Acupuncture Continuing Education News

Acupuncture regulates brain regions for ischemic stroke patients. Southern Medical University researchers gathered MRI data in a controlled clinical trial consisting of both healthy subjects and patients suffering from ischemic stroke. In a controlled human clinical trial, Waiguan (TB5) applied unilaterally to the right arm produced significant MRI findings. True acupuncture caused important changes in brain functional connectivity.

Acupuncture and herbs alleviate IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Two independent studies find Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture, and moxibustion effective for the relief of irritable bowel syndrome. Both studies feature an integrative approach to patient care. 

Acupuncture improves outcomes for patients with Meniere’s disease. Researchers find that acupuncture, when added to a standard treatment regimen, significantly reduces symptoms of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss for patients with Meniere’s disease. The researchers conclude that the combination of acupuncture with medication therapy is significantly more effective than drug monotherapy. [1] 

Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers conclude that acupuncture inhibits nerve cell death due to sciatic nerve impairment. A controlled laboratory investigation identified the neuroprotective role of two acupuncture techniques for impaired sciatic nerves. Shallow acupuncture and deep acupuncture at Huantiao (GB30) successfully promoted motor functional recovery, improved nerve conduction velocity, and boosted regeneration of sciatic nerve cells. 

Acupuncture outperforms drugs for the treatment of chronic prostatitis. Researchers from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University gathered objective and subjective data in a controlled clinical trial consisting of patients with chronic prostatitis. The acupuncture treatment group achieved a total effective rate of 87.5% and the drug control group achieved a total effective rate of 62.5%. 

The NCCAOM (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine) has changed the way diplomates report their acupuncture continuing education credits. The new system was implemented by the NCCAOM in November of 2018. The NCCAOM no longer accepts certificates by email. 

Acupuncture enhances weight loss and improves blood chemistry in patients with simple obesity. Researchers tested the efficacy of warm needle acupuncture by adding it to a weight loss dietary program. Patient outcomes improved significantly for patients receiving acupuncture plus dietary therapy when compared with patients receiving only dietary therapy. 

Acupuncture combined with drug therapy outperforms drug monotherapy for the treatment of diabetic postural hypotension (also known as orthostatic hypotension). Shanxi Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine researchers conducted a controlled clinical trial and concluded that acupuncture plus metformin outperforms metformin monotherapy for diabetic patients suffering from postural hypotension. [1] 

Acupuncture and herbs prove effective for the treatment of shingles. Researchers from three independent studies conclude that acupuncture and herbal medicine significantly relieve rashes and pain associated with the herpes zoster virus (shingles). Importantly, acupuncture and herbal medicine outperformed antiviral and anti-inflammatory medications, indicating that usual care protocols are suboptimal without inclusion of acupuncture and herbal medicine. 

Acupuncture is effective for patients with lumbar disc protrusions. CT scans confirm that acupuncture reduces disc protrusion size and increases healthy space in the spinal canal. Along with relief from nerve compression, investigators conclude that acupuncture improves range of motion and reduces pain for patients with lumbar disc protrusions.