Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common female endocrine disorder affecting about 5% to 10% of women of reproductive age a leading causes of reduced fertility.
Researchers in Sweden studied the response to low-frequency electro-acupuncture in these women. Continue reading Electro-acupuncture treatment of polycystic ovarian syndrome
A variant of acupuncture, ear stapling (in which a surgical staple is placed in the conchal bowl [photo] of the ear) is promoted to decrease appetite and induce weight loss.
Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine report 2 patients with infections at the site of needle placement. Continue reading Complications from ear stapling for weight reduction
Primary dysmenorrhea is painful menstruation that’s not due to a disease, but to menstruation itself.
There’s “promising evidence” for acupuncture, according to at least 1 group of researchers at Kyung Hee University Medical Center, in Seoul, South Korea. Continue reading Reviews of acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhea
Researchers from Canada and the UK reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Acupuncture for rehabilitation after stroke
According to reviewers at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, California, “The theoretical basis for traditional acupuncture practice needs to be re-evaluated.” Continue reading Sham acupuncture vs true acupuncture
Chinese researchers at Beijing Hospital of Chinese Medicine, in China, reviewed the evidence and concluded that research “in line with evidence-based medicine is urgently needed.” Continue reading Review of acupuncture to treat insomnia
Hemophilia refers to bleeding disorders in which it takes a long time for the blood to clot. Patients suffer from acute pain due to bleeding into a joint and chronic arthritic pain from repeated bleeding episodes.
During the Hemophilia 2010 World Congress, researchers from the Henry Ford Health System, in Detroit, Michigan, reported their results. Continue reading Should acupuncture be used in people with hemophilia?
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) refers to physical or emotional symptoms that typically occur about 5 to 11 days before a woman starts her monthly menstrual cycle.
Researchers at Kyung Hee University, in Seoul, Korea reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Review: Acupuncture to manage PMS
Other reviews came to contradictory conclusions.
So, Prof. Ernst reviewed the reviews. Continue reading Review of acupuncture to treat rheumatic conditions
Back pain is the second most common reason patients seek ambulatory medical care in the United States.
Researchers at Harvard Medical School, in Boston surveyed the nation about CAM use for back pain. Continue reading Perceived benefit from CAM in people with back pain
Prof. Ernst sees encouraging evidence for some treatments.
But does it matter? Continue reading CAM use among US adolescents
Researchers at the EYE and ENT Hospital of Fudan University, in Shanghai, China compared acupuncture to artificial tears. Continue reading Treating dry eye with acupuncture
There are about 253,000 people living with spinal cord injury in the United States, with approximately 11,000 new cases each year.
Researchers at Pusan National University, in Yangsan, South Korea, reviewed the evidence for acupuncture to facilitate recovery. Continue reading Acupuncture for treating patients with spinal cord injury
Researchers from Childrens Hospital Los Angeles and Eastern Center for Complementary Medicine, in California reviewed the literature on pediatric acupuncture research.
You can review the details of their findings here. But more interesting are their insights into the research process and clinical practice. Continue reading Things to contemplate when reviewing acupuncture studies
Researchers at the National University of Singapore surveyed the use of CAM in residents of Singapore who had head and neck cancer.
Here are their findings compared to other countries where similar studies have been conducted. Continue reading Use of CAM in patients with head and neck cancer
In this Cochrane review, the effects of manipulation and mobilization alone or combined with other treatment approaches on neck pain were evaluated. Continue reading Review: Manipulation vs mobilization to treat neck pain
Researchers from Sweden and India evaluated the effect of acupressure during the active phase of labor on nulliparous (first pregnancy) women’s ratings of labor pain. Continue reading Acupressure to reduce pain during labor
Prof. Ernst reviewed cupping, an Ancient Chinese practice of placing cups on the skin and applying heat or suction so that skin and superficial muscles are stimulated and drawn into the cup.
Here’s a summary of the first systematic review of this topic. Continue reading Review: Cupping for stroke rehabilitation
It’s frequently recommended as a facet of treatment during stroke rehabilitation.
Prof. Ernst reviewed acupuncture in this setting. Continue reading Review: Acupuncture for functional recovery after stroke
Researchers from Kyung Hee University Medical Center, in Seoul Korea reviewed the evidence. Continue reading Reviewing the value of acupuncture for obesity