Research One
Acupuncture a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Acupuncture versus all controls (eight trials, 429 women analyzed)
When pooled, the results from eight RCTs showed a significant benefit of acupuncture on improving the symptoms of
PMS (Figure 2A; n = 429, pooled RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.33– 1.80, P < 0.00001, I2 = 28%).15–18,20,22–24 Our re-analysis of these data using the ‘improved or more’ versus the ‘slightly better or no effect’ criterion confirmed a significant improvement in symptoms achieved by acupuncture (pooled RR 2.35, 95% CI 1.73–3.19, P < 0.00001, I2 = 29%). Excluding one outlier did not significantly change the overall benefit of acupuncture over controls (seven trials, n = 394, pooled RR 1.52, 95% CI 1.34–1.72, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%).17 Acupuncture versus medication (four trials,
232 women analyzed)
Four studies compared approximately 30 sessions of acupuncture over three menstrual cycles with different doses of progestin (4–6 mg daily), with or without anxiolytics.16,18,22,23 Overall, women receiving acupuncture were approximately 1.5 times more likely to experience symptom improvement than those on hormonal preparations with or without anxiolytics (Figure 2B; four trials, n = 232, pooled RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.27–1.74, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%). The result remained significant when the ‘all improvements’ versus ‘no effect’ data were re-analyzed as ‘improved or more’ versus ‘slightly better or no effect’ (pooled RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.57–3.05, P < 0.00001, I2 = 0%). – Reference – Acupuncture for premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Menstrual Irregularities require balance of Yin and Yang and Qi and Blood.
Research Two
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Kim SY, Park HJ, Lee H, Lee H.
Ten RCTs were included in our review. The pooled results demonstrated that acupuncture is superior to all controls (eight trials, pooled RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.33-1.80, P < 0.00001). A meta-analysis comparing the effects of acupuncture with different doses of progestin and/or anxiolytics supported the use of acupuncture (four trials, RR 1.49, 95% CI 1.27-1.74, P < 0.00001). In addition, acupuncture significantly improved symptoms when compared with sham acupuncture (two trials, RR 5.99, 95% CI 2.84-12.66, P < 0.00001). No evidence of harm resulting from acupuncture emerged. – Reference- Acupuncture for premenstrual syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
No matter what the condition that a patient has when entering the world of Acupuncture and Chinese medicine one must be open and let go of the western ideas of their condition, as the Chinese medicine practitioner looks at the body and condition with different eyes. Terms like Yin and Yang, Qi, and Blood are not well known to the average western patient. However these key concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are paramount for success in the treatment of one’s condition. Terms like Spleen Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation, Heart Fire, Yin Deficiency, and Yang deficiency are over the head of the patient not familiar with these terms and concepts. The good news is you do not have to concern yourself with this unless your interest goes deeper for you to understand the process. When you put your trust in a trained acupuncture practitioner you can explore the benefits and rewards this medicine can give the body. Many women have benefitted by receiving acupuncture to regulate their menses, decrease pain and discomfort. Relieve the mood and tension, back pain, and so on.