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York study maps the effects of acupuncture on the brain

A new study by the University of York reveals that acupuncture significantly affects specific neural structures in the brain, particularly those associated with pain processing. This finding could lead to a better understanding of how acupuncture works and its potential as a treatment option for various medical conditions.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalBrain Research·DateFeb 4, 2010

Medical acupuncture gaining acceptance by the US Air Force

The US Air Force is integrating medical acupuncture into its military healthcare, utilizing a technique developed by Dr. Richard Niemtzow to relieve severe pain lasting several days. This approach reduces reliance on pain medications that may cause adverse reactions or addiction, offering a promising alternative for pain management in ...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalMedical Acupuncture·DateDec 18, 2008

Placebo acupuncture is associated with a higher pregnancy rate after IVF than real acupuncture

A study published in Human Reproduction found that placebo acupuncture resulted in a significantly higher overall pregnancy rate (55.1%) compared to real acupuncture (43.8%) in patients undergoing IVF. The researchers suggest that placebo acupuncture may have a real effect, contrary to its inert control status.

Electroacupuncture at PC6 may decrease frequency of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation

A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that electroacupuncture at PC6 can decrease the frequency of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) induced by gastric distention in cats. The effect appears to act at the brain stem, mediated through nitric oxide (NO), CCK-A, and mu-opioid receptors.

SourceWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·JournalWorld Journal of Gastroenterology·DateOct 10, 2007

Acupuncture treatment may be more effective than conventional therapy in treating lower back pain

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that six months of acupuncture treatment was more effective than conventional therapy in treating low back pain. The treatment, which involved verum acupuncture and sham acupuncture, resulted in significant improvements in pain relief for patients with chronic low back pain.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateSep 24, 2007

Osteoarthritis patients treated with acupuncture show improvement

A randomized controlled trial found that osteoarthritis patients who received acupuncture treatment in addition to routine care showed significant improvements in symptoms and quality of life. The study's results suggest that acupuncture can be an effective treatment option for OA patients, with benefits lasting beyond the therapy period.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatism·DateOct 30, 2006

Staying alert during class: Self-applied acupressure may reduce sleepiness

A study by University of Michigan Health System researchers found that students who applied self-applied acupressure treatments to stimulation points on their legs, feet, hands and heads showed a statistically significant reduction in sleepiness compared to those who only relaxed. This discovery could have implications for improving al...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateSep 15, 2005

Annals of Internal Medicine tip sheet for July 5, 2005

A new 12-week study of 302 adults with high-normal or mildly elevated blood pressure found that eating special cookies containing 40 grams of soybean protein resulted in significantly larger decreases in pressure levels compared to those who ate similar cookies made of complex wheat carbohydrate. The soybean group had a net reduction o...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateJul 4, 2005

Wrist bands can ease cancer nausea, especially for patients who expect them to work

Researchers found that wrist bands with acupressure or stimulation applied to an acupuncture point on the wrist reduced nausea in breast cancer patients by 15% compared to no band. Patients who expected the bands to ease their nausea experienced even greater relief, reporting a 25% decrease in nausea severity.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJournal of Pain and Symptom Management·DateAug 28, 2003

Study first to confirm acupuncture's effect

Researchers measured the force required to overcome tissue-needle connection during acupuncture needling, finding a significant pullout force when needles were rotated. The study suggests that layers superficial to muscle may be involved in the body's response to acupuncture, with future research focusing on connective tissue's role.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateNov 19, 2001

Study finds acupuncture shows promise for treating cocaine addiction

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that participants who received auricular acupuncture had a higher likelihood of being free from cocaine during treatment. Over half of those receiving acupuncture tested negative for the substance at the end of the eight-week trial, compared to 23.5% of control group participants.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateAug 12, 2000