Wrist-ankle acupuncture as perineal pain relief after mediolateral episiotomy: a pilot study.

Institute: SourceDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, San Gerardo Hospital , Monza, Italy .

Author: Marra C, Pozzi I, Ceppi L, Sicuri M, Veneziano F, Regalia AL.

Journal: J Altern Complement Med.

Date: 2011 Mar

Abstract Objectives: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in relieving perineal pain after mediolateral episiotomy during childbirth.

Design and subjects: Women with mediolateral episiotomy during delivery were enrolled in this study and were assigned to be treated or not with acupuncture. Outcomes measures: Perineal pain relieving effect of acupuncture was evaluated considering oral analgesics request during post-partum period and was the main outcome of this trial.

Results: A total of 42 women were enrolled in this trial. Twenty-one (21) women were treated with "wrist-ankle" acupuncture, inserting one needle in their right ankle. A second group of 21 women was not treated with acupuncture. Women in the acupuncture group were significantly less likely to experience pain; only 8 of them (38.1%) asked for analgesics. All women in the second group assumed oral analgesics because of perineal pain (p < 0.01).

Conclusions: Wrist-ankle acupuncture during the postpartum period is effective for perineal pain relief after mediolateral episiotomy.

Acupuncture for Chronic Nonbacterial Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome: A Systematic Review.

Journal: J Androl. Date: 2011 Mar 24. Author: Posadzki P, Zhang J, Lee MS, Ernst E. Purpose: The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment option for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Material and Methods: Eight databases were searched from their inception to October 2010. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were considered, if they tested acupuncture against any control intervention or no therapy in human with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The selection of studies, data extraction, and validation were performed independently by two reviewers. The methodological quality of all included RCTs was assessed using Jadad scale. Studies of stimulation of acupoints other than by needles were excluded. Results: Nine RCTs met the inclusion criteria. They all suggested that acupuncture is effective as compared to a range of control interventions. Their methodological quality was variable, most were associated with major flaws. Only one RCT had a Jadad score of more than 3. Conclusions: The evidence that acupuncture is effective for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is encouraging, but due to several caveats, not conclusive. Therefore, more rigorous studies seem warranted.