Wirksamkeit der Akupunktur bei der Therapie von idiopathischen Schmeckstörungen: Eine randomisierte Placebo-kontrollierte Studie

Background

At present, the state-of-the-art medication in treating idiopathic taste disorder (gustatory dysfunction) is zinc. If zinc medication was unsuccessful, not tolerated or if it is contraindicated the persons affected can hardly be helped.

Objectives

In a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial an attempt was made to determine the efficacy of acupuncture.

Methods

The treatment group was treated with acupuncture needles, the placebo group with an inactive acupuncture-laser. Endpoints of the study were changes in the taste test, the quality of life and the severity of symptoms of depression (BDI) as well as mood changes (ZMS). Satisfaction with the success of the respective therapy was also evaluated. Data were collected before and after therapy and again for the treatment group 10 weeks after completion of the treatment period.

Findings

Treatment with real acupuncture showed a significant improvement in gustatory function as well as a significant improvement in psychological symptoms. Greater satisfaction with the treatment results was evident in the treatment group. The treatment results of acupuncture remained stable over a period of ten weeks after completion of the treatment.

Conclusion

Acupuncture was effective in the therapy of idiopathic taste disorders and therefore it is an effective alternative when zinc medication is not tolerated or unsuccessful. But it is also suitable as a therapy of first choice. Acupuncture can be considered as an extension of the therapeutic spectrum in the difficult treatment of taste disorders.     

Diagnose: Stottern

Background

Stuttering in childhood is a well-known and common problem which responds well to logopedic treatment. If the opportunity for speech therapy is missed or turns out a failure, stuttering will remain a constant problem for adults, reducing quality of life and lacking possibilities to cure.

Objective

In this case report of a 34 year-old woman who has stuttered since childhood it will be discussed if acupuncture can sufficiently improve this speech impairment.

Methods

In literature, there are only a few reports of successful treatment of stuttering in adults. In this case report, classic TCM acupuncture was administered in combination with Japanese Yamamoto's New Scalp Acupuncture (YNSA).

Results

For professional reasons, the patient had to take an oral test which would have been an impossible task before acupuncture. After 25 sessions of acupuncture once a week she underwent her exam and passed with almost no speech difficulties. On the visual analogue scale (from 0 to 10) she showed improvement of more then 70 percent (8,0 before acupuncture, 2,8 afterwards).

Conclusions

Stuttering in adulthood is a rare, but grave problem. In this individual case, acupuncture administered according to the tenets of TCM in combination with YNSA could improve the condition and subsequently, the patient's quality of life.     

Akupunktur – eine neue Option in der Behandlung traumatisierter Bundeswehrsoldaten?

Introduction

Acupuncture as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine offers an option in the treatment of psychiatric disorders in addition to pharmaco- and physiotherapy.

Aims

To gain first results on subjective effects of acupuncture therapy in Bundeswehr soldiers who have suffered psychological trauma.

Methods

In this pilot study 27 psychiatric inpatients of a Bundeswehr hospital received an acupuncture therapy according to a main treatment scheme (with varying additional points) and were evaluated with respect to five psycho-vegetative parameters. Changes were measured with subjective rating scales.

Results

Positive effects on sleep disturbances, restlessness, agitation, nervousness and aggression were reported. Sleep disturbances improved significantly more than the other symptoms (exept restlessness), the effect was depending on treatment duration.

Discussion

Acupuncture appears to be a therapeutic option in the therapy of sleep disturbance and other psycho-vegetative symptoms in traumatized soldiers. Additional controlled studies should be performed.     

Akupunktur-Therapie eines dissoziativen Mutismus,einer psychogenen Aphonie

Background

A 49-year old female patient was referred to us. Two weeks ago and all of a sudden she had lost her ability to speak after waking up in the morning. Somatic diagnostics showed no pathological results.

Aim

Regain ability to speak.

Method

Acupuncture, in combination with hypnotherapy and speech therapy.

Result

Regained ability to speak.

Conclusion

Acupuncture may serve as an adjuvant treatment for psychogenic aphonia.     

Appetitmangel/Ernährungsstörung im Kindesalter: Klinisches Zeichen eines Milz-Qi-Mangels und seine Behandlung mit Ein-Punkt-Akupunktur

Background

Lack of appetite in young children is a symptom often encountered in pediatric practice. Acute incidents within the course of or shortly after an infection as well as chronic forms – so called “bad eaters” – are a well-known phenomenon. Chinese medicine sees these symptoms as signs of spleen qi deficiency and suggests a therapeutic approach by strengthening the spleen.

