2026 Frontiers in Pharmacology
The Chinese herbal formulation SHG may alleviate chronic pain and enhance the overall health of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain
Chronic pain imposes a substantial burden on individuals and society which is as great as other more publicised health priorities such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Studies have found that as many as 1 in 5 adults are affected by chronic pain which persists for more than 6 months. Due to limited conventional medical care options beyond symptomatic pain relief, one third of those who live with chronic pain conditions may not be seeking and receiving treatment at all.
What is our clinical experience?
Based on feedback collected from over 558 initial appointments for Chronic Pain, Nerve Pain & Fibromyalgia, 80% of our surveyed patients reported improved quality of life after their first 5 appointments. See our detailed benchmarking statistics.
InitialConsults
558
AverageAppointments
5
ImprovedQuality of Life
80%
Refer Family &Friends
93%
Who have we treated with this condition?
The age groups and genders we see most frequently with this condition. Note: this chart only represents the people who seek treatment at Ping Ming Health clinics for this condition.
- Female (74%)
- Male (26%)
| Age | Female % | Male % |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 0 | 0.16 |
| 17 | 0 | 0.16 |
| 19 | 0.32 | 0 |
| 20 | 0.16 | 0.16 |
| 22 | 0 | 0.16 |
| 23 | 0.32 | 0.32 |
| 24 | 0.48 | 0.16 |
| 25 | 0 | 0.16 |
| 26 | 0.8 | 0.8 |
| 27 | 0.64 | 0.48 |
| 28 | 0.96 | 0.16 |
| 29 | 0.96 | 0 |
| 30 | 1.27 | 0.8 |
| 31 | 1.11 | 0.16 |
| 32 | 0.64 | 0.32 |
| 33 | 0.8 | 0.48 |
| 34 | 1.11 | 0.48 |
| 35 | 1.27 | 1.43 |
| 36 | 2.55 | 0.32 |
| 37 | 0.96 | 0.48 |
| 38 | 1.43 | 0.64 |
| 39 | 1.91 | 0.48 |
| 40 | 0.32 | 0.64 |
| 41 | 1.75 | 0.16 |
| 42 | 2.55 | 0.32 |
| 43 | 1.75 | 0.32 |
| 44 | 1.27 | 0.32 |
| 45 | 2.55 | 0.64 |
| 46 | 1.59 | 0.48 |
| 47 | 1.59 | 0.48 |
| 48 | 2.23 | 0.32 |
| 49 | 1.27 | 0.32 |
| 50 | 1.75 | 0.32 |
| 51 | 1.59 | 0 |
| 52 | 1.27 | 0.32 |
| 53 | 1.59 | 0.32 |
| 54 | 1.11 | 0.16 |
| 55 | 1.91 | 0.64 |
| 56 | 1.91 | 0.48 |
| 57 | 0.96 | 0.32 |
| 58 | 1.11 | 0.32 |
| 59 | 2.23 | 0 |
| 60 | 1.11 | 0.48 |
| 61 | 1.27 | 0.8 |
| 62 | 0.8 | 0.32 |
| 63 | 1.11 | 0.48 |
| 64 | 0.96 | 0.8 |
| 65 | 1.11 | 0.64 |
| 66 | 1.59 | 0.64 |
| 67 | 1.27 | 0.48 |
| 68 | 1.11 | 0.64 |
| 69 | 1.75 | 0.64 |
| 70 | 1.59 | 0.32 |
| 71 | 0.64 | 0.48 |
| 72 | 1.43 | 0.64 |
| 73 | 0.96 | 0.8 |
| 74 | 0.96 | 0.32 |
| 75 | 0.48 | 0 |
| 76 | 0.32 | 0.48 |
| 77 | 1.11 | 0.32 |
| 78 | 0.48 | 0 |
| 79 | 0.64 | 0 |
| 80 | 0.64 | 0 |
| 81 | 0.32 | 0.64 |
| 82 | 0.16 | 0 |
| 83 | 0.16 | 0 |
| 84 | 0.16 | 0.16 |
| 85 | 0.8 | 0.16 |
| 86 | 0.48 | 0 |
| 87 | 0.32 | 0 |
| 88 | 0 | 0.16 |
| 90 | 0.32 | 0.16 |
| 93 | 0 | 0.16 |
| 94 | 0.16 | 0 |
How many sessions of treatment?
