Studien zum Thema Psyche und Befindlichkeitsstörungen

Auswirkungen der manuellen Akupunktur im Vergleich zur Scheinakupunktur bei Patienten mit Depressionen nach Schlaganfall: Eine randomisierte klinische Studie Abstract Background Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent psychiatric complication in stroke patients, severely reducing quality of life and delaying social recovery in stroke survivors. Clinical studies have shown that acupuncture can be used as an alternative approach for PSD. The aim of this study was to examine the safety, efficacy, and electroencephalogram (EEG) mechanism of acupuncture in treating PSD patients. Methods From October 28, 2022 to May 16, 2023, this single-center, single-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Second Affiliated...Weiterlesen

Offene randomisierte klinische Studie zur Bewertung der Auswirkungen von präoperativer Akupunktur bei Patienten mit starken Angstzuständen vor einer Knie- oder Hüftendoprothetik Abstract Background Preoperative state anxiety is a known predisposing factor for enhanced postoperative pain and hindered recovery following total knee or hip replacement. Acupuncture administered preoperatively has been associated with reduced anxiety in surgical studies, yet evidence of its efficacy in the orthopedic surgical setting is limited. Objective This study investigated the effects of preoperative acupuncture on preoperative anxiety and pain and compared acute postoperative pain between acupuncture and control patient groups. Design Parallel-arm, open-label, randomized controlled trial. Setting...Weiterlesen

Abstract Background To observe the effects of conventional theatre nursing combined with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) on postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) in elderly total knee arthroplasty (TKA) patients. Methods Forty elderly TKA patients were randomly divided into a conventional nursing (control) group and a TEAS group. Using conventional nursing, TEAS was used to stimulate the „Zusanli“ and „Sanyinjiao“ in the healthy leg of patients in the TEAS group. All patients received mini-mental (MMSE) scores 1 day before surgery (T0) and 1, 3, and 7 days after surgery (T1, T3, T7). Plasma levels of interleukin-1 (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis...Weiterlesen

Abstract ObjectiveAcupuncture, both auricular and somatic, is a widely adopted and well-tolerated treatment for preoperative anxiety. The aim of our study was to compare the effectiveness of acupuncture with pharmacological treatment in reducing preoperative anxiety in patients undergoing cholecystectomy or TEP. Materials and methodsWe randomized 120 patients in a control group PT (where patients underwent pharmacological treatment with Midazolam) and in an acupuncture group (here patients received somatic acupuncture SA and auricular acupuncture AA). Anxiety reduction was measured by intraoperative consumption of Propofol and Fentanyl and preoperatively by the Italian Version of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire (STAI). ResultsPropofol consumption...Weiterlesen

Abstract Importance One of the ordinary manifestations of Parkinson disease (PD) is anxiety, which remains untreated. Anxiety is closely associated with the accelerated progression of PD. Efficacy of acupuncture for anxiety has been reported. However, to date, there are no data on acupuncture’s effectiveness on anxiety for patients with PD. ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of acupuncture vs sham acupuncture for treating anxiety in patients with PD. Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis is randomized, double-blinded, clinical trial enrolled patients between June 20, 2021, and February 26, 2022. Final follow-up was April 15, 2022. Patients with Parkinson disease and anxiety were allocated randomly (1:1)...Weiterlesen

Abstract This RCT and mixed-methods study examined the difference between two groups receiving the following interventions: (1) brief manual standardized stress acupuncture (MSSA) combined with an abbreviated Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (ACBT) versus (2) ACBT alone. Three study aims: Aim (1): Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scores were analyzed using descriptive summaries, linear regression, and reliable change index (RCI). Aim (2): Journal entries were analyzed using content analysis. Aim (3): Acupuncture Expectancy Scale (AES) scores were analyzed using paired t-test and RCI. Aim (1): Both groups demonstrated similar improvements in the ISI scores (p = .480)....Weiterlesen

Abstract BackgroundAcupuncture seems to improve cognitive function in experimental models and to reduce agitation in dementia. The addition of acupuncture to standard-of-care (SOC) may improve clinical outcomes related to delirium in hospitalized older adults. MethodsThis pragmatic open-label randomized-controlled trial evaluated 81 older adults hospitalized in an internal medicine ward and diagnosed with delirium. Fifty were randomized to daily acupuncture combined with SOC and 31 to SOC only for up to 1 week. Delirium was diagnosed using Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) tool, and its severity was assessed by the long CAM-Severity (CAM-S) tool. The primary study outcome was delirium resolution evaluated...Weiterlesen

