The London Acupuncturist

Auricular acupuncture, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and offered as an integrative practice since 2006 by the SUS (Sistema Única de Saúde), Brazil's national health service, is safe for patients with depression and effectively reduces symptoms of this mental health disorder, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of São Paulo (USP) and the University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNISUL).

Study confirms benefits of auricular acupuncture to treat depression Auricular acupuncture, recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and offered as an integrative practice since 2006 by the SUS (Sistema Única de Saúde), Brazil's national health service, is safe for patients with depression and effectively reduces symptoms of this mental health disorder, a...

Acupuncture May Reduce Stroke Risk for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Can Acupuncture Lower Stroke Risk in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients?| HealthNews Research shows that acupuncture may be able to reduce the heightened risk of stroke in those with rheumatoid arthritis.

Acupuncture may curb heightened risk of stroke associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Effect of acupuncture on ischaemic stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a nationwide propensity score-matched study Objective To demonstrate that acupuncture is beneficial for decreasing the risk of ischaemic stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Design A propensity score-matched cohort study. Setting A nationwide population-based study. Participants Patients with RA diagnosed between 1 January 1997....

Acupuncture may improve language function in patients with poststroke motor aphasia, according to a study published online Jan. 22 in JAMA

"The study results confirmed that poststroke motor aphasia was the dominant condition affected by the acupuncture treatment, indicating that acupuncture might serve as an adjunctive treatment for patients with poststroke motor aphasia," the authors write. "In addition, the clinical effects and safety results provide evidence for policymakers, clinicians, and patients regarding the management of poststroke aphasia with acupuncture."

Acupuncture Tied to Improvements in Poststroke Motor Aphasia FRIDAY, Jan. 26, 2024 (HealthDay News) -- Acupuncture may improve language function in patients with poststroke motor aphasia, according to a study published on

Acupuncture Gout Relief Report.

Acupuncture treatment assists patients in alleviating pain and actively dealing with accumulated uric acid. The electroacupuncture method was used to treat patients with gouty arthritis (GA). Researchers at the Orthopedic Department of Malanshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital investigated acupuncture and determined that it helps to stimulate acupoints and regulate meridians, thereby strengthening the body’s defenses.

Acupuncture Gout Relief Report Gout relief with acupuncture is documented in recent investigations.

Acupuncture Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Benefits Found:

Researchers from Shanghai No. 4 Hospital Affiliated with Tongji University conducted a clinical trial involving 60 patients, examining the effectiveness of calcium supplementation alone versus its combination with warm needling therapy. The trial results indicate that incorporating warm needle acupuncture significantly enhances patients' effectiveness and quality of life.

Acupuncture Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Benefits Found Acupuncture plus calcium supplementation results show additive effect for osteoporosis results.

Acupuncture improves sleep for Parkinson’s disease patients. Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine and Dalian University of Technology researchers performed a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials, comprised of 719 patients. True acupuncture outperformed medication monotherapy and sham acupuncture. Based on the data, the researchers conclude that acupuncture improves sleep quality for Parkinson’s disease patients and may improve psychological and behavioral conditions as well.

Acupuncture Parkinson’s Disease Sleep Discovery Acupuncture improves sleep for Parkinson’s disease patients in research by Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine.

A new study from Edith Cowan University found that acupuncture may be useful in helping prediabetic patients ward off type 2 diabetes.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/preventing-type-2-diabetes-could-acupuncture-help

Acupuncture provides relief from COVID-19 by reducing inflammation. University of Pennsylvania (neurosurgery department) and Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers determined that acupuncture alleviates respiratory, digestive, cardiovascular, and nervous system disorders associated with COVID-19. [1] In addition, acupuncture was found effective for alleviating fatigue, depression, and insomnia associated with COVID-19.

Acupuncture COVID-19 Relief Acupuncture long COVID relief documented by university researchers.

Acupuncture is an effective treatment modality for lumbar disc herniations. Researchers from Haikou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine conducted a clinical trial. They examined 96 cases in a two-arm investigation. Pharmaceutical intervention with physical rehabilitation therapy was compared with routine care supplemented with warm needle acupuncture. The results of the experiment indicate that the addition of warm needle acupuncture significantly enhances patient outcomes for patients receiving drug and physical therapy

Acupuncture Low Back Disc Herniation Relief Found Acupuncture produced significant results for disc herniation relief.

University of Illinois Chicago researchers receive $3.12m to study acupuncture for stable angina.
In a previous pilot study, the team found that acupuncture reduced pain and improved quality of life for participants. This is exciting news for patients that have not received complete pain relief from prescribed medications.

UIC researchers receive NIH grant to study acupuncture for stable angina Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago have received a $3.12 million National Institutes of Health grant to study whether acupuncture can alleviate chest pain caused by stable angina.

