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February 07, 2010
Brain Imaging of Acupuncture: Brain Effects
A study conducted at the University of York and the Hull York Medical School indicates that acupuncture has a significant effect on specific neural structures. When a patient receives acupuncture treatment, a sensation called deqi can be obtained; scientific analysis shows that this deactivates areas within the brain that are associated with the processing of pain.
Abstract Brain Research February 22, 2010
Posted by mpence at 02:42 PM
Breast Cancer Treatment Aided by Acupuncture
Women with breast cancer treated with aromatase inhibitors may experience joint symptoms that can lead to discontinuation of effective therapy.
Women treated with acupuncture had significant improvement of joint pain and stiffness, which was not seen with sham acupuncture. Acupuncture is an effective and well-tolerated strategy for managing this common treatment-related side effect.
Abstract: Journal of Oncology January 25, 2010
Posted by mpence at 02:21 PM
February 02, 2010
Electro-acupuncture May Relieve Osteoarthritis of the Knee
A study recently published in the journal Pain shows promise for arthritis relief.
According to the abstract:
"Forty patients of either sex over 40 years with primary osteoarthritis knee were recruited into a single-blinded, sham-controlled study. For electro-acupuncture group the points were selected according to the Traditional Chinese Medicine Meridian Theory. In the sham group needles were inserted at random points away from true acupoints and no current was passed. Both groups were treated for 10 days with one session every day lasting for 20–25 min. Pre- and post-treatment Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) index of osteoarthritis knee and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain were recorded and blood samples were taken for the measurement of plasma cortisol and β-endorphin levels. Following electro-acupuncture treatment there was a significant improvement in WOMAC index and VAS (p = 0.001), a significant rise in plasma β-endorphin (p = 0.001), and a significant fall in plasma cortisol (p = 0.016). In conclusion electro-acupuncture resulted in an improvement in pain, stiffness and disability. Of clinical importance is that an improvement in objective measures of pain and stress/pain associated biomarkers was shown above that of a sham treatment; hence demonstrating acupuncture associated physiological changes beyond that of the placebo effects."
Abstract: Pain December 15, 2009
Posted by mpence at 06:57 AM