Researchers studying the anti-inflammatory effects of acupuncture, have found significant changes in biochemical markers associated with treatment for osteoarthritis of the knees. The Chinese clinical trial enrolled 60 patients who were assigned to eight weeks of either acupuncture or electro-acupuncture. By the end of the treatment period, pain and joint function had significantly improved in both groups. Both treatment modes were associated with significant reductions in serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and cartilage degradation markers, plus significant increases in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-13.
(Effect of Electro-Acupuncture (EA) and Manual Acupuncture (MA) on Markers of Inflammation in Knee Osteoarthritis. Journal of Pain Research, 26 August 2020.)
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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