Acupuncture reduces cholesterol. Researchers measured the effects of needling acupuncture point ST40 (Fenglong) on plasma cholesterol levels. In a laboratory experiment, electroacupuncture successfully downregulated LDL cholesterol. Simultaneously, electroacupuncture downregulated several proinflammatory macrophages linked to dyslipidemia: MCP-1, ICAM-1, IL-1gamma. The researchers conclude that electroacupuncture at ST40 downregulates plasma total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and proinflammatory macrophages in cases of hyperlipidemia. A related laboratory experiment reveals similar findings. Zhang, et. al., conclude that electroacupuncture lowers levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in cases of high cholesterol. Acupuncture points LI11 (Quchi), CV12 (Zhongwan) and ST40 effectively lowered LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglycerides. Nitric Oxide...Weiterlesen

Preliminary Chinese research suggests that combining acupuncture with metformin treatment may be more effective than metformin alone for improving weight loss and insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Thirty-nine diabetic participants received metformin alone or metformin plus electro-acupuncture (EA) and auricular acupuncture (AA). Ten body acupoints were needled (Zhongwan REN-12, Tianshu ST-25, Zusanli ST-36, Sanyinjiao SP-6, Shuifen REN-9, Hegu L.I.-4, Daheng SP-15, Shuidao ST-28, Quchi L.I.-11 and Qihai REN-6, with electric current applied to eight needles), along with six ear points (Sanjiao, Hunger, Stomach, Shenmen, Endocrine and Spleen). Acupuncture was carried out 10 times (every other day)...Weiterlesen

A Brazilian pilot study suggests that acupuncture can improve symptoms and quality of life in patients with faecal incontinence. Eighteen adults reporting more than six months of daily faecal incontinence symptoms underwent 10 weekly sessions of acupuncture. Twenty-two needles were applied at each treatment to the same preselected points, chosen according to TCM theory (Quchi L.I.-1, Neiguan P-6, Shangiuxu ST-37, Yinlingquan SP-9, Weizhong BL-54, Fuliu K-7, Shuifen REN-9, Qihai REN-6, Zhongji REN-3, Zhangmen LIV-13, Shenshu BL-23, Dachangshu BL-25, Ciliao BL-32, Taiyuan LU-9, Waiguan SJ-5, Sanyinjiao SP-6, Zhiyin BL-67, Dadu SP-2, Linqi GB-41). After 10 acupuncture sessions all patients reported an...Weiterlesen

Clinicians in Hong Kong have found that electro-acupuncture (EA) treatment reduces both the duration of post-operative ileus (POI – hypomotility of the gastrointestinal tract following surgery) and length of hospital stay following laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. In a prospective study, 165 cancer patients undergoing laparoscopy were assigned randomly to three groups, who received EA or sham acupuncture once daily from postoperative days one to four, or no acupuncture. The acupoints Zusanli ST-26, Sanyinjiao SP-6, Hegu L.I.-4 and Zhigou SJ-6 were used. Patients who received EA demonstrated a significantly shorter time to defecation than patients who received no acupuncture (85.9...Weiterlesen

Acupuncture and moxibustion successfully alleviate Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease. Research published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology finds acupuncture combined with moxibustion effective in the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Subjective and objective findings confirm the results; both laboratory results and patient symptoms demonstrate significant improvements. Crohn’s disease, also known as regional enteritis, is an inflammatory disease of the intestines affecting the gastrointestinal tract from the mouth to the anus. Symptoms include abdominal bloating and pain, nausea, vomiting, mouth ulcers, weight loss, eye disorders, arthritis, fever, loss of appetite, chronic bloody or watery diarrhea, dermatological disorders, iron deficiency anemia and fatigue....Weiterlesen

Researchers find acupuncture effective for the treatment of obesity. Results were obtained by implementing a protocolized body acupuncture point prescription without a diet or exercise program. [1] In a five week clinical trial, patients receiving acupuncture achieved a 2.9 kg mean weight loss and the decrease in mean BMI (body mass index) was 1.43. The laboratory findings, including serum levels of insulin, leptin, ghrelin, and cholecystokinin are consistent with the results. The controlled study documents that sham acupuncture does not produce significant positive patient outcomes, only true acupuncture achieves clinical results. Based on the evidence, the hospital researchers conclude that...Weiterlesen

Investigators find acupuncture effective for the treatment of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). In a controlled study, Yiwu Central Hospital researchers conclude that acupuncture has a 90.7% total effective rate for IBS-D patients. Perhaps more importantly, acupuncture produces a 34.9% complete recovery rate. The total recovery rate accounts for all patients showing significant improvements and the complete recovery rate is a quantitative measure of all patients cured of IBS-D by acupuncture therapy. Results were determined from both subjective and objective data. Subjectives were based on improvements in bowel movement frequency, shape, texture, and consistency. Subjectives also included measures of abdominal discomfort,...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment of functional constipation (FC). METHODS The literature was searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture with medical treatment; no medical treatment, placeboacupuncture, and sham acupuncture in patients with FC were searched. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers using standard data extraction forms. Risk of bias for each RCT was assessed using a modified Oxford 5-point quality scale. Data were pooled according to intervention andtreatmentcourse.Parametersevaluatedincluded effectiveness/invalidity, Cleveland Clinic score (CCS), colontransittime (CTT) and adverse effects. RESULTS Nineteen studies involving 1679 participants were eligible for inclusion; of these studies, 16...Weiterlesen

A Hong Kong study has found that electroacupuncture can reduce the discomfort of rectal distension, suggesting that it may be useful during colonoscopy procedures. Forty subjects scheduled for a colonoscopy were randomised to receive 45 minutes of either electroacupuncture (EA) or sham electroacupuncture (SA) (using a short stud instead of a needle) at Hegu L.I.-4, Neiguan P-6 and Zusanli ST-36. A balloon catheter attached to a barostat machine was then inserted into the subjects‘ rectum. Colorectal discomfort after each incremental pressure (4 mmHg) rise was assessed by visual analog and a four-point subjective discomfort scale. Blood beta-endorphin level was measured...Weiterlesen

Researchers conclude that acupuncture increases the clinical effective rate of the drug cefodizime for the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder). Xining Haihu Hospital researchers combined acupuncture with standard drug therapy. Patients receiving both drug therapy and acupuncture in a combined treatment protocol had superior patient outcomes compared with patients using only drug therapy. The drug control group achieved a total effective rate of 50.0%. The acupuncture plus drug treatment group achieved a total effective rate of 98.0%. The addition of acupuncture to the administration of cefodizime increases the total effective rate by 48%. The...Weiterlesen