Scalp acupuncture stops chronic phantom limb pain in a traumatic amputee

Phantom limb pain is often excruciating and almost impossible to treat. However in a case report, Taiwanese researchers claim that scalp acupuncture stops chronic phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensation, published in Acupunct Med, the official journal of British Medical Acupuncture Society.

Phantom limb pain appears to come from where the amputated limb used to be and is often excruciating. Phantom limb sensations, which are not painful, may be felt in the absent limb. It has been reported that three quarters of amputees develop phantom pain, which is described as shooting, stabbing and burning. Phantom pain can last for many years but sometimes it gets better as time passes. It is believed that damage to nerve endings and altered neuronal activities in the brain as a result of the loss of sensory input from amputated limb are important factors in the development of phantom pain. Medications and motor cortex stimulation are often recommended treatments and have the limited effects.

A case study of scalp acupuncture to an amputee with chronic phantom limb pain and sensation was conducted in Taiwan. A 71-year-old woman with her right arm being amputated surgically below the elbow developed phantom pain and sensation. She was treated with barbiturates, antidepressants, muscle relaxants and analgesics for two years. However, the drugs did not improve her conditions. She was then treated with scalp acupuncture at the line MS7 and Sishencong, twice a week for three weeks. Immediately after the first treatment the patient noted a significant relief of pain and sensation. After the second acupuncture the pain, measured by Visual Analogue Scale, was 4 compared 10 before the acupuncture. A six-month follow up showed that the patient was free from both phantom limb pain and sensation.

It is believed this is the first report of using scalp acupuncture to treat phantom limb pain and sensation. This suggests that scalp acupuncture can be an excellent alternative approach to those patients who do not respond well to the conventional treatment.  

Reference:

Tseng CC et al., Successful treatment of phantom limb pain and phantom limb sensation in the traumatic amputee using scalp acupuncture. Acupunct Med. 2014 May 22. pii: acupmed-2014-010556.    http://aim.bmj.com/content/early/2014/05/22/acupmed-2014-010556.extract

Acupuncture improves bladder dysfunction after radical hysterectomy

Acupuncture prevented postoperative bladder dysfunction, one of the most common complications, after radical hysterectomy, according to a study published in journal Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine.

Radical hysterectomy is a surgical treatment for cervical cancer after the failure of chemotherahttppy or radiotherapy treatment. The procedures of radical hysterectomy are associated with many complications, among them bladder dysfunction is one of the most common complications and up to 85% of patients after radical hysterectomy are reported to have long-term postoperative urinary tract dysfunction.

Researchers in Guangzhou, China investigated the preventive effects of acupuncture for complications following radical hysterectomy. One hundred and twenty patients after radical hysterectomy were randomly divided into two groups, one group was treated with acupuncture and another group was used as control. Acupuncture treatment started from the 6^th postoperative days for 5 consecutive days. Patients in acupuncture group showed a significant improvement in bladder function in terms of maximal cystometric capacity, first voiding desire, maximal flow rate, bladder compliance and decreased bladder sensory loss and incontinence one month after operation compared with control group.  Urinary tract infection was also significantly reduced with acupuncture compared with control group.

The report showed that early acupuncture treatment after radical hysterectomy prevented bladder dysfunction and reduced urinary tract infection.

Reference:

Yi W et al., Acupuncture for Preventing Complications after Radical Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2014 (2014), Article ID 802134, 6 pages.   http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2014/802134/

Early acupuncture treatment protects neurons from traumatic damage in spinal cord

Traumatic spinal cord injury results in devastating consequence to individuals, their families and communities.  Early acupuncture treatment can rescue neurones in spinal cord from damage in a spinal cord injury model, suggests in a study published in journal Evidence based complementary and alternative medicine.

Traumatic spinal cord injury induces immediate severe pathophysiologic changes in spinal cord such as edema, inflammation, tissue compression, blood vessel damage, leading to cellular impairments e.g. oxidative damage, mitochondria dysfunction and initiation of apoptosis, then cell death. How to protect neurons in spinal cord from damage is vital for recovery and is an unmet challenge.

