Acupuncture is recommended as one of Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: by A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians.

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has developed a clinical practice guideline for the noninvasive treatment of low back pain. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain. Acupuncture is recommended as one of the noninvasive treatments for low back pain.

For patients with acute or subacute low back pain, acupuncture treatment is recommended in conjunction with superficial heat, massage, or spinal manipulation. This is based on moderate-quality evidence. For patients with chronic low back pain, acupuncture is recommended in conjunction with exercise, multidisciplinary rehabilitation, mindfulness-based stress reduction, tai chi, yoga, motor control exercise, progressive relaxation, electromyography biofeedback, low-level laser therapy, operant therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, or spinal manipulation. This recommendation is also based on moderate-quality evidence.

Recent research has analyzed the data for acupuncture treatment for low back pain and supported the ACP guideline. One study analyzed 44 clinical trials with 8,338 procedures and suggested that acupuncture has better effects than sham treatment and other controls for chronic low back pain. Another study extracted data from 22 trials including 2,588 patients and suggested that acupuncture has a significantly superior effect on the reduction in chronic spinal pain and function improvement compared to no treatment, sham acupuncture, or conventional therapy such as medication, massage, and physical exercise. Yet another study assessed data from 25 trials with 7,587 participants and suggested that acupuncture was more effective at inducing pain relief and function improvement than no treatment and sham acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including pain, stress, and anxiety.

Low back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is a leading cause of disability and a significant contributor to healthcare costs. The ACP guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the noninvasive treatment of low back pain to help patients and healthcare providers make informed decisions about their care.

The ACP guideline recommends acupuncture as one of the noninvasive treatments for low back pain based on the available evidence. The recommendation is based on the fact that acupuncture has been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain. Acupuncture has also been found to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with acute or subacute low back pain when used in conjunction with other noninvasive treatments.

The recent research findings further support the use of acupuncture for low back pain. The studies analyzed a large number of clinical trials and found that acupuncture has better effects than sham treatment and other controls for chronic low back pain. Acupuncture was also found to be more effective in inducing pain relief and function improvement than no treatment and sham acupuncture.

In conclusion, the ACP guideline recommends acupuncture as one of the noninvasive treatments for low back pain. The recommendation is based on the available evidence, which suggests that acupuncture is effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with chronic low back pain. The recent research findings further support the use of acupuncture for low back pain. Patients and healthcare providers should consider acupuncture as a treatment option for low back pain, in conjunction with other noninvasive treatments.

References
Amir Qaseem et al Ann Intern Med. 2017 Apr 4;166(7):514-530.
Alice Baroncini et al J Orthop Surg Res. 2022; 17: 319.

Huang J-F et al Global Spine J. 2021;11:1248–1265. 

Yun-Xia Lil et al Acupunct Med. 2020 Aug;38(4):235-243.

Acupuncture improves sperm quality effectively, research update.

Male factor infertility accounts for almost half of all infertility cases, with about 50% of men evaluated for infertility showing abnormal semen parameters. Interestingly, the treatment of acupuncture for male infertility can be traced back to the classic A–B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing) in the Western Jin Dynasty, which dates back around 2,000 years ago in China.

The earliest study of acupuncture for male infertility in Western countries dates back to 1984. The study investigated the effect of acupuncture on male fertility and psychological well-being, and the results showed a significant increase in sperm concentration and motility after acupuncture treatment. Similar findings were also reported by other researchers, where all semen parameters of 16 subfertile patients treated with acupuncture showed significant improvement in total functional sperm fraction, percentage of viability, total motile spermatozoa per ejaculate, and integrity of the axonema when compared to the control group.

In another study involving 57 patients, participants were randomly assigned to receive either acupuncture or a placebo control acupuncture twice weekly for a total of six weeks. The results showed that the percentage of motile sperm in the acupuncture group was significantly higher than that in the control group. A more recent review of 12 randomized controlled trials with 1,088 participants concluded that acupuncture was effective in improving semen quality.

Further research has also shown that acupuncture can increase testicular blood flow and significantly reduce the level of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) in patients with oligoasthenospermia.

In summary, male infertility is a significant issue affecting many couples worldwide. Acupuncture has been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments in traditional Chinese medicine, and recent studies have shown promising results in improving semen quality and reducing hormonal imbalances associated with infertility. Acupuncture could be a useful and safe complementary therapy for men with infertility issues.

References

Jiaxing Feng et al Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2022; 13: 1009537.

Riegler R et al Urologe A (1984) 23:329–33

S Siterman et al Arch Androl. 1997 Sep-Oct;39(2):155-61

Dieterle S, et al  Fertil Steril (2009) 92:1340–3

Acupuncture is effective for Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common condition that affects men. Patients with CP/CPPS often experience varying degrees of pelvic pain or discomfort, as well as lower urinary tract symptoms. The condition may be linked to low blood flow in the common iliac vein and pelvic congestion. Additionally, recurrent urinary tract infections can severely impact patients' quality of life. The prostate gland is the primary male accessory gland for male fertility, and there is a correlation between male infertility and prostatitis.

