ACUPUNCTURE IN DRUG AND TOBACCO DETOXIFICATION

Evaluation on the treatment of morphine addiction by acupuncture
Chinese herbs and opioid peptides. 
 Yang MM; Kwok JS 
 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of 
Hong Kong. 
 Am J Chin Med (UNITED STATES) ,1986, 14 (1-2) p46-50, 

     Experimental studies on the effects of acupuncture, combined
Chinese herbs, and opioid peptides on morphine withdrawal symptoms
were carried out in 119 addicted rats. Electroacupuncture was found
to be the most effective method as it reduced the morphine
withdrawal scores to -85%. The combined herbs, Qiang Huo, Gou Teng,
Chuan Xion, Fu Zi and Yan Hu Suo suppressed the withdrawal scores
of -68%. The opioid peptides, endorphin, enkephalin, and dynorphin,
produced marked sedative effect and alleviated the withdrawal
symptoms, reducing the scores from -28% to -74%. It is suggested
that acupuncture and herbs, being non-opiate and having less side
effect, might be used as alternative or supplementary treatment on
morphine addiction. 
 
Smoking withdrawal and acupuncture. 
 Fuller JA 
 Epworth Medical Centre, Richmond, Vic. 
 Med J Aust (AUSTRALIA) ,Jan 9 1982, 1 (1) p28-9
 

     Nicotine addiction makes it very difficult for most smokers
to quit. This study examined the relapse rate of 194 people (118
men and 76 women) who were given acupuncture treatment to help them
stop smoking. Ninety five per cent of patients quit smoking after
three acupuncture treatments. Fifty-five (32%) of the 174 patients
who replied to a mailed questionnaire said they had not smoked
since treatment; the success rate was: one week, 86%; six months
41%; 12 months, 34% and 24 months, 30%. There were no further
relapses amongst those patients who abstained for more than 24
months. Eighty-five per cent of those who responded reported that
acupuncture had eased the symptoms of smoking withdrawal. However,
if the patient's motivation is weak, subsequent relapse will occur.

@PAGE BREAK = 
[Acupuncture as a part of a program of detoxification and weaning
from opiates: 25 cases] 
 Agopuntura come parte di un programma di disintossicazione e 
disassuefazione da oppiacei: 25 cases. 
 Lorini G; Fazio L; Cocchi R; Fusari A; Roccia L 
 Minerva Med ,Dec 15 1979, 70 (56) p3831-6
 

     Presents results of a detoxification and habit loosing program
carried out in 25 morphine-like substances addicts (mainly heroine)
aged 19-26. The therapeutic treatment based on gabaergic drugs
(l-glutamine, sodium valproate and piridoxine), low doses
psychodrugs (tricyclics and benzodiacepines) and acupuncture, began
in 13 subjects at the hospital and continued at the outpatients'
service, while 12 subjects were treated only at the outpatients'
service. Follow up: 6 subjects of the hospitalized group free from
the addiction (5 subjects from more than 1 year after their
discharge); 3 subjects of the outpatients' group abstinent from no
more than 4 months after discharge. Biochemical mechanisms involved
in this therapeutic program are extensively discussed. 
 
Rapid narcotic detoxification in chronic pain patients treated with
auricular electroacupuncture and naloxone. 
 Kroening RJ; Oleson TD 
 Int J Addict Sep 1985, 20 (9) p1347-60,

     Severe withdrawal signs which accompany the detoxification of
narcotic addicts from opiate drugs are also a serious problem for
chronic pain patients taking high levels of analgesic medications.
A rapid narcotic detoxification procedure utilizing auricular
electroacupuncture was applied to 14 chronic pain patients to be
withdrawn from their opiate medications. All patients were first
switched to oral methadone. They were then given bilateral
electrical stimulation to needles inserted in the <169>lung<170>
and <169>shen men<170> acupuncture points on the ear, followed by
periodic intravenous injections of low doses of naloxone. Twelve
of the patients, 85.7%, were completely withdrawn from narcotic
medications within 2-7 days, and they experienced no to minimal
side effects. These results are explained by the relationship of
electroacupuncture to the release of endorphins
@PAGE BREAK = 
The role of endogenous peptides in the action of opioid analgesics.

