Essex Acupuncture

Acupuncture is now supported by a broad range of surveys of safety, clinical trials and basic science studies of physiological action. This has lead to its growing acceptance as a treatment modality, although many sceptics still vociferously oppose its integration into modern medicine. Two of the world’s leading acupuncture researchers, Hugh Macpherson and Richard Hammerschlag have reviewed three major areas of acupuncture research: safety and the risks of serious adverse events, clinical efficacy and effectiveness, and physiologic action. Their review identifies recent advances in knowledge and presents a point-counterpoint approach to controversial issues, with the aim of providing clarification and a measure of resolution. (Acupuncture and the emerging evidence base: contrived controversy and rational debate. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2012 Aug;5(4):141-7).

Categories: Acupuncture research

Read more at Article source: http://www.jcm.co.uk/research-archive/article/acupunctures-emerging-evidence-base-2181/

Acupuncture is a cost-effective treatment modality, according to Korean authors who performed a systematic review of economic evaluations carried out alongside randomised controlled trials. Of the 17 studies included, nine were cost-utility analyses (CUAs) that measured quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and eight were cost-effectiveness analyses (CEAs) that assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture based on improvements in clinical symptoms. All CUAs showed that acupuncture, with or without usual care, was cost-effective compared with waiting list control or usual care alone. In the CEAs, acupuncture was found to be beneficial at a relatively low cost in six studies. (A systematic review of cost-effectiveness analyses alongside randomised controlled trials of acupuncture. Acupunct Med. 2012 Dec;30(4):273-85).

Categories: Acupuncture research

Read more at Article source: http://www.jcm.co.uk/research-archive/article/acupuncture-is-cost-effective-2180/

Categories: Acupuncture research, Miscellaneous disorders

Read more at Article source: http://www.jcm.co.uk/research-archive/article/acupuncture-for-exercise-enhancement-2176/

A meta-analysis carried out by Chinese authors suggests that acupuncture may be beneficial in the rehabilitation of patients with dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing) caused by stroke. Meta-analysis using data from 72 RCTs (6134 patients) showed that acupuncture was more effective than no-acupuncture, although study quality was generally rated as low. The authors conclude that the evidence justifies future high-quality studies. (A meta-analysis of the efficacy of acupuncture in treating dysphagia in patients with a stroke. Acupunct Med. 2012 Dec;30(4):291-7).

Categories: Stroke

Read more at Article source: http://www.jcm.co.uk/research-archive/article/acupuncture-for-post-stroke-dysphagia-2174/

The evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture for plantar heel pain (PHP) is comparable to that available for conventionally used interventions such as stretching, night splints or dexamethasone, according to British authors. Five randomised controlled trials and three non-randomised comparative studies were included in their systematic review. The authors report that high quality studies found significant benefits for acupuncture and conclude that acupuncture should be considered in recommendations for the management of patients with PHP. (The effectiveness of acupuncture for plantar heel pain: a systematic review. Acupunct Med. 2012 Dec;30(4):298-306).

Categories: Foot

Read more at Article source: http://www.jcm.co.uk/research-archive/article/acupuncture-can-heal-heel-pain-2175/