Acupuncture treatment relieves pain, improves bone
density and rebalances immune responses in postmenopausal osteoporosis
according to a study published in journal Zhongguo Zhen Jiu (Chinese
Acupuncture and Moxibustion).
Postmenopausal osteoporosis is one of most common of
osteoporosis. It is closely associated with the changes in the hormone. Hormone
replacement therapy is effective in relieving osteoporosis but it has many
unwanted effects. Acupuncture is used to treat the condition but the mechanism
of its action is not clear.
Scientists in China conducted a randomized clinical study
to compare the efficacy of different acupuncture techniques with conventional
treatment. Patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis were divided into three
groups: warm acupuncture, electroacupuncture and medication groups (n=30 each
group). The subjects were given warm acupuncture or electroacupuncture at
acupoints BL11, BL23 and GB 39 for 30 mins daily for 30 days. Bone density
value, Visual Analogue Scale and inflammatory indicators such as interlukin-6
and tumour necrosis factor-alpha were measured before and after treatment.
Although pain was markedly reduced in three groups warm
acupuncture was significantly more effective than other modalities. Warm
acupuncture also produced a significant increase in bone density value and
anti-inflammatory effect, followed by electroacupuncture and medication.
The study suggests that warm acupuncture has better
efficacy in relieving pain and improving bone density than electroacupuncture
and conventional medication.
Reference:
Cai GW et al., [Clinical research on warm acupuncture
therapy for pain in postmenopausal osteoporosis]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2014
Jan;34(1):25-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24673048
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