Fibroid acupuncture research from 2019 confirmed acupuncture’s benefits in treating uterine fibroids. Researchers from Anshan Tumor Hospital in Liaoning, China, compared two groups.
Group One received acupuncture and herbal medicine and had a 94% reduction of fibroids. Group Two received steroids and herbal medicine without acupuncture and experienced an 82% fibroid decrease. Both groups showed significant improvements, but Group One with acupuncture achieved superior patient outcomes.
Herbs & Medications
Participants in both groups received a modification of the herbal formula Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang. Group Two, the control group, also received mifepristone, a synthetic steroid. Group One, which included acupuncture, experienced a more significant reduction in fibroid volume and fewer adverse effects.
Study Participants
Sixty-eight women participated in this fibroid acupuncture research study. All had a clinical diagnosis of uterine fibroids. Investigators randomly assigned them to either Group One, the acupuncture group (herbal medicine, acupuncture), or Group Two, the control group (drug, herbal medicine).
The mean age in the acupuncture group was 39.3 years, with a mean duration of disease of 2.1 months. In the control group, the mean age was 40.4 years, with an average disease duration of 2.6 months. Investigators found no statistically significant differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups.
Inclusion Criteria
Participants had to meet the diagnostic criteria for uterine fibroids and provide informed consent to participate for inclusion in the study. Exclusion criteria included significant organ disease, other concurrent medical conditions, or psychological and cognitive impairment.
Fibroid Acupuncture Research Treatment
Participants in both groups received a modified version of the classic Chinese herbal formula Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang, traditionally used to resolve blood stasis and relieve pain. The formula included the following herbs:
- Gan Jiang 10g
- Yan Hu Suo 10g
- Mo Yao 10g
- Chuan Xiong 10g
- Rou Gui 10g
- Chi Shao 10g
- Pu Huang 10g
- Wu Ling Zhi 10g
- Xiao Hui Xiang 9g
- Dang Gui 12g
Practitioners added additional herbs based on each patient’s pattern diagnosis. They included:
- Huang Qi
- Dang Shen
- Yi Mu Cao
- Qing Pi
The study participants received the herbs twice a day, in the morning and evening, for three months.
Acupuncture Treatment for Uterine Fibroids
For the acupuncture group, practitioners used the following acupoints in their treatments:
- Guanyuan (CV4)
- Zigong (MCA18)
- Qihai (CV6)
- Zhongji (CV3)
- Xuehai (SP10)
- Zusanli (ST36)
- Sanyinjiao (SP6)
- Hegu (LI4)
- Neiguan (PC6)
All needles were sterile and single-use. Following insertion, practitioners manipulated the needles to elicit an achy sensation in the surrounding area – a technique called activating the Qi. This ancient technique provides maximum beneficial results. The acupuncturists administered 30-minute treatments every day, except during menstruation, for three months.
Medication Treatment for Control Group
Researchers prescribed a daily dose of mifepristone (25 mg) to the control group (Group Two) for three months. Participants were not allowed to eat any food for two hours following the medication administration.
Outcomes and Discussion
Outcome measures for the fibroids acupuncture research study included:
- Fibroid volume pre and post-treatment.
- Total clinical symptom effective rate.
- Adverse side effects.
Before treatment began, the average fibroid sizes were similar in both groups. However, Group One saw a more significant reduction in mean fibroid volumes post-treatment than Group Two.
Investigators classified each case as recovered, markedly effective, effective, or ineffective to calculate the total clinical success rates.
- Recovered – Patients experienced full resolution of fibroids and complete improvement in clinical signs and symptoms.
- Markedly effective – Participants had at least a 50% reduction in fibroid volume with clear improvements in clinical signs and symptoms.
- Effective – Patients experienced some (less than 50%) reduction in fibroid volume and some improvement in clinical signs and symptoms.
- Ineffective – Participants had no improvement in uterine fibroid reduction or symptom relief following treatment.
Investigators derived the total effective rate for each group by adding up the first three classification groups.
Results
The acupuncture group had 19 recovered, 9 markedly effective, 4 effective, and 2 ineffective cases, providing a total effective rate of 94.1%. Alternatively, the control group experienced 11 recovered, 7 markedly effective, 9 effective, and 6 ineffective cases, resulting in a total effective rate of 82.0%. Group One achieved more significant improvements.
Adverse Side Effects
Investigators monitored adverse effects in the two groups throughout the fibroid acupuncture research study. Reported adverse effects included:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Headaches
The acupuncture group reported 2 adverse effects compared with 7 in the control group.
Study Conclusions
This study indicates that acupuncture combined with Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang provides a viable treatment option for patients with uterine fibroids.
Next Steps
At Raleigh Acupuncture, we have good results treating uterine fibroids with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.
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Reference
Li Si Ning (2019) “Clinical analysis of acupuncture combined with Shao Fu Zhu Yu Decoction in the treatment of uterine fibroids” Guide of China Medicine Vol.17 (7) pp.161-162.
Focus Keyphrase: fibroids acupuncture research
What our Clients are Saying
I had heavy menstrual bleeding that would not stop. I was diagnosed with uterine fibroids. Medications did not stop the bleeding and I was leery to have an invasive procedure, so I tried acupuncture. With herbs and acupuncture, they stopped the bleeding within two weeks. Treatment over three months got rid of the fibroids. I will continue coming once a month to make sure I don’t develop any more fibroids in the future. The treatments also regulated my period! Extra bonus. I recommend Raleigh Acupuncture. I trust them.
These guys are great. 2 fibroids completely gone after a series of treatments. No more pain, no more bleeding, no side effects because no medications. I’m sold on acupuncture!
I came to Raleigh Acupuncture in desperation. My GYN told me I had three large fibroids in my uterus and abdomen. I knew there was something wrong because I was having abdominal pain all the time and always looked and felt bloated. She said that because of their size they would have to be surgically removed. I did not want surgery and also did not want the risk of needing a hysterectomy. I looked into medical options and read about acupuncture. My cousin had been to Raleigh Acupuncture and recommended them. So I tried it. All I can say is that the fibroids have now shrunk to the point where there is no longer discomfort and my GYN says there is no need to remove them surgically. It’s a bit of a mystery to me how they did it, but my acupuncture doctor says they treat this quite frequently with a high rate of success. Moving forward I will have my GYN keep track of any fibroids. If they return or new ones develop I will get them treated with acupuncture. I highly recommend this practice for the treatment of fibroids. I feel very lucky that I sought out this option before getting surgery.