Background. Itch (pruritus) is a sensitive state that provokes the desire to scratch. It is not only a common symptom of skin diseases but it also occurs in some systemic diseases. Clinical studies on the efficacy of the acupuncture therapy in alleviating itch are increasing, while systematic reviews assessing the efficacy of acupuncture therapy are still lacking. Objective. This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of acupuncture therapy for itch. Materials and Methods. A comprehensive literature search of eight databases was performed up to June 2014, and randomized controlled trials which compared acupuncture therapy and placebo acupuncture or no treatment group were identified. Accordingly, a meta-analysis was conducted. Results. This review included three articles of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from a total of 2530 articles. The results of Meta-analysis showed that acupuncture therapy was effective to alleviate itch compared with placebo acupuncture and no treatment group. Conclusion. Based on the findings of this systematic review, we cautiously suggest that acupuncture therapy could improve the clinical efficacy of itch. However, this conclusion needs more studies on various ethnic samples to confirm our final conclusion.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4430643PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/208690DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

acupuncture therapy
24
efficacy acupuncture
12
systematic review
12
randomized controlled
12
controlled trials
12
acupuncture
8
placebo acupuncture
8
acupuncture treatment
8
treatment group
8
itch
6

Similar Publications

Background: Chronic soft tissue injury is characterized by sterile inflammation and pain. Gua sha with Masanggoubang oil (GSMO) treatment has been found to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

Objectives: To explore the mechanism of GSMO in chronic soft tissue injuries.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease. Patients with UC typically exhibit disruption of the Treg/Th17 immune axis, but its exact mechanism is still unclear.

Methods: This study first analyzed RNA- seq data from public databases of humans and mice, and cytology experiments were conducted to induce or inhibit the expression of SIRT1.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal diseases characterized by the progressive loss of photoreceptor function, visual impairment, and, ultimately, blindness. While gene therapy has emerged as a promising therapy, it is currently available only for the RPE65 gene mutation, leaving many patients without targeted genetic treatments. Non-surgical interventions may help in managing the progression of RP and improving patients' quality of life.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Sensory disturbances and acquired paresthesia constitute a significant proportion of complications following orthognathic surgery. This systematic review examines the application of photobiomodulation (PBM) in managing these complications and its efficacy in promoting sensory recovery.

Methods: In November 2024, a comprehensive digital search was performed across reputable databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, using carefully selected search terms: "orthognathic surgery" AND (physiotherapy OR physical therapy OR laser OR LLLT OR PBM OR light OR LED OR acupuncture) AND (nerve OR neurosensory OR paresthesia).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background/objectives: Breast cancer survivors undergoing long-term endocrine therapy often experience multiple symptoms, including pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, hot flashes, anxiety, and depression. This study explored the feasibility and acceptability of integrating acupuncture for symptom management in medically underserved breast cancer survivors.

Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at two clinics serving medically underserved populations.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!