 Adams ML; Brase DA; Welch SP; Dewey WL 
 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of 
Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond 23298-0001. 
 Ann Emerg Med (UNITED STATES) ,Sep 1986, 15 (9) p1030-5, 

     The observation that the narcotic antagonist naloxone could
inhibit analgesia produced by electrical stimulation of the brain
indicated the involvement of an endogenous chemical in the relief
of pain. Multiple endogenous opioid peptides have been identified
that have similar pharmacological properties to known narcotic
analgesics. The biosynthesis, release, and degradation of opioid
peptides have been studied in order to better understand how the
manipulation of endogenous opioid systems can be used to produce
or augment analgesia. The results of our studies reveal that
various conditions and manipulations, such as electrical brain
stimulation, acupuncture, stress, and the administration of opioid
analgesics, can cause the release of endogenous opioid peptides and
possibly endogenous nonpeptide substances. It has also been
discovered that nonopioid peptides, such as cholecystokinin,
calcitonin, and angiotensin II, can alter the action of opioid
analgesics by antagonizing or potentiating their effects. An
understanding of the role of endogenous peptides in endogenous
opioid mechanisms is necessary for the development of new ways to
treat pain and such other disorders as sleep apnea in children
(sudden infant death syndrome), head injury, and opioid addiction
that involve the activation or alteration of endogenous opioid
systems. (92 Refs.) 
Evaluation on the treatment of morphine addiction by acupuncture
Chinese herbs and opioid peptides. 
 Yang MM; Kwok JS 
 Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of 
Hong Kong. 
Am J Chin Med (UNITED STATES) ,1986, 14 (1-2) p46-50, 

     Experimental studies on the effects of acupuncture, combined
Chinese herbs, and opioid peptides on morphine withdrawal symptoms
were carried out in 119 addicted rats. Electroacupuncture was found
to be the most effective method as it reduced the morphine
withdrawal scores to -85%. The combined herbs, Qiang Huo, Gou Teng,
Chuan Xion, Fu Zi and Yan Hu Suo suppressed the withdrawal scores
of -68%. The opioid peptides, endorphin, enkephalin, and dynorphin,
produced marked sedative effect and alleviated the withdrawal
symptoms, reducing the scores from -28% to -74%. It is suggested
that acupuncture and herbs, being non-opiate and having less side
effect, might be used as alternative or supplementary treatment on
morphine addiction. 
@PAGEBREAK = 
[Morphine receptors in rat liver mitochondrial membranes] 
 Recepteurs de membranes mitochondriales hepatiques de rat pour 
la morphine. 
 di Jeso B; Truscello A; di Jeso F 
 Seconda Chimica Biologica Universite de Pavie, Faculte de 
Medecine, Italie. 
 C R Soc Biol (Paris) (FRANCE) ,1984, 178 (1) p52-5


     In vitro essays carried out on rat liver mitochondria show
that morphine enhances fluorescence of membrane-bound
1-anilinonaphtalene-8-sulphonate. These and our previous reports
about morphine action on oxidative phosphorylation in rat liver
mitochondria demonstrate that the neurotropic drug has also a more
general effect on non-nervous cells, masked till now by the more
impressive effect on the nervous system. Our results may open a way
to explain how injecting opiates continuously and directly in the
cerebrospinal fluid or producing endorphins directly at the
cerebrospinal level by acupuncture prevent addiction, constipation
and other side-effects. 

Acupuncture therapy for the treatment of tobacco smoking addiction.

 Steiner RP; Hay DL; Davis AW 
 Department of Family Practice, School of Medicine, University 
of Louisville, Kentucky. 
 Am J Chin Med (UNITED STATES) ,1982, 10 (1-4) p107-21, 

     Acupuncture has been reported as an effective treatment for
some addictions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
acupuncture treatment effect on the cigarette smoking habit with
a motivated population in a controlled clinical setting. From a
volunteer research population, sixteen matched pairs were assembled
according to age, sex, and severity of smoking habit. Research
subjects were randomly assigned to real or sham acupuncture
treatment groups. Self-reported cigarette logs were measured
pre-treatment and post-treatment. Analysis of variants confirmed
homogeneity of group pre-treatment cigarette consumption. Cigarette
consumption significantly decreased in both th e real and sham
treatment groups. Treatment group, age, sex, or severity of smoking
habit were not significant factors in treatment effects for
cessation of smoking. Legitimate crossover treatment for sham
research group showed a significant decrease (p less than or equal
to 0.05) in cigarette consumption; this change was not
statistically different from change in cigarette consumption during
placebo treatment. A discussion of acupuncture point selection
rationale is made as is an analysis of Tehchi sensations and
subjective reports of appetite for cigarettes. Acupuncture did not
enhance the cessation of cigarette smoking in this study. 
@PAGEBREAK = 
Smoking withdrawal and acupuncture. 
 Fuller JA 
 Epworth Medical Centre, Richmond, Vic. 
 Med J Aust (AUSTRALIA) ,Jan 9 1982, 1 (1) p28-9, 

