This blog is to share the latest research and development of acupuncture and raise the awareness of alternative treatments for your conditions, and is for information only.

Friday, 25 July 2014

Acupuncture as an adjunctive helps improve psoriasis

Acupuncture in combination with Chinese herbs and auricle cutting technique significantly improved psoriasis condition according to a report published in journal Zhongguo Zhen Jiu (Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion).

Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that causes the symptoms on the skin and sometimes on the joints. It is characterised by the red, scaly patches, papules, and plaques which often itchy and can occur on any area of the body. Psoriasis occurs when the abnormally quick skin replacement process develops. The cause of psoriasis is not well known and it is believed that abnormal immune response, genetic and environmental factors are associated with its development. Although there is no cure for the condition, conventional treatments include topical, phototherapy and systematic medication can help keep the condition under control.

Recently researchers in China conducted a clinical study to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture in combination with auricle cutting in psoriasis. Fifty-six patients with psoriasis being treated with Chinese herbs, were randomly divided into four groups (n=14 in each group), including combined group, acupuncture alone group, auricle cutting alone group and control group (Chinese herbs alone). The treatment was given once daily, seven days as a session and total treatment lasted for two sessions. Psoriasis area and severity index was evaluated before and after the treatment.

It was found that at the end of treatment psoriasis area and severity index scores were significantly reduced in all treatment groups compared with baseline scores. However, the combined group achieved 57% of effective rate, compared with 14% in auricle cutting alone group and 7% in acupuncture alone group and 0% in control group.

The authors conclude that the combination of acupuncture, auricle cutting technique and Chinese herbs achieved the best therapeutic effect on psoriasis.

Reference:
Li T et al., [Acupuncture combined with auricle cutting method for blood stasis-type psoriasis: a randomized controlled trial]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014 May;34(5):449-53.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25022114

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