Researchers in China carried out a study to investigate the effects of early acupuncture treatment on neuronal survival after traumatic damage in a spinal cord injury model. The rats with a spinal injury at the level of the tenth thoracic vertebra were given acupuncture at 2 hours and 8 hours after spinal cord injury at acupoints DU16 and DU26 with either manual or electro acupuncture. Both acupoints are on Governor Vessel meridian which runs posterior along the interior spinal column and closely relates the function of spinal cord according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine.

Results are quite interesting. Observation from histological sections of spinal cord from acupuncture treated groups showed normal cell morphology with reduced edema and haemorrhage compared with control group. Biomarkers for inflammation, oxidative damage and apoptosis were all significantly decreased in acupuncture groups compare to control.

The data showed that early acupuncture treatment protects neurons in spinal cord against traumatic injury by exerting anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects and act as antioxidant. This suggests that the earlier acupuncture treatment applied in spinal cord injury, the better neuroprotection, and then better functional recovery.

Reference:

Jiang S et al., Neuroprotective effects of different modalities of acupuncture on traumatic spinal cord injury in rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014; 2014:431580.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24803946

Acupuncture makes bedwetting go away

Bedwetting, also known as nocturnal enuresis, refers to a child’s inability to control urination during sleep from infancy but there also cases that go beyond the age of 5. It is a common problem in young children but gets less common as a child gets older. The primary nocturnal enuresis means a child has not yet had a prolonged period of being dry. The secondary nocturnal enuresis is when a child or adult begins wetting again after having stayed dry. Research shows that it may be caused by late development or other factors such as emotional or psychological stress or other underlying conditions. For children with bedwetting positive help from family members in particular parents is very important in determining the outcome of bedwetting management. It is believed that behavioural therapy is helpful in early treatment. Enuresis alarm therapy and medication may be more effective but have many adverse effects.

Acupuncture treatment helps improve primary bedwetting. Recently Egyptian researchers conducted the study to investigate the effectiveness of acupuncture on primary bedwetting with 50 patients (age between 9-17 years), who had >3 bedwettings per week during two-week observations and failed to medication and behavioural treatment. All patients were given two sessions of acupuncture treatment; each session was administered once a day for 10 day. Patients were instructed to continue follow-up every three months from beginning the treatment. At the end of 6 months after acupuncture, 38 (76%) patients stopped bedwetting completely. Then 12 patients who were not cured were given further two sessions of acupuncture treatment. One year follow-up showed that 46 patients (92%) were cured for bedwetting.

The data shows acupuncture is very effective in treating bedwetting.

Reference:

El Koumi MA et al., Acupuncture efficacy in the treatment of persistent primary nocturnal enuresis. Arab J Nephrol Transplant. 2013 Sep;6(3):173-6.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24053744

Acupuncture reduced pain in children after tonsillectomy

Acupuncture is a safe and effective alternative for pain relief for children after having surgery to remove their tonsils, according to a study published in International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology.  

Codeine, an opioid pain medication, has been prescribed for children for pain relief after having their tonsils removed. However, the Food & Drug Administration, in the United State, banned the used in this setting in 2013 due to recognized risk complications.

Dr. Ochi, a San Diego paediatric ear, nose and throat surgeon conducted a novel study using acupuncture instead of codeine for pain relief for his tonsillectomy patients. Thirty one patients ranging from 2 to 17 years were recruited and received acupuncture treatment after tonsillectomy for postoperative pain. Prior to acupuncture intervention, patients or their parents reported a mean pain level of 5.52 out of 10, this pain level dropped to 1.92 of 10, a statistically significant difference, following a 15 minutes of acupuncture treatment. The duration of benefit from the acupuncture was estimated last about 61 hours. No adverse effect was observed following acupuncture treatment.

The study showed acupuncture decreased perceived postoperative pain in children and suggested that it is a safe and effective therapy.

