Clinical effectiveness of acupuncture applied to strongly reactive points: randomized controlled trial regarding clinical efficacy / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

Objective:This study focused on the strongly reactive points, which are different from acupoints and local reactive points. We examined the effectiveness of acupuncture at strongly reactive points and determined whether results differed from effects at acupoints or local reactive points.<BR>Design:A randomized controlled trial (RCT) included 142 patients who visited the Center of Acupuncture Science, Meiji University of Integrative Medicine. These patients had a clinical examination to verify the effects of the visual analogue scale (VAS).<BR>Methods:We evaluated RCT for one year. One period is three months. RCT I involved standard acupuncture applied to non-specific points and magnetic acupuncture applied to strongly reactive points. RCT II involved standard acupuncture applied to acupoints and different types of metal acupuncture applied to strongly reactive points. RCT III involved standard acupuncture applied to local reactive points and different types of metal blunt-tip needles applied to strongly reactive points. RCT IV involved standard acupuncture applied to local reactive points and Cu-acupuncture and moxa-needles applied to strongly reactive points.<BR>Results:We showed that acupuncture applied to strongly reactive points was more effective than acupuncture applied to acupoints and local reactive points. The place of stimulation was more important than quantity and quality.<BR>Conclusion:It was indicated that acupuncture applied to strongly reactive points was an effective method of treatment, suggesting that strongly reactive points have clinical effectiveness.