Evidence-Based References for Acupuncture

Chronic Pain (e.g., Fibromyalgia, Arthritis)

Reference:

• Araya-Quintanilla, F., et al. (2022). "Effects of Acupuncture Versus Placebo on Clinical Status and Potential Specific Effects in Fibromyalgia: An Umbrella Review of 11 Meta-Analyses." Pain Medicine, 23(5), 848-859.View Study

• Zhang, Z., et al. (2023). "The efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for sciatica: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." Frontiers in Neurology, 14, Article 1150300.View Study

Neuropathy

Reference:

• Dimitrova, A., Murchison, C., & Oken, B. (2017). "Acupuncture for the Treatment of Peripheral Neuropathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(3), 164-179.
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Mental Health (e.g., Anxiety, PTSD)

Reference:

• Zhang, Z. J., et al. (2010). "Acupuncture for the Treatment of Depression and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Affective Disorders, 122(3), 253-260.
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Fertility

Reference:

• Xu, J. Y., et al. (2021). "Acupuncture for Female Infertility: Discussion on Action Mechanism and Application." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, Article ID 6662031.
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Alzheimer's Disease

Reference:

• Chen, Z., et al. (2021). "A Review on Traditional Chinese Medicine Natural Products and Acupuncture Intervention for Alzheimer’s Disease Based on the Neuroinflammatory Pathway." Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, 653651.
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Stroke 

Reference:

• Long, Y. B., & Wu, X. P. (2012). "A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Acupuncture in Treating Dysphagia in Patients with a Stroke." Acupuncture in Medicine, 30(4).
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• Liu, Y., et al. (2023). "Comparative efficacy and safety of multiple acupuncture therapies for post-stroke cognitive impairment: A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials." Frontiers in Neurology, 14, Article 1218095. View Study

Digestive Disorders (e.g., IBS, IBD)

Reference:

• Manheimer, E., et al. (2012). "Acupuncture for Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (5).
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Cancer Support

Reference:

• Garcia, M. K., et al. (2013). "Acupuncture for Pain Management in Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Journal of Clinical Oncology, 31(7), 952-960.
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• de Valois, B., et al. (2022). "Acupuncture in cancer care: Recommendations for safe practice." Integrative Cancer Therapies, 21, Article 15347354221100993. View Study

Headache

Reference:

• Melchart, D., et al. (2001). "Acupuncture for Idiopathic Headache." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1).
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Menopause-Related Symptoms

Reference:

• Chiu, H. Y., et al. (2015). "Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Alleviating Menopausal Hot Flashes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials." Journal of the North American Menopause Society, 22(3), 234-244.
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Parkinson's

Reference:

• Tan, W., et al. (2024). "Efficacy and safety of acupuncture therapy for neuropsychiatric symptoms among patients with Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis." Clinical Rehabilitation, 38(2), Article 1258278. View Study

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