Reference:

Ochi JW, Acupuncture instead of codeine for tonsillectomy pain in children. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2013 Dec;77(12):2058-62.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24210291

Acupuncture and levodopa in combination enhanced the benefits of levodopa and reduced levodopa-induced dyskinesia

Combined acupuncture and levodopa greatly enhanced motor functions of levodopa treatment and reduced levodopa-induced side effects such as dyskinesia in a Parkinson’s model, according to a study recently published in journal Brain Research.

Levodopa is the most effective drug for alleviating motor symptoms of Parkinson’s. However, more than 50% of PD patients treated with levodopa develop adverse effects such as dyskinesia, hallucination, insomnia. Among these, levodopa-induced dyskinesia is the most debilitating and severe side effect and in many cases worsen than PD symptoms. This has a great impact on the quality of life of patients with PD.

Researchers in Korea investigated whether combination of acupuncture and levodopa improves motor function in PD mice model and simultaneously alleviates dyskinesia. In combined group PD mice were treated with acupuncture at acupoint GB34 and levodopa (7.5mg/kg). In levodopa alone group PD mice was treated with standard dose of levodopa (15mg/kg). PD mice in control group were given non-acupoint treatment. Acupuncture was given once a day for 7 days. Behavioural results showed that PD mice in combined group displayed motor function improvement that was comparable to that of levodopa (15mg/kg) alone group, and the combined group significantly reduced levodopa-induced dyskinesia. Biochemical study found that the combination treatment significantly reduced abnormally elevated brain chemicals that are closely linked with motor function and occurrence of dyskinesia.

This study suggests that acupuncture can be used as an adjunct with levodopa to enhance the efficacy of levodopa and reduce the adverse effects in treatment of Parkinson’s.

Reference:

Kim SN et al., Combined treatment with acupuncture reduces effective dose and alleviates adverse effect of L-dopa by normalizing Parkinson's disease-induced neurochemical imbalance. Brain Res. 2014 Jan 28;1544:33-44.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24321617  

Acupuncture is very effective in reducing high levels of blood lipids

Single acupoint or multiple acupoints acupuncture stimulation significantly reduced blood lipids in patients with hyperlipidemias in Thailand, according to a study recently published by Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice.

  

Blood lipids (or blood fats) are mainly cholesterol and fatty acids (phospholipids and triglycerides). An excessive level of lipids and/or lipoproteins in the blood is known as hyperlipidemia and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Researchers in Thailand carried out a randomized, controlled, open-label, clinical study to compare the efficacy of multiple acupoints and single acupoint, Fenglong (ST40) in controlling blood lipids in hyperlipidemic patients. Sixty patients were randomly divided into three groups: multi acupoints group (n=20), Fenglon acupoint group (n=20) and control group (n=20). Acupuncture was performed 2 times a week for 8 weeks. The serum lipid level (cholesterol, phospholipids and triglycerides) was measured before the beginning of (base line) and at the end of acupuncture and follow-up (week 12). The data showed that serum levels of lipids were significantly reduced within both treatment groups at the end of acupuncture compared to the base line. Follow-up examine showed both total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol (“bad cholesterol” because it transports fatty molecules into artery walls) in the blood was still significantly lower in both treatment groups than the control group.

The study showed that acupuncture treatment either with multi acupoints or single acupoint is very effective in reducing blood lipids for sustainable periods. This may explain the underlying mechanism of therapeutic weight loss effect of acupuncture.

  

Reference:

Rerksuppaphol L et al., A randomized controlled trial of electroacupuncture at body acupoints and Fenglong for regulating serum lipids in dyslipidemic patients in Thailand. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2014 Feb;20(1):26-31.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24439641

Auricular acupuncture is effective in shedding pounds

Auricular acupuncture can help shed pounds, indicates in the first prospective, randomized, double-blinded study published recently in journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Auricular acupuncture is based on the understanding that entire body is represented on the outer portion of the ear. It was first developed in 1957 by French neurologist Paul Nogier who noticed that a patient’s back pain was cured after being sustained a burn on the ear. Although ear map was later developed according to the theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Paul Nogier is still regarded as “Father of Auricular acupuncture” in China.

