Acupuncture News and Research
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A population-based retrospective cohort study conducted at China Medical University Hospital in Taichung, Taiwan, has revealed that Chinese herbal medicine significantly reduces all-cause mortality in HIV/AIDS patients with neurological diseases. The study, published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, evaluated 1,209 patients diagnosed with both HIV/AIDS and neurological disorders between 2010 and 2017, identifying a 70% reduction in all-cause mortality for Chinese herbal medicine users compared with matched non-users. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) was 0.30 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.16 to 0.58 (p < 0.001) [1].
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A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 25 clinical trials involving 1,758 children and adolescents has concluded that acupuncture, when integrated with conventional care, significantly reduces key symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)—including impulsivity, hyperactivity, inattention, and conduct problems—while also lowering the incidence of adverse effects commonly associated with pharmacologic treatment [1].
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Substantial scientific evidence demonstrates the antidepressant effects of acupuncture through modulation of neuroplasticity. Researchers at the Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, including contributors from the First Clinical Medical College and First Affiliated Hospital, synthesized data from over two decades of research on molecular and structural changes induced by acupuncture in animal models of depression [1].
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A systematic review and meta-analysis provides compelling and statistically significant evidence that acupuncture is a clinically effective treatment modality for patients suffering from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). The study, conducted by Zhao and colleagues, synthesized data from ten randomized controlled trials (RCTs), offering high-level evidence that acupuncture significantly improves both subjective symptom scores and objective clinical findings in CRS patients [1].
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In a randomized controlled trial conducted at Nellis and Eglin Air Force Bases, researchers found that electroacupuncture (EA), when used adjunctively with eccentric exercise, significantly improved short-term pain outcomes in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The study concluded that while both groups experienced functional improvement, the EA group demonstrated superior pain reduction immediately following exercise sessions, indicating a beneficial role for EA in managing acute pain in this condition [1]. Nellis Air Force Base is located in southern Nevada, just northeast of Las Vegas. Eglin Air Force Base is situated in the Florida Panhandle, near the city of Fort Walton Beach along the Gulf Coast.
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A recent multicenter randomized controlled trial confirms that electroacupuncture (EA) is the most effective acupuncture modality for reducing pain and improving physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Compared against manual acupuncture (MA), warm needling (WA), mild moxibustion (MM), sham acupuncture (SA), and oral Celebrex, electroacupuncture demonstrated the greatest therapeutic benefit in both pain relief and functional improvement, based on VAS and WOMAC scores [1].
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A recent randomized, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial has provided evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture in treating patients with subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). This condition is caused by structural narrowing within the subacromial space and is very painful. The study focused on evaluating the impact of acupuncture on pain relief, shoulder function, range of motion (ROM), and quality of life in individuals diagnosed with SIS.
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A recent randomized controlled trial conducted at two United States Air Force medical treatment facilities has confirmed the efficacy of acupuncture in reducing heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. The results demonstrate statistically significant improvements in acute and sustained pain reduction among patients receiving acupuncture in addition to home exercise, in contrast to those treated with exercise alone [1].
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A pilot study conducted at Middlesex Health in the United States has demonstrated that acupuncture significantly improves symptoms associated with Long COVID, particularly anosmia (loss of smell), dysgeusia (altered taste), and cognitive dysfunction (“brain fog”). The prospective cohort study enrolled twenty adults suffering from persistent symptoms following resolution of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. After six standardized acupuncture sessions administered over three weeks, participants experienced statistically significant improvements in smell, taste, and cognitive clarity [1].
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A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted at Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Fudan University Eye and ENT Hospital provides evidence that acupuncture at a single acupoint—Jingming (BL1)—significantly improves tear secretion in patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease (DED), outperforming standard artificial tear treatment [1].
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A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that acupuncture significantly reduced leg pain and disability in patients with chronic sciatica caused by lumbar disc herniation. Patients who received real acupuncture reported clinically meaningful improvements that persisted for at least one year, supporting acupuncture as a viable treatment for long-term symptom relief [1].
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Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Pacific Time
Join us for a 4-hour CEU/PDA-accredited live Zoom event that dives deep into two essential areas of clinical care:
- Modern research-backed acupuncture points for hypertension
- Shen-spirit points that support emotional balance
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A case series published in Neurological Sciences demonstrates that acupuncture is as an effective preventive treatment for cluster headaches (CH), with all four patients in the study experiencing complete cessation of attacks following treatment [1]. This report, while limited in scope, provides important clinical details that can inform best practices for licensed acupuncturists seeking to treat CH with acupuncture.
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A study published in ACS Omega evaluated the efficacy and mechanism of Shen Bai Hair Growth Decoction (SBHGD), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The researchers concluded that SBHGD promotes hair regrowth and reduces local inflammation in a mouse model of AGA, primarily by downregulating key inflammatory cytokines and improving hair follicle density and morphology [1].
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March Acupuncture CEU Webinars
March 16: Back Pain & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Acupuncture 3-16-25
March 23: Headaches, PTSD, and Colitis Acupuncture Treatments 3-23-25
March 30: High Blood Pressure & Heart Spirit Acupuncture 3-30-25
Earn CEU & PDA credits with HealthCMi’s individual acupuncture webinars. Each session is a standalone event, giving you the flexibility to enhance your clinical expertise while meeting continuing education requirements. Register today and elevate your practice!
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Recent clinical research from a study published in Frontiers in Medicine demonstrates the efficacy of acupuncture in improving libido and sexual function in women diagnosed with Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD). The study, conducted by Zhang et al., employed a structured acupuncture regimen that led to significant improvements across multiple domains of sexual health, including desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and reduction of pain during intercourse.
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A recent international multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) has provided strong evidence supporting the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow. The study found that acupuncture significantly improved arm function and reduced pain intensity compared to sham laser treatment. These results present an evidence-based approach for licensed acupuncturists seeking to optimize clinical outcomes in patients with chronic lateral elbow pain [1].
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A recent randomized controlled trial conducted at Duke University investigated the efficacy of acupuncture in managing acute musculoskeletal pain in an emergency department (ED) setting. The study, published in the Annals of Emergency Medicine, evaluated two acupuncture techniques—auricular acupuncture (AA) and peripheral acupuncture (PA)—in comparison to standard emergency care (UC) for acute pain relief.