     Nicotine addiction makes it very difficult for most smokers
to quit. This study examined the relapse rate of 194 people (118
men and 76 women) who were given acupuncture treatment to help them
stop smoking. Ninety five per cent of patients quit smoking after
three acupuncture treatments. Fifty-five (32%) of the 174 patients
who replied to a mailed questionnaire said they had not smoked
since treatment; the success rate was: one week, 86%; six months
41%; 12 months, 34% and 24 months, 30%. There were no further
relapses amongst those patients who abstained for more than 24
months. Eighty-five per cent of those who responded reported that
acupuncture had eased the symptoms of smoking withdrawal. However,
if the patient's motivation is weak, subsequent relapse will occur.


Immunoassayable beta-endorphin level in the plasma and CSF of
heroin addicted and normal subjects before and after
electroacupuncture. 
 Wen HL; Ho WK; Ling N; Mehal ZD; Ng YH 
 Am J Chin Med ,Spring-Summer 1980, 8 (1-2) p154-9

     The present study was undertaken to evaluate if plasma or CSF
beta-endorphin level can be induced to rise during the treatment
of heroin addiction by electroacupuncture. Based on the examination
of 30 addicts, we obtained no evidence indicating an increase of
beta-endorphin level in either the plasma or the CSF after 30 min
of acupuncture. In spite of this, the majority of the addicts
experienced a reduction of withdrawal symptoms during treatment.
Since electroacupuncture may only induce a highly localized
secretion of beta-endorphin in the brain, our results cannot
unequivocally exclude the possibility that this peptide is involved
in mediating the action of acupuncture. 
@PAGEBREAK = 
[Acupuncture as a part of a program of detoxification and weaning
from opiates: 25 cases] 
 Agopuntura come parte di un programma di disintossicazione e 
disassuefazione da oppiacei: 25 cases. 
 Lorini G; Fazio L; Cocchi R; Fusari A; Roccia L 
 Minerva Med ,Dec 15 1979, 70 (56) p3831-6

     Presents results of a detoxification and habit loosing program
carried out in 25 morphine-like substances addicts (mainly heroine)
aged 19-26. The therapeutic treatment based on gabaergic drugs
(l-glutamine, sodium valproate and piridoxine), low doses
psychodrugs (tricyclics and benzodiacepines) and acupuncture, began
in 13 subjects at the hospital and continued at the outpatients'
service, while 12 subjects were treated only at the outpatients'
service. Follow up: 6 subjects of the hospitalized group free from
the addiction (5 subjects from more than 1 year after their
discharge); 3 subjects of the outpatients' group abstinent from no
more than 4 months after discharge. Biochemical mechanisms involved
in this therapeutic program are extensively discussed. 

[Endogenous opiates (endorphins) and pain] 
 Endogene Opiate (Endorphine) und das Schmerzgeschehen. 
 Herz A 
 Acta Med Austriaca ,1978, 5 (3) p63-8

     The current knowledge of the physiological role of endogenous
opioid peptides and their receptors, is presented. The possible
role for pain perception, acupuncture analgesia, stress analgesia
and opiate addiction is discussed. (39 Refs.) 

Reception of acupuncture by the scientific community: from scorn
to a degree of interest. 
 Bowers JZ 
 Comp Med East West ,1978 Summer, 6 (2) p89-96

     This article presents a comprehensive review of the clinical
phenomenon of acupuncture. The historical development of this
technique, in China, in other parts of Asia, and in the West is
discussed. Contemporary advances in acupuncture applications, such
as in anesthesia and in the treatment of drug addiction are
reviewed. Up-to-date material regarding current physiological
theories of acupuncture's mechanism is included. Acupuncture is
seen as presenting of challenge to the scientific community which
is moving from a posture of scorn to justifiable interest. 
@PAGE BREAK = 
Reduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in
drug addicts treated by acupuncture and electrical stimulation
(AES). 
 Wen HL; Ho WK; Wong HK; Mehal ZD; Ng YH; Ma L 
 Comp Med East West ,1978 Spring, 6 (1) p61-6