Austrian researchers investigated whether auricular acupuncture combined with moderate diet recommendations based on TCM can produce body weight reduction in female patients compared with placebo treatment. It is the first study using P-Stim® auricular electroacupuncture device in obese study. Three auricular acupoints (hunger 18, stomach 87 and colon 91) were selected. The treatment was performed once a week for 6 weeks. Body Mass Index (BMI) and body fat were measured at the beginning and at the end of the treatment. The results showed that auricular acupuncture produced significant reduction in body weight in treatment group (n=28, -3.73%) compared with placebo group (n=28, -0.70%). A significant reduction in BMI was observed in auricular acupuncture group (-3.62%) compared to placebo group (-0.82%). No adverse effect was reported. A follow-up 4 weeks after treatment showed a sustained reduction in all parameters.  The authors conclude that auricular acupuncture is a safe, effective therapy in obesity.

Reference:

Schukro RP et al., The effects of auricular electroacupuncture on obesity in female patients--a prospective randomized placebo-controlled pilot study. Complement Ther Med. 2014 Feb;22(1):21-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2013.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24559812

Acupuncture holds promise for inflammatory disorder treatment

A recent study, by Dr. Ulloa and colleagues of Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, published by the journal Nature Medicine (only research works of the highest quality got published there) reported that electroacupuncture may reduce inflammation that causes sepsis death. Sepsis, a condition that often develops in hospital intensive care units, is characterised by overwhelming inflammatory responses and infections. Although antibiotics are efficient in controlling infection, inflammation is not properly treated in sepsis. Sepsis causes the death of over 250,000 patients each year in the United States.

The study carried out on sepsis model showed that signals of electroacupuncture stimulation at Zusanli (ST36) passed through sciatic nerve to vagal nerve, then to adrenal glands. Electroacupuncture markedly increased the levels of aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, a lyase enzyme, catalyzing levodopa to dopamine. Dopamine acts on dopamine D1 receptors to inhibit pro-inflammatory multiple cytokines such as tumour necrosis factor, reducing inflammation. The authors found that when electroacupuncture was applied to mice with sepsis, cytokines were reduced in the serum and half of mice survived for at least 7 days. No survival was found among mice that did not receive acupuncture. 

  

This study demonstrated one of strongest scientific evidence of acupuncture‘s value beyond any that has been shown before. The study also confirmed results of other reports that acupuncture is effective at modulating immune system and inhibit inflammatory response. These benefit not just for sepsis, but for treating other inflammatory-related disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease.

Reference:

Torres-Rosas R et al., Dopamine mediates vagal modulation of the immune system by electroacupuncture. Nat Med. 2014 Mar;20(3):291-5. doi: 10.1038/nm.3479.   http://www.nature.com/nm/journal/v20/n3/full/nm.3479.html

Acupuncture improves plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia of the foot. It is the most common cause of heel pain, and occurs in all types of athletic and active individuals. People with plantar fasciitis often feel pain and stiffness in the morning when taking first steps, or upon standing after prolonged sitting or rest. The pain usually improves after walking, but it gets worse following walking or standing for a long time. Plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot which originates near the heel bone. The band extends through the sole of the foot towards the toes and supports the arch. Plantar fasciitis often results from injury, excessive walking, and gradually wear and tear of the plantar fascia tissue. Overweight and wearing flat-soled shoes usually increase the risk of developing plantar fasciitis. Chronic plantar fasciitis can lead to degenerative changes within the structure of the foot. Conventional treatment includes pain relief medication, exercise such as stretching, and footwear modification.

Acupuncture enhances blood circulation and reduces local inflammation in the foot. Many studies showed that acupuncture has homeostatic effect by balancing sympathetic and parasympathetic nerve signals in the foot and reduces the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines leading to diminishing of inflammatory responses.

