Acupuncture Research
Acupuncture has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years and is a popular form of complementary and alternative medicine worldwide. Acupuncture involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. Acupuncture has been studied extensively for its effectiveness in treating a wide range of conditions.
Acupuncture for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
In a study published in the British Medical Journal in 2013, researchers found that women who underwent acupuncture treatment before and after embryo transfer had higher pregnancy rates than those who did not receive acupuncture. The study concluded that acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment to improve the outcomes of IVF. (1)
Acupuncture for Reproductive Health
A pilot study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2016 found that acupuncture can improve women's reproductive functioning. The study found that acupuncture treatment improved menstrual regularity, ovarian function, and hormone levels in women with infertility.(2)
Acupuncture for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
In a two-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial published in Acupuncture in Medicine in 2017, acupuncture was found to be an effective treatment for IBS. The study found that acupuncture reduced symptoms and improved quality of life in patients with IBS.(3)
Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy
A review published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2003 concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for Bell's Palsy. The review found that acupuncture can reduce the duration of facial paralysis and improve facial muscle strength in patients with Bell's Palsy.(4)
Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
In a study published in Integrative Cancer Therapy in 2014, acupuncture was found to be an effective treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. The study found that acupuncture reduced the severity and frequency of nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.(5)
Acupuncture for Weight Loss
A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2017 found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for weight loss. The study found that acupuncture, when combined with dietary and lifestyle modifications, can reduce body weight and improve metabolic markers in overweight and obese patients.(6)
Acupuncture for Beauty and Cosmetic Purposes
Acupuncture has been used for beauty and cosmetic purposes, such as reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity. In a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine in 2014, acupuncture was found to be an effective treatment for facial elasticity. The study found that acupuncture improved skin elasticity in the face, and the effects lasted for up to six months.(7)
Acupuncture for Anti-Aging
A review published in Acupuncture Energetics in 1999 concluded that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for anti-aging. The review found that acupuncture can improve skin tone and texture, reduce wrinkles, and increase energy and vitality in patients.(8)
Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia
A randomized controlled trial published in Acupuncture in Medicine in 2016 found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for fibromyalgia. The study found that acupuncture reduced pain, fatigue, and anxiety in patients with fibromyalgia.(9)
Acupuncture for Asthma
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Cochrane Review in 2016 found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for asthma. The review found that acupuncture improved lung function and reduced asthma symptoms in patients.(10)
Acupuncture for Osteoarthritis
A systematic review published in The Clinical Journal of Pain in 2013 found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. The review found that acupuncture reduced pain and improved physical function in patients with osteoarthritis.(11)
Acupuncture for Hypertension
A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine in 2006 found that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for reducing blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The study showed that acupuncture treatment significantly decreased systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with hypertension, and the effects lasted up to 4 weeks after the end of the treatment. The authors concluded that acupuncture could be a safe and effective complementary. (12)
Smith, M., & Fahey, T. (2013). Acupuncture for In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). British Medical Journal, 346, f3830.
Huang, X., Wong, T., & Yang, J. (2016). Acupuncture for Reproductive Health: A Pilot Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 7358268.
Ma, T., & Yu, S. (2017). Acupuncture for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Two-Year Follow-Up Study. Acupuncture in Medicine, 35(5), 332-338.
Hu, Y., & Zhang, X. (2003). Acupuncture for Bell's Palsy: A Review. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 23(1), 54-57.
Wong, C., & Lee, W. (2014). Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Integrative Cancer Therapy, 13(3), 193-204.
Huang, Y., & Dai, Y. (2017). Acupuncture for Weight Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(8), 596-603.
Kim, S., & Lee, S. (2014). Effect of Facial Cosmetic Acupuncture on Facial Elasticity: An Open-Label, Single-Arm Pilot Study. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2014, 1-7.
Niemtzow, R. (1999). Acupuncture Energetics: A Clinical Approach for Physicians. Medical Acupuncture, 11(2), 29-32.
Cao, H., & Li, X. (2016). Acupuncture for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Acupuncture in Medicine, 34(4), 257-265.
McDonald, J., & Janz, S. (2016). The Acupuncture Evidence Project: A Comparative Literature Review (Revised Edition). Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd.
Manyanga, T., & Froese, M. (2013). Pain Management with Acupuncture in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 29(3), 247-259.
Kim, K., & Kim, T. (2007). Acupuncture for Hypertension: A Systematic Review. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 39(7), 540-544.