References

Acupuncture and Back Pain

American Data and Statistics

1. Jensen M, Brant-Zawadzki M, Obuchowski N, et al. Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine in People Without Back Pain. N Engl J Med 1994; 331: 69-116.
2. Vallfors B. Acute, Subacute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Clinical Symptoms, Absenteeism and Working Environment. Scan J Rehab Med Suppl 1985; 11: 1-98.
3. This total represents only the more readily identifiable costs for medical care, workers compensation payments, and time lost from work. It does not include costs associated with losses in personal income due to the acquired physical limitation resulting from a back problem, paired with and lost employer productivity due to employee medical absence. In Project Briefs: Back Pain Patient Outcomes Assessment Team (BOAT). In MEDTEP Update, Vol. 1 Issue 1, Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, Rockville.

Reviews

• Lewis K, Abdi S. Acupuncture for lower back pain: A review. Clinical Journal of Pain. 2010; 26(1)(pp 60-69).
• Sherman KJ, Coeytaux RR. Acupuncture for the treatment of common pain conditions: Chronic back pain, osteoarthritis, and headache. Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management. 2009a; 16(5)(pp 224-230), 2009a.
• Yuan J, Purepong N, Kerr DP, Park J et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture for low back pain: a systematic review. Spine. 2008 Nov 1;33(23):E887-900.
• Ammendolia C, Furlan AD, Imamura M, Irvin E, van Tulder M. Evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain with needle acupuncture. Spine J. 2008 Jan-Feb;8(1):160-72.
• Ee CC, Manheimer E, Pirotta MV, White AR. Acupuncture for pelvic and back pain in pregnancy: a systematic review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008; 198(3):254-9.

Clinical studies

• Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Avins AL, Erro JH, et al. A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain. Arch Intern Med. 2009; 169(9):858-66.
• Sherman KJ., Cherkin DC, Ichikawa L, Avins AL et al. Characteristics of patients with chronic back pain who benefit from acupuncture. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2009b; 10(1): article 114.
• Sawazaki K, Mukaino Y, Kinoshita F, Honda T et al. Acupuncture can reduce perceived pain, mood disturbances and medical expenses related to low back pain among factory employees. Ind Health. 2008 Aug;46(4):336-40.
• Weidenhammer W, Linde K, Streng A, Hoppe A, Melchart D. Acupuncture for chronic low back pain in routine care: a multicenter observational study. Clin J Pain. 2007 Feb;23(2):128-35.
• Haake M, Müller HH, Schade-Brittinger C, Basler HD, et al. German Acupuncture Trials (GERAC) for chronic low back pain: randomized, multicenter, blinded, parallel-group trial with 3 groups. Arch Intern Med. 2007 Sep 24;167(17):1892-8.
• Witt CM, Jena S, Selim D, Brinkhaus B et al. Pragmatic randomized trial evaluating the clinical and economic effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic low back pain. Am J Epidemiol. 2006 Sep 1;164(5):487-96.
• Thomas KJ, MacPherson H, Thorpe L, Brazier J et al. Randomised controlled trial of a short course of traditional acupuncture compared with usual care for persistent non-specific low back pain. BMJ. 2006 Sep 23;333(7569):623.
• Ratcliffe J, Thomas KJ, MacPherson H, Brazier J. A randomised controlled trial of acupuncture care for persistent low back pain: cost effectiveness analysis, BMJ. 2006 Sep 23;333(7569):626.
• Brinkhaus B, Witt CM, Jena S, Linde K et al. Acupuncture in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2006 Feb 27;166(4):450-7.

Physiological studies

• Komori M, Takada K, Tomizawa Y, Nishiyama K, et al. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg. 2009 Feb;108(2):635-40.
• Zhao ZQ.  Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol. 2008 Aug;85(4):355-75.
• Kim HW, Uh DK, Yoon SY, Roh DH et al. Low-frequency electroacupuncture suppresses carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in mice via sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons, while high-frequency EA suppression is mediated by the sympathoadrenal medullary axis. Brain Res Bull. 2008 Mar 28;75(5):698-705.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther. 2007 Sep;6(3):251-7.
• Zijlstra FJ, van den Berg-de Lange I, Huygen FJ, Klein J. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm. 2003 Apr;12(2):59-69.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987:1-18.

Acupuncture and Bell's Palsy

American Data and Statistics

1. Katusic SK, Beard CM, Wiederholt WC, Bergstralh EJ, Kurland LT. Incidence, clinical features, and prognosis in Bell's palsy, Rochester, Minnesota, 1968-1982. Ann Neurol. Nov 1986;20(5):622-7.
2. Adour K, Wingerd J, Doty HE. Prevalence of concurrent diabetes mellitus and idiopathic facial paralysis (Bell's palsy). Diabetes. May 1975;24(5):449-51.
3. Peitersen E. Bell's palsy: the spontaneous course of 2,500 peripheral facial nerve palsies of different etiologies. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl. 2002;4-30.
4. Teixeira LJ, Soares BG, Vieira VP, Prado GF. Physical therapy for Bell s palsy (idiopathic facial paralysis). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Jul 16 2008;CD006283. [Medline].
5. Cardoso JR, Teixeira EC, Moreira MD, Fávero FM, Fontes SV, Bulle de Oliveira AS. Effects of exercises on Bell's palsy: systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Otol Neurotol. Jun 2008;29(4):557-60. [Medline].
6. He L, Zhou MK, Zhou D, Wu B, Li N, Kong SY, et al. Acupuncture for Bell's palsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Oct 17 2007;CD002914. [Medline].
7. Seok JI, Lee DK, Kim KJ. The usefulness of clinical findings in localising lesions in Bell's palsy: comparison with MRI. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. Apr 2008;79(4):418-20. [Medline].

Reviews

• He L et al. Acupuncture for Bell’s palsy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD002914. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002914.pub3

Clinical studies

• Li Y et al. Efficacy of acupuncture and moxibustion in treating Bell’s palsy: a multicenter randomized controlled trial in China. Chin Med J (Engl) 2004; 117: 1502-6.
• Wang XH, Zhang LM, Han M, Zhang KQ, Jiang JJ. Treatment of Bell's palsy with combination of traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine [Article in Chinese] Hua Xi Kou Qiang Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2004; 22: 211-3.

Physiology studies (human and animal)

• Komori M, Takada K, Tomizawa Y, Nishiyama K, Kondo I, Kawamata M, Ozaki M. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg 2009; 108: 635-40.
• Cheng KJ. Neuroanatomical basis of acupuncture treatment for some common illnesses. Acupunct Med 2009;27: 61-4.
• Kim HW, Uh DK, Yoon SY, Roh DH, Kwon YB, Han HJ, Lee HJ, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Low-frequency electroacupuncture suppresses carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in mice via sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons, while high-frequency EA suppression is mediated by the sympathoadrenal medullary axis. Brain Res Bul. 2008; 75: 698-705.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007; 6: :251-7.
• Zijlstra FJ, van den Berg-de Lange I, Huygen FJ, Klein J. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003;12: 59-69.

