A 2004 study entitled “Acupuncture and Moxibustion in the Treatment of Active Crohn’s Disease: A Randomized Controlled Study” found that acupuncture improves Crohn’s disease, giving therapeutic benefit.
Background
Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) have been utilized to treat inflammatory bowel disease in China for decades. Now it is increasingly being used in Western countries. The goal of this study was to investigate whether acupuncture improves Crohn’s disease (CD).
Methods
The study was a prospective, randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial. It was primarily carried out to assess the change in the Crohn’s disease activity index (CDAI) after treatment. The secondary outcome measures included the changes in quality of life and general well-being, as well as serum markers of inflammation (α1-acid glycoprotein, C-reactive protein).
The participants included 51 patients with mild to moderate Crohn’s disease. They were treated in a single center for complementary medicine by three trained acupuncturists. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either traditional acupuncture (TCM group, n = 27) or control treatment at non-acupuncture points (control group, n = 24). Patients received 10 treatments over the course of 4 weeks and were followed up afterwards for an additional 12 weeks.
Results
In the acupuncture group the Crohn’s disease activity index decreased from 250 ± 51 to 163 ± 56 points. The control group mean decrease from 220 ± 42 to 181 ± 46 points. Both groups saw improvements in general well-being and quality of life. However the traditional acupuncture group experienced superior results regarding general well-being over the control treatment. In addition, α1-acid glycoprotein concentration fell significantly only in the acupuncture group.
Conclusions
The researchers concluded that traditional acupuncture offered therapeutic benefit in patients with mild to moderately active Crohn’s disease.
What To Expect
We treat a lot of Crohn’s patients at Raleigh Acupuncture. In our experience acupuncture improves Crohn’s disease, reducing inflammation within the intestines, limiting flares and decreasing pain. If you are curious to experience the benefits of acupuncture, come in for treatment. You will most likely feel improvement within the first 4 sessions.
Next Steps
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References
Journal: Digestion 2004;69:131–139. Authors: Joos S, Brinkhaus B, Maluche C, Maupai N, Kohnen R, Kraehmer N, Hahn E.G, Schuppan D.
https://doi.org/10.1159/000078151Joos
Keywords: Acupuncture, Complementary medicine, Crohn’s disease, Activity index, Inflammatory bowel disease, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Acupuncture Improves Crohn’s Disease
This research study affirms our own experience at Raleigh Acupuncture. Acupuncture improves Crohn’s disease, easing symptoms, reducing inflammation and improving quality of life. Come in and see for yourself. Treatments are natural and have no negative side effects.
What our Clients are Saying
I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease two years ago. I had fairly severe low abdominal pain and swelling, weight loss and really low energy. My doctor wanted to put me on steroids but I wanted to avoid that for as long as possible. I read that acupuncture could treat Crohn’s so I booked an appointment at Raleigh Acupuncture. Sure enough, the treatments eased my pain, resolved the swelling, and increased my energy. It’s been almost two years and I have yet to need steroids. Initially I got acupuncture twice a week, but after the first two months I have been on monthly maintenance treatments, and that seems to be holding me. I highly recommend Raleigh Acupuncture for Crohn’s treatment. They have made a huge difference in my life.
