Acupuncture Times Read the latest acupuncture research articles about acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, cupping therapy and moxibustion.
Related Articles
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture for patients with anxiety. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of anxiety by electroacupuncture up to November 2022 were searched and collected from nine databases. Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and adverse reactions were used as outcome indicators. The quality of relevant articles was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration’s risk of bias tool.
The quality of evidence for each outcome was classified as “low risk,” “unclear risk,” or “high risk.” RevMan 5.0 was used for data analysis. A total of 633 articles were identified from nine electronic databases; 37 RCTs were included, which measured anxiety changes by using electroacupuncture alone compared to the control group.
For the main outcome, electroacupuncture significantly reduced the HAMA score [Mean difference (MD):-1.13 (95% CI:-2.55-0.29), I2:80%], and the quality of evidence was moderate. electroacupuncture significantly reduced the SAS score (MD:-3.47 (95% CI,-6.57–0.36), I2:88%), and the quality of evidence was moderate.
Our meta-analysis shows that electroacupuncture reduces HAMA and SAS. This study suggests that electroacupuncture can relieve anxiety. For various uses, additional research is needed on its effect when combined with other treatments.
Reference: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38173848/