Acupuncture and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

American Data and Statistics

1. Reid S et al. Chronic fatigue syndrome. BMJ Clinical Evidence. Search date September 2007.
2. Afari N, Buchwald D. Chronic fatigue syndrome: a review. Am J Psychiatry 2003;160:221–36.
3. Gur A. Oktayoglu P. Central nervous system abnormalities in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome: New concepts in treatment. Current Pharmaceutical Design 2008; 14: 1274-94.
4. White P et al. Predictions and associations of fatigue syndromes and mood disorders that occur after infectious mononucleosis. Lancet 2001;358:1946–54.
5. Harvey SB et al. The relationship between prior psychiatric disorder and chronic fatigue: evidence from a national birth cohort study. Psychol Med 2008;38:933–40.
6. Cairns R, Hotopf M. A systematic review describing the prognosis of chronic fatigue syndrome. Occup Med (Oxford) 2005;55:20–31.
7. What to do about medically unexplained symptoms. DTB 2001; 39: 5-8.

Systematic review

• Wang T et al. A systematic review of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome in China. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 2008; 36:1-24.

Clinical studies

• Wang JJ et al.  [Randomized controlled study on influence of acupuncture for life quality of patients with chronic fatigue syndrome]. Zhongguo Zhenjiu 2009a; 29: 780-4.
• Wang JJ et al. [Randomized controlled clinical trials of acupuncture treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome]. [Chinese]. Chen Tzu Yen Chiu Acupuncture Research 2009b; 34: 120-4.
• Yiu YM et al. A clinical trial of acupuncture for treating chronic fatigue syndrome in Hong Kong. Journal of Chinese Integrative Medicine 2007; 5(6): 630-3.
• Li Y et al. The therapeutic effects of electrical acupuncture and auricular-plaster in 32 cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2006; 26(3): 163-4.
• Huang Y et al. Clinical observation on the effects of Bo's abdominal acupuncture in 40 cases of chronic fatigue syndrome. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2008; 28(4): 264-6.
• Guo J. Chronic fatigue syndrome treated by acupuncture and moxibustion in combination with psychological approaches in 310 cases. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2007; 27(2): 92-5.

Physiology studies (animals and humans)

• Cheng CH et al. Endogenous Opiates in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius Mediate Electroacupuncture-induced Sleep Activities in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2009 Sep 3. [Epub ahead of print]
• Komori M et al. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg 2009; 108(2): 635-40.
• Zhao ZQ.  Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol 2008; 85(4): 355-75.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007; 6(3): 251-7.
• Spence et al. Acupuncture increases nocturnal melatonin secretion and reduces iInsomnia and anxiety: a preliminary report. J Neuropsych Clin Neurosciences 2004; 16: 19-28.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003; 12(2): 59-69.
• Wu MT et al. Central nervous pathway for acupuncture stimulation: localization of processing with functional MR imaging of the brain--preliminary experience. Radiology 1999; 212: 133-41.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987: 1-18.

Acupuncture and Chronic Pain

American Data and Statistics

1. National Centers for Health Statistics, Chartbook on Trends in the Health of Americans 2006, Special Feature: Pain. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hus/hus06.pdf.
2. American Diabetes Association.
   http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/
3. American Heart Association. 
   page 3: http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable/heart/1240250946756LS-1982%20Heart%20and%20Stroke%20Update.042009.pdf.
4. American Cancer Society, Prevalence of Cancer: 
   http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_6x_Cancer_Prevalence_How_Many_People_Have_Cancer.asp
5. National Institutes of Health, NIH guide: new directions in pain research: 1. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health. 1998 Sept. 4.
   http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-98-102.html.
6. Source: Chronic Pain Syndrome.
   http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/310834-overview

Systematic reviews

• Hopton A, MacPherson H. Acupuncture for chronic pain: is acupuncture more than an effective placebo? A systematic review of pooled data from meta-analyses. Pain Pract 2010; 10: 94-102.
• Manheimer E et al. Acupuncture for peripheral joint osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Jan 20;(1):CD001977.
• Cho SH, Hwang EW. Acupuncture for primary dysmenorrhoea: a systematic review. BJOG 2010; 117: 509-21.
• Linde K et al. Acupuncture for tension-type headache. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009; (1):CD007587.
• Sherman KJ, Coeytaux RR. Acupuncture for Improving Chronic Back Pain, Osteoarthritis and Headache. J Clin Outcomes Manag 2009; 16: 224-30.
• Wang C et al. Acupuncture for pain relief in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. Arthritis Rheum 2008; 59: 1249-56.
• White A et al. Acupuncture treatment for chronic knee pain: a systematic review. Rheumatology 2007; 46: 384-90.
• Trinh K et al. Acupuncture for neck  disorders. Spine 2007; 32: 236-43.
• Lee H et al. Acupuncture for the relief of cancer-related pain--a systematic review. Eur J Pain 2005; 9: 437-44.
• Trinh KV et al. Acupuncture for the alleviation of lateral epicondyle pain: a systematic review. Rheumatology 2004; 43: 1085-90.
• Ezzo J et al. Is acupuncture effective for the treatment of chronic pain? A systematic review. Pain 2000 ; 86: 217-25.

Randomised controlled trials

• Shen YF et al. Randomized clinical trial of acupuncture for myofascial pain of the jaw muscles. J Orofac Pain 2009; 23: 353-9.
• Lathia AT et al. Efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic shoulder pain. J Altern Complement Med 2009; 15: 613-8.
• Lee SH, Lee BC. Electroacupuncture relieves pain in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: three-arm randomized trial. Urology 2009; 73: 1036-41.

Research on mechanisms for acupuncture

• Goldman N  et al. Adenosine A1 receptors mediate local anti-nociceptive effects of acupuncture. Nat Neurosci 2010 May 30. [Epub ahead of print].
• Hui K.K.-S. The salient characteristics of the central effects of acupuncture needling: limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network modulation. Human Brain Mapping 2009; 30: 1196-206.
• Cheng CH et al. Endogenous Opiates in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius Mediate Electroacupuncture-induced Sleep Activities in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2009 Sep 3. [Epub ahead of print]
• Lee B et al. Effects of acupuncture on chronic corticosterone-induced depression-like behavior and expression of neuropeptide Y in the rats. Neuroscience Letters 2009; 453: 151-6.
• Komori M et al. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg 2009; 108: 635-40.
• Zhao ZQ.  Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol 2008;  85: 355-75.
• Zhou Q et al. The effect of electro-acupuncture on the imbalance between monoamine neurotransmitters and GABA in the CNS of rats with chronic emotional stress-induced anxiety. Int J Clin Acupunct 2008 ;17: 79-84.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007;  6:  251-7.
• Han JS. Acupuncture and endorphins. Neurosci Lett 2004; 361: 258-61.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003; 12: 59-69.
• Wu MT et al. Central nervous pathway for acupuncture stimulation: localization of processing with functional MR imaging of the brain--preliminary experience. Radiology 1999 ; 212: 133-41.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987: 1-18.

