A 2015 autoimmune acupuncture research study concluded that patients diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome found increased health and significant relief of symptoms. The study, published in the Guangxi Medical Journal, found acupuncture effectively relieved fatigue, depression, and other symptoms associated with CFS.
Chronic Fatigue & Autoimmune Disease
Chronic fatigue syndrome is one of the most widespread autoimmune diseases, characterized by severe fatigue that does not improve with rest. Additional symptoms include memory loss, foggy brain, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, musculoskeletal pain, and headaches. The cause of chronic fatigue is poorly understood and may result from viral infections, stress, and other factors. This autoimmune acupuncture research study reveals that a particular type of acupuncture reduces symptoms and has an impressive recovery rate for chronic fatigue patients.
Conventional Versus Qihuan Acupuncture
The total effective and recovery rates were significant in both groups. However, Qihuan acupuncture produced a higher percentage of positive patient outcomes as part of the total effective rate. Conventional acupuncture produced an 81 percent total effective rate, while Qihuan acupuncture produced a 96 percent total effective rate.
Of forty-eight patients receiving Qihuan acupuncture, sixteen patients had a complete recovery. Researchers defined total recovery as a complete resolution of all symptoms, where patients could return to normal social and work life. In the group of forty-seven patients receiving conventional acupuncture, ten experienced total recovery.
What Is Qihuan Acupuncture?
Qihuan acupuncture, like conventional acupuncture, integrates several Chinese medicine principles. Qihuan acupuncture benefits the internal organs (referred to as Zang-Fu in Chinese medicine). In addition, Qihuan acupuncture benefits qi, alleviates depression, strengthens liver function, promotes blood circulation, and relieves heat and toxicity.
According to Chinese medicine principles, chronic fatigue syndrome and most other autoimmune diseases negatively impact the internal organs, including the spleen/stomach, liver, and kidneys. As a result, this autoimmune acupuncture research study concluded that Qihuan acupuncture was well-suited for treating chronic fatigue and other autoimmune conditions.
Qihuan Acupuncture Treatment
Qihuan acupuncture utilizes eight acupuncture needles in a half-inch radius around the navel inserted at a 45-degree angle forming a complete circle. You can visualize the acupoint locations at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock to the belly button (acupoint CV8) plus the areas halfway between each clock designation for a total of eight directions. The maximum needle depth was 0.8 inches, and the needle retention time was thirty minutes for each acupuncture treatment.
Patients in the autoimmune acupuncture research study received treatment twice a week for a total of ten acupuncture treatments, followed by a second round of ten treatments.
Conventional Acupuncture Treatment
The conventional acupuncture group received the following acupoints:
Pishuu, BL20
Ganshu, BL18
Shenshu, BL23
Shanzhong, CV17
Zusanli, ST36
Guanyuan, CV4
Baihui, DU20
Practitioners utilized additional acupuncture points as needed, based on differential diagnostics. For example, patients with spleen qi deficiency also received Taibai (SP3) and Sanyinjiao (SP6). Those struggling with insomnia received acupoints Shenmen (HT7) and Zhaohai (KD6). Treatment for patients with memory impairment included Yintang and Shuigou (DU26). And patients who had liver qi stagnation received Taichong (LV3) and Neiguan (PC6).
Autoimmune Acupuncture Research Conclusions
Qihuan acupuncture and conventional acupuncture achieved significant total effective rates. Qihuan acupuncture achieved optimal results with a 96 percent total effective rate. Impressively, Qihuan acupuncture achieved superior patient outcomes for the total recovery rate. As a result, the researchers recommended Qihuan acupuncture for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome.
Next Steps
Try acupuncture if you struggle with chronic fatigue syndrome or another autoimmune condition involving fatigue, muscle, and joint pain, headaches, anxiety, or depression. Acupuncture is safe, natural, and provides long-term relief for autoimmune conditions. In addition, treatment calms inflammation and strengthens internal organ function, helping the immune system return to balance.
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Reference
Li MK, Mo QL, He XF, Huang JJ, Zeng JR, Song N, Li J & Han HT. (2014). Effect of Acupuncture in Qi Huang Point of Chuang Medicine on Treatment of 48 Cases of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Guangxi Medical Journal. 36(12).
What our Clients are Saying
About six months ago I starting getting debilitating fatigue, to the point where I could not exercise and had to drag myself through the day at work. The doctors said it must be stress, because there was nothing wrong with me. But when I went to Raleigh Acupuncture, they said that my digestion was weak. They said I was not getting proper energy from the food I was eating, so they treated my digestive system. I was amazed to see my energy increase after the treatments. Within 10 treatments I was back to my old self, exercising again and working through the day no problem. And as a side benefit, I started losing weight. They said this was related to my improved digestive function. Now my friends want to go because they see my energy back and see me losing weight!
I am a long term patient of Raleigh Acupuncture. Prior to being under their care, I was disabled with terrible fatigue and pain all over my body. I was unable to drive, could only walk less than a block, and had numerous symptoms that mystified doctors. After countless lab work, x-rays, and MRI’s, several doctors including my primary physician told me that there was nothing that could be done. According to them, it was either an illness that was undiagnosable or it was all in my head. When I came to Raleigh Acupuncture, it was a breath of fresh air. They took me very seriously and were not mystified by my condition. They assured me that my condition was treatable and manageable. They treat me with respect, dignity and care; something that I didn’t receive at my primary care doctor. Thanks to their treatments I am now living a normal life. They have restored my health and taught me how to manage my condition. My family and friends can’t believe how much improvement I have made. My son is grateful to have his mommy back! And I am eternally grateful to Raleigh Acupuncture! They truly have the gift of healing!
I still am forever in your debt for helping me through the Lymes recovery. My body pain and fatigue were overwhelming before getting acupuncture. I still tell everyone today that I am 100% positive that my recovery was a direct result of your expert care. Truly. I have very little residual effects from the disease that I can easily live with. So again,thank you not only for your amazing skills, but for the compassion and kindness that you showed me during that time.