In a clinical study patients with chronic refractory plantar fasciitis were divided into two groups. One group was given conventional treatment while other group was given conventional treatment plus ten sessions of electroacupuncture treatment twice a week. Endpoints included a success rate determined by a minimum of a 50% decrease in Visual Analog Scale and Foot Function Index. Results showed that “Visual Analog Scale decreased significantly from 6.00 ± 1.69 to 1.89 ± 1.59 and from 6.27 ± 2.34 to 5.40 ± 2.26 in the acupuncture and control groups, respectively. Foot Function Index decreased significantly only in the acupuncture group (p < 0.05). Subjects in the acupuncture group obtained higher success rates than those in control group (80% and 13.3%, respectively). At the sixth week follow-up, subjects in the acupuncture group showed a better Foot Function Index and success rate for pain during the day than those in the control group (p < 0.05)”.

The authors concluded that “electroacupuncture coupled with conventional treatments provided a success rate of 80% in chronic planar fasciitis which was more effective than conventional treatments alone. The effects lasted for at least six weeks.”

Reference:

Kumnerddee W et al., Efficacy of electro-acupuncture in chronic plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Chin Med. 2012;40(6):1167-76. doi: 10.1142/S0192415X12500863.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23227789

Acupuncture and moxibustion reversed pathological changes in Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition, which can affect the whole of the digestive tract from mouth to anus. Inflammation extends to all layers of gut wall and often in patch surrounded by healthy tissue. The most commonly affected sites are the lower part of the small intestine and the first part of the large intestine. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, chronic diarrhea and loss of appetite.  Symptoms can come and go and vary depending on which part or parts of gut are affected. Crohn’s disease often develops between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can occur in children and old adults. Malnutrition and dehydration are common complications of Crohn’s. The cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown though it is believed that the immune system, genetics, infection and environmental factor all contribute to its development. There is no cure for Crohn’s disease. Medication and diet only help control the condition and sometime bring about long-term remission.

Acupuncture is increasingly used to treat Crohn’s disease in western countries. It effectively treats patients with Crohn’s disease by alleviating visceral pain, improve diarrhea and appetite. How does acupuncture improve Crohn’s disease is not well understood until recent reports. The basic research study on Crohn’s disease model reported that acupuncture and moxibustion specifically regulated the expression of the genes and proteins involved in Crohn’s pathological process such as fibrosis. The proteins and genes e.g. Ras, Raf-1, MEK-1, and ERK-1/2 were significantly increased in the fibrosis gut tissues of Crohn’s model. Acupuncture and moxibustion reversed the process of fibrosis and markedly decreased the elevated levels of those proteins and genes. The study suggests that acupuncture and moxibustion exert the therapeutic effect by specifically regulating molecular and cellular molecules to reverse the pathological changes in Crohn’s disease model.

Reference:

Wang X et al., Moxibustion Inhibits the ERK Signaling Pathway and Intestinal Fibrosis in Rats with Crohn's Disease. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013;2013:198282. doi: 10.1155/2013/198282.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23970928

Acupuncture is beneficial to patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition characterized by a chronic inflammatory affecting many parts of body in particular the joints. It causes pain and swelling in joints, and usually starts in the wrists, hands or feet, and can spread to other joints, resulting in stiffness, progressive joint destruction and deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis gradually reduces patient’s physical function, quality of life and life expectancy. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not clear. People of any age can develop it, but it is most common between ages of 30 and 50 years, and among women. It is believed that genetic, diet, hormone imbalance have all been implicated as risk factors. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The standard treatment is to control pain and inflammation, reduce joint damage, disability and loss of function.