Abstract BackgroundThe estimated number of people living with anxiety disorders worldwide is around 264 million and is estimated to have worsened with the recent pandemic of COVID-19. Acupuncture has shown to have excellent therapeutic effects in reducing anxiety. DesignDouble-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial with 56 participants (21-82 years) with anxiety diagnosed by 3 different anxiety scales (BAI, GAD-7 and OASIS). A 30-min acupuncture session was applied once a week for 10 weeks. AimsEvaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and electroacupuncture in the treatment of anxiety to verify if: (1) People with high anxiety report reduced scores after 5 and 10 sessions;...Weiterlesen

Abstract BackgroundAnxiety is a common complaint of patients before diagnostic or therapeutic invasive procedures, especially before open-heart surgery. The most well-known method to reduce anxiety is the use of sedatives, which have pronounced side effects. ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to determine the effect of acupressure on anxiety in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. MethodThis is a randomized clinical trial study conducted on 90 patients who were candidates for open-heart surgery. The patients were randomly assigned into either intervention or control groups. Acupressure intervention was applied at three real acupoints over two consecutive days in the intervention group. The control...Weiterlesen

Abstract The purpose of this study was to observe and compare the clinical efficacy of active acupuncture and placebo acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia and mood disorders. 96 patients with insomnia in Chengdu were randomly divided into two groups (1:1). The active acupuncture group (AA group n = 48) received the tube of Park sham device with deep needle insertion. The placebo acupuncture group (PA group n = 48) received the tube of Park sham device with a retractable needle shaft and a blunt tip. The same acupuncture points and treatment cycles were used in both groups. The overall...Weiterlesen

BackgroundTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has gradually drawn the attention of clinicians as an alternative choice for insomniacs and TCM Yangxin Anshen Therapy (TYAT) is a crucial therapy of treating insomniacs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of TYAT for insomnia.  MethodsSeven electronic databases were searched from inception to July 2019. Two authors independently identified Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), extracted data and assessed risk of bias by Cochrane risk bias assessment tool. Comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted with the Review Manager for eligible and appropriate studies.  ResultsFourteen trials (1549 participants) were finally included in this study....Weiterlesen

Abstract STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture for the treatment of primary insomnia. DESIGN Randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group. SETTING A university-based sleep clinic. PARTICIPANTS Community sample of 60 Chinese adult volunteers who report having insomnia 3 or more nights per week, whose symptoms meet the DSM-IV criteria for primary insomnia for at least 3 months, and who have an Insomnia Severity Index total score of at least 15. Participants were screened with polysomnography and the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-IV prior to randomization. INTERVENTION Electroacupuncture at Yintang (EX-HN3), Baihui (GV20), bilateral ear Shenmen, Sishencong...Weiterlesen

Original Titel: Association between use of Chinese herbal medicine and depression risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A nationwide retrospective cohort study DGP – Die Studie zeigt einen positiven Effekt der chinesischen Kräuter. Patienten mit rheumatoider Arthritis entwickelten weniger oft eine Depression. Aber auch die Behandlung mit chinesischen Kräutern erfordert die Betreuung durch einen Arzt oder qualifizierten Therapeuten und ist abhängig von Begleiterkrankungen, Symptomen und dem allgemeinen Gesundheitszustand. Depressionen sind häufig bei rheumatoider Arthritis und können die Lebensqualität weiter verringern. Eine Studie aus Taiwan untersuchte, ob chinesische Kräuter einen Einfluss auf Depressionen bei rheumatoider Arthritis haben. Die Studie untersuchte die chinesische...Weiterlesen

Acupuncture reduces the time to discharge following anaesthesia and gynaecological laparoscopy, reports a research team based in Switzerland and Germany. A randomised trial involving 75 women evaluated the effects of acupuncture combined with a standardised anaesthetic regimen compared to either acupressure, or standard anaesthesia alone. At the time of the pre-anaesthetic visit, 12–24 hours prior to surgery, patients in the intervention groups received a standardised treatment with either 12 press needles or adhesive press plasters at Renzhong DU-26, Shanzhong REN-17 and bilateral Hegu L.I.-4, Shenmen HE-7, Taichong LIV-3, Zusanli ST-36 and Neiguan P-6. Needles or plasters were left in place for...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on back-shu points of five zang in treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). Methods Sixty patients were randomized into treatment group and control group. In treatment group, the back-shu points of five zang organs were adopted for acupuncture. Shènshū (肾俞BL23) was perpendicularly needled 15 to 30 mm in depth. The rest of the selected points were inserted obliquely 15 to 30 mm in the direction of the spine with even method of lifting-thrusting and twisting-twirling, 10s for each acupoint. In control group, the acupoints were approximately 1.5∼2 cm away outward from the back-shu points of five zang organs (about on the middle...Weiterlesen