The average number of appointments that patients attend for this condition. Some conditions respond quickly while others may require ongoing treatment.
Which types of treatments?
The types of treatments that are most frequently provided for this condition. Some treatments may be used in combination at the same time.
What does the research say?
The following insights are obtained from systematic reviews and analysis of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for chronic pain.
Summary of Recent Research
Recent research provides compelling evidence supporting the efficacy of Chinese medicine, particularly acupuncture, in the treatment of various chronic pain conditions. A 2022 study in the Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics found that a six-week course of acupuncture was as effective as six months of conventional drug prophylaxis in treating migraines, highlighting the potential for acupuncture to be integrated into current migraine therapy protocols. Similarly, a randomized controlled trial published in Neurology the same year demonstrated that true acupuncture significantly reduced the frequency of chronic tension-type headaches over an eight-week period. These studies suggest that acupuncture, with its minimal side effects, could be a viable alternative to traditional pharmacological treatments for chronic headache conditions.
Further investigations into acupuncture's broader applications reveal its benefits for other chronic pain conditions as well, such as knee osteoarthritis and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. For instance, a systematic review in BioMed Research International (2022) concluded that acupuncture not only reduced pain but also improved functional activities in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Moreover, research in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics (2021) showed that acupuncture effectively improved nerve conduction and clinical symptoms in patients suffering from diabetic peripheral neuropathy. These findings underscore acupuncture's role as a safe and effective alternative to standard medical treatments for reducing pain and enhancing the quality of life in patients with chronic pain conditions, urging further validation through rigorous clinical trials to fully establish its therapeutic potential.
2022 Phytomedicine
Acupuncture has shown potential in enhancing structural nerve regeneration in Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, leading to subjective improvements and positive neurological findings.
2022 Annals of Medicine
The Gui Zhi-Shao Yao herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine potentially treats chronic pain, anxiety, and depression through interactions with nine key targets.
2022 BioMed Research International
Acupuncture can reduce pain and improve functional activities in patients with knee osteoarthritis, proving particularly beneficial for chronic sufferers and enhancing their quality of life.
2022 Neurology
True acupuncture over an eight-week period is effective for reducing the frequency of chronic tension-type headache.
2022 Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
A 6-week course of acupuncture proves as effective as 6-month drug prophylaxis for migraines, with specific Chinese point selection and stimulation appearing less important.
2021 Frontiers in Neurology
Acupuncture could be as effective as pharmacological drugs for migraine prevention, with improved patient compliance and fewer adverse events.
2021 Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
Acupuncture appears to have an effect on diabetic peripheral neuropathy, effectively improving nerve conduction and clinical symptoms.
2020 JAMA Oncology
Compared with usual care, acupuncture resulted in significant improvement in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
2020 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
In the treatment of chronic pain with depression, acupuncture could not only achieve better clinical efficacy, but also have higher safety compared with conventional mediation therapy.
2020 Medicine
Acupuncture has been shown to be more effective than vitamin B treatment in terms of clinical efficacy rate for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.
2020 Journal of General Internal Medicine
Both individual and group acupuncture therapy delivered in primary care settings reduced chronic pain and improved physical function at 12 weeks.
2020 Pain Research & Management
Acupuncture reduced more headache days and the times of using painkiller and was more effective in reducing the frequency and degree of headache than western medicine and sham acupuncture.
2020 Neurology and Therapy
In many studies, acupuncture has been shown to be a safe, efficacious and readily available alternative therapy which may be beneficial to certain migraine patients.