Acupuncture and Colds / Flu

American Data and Statistics

1. Source: Colds and Flu and CAM: At a Glance. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/flu/ataglance.htm.
2. Heikkinen T, Jarvinen A. The common cold. Lancet 2003; 361:  51-9.
3. Eccles R. Understanding the symptoms of the common cold and influenza. Lancet Infectious Diseases 2005; 5: 718-25.
4. Cox NJ, Fukuda K. Influenza. Infect Dis Clin North Am 1998; 12: 27–38.
5. Department of Health, 2010a. Immunisation against infectious disease - Chapter 19 Influenza [online]. Available: http://www.dh.gov.uk/prod_consum_dh/groups/dh_digitalassets/@dh/@en/documents/digitalasset/dh_118923.pdf [Accessed...].

Randomized controlled trials

• Xiao L et al. Clinical observation on effects of acupuncture at Dazhui (GV 14) for abating fever of common cold. Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion 2007; 27: 169-72.
• Kawakita K et al. Preventive and curative effects of acupuncture on the common cold: a multicentre randomized controlled trial in Japan. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2004 Dec; 12: 181-8.
• Takeuchi H et al. The effects of nasal massage of the "yingxiang" acupuncture point on nasal airway resistance and sensation of nasal airflow in patients with nasal congestion associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection. American Journal of Rhinology  1999; 13: 77-9.

Research on mechanisms for acupuncture

• Komori M et al. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg 2009; 108: 635-40.
• Kawakita K et al. Do Japanese style acupuncture and moxibustion reduce symptoms of the common cold? eCAM 2008; 5: 481–9.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007;  6:  251-7.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003; 12: 59-69.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987: 1-18.

Acupuncture and Cystitis

American Data and Statistics

1. Hamilton-Miller JMT. The urethral syndrome and its management. J Antimicrob Chemother 1994; 33 (suppl A): 63-73.
2. Rovner ES et al, 2010. Interstitial cystitis. eMedicine [online]. Available: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/441831-overview
3. Grüneberg RN. Changes in urinary pathogens and their antibiotic sensitivities, 1971-1992. J Antimicrob Chemother 1994; 33 (suppl A): 1-8.
4. Managing urinary tract infection in women. DTB 1998; 36: 30-2.
5. Sen A. Recurrent cystitis in non-pregnant women. BMJ Clinical Evidence. Search date April 2007.

Clinical studies

• Alraek T, Soedal LIF, Fagerheim SU, Digranes A, Baerheim A. Acupuncture treatment in the prevention of uncomplicated recurrent lower urinary tract infections in adult women. Am J Pub Health 2002; 92: 1609-11.
• Aune A, Alraek T, Huo L, Baerheim A. Can acupuncture prevent cystitis in women? Tidsskr Nor Laegeforen 1998; 118: 1370-2.

Case reports

• Kuruvilla AC. Acupuncture for energy malfunction in urinary bladder. Medical Acupuncture 2009; 21: 183-5.

Physiology studies (human and animal)

• Hino K, Honjo H, Nakao M, Kitakoji H. The effects of sacral acupuncture on acetic acid-induced bladder irritation in conscious rats. Urology 2010; 75: 730-4.
• Lorenzini L, Giuliani A, Giardino L, Calzà L. Laser acupuncture for acute inflammatory, visceral and neuropathic pain relief: An experimental study in the laboratory rat. Res Vet Sci 2010; 88: 159-65.
• Kim HW, Uh DK, Yoon SY, Roh DH, Kwon YB, Han HJ, Lee HJ, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Low-frequency electroacupuncture suppresses carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in mice via sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons, while high-frequency EA suppression is mediated by the sympathoadrenal medullary axis. Brain Res Bul. 2008; 75: 698-705.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007; 6: :251-7.
• Zijlstra FJ, van den Berg-de Lange I, Huygen FJ, Klein J. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003;12: 59-69.

Acupuncture and Dentistry

Systematic reviews

• Bensoussan A. Systematic review of acupuncture in dental pain. Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies 1999; 4: 15-6.
• Rosted P. The use of acupuncture in dentistry: a systematic review. Acupuncture in Medicine 1998; 16: 43-8.
• Ernst E, Pittler MH. The effectiveness of acupuncture in treating acute dental pain: a systematic review. Br Dent J 1998; 184:443-7.

Controlled trials

• Sari E, Sari T. The role of acupuncture in the treatment of orthodontic patients with a gagging reflex: a pilot study. British dental journal 2010; 208: E19.
• Goddard G, Albers D. Effects of acupuncture at large intestine 4 (LI 4) on electrical tooth pulp stimulation: A randomized controlled pilot study. Medical Acupuncture 2009; 21: 167-71.
• Karst M et al. Auricular acupuncture for dental anxiety: a randomized controlled trial. Anesth Analg 2007; 104: 295-300.
• Lao L et al. Evaluation of acupuncture for pain control after oral surgery: a placebo-controlled trial. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 1999; 125: 567-72.

Case series

• Rosted P  et al. Acupuncture in the management of anxiety related to dental treatment: a case series. Acupunct Med 2010; 28: 3-5.
• Tavares MG et al. Electro-acupuncture efficacy on pain control after mandibular third molar surgery. Braz Dent J 2007; 18: 158-62.
• Rosted P et al. The use of acupuncture in controlling the gag reflex in patients requiring an upper alginate impression: An audit. British Dental Journal 2006; 201: 721-25.

Research on mechanisms for acupuncture

• Goldman N  et al. Adenosine A1 receptors mediate local anti-nociceptive effects of acupuncture. Nat Neurosci 2010 May 30. [Epub ahead of print]
• Hui K.K.-S. The salient characteristics of the central effects of acupuncture needling: limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network modulation. Human Brain Mapping 2009; 30: 1196-206.
• Cheng CH et al. Endogenous Opiates in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius Mediate Electroacupuncture-induced Sleep Activities in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2009 Sep 3. [Epub ahead of print]
• Lee B et al. Effects of acupuncture on chronic corticosterone-induced depression-like behavior and expression of neuropeptide Y in the rats. Neuroscience Letters 2009; 453: 151-6.
• Komori M et al. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg 2009; 108: 635-40.
• Zhao ZQ.  Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol 2008;  85: 355-75.
• Zhou Q et al. The effect of electro-acupuncture on the imbalance between monoamine neurotransmitters and GABA in the CNS of rats with chronic emotional stress-induced anxiety. Int J Clin Acupunct 2008 ;17: 79-84.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007;  6:  251-7.
• Jung JY et al. Effects of acupuncture on c-Fos expression in brain after noxious tooth stimulation of the rat. Am J Chin Med 2006; 34: 989-1003.
• Han JS. Acupuncture and endorphins. Neurosci Lett 2004; 361: 258-61.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003; 12: 59-69.
• Wu MT et al. Central nervous pathway for acupuncture stimulation: localization of processing with functional MR imaging of the brain--preliminary experience. Radiology 1999 ; 212: 133-41.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987: 1-18.

