Can Acupuncture have Specific Effects on Health? A Systematic Review of Acupuncture Antiemesis Trials

Abstract

SUMMARYThe effects of acupuncture on health are generally hard to assess. Stimulation of the P6 acupuncture point is used to obtain an antiemetic effect and this provides an excellent model to study the efficacy of acupuncture. Thirty-three controlled trials have been published worldwide in which the P6 acupuncture point was stimulated for treatment of nausea and/or vomiting associated with chemotherapy, pregnancy, or surgery.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Cancer

“…The biological basis of Qi or of meridian channels has not been found, but modern research suggests that the effect of acupuncture may be mediated by the release of neurotransmitters [107][108][109]. Data from clinical trials support the use of acupuncture for emesis [110][111][112] and pain [113][114][115][116][117][118]. The NIH issued a concensus statement in 1997 supporting the efficacy of acupuncture for adult postoperative and chemotherapy-associated nausea and vomiting, and for postoperative dental pain [119].…”

The role of acupuncture in controlling the gagging reflex using a review of ten cases

“…A systematic review of the evidence related to the treatment of nausea and vomiting (due to surgery, chemotherapy and pregnancy) concludes that acupuncture is an effective technique in reducing both nausea and vomiting. 14 In 27 of the 29 trials reviewed, acupuncture was significantly superior to the placebo. 14 No reference could be found to the use of acupuncture as a longterm preventive treatment for nausea.…”

“…14 In 27 of the 29 trials reviewed, acupuncture was significantly superior to the placebo. 14 No reference could be found to the use of acupuncture as a longterm preventive treatment for nausea. The technique of ear acupuncture is relatively non-invasive.…”

A response to ‘A rare side‐effect of intravenous salbutamol’, Girgis M and Milner Q, Anaesthesia 2004; 59: 196–7

“…I read with interest this acupuncture study on postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Although the use of acupuncture for PONV is backed up by systematic reviews [1,2], acupuncture was not more effective than placebo acupuncture in this high-quality study.…”

“…Lactic acidosis is not uncommon in severe asthma [2]. Bronchospasm causing tissue hypoxia and increased work of breathing leads to lactate accumulation.…”