Is commercially available point finder accurate and reliable in detecting active auricular acupuncture points?

Objectives: This study was done to determine the specificity and sensitivity of a commercial Pointer Plus (Point finder) in detecting a region of low skin resistance on the ear.

Design: This was a prospective blinded study.

Setting/location: The study was done at the Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT.

Auricular acupuncture as a treatment for pregnant women who have low back and posterior pelvic pain: a pilot study.

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to examine whether 1 week of continuous auricular acupuncture could reduce low back and posterior pelvic pain associated with pregnancy.

Study Design: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on pregnant women who have lower back and posterior pelvic pain. These women were randomly assigned into an acupuncture group, a sham acupuncture group, or a waiting list control group.

Complementary and alternative medicine for low-back pain in pregnancy: a cross-sectional survey.

Objective: To identify common treatments used for low-back pain (LBP) during pregnancy.

Design: A two-part anonymous survey.

Setting/location: New Haven, Connecticut.

Low back pain during pregnancy: prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes.

Objective: To estimate the severity of the low back pain (LBP) during pregnancy, including prevalence, risk factors, impact on daily living, and health provider management.

Methods: An anonymous survey consisting of 36 questions was distributed to pregnant women participating in various prenatal care clinics and educational classes in New Haven County, Connecticut. A total of 950 surveys was returned from May 2002 through October 2003.