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
(2018) Acupuncture treatment for temporomandibular joint pain
‘RESULTS
❖Most common age group was from 30 to 40 years old.
❖Most of the treated patients needed 2 treatments to achieve the results.
❖In most of the patients the condition occurred after tooth extraction, in some after giving birth, bruxism, stress and etc.
❖Most common symptoms were pain the TMJ, difficulties when eating, chewing, yawning, swallowing, limited mouth opening, swelling of the cheeks, insomnia and etc.
❖After the treatments, the pain and the other accompanying symptoms that patients complained about before were gone and the normal function of the joint was restored’
(2017) The use of acupuncture versus dry needling in the treatment of myofascial temporomandibular dysfunction
'CONCLUSION: It can be pointed out that dry needling seems to be more effective in the resolution of local pain on the myofascial trigger points than just using of acupuncture points at a distance. Acupuncture demonstrated positive influences in the general health quality and pain of patients with myofascial temporomandibular dysfunction. Therefore, the therapy of choice will depend on the professional’s assessment of the clinical conditions of the patient and the therapeutic goals to be achieved.'
(2017) Acupuncture Effect on Pain, Mouth Opening Limitation and on the Energy Meridians in Patients with Temporomandibular
Dysfunction: A Randomized Controlled Trial
'The Treatment Group received acupuncture
with real penetration of the needle, and the Placebo Group received a sham treatment without needle penetration. The acupoints used were: ST6, ST7, SI18, GV20, GB20, BL10, and LI4, during treatment performed for four weekly sessions. The TMD and mouth opening were evaluated according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular
Disorders (RDC).
The results showed no decrease in pain in the Treatment Group when compared with the Placebo Group (p > 0.2261). There was no increase in the oral opening limit in the Treatment Group compared with the Placebo Group (p > 0.05).'
This is an intersting result, the researchers choose not to evaluate and treat any trigger points in the masseter or pterygoid muscles. The acupuncture points chosen were local and not a holistic approach and further more it would have been better to have compared the acupuncture or placebo acupuncture against normal treatment.
(2017) Acupuncture in Temporomandibular Disorder Myofascial Pain Treatment: A Systematic Review.
'RESULTS: A total of four randomized clinical trials using acupuncture (traditional, trigger point, and laser) for TMD treatment met the eligibility criteria and were included. Although the studies featured small sample sizes and short-
CONCLUSION: Despite the weak scientific evidence supporting its efficacy, acupuncture treatment appears to relieve the signs and symptoms of pain in myofascial TMD. More controlled and randomized clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed in this field of research to verify these initial findings.'
(2017) Acupuncture therapy in the management of the clinical outcomes for temporomandibular disorders (TMD): A PRISMA-
'Conclusion. Our results indicate that acupuncture therapy penetrating the skin has greater effectiveness and reduces the pain degree to a greater extent, especially myofascial pain symptoms, compared with both sham nonpenetrating acupuncture and sham laser therapy.'
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.