Abstract Objective: Three Omega points on the human auricle were first described by Paul Nogier, MD, of France. Each Omega point theoretically represents a different embryologic tissue layer, with a correspondence to specific physical body attributes and certain emotional developments. Maurice Verdun, MD, and René J. Bourdiol, MD, developed the use of distinguishable anthropobiometric parameters and specific psychologic tests to classify a large clinical population into 4 categories that have both somatic and emotional features. The categories were: (1) normosome (normal); (2) leptosome (willowy); (3) pycnosome (rotund); and (4) athletosome (athletic). Dr. Bourdiol hypothesized that these biopsychomorphotypologic variations resulted from subtle overexpression of one of the three embryologic tissues...Weiterlesen

Neue Forschungsarbeit von Prof. Michalak der Universität Witten/Herdecke gibt Hinweis auf therapeutische Ansatzpunkte Fast jeder fünfte Deutsche leidet irgendwann im Leben an einer Depression. Forschungsarbeiten in den letzten Jahren haben gezeigt, dass ein wichtiger Faktor bei Depressionen, spezifische Störungen des Gedächtnisses sind. So erinnern sich Depressive vor allem an Negatives, während Nicht-Depressive sich vor allem an positive Dinge erinnern. Außerdem haben Depressive Schwierigkeiten sich an spezifische Ergebnisse aus ihrem Leben zu erinnern, also etwa konkrete Ereignisse, die an einem Tag und an einem Ort stattgefunden haben. Ihre Erinnerungen sind häufig eher vage und unkonkret. In einer jetzt veröffentlichten Studie haben...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT Objective To test the neural electrophysiological basis of acupuncture treatment on attention deficit of insomnia patients. Methods Thirty insomnia attention deficit patients were enrolled as the patient group in this study, and 30 normal people were collected as the normal group as the compare. In patient group, acupuncture was adopted and the acupoints were Bǎihuì (百会GV20), Shéntíng (神庭GV24), Sìshéncōng (四神聪EX-HN1), Shénmén(神门HT7) and Sānyīnjiāo(三阴交SP6), even reinforcing and reducing method, once a day, 10 times as a course and totally 2 courses. There was no intervention for the normal group. Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) for assessing the sleep quality, Schulte...Weiterlesen

Original Titel: Is laser acupuncture an effective complementary therapy for obesity management? A systematic review of clinical trials Bei der Laserakupunktur handelt es sich um ein Verfahren der traditionellen chinesischen Medizin. Im Gegensatz zu der klassischen Akupunktur mit Nadeln werden die Akupunkturpunkte bei der Laserakupunktur mit einem Laserstrahl stimuliert. Die Laserakupunktur ist ein modernes Verfahren und zählt zu den komplementären Therapieverfahren. Darunter versteht man Therapien, die als Ergänzung zu konventionellen Standardtherapien angewendet werden. Iranische Forscher gingen in ihrer Studie nun der spannenden Frage nach, ob die Laserakupunktur eine geeignete komplementäre Therapie zur Behandlung von starkem Übergewicht sein könnte. Dazu suchten die Forscher...Weiterlesen

Original Titel: Ziziphi spinosae lily powder suspension in the treatment of depression-like behaviors in rats Lilien werden schon seit langer Zeit in der Naturheilkunde eingesetzt. So wie es viele Varianten dieser Pflanze gibt, ist auch ihre Wirkung divers. Auch hat jede Lilienart ein ganzes Spektrum an Substanzen, die jeweils unterschiedlichste Effekte auf den Körper haben. Dadurch gehören sie nicht nur zu den Heilpflanzen, sondern sind selbstverständlich auch giftig. Traditionell sind sie vor allem bei der Behandlung der Beschwerden in den Wechseljahren bekannt, zählen aber auch hierbei immer als antidepressive, schlaffördernd und zum Teil sedierend. Auch in der chinesischen traditionellen Medizin...Weiterlesen

