Objectives: Since pre-existing expectations, that is, beliefs, in a treatment may modify outcomes, and acupuncture studies often fail to measure expectations, we wanted to investigate the use of acupuncture, interest, and belief in acupuncture effects among patients undergoing cancer therapy. Method: A cross-sectional design, where the participants answered a study-specific questionnaire with …

Background: Urinary retention is one of the most frequent complications of spinal cord injuries and negatively impacts patient satisfaction and quality of life. Acupuncture as an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has recently drawn widespread attention for its potential in the management of urinary retention. However, there are many …

Background: The efficacy and mechanisms of acupuncture for Crohn’s disease are not well understood. We investigated its effects on symptoms, intestinal microbiota, and circulating inflammatory markers in Crohn’s disease patients. Methods: This 48-week, randomized, sham controlled, parallel-group clinical trial was performed at a tertiary outpatient clinic in China. From April 2015 to …

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ginseng has been used for thousands of years, it is described as both a tonic for restoration of strength and a panacea. However, the adverse effect is also reported clinically. In the theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the occurrence of adverse reactions is closely related to warm property of …

Objective: This systematic review aims to assess whether moxibustion is effective and safe for gastrointestinal adverse effects, a common and thorny issue arising from chemotherapy. Methods: Seven electronic databases were searched up to August 28, 2021, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing moxibustion versus non-moxibustion treatments for various gastrointestinal adverse effects …

Objective: To observe the effect of herb-partitioned moxibustion combined with electroacupuncture on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in patients with symptom pattern of kidney deficiency and phlegm-dampness. Methods: Totally 62 PCOS patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into intervention group and control group. In the intervention group, acupoints were subjected …

Background: Bloodletting therapy is widely used to relieve acute gouty arthritis. However, limited evidence-based reports exist on the effectiveness and safety of bloodletting therapy. This systematic review aims to evaluate the feasibility and safety of bloodletting therapy in treating gouty arthritis. Methods: Seven databases were exhaustively screened from the date of establishment …

Background: Insomnia is a significant health problem in the community. Self-administered acupressure may be an alternative strategy to alleviate insomnia. Purpose: This study is the first to investigate the effects of acupressure delivered through a training course in alleviating insomnia disorder compared with sleep hygiene education. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted …

Objective Traditional Chinese medicine Sheng Xue Bao has been approved for treating iron deficiency anemia in China. This study aimed to collect evidence and quantify the effect of Sheng Xue Bao on IDA. Methods Seven online databases were surveyed up to July 13, 2021. Randomized controlled trials in which SXBM …

Immediate characteristics of acupuncture have been confirmed by relevant studies; however, the current study on the time effect of acupuncture in improving upper limb forearm muscle endurance is still limited. The aims of this study are to explore: (1) whether acupuncture can improve female forearm muscle endurance compared to sham …