Objectives

The study investigates the impact of the acupuncture treatment of Sp 6 on the lack of appetite in young children. Results after 1-5 treatment sessions were rated by the parents subjectively describing the effect as excellent, good, moderate, or no effect.

Methods

In a multicentre trial in Germany and Switzerland children at the age of 10 weeks up to 5 years (n = 42) were treated with needle (n = 35) and laser acupuncture (n = 7) at acupoint Spleen 6. The needling technique used was tonifying at one (n = 7) or both sides (n = 28) for approx. 4 seconds and then removing the needle immediately. Laser acupuncture was applied to both sides with 630 nm and 0,1–0,2 Joule at each point which equals 20–40 seconds at 5 mW.

Results

Needle acupuncture as well as laser acupuncture at Sp 6 has a positive impact on the appetite of children, according to their parents' observations.

Discussion

Acupuncture of Sp 6 seems to be an advisable therapeutic approach in children with lack of appetite, resembling a cost and time-effective, safe option that could even be performed by non-acupuncturists, especially since there is no alternative treatment in western medicine and since the technique is easy to be acquired. The good results encourage even a single-point therapy. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings.     

YNSA im Kontext zu anderen MAPS: – 3 Fallbeispiele über Patienten mit Schmeck- und Riechstörungen unterschiedlicher Genese

Background

During the first German Acupuncture Congress in May 2007, various methods of therapy for gustatory and olfactory dysfunctions were discussed. The aim of this case report is to investigate the efficacy of YNSA in the treatment of such disorders.As these disorders also affect the area of head and neck, it is of interest whether the results can be influenced by additional acupuncture of the ventral lymph belt as described by Gleditsch.

Objectives

Therapy of gustatory and olfactory disorders, improving quality of life

Methods

Three patients with gustatory and olfactory dysfunctions of different etiology were treated with YNSA. During the first five sessions, they only received acupuncture on the 9^th and 10^th cerebral nerve points. In the course of five further sessions, other YNSA-points were added according to the findings conceived through the various diagnostic means employed in YNSA (Hegu-test, neck- and abdominal pressure test). During the last five sessions, needling of the ventral lymph belt according to Gleditsch was added.Successful treatment consisted of an improvement of the sense of taste and/or smell and quality of life, and was quantified using a scale from 1 to 10 (1 = minor improvement, 10 = maximum improvement or complete restitution).

Results

In all patients, treatment with YNSA lead to a clear improvement of gustatory and olfactory functions, as well as of quality of life.Acupuncture of the ventral lymph belt in all three cases additionally benefitted the outcome

Conclusion

YNSA is an effective treatment in the therapy of gustatory and olfactory dysfunctions. With additional acupuncture of the ventral lymph belt as described by Gleditsch additional improvement could be achieved     

Beim apoplektischen Insult nicht nur Bewegungsstörungen mit YNSA behandeln - Fallbericht

Background

An 85-year old patient suffered her third apoplectic stroke in spite of anticoagulant therapy she was administered due to atrial fibrillation. The ischemia occurred in the region of the anterior and medial cerebral arteries. Three weeks later, still in hospital, the patient suffered a subcortical cerebral hemorrhage on the right temporal side. In consequence of this acute event, she showed a flaccid paralysis of the left side of the body, dysarthria, and a severe case of dysphagia. The disability to swallow lead to an aspiration with a consecutive pneumonia, which was treated and cured in hospital within a few days. At time of release, the patient was able to take in pulpy food, but she was unable to swallow. She could walk with the help of two nurses, but her speech defect and a depression remained unchanged.

Aim

It seemed unlikely to recover from dysphagia with the help of conventional therapy, but the aim was for the patient to be able to swallow pulp food by the spoonful. Mobility and mood should improve, and the ability to speak should be positively influenced.

Method

Twice a week the patient received YNSA during a home visit. After half an hour, the patient´s daughter removed the needles. She also took note of any change in the condition of her mother.

Results

After three months of treatment, the patient was able to swallow two spoonfuls of semolina porridge. After four months of needling, a noticeable improvement of speech was achieved as in that short sentences became understandable. Six months after discharge from the hospital, patient had regained her ability to swallow. First the patient had to use a feeding cup. Later on, she was able to drink out of a drinking glass. Three months later the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy could be removed. Depression improved, the postural control was according to age.

Conclusion

In post stroke rehabilitation, YNSA can improve more than movement disorders.     