Acupuncture and Endometriosis

American Data and Statistics

• Bulun, S.E. (2009) Mechanisms of disease: endometriosis. New England Journal of Medicine 360(3), 268-279.
• Gazvani R. Templeton  A. Peritoneal environment, cytokines and angiogenesis in the pathophysiology of endometriosis. Reproduction 2002; 123(2): 217-26.
• Kyama C et al. Potential involvement of the immune system in the development of endometriosis. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2003 1; 123.
• Johnson N, Farquhar C, 2007. Endometriosis. Clinical Evidence. BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. www.clincalevidence.com
• Lundeberg T, Lund I. Is there a role for acupuncture in endometriosis pain, or 'endometrialgia'?  Acupunct Med 2008; 26 (2): 94-110.
• Managing endometriosis. Drug & Therapeutics Bulletin 1999; 37: 25-32.
• Oral E et al. The peritoneal environment in endometriosis. Human Reproduction Update 1996; 2: 385-98.
• Rock JA, Markham SM. Pathogenesis of endometriosis. Lancet 1992; 340:1264–7.
• Seli E et al. Pathogenesis of endometriosis. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2003; 30: 41–61.

Clinical studies

• Jin YB et al. [Randomized controlled study on ear-electroacupuncture treatment of endometriosis-induced dysmenorrhea in patients]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu 2009; 34(3): 188-92.
• Wayne PM et al. Japanese-style acupuncture for endometriosis-related pelvic pain in adolescents and young women: results of a randomized sham-controlled trial. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol 2008; 21(5): 247-57.
• Yan H et al. [Observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on disorders of myometrial gland]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2008; 28(8): 579-81.
• Xia T. Effect of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in Treating Endometriosis.   International Journal of Clinical Acupuncture 2006; 15(3): 145-50.
• Sun YZ, Chen HL. [Controlled study on Shu-Mu point combination for treatment of endometriosis]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2006; 26(12): 863-5.

Physiology studies on endometriosis

• Chen YF et al.  [Effects of acupuncture combined with medicine on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 in the rat of endometriosis]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2008; 28: 675-80.

Physiology – acupuncture in general

• Zhao ZQ.  Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol 2008 ;85: 355-75.
• Han JS. Acupuncture and endorphins. Neurosci Lett 2004; 361: 258-61.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003 ;12: 59-69.
• Wu MT et al. Central nervous pathway for acupuncture stimulation: localization of processing with functional MR imaging of the brain--preliminary experience. Radiology 1999; 212: 133-41.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987 :1-18.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007;6:251-7.

Acupuncture and Female Fertility

American Data and Statistics

• Eugster A, Vingerhoets AJ. Psychological aspects of in vitro fertilization: a review. Soc Sci Med. 1999 Mar;48(5):575-89.
• Smith JF, Eisenberg ML, Millstein SG, Nachtigall RD et al. The use of complementary and alternative fertility treatment in couples seeking fertility care: data from a prospective cohort in the United States. Fertil Steril. 2010;93(7):2169-74.

Reviews

• Stener-Victorin E, Wu X. Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in the reproductive system. Auton Neurosci. 2010 Mar 27. [Epub ahead of print].
• Lim CE, Wong WS. Current evidence of acupuncture on polycystic ovarian syndrome. Gynecol Endocrinol. 2010 Mar 16. [Epub ahead of print].
• Ng EH, So WS, Gao J, Wong YY, Ho PC. The role of acupuncture in the management of subfertility. Fertil Steril. 2008 Jul;90(1):1-13.
• Huang ST, Chen AP. Traditional Chinese medicine and infertility. Curr Opin Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Jun;20(3):211-5.
• Stener-Victorin E, Jedel E, Mannerås L. Acupuncture in polycystic ovary syndrome: current experimental and clinical evidence. J Neuroendocrinol. 2008 Mar;20(3):290-8.
• Stener-Victorin E, Humaidan P. Use of acupuncture in female infertility and a summary of recent acupuncture studies related to embryo transfer. Acupunct Med. 2006 Dec;24(4):157-63.

Clinical trials

• Park JJ, Kang M, Shin S, Choi E et al. Unexplained infertility treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine in Korea. J Altern Complement Med. 2010 Feb;16(2):193-8.
• Jiang DS.  Ding D.  [Clinical observation on acupuncture combined with medication for treatment of continuing unovulation infertility]. [Chinese]  Zhongguo Zhenjiu.  29(1):21-4, 2009 Jan.
• Song FJ.  Zheng SL.  Ma DZ.   [Clinical observation on acupuncture for treatment of infertility of ovulatory disturbance]. [Chinese]   Zhongguo Zhenjiu.  28(1):21-3, 2008 Jan.
• Chen D.  Chen SR.  Shi XL.  Guo FL.  Zhu YK.  Li S.  Cai MX.  Deng LH.  Xu H.   [Clinical study on needle-pricking therapy for treatment of polycystic ovarial syndrome]. [Chinese]  Zhongguo Zhenjiu.  27(2):99-102, 2007 Feb.
• Yang JR, Ma YY, Liu YL,  Wang HL, Liu Z. [Controlled study on acupuncture for treatment of endocrine dysfunctional infertility] [Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhenjiu. 2005;25(5):299-300
• Stener-Victorin E, Waldenström U, Tägnfors U, Lundeberg T, Lindstedt G, Janson PO. Effects of electro-acupuncture on anovulation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome  Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2000 Mar;79(3):180-8.
• Gerhard I, Postneek F. Auricular acupuncture in the treatment of female infertility. Gynecol Endocrinol. 1992 Sep;6(3):171-81.

Physiology studies (human and animal)

• Stener-Victorin E, Jedel E, Janson PO, Sverrisdottir YB. Low-frequency electroacupuncture and physical exercise decrease high muscle sympathetic nerve activity in polycystic ovary syndrome. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol. 2009 Aug;297(2):R387-95.
• Zhang WY, Huang GY, Liu J. [Influences of acupuncture on infertility of rats with polycystic ovarian syndrome] [in Chinese] Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2009 Nov;29(11):997-1000.
• He D.J. Huang G.Y. Zhang M.M. [Effects of acupuncture on the luteal function of rats with dysfunctional embryo implantation] [Chinese]. Zhongguo zhen jiu. 2009; 29(11):910-913
• Stener-Victorin E, Waldenström U, Andersson SA, Wikland M. Reduction of blood flow impedance in the uterine arteries of infertile women with electro-acupuncture. Hum Reprod. 1996 Jun;11(6):1314-7.

Acupuncture and Fibromyalgia

American Data and Statistics

• Annemans L et al. Health economic consequences related to the diagnosis of fibromyalgia syndrome. Arthritis Rheum 2008; 58: 895–902.
• Clauw DJ. Fibromyalgia: an overview. Am J Med 2009; 122 (12 suppl): S3–13.
• Boonen A et al. Large differences in cost of illness and wellbeing between patients with fibromyalgia, chronic low back pain, or ankylosing spondylitis. Ann Rheum Dis 2005; 64: 396–402.
• Busch AJ et al. Exercise for treating fibromyalgia syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD003786. DOI: 10.1002/ 14651858.CD003786.pub2 [Last assessed as up-to-date: 16 August 2007].
• De Silva V et al. Evidence for the efficacy of complementary and alternative medicines in the management of fibromyalgia: a systematic review. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2010; 49: 1063–8.
• Häuser W et al. Management of fibromyalgia syndrome – an interdisciplinary evidence-based guideline. Ger Med Sci 2008; 6: Doc 14.
• Häuser W et al. Comparative efficacy and harms of duloxetine, milnacipran, and pregabalin in fibromyalgia syndrome. J Pain 2010; 11: 505–21.
• Holman AJ, Myers RR. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of pramipexole, a dopamine agonist, in patients with fibromyalgia receiving concomitant medications. Arthritis Rheum 2005; 52: 2495–505.
• Wolfe F et al. The American College of Rheumatology 1990 Criteria for the Classification of Fibromyalgia. Report of the Multicenter Criteria Committee. Arthritis Rheum 1990; 33: 160–72.