2019 The Oncologist
Acupuncture treatment significantly improves neuropathic symptoms in women suffering from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy after breast cancer therapy.
2019 Arthritis Research & Therapy
Strong electroacupuncture for at least two weeks improves chronic pain management in knee osteoarthritis patients better than weak or sham electroacupuncture.
2019 Pain Research & Management
Acupuncture has the advantage for acute and preventive treatment of migraine in pain improvement and safety.
2019 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for chronic pain-related insomnia.
2019 World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion
The results of this meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is more effective and safer than medication for migraine.
2019 Acupuncture in Medicine
Acupuncture, regardless of the trial design, showed a positive effect on pain-related outcome measures for participants with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
2019 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
We found good evidence that receiving acupuncture for chronic pain is better than not receiving treatment or being placed on a waiting list and reasonable evidence that it is better than conventional or usual care.
2019 Headache
There is growing evidence that acupuncture is just as effective and has fewer side effects than many of the standard pharmaceutical agents that are currently used.
2018 Acupuncture in Medicine
Acupuncture for cluster headache may be more effective if treated in the same way as has been shown effective for trigeminal neuralgia.
2018 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
There is potential of acupuncture combined with conventional treatment for treating female chronic pelvic pain.
2018 The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
Patients in both group and individual acupuncture study arms valued the pain relief, improved quality of life, and relaxation experienced during acupuncture.
2018 Pain Medicine
Acupuncture therapy offered in the group setting was effective in reducing pain severity, pain interference, and depression in patients with chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain or osteoarthritis.
2017 Medical Acupuncture
A nerve-anatomy-based acupuncture protocol improved pain and clinical symptoms across diverse forms of peripheral nerve damage.
2017 The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine
The majority of randomised controlled trials showed benefit for acupuncture over control in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, Bell's palsy, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
2017 Pain Physician
The existing evidence suggests that most acupuncture therapies, including acupuncture combined with other therapies, are effective in decreasing pain and in improving physical function.
2017 Pain
Patients with chronic pain can generally be reassured that treatment effects persist after a course of treatment with acupuncture.
2017 Programme Grants for Applied Research
The programme of research found that acupuncture was more effective than usual care and sham acupuncture for chronic pain, that it was one of the more clinically effective physical therapies for osteoarthritis and that it showed benefits in the treatment of depression.
2017 The Journal of Pain
Acupuncture has a clinically relevant effect on chronic pain that persists over time. Referral for acupuncture treatment is a reasonable option for chronic pain patients.
2016 Neural Regeneration Research
A 14-session course of needling at Fengchi is relatively safe for treating posterior circulation ischemia with vertigo.
2016 Scientific Reports
Clinicians may consider Tai Chi as a viable complementary and alternative medicine for chronic pain conditions.
2016 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
The available evidence suggests that a course of acupuncture consisting of at least six treatment sessions can be a valuable option for people with frequent tension-type headache.
2015 BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Acupuncture demonstrates a significant immediate effect in reducing discomforts and VAS of both dizziness and vertigo.
2015 Neurology
The majority of trials demonstrate a positive effect of acupuncture over control condition in the treatment of neuropathy.
2014 Neurological Sciences
There is an emerging role of acupuncture in the treatment of cluster headache with a possible influence on the opioid system.
2014 Medical Care
Improvement in post traumatic stress disorder severity was significantly greater among those receiving acupuncture than in those receiving usual PTSD care.
2013 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Compared with no treatment and standard therapy, acupuncture improves pain and stiffness in people with fibromyalgia.
2001 Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
The existing evidence supports the value of acupuncture for the treatment of idiopathic headaches.
Seek personalised healthcare and advice
Although well-conducted clinical research can help members of the public to make better-informed decisions about their healthcare, we cannot claim that any particular treatment may be effective for any individual person.
When you consult with our Chinese medicine practitioners, you’ll receive personalised advice and treatment based on your symptoms and Chinese medicine diagnosis.
