The Acupuncture Blog: News and Opinion of the world of Oriental Medicine

July 26, 2010

Patient Expectation does not Affect Outcome

Back pain patients with pretreatment expectations and preferences for acupuncture were not found predictive of treatment outcomes.

Abstract: Spine July 1 2010

Acupuncture News Update by mpence at 12:29 PM

May 30, 2010

Acupuncture’s Molecular Effects Pinned Down

Scientists found that the chemical adenosine is very active in deeper tissues affected by acupuncture. The Rochester researchers looked at the effects of acupuncture on the peripheral nervous system – the nerves in our body that aren’t part of the brain and spinal cord.

The team made a number of observations regarding adenosine:

·In mice with normal functioning levels of adenosine, acupuncture reduced discomfort by two-thirds.

·In special “adenosine receptor knock-out mice” not equipped with the adenosine receptor, acupuncture had no effect.

·When adenosine was turned on in the tissues, discomfort was reduced even without acupuncture.

·During and immediately after an acupuncture treatment, the level of adenosine in the tissues near the needles was 24 times greater than before the treatment.

“It’s clear that acupuncture may activate a number of different mechanisms,” said Josephine P. Briggs, M.D., director of the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. “This carefully performed study identifies adenosine as a new player in the process. It’s an interesting contribution to our growing understanding of the complex intervention which is acupuncture.”

Abstract: Nature Neuroscience May 30, 2010

Acupuncture News Update by mpence at 03:16 PM

May 16, 2010

Acupuncture Aids Dysmenorrhea

Patients resistant to normal treatment from dysmennorrhea were given treatment with acupuncture and received positive results.

abstract: Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine January 2007

Acupuncture News Update by mpence at 11:59 PM

May 03, 2010

Acupuncture Siginicantly Reduces Pain in Neck Dissection

A study conducted on neck cancer patients given traditional treatment vs. acupuncture. Significant reductions in pain, dysfunction, and xerostomia were observed in patients receiving acupuncture versus usual care (P = .008).

Abstract: Journal of Clinical Oncology April 20, 2010

Acupuncture News Update by mpence at 09:46 AM

April 11, 2010

Effects of Acupuncture in Post-Viral Olfactory Dysfunction

Persistent post-viral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD), resulting in loss of smell, can profoundly influence a patient's quality of life. The sense of smell determines the flavor of foods and beverages and serves as an early warning system for the detection of environmental hazards, such as spoiled food, leaking natural gas, smoke or airborne pollutants. The loss or distortion of smell can adversely influence food preference, food intake, and appetite.

In the current study, 15 patients presenting to an outpatient clinic with PVOD were treated by TCA in 10 weekly, 30-minute sessions. The effects of TCA were compared to matched pairs of people suffering from PVOD who had been treated with vitamin B complex. Eight patients treated with TCA experienced improved olfactory function, compared with only two who were treated with vitamin B complex.

The authors were quoted as saying, "…the observed high response rate of about 50 percent under TCA was superior to that of vitamin B complex or that of spontaneous remission, and offers a possible new therapeutic regimen in postviral dysosmia."

Abstract: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery April 2010

Acupuncture News Update by mpence at 11:57 PM

March 07, 2010

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

Acupuncture News Update by mpence at 08:45 PM

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

Acupuncture News Update 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

Acupuncture News Update 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

Acupuncture News Update by mpence at 06:57 AM

January 10, 2010

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 News Update by mpence at 10:06 PM