We are constantly on the lookout for natural solutions that can enhance our well-being. One such promising discovery is Lactoferrin, a multifaceted protein that has gained considerable attention for its potential benefits for skin, immunity, and inflammation reduction. Lactoferrin is a naturally occurring glycoprotein found in most notably in milk and colostrum. It plays a crucial role in the innate immune system, helping the body defend itself against pathogens and regulating inflammation. Beyond its immune functions, Lactoferrin has emerged as a versatile compound with a wide range of potential health benefits.

Unlocking the Power of Lactoferrin: A Comprehensive Guide to Health Benefits - Wellbeing Magazine Wellbeing Magazine covers Unlocking the Power of Lactoferrin: A Comprehensive Guide to Health Benefits in the category Nutrition

Researchers say they have found evidence that exercise helps produce a hormone called irisin that could prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer's: Exercise-induced hormone may help reduce plaque Researchers say a hormone known as irisin may be enhanced by exercise and can help with plaques and tangles that develop in the brain of people with Alzheimer's disease

All Acupuncturists know this, and most offer other types of treatments as well as acupuncture, however some therapists or doctors trained in other modalities don't realise how acupuncture can enhance their treatments, so maybe we all should be spreading the news and talking about the benefits of acupuncture more?

Acupuncture performed once daily improved sleep efficiency compared with sham acupuncture among patients with multiple myeloma (MM) undergoing an autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT), according to the results of a randomized controlled trial. The results were published in the journal Acupuncture in Medicine.
https://www.hematologyadvisor.com/home/topics/myeloma/multiple-myeloma-acupuncture-improve-sleep-treatment-risk-hsct/

Acupuncture May Improve Sleep in Patients With Multiple Myeloma Undergoing HSCT Researchers sought to determine whether acupuncture would improve sleep for patients with multiple myeloma undergoing HSCT.

New Study Reveals Top Food Sources of Health-Boosting Prebiotics

Onions and garlic are among the high-fiber, prebiotic-packed foods experts recommend.

Onions, Garlic, and Leeks Top the List of Prebiotic-Rich Foods Prebiotics support the gut microbiome by fueling gut-healthy probiotics, as well as by providing an excellent source of fiber.

Does Acupuncture Work For Chronic Pain? Here’s What The Science Says.

The evidence behind acupuncture as a treatment for certain conditions such as headaches and back pain is convincing...

Advice | Does acupuncture work for chronic pain? Here’s what the science says. The evidence behind acupuncture for treating certain conditions such as headaches and back pain is convincing.

I am hosting a low-cost community acupuncture clinic every Friday in Bethnal Green.

Health Tree Acupuncture is part of an arts and wellbeing project aimed at promoting positive social change to create healthier and happier communities.

Created by St Margaret's House, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. The project offers art workshops, well-being sessions, live events, and much more.

Follow the link to find out more about prices, location and how to book.

British Acupuncture Council St. Margaret's House Hackney Health Links

LOW COST CLINIC | London Acupuncturist Community Acupuncture offers gentle, ethical and affordable solutions to pain, stress and illness. Professionally registered practitioners John and Truus passionately believe that high quality, affordable healthcare should be accessible to all, free from financial, social or geographical barriers. T...

The internal organs are much more than physical structures in the TCM view. They are complex systems also involving aspects of the mind, emotions and spirit. In addition to its physiological function, each organ functions at the invisible level of vital energy, or Qi.

Summer, the Heart and the Fire Element Summer—the hot, fiery season where the Heart reins supreme. The Heart coordinates all physical, mental, emotional and spiritual activity.

The Obstetrical Acupuncture Association research team have created a list of evidence-based resources about and during .

Resources Click the headings below to navigate through the resources: What does acupuncture do? What is acupressure? Is acupuncture (and acupressure) safe in pregnancy? What are some conditions or complaints…

A new study published on June 20 in Annals of Internal Medicine found that combining doxylamine-pyridoxine — an antihistamine and vitamin B6 combo used to treat NVP — and acupuncture relieved pregnancy-related moderate to severe nausea and vomiting.

What's the Cure for Morning Sickness? | HealthNews Scientists say relieving the symptoms of morning sickness may be possible with a combination of two different treatment options.

The use of perioperative acupuncture may help improve postoperative outcomes by decreasing acute pain, nausea and opioid use, according to a presentation from the 2023 spring meeting of the American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine.

Perioperative-Acupuncture-Can-Reduce-Acute-Pain-Decrease-Opioid-Use The-use-of-perioperative-acupuncture-may-help-improve-postoperative-outcomes-by-decreasing-acute-pain-nausea-and-opioid-use

Acupuncture alleviates diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN), quantified in modern research. Researchers from Weifang People's Hospital of Fangzi District conducted a clinical trial and analyzed the effects of two treatment protocols. The results show that the integral approach of combining acupuncture with routine pharmaceutical care outperformed pharmaceutical monotherapy.

