Acupuncture and Acupressure and Massage Health Outcomes for Patients with Anorexia Nervosa: Findings from a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial and Patient Interviews

Abstract

Acupuncture and acupressure and massage may improve the patient's subjective sense of wellbeing, and further research is needed.

A case series: How do patients with an eating disorder, seeking acupuncture treatment present (patterns of disharmony), and how are they treated?

“…Almost a quarter of participants had previously used complementary medicine or therapies [21]. The characteristics of the outpatient group are: female (100%), aged in their early twenties, single, suffering from a co-morbid disease and many were studying.…”

“…While there are a number of theoretical research papers/theses investigating the use of acupuncture for the treatment of ED's [21][22][23][24][25], there is little information about the practical/clinical presentation of the ED sufferer seeking acupuncture treatment [25,26]. Utilising the collective cases of acupuncturists, experienced in treating those with ED's, may provide a better understanding of how ED's present in TCM practice and how they are treated which may, in turn, inform clinicians and guide further research questions.…”

Practice guidelines for acupuncturists using acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for anorexia nervosa

“…6,7 Evidence base literature supports the use of acupuncture as an adjunct rather than a treatment for AN. 8,9 It would be misleading to focus on outcome measures such as survival rates, quality of life attributes and so forth in this guideline. Recent guidelines published by Hay et al (2014) provide guidance on outcomes and primary care (first line) treatment options.…”

“…Pilot studies that have been conducted provide limited evidence for the benefits of acupuncture in improving anxiety, quality of life, sleep, digestive issues, bulimia and perfectionism. 6,8,9 Summary of recommendations with level of evidence base (EBR) or consensus (CBR).…”

“…Research into acupuncture and AN shows that there may be some benefit from acupuncture as an adjunct treatment, not as a primary source of treatment for AN. 9,11,13 An understanding of the benefits of treatment needs to be communicated clearly when discussing treatment aims and expectations with no false hope of cure. 1 Specific to an outpatient or clinic setting:…”