In china acupuncture is a popular choice for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Acupuncture not only alleviates pain caused by the condition but modulates immune system and decreases the inflammatory response resulting in swelling reduction. Clinical studies of acupuncture with rheumatoid arthritis showed that acupuncture reduced inflammatory enhancing chemical signals such as tumor necrosis factor and vascular endothelial growth factors in the blood and joint synovial of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Refence:

Ouyang BS et al., Effect of electro-acupuncture on tumor necrosis factor-α and vascular endothelial growth factor in peripheral blood and joint synovia of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Chin J Integr Med. 2011 Jul;17(7):505-9.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21725875

Acupuncture is very effective in treating chronic fatigue syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, is characterized by long-term disabling tiredness, often accompanied with muscle pain, joint pain, headache, impaired concentration and sleep disturbance. People with CFS often feel so tired they can’t do even half of their normal daily activities and the feeling does not go away, even with more rest. CFS affects more women than men and is the most common in young and mid-aged adults. CFS can affects children as well, usually between the ages of 13 and 15. CFS may last from a few months to many years. Symptoms sometimes may come and go. The cause of CFS is not clear, but immune system response, viral infection, hormone imbalance and psychiatric problems may be responsible. There is no specific medication for CFS and antidepressant is prescribed for some cases. The prevalent treatments include changes in lifestyle, psychiatric therapy, and activity management.

Acupuncture is the most recommended alternative therapy for CFS. Acupuncture invigorates body’s energy, qi and rebalances body’s systems including immune system. A clinical study of 80 patients with CFS in China reported that stimulation at acupoints Qihai (CV 6), Guanyuan (CV 4), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Sanyinjiao (SP 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), once daily, ten-day as a session and two sessions in total, invigorated energy qi and significantly improved CFS symptoms. This is accompanied by improving immune function via the regulation of the ratios of among CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells.  

Reference:

Ling JY et al., Impacts on chronic fatigue syndrome of qi deficiency syndrome and T cell subgroups in patients treated with acupuncture at selective time. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2013 Dec;33(12):1061-4.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24617226

Acupuncture helps improve attention deficit hyperactivity disroder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common behaviour conditions among children. ADHD is a condition of the brain that makes it difficult to concentrate or control impulsive behaviour. This means a child’s behaviour can be anything from being very dreamy – unable to pay attention, through to being always on the go – hyperactive. Children with ADHD, may have above-average intelligence, will take longer time to settle and concentrate than those without it, and may often have problem following instructions. For some children with ADHD, the condition is long term and can continue to adult life. The causes of ADHD are not fully known. It is believed that genetic factors are important because ADHD tends to run in family. Imbalance of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and noradrenalin in the brain may contribute the occurrence of ADHD as these chemicals are particularly associated with attention, organization and managing emotions.

ADHD management comprises of medication, behavioural therapy, lifestyle and dietary modification. Acupuncture is an excellent addition to any treatment plan as it is used to help the body restore balance, treating the root of disorders, while also diminishing the symptoms of ADHD. It is believed acupuncture help improve focus and attention, manage moods, reduce fidgeting, lower hyperactivity and enhance concentration. For example, a clinical study reported that combination of acupuncture and behaviour therapy has positive effect in reducing symptoms of ADHD in children with ADHD.

Reference:

Li S et al., Randomized-controlled study of treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder of preschool children with combined electro-acupuncture and behaviour therapy. Complement Ther Med. 2010 Oct;18(5):175-83. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2010.08.002.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21056840

Acupuncture helps people with narcolepsy

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by suddenly, uncontrollably fall asleep at any point during a day and muscle weakness or loss of muscular control called cataplexy. Typically these sleep attacks last up to 30 mins. While these episodes of sleep can be brief, they can be very dangerous, if you are driving or doing some potential risk activities. It is believed that genetic factors, abnormal neurotransmitter availability and environmental factors are associated with the development of narcolepsy. However immune dysfunction induced autoimmune response also causes narcolepsy. Regular sleep habits and better life style minimize narcolepsy. For many people it is necessary to take medication to avoid narcoleptic attacks. The standard drugs used to treat narcolepsy include stimulants such as mofafinil and sodium oxybate used to treat narcolepsy with cataplexy. While treating narcolepsy these drugs cause many side effects.