     Forty-two heroin addicts and 31 normal persons were examined
for the effect of acupuncture and electrical stimulation (AES) on
plasma ACTH, cortisol and cyclic-AMP levels. Both ACTH and cortisol
levels were reduced significantly in the addicts after treatment
whereas no such significant reduction was observed in the normals.
Plasma cyclic-AMP level was not affected in either group. Taken
together, results from the present study suggest that the mechanism
of AES in the treatment of addiction may have a
neuroendocrinological basis. This hypothesis is particularly
attractive in view of the isolation of opiate-like peptides from
the brain. 
Enkephalin, drug addiction and acupuncture. 
 Chen GS 
 Am J Chin Med ,Spring 1977, 5 (1) p25-30

     From the results of clinical and basic research, there is
clear evidence that acupuncture analgesia is closely associated
with the nervous system, especially the central nervous system.
Stimulation of certain acupuncture loci which have been used for
analgesia during operations also can calm the withdrawal symptoms
of morphine and heroin addicts. Acupuncture analgesia can be
antagonized by the specific narcotic antagonist, naloxone. These
findings suggest the factor or factors produced by acupuncture
stimulation would also have agonist activity on opiate receptors.
Moreover, the morphine receptors are most concentrated in those
parts of the brain concerned with perception of pain and the
pathway of acupuncture stimulation. Since the opiate receptors are
associated with the synaptic fraction of brain cell membrane
preparations, the natural ligand of these receptors may be a
neurotransmitter. Enkephalin has stronger binding affinity to
opiate receptors than morphine, which suggests that it is the
natural ligand for these receptors. In other words, enkephalin
might be the natural "pain killer" produced in the brain to
suppress pain. If we summate all the information available now, it
is possible to suggest that enkephalin may be the product of the
nervous system released by acupuncture stimulation to create an
analgesic effect as well as suppress opiate withdrawal symptoms.
(41 Refs.) 
@PAGEBREAK = 
Non-pharmacological approaches to the treatment of drug abuse. 
 Bourne PG 
 Am J Chin Med ,1975 Jul, 3 (3) p235-44

     As a result largely of dissatisfaction with existing treatment
methods for narcotic addiction, there has been considerable recent
interest in various non-pharmacological approaches to treatment.
Acupuncture, transcendental meditation, electrosleep, biofeedback
and hypnotism all have generated considerable interest and seem to
be effective in a number of cases. Although apparently quite
different, all of these approaches seek to induce a state of
relaxation which in turn appears to exert specific
neurophysiological changes in the brain. These treatment methods
not only help for some addicts, but should contribute to our
overall understanding of the addiction process. 
Detoxification from heroin dependency: An overview of method and
effectiveness. 
 Lipton, Douglas S.; Maranda, Michael J. 
 New York State Div of Substance Abuse Services, New York 
 Advances in Alcohol & Substance Abuse 1982 Fal Vol 2(1) 
31-55 CODEN: AASADR 

     Reviews the history of opiate detoxification; research
findings contrasting various contemporary approaches to
detoxification that utilize methadone; and studies of different
chemotherapeutic and other experimental methods such as
acupuncture, propoxyphene napsylate, propranolol, ascorbic acid,
and clonidine HCl. It is concluded that detoxification has not been
successful in producing satisfactory retention rates and lasting
abstinence from opiates. Nonetheless, detoxification remains an
important emergency procedure and a humane means of withdrawing
addicts from heroin prior to long-term treatment. (79 ref) 
@PAGEBREAK = 
Acupuncture as a detoxification modality. 
 Newmeyer, John A.; Johnson, Gregory; Klot, Steven 
 Haight-Ashbury Free Medical Clinic, San Francisco, CA 
 Journal of Psychoactive Drugs 1984 Jul-Sep Vol 16(3) 241-261 

