Researchers confirm that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. In one investigation, acupuncture plus herbal medicine outperformed drug therapy for hyperthyroidism symptomatic relief. In another independent investigation, the addition of acupuncture to a medication treatment protocol significantly increased positive patient outcome rates. Let’s take a look at both investigations.
HealthCMi (Healthcare Medicine Institute) has expanded its schedule for acupuncture CEU webinars. HealthCMi live webinar CEU and NCCAOM PDA credits are valid for acupuncturist license renewal throughout the entire USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, and more. The expanded schedule includes the addition of new webinars and topics.
COVID-19 (coronavirus) researchers conclude that the Chinese herbal patent medicine Lianhua Qingwen Capsules decreased the number of virus particles in SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirms that virus particles at cell membrane surfaces, in the cytoplasm, and in plasma vesicles decreased in cells treated with Lianhua Qingwen Capsules. In addition, the herbal medicine treatment results in a morphological deformation of virus particles. [1]
Researchers conclude that Lianhua Qingwen Capsules improve the recovery rate from COVID-19 symptoms, shortens the time from initial symptoms to recovery, and improves morphological recovery from chest radiologic abnormalities. [1] The results from a multicenter randomized clinical trial indicate that Lianhua Qingwen Capsules are both safe and effective for use in patients with COVID-19. The researchers add that an extended study is needed to thoroughly explore the effects of Lianhua Qingwen Capsules on viral shedding.
Acupuncture alleviates schizophrenia and MRIs reveal that acupuncture regulates spontaneous neural activities in specific regions. Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Mental Health Center researchers combined acupuncture with standard drug therapy. Patients receiving both medications and acupuncture in a combined treatment protocol had superior patient outcomes compared with patients receiving only drugs. Results were determined by analysis of clinical symptom scores and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) results. [1]
Acupuncture restores ovulation in women presenting with anovulatory infertility. Affiliated Hospital of Henan Tuina Vocational College (Luoyang, China) researchers compared two treatment protocols. One group received acupuncture plus and herbal medicine (Bu Shen Tiao Zhou herbal protocol), another received herbal medicine monotherapy. The group receiving both acupuncture and herbs had a total effective rate of 89.13%, compared with 65.22% in the herbal monotherapy group. [1] Based on the evidence, the hospital researchers conclude that acupuncture improves hormone levels, promotes ovulation, and is worthy of clinical application.
Acupuncture exerts anesthetic effects, alleviates pain, and reduces gingival bleeding during and after dental procedures. Three independent investigations confirm the findings. In one study, acupuncture outperformed a local anesthetic and produced better anesthetic effects. Two other investigations find acupuncture effective for the alleviation of pain and conclude that acupuncture significantly reduces copious gingival bleeding during and after tooth extraction.
Acupuncture treatment sessions and acupoint tapping are effective for the relief of severe anxiety, including mental health benefits for frontline healthcare workers active in the fight against COVID-19 (coronavirus). Two independent investigations confirm the efficacy of Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for relieving stress. One clinical study tested acupoint tapping self-care and determined that it effectively reduces mental stress in nurses working on the frontlines in the fight against COVID-19. Another investigation determined that acupuncture outperforms a powerful benzodiazepine medication for the reduction of anxiety.
Acupuncture outperforms drug therapy for the treatment of insulin resistant polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Shanghai Tianshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers compared the efficaciousness of acupuncture with metformin hydrochloride drug therapy for the treatment of insulin resistant PCOS. Metformin hydrochloride achieved a 60.0% total effective rate and acupuncture achieved a 67.7% total effective rate. Acupuncture outperformed drug therapy for the improvement of lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and regulation of testosterone levels. In addition, the adverse effect rate was significantly lower in the acupuncture group. [1]
Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of stress-induced gastric ulcers. In a controlled laboratory study, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers determined that acupuncture outperforms the drug omeprazole for the alleviation of stress-induced gastric ulcers (SGU), while simultaneously balancing intestinal microflora. The research team (Xue et al.) identified important biochemical mechanisms elicited by acupuncture responsible for producing the therapeutic benefits. [1]
Acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine outperforms two powerful drugs for the alleviation of bronchiectasis related symptoms. Henan Jiyuan Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers compared acupuncture plus herbs with a pharmaceutical medication regimen of care. Acupuncture plus herbs treatment achieved a total effective rate of 96.67% and drugs achieved a 70.00% total effective rate. Patients in the drug control group received ciprofloxacin and ambroxol. The researchers conclude that acupuncture outperforms the selected pharmaceutical medications for the treatment of bronchiectasis. [1]
Acupuncture, herbs, and moxibustion are effective for the treatment of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Investigators determined that acupuncture plus herbal medicine produces significant patient outcomes for patients with COVID-19. In another independent clinical trial, moxibustion relieved diarrhea in COVID-19 patients and reduced the occurrence of positive nucleic acid results for coronavirus. Let’s take a look at both investigations.