Research papers
Browse our collection of scientific clinical research on acupuncture for chronic pain.
It includes recent and reputable papers published by peer-reviewed journals within the last 10 years.
2026, May 04
Effects of Shuhe granules on chronic pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Frontiers in Pharmacology
SHG demonstrated short-term benefits in reducing pain intensity, improving physical function, sleep quality, fatigue, and psychological wellbeing in patients with RA and FM, with a safety profile comparable to placebo.
Yu Y, Li Y, Peng M, Zhang G, Gao K, Du H, Wang M, Wu X, Xu W, Chu Y, Xu B, Huang R, Yang Z Full Article
2022, Sept
Acupuncture improves chemotherapy-induced neuropathy explored by neurophysiological and clinical outcomes – The randomized, controlled, cross-over ACUCIN trial
Phytomedicine
Acupuncture significantly improved sural sensory nerve amplitude, sural nerve conduction velocity, subjective symptoms (burning pain, cramps, numbness), and neurological deficits in patients with CIPN.
Friedemann T, Kark E, Cao N, Klaßen M, Meyer-Hamme G, Greten JH, Rostock M, Buhlmann E, Zhao A, Schröder S Full Article
2022, Jan 31
A network pharmacology approach to predict potential targets and mechanisms of “Ramulus Cinnamomi (cassiae) – Paeonia lactiflora” herb pair in the treatment of chronic pain with comorbid anxiety and depression
Annals of Medicine
This study preliminarily predicted and verified the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms of “Gui Zhi–Shao Yao” herb pair for treating CP with comorbid AD and MD from a holistic perspective. In vivo and in vitro experiments will be required to further investigate the mechanisms.
Pan HT, Xi ZQ, Wei XQ, Wang K Full Article
2022, Apr 21
Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials with Meta-Analyses and Trial Sequential Analyses
BioMed Research International
Acupuncture has beneficial effect on pain relief and improves function activities, and this treatment can be recommended as a beneficial alternative therapy in patients with KOA, particularly for chronic patients and those currently undergoing long-term pain and help them increasing quality of life.
Tian H, Huang L, Sun M, Xu G, He J, Zhou Z, Huang F, Liu Y, Liang F Full Article
2022, Jun 22
Acupuncture for Patients With Chronic Tension-Type Headache
Neurology American Academy of Neurology
The 8-week true acupuncture (TA) treatment was effective for the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache (CTTH).
Zheng H, Gao T, Zheng QH, Lu LY, Hou TH, Zhang SS, Zhou SY, Hao XY, Wang L, Zhao L, Liang FR, Li Y Full Article
2022, Sept
Role of acupuncture in the treatment of migraine
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
The review suggests that acupuncture should be integrated into existing migraine therapy protocols.
Endres HG, Diener HC, Molsberger A Full Article
2021, Jan 15
A Randomized Clinical Trial on Acupuncture Versus Best Medical Therapy in Episodic Migraine Prophylaxis: The ACUMIGRAN Study
Frontiers in Neurology
Our trial is the first one comparing acupuncture with the more appropriate pharmacological treatment for migraine prophylaxis. Data suggested that acupuncture could be adopted as migraine prophylaxis and seem to be slightly superior to pharmacological treatment in compliance and rate of adverse events.
Giannini G, Favoni V, Merli E, Nicodemo M, Torelli P, Matrà A, Giovanardi CM, Cortelli P, Pierangeli G, Cevoli S Full Article
2021, Jan 28
Acupuncture treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: An overview of systematic reviews
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
Acupuncture appears to have an effect on DPN, effectively improving nerve conduction and clinical symptoms. Although the methodological quality of the included studies was generally very low and defects were frequent, our study highlights areas where improvement in methodology is required. There is a need for further study of the pathogenesis of DPN, and for developing a unified standard for methods of acupuncture treatment, acupoint selection, and adverse reactions reporting. Traditional Chinese medical practices such as acupuncture should adopt an evidence-based approach to provide greater confidence in their use.