Abstract Objective: Nail biting leads to a variety of health issues. Habit reversal treatment is a major approach to cease nail biting, but is often ineffective since patients continue to suffer from anxiety, a major trigger. This study investigated whether the potential anxiety relief provided by auricular acupressure could improve the efficacy of habit reversal treatment, as evidenced by improved stomatological and other outcomes. Methods: In a pragmatic, randomized, crossover, pilot clinical trial, 83 nail biters (8–12 years old) received habit reversal treatment in combination with either auricular acupressure intended to reduce anxiety (Method A) or placebo auricular acupressure (Method...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

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

The Chinese herbal formula Wen Dan Tang (WDT) may be helpful for people with schizophrenia, according to a Cochrane Database systematic review by Chinese authors who analysed 15 randomised trials involving 1437 participants. The results showed that WDT may have some beneficial effects on short-term global outcomes and mental state in people with schizophrenia, compared to placebo or no treatment. WDT was found to be non-inferior to antipsychotic drugs (such as chlorpromazine or risperidone) for global outcomes and mental state, and was associated with fewer side-effects. When WDT was combined with a low dose of antipsychotic medication, positive effects on...Weiterlesen

Abstract Objective: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in healthcare is based on the holistic concept of smooth energy flow. The energy helps maintain the circulation of Blood and bodily processes. An efficient supply of consistent energy and good circulation helps support the body’s homeostasis. In therapeutics, low-level laser energy can be transferred to the body (via the auricle) to activate or maintain homeostasis through specifically appropriate auricular sites. The goal of this research was to track the effects of painless laser acupuncture (PLA) on a group of highly motivated patients who wanted to quit smoking. Materials and Methods: Executives in their...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT Background: Although the 5-point acudetox National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) protocol was developed to treat addictions, it has always been assumed that the healing capacities of this method go far beyond that application. Objective: The purpose of this research was to evaluate if the 5-point acudetox ear acupuncture protocol has an immediate stress (prolactin; PRL)–reducing effect and, if so, if the effect is more significant than social support and informal supportive conversation. Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial was conducted at the Sze ´chenyi Health Center in Budapest, Hungary. Forty-four patients were included in the study: 22...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and electroacupuncture therapies for the early treatment of primary depression. Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were analyzed to compare therapy combining SSRIs and electroacupuncture to SSRI therapy alone. The RCTs were identified by searching, among others, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP database for Chinese Technical Periodicals, WANFANG DATA, and the Chinese Biological Medical Literature Database. Scores from Self-Rated Depression Scale (SDS), the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Side Effect Rating Scale (SERS), and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT Objective To observe the comparison of the clinical efficacy between penetration needling from Nèiguān (PC 6) to Wàiguān (TE 5) and western medicine estazolam for insomnia. Methods Sixty insomnia patients were divided into 2 groups according to the random number table, 30 cases in each group. Penetration needling from PC 6 to TE 5 was mainly adopted in acupuncture group for once a day, 5 times a week, and treatment for 4 weeks was 1 course of treatment. Estazolam was orally given in medicine group before sleep every night in a dosage of 1 mg per time, and treatment...Weiterlesen

Kleine Nadeln, große Wirkung: Eine Insomnie ist dann behandlungsbedürftig, wenn neben dem gestörten Nachtschlaf das Befinden am Tag stark beeinträchtigt ist. Da schlaffördernde, chemische Substanzen schnell abhängig machen können, sind Alternativen wie die Ohrakupunktur gefragt. Als Insomnie bezeichnet man Schwierigkeiten beim Einschlafen, Störungen des Durchschlafens sowie vorzeitiges Erwachen. Umfragen zufolge leiden ca. 25% der Erwachsenen an Schlafstörungen, über 10% erleben ihren Schlaf häufig oder dauerhaft als nicht erholsam. Nur bei einem geringem Teil der Betroffenen sind spezifische Krankheitsursachen bekannt, wie zum Beispiel Stress oder seelische Probleme. Auch langes Arbeiten und geistige Anstrengungen kurz vor der Nachtruhe, Alkoholmissbrauch, Lärm, ein unregelmäßiger...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT The many herbal options for patients with anxiety are discussed, focusing initially on Piper methysticum (kava) as one of the most well-researched options in this setting. The unstudied, but clinically as effective (and much more palatable), Pedicularis spp. (lousewort) are also discussed. Other nervine herbs including Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender), L. latifolia (spike or Portuguese lavender), Lavandula x intermedia (lavandin, Dutch lavender), L. stoechas (Spanish lavender), Matricaria chamomilla (chamomile), and Passiflora incarnata (passionflower) are reviewed (and a table of other nervines is provided). Three formulas, including mixtures of nervines, Ze 185, Euphytose, and Yı`Qı`YaˇngXı ¯n (Replenish Qi and Nourish...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, CINAHL (Cumulative Index...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT Background: Researchers have found applications for auricular therapy (AT) for treating depression. There is, however, a lack of comprehensive evaluation of AT’s effects and safety. Objective: The objective of this review was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of AT for treating depression. Methods: Ten databases were used to search for randomized controlled and quasi-randomized controlled trials relating to AT and depression. Related available articles up to January 2016 were used for the research. Rev Man 5.2 software was used for data analysis with the effect estimate presented as relative risk and mean difference with a 95% confidence interval....Weiterlesen