Acupuncture outperforms loratadine for the treatment of chronic urticaria (hives). In research conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, acupuncture plus moxibustion produced an 89.66% total effective rate. Drug therapy using loratadine (an antihistamine) produced a 72.41% total effective rate. The results were measured with urticaria severity scores, indices of life quality, and serum levels of bioindicators at the completion of all medical treatments. [1]
Acupuncturists providing herbal medicine play an integral role in the treatment of COVID-19 (coronavirus). A study published by Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center researchers indicates that an integrative medicine approach to patient care produces significant positive patient outcomes. Based on Chinese medicine principles and modern scientific investigations, Shufeng Jiedu capsules, antiviral medications, and antibiotics were combined in a rigorous treatment regimen.
Acupuncture combined with herbal medicine is a proven and effective therapeutic method for the elimination of respiratory tract infections. Zhengzhou University Affiliated Children’s Hospital (often referred to as Henan Provincial Children’s Hospital) researchers compared using Yu Ping Feng San (YPF) herbal medicine monotherapy with a combination of Chinese herbal medicine plus acupuncture. The acupuncture plus herbal medicine YPF arm achieved a total treatment effective rate of 92.86%. Using only YPF, the total treatment effective rate was 76.79%. [1]
Acupuncture is effective for the alleviation of severe pneumonia. Across two independent studies, researchers made several important findings. Acupuncture reduced clinical symptom presentations, shorted mechanical ventilation times, reduced the need for antibiotics, and improved gastrointestinal functions in severe pneumonia patients.
Acupuncture benefits patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Wu’an Hospital of Chinese Medicine (Hebei, China) researchers conducted a clinical trial. They conclude that a combination of acupuncture and Bu Shen Huo Xue Tang herbal formula provides significant clinical results for Alzheimer’s disease patients. Patients receiving acupuncture plus herbs experienced improvements in cognitive function and quality of life (total effective rate 84%). The drug control group had a 68% total effective rate. [1]
Acupuncture outperforms drug therapy for the treatment of asthma. Researchers from Xiamen Chinese Medicine Hospital (a Fujian Traditional Chinese Medical University affiliate) compared the efficaciousness of acupuncture with salmeterol xinafoate plus fluticasone propionate drug therapy for the treatment of chronic asthma. Salmeterol xinafoate is a bronchodilator and fluticasone propionate is an inhaled corticosteroid used to control asthma. Drug therapy achieved an 88.9% total effective rate and acupuncture achieved a 93.3% total effective rate. [1]
Acupuncture restores hand function in patients with hemiplegia. Foshan Jianxiang Hospital (Guangdong, China) researchers conclude that active motion acupuncture significantly improves outcomes for patients with hand dysfunction due to hemiplegia. The researchers document improvements in motor function, reductions in spasticity, and overall improvements in activities of daily living. [1]
Acupuncture increases the efficacy of drug therapy for the treatment of sepsis due to pneumonia. Researchers from Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Science combined electroacupuncture with drug therapy. Patients receiving both drug therapy and electroacupuncture had superior patient outcomes compared with patients receiving drug monotherapy. The researchers conclude that the addition of acupuncture to a drug treatment regimen increases the total effective rate, assists in the regulation of immune system functions, increases anti-febrile actions, and alleviates inflammatory reactions.