Yu B, Li M, Huang H, Ma S, Huang K, Zhong Z, Yu S, Zhang L. Full Article
2020, Mar 11
Effect of Acupuncture vs Sham Procedure on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Symptoms A Randomized Clinical Trial
JAMA Oncology American Medical Association
Compared with usual care, acupuncture resulted in significant improvement in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy symptoms.
Bao T, Patil S, Chen C, et al. Full Article
2020, Jun 25
Effect of Acupuncture on Chronic Pain with Depression: A Systematic Review
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture has a promising application prospect due to its unique advantages for the treatment of chronic pain with depression comorbidity, which can be used in patients suffering from some certain chronic pain with depression comorbidity with poorer response to the conventional medication or suffering from serious side effects. High-quality RCTs are needed to support the current clinical application of acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain with depression comorbidity and to broaden the clinical application.
Yan B, Zhu S, Wang Y, Da G, Tian G Full Article
2020, Apr 24
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of acupuncture and electroacupuncture against chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Medicine
Acupuncture is safe, but the symptom-alleviating effect on CIPN can hardly be determined because of methodological deficiencies of the included studies. In terms of the clinical efficacy rate, acupuncture was more effective than conventional pharmacological treatments.
Hwang MS, Lee HY, Choi TY, et al. Full Article
2020, Feb 19
Individual vs. Group Delivery of Acupuncture Therapy for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Urban Primary Care—a Randomized Trial
Journal of General Internal Medicine Society of General Internal Medicine
The results demonstrate that Individual and Group Acupuncture can be offered safely in the community health center setting. Acceptability to patients and clinicians is very high, and that a substantial proportion of patients with chronic pain will have clinically significant improvement in both pain and overall physical health. Based on these results, Group Acupuncture therapy should be offered as part of pain care to urban community in the primary care setting.
McKee MD, Nielsen A, Anderson B, Chuang E, Connolly M, Gao Q, Gil EN, Lechuga C, Kim M, Naqvi H, Kligler B Full Article
2020, Mar 23
Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Migraine: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Pain Research & Management
We found high quality of evidence indicated that the effective rate of acupuncture was superior to western medicine in treatment of migraine. Besides, acupuncture reduced more headache days and the times of using painkiller and was more effective in reducing the frequency and degree of headache than western medicine and sham acupuncture. Based on high quality of evidence, we concluded that acupuncture may be an effective and safe therapy for migraine.
Li YX, Xiao XL, Zhong DL, Luo LJ, Yang H, Zhou J, He MX, Shi LH, Li J, Zheng H, Jin RJ Full Article
2020, Oct 1
Acupuncture and Its Role in the Treatment of Migraine Headaches
Neurology and Therapy
The current research analysis revealed that 41% of patients who received acupuncture had a reduction in migraine frequency. Results found that 57% of patients who received true acupuncture had a reduction in migraine frequency by at least half compared with 46% who received medication. Overall, acupuncture helped improve quality of life and reduction in medication
Urits I, Patel M, Putz ME, Monteferrante NR, Nguyen D, An D, Cornett EM, Hasoon J, Kaye AD, Viswanath O. Full Article
2019, Oct 14
Acupuncture for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial
The Oncologist
In a randomized pilot trial of 40 breast cancer survivors with CIPN, an 8‐week acupuncture intervention (vs. usual care) led to a statistically and clinically significant improvement in subjective sensory symptoms including neuropathic pain and paresthesia. Given the lack of effective therapies and established safety profile of acupuncture, clinicians may consider acupuncture as a treatment option for mild to moderate CIPN in practice.
Lu W, Giobbie-Hurder A, Freedman RA, Shin IH, Lin NU, Partridge AH, Rosenthal DS, Ligibel JA Full Article
2019, May 14
Effects of intensity of electroacupuncture on chronic pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Arthritis Research & Therapy
Electroacupuncture should be administered for at least 2 weeks to exert a clinically important effect on improving conditioned pain modulation function of knee osteoarthritis patients. Strong electroacupuncture is better than weak or sham electroacupuncture in alleviating pain intensity and inhibiting chronic pain.
