Revista Internacional de Acupuntura最新文献

{"title":"Efectos de la acupuntura en el tratamiento de la epilepsia focal estructural provocada por traumatismo craneoencefálico. Informe de un caso","authors":"Nancy Reyes Colín","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2025.100312","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2025.100312","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Structural focal epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by the presence of seizures in a specific branch of the brain. Its etiology is multifactorial of which genetic, structural, metabolic or unknown cause alterations stand out. We present the case of a 42-year-old woman with structural focal epilepsy caused by a traumatic cranioencephalic lesion, who was treated with acupuncture.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 3","pages":"Article 100312"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145868900","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tratamiento del ojo seco con acupuntura, revisión sistemática de la literatura","authors":"María Paula Castro-Mora,&nbsp;Fernando Yaacov Peña","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2025.100311","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2025.100311","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To describe the effectiveness of acupuncture in the management of dry eye as reported in the scientific literature.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>A systematic literature review of published articles on the treatment of dry eye with traditional Chinese medicine, specifically acupuncture, was conducted.</div></div><div><h3>Data sources</h3><div>Scientific studies from the last 20 years, carried out globally and indexed in search engines such as PubMed, SciELO, and Cochrane, were included. The search strategy was based on the following terms: “dry eye” AND “acupuncture”.</div></div><div><h3>Study selection</h3><div>Studies were selected from any population and gender, involving adult patients with dry eye. The search yielded 296 articles in PubMed, 54 in Ovid, 1 in Cochrane, and 1 in SciELO. Of these, 16 met the inclusion criteria, and 6 corresponded to the same study in different phases. In the end, 10 clinical trials were included for analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Data extraction</h3><div>The information was entered into a database where the level of scientific evidence was assessed, and the results were analyzed to define the degree of evidence and effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of this type of pathology (STRICTA scale).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The acupuncture points used, and the action time were very similar between studies. In nine of the studies, a significant improvement was observed in several objective tests and in symptom analysis, favoring treatment with acupuncture. One study that compared real acupuncture points with placebo acupuncture points found no significant differences between the treatment group and the control group. In the other studies, it was evident that the effect of acupuncture was longer-lasting than that of artificial tears, with a statistically significant greater improvement than the control group in both acupuncture and electroacupuncture, compared to the control group.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The use of acupuncture and electroacupuncture was shown to be effective in the treatment of dry eye, considering the specific acupuncture points for the pathology and individually for the respective syndrome according to traditional Chinese medicine.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 3","pages":"Article 100311"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145868895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture for the management of fibromyalgia: Insights on evidence, mechanisms, and treatment methodologies","authors":"Elson Marques Serra ,&nbsp;Rodolfo Costa Torres ,&nbsp;Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2025.100310","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2025.100310","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Fibromyalgia<span> is a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and associated symptoms, significantly impacting quality of life<span>. While conventional treatments often provide limited relief, acupuncture has emerged as a potential therapeutic option.</span></span></div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To review the available evidence on the efficacy of acupuncture in managing fibromyalgia symptoms and to explore potential mechanisms of action.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The evidence supports the efficacy of acupuncture in reducing pain, fatigue, and other fibromyalgia symptoms compared to sham acupuncture and, in some cases, conventional treatments. Various acupuncture techniques, including manual acupuncture, electroacupuncture<span><span><span>, laser acupuncture, and </span>scalp<span> acupuncture, have demonstrated benefits. While the exact mechanisms remain unclear, potential pathways involve modulation of neurotransmitters, immune function, and </span></span>central nervous system activity.</span></div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Acupuncture shows promise as a complementary treatment for fibromyalgia. However, further high-quality research is needed to establish optimal acupuncture protocols, elucidate underlying mechanisms, and assess long-term outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 3","pages":"Article 100310"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145868899","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture for the management of breast cancer: A review of its efficacy and mechanisms","authors":"Helena Silva ,&nbsp;Andreia Santos ,&nbsp;Alexandra Monteiro ,&nbsp;Inês Reis Sousa ,&nbsp;Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2025.100308","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2025.100308","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><span>Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with significant physical and psychological impact on patients. Conventional treatments often induce adverse effects, highlighting the need for complementary therapies. </span>Acupuncture<span>, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has gained attention for its potential benefits in various health conditions.</span></div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This review aims to assess the current heist-level evidence on acupuncture for breast cancer management.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Acupuncture<span><span> demonstrated potential benefits in reducing stress, depression, and insomnia in breast cancer patients. It also showed efficacy in managing treatment-related side effects, including pain, fatigue, and </span>menopausal symptoms<span>. However, the evidence base for some outcomes remains limited. Acupuncture's mechanisms of action are complex and require further investigation.