whose past attempts using conventional methods were in vain.

Monday, October 7, 2013

Effects of electro-acupuncture on personality traits in depression: A randomized controlled study

2013 Oct;19(10):777-782. Epub 2013 Oct 4.

Wang WD, Lu XY, Ng SM, Hong L, Zhao Y, Lin YN, Wang F.

Source

Department of Psychology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the personality-adjusting effect of electro-acupuncture treatment for depression and compared this treatment with paroxetine treatment.

METHODS:

A non-blinded, randomized controlled trial was adopted. Sixty depressed patients, who met trial criteria, were randomly assigned to the treatment and the control groups. In the treatment group, electro-acupuncture treatment was used, and paroxetine treatment was used in the control group. During the 24-week study period, 12 patients dropped out and 48 patients completed the study. The Minnesota Multiple Personality Inventory (MMPI) was adopted as the evaluation tool. At the same time, the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) were used to evaluate the psychological state. Evaluations were done before and after treatment.

RESULTS:

After treatment, patients' psychological state improved significantly in both groups (P<0.01). For the treatment group, within-group comparison between baseline and after 24 weeks of treatment showed that severity of depression had significantly decreased (P<0.01). MADRS and SDS scores decreased significantly (P<0.05) and MMPI subscale scores for hypochondriasis, depression, psychopathic deviate, psychasthenia, social introversion and fake decreased significantly (P<0.05). For the control group, severity of depression also decreased significantly. MADRS and SDS scores decreased significantly (P<0.05); and MMPI subscale scores for hypochondriasis, depression, hysteria, paranoia, and psychasthenia decreased significantly (P<0.05). Between-group comparison demonstrated that for the MMPI subscales paranoia and social introversion, the decrease of score was greater in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). However, there were no other significant differences between the control group and the treatment group.

CONCLUSION:

Electro-acupuncture is effective for treating depression and affects personality traits.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Moxibustion in the management of irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis

BMC Complement Altern Med. 2013 Oct 2;13(1):247.
Park JW, Lee BH, Lee H.

Abstract (Full-Text PDF)

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder. Many patients suffer from IBS that can be difficult to treat, thus complementary therapies which may be effective and have a lower likelihood of adverse effects are being sought.This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed at critically evaluating the current evidence on moxibustion for improving global symptoms of IBS.

METHODS:

We searched Medline, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, AMED, CINAHL, and CNKI databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of moxibustion comparing with sham moxibustion, pharmacological medications, and other active treatments in patients with IBS. Trials should report global symptom improvement as an outcome measure. Risk of bias for each RCT was assessed according to criteria by the Cochrane Collaboration, and the dichotomous data were pooled according to the control intervention to obtain a risk ratio (RR) of global symptom improvement after moxibustion, with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS:

A total of 20 RCTs were eligible for inclusion (n = 1625). The risk of bias was generally high. Compared with pharmacological medications, moxibustion significantly alleviated overall IBS symptoms but there was a moderate inconsistency among studies (7 RCTs, RR 1.33, 95% CI [1.15, 1.55], I2 = 46%). Moxibustion combined with acupuncture was more effective than pharmacological therapy but a moderate inconsistency among studies was found (4 RCTs, RR 1.24, 95% CI [1.09, 1.41], I2 = 36%). When moxibustion was added to pharmacological medications or herbal medicine, no additive benefit of moxibustion was shown compared with pharmacological medications or herbal medicine alone. One small sham-controlled trial found no difference between moxibustion and sham control in symptom severity (mean difference 0.35, 95% CI [-0.77, 1.47]). Moxibustion appears to be associated with few adverse events but the evidence is limited due to poor reporting.

CONCLUSIONS:

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggests that moxibustion may provide benefit to IBS patients although the risk of bias in the included studies is relatively high. Future studies are necessary to confirm whether this finding is reproducible in carefully-designed and conducted trials and to firmly establish the place of moxibustion in current practice.

Thursday, October 3, 2013

Acupuncture and Counselling for Depression in Primary Care: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract (Full-Text PDF)

Background

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.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

The Effects of Acupuncture Treatment on Sleep Quality and on Emotional Measures among Individuals Living with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study

Purpose. To examine the effects of acupuncture on sleep quality and on emotional measures among patients with schizophrenia.

Methods. Twenty patients with schizophrenia participated in the study. The study comprised a seven-day running-in no-treatment period, followed by an eight-week experimental period. During the experimental period, participants were treated with acupuncture twice a week. During the first week (no-treatment period) and the last week of the experimental period, participants filled out a broad spectrum of questionnaires and their sleep was continuously monitored by wrist actigraph.

Results. A paired-sample t-test was conducted comparing objective and subjective sleep parameters manifested by participants before and after sequential acupuncture treatment. A significant effect of acupuncture treatment was observed for seven objective sleep variables: sleep onset latency, sleep percentage, mean activity level, wake time after sleep onset, mean number of wake episodes, mean wake episode and longest wake episode. However, no significant effects of acupuncture treatment were found for subjective sleep measures. Likewise, the results indicate that acupuncture treatment improved psychopathology levels and emotional measures, that is, depression level and anxiety level.

Conclusions. Overall, the findings of this pilot study suggest that acupuncture has beneficial effects as a treatment for insomnia and psychopathology symptoms among patients with schizophrenia.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings: Acupuncture

Mayo Clinic Proceedings
Volume 88, Issue 10 , Pages 1141-1146, October 2013

Worldwide, acupuncture is integral to everyday medical practice. In recent decades its practice has gained popularity in the United States. With increasing evidence of its clinical efficacy, acupuncture is now a widely practiced treatment modality in complementary and integrative medicine. According to the 2007 National Health Interview Survey, an estimated 3.1 million US adults and 150,000 children had acupuncture in the previous year. The National Health Interview Survey also estimated that between 2002 and 2007, acupuncture use among adults increased by approximately 1 million people. Patients want more information from their clinicians about the use of acupuncture and its safety and efficacy. Although many clinicians may recommend acupuncture, they often believe they are not sufficiently informed to discuss acupuncture with their patients. This article provides answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding acupuncture.