Acupuncture Matrix

Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal passages which causes symptoms mostly in the nose and eyes.

Background
Allergies cause a considerable burden to both sufferers and the National Health Service. There is growing interest in acupuncture as a treatment for a range of conditions. Since acupuncture may modulate the immune system it could be a useful treatment for allergic rhinitis (AR) sufferers. We therefore assessed the evidence for the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in patients with AR by performing a systematic review of the literature.
Methods
Searches (to 2007) were conducted in all major databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of AR. No limits were placed on language. Studies were included if they compared acupuncture to a sham or inactive acupuncture treatment (placebo) with or without standard care. Meta-analysis was performed where feasible.
Results
Seven relevant RCTs were included after screening and application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. The trials were generally of poor quality as assessed by a modified Jadad scale, with the exception of two studies which scored highly. A wide variety of outcomes was measured but most assessed symptom severity on a visual analogue scale. A meta-analysis failed to show any summary benefits of acupuncture treatment for symptom severity scores or serum IgE measures which could not have been accounted for by chance alone. Acupuncture was not associated with any additional adverse events in the trials.
Conclusion
There is currently insufficient evidence to support or refute the use of acupuncture in patients with AR. A large well conducted RCT, which overcomes identified methodological problems in the existing RCTs, would be required to resolve this question.

A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of acupuncture for allergic rhinitis.
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2008; 8: 13. Open Access article.

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Review Article, Uncategorized Allergic rhinitis

Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) is a specialized MRI scan that measures the changes in blood flow related to neural activity in the brain.

Background
Clinical studies suggest that acupuncture can stimulate saliva production and reduce xerostomia (dry mouth). We were interested in exploring the neuronal substrates involved in such responses.
Methods
In a randomized, sham acupuncture controlled, subject blinded trial, twenty healthy volunteers received true and sham acupuncture in random order. Cortical regions that were activated or deactivated during the interventions were evaluated by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Saliva production was also measured.
Results
Unilateral manual acupuncture stimulation at LI-2, a point commonly used in clinical practice to treat xerostomia, was associated with bilateral activation of the insula and adjacent operculum. Sham acupuncture at an adjacent site induced neither activation nor deactivation. True acupuncture induced more saliva production than sham acupuncture.
Conclusion
Acupuncture at LI-2 was associated with neuronal activations absent during sham acupuncture stimulation. Neuroimaging signal changes appear correlated to saliva production.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) changes and saliva production associated with acupuncture at LI-2 acupuncture point: a randomized controlled study
BMC Complement Altern Med. 2008 Jul 7;8:37. Open Access article.

Republished by Blog Post Promoter

Randomized Controlled Trial, Uncategorized Dry Mouth, fMRI, LI-2, Xerostomia

Is laser acupuncture indicated for jaw pain caused by tendomyopathy of the muscles of mastication? The muscles required for chewing are named the muscles of mastication.

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Uncategorized chewing, jaw pain, laser, mastication

Does electro-acupuncture to prevent postoperative ileus? Postoperative ileus is a temporary paralysis of  the intestines after abdominal surgery.

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Uncategorized electro-acupuncture, postoperative ileus, Surgery