I’m sure you’re itching to know…is it true that acupuncture relieves itching? The answer is YES! At Raleigh Acupuncture we have great success treating itching. We use a combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, and it works wonders. A new study in the journal “Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine” supports our experience.
New Itching Research
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis and found acupuncture effective for reducing the intensity of itch related conditions like eczema, rashes and hives. Acupuncture successfully reduced itching in cases of dermatological disorders and systemic diseases.
Researchers noted that the antipruritic (anti-itch) effect brought about by acupuncture may have something to do with acupuncture’s regulatory effects on brain signaling. The research team noted that acupuncture’s ability to reduce itching correlates with its ability to calm the brain.
The data compared acupuncture with antihistamines and also with placebo (fake) acupuncture. Only true acupuncture induced brain responses correlating with itch reduction.
The researchers also noted that acupuncture relieves itching when applied to affected or related dermatomes (nerve pathways). They said this may be due to it’s ability to regulate nerve receptors associated with kappa-opioid receptor activity.
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we also find that acupuncture reduces itching, as well as burning and pain, along dermatomes. For example, we see this when treating shingles, where patients often feel itching and burning along nerve pathways on their bodies.
Scientists Told To Pay More Attention To Acupuncture!
All studies reviewed in the meta-analysis were related to clinical trials. All trials were randomized with controls. No case reports or animal studies were admitted for review. The researchers noted that medical scientists “should pay more attention to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture on itching.”
The researchers also suggested additional randomized controlled trials comparing true acupuncture with placebo acupuncture and medications to verify the results. The researchers noted, “In conclusion, our systematic review suggests that acupuncture is effective for ameliorating itch intensity in itch-related diseases.”
Additional Research on Itch and Acupuncture
Related research finds that acupuncture relieves itching. It “significantly reduced type I hypersensitivity itch in patients with AD (atopic dermatitis).” Acupuncture outperformed drug therapy for itch reduction. The study was carefully constructed with a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled design.
Acupuncture was compared with medication therapy and placebo controls plus non-treatment controls. While medications were effective, acupuncture was more effective at resolving itch. Acupuncture achieved better patient outcomes than the use of medicines (antihistamines).
Acupuncture Relieves Itching
If you suffer from itching, try acupuncture. It’s safe and highly effective.
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.
WATCH VIDEO ABOUT OUR ITCHING TREATMENT.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OTHER SKIN CONDITIONS WE TREAT.
References:
“Efficacy of Acupuncture in Itch: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Randomized Controlled Trials.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2015 (2015).
Acupuncture relieves itching. For more information check out our “Itching Treatment” page.
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What our Clients are Saying
For the past three years I have suffered from whole body itching. I had every type of test imaginable, but doctors found nothing wrong. They put me on antidepressants, but that did not help. I found raleigh acupuncture on the web. I can not describe exactly what they did, but I can tell you that it helped. My itching is so much better. I am very grateful for their work. I feel it’s saved my life.
When I get stressed my arms start to itch. It gets so bad that I can bleed from the scratching. It’s embarrassing and very painful. My cousin told me about acupuncture and I went to Raleigh Acupuncture. They totally helped my itching problem. I can’t believe it. They said in order to help the itching they also had to make me less stressed. Well, they were right. Now I feel less stressed. But even when I do get stressed, my arms don’t itch. This treatment is fantastic. I told my whole family about it. Now they go there for their problems too. Thank you!!
I developed eczema as a child and have managed the condition for years with steroid creams. Recently my stress level went up from a work situation, and the itching became intolerable. The creams didn’t help and I was desperate. Research online led me to Raleigh Acupuncture. They treated the itching by reducing my eczema. It worked better than the cream ever did. I wish I had done this 15 years ago, as my skin and itching is 90% better.
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