Systematic reviews

• Langhorst J et al. Efficacy of acupuncture in fibromyalgia syndrome a systematic review with a meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials. Rheumatology 2010; 49: 778-88.
• Cao H et al. Traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of fibromyalgia: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2010; 16: 397-409.
• Baranowsky J et al. Qualitative systemic review of randomized controlled trials on complementary and alternative medicine treatments in fibromyalgia. Rheumatology International 2009; 30: 1-21.

Randomised controlled trials

• Jang ZY et al. Combination of acupuncture, cupping and medicine for treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome: a multi-central randomized controlled trial [Article in Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2010; 30:265-9.
• Targino RA et al. A randomized controlled trial of acupuncture added to usual treatment for fibromyalgia. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine 2008; 40: 582-8.
• Martin DP et al. Improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms with acupuncture: Results of a randomized controlled trial. Mayo Clinic Proceedings 2006; 81: 749-57.

Research on mechanisms for acupuncture

• Harris RE et al.Traditional Chinese acupuncture and placebo (sham) acupuncture are differentiated by their effects on mu-opioid receptors (MORs). Neuroimage 2009; 47: 1077-85.
• Cheng CH et al. Endogenous Opiates in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius Mediate Electroacupuncture-induced Sleep Activities in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2009 Sep 3. [Epub ahead of print]
• Lee B et al. Effects of acupuncture on chronic corticosterone-induced depression-like behavior and expression of neuropeptide Y in the rats. Neuroscience Letters 2009; 453: 151-6.
• Komori M et al. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg 2009; 108: 635-40.
• Zhao ZQ.  Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol 2008;  85: 355-75.
• Zhou Q et al. The effect of electro-acupuncture on the imbalance between monoamine neurotransmitters and GABA in the CNS of rats with chronic emotional stress-induced anxiety. Int J Clin Acupunct 2008 ;17: 79-84.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007;  6:  251-7.
• Han JS. Acupuncture and endorphins. Neurosci Lett 2004; 361: 258-61.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003; 12: 59-69.
• Wu MT et al. Central nervous pathway for acupuncture stimulation: localization of processing with functional MR imaging of the brain--preliminary experience. Radiology 1999 ; 212: 133-41.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987: 1-18.

Acupuncture and Frozen Shoulder

American Data and Statistics

• Bunker TD. Frozen shoulder: unravelling the enigma. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 1997; 79: 210-3.
• Harryman DT et al. The Stiff Shoulder. In: Rockwood Jr CA, Matsen III FA (Eds). The Shoulder. Second edition. USA: WB Saunders, 1998.
• Lundberg BJ. The frozen shoulder. Acta Orthop Scand 1969; 119: 1-59.
• Need patients be stuck with frozen shoulder. DTB 2000; 38: 86-8.
• Speed C. Shoulder Pain. Clinical Evidence. Search date February 2006.

Reviews

• Green S et al. Acupuncture for shoulder pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005; 18: CD005319.

Clinical studies

• Cheing GL et al. Effectiveness of electroacupuncture and interferential electrotherapy in the management of frozen shoulder. J Rehabil Med 2008; 40: 166-70.
• Ma T et al. A study on the clinical effects of physical therapy and acupuncture to treat spontaneous frozen shoulder. Am J Chin Med 2006; 34:759-75.
• Sun KO et al. Acupuncture for frozen shoulder. Hong Kong Med J 2001; 7: 381-91.
• Longbottom J, Green A. Effectiveness of single-point acupuncture to Stomach 38 (Tiaokou) on pain and disability in subjects with frozen shoulder. J Acupunct Assoc Chart Physiotherapists 2009; 1: 37-46.

Research on mechanisms for acupuncture in general

• Komori M et al. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg 2009; 108: 635-40.
• Cheng KJ. Neuroanatomical basis of acupuncture treatment for some common illnesses. Acupunct Med 2009;27: 61-4.
• Kim HW et al. Low-frequency electroacupuncture suppresses carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in mice via sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons, while high-frequency EA suppression is mediated by the sympathoadrenal medullary axis. Brain Res Bul. 2008; 75: 698-705.
• Zhao ZQ.  Neural mechanism underlying  acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol 2008; 85(4): 355-75.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007; 6: :251-7.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003;12: 59-69.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987:1-18.

Acupuncture and Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders

American Data and Statistics

• Inducing remission in inflammatory bowel disease. DTB 2003; 41: 30-2.
• Jones R, Lydeard S. Irritable bowel syndrome in the general population. BMJ 1992; 304: 87-90.
• Moayyedi P, Delaney B. GORD in adults. Clinical Evidence. Search date July 2007.

Systematic reviews

• Lee D-H et al. Moxibustion for ulcerative colitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Gastroenterology 2009; 10, Article Number: 36.
• Mu JP et al. Meta-analysis on acupuncture and moxibustion for treatment of ulcerative colitis. [Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhenjiu 2007; 27: 687-90.
• Schneider A et al. Acupuncture treatment in gastrointestinal diseases: A systematic review. World Journal of Gastroenterology 2007; 13: 3417-24.

Clinical studiesFunctional dyspepsia:

• Park Y-C et al. Evaluation of manual acupuncture at classical and nondefined points for treatment of functional dyspepsia: A randomized-controlled trial. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2009; 15: 879-84.
• Chen JY  et al. Effects of acupuncture on the gastric motivity in patients with functional dyspepsia. [Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi Jiehe Zazhi/Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional & Western Medicine/Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Hui, Zhongguo Zhong Yi Yan Jiu Yuan Zhu Ban 2005; 25: 880-2.

Gastritis:

• Ren R, Zhuang LX. Effect of acupuncture and moxibustion of Shu- and Mu-acupoints on the quality of life in patients chronic superficial gastritis. [Zhongguo yi xue ke xue yuan Yi xue qing bao yan jiu suo bian ji] 2009; 34: 262-6.
• Gu W. Hu QC. Clinical observation on acupuncture for treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis. [Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhenjiu 2009; 29: 361-4.

• Gao X et al. Clinical research on acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2007; 27: 87-91.

Peptic ulceration:

• Niu HY et al. Multicentral randomized controlled trials of acupuncture at Zhongwan (CV 12) for treatment of peptic ulcer. [Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhenjiu 2007; 27: 89-92.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux:

• Acupuncture may have value in treating gastroesophageal reflux. Journal of the National Medical Association 2008; 100: 350.

Ulcerative colitis:

• Joos S et al. Acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of ulcerative colitis: a randomized controlled study. Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 2006; 41: 1056-63.

Crohn’s disease:

• Joos S et al. Acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of active Crohn's disease: A randomized controlled study. Digestion 2004; 69: 131-9.

