ABSTRACT Background and Aims: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Treatment options for AMD are limited and often vision loss can not be prevented. The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of acupuncture treatment on vision in AMD patients. Methods: A total of 328 patients with a clinical diagnosis of AMD were treated over a period of 2 weeks (Monday to Friday) with acupuncture given two times per day with a minimum time of 60 minutes between treatments. Vision was evaluated at baseline, after one and after two...Weiterlesen

A systematic review of acupuncture studies for treatment of Ménière’s syndrome suggests that it may be beneficial. UK researchers searched for randomised, non-randomised and observational studies in English and Chinese across six databases. Twenty-seven studies of varying quality were included in the review (nine in English and 18 in Chinese languages), all but one of which was conducted in China. The weight of evidence across all study types was suggestive of a beneficial effect from acupuncture, both for those in the acute phase as well as those suffering from Ménière’s syndrome for a number of years. (Exploring the Evidence Base...Weiterlesen

Chinese researchers have found that acupuncture can result in objectively measurable improvements of tear film quantity in patients with certain types of dry eye. A total of 108 dry eye patients were randomised to receive treatment with either acupuncture or artificial tears. Each group was divided into three subgroups based on subtype of dry eye; lipid tear deficiency (LTD), Sjögren syndrome dry eye (SSDE) and non-Sjögren syndrome dry eye (Non-SSDE). The acupoints used included Jingming BL-1, Zanzhu BL-2, Yangbai GB-14, Sizhukong SJ-23, Taiyang M-HN-9, Sibai ST-2, Hegu L.I.-4, Taichong LIV-3, Guangming GB-37, Sanyinjiao SP-6 and Fengchi GB-20. After four-weeks of...Weiterlesen

UK has concluded that acupuncture can provide significant symptom relief for cancer patients with radiation-induced xerostomia. A total of 145 patients with chronic xerostomia following radiation treatment for head and neck cancer were studied in a randomised crossover design, with participants receiving two group sessions of oral care education and eight sessions of acupuncture. Compared with oral care acupuncture produced significant reductions in patients‘ experience of severe dry mouth, sticky saliva, needing to sip fluids to swallow food and waking up at night to drink, although there were no significant changes in either stimulated or unstimulated saliva measurements. (ARIX: A...Weiterlesen

Acupuncture can help restore the sense of smell in people suffering from post-viral olfactory dysfunction (PVOD). Researchers from China studied 50 patients who presented to the outpatient clinic with PVOD and were refractory to standardised treatment. Half the patients were treated with acupuncture at bilateral points Yingxiang L.I.-20, Bitong (Shangyingxiang) M-HN-14, and Biqiu (located inside the nose anterior to the middle turbinate), while the other half were simply observed. Acupuncture was administered three times a week for a total of 10 times per course. After each course, the patients rested for three to five days. Treatment continued for three months....Weiterlesen

Acupuncture given concurrently with radiotherapy can significantly reduce xerostomia (dry mouth) and improve quality of life for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In a Chinese study, 86 patients were randomised to acupuncture or standard care. Patients received acupuncture three times per week, on days when they received radiotherapy. Patients were followed up for six months after the end of radiotherapy. Subjective xerostomia symptom scores were statistically significantly lower for patients receiving acupuncture, compared with controls, from week 3 until the end of the six-month follow-up, with clinically significant differences recorded at week 11, and at six months. Differences between the groups...Weiterlesen

Uveitis, an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, causes pain, blurred vision and, left untreated, may lead to blindness. Researchers at the University of Vienna ophthalmology and uveitis departments treated five patients with recurrent uveitis by acupuncture. All patients reported a decrease of pain and increased visual acuity, laser measurement showed decreased inflammation and the period until the next attack was extended by more than six months. (Presented at the 9th Annual Symposium on Complementary Health Care, 4-6 December 2002) Quelle: www.jcm.co.ukWeiterlesen

Acupuncture seems to be an effective therapy for Bell’s palsy, report the authors of a Chinese systematic review. Fourteen randomised controlled trials involving 1541 individuals were included in their meta-analysis. A significant association was observed between acupuncture and a higher response rate for Bell’s palsy, compared with other therapy interventions. Efficacy of Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLoS One. 2015 May 14;10(5):e0121880. Quelle: www.jcm.co.ukWeiterlesen

An Iranian study suggests that acupuncture can improve tinnitus. Fifty-four patients who suffered from tinnitus, but did not show any structural ear abnormalities, were allocated to recieve either verum or placebo acupuncture (with non-penetrating placebo needles). Acupoints used included the points Yifeng SJ-17, Tinghui GB-2, Tinggong SI-19 and Ermen SJ-21, plus additional points based on each individual patient Quelle: www.jcm.co.ukWeiterlesen

A study from China has found that acupuncture compares favourably with anticonvulsant drug therapy for the treatment of blepharospasm. Seventy-eight patients with idiopathic blepharospasm were randomised to receive either acupuncture or anticonvulsant medications. Acupoints used were Hegu L.I.-4, Fengchi GB-20, Baihui DU-20, Zanzhu BL-2, Sizhukong SJ-23 and Taiyang M-HN-9. Ahshi points were added for local spasms of the orbicularis oculi muscles. Up to three rows of needles were applied to the muscles, spaced at 0.3cm, with up to five needles per row. Treatment was applied daily for 10 days and therapeutic effects were compared after three 10-day courses of treatment....Weiterlesen