In dem systematischen Review mit Meta-Analyse von Dong et al. (2017) wurde der Effekt von Akupunktur auf die Behandlung von Schlafstörungen bei Menschen mit Depressionen anhand von 18 randomisierten, kontrollierten Studien untersucht. Die Ergebnisse zeigten, dass Akupunktur im Vergleich zu westlicher Medizin zu signifikanten Verbesserungen im Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) führte. Außerdem hatte die Kombination von Akupunktur mit westlicher Medizin im Vergleich zur alleinigen Anwendung von westlicher Medizin einen besseren Effekt auf die Verbesserung der Schlafqualität und einen größeren Effekt auf die Verbesserung des Depressionsausmaßes. Original Titel: The Efficacy of Acupuncture for Treating Depression-Related Insomnia Compared with a Control...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of smokers treated with acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong. METHODS: A total of 2051 subjects were recruited in a clinical pilot research project „acupuncture for smoking cessation“, which was conducted jointly by Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and Hong Kong Pok Oi Hospital from January of 2011 to December of 2013. The characteristics of study subjects, including baseline information, smoking background, intention to quit and influencing factorswereanalyzed. RESULTS: The majority of subjects treated with acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong was male (66.7%), but the proportion...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of acupuncture on the quality of life in patients with depression by clinical randomized single-blind placebo-controlledstudy. METHODS: one hundred and sixty-three cases of depression according with the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into a group of acupuncture dredging liver and regulating flow of theosophy (group 1), a group of acupoint shallow stab (group 2) and a group of non-acupoint shallow stab (group 3) at 1∶1∶1 ratio, and treated with acu puncture, moxibustion, and intradermal embedding of needle, twice a week, for a total of 12 weeks. Scale of Quality of Life (SF-36) was used...Weiterlesen

Wie eine dreimonatige Behandlung mit Rhodiola rosea-Extrakt das Stressempfinden, die krankheitsspezifischen Beschwerden und die psychosoziale Situation von Patienten mit stressbedingtem Burnout-Syndrom verbessern kann, zeigt eine vorläufige, explorative Studie. Jeder fünfte aller Erwerbstätigen klagt über Burnout oder durchlebt Burnout-ähnliche Phasen. Das erstmals 1974 vom amerikanischen Psychotherapeuten Herbert J. Freudenberger beschriebene Burnout-Syndrom tritt hauptsächlich als Folge einer zunehmenden Arbeitsverdichtung sowie erhöhtem Erwartungsdruck auf. Bei vielen Arbeitnehmern verursacht diese zunehmende Arbeitsbelastung kontinuierlichen psychischen Stress aufgrund chronischer Überforderung. Typische Symptome eines Burnout äußern sich in starken Erschöpfungszuständen, Depression, Angst und Schlafstörungen, die in körperlichen Leiden wie Rücken-, Magen- oder Kopfschmerz bis zum Herzinfarkt resultieren...Weiterlesen

An American group has found that acupuncture can significantly and persistently reduce stress in university students and staff. Their study included 111 participants with high self-reported stress levels who either studied or worked at a large urban university. Participants were randomised into a verum or sham acupuncture group, and both groups received treatment once a week for 12 weeks. The treatment group received needling at a predetermined set of points: Baihui DU-20, Yintang,  Shanzhong REN-17, Qihai REN-6, unilateral Shenmen HE-7, Neiguan P-6, Hegu L.I.-4, LIV-3 and Zusanli ST-36, plus auricular points Shen Men, Liver, Point Zero and Heart. The control...Weiterlesen

