Acupuncture outperforms a popular topical medication for the treatment of melasma. Researchers from Xiamen University Affiliated Hospital (Fujian, China) conclude that acupuncture is effective for the alleviation of melasma. In a randomized parallel study, the acupuncture treatment group achieved a total efficacy rate of 82.22% and the drug control group achieved an efficacy rate of 62.50%. Patients in the acupuncture treatment group received acupuncture needling on the Yangming meridians. Patients in the control group received oral administration of vitamin C and 3% hydroquinone topical cream. Hydroquinone is a cream used to lighten dark patches of skin. The researchers conclude that...Weiterlesen

Acupuncture benefits patients suffering from hemiplegia (unilateral paralysis) after a stroke. Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Baoji researchers compared daily exercise monotherapy with acupuncture plus daily exercises. Patient outcomes were consistently superior in the combined therapy group, demonstrating that the addition of acupuncture to the daily exercise treatment regimen improves clinical outcomes. The researchers conclude that acupuncture plus rehabilitation exercises improves motor function and cerebral blood flow, making it an effective intervention for post-stroke hemiplegia. [1] Objective and subjective data were the basis for the conclusions. Blood flow changes in the brain were measured with a transcranial Doppler device, a...Weiterlesen

Researchers conclude that acupuncture increases the total effective rate of the drug paroxetine for the relief of mild to moderate depression. Researchers from the Affiliated Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine combined acupuncture with standard drug therapy. The researchers conclude that the addition of acupuncture to a paroxetine treatment regimen increases the effective rate of paroxetine for depression relief while mitigating its adverse effects. [1] Paroxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant medication used for treating depression and anxiety disorders that is often known by the following brand names: Paxil, Pexeva, Brisdelle. In research conducted...Weiterlesen

Acupuncture has been proven clinically effective for the treatment of Meniere’s disease, a disorder characterized by vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus. Researchers determined that acupuncture produces a 100% total effective rate. The results indicate that acupuncture is safe and effective for the treatment of Meniere’s disease. [1] The total effective rate was determined by combining ) three tiers of patient outcomes: cured, very effective, effective. All patients improved significantly and none were included in the not effective category. A total of 26 patients were completely cured (no symptoms whatsoever), 6 patients achieved the very effective tier (complete relief of vertigo),...Weiterlesen

Acupuncture is an effective treatment modality for the alleviation of Parkinson’s disease. Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Hangzhou, China) researchers conducted a study comparing the effects of drug therapy as a standalone procedure with acupuncture plus drug therapy in an integrated treatment protocol. Based on the data, the researchers conclude that acupuncture plus antiparkinsonian drug therapy is significantly more effective than using only antiparkinsonian drug therapy. [1] Two groups were compared. In one group, Parkinson’s disease patients received only levodopa-benserazide as a means to alleviate symptoms. In the second group, levodopa-benserazide was combined with acupuncture therapy. The acupuncture plus...Weiterlesen

Effect of electroacupuncture on urinary leakage among women with stress urinary incontinence: A randomized clinical trial. Importance Electroacupuncture involving the lumbosacral region may be effective for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI), but evidence is limited. Objective To assess the effect of electroacupuncture vs sham electroacupuncture for women with SUI. Design, Setting, and Participants Multicenter, randomized clinical trial conducted at 12 hospitals in China and enrolling 504 women with SUI between October 2013 and May 2015, with data collection completed in December 2015. Interventions Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive 18 sessions (over 6 weeks) of electroacupuncture involving the...Weiterlesen

Abstract Background: Millions of people with chronic illness suffer from fatigue. Fatigue is a complex, multidimensional symptom with poorly understood causes, wide variations in severity among individuals, and negative effects on multiple domains of daily life. Many patients with fatigue report the use of herbal remedies. Ginseng is one of the most widely used because it is believed to improve energy, physical and emotional health, and well-being. Objective: To systematically review the published evidence to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the two types of Panax ginseng (Asian [Panax ginseng] and American [Panax quinquefolius]) as treatments for fatigue. Design: PubMed,...Weiterlesen

Abstract Objectives: There are no curative treatments for cervical dystonia (CD), therefore conventional management is aimed at pain relief and muscle relaxation. Many patients with CD use complementary and integrative medicine interventions to manage symptoms, yet there are limited data on the use of acupuncture for CD. The aim of the current study was to determine the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of adjuvant acupuncture. Materials and Methods: A pilot open-label study was conducted on acupuncture treatments as add-on therapy to botulinum-toxin injection sessions (3 months apart) in 5 subjects with chronic idiopathic CD. Six 1-hour acupuncture sessions were administered every...Weiterlesen

Abstract Objective To observe the clinical therapeutic effects on acne treated with the combined therapy of acupuncture, cupping and circling moxibustion. Methods At the ratio of 4:3, a total of 70 patients were randomized into an acupuncture-cupping group (40 cases) and a western medication group (30 cases). In the acupuncture-cupping group, acupuncture was used in combination with cupping and circling moxibustion. The therapy was given once every other day for totally 30 days. In the western medication group, the routine medication of minocyline capsules was prescribed, 2 times per day and 30 days were in total. Results After the treatment, the total effective rates...Weiterlesen

Abstract This article explores the possibilities of applying ear acupuncture to newborn infants. In addition to the use of needle acupuncture, there are also noninvasive applications that are preferred for patients in this particular age group. Based on the limited literature, ear acupuncture could be an effective nonpharmacologic approach for the treatment of pain in newborn infants and for addressing symptoms of neonatal abstinence syndrome. However, studies on safety, side-effects, and other indications are still lacking. Introduction Ear acupuncture is a special form of acupuncture—a somatotopic kind of acupuncture. The ear arises during the development of a human being from a...Weiterlesen