Researchers discovered evidence supporting the use of acupuncture to treat symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD), as documented in the 2015 edition of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. FD is a chronic disorder interfering with the normal, downward action caused by the muscles in the esophagus, stomach and small intestine, initiated after eating. This important action is what drives food and drink through the digestive tract.
The study, entitled "Acupuncture for Functional Dyspepsia: A Single Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial," focused on the symptoms of postprandial fullness (internal sensations felt just after eating), early satiety, epigastric pain, and epigastric burning. The mental status and general quality of life for the study participants were also studied. Many FD patients experience anxiety and depression as a result of their medical condition.
For the study, participants joined either the treatment group or the control group. Those in the treatment group received real acupuncture three times a week for one month. The control group patients also received acupuncture for the same amount of time; however, their needles were not administered at the site of points specific to their conditions.
At the end of the trial, the treatment group reported statistically significant improvements in their signs and symptoms of FD. They also scored higher on their quality of life and mental status scores. Additionally, in follow-up evaluations up to three months later, they still fared much better in all areas when compared to their control group counterparts.
Source:
Jin Y, Zhao Q, Zhou K, et al. Acupuncture for Functional Dyspepsia: A Single Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : eCAM. 2015;2015:904926. doi:10.1155/2015/904926. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4534622/
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About the Author: Vanessa Vogel Batt, L.Ac., MSTOM, studied at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine, and practiced acupuncture and Oriental medicine in New York for several years. Vanessa enjoys traveling the world, and has published articles on acupuncture and Oriental medicine and related health topics for websites and publications in both the U.S. and abroad.