Recent studies have shown that acupuncture is an effective method of treating CP/CPPS. One study analyzed data from ten high-quality randomized controlled trials involving 798 patients with CP/CPPS. The results showed that acupuncture had superior effects compared to sham acupuncture and western medicine on CP/CPPS patients' pain score, NIH-CPSI score, quality of life score, urinary symptom, and efficacy rate. The researchers concluded that acupuncture has significant benefits on CP/CPPS, including pain relief, improved urinary symptoms and quality of life, higher NIH-CPSI scores, and efficacy rates. They also found that acupuncture is a safe method to treat CP/CPPS.

References
Juanhong Pan et al Pain Res Manag. 2023; 2023: 7754876.

Dental pain, can’t get dentist appointment? Tried acupuncture?

Dental pain is a prevalent issue worldwide that can cause discomfort, difficulty in chewing, and general symptoms such as headaches or earaches. Dental pain can also have a significant impact on sleep, school or work performance, and overall productivity, often necessitating a visit to the dentist for consultation. However, acupuncture therapy has emerged as a potential solution for alleviating dental pain.

Research studies have shown that acupuncture therapy can reduce the need for analgesic medication in various types of pain, including dental pain.

Several studies have evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture in relieving dental pain. A review that included 16 such studies found that the majority of trials indicated that acupuncture is effective in dental pain relief. The review concluded that acupuncture can be an effective option for relieving dental pain.

A more recent systematic review evaluated the efficacy of acupuncture compared to other pain-relieving approaches in the treatment of acute dental pain. The review analyzed 11 randomized controlled trials with 668 patients who reported on the efficacy of acupuncture on postoperative acute dental pain. Patients who received acupuncture showed lower pain scores postoperatively compared to those who received sham acupuncture. The results suggest that acupuncture has the potential to improve acute dental pain intraoperatively and postoperatively, as well as enhancing the efficacy of local anesthesia.

Another study investigated the use of acupuncture in reducing the intensity of acute dental pain in patients waiting for emergency dental care. The study involved 120 patients who received one session of acupuncture. Pain reduction was observed in all 120 patients, indicating that acupuncture analgesia could be a technical adjunct to pain control in patients with acute dental pain.

In summary, dental pain is a prevalent issue that can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. Acupuncture therapy has emerged as a promising solution for alleviating dental pain, and several studies have shown that acupuncture is effective in reducing the need for analgesic medication and improving postoperative acute dental pain. Therefore, individuals suffering from dental pain may consider acupuncture therapy as a potential option for pain relief..

References
Moritz Müller et al Jpn Dent Sci Rev. 2023; 59: 114–128.
E Ernst, M H Pittler Br Dent J. 1998 May 9;184(9):443-7

Acupuncture is effective for trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a syndrome characterized by neuropathic pain, which manifests as intense episodes of pain in the facial area within the trigeminal nerve region. While it typically affects only one side of the face, it can also affect both sides. The pain is often progressive and can have a significant impact on an individual's quality of life. However, acupuncture is an effective treatment that does not produce any unwanted side effects.

Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that can cause significant discomfort and distress. The pain is usually described as a sharp, shooting, or electric shock-like sensation that occurs in the face. It may be triggered by certain activities, such as chewing, speaking, or touching the affected area. The pain can be so severe that it can interfere with an individual's ability to perform daily activities.

Acupuncture is an ancient form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. It has been used for centuries to treat a wide range of conditions, including pain. In recent years, acupuncture has become increasingly popular as a treatment option for trigeminal neuralgia.

Research has shown that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for trigeminal neuralgia. One study found that acupuncture produced significant pain relief in patients with trigeminal neuralgia. Another study found that acupuncture was as effective as medication in treating the condition, and that it had fewer side effects.

Acupuncture is thought to work by stimulating the body's natural healing mechanisms. The needles are inserted into specific points on the body that are believed to be associated with the nervous system. This stimulation is thought to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can help to relieve pain.

One of the benefits of acupuncture is that it is a non-invasive treatment that does not produce any unwanted side effects. This is particularly important for individuals who may be sensitive to medications or who may not be able to tolerate the side effects of traditional treatments.

In conclusion, trigeminal neuralgia is a neuropathic pain syndrome that can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. However, acupuncture is an effective treatment that can provide relief without producing any unwanted side effects. If you are experiencing symptoms of trigeminal neuralgia, it may be worth considering acupuncture as a treatment option.

Acupuncture is effective for fibromyalgia.

Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia, which is a condition characterized by chronic pain, muscle stiffness, fatigue, sleep disturbances, depression, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach pain, bloating, low mood, poor concentration, and memory problems. Although fibromyalgia can affect people of different ages, it is most commonly found in middle-aged women, and treating this condition can be challenging.

