Author: Sunay D, Ozdiken M, Arslan H, Seven A, Aral Y.
Journal: Acupuncture Med.
Date: 2011 Mar
Background:
Acupuncture is commonly used to treat menopausal symptoms and other gynaecological conditions. In this study, the authors aimed to investigate whether acupuncture has an effect on menopausal symptoms and to explore whether this effect is related to changes in hormone levels. Materials and methods A total of 53 postmenopausal women were alternately assigned into two treatment groups: acupuncture (n=27) and sham acupuncture (n=26). Menopausal symptoms were assessed using the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). The serum oestradiol, follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH) levels were measured at baseline and again after the first and last sessions. The Student t test was used for normally distributed data and the Wilcoxon signed rank test for not normally distributed data. The group differences in MRS scores were assessed using non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test.
RESULTS:
After treatment, total MRS, and the somatic and psychological subscale scores were significantly lower in the acupuncture group than the sham group (all p=0.001). The severity of hot flushes was found to be significantly decreased after treatment in acupuncture group (p=0.001). In the acupuncture group LH levels were lower and oestradiol levels were significantly higher than sham group (p=0.046 and p=0.045, respectively) after treatment, but there was no difference in FSH levels.
CONCLUSION: Acupuncture was effective in reducing menopausal complaints when compared to sham acupuncture and can be considered as an alternative therapy in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
PMID: 21383392
Thursday, 10 March 2011
Tuesday, 1 March 2011
Efficacy of acupuncture versus night splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.
Institute: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Phramongkutklao College of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand.
Author: Kumnerddee W, Kaewtong A.
Date: 2010 December
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of acupuncture with night splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty one mild-to-moderate degree CTS patients, aged 27-67 were randomly assigned to acupuncture (Acu) and night splinting (NS) groups. The Acu group received 10 sessions of electro-acupuncture twice a week. The NS group received prefabricated volar neutral wrist splint during the night for 5 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and the end of treatment protocol by Boston Carpal Tunnel Scale comprising symptom severity scale (SSS) and functional status scale (FSS). Pain was measured by 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS).
RESULTS: VAS decreased more in Acu than in the NS group (p = 0.028) whereas improvements in SSS and FSS were not significant between both groups.
CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture was as effective as night splinting in respect of overall symptoms and functions in mild-to-moderate degree CTS. However, pain was reduced more by electro-acupuncture than night splinting.
Author: Kumnerddee W, Kaewtong A.
Date: 2010 December
OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of acupuncture with night splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty one mild-to-moderate degree CTS patients, aged 27-67 were randomly assigned to acupuncture (Acu) and night splinting (NS) groups. The Acu group received 10 sessions of electro-acupuncture twice a week. The NS group received prefabricated volar neutral wrist splint during the night for 5 weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and the end of treatment protocol by Boston Carpal Tunnel Scale comprising symptom severity scale (SSS) and functional status scale (FSS). Pain was measured by 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS).
RESULTS: VAS decreased more in Acu than in the NS group (p = 0.028) whereas improvements in SSS and FSS were not significant between both groups.
CONCLUSION: Electro-acupuncture was as effective as night splinting in respect of overall symptoms and functions in mild-to-moderate degree CTS. However, pain was reduced more by electro-acupuncture than night splinting.
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Auricular acupuncture for insomnia:a randomized controlled trial
Institute: Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture, General Hospital of Peoples Liberation Army, Beijing
Date: 2010 Dec;31(12):1400-1402
Author: Jiang B, Ma ZH, Zuo F.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of auricular acupuncture therapy (AAT) and standardized acupoints on sleep parameters among people with insomnia.
METHODS: A single-blind, randomized pilot study where the treatment group AAT on active points and the control group received AAT on sham points during a 4-week treatment period. Participants were recruited from the Acupuncture Outpatient Clinics in the General Hospital of People's Liberation Army. In all, 125 patients were included in the study, with 63 in treatment group and 62 in control group. Sleep parameters were obtained by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
RESULTS: (1) Significant improvement in the PSQI total score and seven components score including sleep quality, time on falling asleep, sleeping time, efficiency and disorder of sleep, hypnotic and daytime functional disorder after treatment in both treatment group and control group (P <>
Date: 2010 Dec;31(12):1400-1402
Author: Jiang B, Ma ZH, Zuo F.
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of auricular acupuncture therapy (AAT) and standardized acupoints on sleep parameters among people with insomnia.
METHODS: A single-blind, randomized pilot study where the treatment group AAT on active points and the control group received AAT on sham points during a 4-week treatment period. Participants were recruited from the Acupuncture Outpatient Clinics in the General Hospital of People's Liberation Army. In all, 125 patients were included in the study, with 63 in treatment group and 62 in control group. Sleep parameters were obtained by using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).
