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Here's a roundup of recent acupuncture-related news:

Research Updates & Clinical Trials:

• Acupuncture Shows Promise for IBS Relief: A recent study in China found that true acupuncture significantly reduced symptoms of refractory irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) compared to sham acupuncture, offering a potential alternative for those not responding to conventional treatments. The benefits appeared to last beyond the 4-week treatment period, with improvements in quality of life and a trend toward reduced anxiety.

• Electroacupuncture May Aid Long COVID Treatment: Research suggests electroacupuncture could help personalize ribavirin dosing for individuals suffering from long COVID.

• Acupuncture Feasible for Emergency Department Pain: A trial at Duke University Hospital demonstrated that acupuncture, when added to usual care, is feasible in a busy emergency department setting and can provide better pain reduction for acute musculoskeletal pain than medication alone.

• Acupuncture for Cancer-Related Symptoms: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center researchers are actively studying how acupuncture can help cancer patients manage side effects like neuropathy, pain, stress, and anxiety. Clinical trials are underway to compare acupuncture with other treatments. A past study showed preliminary evidence that acupuncture may reduce the severity of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Another analysis indicated acupuncture reduces hot flashes and other hormonal side effects in women with breast cancer.

• Acupuncture and Parkinson's Disease: Research continues to explore the efficacy of acupuncture in improving sleep quality for Parkinson's patients.

• Electroacupuncture for Obesity Management: Scientists from Nanyang Technological University Singapore and Hong Kong University have found evidence that electroacupuncture may be a useful tool in managing obesity.

• Neurological Basis of Acupuncture: Researchers at Harvard Medical School have identified specific neurons in mice that are crucial for acupuncture's anti-inflammatory response, providing a more concrete neuroanatomical explanation for how acupuncture works in this context.

Guidelines & Recognition:

• UK NICE Recommends Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued draft guidance recommending acupuncture, alongside antidepressants and psychological therapy, for chronic pain not caused by injury or a known condition. They advise against using acetaminophen or ibuprofen for this type of pain.

• US Medicare Covers Acupuncture for Low Back Pain: As of January 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in the US now covers acupuncture for chronic low back pain for up to 20 sessions over 12 months, marking a significant step towards mainstream acceptance.

Other News:

• In Memory of Dr. Richard Niemtzow: The acupuncture research community mourns the passing of Dr. Richard Niemtzow, a pioneer who developed Battlefield Acupuncture (BFA) and championed acupuncture within the US military.

• Acupuncture and Brain Activity: Research suggests that acupuncture can change brain activity related to pain control, potentially "rewiring" the brain's pain network.

• Addressing Misconceptions about Acupuncture: Experts emphasize that acupuncture is often painless, is recommended by various medical organizations, has benefits beyond pain relief (including neurological and musculoskeletal function, digestive issues, and more), and requires extensive training for practitioners.

This overview highlights the ongoing research into the mechanisms and effectiveness of acupuncture for various health conditions, as well as increasing recognition and integration of this traditional practice within modern healthcare systems