Articles tagged with Acupuncture
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Acupuncture may be a safe alternative to drugs for chronic pain, with moderate benefit shown in a review of 20,827 patients. However, critics argue that the evidence is insufficient and that it can be linked to better quality of life compared to usual care. Doctors should consider a more flexible approach to guideline development.
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School immunologist Luis Ulloa believes the body has an electrical network that can be used to manipulate and help control its functions. He suggests phone-based bioelectronic medicine could treat inflammatory disorders like arthritis, colitis, diabetes, obesity, and life-threatening infections.
Korean researchers have discovered a potential cancer treatment method using nanoporous acupuncture needles, which were found to reduce the incidence of abnormal vascular clusters in rats with colorectal cancer. The treatment also affected the maturation rate of colorectal cancer in rats.
A new study found that complementary and alternative medicine is being used by one in four Europeans to remedy various health problems. Women and those with higher education are more likely to use these treatments. The most commonly used forms of treatment were massage, homeopathy, osteopathy, and herbal remedies.
Researchers aim to discover whether acupuncture can treat vulvodynia, a women's chronic pain condition affecting up to 14 million Americans. Acupuncture has shown promise in reducing pain in various studies.
A study published in JAMA Network found that acupuncture and electrotherapy can potentially reduce and delay opioid use after total knee replacement. The analysis of drug-free interventions revealed moderate evidence supporting the effectiveness of these non-pharmacological treatments.
A recent study from LA BioMed researchers found that the proper use of acupuncture can lead to elevated levels of nitric oxide in the skin at acupoints, increasing blood flow and analgesic release. The study suggests that this method may contribute to the pain-relieving effects of acupuncture.
Two studies published in JAMA found that electroacupuncture improved symptoms of stress urinary incontinence, with effects persisting beyond treatment. However, acupuncture did not increase the likelihood of childbirth among women with infertility, suggesting further research is needed to understand its long-term efficacy.
A randomized clinical trial involving 1,000 Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) found that acupuncture did not increase live births when combined with clomiphene or placebo medication. The study suggests that acupuncture may not be an effective supplemental treatment for infertility in women with PCOS.
A new study from the Kennedy Krieger Institute found that acupuncture interventions can lead to improved behavior, attention span, sleep quality, and reduced parenting stress in young children with autism spectrum disorder. Most parents reported a positive relationship with their child after participating in the intervention.
A world's largest randomized controlled trial found acupuncture as effective as pain medicine in providing long-term relief for patients with considerable pain. Despite initial pain persistence, acupuncture was deemed a viable treatment option for those unable to take standard drugs due to medical conditions.
A large randomized controlled trial found that acupuncture significantly improved the quality of life and physical and mental health of patients with allergic asthma. The study involved 1445 participants who received on average 15 acupuncture sessions over three months, with benefits maintained for up to six months.
Researchers connect classical acupuncture to advances in physiology, systems biology, and mechanotherapeutics. They explore the body's interconnectedness as a whole system, suggesting an exciting convergence in Eastern and Western medicine.
Two papers challenge the UK's National Institute for Healthcare Excellence (NICE) guidelines for excluding acupuncture in treating osteoarthritis of the knee and low-back pain. The authors argue that NICE applies a higher evidentiary standard to acupuncture than other modalities, which may diminish its effectiveness.
New research suggests that electroacupuncture can activate adipose tissue metabolism and stimulate muscle contraction, leading to improved blood sugar regulation. The study found benefits for both overweight and obese women with and without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), offering a new possibility for managing prediabetes.
A study found that hospitalized patients value complementary treatments such as acupuncture and massage therapy, perceiving them helpful. Across various therapies, 33-71% of patients expressed willingness to pay out-of-pocket for these services.
A new study reveals that acupuncture improves carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms by rewiring the primary somatosensory cortex in the brain. Real acupuncture at the affected hand led to measurable improvements in outcomes and long-term symptom relief, while sham acupuncture had no physiologic effects.
Research suggests that acupuncture can effectively treat infantile colic by reducing the frequency and duration of excessive crying in babies. The study involved 147 babies who received either standard care or tailored acupuncture treatment, resulting in a significant reduction in crying time for those who received acupuncture.
