This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of acupuncture for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: acupuncture, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or a waiting list as control. Patients were assessed at the start and end of treatment, and again at a follow-up appointment after three months. Acupuncture was shown to provide large treatment benefits, similar to CBT, with improvements for both maintained three months later. The authors conclude that acupuncture may be efficacious for reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety. They say the research design used in this study, which compares real-world treatment options, has considerable potential for informing clinical decision making.
(Acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder – A randomized controlled pilot trial. Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease, June 2007.)
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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