Lv, Z., Shen, L., Zhu, B. et al. Full Article
2019, Oct 29
An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Randomized Controlled Trials on Acupuncture Treating Migraine
Pain Research & Management
We found that acupuncture on treating migraine has the advantage for pain improvement and safety, but the quality of SR/MAs of acupuncture for migraine remains to be improved.
Xia-tian Zhang, Xin-yi Li, Chen Zhao, Ye-yin Hu, Yi-yi Lin, He-qing Chen, Zhao-feng Shi, Xiao-yu Zhang, Hong-cai Shang, Gui-hua Tian Full Article
2019, Jun 24
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain-Related Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Acupuncture therapy is an effective and safe treatment for CPRI, and this treatment can be recommended for the management of patients with CPRI. Due to the low quality and small sample size of the included studies, more rigorously designed RCTs with high quality and large sample size are recommended in future.
Fushui Liu, Jianyu You, Qi Li, Ting Fang, Mei Chen, Nana Tang, Xiaojun Yan Full Article
2019, Mar
Acupuncture for migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis
World Journal of Acupuncture-Moxibustion World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies
The results of this meta-analysis showed that acupuncture is more effective and safer than medication for migraine. Patients in acupuncture group found acupuncture to be better than medication for migraine treatment and prophylaxis
SHEN, Feng-jiao AU - XU, Jia AU - ZHAN, Yi-jun AU - FU, Qin-hui AU - PEI, Jian PY Full Article
2019, Feb 22
Acupuncture for the treatment of lower limb diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review
Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society
Acupuncture for DPN appears to improve symptoms. However, the application of acupuncture varies greatly, and the quality of included studies was generally low. Available studies have varying methodologies and different outcome measures. Further, suitably powered studies using appropriate DPN outcome measures are required.
Nash J, Armour M, Penkala S Full Article
2019, Jan 4
Classic Chinese Acupuncture versus Different Types of Control Groups for the Treatment of Chronic Pain: Review of Randomized Controlled Trials (2000-2018)
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Sixty-one studies were fully analyzed and ranked based on the newest STRICTA and CBNG standards. We found good evidence that receiving acupuncture is better than not receiving treatment or being placed on a waiting list and reasonable evidence that it is better than conventional or usual care.
Yan-Jiao Chen, Gabriel Shimizu Bassi, Yong-Qing Yang Full Article
2019, Dec 24
Systematic Review: Acupuncture vs Standard Pharmacological Therapy for Migraine Prevention
Headache American Headache Society
This systematic review of randomised controlled trials articles showed that acupuncture is just as effective for treating migraine. It also has fewer side effects than many of the standard modern pharmaceutical agents. Patients also reported to use less pharmacological drugs after treatments.
Niushen Zhang, Tim Houle, Nada Hindiyeh, & Sheena K. Aurora Full Article
2018, Dec 12
Acupuncture for Episodic Cluster Headache: A Trigeminal Approach
Acupuncture in Medicine British Medical Acupuncture Society
In this case report, episodic cluster headache is treated in the same way as has been shown effective for trigeminal neuralgia. Acupuncture is applied to the contralateral side at points appropriate for stimulating branches of the trigeminal nerve. Thus, ST2 is used for the infraorbital nerve, BL2 and Yuyao for the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves, and Taiyang for the temporal branch of the zygomatic nerve.
Simon Hayhoe Full Article
2018, Sept 27
Acupuncture Treatment for Chronic Pelvic Pain in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The results of our review and meta-analysis suggest the effectiveness of AT combined with CT for treating women with CPP compared to use of CT alone. However, current evidence is insufficient to verify the efficacy of AT for CPP because of the small number of RCTs and low methodological quality and heterogeneity of interventions. Therefore, larger, more rigorous and adequately powered multicentre RCTs are needed to provide clinical guidelines for AT in treating female CPP patients.
