A study of Chinese earthquake victims suggests that electroacupuncture is more effective than anti-depressants for treating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers identified 138 people who were suffering symptoms as a result of experiencing a magnitude 8.0 earthquake on the Richter scale, in May 2008. They randomly allocated people to receive either electroacupuncture treatment or anti-depressant medication (paroxetine). After treatment, both groups reported reduced symptoms, but the improvements in the electroacupuncture group were significantly greater, at all time points in follow-up to six months.
(Clinical Studies on Treatment of Earthquake-Caused Posttraumatic Stress Disorder using Electroacupuncture. Evidence-Based Complementary & Alter Medicine (Hindawi), 2012.)
Author: Robin Costello
I offer traditional Chinese acupuncture in Exeter, from a tranquil clinic a mile from the city centre, and next to the University of Exeter. I graduated originally from the London School of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 3 year full time Acupuncture Diploma (DipAc) course. I am on the practitioners register of the British Acupuncture Council (MBAcC), a regulatory and professional body with an entry standard of a full three year undergraduate degree level training.
I have worked in a hospital in south west China, deepening my knowledge and using acupuncture and Chinese massage (tuina) as the treatment of choice in its country of origin. I have taught Chinese medicine in colleges, the NHS and at university level. I also practise Qi Gong, and Chinese dietary therapy, that is the medicinal use of ordinary foods, chosen to help achieve particular therapeutic effects in different individuals.
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