Medical Acupuncture最新文献

Abstract: Acupuncture is a nonpharmacological option described in the literature; however, its efficacy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is still controversial. This randomized, sham-controlled trial evaluated before-and-after differences in pain relief visual analog scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Pain Section (WOMAC-Pain) among advanced patients with KOA assigned to acupuncture, cupping, combined therapy, or sham controls.

Abstract: A total of 120 patients waiting for total knee arthroplasty from the knee outpatient unit of the Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology, "Hospital das Clínicas" of the University of São Paulo Medical School, were invited to participate in the project. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, and those who accepted signed an informed consent form and were later randomly allocated (https://www.random.org) to the following groups: Group A-Sham Acupuncture + Sham Cupping; Group B-Sham Acupuncture + True Cupping; Group C-True Acupuncture + Sham Cupping; Group D-True Acupuncture + True Cupping. The VAS and WOMAC-Pain questionnaire were used to measure the intensity of pain, and the number of analgesics and/or anti-inflammatory drugs used during the research period was also recorded.

Abstract: We found statistical differences in VAS and the amount of pain medication used by patients (p = 0.035). The post hoc test for VAS values revealed a statistically significant difference between groups A and C (p = 0.04) and between groups A and D (p = 0.001). No differences were found in WOMAC-Pain index (0.258).

Abstract: The combination of acupuncture with cupping therapy demonstrated pain improvement by VAS and decreased the amount of pain medication used by patients, suggesting a complementary yet significant role in preoperative management.

Abstract: Polyarthritis presents significant clinical challenges in pain and joint management. This case report examines the effectiveness of an integrated naturopathy and acupuncture treatment protocol in a 65-year-old female with polyarthritis.

Abstract: The participant underwent a 16-day intensive treatment regime, followed by a 20-week follow-up in an outpatient setting. Evaluations included laboratory investigations for C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) factor, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alongside the WHOQOL BREF questionnaire assessing quality of life1.

Abstract: Posttreatment results indicated notable improvements: pain visual analogue scale (VAS) decreased from 6 to 3, swelling VAS from 6 to 2, ESR from 48 to 35 mm/h, CRP levels from 29.39 mg/L to 0.8 mg/L, and RA factor from 11.45 IU/mL to 5 IU/mL. Quality of life improvements were documented in the physical and psychological domains (both from 50 to 69). By the 20-week follow-up, all measured parameters were within normal ranges, reflecting an enhanced sense of wellness and improved functional health.

Abstract: This case supports existing literature on the benefits of acupuncture in pain management and suggests that integrating specific naturopathic and acupuncture interventions can be beneficial in managing polyarthritis. Lifestyle modifications as part of the treatment protocol contributed to significant improvements in clinical outcomes and quality of life.

The intestinal flora is an important physiological component of the gastrointestinal system and one of the sources of neurotransmitters. About 90% of neurotransmitters in the brain are produced in the human intestine. Poststroke insomnia is caused by damage to the internal and external structures of the brain, characterized by difficulties in falling asleep, shallow sleep, easy awakenings, and challenges in returning to sleep, all impacting patients' quality of life. Hypnotics have many adverse reactions in the treatment of insomnia, which can lead to drug resistance and relapse. The systematic review and meta-analysis of 41 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 3233 patients showed that all the results of RCTs were effective in acupuncture treating poststroke insomnia. Acupuncture regulates the imbalance of intestinal flora and controls the secretion of gut-brain peptides.

Background: Acupressure is one of the selfcare methods that is quite simple and noninvasive, which is easy to teach to patients. Due to its ease and minimal side effects, acupressure is often recommended as an appropriate choice for patients to manage various health conditions. However, the integration of acupressure into medical education is still limited, including in Indonesia. The lack of education about acupressure can lead to a lack of understanding among health care providers in teaching acupressure to patients. The objective of this study was to present scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of acupressure in managing various medical conditions and to propose its integration into the medical curriculum.

Method: A literature search using the Google Scholar, PubMed, and Embase databases was conducted through Boolean Operators with selected keywords such as acupressure, acupressure training, and health education.

Result: A total of six studies obtained met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Through self-administered acupressure counseling and training, there was a significant increase in knowledge scores regarding acupressure and the effects of acupressure on reducing complaints of various ailments. Findings from clinical evidence discussing the use of acupressure have affirmed its effective role in enhancing patient well-being. The integration of education about acupressure as a complementary therapy into the medical education curriculum is becoming increasingly important.

Conclusion: Acupressure is effective in addressing various clinical disorders, and through adequate education and training, as well as incorporating acupressure into the medical curriculum, it is expected to provide holistic and effective care to patients.

Abstract: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an integrated acupuncture (IA) protocol on blood pressure (BP), depression, anxiety, stress scores, and heart rate variability (HRV) in hypertensive patients.

Abstract: The study was a pilot randomized controlled trial with three arms: IA (acupuncture combined with yoga and naturopathy), sham acupuncture (sham acupuncture combined with yoga and naturopathy), and naturopathy/yoga alone. Sixty participants (20 in each group), of age 30-60 with borderline or stage I hypertension, received respective interventions for 10 days and were followed up for 1 month. BP measurements, depression, anxiety, and stress scores, as well as HRV parameters, were assessed at baseline, after the 10-day intervention, and at 1-month follow-up.

Abstract: After 10 days, all groups exhibited a decrease in systolic and diastolic BP, though not statistically significant. However, after 1 month, there was a significant increase in both systolic and diastolic BP across all groups. Depression, anxiety, and stress scores showed nonsignificant reductions after the 10-day intervention, with mixed trends at follow-up. HRV analysis revealed significant increases in SDNN values across all groups and significant changes in LF/HF values.

Abstract: In conclusion, the 10-day intervention led to slight, non-significant reductions in BP and improvements in depression, anxiety, and stress across all groups, but these effects were not sustained. HRV analysis showed significant improvements in SDNN values and notable changes in low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) ratios, suggesting potential autonomic benefits. Limitations of this study, such as the short intervention duration and small sample size, could be the reason for inconclusive results, indicating the need for well-powered randomized controlled trials.

Abstract: Single-point hand acupuncture with movement is a novel technique that can be used to provide immediate pain relief in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. It involves inserting just one needle along the second metacarpal bone, and then having the patient move through motions that were previously painful while retaining the needle. This study is a preliminary three-arm, single-blinded, randomized comparative trial looking at this technique compared with two control techniques.

Abstract: Twenty-four patients were recruited in an outpatient musculoskeletal practice with neck, shoulder, low back, or hip pain. Patients were randomized to one of three treatment arms. The three treatment arms were verum single-point hand acupuncture with movement, single-point hand acupuncture without movement, and control acupuncture with movement. Range of motion (ROM) and numeric pain rating scale were recorded before and after treatment (about 10 min).

Abstract: The combined results of all patients showed that the mean difference in post-treatment versus pretreatment ROM was 11.6 degrees and this was statistically significant (p = 0.0027). The mean difference in post-treatment versus pretreatment pain was -2.3 and this was statistically significant (p = 0.0000). There was no statistically significant mean difference between the single-point hand acupuncture with movement and the other two techniques. Also, there was no significant mean difference whether a de qi response was elicited or not.

Abstract: Despite single-point hand acupuncture not being able to demonstrate superiority over the other techniques, it can still be a useful technique to learn, given its ease of use and wide applicability.