Acute pancreatitis:

• Wang XY. [Electroacupuncture for treatment of acute pancreatitis and its effect on the intestinal permeability of the patient [Article in Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2007;27: 421-3.

Research on mechanisms of action

Human studies

• Wu Q et al. 1H NMR-based metabonomic study on the metabolic changes in the plasma of patients with functional dyspepsia and the effect of acupuncture. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 2010; 51: 698-704.
• Zeng F et al. Brain areas involved in acupuncture treatment on functional dyspepsia patients: A PET-CT study. Neuroscience Letters 2009; 456: 6-10.
• Yao X-M et al. Effect of acupuncture on proximal gastric  motility in patients with functional dyspepsia. World Chinese Journal of Digestology 2006; 14: 2139-41.
• Xu S et al. Electroacupuncture accelerates solid gastric emptying and improves dyspeptic symptoms in patients with functional dyspepsia. Digestive Diseases & Sciences 2006; 51: 2154-9.
• Chang X et al. The affects of acupuncture at Sibai and Neiting acupoints on gastric peristalsis. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2001; 21: 286-8.

Animal studies

• Sun JP et al. Effect of acupuncturing at the acupoint ST 36 on substance P and proopiomelanocortin expression in hypothalamus and adrenal in rats with cold-restraint stress-induced ulcer. World Chinese Journal of Digestology 2008; 16: 1602-6.
• Shen GM et al. Role of vasoactive intestinal peptide and nitric oxide in the modulation of electroacupucture on gastric motility in stressed rats. World Journal of Gastroenterology 2006; 12: 6156-60.

Reviews of mechanisms for acupuncture in GI tract disorders

• Noguchi E. Mechanism of reflex regulation of the gastroduodenal function by acupuncture. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2008; 5: 251-6.
• Takahashi T. Acupuncture for functional gastrointestinal disorders. Journal of Gastroenterology 2006; 41: 408-17.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003;12: 59-69.

Acupuncture and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

American Data and Statistics

• Akehurst R, Kaltenthaler E. Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a review of randomised controlled trials. Gut. 2001 Feb;48(2):272-82.
• Camilleri M, Choi MG. Review article: Irritable bowel syndrome. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 1997; 11: 3-15.
• Maxwell PR et al. Irritable bowel syndrome. Lancet. 1997 Dec 6;350(9092):1691-5.

Reviews

• Yin J, Chen JD. Gastrointestinal motility disorders and acupuncture. Auton Neurosci. 2010 Apr 2. [Epub ahead of print]
• Schneider A et al. Acupuncture treatment in gastrointestinal diseases: A systematic review. World J Gastroenterol 2007a; 13(25): 3417-3424.
• Lim B et al. Acupuncture for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006 Oct 18;(4):CD005111.

Clinical studies

• Anastasi JK et al. Symptom management for irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot randomized controlled trial of acupuncture/moxibustion. Gastroenterol Nurs. 2009 Jul-Aug;32(4):243-55.
• Lembo AJ et al.  A treatment trial of acupuncture in IBS patients. Am J Gastroenterol. 2009 Jun;104(6):1489-97.
• Renolds JA et al. Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome an exploratory randomised controlled trial. Acupunct Med 2008 Mar; 26(1):8-16.
• Trujillo NP. Acupuncture for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Med Acupunct 2008 Mar 20(1):47-49.
• Schneider S et al. Neuroendocrinological effects of acupuncture treatment in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. Complement Ther Med. 2007b;15(4):255-63.
• Forbes A et al. Acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome: a blinded placebo-controlled trial. World J Gastroenterol 2005; 11: 4040-4044.
• Lu B et al. A randomised controlled trial of acupuncture for irritable bowel syndrome. Program and abstracts of the 65th Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of  Gastroenterology; October 16-18, 2000, New York, NY. Poster 268, p.428.

Physiology studies (human and animal)

• Xu GY et al. Electroacupuncture attenuates visceral hyperalgesia and inhibits the enhanced excitability of colon specific sensory neurons in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome. Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2009 Dec;21(12):1302-e125
• Ma XP et al. Effect of electro-acupuncture on substance P, its receptor and corticotropin-releasing hormone in rats with irritable bowel syndrome. World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Nov 7;15(41):5211-7.
• Tian SL et al. Repeated electro-acupuncture attenuates chronic visceral hypersensitivity and spinal cord NMDA receptor phosphorylation in a rat irritable bowel syndrome model. Life Sci. 2008 Aug 29;83(9-10):356-63
• Chen J et al. Electroacupuncture improves impaired gastric motility and slow waves induced by rectal distension in dogs. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2008 Sep;295(3):G614-20.
• Tian XY et al. Electro-acupuncture attenuates stress-induced defecation in rats with chronic visceral hypersensitivity via serotonergic pathway. Brain Res. 2006 May 9;1088(1):101-8.
• Xing J et al. Transcutaneous electrical acustimulation can reduce visceral perception in patients with the irritable bowel syndrome: a pilot study. Altern Ther Health Med. 2004 Jan-Feb;10(1):38-42.

General review articles of acupuncture

• Samuels N et al. Acupuncture for psychiatric illness: a literature review. Behav Med. 2008 Summer;34(2):55-64.
• Han JS. Acupuncture and endorphins. Neurosci Lett. 2004 May 6;361(1-3):258-61.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987:1-18.

Acupuncture and Male Infertility

American Data and Statistics

• Arap MA et al. Late hormonal levels, semen parameters and presence of antisperm antibodies in patients treated for testicular torsion. J Androl 2007; 28: 528-32.
• Cherry N et al. Occupational exposure to solvents and male infertility. Occup Environ Med 2001; 58: 635-40.
• Dohle GR et al. Guidelines on male infertility. European Association of Urology; 2010.
• Isidori A et al. Treatment of male infertility. Contraception 2005; 72: 314-8.
• Kunzle R et al. Semen quality of male smokers and nonsmokers in infertile couples. Fertil Steril 2003; 79: 287-91.
• Patki P et al. Effects of spinal cord injury on semen parameters. J Spinal Cord Med 2008; 31: 27-32.
• Rowe PJ et al. WHO manual for the standardized investigation and diagnosis of the infertile male. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press; 2004.
• Shefi S, Turek PJ. Definition and current evaluation of subfertile men. Int Braz J Urol 2006; 32:385-97. 

Clinical trials

• Dieterle S et al. A prospective randomized placebo-controlled study of the effect of acupuncture in infertile patients with severe oligoasthenozoospermia. Fertility and Sterility 2009; 92: 1340-3.
• Siterman S et al. Success of acupuncture treatment in patients with initially low sperm output is associated with a decrease in scrotal skin temperature. Asian Journal of Andrology 2009; 11: 200-8.
• Pei J et al. Quantitative evaluation of spermatozoa ultrastructure after acupuncture treatment for idiopathic male infertility. Fertility and Sterility 2005; 84: 141-7.
• Gurfinkel E et al. Effects of acupuncture and moxa treatment in patients with semen abnormalities. Asian Journal of Andrology 2003; 5: 345-8.
• Engelhardt PF et al. Acupuncture in the treatment of psychogenic erectile dysfunction: first results of a prospective randomized placebo-controlled study. International Journal of Impotence Research 2003; 15: 343-6.
• Siterman S et al. Does acupuncture treatment affect sperm density in males with very low sperm count? A pilot study. Andrologia 200l 32: 31-9.

