Abstract ObjectiveAcupuncture is a complex multicomponent treatment that has shown promise in the treatment of fibromyalgia (FM). However, clinical trials have shown mixed results, possibly due to heterogeneous methodology and lack of understanding of the underlying mechanism of action. The present study was undertaken to understand the specific contribution of somatosensory afference to improvements in clinical pain, and the specific brain circuits involved. MethodsSeventy-six patients...Weiterlesen

Abstract BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety between electroacupuncture (EA) combined with usual care (UC) and UC alone for pain reduction and functional improvement in patients with non-acute low back pain (LBP) after back surgery. MethodsIn this multicentre, randomised, assessor-blinded active-controlled trial, 108 participants were equally randomised to either the EA with UC or the UC alone. Participants in...Weiterlesen

Abstract BackgroundInflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Although both electro-acupuncture (EA) and manual acupuncture (MA) are known to influence systemic inflammation, little is known about the potential changes in inflammation as a working mechanism of EA and MA in KOA. MethodsData from the Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis Trial (ATKOA) were used. Serum concentrations of inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α...Weiterlesen

Abstract ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Chinese scalp acupuncture in patients diagnosed with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) on pain, sleep, and quality of life (QOL), and compare these results with the results from traditional therapies. MethodsSixty patients diagnosed with TMD using the research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) were allocated into four treatment groups: counseling (C = 15), occlusal splint (OS = 15), scalp acupuncture...Weiterlesen

Abstract ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of intensive acupuncture (3 times weekly for 8 weeks) versus sham acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis (OA) MethodsIn this multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial, patients with knee OA were randomly assigned to receive electroacupuncture (EA), manual acupuncture (MA), or sham acupuncture (SA) 3 times weekly for 8 weeks. Participants, outcome assessors, and statisticians were blinded with regard to treatment group assignment. The...Weiterlesen

Abstract: Background and purpose: Total knee replacement is the most effective intervention for late-stage osteoarthritis; however, a major concern is postoperative recovery of physical function. This randomised controlled trial evaluated the effects of acupuncture with low-level laser therapy (ALLLT) on early outcomes of physical function after total knee replacement. Materials and methodsEighty-two osteoarthritis patients were recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental group receiving ALLLT...Weiterlesen

Autor: Zongshi Qin, Yulong Ding, Chang Xu, Joey S W Kwong, Yuan Ji, Aimin Wu, Jiani Wu, Zhishun Liu Abstract Background: Acupuncture is commonly used to treat degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis in Asian countries. However, rigorous data regarding the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for aging patients are currently lacking.  Methods: Eighty patients older than 50 years were assigned randomly to the acupuncture group or the noninsertive sham...Weiterlesen

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate if a single session of real or placebo cupping therapy in patients with chronic LBP would be enough to temporarily reduce pain intensity and functional disability, enhancing their mechanical threshold and reducing local skin temperature. The outcome measures were Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), pressure pain threshold (PPT), Roland Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ) and low back skin...Weiterlesen

Abstract BACKGROUND Chronic pain (CP) is a major public health problem. Many patients with CP are increasingly prescribed opioids, which has led to an opioid crisis. Integrative medicine (IM), which combines pharmacological and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), has been proposed as an opioid alternative for CP treatment. Nevertheless, the role of CAM therapies in reducing opioid use remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To explore the effectiveness...Weiterlesen

Abstract Background Propranolol is recommended as first-line treatment for preventing migraine attacks; acupuncture has not been compared with propranolol in a head-to-head trial. Objective To compare acupuncture with propranolol using indirect treatment comparison meta-analysis. Method We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Randomized controlled trials comparing acupuncture or propranolol with sham acupuncture, placebo, waiting-list control or usual care were included. We...Weiterlesen