Acupuncture for Depression During Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Acupuncture demonstrated symptom reduction and a response rate comparable to those observed in standard depression treatments and could be a viable treatment option for depression during pregnancy.

One interesting aspect of this study (the complete text of which is available here) is that two acupuncture groups were used. One involved protocols tailored individually to address each participant's depression-related "patterns of disharmony" according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and followed a published standardized treatment manual (Acupuncture in the Treatment of Depression: A Manual for Practice and Research). A second group received acupuncture at points that are not specific for depression. The group receiving specific acupuncture for depression showed statistically higher response to treatment. These results contrast with several other recent studies that have found no difference between "real" and "sham" acupuncture.

Source: Obstetrics & Gynecology, March 2010, Vol. 115, Issue 3, pp 511-520

Complete text of article available on-line here

Cardioprotective Effects of Electroacupuncture Pretreatment on Patients Undergoing Heart Valve Replacement Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Several studies have been done on the use of acupuncture pre- and post-operatively. In this study, conducted by the Department of Anesthesiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China, the researchers looked at the protective effects of electroacupuncture (EA) pretreatment on myocardial injury in patients undergoing heart valve replacement surgery. They concluded that EA pretreatment may alleviate cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury in adult patients undergoing heart valve replacements.

Source: Annals of Thoracic Surgery, 2010 Mar;89(3):781-786.

Abstract

Acupuncture in Poststroke Rehabilitation. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

A review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials demonstrates that acupuncture may be effective in the treatment of poststroke rehabilitation.

However, as is often the case with reviews of acupuncture studies, the authors note that the quality of the studies reviewed varied and that there existed the possibility of publication bias, therefore they conclude by calling for more large, transparent and well-conducted randomized acupuncture trials.

Source: Stroke. 2010 Feb 18

Read abstract here.

Scalp acupuncture for insomnia: a randomized controlled trial

A Chinese study finds that the therapeutic effects of scalp penetration acupuncture are better than those of routine acupuncture, especially for improving sleep quality, sleep time and sleep efficiency.

Source: Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2010 Feb;8(2):126-30

Read abstract here.

Acupuncture may relieve menstrual cramps

Acupuncture may be helpful in alleviating menstrual cramps, which affects up to half of all young women, an extensive review of past studies has found.

Read the full text here.

Study Maps Effects of Acupuncture on the Brain

Important new research about the effects of acupuncture on the brain may provide an understanding of the complex mechanisms of acupuncture and could lead to a wider acceptability of the treatment.

Source: Brain Research, 2010

Read the full text here.

Acupuncture Reduces Hot Flashes, Improves Sex Drive For Breast Cancer Patients

Not only is acupuncture as effective as drug therapy at reducing hot flashes in breast cancer patients, it has the added benefit of potentially increasing a woman's sex drive and improving her sense of well-being, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study.

Source: Journal of Oncology, Jan, 2010

For the full text click here.

Ear acupuncture curbs back pain in pregnant women

Ear acupuncture can help ease lower back and pelvic pain in pregnant women, according to new research reported in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

For a news article, click here.
For an abstract of the study, click here.

For Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Acupuncture And Exercise May Bring Relief, Reduce Risks

Exercise and electro-acupuncture treatments can reduce sympathetic nerve activity in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), according to a new study. The finding is important because women with PCOS often have elevated sympathetic nerve activity, which plays a role in hyperinsulinemia, insulin resistance, obesity and cardiovascular disease.

Read the full text here.

Acupuncture May Be Beneficial In Relieving Indigestion During Pregnancy

A small study published in Acupuncture Medicine reports that acupuncture may be beneficial in easing symptoms of indigestion which are very frequent in pregnant women.

See the full text here.

Acupuncture eases radiation-induced dry mouth in cancer patients

Twice weekly acupuncture treatments relieve debilitating symptoms of xerostomia - severe dry mouth - among patients treated with radiation for head and neck cancer, researchers from The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report in the current online issue of Head & Neck.

See the full text here.