This 2008 lupus acupuncture research study was entitled, “Acupuncture for systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot RCT feasibility and safety study”. It found that acupuncture was effective in relieving pain and improving quality of life in patients diagnosed with lupus.
Lupus Acupuncture Research Objective
The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of studying acupuncture in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to pilot test the safety and explore benefits of a standardized acupuncture protocol designed to reduce pain and fatigue.
Participants
Twenty-four patients with SLE were randomly assigned to receive 10 sessions of either acupuncture, minimal needling or usual care.
Methods
Pain, fatigue and SLE disease activity were assessed at the beginning of the study and following the last sessions. Safety was evaluated at each session. Fifty-two patients were initially screened to enroll 24 eligible and interested participants. Although transient side effects, such as brief needling pain and lightheadedness, were reported, no serious adverse events were associated with either the acupuncture or minimal needling procedures.
Results
Twenty-two participants completed the lupus acupuncture research study, and the majority (85%) of acupuncture and minimal needling participants were able to complete their treatments within the specified time period of 5–6 weeks. 40% of patients who received acupuncture or minimal needling had greater than 30% improvement on standard measures of pain, but no usual care patients showed improvement in pain.
Conclusions
A ten-session course of acupuncture appears feasible and safe for patients with SLE. Benefits were similar for acupuncture and minimal needling.
Discussion
While this was a preliminary lupus acupuncture research study, it provides useful information about the safety and benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of Lupus. The reason patients felt a reduction of pain with acupuncture, and no reduction in the control group, is that acupuncture improves blood circulation to the muscles and organs in the body. Improved circulation enhances the body’s own healing capacity, resulting in improved health, reduction of pain, and increased energy.
Acupuncture will not “cure” lupus or any other autoimmune condition. But it will improve the patient’s health and quality of life. Mood is also improved with acupuncture. You cannot help but feel better emotionally when your pain levels decrease, sleep quality improves and energy levels increase.
More quality research studies need to be performed on just how acupuncture improves lupus and other autoimmune conditions. Until then, patients will have to rely on the limited research studies available (like this lupus acupuncture research study) and word of mouth referrals.
Next Steps
Feel free to call us to discuss your lupus condition. At Raleigh Acupuncture we have treated many lupus patients. The Chinese medicine approach to treating lupus involves restoring balance to the body. All disease reflects imbalance. While we cannot cure the disease, we can enhance your body’s ability to manage it, resulting in less pain, more energy, better sleep and improved mood.
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Lupus Study References
Greco, C., Kao, A., Maksimowicz-McKinnon, K., Glick, R., Houze, M., Sereika, S., … Manzi, S. (2008). Acupuncture for systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot RCT feasibility and safety study. Lupus, 17(12), 1108–1116. https://doi.org/10.1177/0961203308093921
What our Clients are Saying
I was diagnosed with Lupus five years ago. In the past year I developed more fatigue and pain in my joints. My sister recommended acupuncture, so I searched online and saw that Raleigh Acupuncture treated Lupus. I’ve been happy with the results. I have less pain and a lot more energy. If you have lupus I recommend Raleigh Acupuncture.
