A systematic review of twenty-seven randomised controlled trials studying acupuncture for painful periods, and examining data from nearly 3000 women, has shown that compared with drug treatment or herbal medicine, acupuncture was associated with a significant reduction in pain. Overall, twelve studies concluded that acupuncture was more effective than pharmacological treatment. With respect to acupuncture style, studies using traditional acupuncture reported significantly better results than the herbal medicine groups in three trials. The author says that although the evidence is promising, more trials are called for to improve on flaws in those reviewed.
(Acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review. British Journal of Gynaecology, 8 March 2010.)
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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