5 new acupuncture discoveries
There’s been some great new discoveries in the world of acupuncture recently. Here’s my top 5:
1.Overwhelming scientific evidence that acupuncture reduces pain.
Published in the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), researchers from New York and Munich conclusively proved that acupuncture reduces pain. The sham-placebo controls examined in the meta-analysis met the highest standards and put to rest the age old question, does it work? The comprehensive investigation reviewed 31 studies involving 19,827 patients. After 2,000 years of clinical success it is now official, acupuncture stops pain. Learn more in the full news article.
This comes along with research demonstrating that acupuncture is safe and effective for relieving pain and nausea in an A&E setting. The study concluded that acupuncture combined with biomedical care improves patient outcomes. This type of study reflects a myriad of new research demonstrating the role of acupuncture in an integrative medical environment. Read about this finding in the article on acupuncture
2. CT Scans identify acupuncture points as distinct structures
CT (computerized tomography) X-ray scans now reveal the anatomical structure of acupuncture points. This rocked the research world after being published in the Journal of the Electron Spectroscopy and Related Phenomena. Prior to these findings, researchers were able to map electrical, heat and oxygen density patterns for acupuncture points. This most recent discovery finding, however, included the very first CT images of acupuncture point structures. To learn more, take a look at the Healthcare Medicine Institute’s acupuncture continuing education article.
3. New evidence of acupunctures effect on brain cells in depression
Acupuncture is shown to increase brain cell health associated with mental health. An examination of brain cells following acupuncture treatments uncovered important mechanisms by which acupuncture exerts its antidepressant effects.
The researchers discovered that acupuncture exhibits regulatory effects on special brain cells in the hippocampus. These cells contribute to the maintenance of the brain and spinal cord. The research team cited numerous studies demonstrating “that acupuncture is an effective remedy for depression and it may be as effective as antidepressant drugs.” They also note that electro-acupuncture increases neurogenesis in the hippocampus in the same way as SSRIs a class of antidepressant medications. To learn more, a full write-up is available online at HealthCMi.
3. research concluding that acupuncture significantly reduces hypertension.
Researchers conclude that acupuncture has a “stable antihypertensive effect.” Acupuncture point KI3, located in the ankle region, was shown to have an “antihypertensive effect for essential hypertension.” Over 1.5 billion people have high blood pressure and it is the leading cause of death amoung cardiovascular disorders. In the USA, high blood pressure is the most common chronic medical disorder associated with doctor office visits. The American Heart Association estimated that the cost of this disorder exceeded $76 billion dollars in 2010. To find out more, visit the HealthCMi page on this topic.
5. Acupuncture improves pregnancy rates and has potent effects in reversing infertility.
The study measured acupuncture’s success in patients using IUI, IVF and for those using no biomedical interventions. All three groups showed significant improvements in pregnancy rates. Lear more in the article on acupuncture for fertility.
To find out more about how acupuncture could help you, call me for a chat on 07834 160906, or drop me an email
Eleanor Breen Acupuncture, Bristol