RESULTS: (1) Significant improvement in the PSQI total score and seven components score including sleep quality, time on falling asleep, sleeping time, efficiency and disorder of sleep, hypnotic and daytime functional disorder after treatment in both treatment group and control group (P <>
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Effect of electroacupuncture on the healing process of tibia fracture in a rat model: a randomised controlled trial
Background: Electrical stimulation is used to promote bone reunion, and is most effective when applied directly to the fracture site.
Objective: To examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the healing process of tibia fracture in a rat model.
Methods: Thirty 12-week-old male Wistar rats underwent unilateral open osteotomies of the tibiae. The rats were then assigned randomly to three groups: EA group (n=10), sham group (n=10) and control group (n=10). In the EA group, a cathodal electrode was connected to an acupuncture needle percutaneously penetrated directly at the surgery site, while an acupuncture needle inserted at 15 mm proximal to the surgery site was used as an anodal electrode. EA (50 Hz, 20 μA, 20 min) was performed daily for 3 weeks. In the sham group the acupuncture needles were inserted at the same sites but no electrical stimulation was given and in the control group, no treatment was given. The response was evaluated at 1, 3, 4 and 6 weeks after surgery by radiographic, macroscopic and mechanical examinations.
Results: The EA group showed accelerated bone healing (EA group 29.92±4.55 mm2, sham group 26.46±5.21 mm2, control group 26.19±2.81 mm2, p greater0.05>Conclusion: The use of EA enhanced callus development and bone mineralisation during the bone healing process.
Objective: To examine the effects of electroacupuncture (EA) on the healing process of tibia fracture in a rat model.
Methods: Thirty 12-week-old male Wistar rats underwent unilateral open osteotomies of the tibiae. The rats were then assigned randomly to three groups: EA group (n=10), sham group (n=10) and control group (n=10). In the EA group, a cathodal electrode was connected to an acupuncture needle percutaneously penetrated directly at the surgery site, while an acupuncture needle inserted at 15 mm proximal to the surgery site was used as an anodal electrode. EA (50 Hz, 20 μA, 20 min) was performed daily for 3 weeks. In the sham group the acupuncture needles were inserted at the same sites but no electrical stimulation was given and in the control group, no treatment was given. The response was evaluated at 1, 3, 4 and 6 weeks after surgery by radiographic, macroscopic and mechanical examinations.
Results: The EA group showed accelerated bone healing (EA group 29.92±4.55 mm2, sham group 26.46±5.21 mm2, control group 26.19±2.81 mm2, p greater0.05>Conclusion: The use of EA enhanced callus development and bone mineralisation during the bone healing process.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
The Effects of Acupuncture (PC6) on Chronic Mild Stress-induced memory loss
Institute:
Division of Brain Disease, Center for Biomedical Science, National Institute of Health, 194 Tongillo, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, 122-701, Korea.
Author: Kim H, Park HJ, Shim HS, Hahm DH, Lee H, Shim I.
Journal: Neurosci Lett. 2010 Oct 11
Abstract
A previous study reported that the PC6 acupuncture point can alleviate chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced anxiety [17]. Following the previous study, this study examined the effects of the PC6 acupuncture point on CMS-induced memory loss. The memory storage and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity in the hippocampus were measured, respectively, using a passive avoidance test (PAT) and AchE immunohistochemistry. In the PAT (retention test), the CMS group showed a markedly lower latency time than the control (post (72h): p<0.01,>
CONCLUSION: These results show that the acupuncture point is effective in restoring the CMS-related biochemical and behavioral impairments, such as learning and memory.
PMID: 20946936
Division of Brain Disease, Center for Biomedical Science, National Institute of Health, 194 Tongillo, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, 122-701, Korea.
Author: Kim H, Park HJ, Shim HS, Hahm DH, Lee H, Shim I.
Journal: Neurosci Lett. 2010 Oct 11
Abstract
A previous study reported that the PC6 acupuncture point can alleviate chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced anxiety [17]. Following the previous study, this study examined the effects of the PC6 acupuncture point on CMS-induced memory loss. The memory storage and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity in the hippocampus were measured, respectively, using a passive avoidance test (PAT) and AchE immunohistochemistry. In the PAT (retention test), the CMS group showed a markedly lower latency time than the control (post (72h): p<0.01,>
CONCLUSION: These results show that the acupuncture point is effective in restoring the CMS-related biochemical and behavioral impairments, such as learning and memory.
PMID: 20946936
Acupuncture reduces crying in infants with infantile colic: a randomised, controlled, blind clinical study.
Institute: 1Department of Health Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
Journal: Acupunct Med. 2010 Oct 18.
Author: Landgren K, Kvorning N, Hallström I.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether acupuncture reduces the duration and intensity of crying in infants with colic. Patients and methods 90 otherwise healthy infants, 2-8 weeks old, with infantile colic were randomised in this controlled blind study. 81 completed a structured programme consisting of six visits during 3 weeks to an acupuncture clinic in Sweden. Parents blinded to the allocation of their children met a blinded nurse. The infant was subsequently given to another nurse in a separate room, who handled all infants similarly except that infants allocated to receive acupuncture were given minimal, standardised acupuncture for 2 s in LI4.
