Acupuncture effectiveness as a complementary therapy in functional dyspepsia patients

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

Lima FA, Ferreira LE, Pace FH.

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.

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

Brain Res. 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.

© 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V.

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

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 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.

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

J Can Chiropr Assoc. 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.

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

Complement Ther Med. 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.

Electroacupuncture treatment for pancreatic cancer pain: A randomized controlled trial

Pancreatology. 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.

Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis With Chinese Scalp Acupuncture

Glob Adv Health Med. 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.

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

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 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.