 Here are the results of a Cochrane review of non-drug options in advanced stages of malignant and non-malignant diseases. Continue reading Non-pharmacological treatments for breathlessness
Category Archives: Acupuncture/ pressure
Moxibustion and acupuncture to treat breech presentation
Breech presentation (opposite direction of the normal position of the fetus) is common in the mid-trimester of pregnancy, with an incidence of 3% to 4% by full term. Women with breech presentation have problems delivering vaginally.
Researchers from Beijing University, in China and the University of Troms, in Norway reviewed the literature on moxibustion, acupuncture, and other acupoint stimulations to correct breech presentation. Continue reading Moxibustion and acupuncture to treat breech presentation
Adding acupuncture to aid in weight loss
 Researchers from Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran report it doesn’t make a difference in weight loss.
Others have come to a different conclusion. Continue reading Adding acupuncture to aid in weight loss
Future directions for acupuncture research
There’s an online newsletter, CAM at the NIH, posted by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) that you might want to check out.
This issue lists priorities for future acupuncture research. Continue reading Future directions for acupuncture research
Another review of acupuncture for neck pain
 Yes, it’s effective short term, according to researchers at Southern California University of Health Sciences at Whittier.
It’s the latest in a series of reviews (here, here, and here) on this topic in the past few years. Continue reading Another review of acupuncture for neck pain
Lack of uniformity in acupuncture for back pain
 For non-specific low back pain, what is the appropriate number of acupoints and how many acupuncture sessions are needed?
Researchers from the University of Ulster in the UK have documented wide variability. Continue reading Lack of uniformity in acupuncture for back pain
Effects of acupuncture on cardiac arrhythmias
 Researchers from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis have reviewed the literature.
There’s good news and a challenge to future researchers. Continue reading Effects of acupuncture on cardiac arrhythmias
WHO sets standards for acupuncture
Dr. Sabina Lim, writing for the World Health Organization (WHO), has reported on the WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (WHO Standard), which was released in 2009. Continue reading WHO sets standards for acupuncture
Doctors who seek acupuncture training
Courses in acupuncture are increasingly available to doctors. Here’s a study of the outcomes of this education. Continue reading Doctors who seek acupuncture training
Acupuncture to treat heartburn
“Adding acupuncture is more effective than doubling the proton pump inhibitor dose,” according to researchers at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson. Continue reading Acupuncture to treat heartburn
Magnetic acupuncture for post-op nausea and vomiting
 This study assessed magnetic acupressure to prevent nausea and vomiting following ear-nose-throat (ENT) or gynecological surgeries.
But should we apply these findings to other forms of acupuncture? Continue reading Magnetic acupuncture for post-op nausea and vomiting
Acupuncture plus physiotherapy for painful shoulder
Researchers in Spain evaluated single-point acupuncture as an adjunct to physiotherapy to improve shoulder function in patients with unilateral subacromial syndrome. Continue reading Acupuncture plus physiotherapy for painful shoulder
Minimal and sham acupuncture as placebos
 Researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Sabbatsbergs Hospital in Stockholm “argue that minimal acupuncture is not valid as an inert placebo-control.” Continue reading Minimal and sham acupuncture as placebos
Treating tension-type headache with acupuncture
It could be a valuable non-pharmacological tool in patients with frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches, according to this Cochrane review. Continue reading Treating tension-type headache with acupuncture
Acupuncture to prevent migraine
New data since the last review lead the authors of this Cochrane review to conclude, “Acupuncture should be considered a treatment option.” Continue reading Acupuncture to prevent migraine
How many patients for an acupuncture study?
 It’s an important issue when planning clinical studies of CAM.
Researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles address this issue for a study of acupuncture in the relief of post-chemotherapy fatigue in breast cancer patients. Continue reading How many patients for an acupuncture study?
Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for headache
Researchers from Berlin’s Charité University Medical Centre report it’s worth the cost. Continue reading Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for headache
CAM for myofascial trigger points and pain syndrome
Researchers from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in Toronto reviewed the evidence for complementary therapies. Continue reading CAM for myofascial trigger points and pain syndrome
Chiropractic management of fibromyalgia
Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania reviewed the evidence for chiropractic… and more. Continue reading Chiropractic management of fibromyalgia
Acupuncture and menopausal hot flushes
Prof. Ernst and colleagues have reviewed the literature. Continue reading Acupuncture and menopausal hot flushes