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.

Monday, 15 September 2014

Acupuncture plus moxibustion is an effective treatment for Crohn’s disease

Acupuncture plus moxibustion significantly improved the symptoms and quality of life of patients with Crohn’s disease according to a report published in the journal World Journal of Gastroenterology.

Researchers in China conducted a randomized controlled clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture plus moxibustion for the treatment of active Crohn’s disease. Ninety-two patients were randomly divided into two groups. Patients in group 1 were treated at acupoints ST36, ST37, SP4, SP6, KI3 and LV3; plus herb moxibustion applied at acupoint CV6, CV12 and ST25. Patients in group 2 were treated at placebo acupoints and sham moxibustion. Acupuncture treatment was 30 min/session, three times a week for 12 weeks. Crohn’s disease active index (ADAI), haemoglobin, quality of life and indicators of intestinal inflammation such as C-reactive protein were evaluated before, after and 12-week follow up.

It was found that although acupuncture group and control group showed significant improvement in ADAI scores compared with baseline, the improvement was markedly greater in acupuncture group and maintained in follow-up evaluation. Further, biochemical studies showed a reduced intestinal inflammation and increased in haemoglobin in acupuncture group compared with control group.

The study demonstrated efficacy of acupuncture plus moxibustion for the Crohn’s disease.

Reference:

Bao CH et al., Randomized controlled trial: Moxibustion and acupuncture for the treatment of Crohn's disease. World J Gastroenterol. 2014 Aug 21;20(31):11000-11.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25152604

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