Sung SH, Sung ADM, Sung HK, An TEB, Kim KH, Park JK Full Article
2018, Jan 15
"It's Better in a Group Anyway": Patient Experiences of Group and Individual Acupuncture
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Society for Acupuncture Research
Group acupuncture and individual acupuncture were similarly valued by patients, but that group acupuncture is a different experience from individual acupuncture. The study showed patients in group settings contributed to their experience by helping them relax and by forming social bonds with other participants.
Chuang, E., Hashai, N., Buonora, M., Gabison, J., Kligler, B., & McKee Full Article
2018, Feb
Acupuncture Therapy in a Group Setting for Chronic Pain
Pain Medicine American Academy of Pain Medicine
Acupuncture therapy offered in the group setting was effective in reducing pain severity, pain interference, and depression in patients with chronic neck, back, or shoulder pain or osteoarthritis. Benefit persisted through the 24-week measure despite no additional treatment. This finding has potentially important implications for improving access to effective acupuncture treatment for patients with limited financial resources.
Benjamin Kligler, Arya Nielsen, Corinne Kohrherr,, Tracy Schmid, Eve Waltermaurer, Elidania Perez, Woodson Merrell Full Article
2017, Dec
Introducing a Standardized Acupuncture Protocol for Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Series
Medical Acupuncture American Academy of Medical Acupuncture
This standardized acupuncture protocol appears to be effective for treating neuropathy of various causes, including large- and small-fiber involvement.
Dimitrova A Full Article
2017, Mar 1
Acupuncture for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Society for Acupuncture Research
Acupuncture is beneficial in some peripheral neuropathies, but more rigorously designed studies using sham-acupuncture control are needed to characterize its effect and optimal use better.
Alexandra Dimitrova, Charles Murchison, and Barry Oken. Full Article
2017, Sept 20
Acupuncture for Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Network Meta-Analysis of 33 Randomized Controlled Trials
Pain Physician American Society of Interventional Pain Physicians
Scraping combined with warming acupuncture and moxibustion was found to be effective for decreasing pain intensity. Existing evidence suggests that most acupuncture therapies are effective in decreasing pain and in improving physical function.
Li X, Wang R, Xing X, Shi X, Tian J, Zhang J, Ge L, Zhang J, Li L, Yang K. Full Article
2017, May
The persistence of the effects of acupuncture after a course of treatment: a meta-analysis of patients with chronic pain
Pain International Association for the Study of Pain
The effects of a course of acupuncture treatment for patients with chronic pain do not seem to decrease importantly over 12 months. Patients can generally be reassured that treatment effects persist. Studies of the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture should take our findings into account when considering the time horizon of acupuncture effects. Further research should measure longer term outcomes of acupuncture.
MacPherson, H; Vertosick, E.A; Foster, N.E; Lewith, G; Linde, K; Sherman, K.J; Witt, C.M; Vickers, A.J Full Article
2017, Jan
Acupuncture for chronic pain and depression in primary care: a programme of research
Programme Grants for Applied Research NHS National Institutes for Health Research
We have provided the most robust evidence from high-quality trials on acupuncture for chronic pain. The synthesis of high-quality IPD found that acupuncture was more effective than both usual care and sham acupuncture. Acupuncture is one of the more clinically effective physical therapies for osteoarthritis and is also cost-effective if only high-quality trials are analysed.
MacPherson H, Vickers A, Bland M, et al. Full Article
2017, Nov 30
Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
The Journal of Pain American Pain Society
Acupuncture has a clinically relevant effect on chronic pain that persists over time. The effect of acupuncture cannot be explained only by placebo effects. Factors in addition to the specific effects of needling are important contributors. Referral for acupuncture treatment is a reasonable option for chronic pain patients.
