A multi-centre crossover study carried out at five hospitals in Germany, has investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing nausea and vomiting in children receiving chemotherapy. In all, 23 children were randomly allocated to receive acupuncture during either their second or their third, course of chemotherapy, in addition to standard anti-sickness medication. This gave 46 treatments with or without acupuncture, to be compared. In the instances where acupuncture had been given, there was a significant reduction in the need for further anti-sickness medication, and in episodes of vomiting. Patients’ acceptance of acupuncture was high.
(Acupuncture to Alleviate Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting in Paediatric Oncology – A Randomised Multicentre Crossover Trial. Klin Padiatr, Nov-Dec 2008.)
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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