     Investigated the effects of acupuncture (APT) detoxification
on heroin abusers (aged 18+ yrs), who were clients of a drug
detoxification project in San Francisco. Of 460 Ss, 69% were male,
78% were White, and 65% were unemployed. Continuous APT treatment
was made available to the Ss for a 21-day period; during this time
Ss were assessed by an intake interview, a daily checklist of
symptoms, a symptom evaluation sheet, the Profile of Mood States,
a urinalysis, and a closing interview. After 3 mo, a follow-up
interview was conducted. Ss were offered the opportunity to
participate in (1) APT only ( n = 72), (2) APT and medication ( n
= 334), or (3) medication only ( n = 54) treatments. Findings
provide limited support to the relative efficacy of the APT
modality. Results indicate that soft-core users were retained
longer in APT treatment than hard-core users. The short-term
effects of APT treatment, overall S evaluation of APT, APT's
successes, and a cost-benefit analysis are discussed. (41 ref) 
@PAGE BREAK = 

Reduction of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in
drug addicts treated by acupuncture and electrical 
stimulation (AES). 
 Wen, H. L. et al 
 Kwong Wah Hosp, Neurosurgical Unit, Hong Kong 
 *Comparative Medicine East & West 1978 Spr Vol 6(1) 61-66 

     Examined 42 heroin addicts and 31 normal persons for the
effect of acupuncture and electrical stimulation (AES) on plasma
ACTH, cortisol and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels.
Both ACTH and cortisol levels were reduced significantly in the
addicts after treatment, whereas no such significant reduction was
observed in the normals. Plasma cAMP level was not affected in
either group. Taken together, results suggest that the mechanism
of AES in the treatment of addiction may have a
neuroendocrinological basis. This hypothesis is particularly
attractive in view of the isolation of opiate-like peptides from
the brain. (12 ref) 
Fast detoxification of heroin addicts by acupuncture and electrical
stimulation (AES) in combination with naloxone. 
Wen, H. L. Kwong Wah Hosp, Neurosurgical Dept, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Comparative Medicine East & West 1977 Fal-Win Vol 5(3-4) 257-263

     Used acupuncture and electrical stimulation (AES) in
combination with naloxone for detoxification of 50 heroin addicts.
41 Ss were detoxified, and 9 failures occurred. It is suggested
that AES increases endorphin and relieves abstinence syndrome, but
also inhibits the autonomic nervous system, mainly the
parasympathetic nervous system. The technique does not stop the
craving. (16 ref)
Acupuncture and the treatment of drug withdrawal symptoms. 
Sharps, Holly 
PharmChem Newsletter 1977 Sep Vol 6(7) 6 p 

     Briefly describes the history and technique of acupuncture
therapy, and discusses Western theories for the effects of
acupuncture based on neurological, biochemical, and
biopsychological models. Research is summarized concerning the use
of acupuncture in the treatment of drug addiction, but all the
studies emphasize that the acupuncture treated only the withdrawal
symptoms and did not cure drug addiction itself. Some success has
been reported, however, in treating smoking and obesity. Controlled
studies are urged to test the potential of acupuncture therapy for
drug abuse; when supported by psychosocial counseling, acupuncture
may prove to be a successful and cost-efficient treatment modality.
(15 ref) 
Acupuncture and addiction: An overview. 
Lau, M. P. 
Addiction Research Foundation, Toronto, Canada 
Addictive Diseases: An International Journal 1976 Vol 2(3) 449-463 

     Summarizes theories and hypotheses on the mechanism of action
of acupuncture, and classifies existing studies that have
acupuncture as their main theme. Clinical studies conducted in
Canada and the US that used acupuncture in the treatment of
narcotic, alcohol, and nicotine addiction are reviewed. Possible
future applications of the technique in the field of addiction are
offered. (23 ref) 
Heroin detoxification with acupuncture and electrical stimulation. 
Severson, Larry; Markoff, Richard A.; Chun-Hoon, Albert U Hawaii
Medical School International Journal of the Addictions 1977 Oct Vol
12(7) 911-922 

     Used acupuncture with electrical stimulation (AES) to detoxify
6 male and 3 female heroin addicts. Results of immediate and 4-mo
follow-ups show that (a) 5 patients were successfully detoxified,
(b) later reversion to heroin was comparable to that of other
detoxification methods, and (c) none of the patients sought
outpatient AES treatment. 
@PAGE BREAK = 
Effects of neuro-electric therapy (N.E.T.) in drug addiction:
Interim report. 
Patterson, Margaret A. 
Bulletin on Narcotics 1976 Oct-Dec Vol 28(4) 55-62 