Schlafstörung als Folge einer Radiatio bei Prostatakarzinom – Falldarstellung und Expertenmeinungen

A male patient in his seventies had received acupuncture for more than ten years due to recurrent sinusitis. When calling this time, he asked for alleviation from sleep disorders after radiotherapy. He was under cortisol treatment, so the question came up if acupuncture might be successful again.     

HMI Auricular Trauma Protocol: An Acupuncture Approach for Trauma Spectrum Symptoms

This article describes a six-point auricular acupuncture protocol to influence the neuroanatomical and psychoemotional targets of trauma. This protocol can be used immediately or years following the noxious experience. The article addresses the rationale for combining these points, their locations, and methods of stimulation, as well as briefly discussing anecdotal experience in military and civilian populations. The protocol is presented as a simple and safe intervention of potential value for addressing the multiple manifestations of the trauma spectrum.     

Fallbericht: Patientin mit Schlafstörung

Background

Since the onset of her menopause about ten years ago, a sixty-year old patient has been suffering from hot flashes and sleep disorders causing her to become increasingly anxious and nervous. As the patient's mother had died of breast cancer, substitution of hormones was not advisable. Relaxation methods such as Yoga and Autogenic Training could only mildly alleviate the symptoms.

Objective

To effectively treat the sleep disorder, improve quality of life, lessen frequency and severity of hot flashes

Methods

Weekly sessions with ear- and body acupuncture for ten weeks

Results

After the third acupuncture session the patient reported a decrease of nightly waking episodes but suffered from acute pain in the neck as well as shoulder region. After nine therapy sessions, the patient reported a 50% decrease of nightly waking episodes. The hot flashes, however, remained unchanged.

Discussion

In this case, acupuncture significantly improved the patient's sleeping disorder. It also reduced the symptoms of anxiety and nervousness. Other menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and dryness of mucous tissues, could not be influenced.     

Insomnie

Background

Sleep disorders are very common in European countries, but literature differs regarding exact numbers. Over 50 % of the patients receiving acupuncture in the outpatient clinic of a general hospital in Vienna report to have sleeping problems. Rarely, patients receive acupuncture primarily as a means of treating their sleep disorder.

Objective

To determine whether acupuncture is a sufficient means to treat sleep disorders, by discussing a case report.

Methods

The case history of a male patient with sleep disorder is discussed by an experienced acupuncturist who then devises a treatment program of acupuncture points. Subsequently, the practical treatment is described. A general review of sleep disorders in medical literature and a short compilation of previously unreleased statistical data of the acupuncture clinic in Vienna conclude the article.

Results

The patient described in this case report received ear- and body acupuncture according to TCM. Not only sleep, but also his moderate hypertension improved after the first three treatments.

Discussion

The combination of ear- and body acupuncture can successfully be used to treat patients with insomnia or other sleeping disorders.     

Die Rolle der Traditionellen Ostasiatischen Medizin bei Opfern der Erdbeben-Tsunami-Katastrophe im März 2011 in Japan

The Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami disaster that occurred on March 11, 2011 seriously destroyed Japanese social activities the medical system included. We provided medical support to the damaged area, and mainly performed Oriental medicine. Traditional methods using physical diagnoses and the treatments with herbs, acupuncture, and massage were effective, where any infrastructure had suffered or any modern medical facilities had been destroyed. Acute phase infectious disease, common colds, and hypothermia were dominant. Allergies increased two weeks later, and there was much mental distress, and chronic pain symptoms one month later. We prescribed Kampo herbal medicines for common colds, hypothermia, allergies, and mental distress. Moreover, we also performed acupuncture and kneaded patients' body to reduce pain, stiffness, and edema. These treatments were effective for both physical and mental distress. Thus we believe that Oriental medicine is valuable in disaster situations.     

Laser-Akupunktur bei frühkindlichem Autismus

Report on a six-year-old patient with atypical autism, who can not articulate enough to be understood well and suffers from sleep disorders and lack of concentration. At times he gets quite irritable with his classmates and teachers. The laser acupuncture shows significant improvement after a few sessions only, particularly regarding the language problem.     

RESEARCH SITUATION AND PROSPECTS OF MODERN ELECTROACUPUNCTURE DEVICE

To analyze the research situation of electroacupuncture(EA) device, providing the basis for national standards and international standards of EA instrument.The information about modern EA device was collected by literature study and questionnaire survey.We put forward to improve the program of the traditional pulse EA device, to increase the output display device, such as symmetric pulse wave and improved circuit suitable for magnetic resonance technology.EA device would have more predictive function and intelligent direction.It would change from a single pulse electrical stimulation signals to analog acupuncture manipulation and transformation of biological signals.There is a necessity to develop EA devices with national standards and international standards.     