Acupuncture is a treatment method that has been used to address various medical conditions, particularly chronic pain. Research indicates that acupuncture's analgesic effect on the central nervous system, achieved by stimulating nerve fibers and producing an activation in the cascade of pain-modulating endorphins, serotonin, and noradrenaline, may contribute to its effectiveness in treating fibromyalgia.

For example, a recent research paper summarized 20 studies, including a total of 1497 participants, with most of them being women, that investigated the effects of acupuncture on fibromyalgia. The results showed that acupuncture was effective in reducing pain and disability, and had an overall significant effect in reducing pain from the intervention until 3 months follow-up. Acupuncture also improved other symptoms such as sleep and mood.

Therefore, acupuncture appears to be an effective treatment option for fibromyalgia, as it helps to improve the severity of the condition and its associated symptoms, including pain, sleep quality, quality of life, depression, anxiety, and fatigue.
References
Juan Antonio Valera-Calero et al Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Aug; 19(16): 9904.

Acupuncture is effective for Bell’s palsy to help patients’ recovery.

Bell's palsy (BP) is a common condition that affects the peripheral facial nerve, resulting in unilateral weakness or paralysis of the face. It is a type of cranial mononeuropathy and accounts for 70% of peripheral facial palsies. Despite its prevalence, the cause of BP is not fully understood.

Acupuncture has been widely used to treat neuropathy, and previous studies have suggested that it can improve facial motor symptoms, reduce pain around the ear, and speed up recovery. In a recent study, researchers investigated the effect of acupuncture on the acute stage of BP.

The study enrolled a total of 345 patients who had been newly diagnosed with BP and underwent acupuncture treatment between August 2016 and December 2021. Patients were followed until they had fully recovered. If recovery was incomplete within 6 weeks, the next follow-up was at 12 and 24 weeks. The facial function was assessed at all visits.

The results of the study showed that patients who received acupuncture within 7 days of diagnosis had a significantly shorter time to complete recovery than those who were treated after 7 days. Moreover, they had significantly higher recovery rates at 12 weeks. This suggests that early and appropriate acupuncture therapy can improve the outcome of patients with BP and shorten the time to recovery.

Inflammation and edema of the facial nerve are believed to be part of the pathogenesis in patients with BP. The study suggested that the effect of acupuncture may be related to its anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, acupuncture may be beneficial in reducing inflammation and promoting healing in patients with BP.

In summary, BP is a common condition that can cause facial weakness or paralysis due to dysfunction of the peripheral facial nerve. Acupuncture has been found to be effective in improving facial motor symptoms, reducing pain, and accelerating recovery in patients with BP. The study highlighted the importance of early and appropriate acupuncture therapy for better outcomes and shorter recovery time. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of acupuncture may play a role in its therapeutic effect.

References
Lian-Sheng Yang et al Front Neurol. 2022; 13: 943453.

Having carpal tunnel syndrome, tried acupuncture?

Acupuncture for Carpal Tunnel syndrome.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a prevalent condition that occurs when the median nerve at the wrist is compressed. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand, wrist, and fingers. In severe cases, muscle atrophy may occur, making it challenging to perform daily tasks. Therefore, effective and safe non-surgical treatments for CTS are highly sought after

Acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular and accepted worldwide as a treatment for neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Studies examining the effectiveness of acupuncture for CTS are starting to emerge. One research review analyzed data from 16 eligible studies involving a total of 1,025 participants. The average age of participants ranged from 36.4 to 53.6 years. Fifteen of the studies focused on patients with mild to moderate CTS, examining the effects of acupuncture as both a standalone and adjunctive therapy for CTS.

The review found that compared to night splints, acupuncture as a standalone therapy was more effective in relieving pain. As an adjunctive treatment, acupuncture was shown to effectively alleviate symptom severity, functional status, pain intensity, and electrophysiological parameters. Additionally, acupuncture as an adjunctive therapy was more effective than medicine in ameliorating symptom severity, functional status, pain intensity, and electrophysiological parameters.

Overall, the review suggests that acupuncture may be a promising non-surgical intervention for individuals with mild to moderate CTS.

References
Qinjian Dong et al Front Neurosci. 2023; 17: 1097455.

Do you know that acupuncture can help to get rid of acne?

 

How to keep youthful looking naturally? Facial acupuncture, a hidden gem.

 

Pain relief with acupuncture

 Living with any pain is not pleasant and this compromised your quality of life. Acupuncture is a excellent tool to release any pain such as headache, migraine, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, elbow pain, wrist pain, hand and finger pain, hip pain, thigh pain, knee pain, leg pain, ankle pain, toe pain etc. 

Acupuncture is effective for fertility and miscarriage

 

Acupuncture releases vulval pain.

 Vulval pain can be very severe and this pain is not in your mind. Many women come to see me for acupuncture treatment to release their vulval pain. Acupuncture helps them to live in pain free.