Drs Martin & Sue Allbright

'Blending an ancient medical approach of mind and body with modern health'

Acupuncture Research

Structure

Density

Rigidity

Evidence

We would like to share with you our personal view, beliefs and approach about the research that is presented on these pages.

We both value the research of modern science and the many developments that have been discovered.

We also value the depth of wisdom and knowledge of traditional and classical five element acupuncture, which integrates the many aspects of body and mind.

We acknowledge the information gained from research, and we endevaour to use it where appropriate when meeting the needs of an individual who is suffering in health.

We hope later to share more information on the five elements of acupuncture.

Classical Acupuncture

This site was last updated on

18th March 2020

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Fatigue - Cancer related

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided in this site is accurate. It is not the intention to mislead or misinform anyone.

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(2017) Effects of acupuncture on cancer-related fatigue (CRF) : a meta-analysis

'Conclusions: Acupuncture is effective for CRF management and should be recommended as a beneficial alternative therapy for CRF patients, particularly for breast cancer patients and those currently undergoing anti-cancer treatment.'

Zhang, Y., Lin, L., Li, H. et al. Effects of acupuncture on cancer-related fatigue: a meta-analysis. Support Care Cancer (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-017-3955-6

(2017) Acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue in lung cancer patients: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial.

'Twenty-eight patients presenting with CRF were randomly assigned to active acupuncture or placebo acupuncture groups to receive acupoint stimulation (LI-4, Ren-6, St-36, KI-3, and Sp-6) twice per week for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks of follow-up. The primary outcome was the change in intensity of CFR based on the Chinese version of the Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI-C). As the secondary endpoint, the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Lung Cancer Subscale (FACT-LCS) was adopted to assess the influence of acupuncture on patients’ quality of life (QOL). Adverse events and safety of treatments were monitored throughout the trial.

Results. Our pilot study demonstrated feasibility among patients with appropriate inclusion criteria and good compliance with acupuncture treatment. A significant reduction in the BFI-C score was observed at 2 weeks in the 14 participants who received active acupuncture compared with those receiving the placebo (P < 0.01). At week 6, symptoms further improved according to the BFI-C (P < 0.001) and the FACT-LCS (P = 0.002). There were no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events in either group (P > 0.05).

Conclusion. Fatigue is a common symptom experienced by lung cancer patients. Acupuncture may be a safe and feasible optional method for adjunctive treatment in cancer palliative care, and appropriately powered trials are warranted to evaluate the effects of acupuncture.'

The study uses a formulaic approach of acupuncture to treat fatigue and not an individualised treatment plan. It would be interesting research to compare an individualised five element acupuncture treatment plan compared to formulaic approach.

Chien-shan Cheng, Lian-yu Chen et al. (2017) Acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue in lung cancer patients: a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial. Supportive Care in Cancer. ISSN: 0941-4355 13 July 2017 pp1-8

Another trial is underway to assess the effectivenes of acupuncture on fatigue from chemotherapy in lung cancer patients however a different set of acupuncture points are being used but again in a formulaic approach. It will be interesting to see their results to compare.

(2017) Effect of acupuncture therapy on lung cancer patients with cancer-related fatigue during chemotherapy: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

'Zhongwan (CV12), Xiawan (CV10), Guanyuan (CV4), Qihai (CV6), Tianshu (St25), Neiguan (Pc6), and Zusanli (St36).'

Huan Wang , Ming Wei Yu , et al. (2017) Effect of acupuncture therapy on lung cancer patients with cancer-related fatigue during chemotherapy: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications. Available online 24 July 2017. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conctc.2017.07.011

(2012) Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Fatigue (CRF) in Patients With Breast Cancer: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial

Conclusion. Acupuncture is an effective intervention for managing the symptom of CRF and improving patients' quality of life.

Molassiotis A, Bardy J, Finnegan-John J, et al. (2012)  Acupuncture for cancer-related fatigue in patients with breast cancer: a pragmatic randomized controlled trial. J Clin Oncol. 2012;30:4470-4476.

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