Vickers, Andrew J. et al. Full Article
2016, Sept 6
Safety of different acupuncture manipulations for posterior circulation ischemia with vertigo
Neural Regeneration Research
Our results indicate that a 14-session course of needling at Fengchi is relatively safe for treating posterior circulation ischemia with vertigo.
Wen Y, Zhang C, Zhao Xf, Deng Sz, He S, Huang Lh, Tian G, Meng Zh Full Article
2016, Apr 29
Tai Chi for Chronic Pain Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Scientific Reports
This systematic review demonstrated positive evidence regarding the effects of Tai Chi on chronic OA pain and some beneficial evidences of Tai Chi for LBP and osteoporosis. The minimal valid duration of Tai Chi for chronic OA pain may be 6 weeks and a longer duration of Tai Chi exercise may achieve more gains. However, there was no valid evidence on the follow-up effects of Tai Chi for chronic pain conditions. There was insufficient evidence to support or refute the value of Tai Chi compared with other active therapies for chronic pain conditions. Consequently, future studies should emphasize high-quality RCTs comparing Tai Chi with other active therapies for chronic pain conditions and a long term follow-up should be conducted.
Kong, L., Lauche, R., Klose, P. et al. Full Article
2016, Apr 19
Acupuncture for the prevention of tension‐type headache
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane
The available results suggest that acupuncture is effective for treating frequent episodic or chronic tension‐type headaches. Patients in acupuncture group reported to have at least 50% reduction of headache frequency compared to placebo group.
Klaus Linde,Gianni Allais,Benno Brinkhaus, Yutong Fei,Michael Mehring,Byung‐Cheul Shin,Andrew Vickers,Adrian R White Full Article
2015, Jun 9
Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for dizziness and vertigo in emergency department: a pilot cohort study
BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
Acupuncture demonstrates a significant immediate effect in reducing discomforts and VAS of both dizziness and vertigo. This study provides clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of acupuncture to treat dizziness and vertigo in the emergency department.
Chiu, CW., Lee, TC., Hsu, PC. et al. Full Article
2015, May 8
Effects of Acupuncture on Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Neurology American Academy of Neurology
The majority of trials demonstrate a positive effect of acupuncture over control condition in the treatment of neuropathy. Further more rigorously designed studies are needed to better characterize this effect.
Alexandra Dimitrova, Charles Murchison, Barry Oken Full Article
2014, May 28
Acupuncture in cluster headache: four cases and review of the literature
Neurological Sciences
In all patients an interruption of cluster attacks was obtained. To our knowledge, this is the first report concerning acupuncture in CH patients which details the protocol approach, acupoints and duration of the treatment. Our results offer the opportunity to discuss the emerging role of acupuncture in the therapy of CH, assuming a possible influence on opioid system.
Fofi L, Allais G, Quirico PE, Rolando S, Borgogno P, Barbanti P, Benedetto C Full Article
2014, Dec
Randomized effectiveness trial of a brief course of acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder
Medical Care American Public Health Association
Acupuncture was effective for reducing PTSD symptoms. Limitations included small sample size and inability to parse specific treatment mechanisms. Acupuncture is a novel therapeutic option that may help to improve population reach of PTSD treatment.
Engel CC, Cordova EH, Benedek DM, Liu X, Gore KL, Goertz C, et al. Full Article
2013, May 31
Acupuncture for treating fibromyalgia
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane
There is low to moderate-level evidence that compared with no treatment and standard therapy, acupuncture improves pain and stiffness in people with fibromyalgia.
Deare JC, Zheng Z, Xue CC, Liu JP, Shang J, Scott SW, Littlejohn G. Full Article
2001, Jan 22
Acupuncture for idiopathic headache
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews Cochrane
Overall, the existing evidence supports the value of acupuncture for the treatment of idiopathic headaches.
Melchart D, Linde K, Berman B, White A, Vickers A, Allais G, Brinkhaus B Full Article
It is by virtue of the twelve channels that human life exists, that disease arises, that human beings can be treated and illness cured. The twelve channels are where beginners start and masters end.