Acupuncture Alleviates Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Acupuncture alleviates diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Acupuncture alleviates tinnitus. Researchers from Shanxi Hospital of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine conducted a clinical trial observing the effects of treating tinnitus with regular manual acupuncture and that of electroacupuncture. The results show that the addition of the electrical stimulation yielded superior patient outcomes.

Acupuncture Provides Tinnitus Relief Finding Acupuncture provides tinnitus relief.

A study being presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Ireland this week suggests that ear acupuncture using metal beads can help reduce weight, body mass index and body fat when combined with diet and exercise.

Study suggests ear acupuncture can help men lose weight - UPI.com A study being presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Ireland this week suggests that ear acupuncture using metal beads can help reduce weight, body mass index and body fat when combined with diet and exercise.

Acupuncture benefits the recovery process for patients that have had a stroke. Hefei First People’s Hospital conducted a clinical trial and determined an effective acupuncture protocol to improve patients’ neurological function. The research determined that acupuncture also significantly improves serum inflammatory factors and coagulation states. Furthermore, they determined that electroacupuncture produced greater positive patient outcomes over standard care.

Acupuncture Poststroke Recovery Results Acupuncture stroke recovery points using electroacupuncture to the sea of marrow show results.

Acupuncture reduces chemo neuropathy symptoms
Acupuncture alone or delivered alongside other complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) modalities can help reduce neuropathy-related symptoms during chemotherapy treatment of cancer. Israeli researchers carried out a pragmatic trial in a group of 168 participants with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Patients were treated with their preference of either acupuncture and CIM therapies (intervention group) or standard care alone (controls) for six weeks. Patients in the intervention arm were randomised to twice-weekly acupuncture-only (group A) or acupuncture with additional manual-movement or mind-body CIM therapies (group B). Baseline-to-six-week assessment scores improved significantly in the intervention arm versus controls for scores relating to overall chemotherapy-related quality of life, and sub-domains of emotional well-being, hand numbness/tingling and discomfort, and physical functioning. Intervention groups A and B both showed significant improvements in physical well-being, foot discomfort and pain scores.

Impact of acupuncture and integrative therapies on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A multicentered, randomized controlled trial - PubMed Acupuncture, with or without CIM modalities, can relieve CIPN-related symptoms during oncology treatment. This is most pronounced for hand numbness, tingling, pain, discomfort, and for physical functioning.

A 2023 research review concludes that acupuncture is effective and safe for treating overactive bladder.

Acupuncture for Women with Overactive Bladder | IJGM Analyzing the efficacy of acupuncture and its related mechanisms and provide a preliminary therapeutic regimen as treatment for overactive bladder.

Acupuncture point Bladder 60, also known as Kunlun, is located on the ankle, between the prominence of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon. This point is commonly used in acupuncture for the treatment of various conditions. Here are some examples of the therapeutic use of Bladder 60 in acupuncture.

1. Pain relief: Bladder 60 is commonly used in acupuncture for the relief of pain. Several studies have shown that acupuncture at this point can reduce pain intensity and improve function in patients with conditions such as low back pain, plantar fasciitis, and postoperative pain. (1, 2, 3)

2. Stress and anxiety: Acupuncture at Bladder 60 has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies found that acupuncture at this point was effective in reducing anxiety levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. (4)

3. Insomnia: Bladder 60 is also commonly used in acupuncture for the treatment of insomnia. A study published in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine found that acupuncture at this point was effective in improving sleep quality in patients with primary insomnia. (5)

4. Digestive disorders: Acupuncture at Bladder 60 has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various digestive disorders, including constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the journal Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that acupuncture at this point was effective in improving bowel function in patients with functional constipation. (6)

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Care should be taken when applying acupressure with Bladder 60.

DO NOT USE DURING PREGNANCY.

It is often used in the first stage of labour due to its descending action. It should only be stimulated by a licensed acupuncturist for this reason.

References:

1. Chen J, Chen X, Chen L, et al. Efficacy and safety of acupuncture for chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Pain Res Manag. 2019;2019:4921729.

2. Park JW, Park JH, Kim YC, et al. Acupuncture for plantar fasciitis: a randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2018;97(2):e9562.

3. Hsu YC, Tseng CT, Chou CC, et al. Effect of acupuncture at BL60 on postoperative pain after laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer. J Altern Complement Med. 2014;20(4):276-282.

4. Li Y, Li W, Liang Y, et al. Acupuncture for anxiety-like behavior in rats induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia: effects and possible mechanisms. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2019;12(2):43-49.

5. Liu L, Huang QM, Yang Y, et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture and related therapies for the treatment of insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Tradit Chin Med. 2016;36(6):685-696.

6. Cheng C, Liu Z, Guo Y, et al. Acupuncture for functional constipation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:6664799.