Acupuncture is effective for insomnia relief. Research published by Zhejiang Chinese Medical University finds acupuncture more effective than a powerful sleep drug for improving sleep duration, quality, latency, efficiency, and daytime functioning. Acupuncture achieved a 92.9% total effective rate and the drug zopiclone achieved a 67.9% total effective rate. [1] Zopiclone is a central nervous system depressant used for helping patients fall asleep and maintaining sleep throughout the night. The Zhejiang Chinese Medical University research indicates that acupuncture is more effective than zopiclone for improving these sleep parameters. Zopiclone is limited to short-term use because patients develop tolerance or dependence,...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT Background: Anxiety is a very common psychiatric symptom and can also occur in many physical conditions. Due to the limitations of conventional pharmacotherapy, the discovery of nonpharmacologic treatments that alleviate anxiety effectively is clinically important. Yintang (EX-HN 3), an acupoint located between the eyebrows, is known to have a mentally stabilizing effect in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Objectives: This preliminary review was conducted to investigate the current state of studies using acupressure or acupuncture on EX-HN 3 alone for anxiety, and to explore ways to apply this in clinical settings and future research, including systematic reviews and clinical trials. Materials and Methods: The authors searched...Weiterlesen

A team of Chinese investigators has found that acupuncture can improve mood and sleep quality in patients with depression. One hundred and forty subjects with clinical insomnia were randomised to one of two acupuncture protocols; standard (Hegu LIV-3, Yintang M-HN-3 and Baihui DU-20) or augmented (adding Lieque LU-7 and KID-6 with intradermal needles for sustained treatment). Participants received two sessions weekly for six weeks, with follow-up at ten weeks. Better sleep and depression scores were observed in the augmented protocol group compared with standard acupuncture at all time points measured. Randomized single-blind multicenter trial comparing the effects of standard and...Weiterlesen

Chinese investigators have found that acupuncture can contribute to a clinically relevant improvement in perimenopausal insomnia (PMI), both subjectively and objectively. Seventy-six perimenopausal women with insomnia received ten sessions of acupuncture at bilateral Shenshu BL-23 and Ganshu BL-18 with unilateral Qimen LIV-14 and Jingmen GB-25, or placebo needling at the same acupoints, over a three week period. After treatment, the decrease from baseline in sleep quality and insomnia severity scores was significantly greater in the acupuncture group compared with the placebo group. Acupuncture treatment also significantly improved sleep efficiency and total sleep time, and was associated with less waking after...Weiterlesen

ABSTRACT Background Depression is recognised as a major public health problem that has a substantial impact on individuals and on society. People with depression may consider using complementary therapies such as acupuncture, and an increasing body of research has been undertaken to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for treatment of individuals with depression. This is the second update of this review. Objectives To examine the effectiveness and adverse effects of acupuncture for treatment of individuals with depression. To determine: Whether acupuncture is more effective than treatment as usual/no treatment/wait list control for treating and improving quality of life for individuals...Weiterlesen

One of the largest randomised controlled trials on acupuncture for insomnia has found it to be effective and safe. Researchers from Hong Kong randomised 224 subjects with insomnia to acupuncture alone (bilateral Sishencong M-HN-1, Anmian M-HN-54, Neiguan P-6, Shenmen HE-7 and Sanyinjiao SP-6 and ear Shenmen, plus Yintang M-HN-3 and Baihui DU-20, acupuncture plus auricular acupressure (Shenmen, Heart, Kidney, Liver, Spleen, Occiput and Subcortex), or a waitlist control. There was no significant difference between acupuncture and the combination treatment for any measured outcomes. However, both treatments were significantly better than waitlist in reducing insomnia (with moderate to large effect size),...Weiterlesen

A Chinese research team has found acupuncture to be as effective as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for helping people quit tobacco smoking. Although a total of 300 participants were recruited, the dropout rate was high (35 per cent) and so only 195 participants finished the trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive acupuncture (Baihui DU-20, Lieque LU-7, Hegu L.i.-4, Zusanli ST-36, Sanyinjiao SP-6, Taichong LIV-3, Yintang M-HN-3 Neiguan P-6), auricular acupressure or NRT for a total of eight weeks, with follow-up at 16 weeks. The abstinence rate was 43 per cent at 24 weeks in the acupuncture group, which was...Weiterlesen

In order to investigate the different effects of acupuncture and moxibustion on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and alterations in the autonomic nervous system by measuring heart rate variability (HRV). Forty-five participants were recruited and randomly divided into 3 groups using a randomization schedule. The control group (CG, n = 15) and the acupuncture group (AG, n = 15) were treated by manipulation acupuncture, and the moxibustion group (MG, n = 15) was treated by indirect moxibustion. Primary outcomes were the scores of the Fatigue Assessment Instrument (FAI). Secondary outcomes were the HRV parameters which can reflect activity of the autonomic...Weiterlesen