Pain Management
Chronic Sciatica: A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine reported that acupuncture significantly alleviated leg pain and improved function in patients with chronic sciatica caused by herniated discs. These benefits persisted even a year after treatment.
Reuters
Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Study: A randomized clinical trial compared the effectiveness of acupuncture to oral steroids in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
Findings: Acupuncture provided similar long-term relief from symptoms as oral steroids, indicating it as a viable alternative treatment option.
PubMed
Inflammation Reduction
Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms: Researchers at Harvard Medical School have elucidated the neuroanatomy of acupuncture that activates specific signaling pathways, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. This understanding enhances the scientific basis of acupuncture in treating inflammation-related conditions.
Harvard Medical School
Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Bupleurum chinense
Overview: Bupleurum chinense, known as Chai Hu, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used for liver-related conditions.
Insights: Studies suggest that compounds isolated from B. chinense exhibit anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its traditional use in treating liver diseases.
Wikipedia
Menstrual Health
Menstrual Wellness: Acupuncture is gaining popularity among women for treating menstrual and hormonal issues. Practitioners suggest that acupuncture works holistically by stimulating specific points on the body, which may help regulate hormones and alleviate symptoms associated with menstrual health.
Adelaide Now
Influence of Acupuncture on the Third Stage of Labor
Study: A randomized controlled trial examined the effect of acupuncture on the duration of the third stage of labor.
Findings: Acupuncture at the Ren Mai 6 point significantly reduced the time to placental expulsion, suggesting a safe and cost-effective method to decrease the duration of the third stage of labor.
PubMed
Stress and Sleep Improvement
Anxiety and Sleep: Acupuncturists have introduced techniques, such as stimulating the Shenmen Point in the ear, to help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. This method has received positive feedback for its calming effects.
New York Post
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Symptom Reduction: Acupuncture has been investigated as a complementary treatment for PTSD. Research suggests that it may help alleviate symptoms by stimulating the autonomic nervous system and affecting brain structures involved in stress responses. This stimulation can lead to the production and regulation of hormones and neurotransmitters, particularly those related to pain management, such as endogenous opioids. While more extensive studies are needed, initial findings indicate that acupuncture could be a safe adjunct therapy for individuals with PTSD.
Wikipedia
Mental Health
Anxiety Disorders: Acupuncture has shown promise as a treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A meta-analysis indicated that acupuncture is a safe and potentially effective treatment for GAD, though more research is needed for other anxiety disorders.
Verywell Health
Acupuncture for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)
Study: A systematic review protocol was developed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating ED.
Findings: The protocol suggests that acupuncture may positively affect the pathophysiology of ED based on its homeostatic influence on the autonomic nervous system.
BMJ Open
Acupuncture for Stress Urinary Incontinence
Study: A clinical trial investigated the effect of acupuncture on stress urinary incontinence in women.
Findings: The study found that acupuncture interventions developed by a consensus of acupuncture experts based on traditional Chinese medicine theory were effective in treating stress urinary incontinence.
JAMA Network
Electroacupuncture
Bladder Function Post-Spinal Cord Injury: A study utilizing proteomics examined the effects of electroacupuncture on bladder function after suprasacral spinal cord injury. The findings suggest that electroacupuncture may regulate ferroptosis (a type of programmed cell death) and inhibit bladder neck fibrosis, thereby improving urination function in affected individuals. This research highlights the potential of electroacupuncture in neurogenic bladder management following spinal injuries.
arXiv
Electroacupuncture and Cognitive Function
Study: Research investigated the effects of electroacupuncture on learning and memory in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
Findings: Electroacupuncture improved cognitive abilities by activating the AMPK/mTOR-induced autophagy pathway, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits for Alzheimer's patients.
PubMed