</span></span></div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture holds promise as a complementary therapy for breast cancer patients, offering potential benefits in both physical and psychological well-being. While existing research is encouraging, high-quality studies are needed to establish definitive treatment guidelines.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 3","pages":"Article 100308"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145868897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying acupuncture's efficacy in insomnia: A focus on melatonin","authors":"Maria João Baldaia ,&nbsp;Júlia Pinto ,&nbsp;César Azevedo ,&nbsp;Armanda Ribeiro ,&nbsp;Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2025.100309","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2025.100309","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><span>Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can significantly impact quality of life. </span>Acupuncture is a therapeutic technique that has been explored as a potential treatment for insomnia, with some studies suggesting its effectiveness.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To review the existing literature on the use of acupuncture for insomnia and to evaluate its efficacy in modulating melatonin.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive search of electronic databases was conducted to identify relevant studies.</div><div>This review included randomized controlled trials<span> that examined the impact of acupuncture on both melatonin levels and sleep quality.</span></div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Twenty-one studies were found, of which seven met the inclusion criteria.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The analysis revealed that acupuncture was significantly more effective than non-acupuncture control groups in improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia symptoms. Several studies also found that acupuncture was associated with increased melatonin levels.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The findings of this review suggest that acupuncture may be a promising therapeutic option for insomnia. Further research is needed to establish the optimal acupuncture protocols and to explore their potential benefits in different populations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 3","pages":"Article 100309"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145868898","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Eficacia de la electroacupuntura y el masaje terapéutico sobre la cervicalgia secundaria a estrés y ansiedad. Revisión sistemática de la literatura","authors":"José Isaí López Ramírez","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100299","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100299","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Stress and anxiety are physiological responses that allow the body to adapt to stressful environments or factors. However, when these stimuli become prolonged or chronic, they can cause an imbalance in the body, disrupting homeostasis. Psychological disorders, such as anxiety and long-term stress, are important risk factors for developping musculoskeletal problems. Cervicalgia, a common musculoskeletal disorder, causes movement limitations, pain, and generates feelings of frustration and helplessness. In 2019, the age-standardized prevalence of cervicalgia was 27.0 per 1,000 inhabitants. Electroacupuncture (EA) has emerged as a modern form of acupuncture that uses electrical impulses to enhance its therapeutic effect, particularly in its ability to regulate the autonomic nervous system and modulate neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. On the other hand, therapeutic massage has been used to promote relaxation and reduce stress and anxiety. Recent research has confirmed the benefits of massage in these conditions, showing significant positive effects in reducing stress and anxiety, with cumulative benefits over time.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To document the efficacy of EA and therapeutic massage on cervicalgia secondary to stress and anxiety through a systematic literature review.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A systematic literature review was conducted, where 50 scientific articles published between 2019 and 2024 were reviewed, using scientific databases such as PubMed, SciELO, ScienceDirect, PEDro, and Google Scholar.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Both EA and therapeutic massage have shown efficacy in the treatment of cervicalgia, with EA standing out in reducing pain and improving functionality through the modulation of neurotransmitters and blood flow. Therapeutic massage has proven effective in improving neurophysiological function and reducing pain, with demonstrated benefits in pain reduction, improved range of motion, and decreased neck pain-related disability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 100299"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142698324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture in reproductive health: Evaluating its potential as an adjunct therapy","authors":"Eliane Pacheco Engler ,&nbsp;Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Infertility, defined as the inability to achieve conception through natural means, represents a significant global health issue impacting individuals globally. Traditional Chinese Medicine, particularly acupuncture, has gained attention as a potential complementary therapy for infertility. This review examines the efficacy of acupuncture in treating both female and male infertility, analyzing current systematic evidence and underlying mechanisms.</div><div>For female infertility, acupuncture has shown promising results in conditions such as anovulatory infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, and improving endometrial receptivity. Evidence suggests that acupuncture alone or in combination with conventional treatments can enhance pregnancy rates, ovulation rates, and endometrial thickness, although findings are sometimes inconclusive due to methodological limitations. Acupuncture appears to modulate reproductive hormones, improve ovarian function, and facilitate embryo implantation, offering a valuable therapeutic option for women.</div><div>In male infertility, acupuncture has demonstrated potential benefits in enhancing sperm quality, balancing hormones, and reducing testicular damage caused by abnormal hormone levels. Studies indicate that acupuncture may improve sperm motility, concentration, and overall semen quality by regulating endocrine functions and mitigating apoptosis in germ cells. Despite promising outcomes, the quality of existing studies varies, and further research with robust methodologies is necessary.