Category: Acupuncture Research & Miscellaneous Conditions

Researchers at DongShin University in Korea, have assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture for mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and found promising results. A total of 32 patients aged 55 to 85, and with MCI, were randomly assigned to one of four acupuncture treatment arms: a core group of acupuncture points for 30 minutes; core points for 20 minutes; core points plus an additional point; electrical stimulation of core points. Sessions were given three times a week for eight weeks.

All four treatment arms were associated with beneficial effects on cognitive function, with the greatest effect coming from the core group of points when used for 30 minutes. The team recommends more rigorous clinical studies with a large sample size to validate these results.

(Factors contributing to cognitive improvement effects of acupuncture in patients with mild cognitive impairment: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Trials, 12 May 2021.)

University researchers in Turkey have found that acupressure after gall bladder removal, reduces pain and speeds recovery. A total of 65 patients undergoing laparoscopic gall bladder removal, were randomly assigned to receive either acupressure at four designated points, or light-touch contact as a control. Acupressure was given for 12 minutes at 0, 4 and 8 hours following surgery.

Acupressure was associated with significantly reduced post-operative pain, increased intestinal sounds, and shortened time to first defecation after surgery. The authors conclude that acupressure can be a recommended nursing intervention following laparoscopic cholecystectomy, to reduce acute pain and shorten the time to defecation.

(The effect on gastrointestinal system functions, pain and anxiety of acupressure applied following laparoscopic cholecystectomy operation: A randomised, placebo-controlled study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, May 2021.)

A review undertaken by researchers at the University of Southampton, shows the full extent to which acupuncturists facilitate lifestyle and behaviour change as a routine part of traditional acupuncture practice. Seventy-nine articles exploring the topic, were included in the study. Key elements promoting behaviour change included individualised advice based on symptoms, holistic explanations for patients’ conditions, the therapeutic relationship, and patient involvement.

(Lifestyle & Health Behavior Change in Traditional Acupuncture Practice: A Systematic Critical Interpretive Synthesis. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, March 2021.)

Research in China has tried to ascertain the mechanisms behind how acupuncture treats hypertension. Patients with high blood pressure were examined by functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and certain acupuncture point prescriptions were found to activate areas in the brain connected with blood pressure regulation. One combination of acupuncture points was associated with  positive immediate and long-term effects on blood pressure, particularly systolic blood pressure. 

(Acupuncture at LR3 and KI3 shows a control effect on essential hypertension and targeted action on cerebral regions related to blood pressure reactivagulation: a resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging study. Acupuncture in Medicine, February 2021.)

Acupressure can reduce thirst and improve quality of life in patients receiving dialysis treatment, according to a study undertaken in Turkey. Sixty patients were randomly assigned to either an acupressure or control group. In the acupressure group, treatment was applied to five acupuncture points during the first half of each dialysis session, for three days per week over a six week period. Acupressure was found to increase saliva secretion, decrease thirst severity, and improve quality of life.

(The Effect of Acupressure Applied to Individuals Receiving Hemodialysis Treatment on Severity of Thirst & Quality of Life. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine, May 2021.)