Acupuncture is effective at controlling narcoleptic symptoms. Scalp acupuncture can improve neurological function. Auricular technique can affect neuro-point responsible for the synthesis of neurotransmitters associated with the sleep cycle, in particular if patients with narcolepsy are reluctant to succumb to taking psychostimulant. Acupuncture can complement the Western medical treatment to achieve better efficacy and reduce side effect.

A recent clinical study in China reported that acupuncture treatment, by modulating nutrient qi and defence qi, significantly improved narcolepsy and immune system function in narcoleptic patients with autoimmune disorder.

Reference

Zheng H et al., Thirty-two cases of narcolepsy treated by acupuncture of regulating nutrient qi and defense qi. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 Feb;34(2):197-8.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=narcolepsy%2C+acupuncture

Acupuncture improves essential tremor

It must be Parkinson’s. Not really. It could be essential tremor if you see someone’s hand or head shaking.  Essential tremor is a common movement disorder characterized by uncontrollable shaking or “tremor” in different parts of body, but often in the hands. Essential tremor (action tremor) is distinct from Parkinson’s (resting tremor) although some people many have both. Essential tremor gets worse when you are nervously doing something. The causes of essential tremor is not clear although genetic factors are believed to play an important role and the tremor may be a symptom of other disorders such as overactive thyroid and withdrawal symptoms when stop drinking alcohol. Essential tremor often occurs in adults over 40s. There is no worry about a mild essential tremor, however if the tremor gets worse medical advice is needed. The conventional treatment includes beta blocker (propranolol), anticonvulsant (primidone) and sedatives which all have adverse effects with prolonged use.

A few clinical studies reported amazing effects of acupuncture on patients with essential tremor. One earlier case study in the United State reported that a 38-year-old female patient suffered from tremor of the upper extremities since 2-3 years old and was treated with propranolol and diazepam for many years. She had developed an intolerable head tremor over a year before she was treated with acupuncture. After three acupuncture sessions within one month, the patient reported her head tremor was greatly improved and an unexpected complete resolution of her upper extremities tremor. Five months after last acupuncture patient reported no recurrence of her symptoms without taking any medications. A physical examination including neurological assessment was normal. 

For details please visit the following links: http://neurologyinchinesemedicine.wordpress.com/2011/10/17/benign-essential-tremor-resolved-with-acupuncture-from-online/

Can acupuncture help patients with multiple system atrophy?

Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the loss of nerve cells in the specific brain areas. The neuronal degeneration impairs body’s movement, balance and autonomic functions including blood pressure, heart rate, bladder control and digestion. There are three types of MSA. Parkinsonian type includes slow movement, mild tremor and stiff muscles similar to those of Parkinson’s. Cerebellar type is characterized by the loss of balance and tendency to fall, slurred-speech and visual disturbance. The third is the combination type which may include symptoms of both types. MSA occurs in people at their 50s or 60s and affects more men than women. The cause of MSA is unclear. There is currently no cure for it. The standard medication is for symptom relief only.

One of unique approaches of acupuncture therapy is to treat multiple symptoms simultaneously. Acupuncture helps improve bowel and bladder function, blood pressure, double vision, impairment of speech and motor functions. In combination with herbal medicine and life style changes, acupuncture significantly enhances the quality of life of many patients with MSA.

Acupuncture helps improve diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition wherein the body is unable to properly metabolize sugar leading to the symptoms of excessive hunger, excessive thirst, frequent urination and loss of body weight. Body’s sugar level is controlled by hormone insulin produced by the cells in the pancreases. Lack of insulin or poor response to insulin result in failure to break down glucose to energy, leading to high blood sugar.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine have been used to treat diabetes for over 2000 years. Diabetes was described as “wasting and thirsting disease” in “Huangdi Neijing”, a classic book of traditional Chinese medicine about 2500 years ago. Patients are described as having symptoms of increased hunger, increased thirst and frequent urination and rapid loss of weight; all symptoms of diabetes. Ancient Chinese medicine practitioners were able to diagnose diabetes using ants. If ants were attracted to the urine sample placed closing to ant colony the practitioners knew there was excess sugar in the blood.