A study published in Oncology Nursing Forum found that acupuncture improved recovery after mastectomy surgery by reducing pain, nausea, and anxiety. Patients who received acupuncture had a greater reduction in symptoms compared to those with traditional care.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine found that electroacupuncture can lower blood pressure for at least three days by increasing enkephalin gene expression. The therapy may be suitable for treating clinical hypertension with minimal side effects.
A DGIST research team developed porous acupuncture needles with enhanced therapeutic properties by applying nanotechnology. The findings showed that PANs excel in transferring signals from a spinal dorsal horn and demonstrate superior efficacy in treating addiction in animal experiments.
Researchers have identified three objective criteria to quickly identify patients with zero chance of survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who can be considered for organ donation. These criteria include lack of witness emergency medical services personnel, nonshockable initial cardiac rhythm, and failure to return spont...
The NIH review found that acupuncture, yoga, and tai chi are effective for managing back pain and osteoarthritis. Massage therapy and relaxation techniques also show promise in reducing severe headaches and migraine symptoms.
A new study suggests that acupuncture can provide significant pain relief for children with complex medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy and spinal cord injuries. The low-risk procedure has been found to be safe and effective in reducing pain and improving quality of life for these patients.
A review suggests that acupuncture improves subtle memory loss before dementia development, with potential benefits when combined with drug treatment. However, more rigorous clinical trials are required to confirm its effectiveness and safety.
A new study found that acupressure reduced persistent fatigue in women treated for breast cancer, improving sleep quality and overall quality of life. Two-thirds of participants achieved normal fatigue levels after six weeks of relaxing acupressure.
A study found that adding acupuncture to usual care significantly improved headache-related quality of life for patients with traumatic brain injury. Auricular acupuncture had a greater effect on quality of life compared to traditional Chinese acupuncture.
A new study published in the journal Menopause found that acupuncture significantly reduced hot flashes and night sweats associated with menopause. The treatment resulted in a 36.7% decline in frequency of hot flashes after six months, with benefits persisting for another year.
Most anesthesia providers recognize the potential benefits of acupuncture on acute postoperative and chronic pain, as well as reducing anxiety. The majority express interest in acupuncture/acupressure education, suggesting a strong argument for incorporating alternative medicine into anesthesia curricula.
The article discusses the successful implementation of acupuncture in US military settings, specifically Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA), and its potential benefits for treating pain. The authors highlight the importance of data collection to assess outcomes and explore additional integrative medicine techniques.
A personalized approach to acupuncture has been shown to decrease pain levels and improve functional capacity in individuals with chronic pain, known as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is characterized by widespread pain, fatigue, and depression, affecting up to one in twenty people.
A large-scale study by the University of Melbourne found that both real and sham acupuncture showed a 40% improvement in hot flush severity and frequency after eight weeks. The benefits were sustained at six months. Women with breast cancer or ovarian removal were not included.
The American College of Physicians (ACP) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issue advice on prescribing antibiotics for acute respiratory tract infections, citing unnecessary use that can lead to $3 billion in excess costs. The guidelines recommend reserving antibiotics for serious illnesses only.
A recent study at Rush University Medical Center found acupuncture to be a safe and effective adjunctive integrative medicine treatment for chronic pain in pediatric patients. The study included 55 children aged 7-20 who experienced chronic pain conditions, with significant reductions in pain levels and related health issues.
More than 95% of cancer patients expressed interest in at least one complementary therapy if offered, with vitamins/nutritional supplements being the most commonly used. Patients were also interested in massage, acupressure, nutritional counseling, and mindfulness meditation.
Researchers found that acupuncture and Alexander Technique lessons significantly reduced chronic neck pain by 32% and 31%, respectively, at 12 months. These interventions provided clinically relevant reductions in pain levels without medication use, offering new hope for patients with chronic neck pain.
A randomized, controlled trial found both acupuncture and the Alexander Technique led to significant long-term reductions in neck pain and associated disability compared with usual care. The interventions also showed high acceptability rates and greater adherence, leading to improved self-efficacy and outcomes.
A new study found that acupuncture significantly reduced hot flash frequency and severity in breast cancer survivors, while also inducing a stronger placebo effect than oral medications. The treatment showed sustained benefits even after the eight-week treatment period ended.
A UCI study found that acupuncture treatments significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures in hypertensive patients. The treatment also lowered levels of norepinephrine and renin, which constrict blood vessels and increase blood pressure.
