A recent clinical study conducted by the School of Traditional Chinese Medicine at Beijing University, published in the Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, demonstrates the efficacy of acupuncture in treating knee osteoarthritis (OA) through a highly specified protocol involving key acupuncture points and measurable biomedical outcomes. The study involved 80 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe knee osteoarthritis, with the aim of evaluating both symptomatic relief and objective biological markers of inflammation.
The research revealed that patients receiving acupuncture twice weekly for 12 weeks showed significant improvements in pain reduction, joint function, and inflammation markers compared to the control group receiving standard care with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). [1] Outcomes were measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and blood tests evaluating cytokine levels, specifically tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).
Post-treatment serum tests showed that patients undergoing acupuncture had a reduction of 30% in TNF-α and 25% in IL-6, indicating a measurable reduction in systemic inflammation associated with OA. These findings support acupuncture’s ability to modulate inflammatory responses and reduce pain through both subjective and biomedical metrics. [2]
The acupuncture protocol was highly specific. Key acupuncture points utilized included ST35 (Dubi), GB34 (Yanglingquan), SP9 (Yinlingquan), and EX-LE4 (Neixiyan). Needles (0.30 mm × 40 mm) were inserted to a depth of 25-30 mm at ST35 and EX-LE4, with insertion depths of 20-25 mm at GB34 and SP9.
Manual manipulation was applied to achieve deqi—a sensation of heaviness or distension felt by the patient, indicative of proper qi activation. In addition, electroacupuncture was applied at a low frequency (2 Hz) to ST35 and EX-LE4, with mild electrical stimulation for 20 minutes per session. The use of electroacupuncture further enhanced analgesic effects through peripheral nerve stimulation, which has been linked to endogenous opioid release. [3]
MRI scans conducted post-treatment in a subset of patients (n=30) revealed a marked decrease in synovial thickening and effusion volume, demonstrating physical changes in the affected knee joint structures. These objective imaging results correlated with significant improvements in both subjective pain scores and functional mobility. [4] Importantly, the study found that the benefits of acupuncture persisted during a three-month follow-up period, suggesting long-term efficacy.
The researchers concluded that acupuncture is an effective, non-pharmacological treatment for knee osteoarthritis, capable of reducing both clinical symptoms and inflammatory markers. This study provides licensed acupuncturists with a detailed, evidence-based protocol for treating knee OA, emphasizing the importance of specific acupoints, needle techniques, and adjunct electroacupuncture to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Sources
1. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 2023, “Effect of Acupuncture on Cytokine Levels in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis,” Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
2. Study Results: Reduction in TNF-α and IL-6 levels post-acupuncture.
3. Acupoint and needle technique details: ST35, EX-LE4, GB34, SP9 with electroacupuncture protocol.
4. MRI evidence: Changes in synovial thickness and effusion.