RESULTS: There was a difference (p=0.034) favouring the acupuncture group in the time which passed from inclusion until the infant no longer met the criteria for colic. The duration of fussing was lower in the acupuncture group the first (74 vs 129 min; p=0.029) and second week (71 vs 102 min; p=0.047) as well as the duration of colicky crying in the second intervention week (9 vs 13 min; p=0.046) was lower in the acupuncture group. The total duration of fussing, crying and colicky crying (TC) was lower in the acupuncture group during the first (193 vs 225 min; p=0.025) and the second intervention week (164 vs 188 min; p=0.016). The relative difference from baseline throughout the intervention weeks showed differences between groups for fussing in the first week (22 vs 6 min; p=0.028), for colicky crying in the second week (92 vs 73 min; p=0.041) and for TC in the second week (44 vs 29 min; p=0.024), demonstrating favour towards the acupuncture group.
CONCLUSIONS: Minimal acupuncture shortened the duration and reduced the intensity of crying in infants with colic. Further research using different acupuncture points, needle techniques and intervals between treatments is required.
PMID: 20959312
Journal: Acupunct Med. 2010 Oct 18.
Author: Landgren K, Kvorning N, Hallström I.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether acupuncture reduces the duration and intensity of crying in infants with colic. Patients and methods 90 otherwise healthy infants, 2-8 weeks old, with infantile colic were randomised in this controlled blind study. 81 completed a structured programme consisting of six visits during 3 weeks to an acupuncture clinic in Sweden. Parents blinded to the allocation of their children met a blinded nurse. The infant was subsequently given to another nurse in a separate room, who handled all infants similarly except that infants allocated to receive acupuncture were given minimal, standardised acupuncture for 2 s in LI4.
RESULTS: There was a difference (p=0.034) favouring the acupuncture group in the time which passed from inclusion until the infant no longer met the criteria for colic. The duration of fussing was lower in the acupuncture group the first (74 vs 129 min; p=0.029) and second week (71 vs 102 min; p=0.047) as well as the duration of colicky crying in the second intervention week (9 vs 13 min; p=0.046) was lower in the acupuncture group. The total duration of fussing, crying and colicky crying (TC) was lower in the acupuncture group during the first (193 vs 225 min; p=0.025) and the second intervention week (164 vs 188 min; p=0.016). The relative difference from baseline throughout the intervention weeks showed differences between groups for fussing in the first week (22 vs 6 min; p=0.028), for colicky crying in the second week (92 vs 73 min; p=0.041) and for TC in the second week (44 vs 29 min; p=0.024), demonstrating favour towards the acupuncture group.
CONCLUSIONS: Minimal acupuncture shortened the duration and reduced the intensity of crying in infants with colic. Further research using different acupuncture points, needle techniques and intervals between treatments is required.
PMID: 20959312
Effect of electroacupuncture on Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3) on blood pressure variability in young patients with hypertension
Institute:
Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM, Jinan 250011, China.
Journal: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2010 Jul;30(7):547-50.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture and western medication on blood pressure variability in young patients with hypertension.
METHODS: Sixty cases of hypertension in young patients were randomized into an electroacupuncture group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each one. In electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied on Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3). In western medication group, Captopril was taken orally. Twenty-four hour dynamic blood pressure, blood pressure variability and day-night rhythm were observed after 14 days treatment in two groups.
RESULTS: Electroacupuncture on Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3) reduced systolic pressure and diastolic pressure at different time phases in young patients with hypertension (all P <> 0.05). Electroacupuncture on Quchi (Li, 11) and Taichong (LR 3) reduced apparently the standard deviations of systolic pressure and diastolic pressure at different time phases in young patients with hypertension, indicating significant statistical differences as compared with the deviations before the treatment
Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of TCM, Jinan 250011, China.
Journal: Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2010 Jul;30(7):547-50.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To compare the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture and western medication on blood pressure variability in young patients with hypertension.
METHODS: Sixty cases of hypertension in young patients were randomized into an electroacupuncture group and a western medication group, 30 cases in each one. In electroacupuncture group, electroacupuncture was applied on Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3). In western medication group, Captopril was taken orally. Twenty-four hour dynamic blood pressure, blood pressure variability and day-night rhythm were observed after 14 days treatment in two groups.
RESULTS: Electroacupuncture on Quchi (LI 11) and Taichong (LR 3) reduced systolic pressure and diastolic pressure at different time phases in young patients with hypertension (all P <> 0.05). Electroacupuncture on Quchi (Li, 11) and Taichong (LR 3) reduced apparently the standard deviations of systolic pressure and diastolic pressure at different time phases in young patients with hypertension, indicating significant statistical differences as compared with the deviations before the treatment
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