Acupuncture provides additional benefit in IBS

A large trial of acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) has shown that the treatment has significant benefits. British researchers at the University of York, led by Dr Hugh MacPherson, enrolled 233 patients who had suffered from IBS for an average of 13 years. Key symptoms of IBS included diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain, which often have a substantial impact on daily activities. Half the patients received 10 weekly individualised acupuncture sessions in addition to usual care, while the other half continued with usual care alone. Acupuncture was administered by experienced acupuncturists according to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, and each patient’s individual presentation. A common core of points (Hegu L.I.-4, Taichong LIV-3, Zusanli ST-36 and Sanyinjiao SP-6) were used in over 50% of treatments. Acupuncturists were also allowed to use some non-needle techniques, consistent with their routine practice. The most commonly used were moxibustion (13% of patients), tui na (9%) and acupressure (6%). In addition, acupuncturists were allowed to provide lifestyle advice, with a restriction against probiotics. In total, 68% of patients received lifestyle advice, most commonly concerning diet (56%), stress management (24%) and exercise (6%). At three months from baseline, the results showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups favouring acupuncture, with a reduction in the IBS Symptom Severity Score (SSS), a validated measure that combines the key symptoms of IBS. With a successful treatment being defined as at least a 50 point reduction in the IBS SSS, the results showed a 49% success rate in the acupuncture group against 31% in the control group, a difference between groups of 18%. This benefit was largely found to persist up to 12 months.
(Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: primary care based pragmatic randomised controlled trial. BMC Gastroenterol. 2012 Oct 24;12(1):150. doi:10.1186/1471-230X-12-150 [Epub ahead of print].

Categories: Digestive Bowel disorders

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Moxibustion

moxibustion at essex acupuncture

Warming points through Moxibustion is an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It utilises a substance called Moxa, which is made from the aged leaves of a herb called mugwort. Like the sun, moxa produces a comforting dry heat helping to eliminate dampness and cold in the body, alleviating Aches and Pains and supporting Aging Joints.

Pain Relief

pain-relief

If you are one of those people who has exhausted the chemical pills and potions of Western Medicine, then Acupuncture could be for you.
There are many patients who have been sent home to grin and bear it and, after many months of putting up with discomfort, the discovery of natural pain relief in the form of an acupuncture treatment can be the most wonderful experience.

Battlefield

battlefield-acupuncture

Originally developed to treat pain in US Air Force pilots who were unable to take medication while flying, this ear acupuncture technique has proved so effective in the relief of pain that many soldiers across the american forces have been trained so they can treat each other on the battlefield.