Case studies

• Claici D. Acupuncture for the treatment of cryptozoospermia. Medical Acupuncture 2008; 20: 277-9.
• Pang Pao-zhen and Zhao Huan-y. [The Acupuncture Treatment of 128 Cases of Oligospermia Sterility]. Hei Long Jiang Zhong Yi Yao (Heilongjiang Chinese Medicine & Medicinals) 2004; 1: 42.

Research on mechanisms for acupuncture in general

• Stener-Victorin E, Wu X. Effects and mechanisms of acupuncture in the reproductive system. Auton Neurosci 2010 Mar 27. [Epub ahead of print].
• Komori M et al. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg 2009; 108: 635-40.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003;12: 59-69.
• Crimmel AS et al. Withered Yang: a review of traditional Chinese medical treatment of male infertility and erectile dysfunction. J Androl 2001; 22: 173-82.

Acupuncture and Menopausal Symptoms

American Data and Statistics

• Bachmann GA (1999) Vasomotor flushes in menopausal women. Am J Obstet Gynecol 180: 312-6.
• Freeman EW, Sherif K. Prevalence of hot flushes and night sweats around the world: a systematic review. Climacteric 2007; 10: 197–214.
• Hardy R, Kuh D. Social and environmental conditions across the life course and age at menopause in a British birth cohort study. BJOG 2005; 112: 346–54.
• Melby MK et al. Culture and symptom reporting at menopause. Hum Reprod Update 2005; 11: 495–512.
• Politi MC et al. Revisiting the duration of vasomotor symptoms of menopause: a meta-analysis. J Gen Intern Med 2008; 23: 1507–13.

Systematic reviews

• Lee MS et al. Acupuncture for treating menopausal hot flushes: a systematic review. Climacteric. 2009; 12: 16-25.
• Cho SH, Whang WW. Acupuncture for vasomotor menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Menopause 2009; 16: 1065-73.

Review

• Borud E, White A. A review of acupuncture for menopausal problems. Maturitas 2010; 66: 131-4.

Clinical studies

• Kim KH et al. Effects of acupuncture on hot flashes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women-a multicenter randomized clinical trial. Menopause 2010; 17: 269-80.
• Venzke L et al. A randomized trial of acupuncture for vasomotor symptoms in post-menopausal women. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2010; 18:  59-66.
• Borud EK et al. The Acupuncture on hot flushes among menopausal women (ACUFLASH) study, a randomized controlled trial. Menopause 2009; 16: 484-93.
• Borud EK et al. The acupuncture on hot flashes among menopausal women study: Observational follow-up results at 6 and 12 months. Menopause 2010; 17: 262-8.
• Park JE et al. Moxibustion for treating menopausal hot flashes: a randomized clinical trial. Menopause 2009; 16: 660-5.
• Avis NE et al. A randomized, controlled pilot study of acupuncture treatment for menopausal hot flashes. Menopause 2008; 15: 1070-8.
• Xia XH et al. Multicentral randomized controlled clinical trials about treatment of perimenopausal syndrome with electroacupuncture of sanyinjiao (SP 6) [Article in Chinese] . Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2008 Aug;33(4):262-6.

Research on mechanisms for acupuncture in general

• Cheng KJ. Neuroanatomical basis of acupuncture treatment for some common illnesses. Acupunct Med 2009;27: 61-4.
• Lee B et al. Effects of acupuncture on chronic corticosterone-induced depression-like behavior and expression of neuropeptide Y in the rats. Neuroscience Letters 2009; 453: 151-6.
• Samuels N et al. Acupuncture for psychiatric illness: a literature review. Behav Med 2008; 34: 55-64
• Zhou Q et al. The effect of electro-acupuncture on the imbalance between monoamine neurotransmitters and GABA in the CNS of rats with chronic emotional stress-induced anxiety. Int J Clin Acupunct 2008 ;17: 79-84.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003;12: 59-69.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987:1-18.

Acupuncture and Migraines

American Data and Statistics

• IHS 2004. Headache Classification Subcommittee of the International Headache Society. The International Classification of Headache Disorders: 2nd edition. Cephalalgia 2004;24:1–160.

Reviews

• Linde K et al. Acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2009 Issue 1. Art.No.: CD001218. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD001218.pub2.
• Sun Y, Gan TJ. Acupuncture for the management of chronic headache: a systematic review. Anesth Analg 2008;107:2038-47.
• Wang YY, Zheng Z, Xue CCL. Acupuncture for Migraine. Austral J Acupunc Chin Med 2008;3(1):1-16
• Scott SW, Deare JC. Acupuncture for migraine: a systematic review. Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine 2006;1:3–14.

Clinical studies

• Li Y, Liang F, Yang X, Tian X et al.  Acupuncture for treating acute attacks of migraine: A randomized controlled trial.  Headache. 2009; 49 (6) (pp 805-816).
• Rutberg S., Ohrling K.  Experiences of acupuncture among women with migraine. Advances in Physiotherapy. 2009; 11 (3), (pp 130-136).
• Zhang Y., Zhang L., Li B., Wang L.P. Effects of acupuncture preventive treatment on the quality of life in patients of no-aura migraine. Zhongguo zhen jiu [Chinese acupuncture & moxibustion].  2009;29 (6) (pp 431-435)
• Jena S et al. Acupuncture in patients with headache. Cephalalgia 2008;28:969-79.
• Witt CM, Reinhold T, Jena S, Brinkhaus B, Willich SN. Cost-effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in patients with headache. Cephalalgia. 2008 Apr;28(4):334-45.
• Diener HC et al. Efficacy of acupuncture for the prophylaxis of migraine: a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial. Lancet Neurol 2006;5:310-6.
• Streng A et al. Effectiveness and tolerability of acupuncture compared with metoprolol in migraine prophylaxis. Headache 2006;46:1492-502.
• Vickers AJ et al. Acupuncture for chronic headache in primary care: large, pragmatic, randomised trial. BMJ 2004;328:744.
• Wonderling D, Vickers AJ, Grieve R, McCarney R. Cost effectiveness analysis of a randomised trial of acupuncture for chronic headache in primary care. BMJ. 2004 Mar 27;328(7442):747.
• Allais G et al. Acupuncture in the prophylactic treatment of migraine without aura: a comparison with flunarizine. Headache 2002;42:855-61.

