Italian researchers have evaluated the benefits of acupuncture for period pain which has been resistant to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Fifteen women received acupuncture weekly for eight weeks, and were allowed to continue using painkillers as necessary. Pain was assessed at four points during the trial, including at three and six months afterwards. A substantial reduction in both pain and NSAID use was observed in 87% of the women. Average pain duration and intensity, were still more than 50% lower six months after treatment. Seven patients had no further symptoms at all, at six month follow-up.
(Acupuncture Treatment of Dysmenorrhea Resistant to Conventional Medical Treatment. Evidence Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine, June 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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