Patients with type I diabetes need insulin injection for the rest of their life. Acupuncture has a history to rebalance body’s systems through increasing blood circulation etc and this should minimise long-term impact of cardiovascular problems which tend to develop in later years in type I diabetes. Recently a study of type II diabetes reported that acupuncture treatment of 83 women patients significantly reduced levels of fasting plasma glucose, fasting insulin, insulin resistance index, total cholesterol, triglyceride and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, and markedly increased insulin sensitivity index, index of islet beta-cell function and high density lipoprotein cholesterol.

This suggests that acupuncture is effective in decreasing blood sugar level, improving pancreatic function and minimizing risk of cardiovascular system.

Reference:

Wang Y et al., Efficacy analysis on type 2 diabetes mellitus treated with acupuncture in females. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 Jan;34(1):21-4.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24673047

How does acupuncture improve premature ovarian failure?

Premature ovarian failure (POF) occurs when a woman’s ovaries, which store and release eggs, stop working before she turns age 40. It is characterised by irregular periods or cessation of periods associated with high levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, and low levels of oestrogen. Infertility is a common result. It is believed that causes of POF may be linked to genetic factors, autoimmune disorders, resulting from pelvic surgery such as hysterectomy and cancer treatments such as radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

Patients with POF are often recommended to have hormone replacement therapy to prevent some of the problems. For women wishing to have a baby, IVF with donor’s egg is the recommended course of action.

Acupuncture has long been used to treat infertility-related conditions. However how does acupuncture regulate ovulation is unclear. Recently a pilot study investigated the mechanisms of acupuncture in ovulation regulation in patients with POF. Thirty one patients with POF were treated with acupuncture once other day, three times a week for three months. At the end of treatment, biochemical studies showed that the serum levels of follicle stimulation hormone and luteinizing hormone were significantly reduced and serum levels of oestrogen were significantly elevated compared to prior treatment base line. Four patients resumed menstrual cycle after treatment and two patients resumed menstrual cycle during one month follow-up. The data suggested that acupuncture improves POF by regulating ovulation related hormones.

Reference:

Chen Y et al., Effect of acupuncture on premature ovarian failure: a pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014; 2014:718675. doi: 10.1155/2014/718675. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24711856

Acupuncture has beneficial effects on male infertility

Do you know that men suffer from infertility as frequently as women? In fact approximately 35% of infertility problems among couples are actually caused by male conditions. It is believed that changes in sperm structure and quality (e.g. reduced sperm mobility, abnormal sperm shape and size and low sperm count), genetics and physiological changes are responsible for male infertility. Other factors such as life style and stress can also have impact on the fertility and addressing these problems may have a significant positive effect.

Acupuncture is used to improve men infertility. Many clinical studies reported that acupuncture may improve sperm motility, count and quality, and may have a beneficial effect on psychogenic erectile dysfunction. In particular one study, using transmission electron microscopy, analysed sperm ultrastructural changes in men after acupuncture treatment. The authors found that the number and percentage of healthy sperm increased dramatically and sperm structure and quality were significantly improved following acupuncture treatment. For example, prior to acupuncture, only 22.5% of the sperm samples in the patients contained normal-shaped acrosomes, a cap-like structure that develops over the anterior portion of a sperm cell's nucleus, important to facilitate fertility. After acupuncture, the median percentage of normal acrosome shapes showed a statistically significant improvement up to 38.5%.

The authors concluded that male infertility could benefit from acupuncture based on improvement of sperm quality, specifically in the ultrastructural integrity of spermatozoa after the treatment.

Reference:

Pei J et al., Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility. Fertil Steril. 2005 Jul; 84(1):141-7.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16009169