     Presents a preliminary report on the use of
electro-acupuncture (neuro-electric therapy) with hard-core heroin
addicts, in London. Of the 10 inpatients treated, 6 showed marked
improvement, 3 moderate, and 1 fair improvement. About half of the
13 outpatients showed moderate improvement, the others none.
Detailed information is presented on the previous drug-taking, the
treatment (including the frequency range, optimum frequency and
wave-form used, and duration of the electro-acupuncture) and
follow-up data. However, the neuro-electro treatment is only part
of the work with the addict; equally important is intensive
counseling during the therapy period. An important effect was that
the sleep pattern returned to normal far more rapidly than usual
in narcotic withdrawal. 
Non-pharmacological approaches to the treatment of drug abuse. 
Bourne, Peter G. Drug Abuse Council, Washington, DC 
American Journal of Chinese Medicine 1975 Jul Vol 3(3) 235-244

     As a result largely of dissatisfaction with existing treatment
methods for narcotic addiction, there has been considerable recent
interest in various nonpharmacological approaches to treatment.
Acupuncture, transcendental meditation, electrosleep, biofeedback,
and hypnotism have generated interest and seem to be effective in
a number of cases. Although apparently different, all of these
approaches seek to induce a state of relaxation which in turn
appears to exert specific neurophysiological changes in the brain.
These treatment methods not only provide help for some addicts, but
contribute to our overall understanding of the addiction process.
(23 ref) 
@PAGE BREAK = 
@HEAD LEVEL 2 = ACUPUNCTURE FOR DYSMENORRHEA

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the relief of
primary dysmenorrhea. 
 Lewers D; Clelland JA; Jackson JR; Varner RE; Bergman J 
 Spain Rehabilitation Center, 
University of Alabama Hospitals, Birmingham 35294. 
 Phys Ther (UNITED STATES) Jan 1989, 69 (1) p3-9

     The purpose of this study was to replicate a previous study
to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture-like transcutaneous
electrical nerve stimulation in treating primary dysmenorrhea.
Twenty-one women with dysmenorrhea received a placebo pill or 30
minutes of acupuncture-like TENS. All subjects completed two pain
questionnaires before treatment; immediately posttreatment; 30, 60,
120, and 180 minutes posttreatment; and the next morning upon
awakening. Each woman also participated in a separate study
measuring electrical resistance at four auricular acupuncture
points before and immediately after treatment. The data were
analyzed with a two-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance,
which revealed statistical significance over time but not for group
or interaction between group and time. Results revealed an average
pain relief of at least 50% immediately posttreatment, indicating
that acupuncture-like TENS may be useful for dysmenorrheic pain.
This study also suggests that auriculotherapy via acupressure may
relieve the pain of primary dysmenorrhea. 

Acupuncture for the management of primary dysmenorrhea. 
 Helms JM 
 Obstet Gynecol Jan 1987, 69 (1) p51-6

     The effectiveness of acupuncture in managing the pain of
primary dysmenorrhea was investigated in a randomized and
controlled prospective clinical study. Forty-three women were
followed for one year in one of four groups: the Real Acupuncture
group was given appropriate acupuncture and the Placebo Acupuncture
group was given random point acupuncture on a weekly basis for
three menstrual cycles; the Standard Control group was followed
without medical or acupuncture intervention; the Visitation Control
group had monthly nonacupuncture visits with the project physician
for three cycles. In the Real Acupuncture group, 10 of 11 (90.9%)
women showed improvement; in the Placebo Acupuncture group, 4 of
11 (36.4%); in the Standard Control group, 2 of 11 (18.2%); and in
the Visitation Control group 1 of 10 (10%). There was a 41%
reduction of analgesic medication used by the women in the Real
Acupuncture group after their treatment series, and no change or
increased use of medication seen in the other groups. 
 
[Use of acupuncture in the treatment of primary dysmenorrhea] 
 Primena akupunkture u lecenju primarn
ih dismenoreja. 
 Maric R 

     Jugosl Ginekol Opstet Sep-Dec 1984, 24 (5-6) p104-6 
     Acupuncture was applied in the treatment of 32 patients with
primary dysmenorrhea. Different acupuncture points on several
channels were stimulated, depending on shi or xu types. The therapy
proceeded in sessions for three consecutive days before the
expected menstruation, in the course of three consecutive cycles.
A relief of dysmenorrheic pain was already evidenced after the
first menstruation. One year after the completed therapy there was
a full disappearance of dysmenorrheic pain in 93% and a partial one
in 7% of cases.

=============================================================================
Another text file from STONEHENGE BBS [415] 479-8328
=============================================================================