Acupuncture help relieve pain and improve bone density in postmenopausal osteoporosis

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

How does acupuncture help improve osteoporosis?

Although many people with osteoporosis experienced improvement of the condition after having acupuncture treatment it is not clear how it does work? Recently a study exploring the underlying mechanism of acupuncture on osteoporosis revealed that acupuncture can increase bone morphogenetic protein-2 content in an osteoporosis model. It is published in journal of Zhen ci yan jiu (Acupuncture research).

Osteoporosis, or porous bone, is a condition characterized by low bone mass and structural deterioration of bone tissue, leading bone brittle and prone to fracture or break. It often occurs on the hip, spine, knee and wrist. Females are more susceptible to the condition which is related to the changes in hormone after menopause. Osteoporosis is also associated with aging. Bone density gradually decreases as we get older. We need to supplement our diet with minerals such as calcium, which is essential for maintaining normal bone density level. Conventional approach for osteoporosis focuses on hormone replacement therapy, which has many side effects such as breast cancer and blood clots. For people prefer to non-prescription treatment acupuncture is a good alternative therapy.

Recently researchers in China conducted a study to explore the underlying mechanism of acupuncture with osteoporosis. They gave acupuncture treatment to osteoporosis models 20 min daily for 30 times. At the end of study, bone morphogenetic proteins of bone tissue and bone biomechanical value were assessed. It was found that bone morphogenetic protein 2, which plays an important role in the development of bone and cartilage, was significantly increased in bone tissue from acupuncture treated group compared with the controls. This is accompanied by the elevated bone biomechanical value.

The study suggests that acupuncture improves biomechanical changes in osteoporosis.

Reference:

Huagn GR et al., [Effect of electroacupuncture of "Mingmen" (GV 4) on bone morphogenetic protein-2 expression in osteoporosis rats]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2014 Apr;39(2):130-5.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24818497