A study by Georgetown University Medical Center researchers found that acupuncture blunts activity in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, reducing production of stress hormones. This mechanism is similar to that of antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs, which exert their therapeutic effects on these same pathways.
A study of over 6,000 Kaiser Permanente members found that 58% used chiropractic care or acupuncture for chronic pain, yet many didn't discuss it with their primary care providers. The majority of patients would share this information if asked, highlighting the need for better care coordination.
A systematic review of 24 studies found statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes with acupuncture compared to placebo acupuncture or no treatment. The findings support the potential for acupuncture as a treatment modality in dermatology.
A new study from San Francisco State University found that individuals with lower educational levels and incomes are less likely to know about alternative medicine practices like yoga, acupuncture, and natural products. This lack of knowledge is strongly associated with lower education levels and income.
A new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that acupuncture significantly reduced pain and inflammation in pediatric patients with acute appendicitis. The treatment also showed a modest drop in white blood cell count, suggesting a biophysiological basis for its effectiveness.
Manual acupuncture has a substantial difference in treatment effect, with stronger evidence of pain relief compared to laser acupuncture. The study found that manual acupuncture is effective in short-term pain relief and activates the descending pain inhibitory system.
First responders trained in simple integrative medicine approaches like acupuncture and biofeedback can provide adjunctive treatment to help relieve patients' pain and stress. The article highlights the potential benefit of modifying these techniques for use in natural disasters and battle zones.
A new study from the University of Melbourne found that acupuncture did not improve chronic knee pain in patients older than 50. The research, published in JAMA, involved 282 participants who received either real or sham acupuncture for 12 weeks.
A study published in JAMA found that acupuncture did not improve chronic knee pain or function in patients over 50 years old. While acupuncture showed modest improvements in pain at short-term follow-up, these benefits were not sustained at one year.
A PET study found that acupuncture at Yongquan acupoints induced stronger neuronal activity than sham acupoints, suggesting a potential mechanism for improving patients with DOC. The putamen, cingulate cortex, frontal lobe, and cerebellum were involved in conscious thought.
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that auriculotherapy may be an effective treatment for chronic constipation. The study analyzed the results of 17 published studies and concluded that auriculotherapy can help alleviate symptoms associated with constipation.
Researchers found that plastic handle needles are less prone to buckling than copper coil handle needles, reducing the need for stainless steel wires. Replacing copper coil handles with plastic ones could save up to 100 tonnes of copper wires and 20 million meters of medical grade stainless steel every year.
A study found that acupuncture at Waiguan inhibited Brodmann area 5 on the healthy side in stroke patients, indicating a potential mechanism for improving brain function. Acupuncture also activated functional brain areas, suggesting its therapeutic effects.
Researchers found that acupuncture at the Taixi (KI3) acupoint activates cerebral neurons in 20 brain regions, including the anterior cingulate gyrus and medial frontal cortex, in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. This study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for improving cognitive function in older adults.
A recent study found that acupuncture can positively impact both the frequency and severity of hot flashes in women undergoing natural menopause. The analysis revealed that various forms of acupuncture, including traditional Chinese medicine and sham acupuncture, were effective in reducing hot flash frequency for up to three months.
A meta-analysis of 17 clinical trials found that early filiform needle acupuncture significantly improved depression symptoms and was safer than conventional medications. This study provides evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing poststroke depression.
Acupuncture at Yongquan acupoints induced stronger neuronal activation than sham points, increasing synaptic activity in areas involved in conscious thought. This may explain the improvement of patients with disorder of consciousness.
Acupuncture at Waiguan inhibited Brodmann area 5 on the healthy side of stroke patients, indicating a possible association with a central mechanism for improved outcomes. This study suggests that acupuncture at specific points can have therapeutic effects on brain function in patients with ischemic stroke.
A rat model of heroin relapse showed improved brain structure and increased neurotrophic factor expression after acupuncture treatment. The study suggests that acupuncture at specific points may protect brain neurons against injury and promote recovery from heroin addiction.
The nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) is involved in the protective mechanism of pre-moxibustion on gastric mucosa. Moxibustion pretreatment at the Zusanli point can protect against acute gastric mucosa injury, while NTS damage inhibits these responses.
A study published in Neural Regeneration Research found that acupuncture at Baihui and Dazhui points can prevent brain cell apoptosis in heroin-addicted rats. This effect is similar to that of methadone, a commonly used drug for treating addiction.