Akupunktur bei idiopathischer peripherer Fazialisparese beidseits

Background

A 45 year old patient was hospitalized with a case of bilateral idiopathic Bell's palsy and initially received high-dose steroid therapy. After four days, the Patient was discharged without any detectable improvement in status. He then received acupuncture.

Objectives

As the patient was unable to make telephone calls, an improvement of articulation had top priority. The therapy also aimed at the restoration of lid occlusion to prevent desiccation of the eyes and enable the patient to take off the watch glass bandage.

Method

: Initially, the patient received two treatments per day followed by a pause of two days due to the weekend. During the following week, the patient received one treatment per day from Monday to Friday. The treatment consisted of acupuncture as well as cupping.

Results

After seven therapy sessions, the symptoms had completely disappeared.

Conclusion

Early-onset therapy of idiopathic Bell's palsy by means of acupuncture and cupping can lead to successful results even under continued use of steroids.     

Chronisches Seromucotympanon bei einem Dreijährigen: Behandlung mit Laserakupunktur und Ernährungsumstellung

Background

A 3-year old patient suffering from chronic otitis media of the left ear, and susceptibility to infections. A year ago, the boy suffered from bacterial meningitis due to inflammation of the middle ear. An operation (paracentesis) of the chronic hydromyrinx is scheduled to take place in about three months after a conservative therapeutic attempt. The patient is deaf on the right side, most probably since birth.

Aim

Reducing the number of infections, especially of the left middle ear, and possibly to prevent the operation.

Method

Ten sessions of laser acupuncture, dietary change, symbiosis control.

Result

Improvement of hearing back to normal.

Conclusion

Laser acupuncture in combination with changing of diet habits has proven to be an effective integrative method to treat a chronic infection of the middle ear.     

“山幕针”——一种双盲安慰针装置的设计与实践

为临床针刺双盲对照试验提供切实可行且科学的安慰针装置——"山幕针"。其特征是,真/假针具皆由毫针、针管及底座组成,假针具底座下端开口完全封闭,使毫针针尖无法与皮肤接触,从而不产生任何轻微刺激,而外形又与真针具完全相同。假针具内置的填充物可以模拟腧穴内软组织,同时结合试验前暗示诱导,起到降低破盲风险的作用,使针刺双盲试验成为可能。     

多功能骨伤护理装置的研制与临床应用

报告了一种用于稳定骨盆环、预防骶尾部褥疮、解决床上大便难等护理难题的多功能骨伤护理装置。该装置用不锈钢材料制作龙门架,在龙门架一侧安装两个吊线卷绕器,并设有手动摇柄,分别用2根牵拉线与升降线相连,通过定滑轮改变受力和转动方向,并与提拉装置相连,将病人的骨盆升降到所需的位置。经临床对照观察证明该装置在稳定骨盆环、缓解疼痛、预防骶尾部褥疮和解决床上大便问题方面有显著效果(P<0.01)。认为多功能骨伤护理装置设计合理,制作精良,操作简便灵活,能减少病人痛苦,节省护士的人力与体力,使护理与治疗一举两得,有推广应用价值。     

中药配合推按运经仪治疗泌尿系统结石120例

采用推按运经仪配合中药排石汤、黄体酮治疗泌尿系统结石120例,与同期单独运用推按运经仪治疗的80例进行对比观察。结果表明,运经仪配合排石汤的疗效明显优于单纯运经仪的疗效。     

Patientin mit diversen vegetativen Beschwerden seit der Strumektomie

Background

Since her strumectomy two years ago, a 56 year old female patient has suff ered from sleep disorder, exhaustion, fl uctuation of blood pressure and palpitations. Family problems constitute an additional burden for the patient. The substitution of thyroxin and additional psychotherapy has not been able to improve the patient's status.

Objective

Improvement of sleep and stress tolerance, dehabituation from nicotine

Methods

Beside drugs and psychotherapy we used needle acupuncture. In the acupuncture outpatient service, patients usually receive one treatment per week over a period of ten weeks. Following this period, the patient received an ear acupuncture treatment with permanent needles to help her stop smoking.

Results

Improvement of the patient's general condition after the 4th treatment, VAS (0–10) before acupuncture 9,3. VAS at the end of treatment: 2,8.

Discussion

The improvement of her general condition gave the patient the feeling of “being reborn”. After considerable reluctance at the beginning of therapy, she gladly accepted the off ering of an additional intervention to help her stop smoking after the tenth treatment.