</div><div>This review highlights the potential of acupuncture as a safe, non-invasive, and effective adjunctive therapy for infertility. Integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine principles with modern medical practices could lead to more personalized and comprehensive infertility treatments, enhancing patient well-being and reproductive outcomes. Future research should focus on addressing current study limitations and further elucidating acupuncture's mechanisms in infertility treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 100296"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142356734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture in acute COVID-19 treatment: A review of clinical evidence","authors":"Patrícia Soares Bernardo ,&nbsp;Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100298","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100298","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>By May 5 2023, WHO announced the end of the pandemic due to declining COVID-19 cases and deaths, coupled with high levels of immunity from vaccination and previous infections. However, the virus remains a global health threat with potential for new variants. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has shown promise in treating various conditions, including respiratory infections. This review investigates acupuncture's impact on acute COVID-19 infection and its potential as a complementary therapy.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and CNKI, focusing on the impact of acupuncture on COVID-19 patients.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The search yielded 35 studies, with five meeting the inclusion criteria. These included two randomized clinical trials and three case reports, all incorporating acupuncture alongside conventional treatments.</div><div>Case reports and clinical trials indicated that acupuncture improved symptoms such as shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and cough in COVID-19 patients. Acupuncture was associated with elevated SpO2 levels, reduced heart rate, and an anti-inflammatory effect. Studies highlighted that acupuncture may activate neuro-immune pathways, leading to modulation of immune responses.</div><div>Common acupuncture points used included S 36 Zú sān lǐ, and LI 4 Hé gǔ. Techniques involved inserting needles at specific depths and angles to achieve the Deqi sensation, with treatments lasting 20–30 min per session.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Acupuncture appears to be a valuable complementary therapy for managing acute COVID-19 infection. It enhances clinical outcomes by alleviating symptoms and reducing recovery time. Further research is warranted to fully integrate acupuncture into standard COVID-19 treatment protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 100298"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142655392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acupuncture and its potential in enhancing mental well-being for breast cancer survivors: An evidence-based insight","authors":"Gisela Cruz ,&nbsp;Micaela Fonseca ,&nbsp;Raquel Silva ,&nbsp;Rodolfo Torres ,&nbsp;Jorge Magalhães Rodrigues","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100297","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100297","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Breast cancer survivors often face long-term physical and psychological challenges post-treatment, including anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and fatigue. Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, has shown promise in addressing these issues. This paper reviews several studies investigating the effects of acupuncture on the mental health of breast cancer survivors. A 15-year NADA auricular acupuncture service demonstrated improvements in mood, somatic symptoms, anxiety, and sleep problems, with benefits sustained at 4-week and 18-week follow-ups. Another study found auricular acupuncture to be superior to psychoeducation in improving sleep quality, stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Complementary acupuncture treatment significantly improved cancer-related fatigue, depression, and sleep quality. Additionally, electro-acupuncture outperformed gabapentin in improving sleep quality in breast cancer survivors with hot flashes. The reviewed studies employed various acupuncture techniques, including auricular and electro-acupuncture, with differences in treatment duration, frequency, and point selection. Mechanisms underlying acupuncture's effects on mental health remain complex and multifaceted, potentially involving modulation of neurotransmitter levels, neurotrophic factors, and pain pathways. However, the scarcity of high-quality randomized controlled trials and the lack of studies focusing specifically on mental health outcomes among breast cancer survivors highlight the need for further research in this area.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 2","pages":"Article 100297"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142428580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evidencias de los efectos parasimpáticos y simpáticos de la acupuntura mediante la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca: implicaciones multisistémicas","authors":"Salvador Quiroz-González ,&nbsp;Emma López-Espinosa ,&nbsp;Zheng Liu ,&nbsp;Ruben Fossion","doi":"10.1016/j.acu.2024.100288","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acu.2024.100288","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Heart rate variability (HRV) indirectly reflects the activity of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) on cardiac function, which is modified by both internal and external stimuli, reflecting the body's self-regulatory capacity. In this article we describe some general aspects of HRV and its implications for health and disease. Likewise, we show experimental evidence emphasizing that acupuncture under certain conditions increases vagal tone, to cope with the wear and tear generated by stressors, and in other conditions activates the sympathetic response to mobilize resources. We expose HRV as a tool to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, and its implications in other body systems. We propose that a mechanism of action of acupuncture to modulate the digestive, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, and gynecological systems, including conditions such as stress, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and metabolism, corresponds to the activity it exerts on the sympathetic branch and parasympathetic of the ANS, which can be evidenced by HRV.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":39495,"journal":{"name":"Revista Internacional de Acupuntura","volume":"18 1","pages":"Article 100288"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141487356","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}