TCM Student

Acupunture Aids Pregnancy Depression

A study recently conducted by researchers at several major universities concludes that acupuncture is significantly beneficial in depression during pregnancy.

"The short acupuncture protocol demonstrated symptom reduction and a response rate comparable to those observed in standard depression treatments of similar length and could be a viable treatment option for depression during pregnancy."

Abstract: Obstetricts & Gynecology March, 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

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

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

Acupuncture Reduces Hot Flashes, Improves Sex Drive for Breast Cancer Patients

Study results show that acupuncture, when compared to drug therapy, has a longer-lasting effect on the reduction of hot flashes and night sweats for women receiving hormone therapy for breast cancer treatment. Women also report that acupuncture improves their energy and clarity of thought.

Reference: "Acupuncture versus Venlafaxine for the Management of Vasomotor Symptoms in Hormone Receptor Positive Breast Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial." Journal of Clinical Oncology.

Story:Henry Ford Hospital December 29, 2009

Acupuncture May Ease the Itch of Eczema

A recent study conducted by Dr. Florian Pfab, of the Technical University of Munich, on human patients shows promise for the relief of eczema.

Pfab's team found patients' itchiness ratings were lower after they received true acupuncture, compared with both no treatment and placebo acupuncture.

When the researchers exposed patients' skin to the allergens a second time, skin flare-ups tended to be less-severe.

Story: Reuters.com December 22, 2009.

A Broader Definition of Healthcare

Proposals before the Senate would allow treatment plans to incorporate alternative medicines, including acupuncture and dietary supplements.

Story: Los Angeles Times December 6, 2009

Acupuncture for Treatment of Insomnia

In a recently published review, researchers examined 46 studies (3,811 patients) that examined the use of acupuncture in treatment of insomnia. Results revealed that acupuncture was superior to sleeping pills regarding the number of patients whose total sleep time increased by more than three hours. The researchers also found that using acupuncture in combination with herbal remedies was more effective than using herbs alone to improve sleep.

Abstract: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine November 18, 2009

The Challenging Path to Wellness

A recent article published in the New York Times, describes the story of a diagnosed cancer patient that took wellness in her own hands, by navigating the current health and insurance systems to achieve her health success.

Story: New York Times November 13, 2009

Acupressure Therapy Inhibits the Development of Type 2 Diabetic Complications

A 3 year study of patients with Type 2 diabetes were treated with regular medicines and participated in diet and exercise programs for the control of hyperglycemia and hypertension. The patients in the acupressure group received additional treatment of a 90-minute acupressure treatment 4–6 times per week for 3 consecutive years.

The accupressure group had significantly lower levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and higher levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were observed and no significantly increased levels of serum creatinine and urine protein were detected in the AT group, as compared with that in controls.

Abstract: The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine September, 2009

Moxibustion Does Not Aid in Breech Infants

A double-blind randomized study with over 200 women reported that the use of moxibustion does not influence breech position infants.

Abstract: Obestetrics and Gynecology November, 2009

Acupuncture Increases Skin Temperature in Brain Damaged Children

A pilot study completed at the University of Gothenburg Sweden, found that brain-damaged children have decreased skin temperature in the extremities, and by using acupuncture, also discovered a possible method to increase in skin temperature. Patients with cerebral palsy participated in the study.

Story: Physorg.com October 19, 2009

Auricular Acupuncture Eases Back Pain in Pregnant Women

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology shows that one week of continuous auricular acupuncture significantly decreases the pain and disability experienced by women with pregnancy-related low back and posterior pelvic pain.

Abstract: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology June, 2009.

Acupuncture Decreases Ceasarean Rate

Data collected by the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada have shown that acupuncture decreases the rate of ceasarean sections. Although the study has not been published the results are provided on a website -

- An overall 35% reduction in the number of inductions (for women having their first baby this was a 43% reduction)

- A 31% reduction in the epidural rate

- A 32% reduction in emergency caesarean delivery

Article: Marketwire October 9, 2009

An Overview of Fibromyalgia and Treatments

An overview by the New York Times of fibromyalgia discusses the symptoms and how alternative medicine is now being intregrated with hard to treat conditions.

Overview

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