Physiological studies

• Shi H, Li JH, Ji CF, Shang HY, Qiu EC et al. [Effect of electroacupuncture on cortical spreading depression and plasma CGRP and substance P contents in migraine rats]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2010 Feb;35(1):17-21.
• Park K.-H. Kim H.-J. Baek S.-Y. Cho B.-M. Yoo T.-W. Effect of acupuncture on blood flow velocity and volume in common carotid and vertebral arteries in migraine patients. Medical Acupuncture.  2009; 21(1)(pp 47-54.
• Kim HW, Uh DK, Yoon SY et al. Low-frequency electroacupuncture suppresses carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in mice via sympathetic post-ganglionic neurons, while high-frequency EA suppression is mediated by the sympathoadrenal medullary axis. Brain Res Bull. 2008 Mar 28;75(5):698-705.
• Zhong G.-W. Li W. Effects of acupuncture on 5-hydroxytryptamine1F and inducible nitricoxide synthase gene expression in the brain of migraine rats.  Journal of Clinical Rehabilitative Tissue Engineering Research. 2007;11(29)(pp 5761-5764)
• Zhao ZQ.  Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol. 2008 Aug;85(4):355-75.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther. 2007 Sep;6(3):251-7.
• Zijlstra FJ, van den Berg-de Lange I, Huygen FJ, Klein J. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm. 2003 Apr;12(2):59-69.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987:1-18.

Acupuncture and Post-Operative Pain

American Data and Statistics

• Breivik H, Stubhaug A. Management of Acute postoperative pain: still a long way to go! Pain 2008; 137: 233-4.
• Charlton E. The management of postoperative pain. Practical Procedures 1997; 7: 1-7.
• Pyati S, Gan TJ. Perioperative pain management. CNS Drugs 2007; 21: 185 - 211.
• Taylor M S.  Managing postoperative pain.  Hosp Med 2001;  62:  560-3.

Systematic reviews

• Usichenko TI et al. Auricular acupuncture for postoperative pain control: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials. Anaesthesia 2008; 63: 1343-8.
• Sun Y et al. Acupuncture and related techniques for postoperative pain: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Br J Anaesth 2008; 101: 151-60.

Clinical trials

• Sahmeddini MA et al. Electro-acupuncture for pain relief after nasal septoplasty: a randomized controlled study. J Altern Complement Med 2010; 16: 53-7.
• Larson JD et al. The effect of electroacustimulation on postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain in outpatient plastic surgery patients: a prospective, randomized, blinded, clinical trial. Plast Reconstr Surg 2010; 125: 989-94.
• Grube T et al. Influence of acupuncture on postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting after visceral surgery: a prospective, randomized comparative study of metamizole and standard treatment [Article in German]. Schmerz 2009; 23: 370-6.
• Parthasarathy S., Ravishankar M. Acupuncture - A preemptive analgesic technique. Journal of Anaesthesiology Clinical Pharmacology 2009;  25: 214-6.
• Wu HC et al. Effects of acupuncture on post-cesarean section pain. Chinese Medical Journal 2009; 122: 1743-8.
• Wong RH et al. Analgesic effect of electroacupuncture in postthoracotomy pain: a prospective randomized trial. Ann Thorac Surg 2006; 81: 2031-6.

Research on mechanisms for acupuncture

• Cheng CH et al. Endogenous Opiates in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius Mediate Electroacupuncture-induced Sleep Activities in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2009 Sep 3.
• Lee B et al. Effects of acupuncture on chronic corticosterone-induced depression-like behavior and expression of neuropeptide Y in the rats. Neuroscience Letters 2009; 453: 151-6.
• Zhou Q et al. The effect of electro-acupuncture on the imbalance between monoamine neurotransmitters and GABA in the CNS of rats with chronic emotional stress-induced anxiety. Int J Clin Acupunct 2008 ;17: 79-84.
• Han JS. Acupuncture and endorphins. Neurosci Lett 2004; 361: 258-61.
• Wu MT et al. Central nervous pathway for acupuncture stimulation: localization of processing with functional MR imaging of the brain--preliminary experience. Radiology 1999 ;212: 133-41.

Acupuncture and Sciatica

American Data and Statistics

• Hagen KB et al. The updated Cochrane review of bedrest for low back pain and sciatica. Spine 2005; 30: 542-6.
• Health Council of the Netherlands: management of the lumbosacral radicular syndrome (sciatica): Health Council of the Netherlands, 1999; publication no. 1999/18.
• Koes BW et al. Diagnosis and treatment of sciatica. BMJ 2007; 334: 1313-7.
• Tarulli AW, Raynor EM. Lumbosacral radiculopathy. Neurol Clin 2007; 25(2): 387-405.
• Weber H et al. The natural course of acute sciatica with nerve root symptoms in a double blind placebo-controlled trial of evaluating the effect of piroxicam (NSAID). Spine 1993; 18: 1433-8.
• Waddell G. The back pain revolution. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1998.
• Younes M et al. Prevalence and risk factors of disc-related sciatica in an urban population in Tunisia. Joint Bone Spine 2006; 73: 538-42.

Reviews – low back pain

• Yuan J et al. Effectiveness of acupuncture for low back pain: a systematic review. Spine 2008; 33(23): E887-900.
• Furlan AD et al. Acupuncture and dry-needling for low back pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2005; (1): CD001351.
• Ammendolia C et al. Evidence-informed management of chronic low back pain with needle acupuncture. Spine J 2008 Jan-Feb; 8(1): 160-72.

Clinical trials – sciatica

• Wang ZX. [Clinical observation on electroacupuncture at acupoints for treatment of senile radical sciatica]. Zhongguo Zhenjiu 2009; 29(2): 126-8.
• Chen M-R et al. The warming acupuncture for treatment of sciatica in 30 cases. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2009; 29(1): 50-53.
• Inoue M et al. Acupuncture treatment for low back pain and lower limb symptoms - The relation between acupuncture or electroacupuncture stimulation and sciatic nerve blood flow. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2008; 5(2): 133-43.
• Wang B-X, La J-L. Therapeutic effects of electro-acupuncture and diclofenac on herniation of lumbar intervertebral disc. Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation 2004; 8(17): 3413-5.

Animal studies

• Inoue M et al. The effect of electrical stimulation of the pudendal nerve on sciatic nerve blood flow in animals.   Acupuncture in Medicine 2008; 26(3): 145-8.
• Dong Z-Q et al. Down-regulation of GFRalpha-1 expression by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide attenuates electroacupuncture analgesia on heat hyperalgesia in a rat model of neuropathic pain. Brain Research Bulletin 2006; 69(1): 30-6.
• Wang S et al. Effects of acupuncture on monoamine neurotransmitters in brain tissue of experimental rat models of sciatic nerve compression. Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation 2005; 9(33): 94-6.
• Zhang W-G et al. Effect of acupuncture on the recovery of injured sciatic nerve in rats quantitatively evaluated with the changes of electrophysiological parameters. Chinese Journal of Clinical Rehabilitation 2005. 9(25): 140-1.
• La J-L et al. Morphological studies on crushed sciatic nerve of rabbits with electroacupuncture or diclofenac sodium treatment. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 2005; 33(4): 663-9.
• Komori M, Takada K, Tomizawa Y, Nishiyama K, Kondo I, Kawamata M, Ozaki M. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg. 2009 Feb;108(2):635-40.

General review articles of acupuncture

• Zhao ZQ.  Neural mechanism underlying acupuncture analgesia. Prog Neurobiol 2008; 85(4): 355-75.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007; 6(3): 251-7.
• Zijlstra FJ, van den Berg-de Lange I, Huygen FJ, Klein J. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm. 2003 Apr;12(2):59-69.
• Pomeranz B. Scientific basis of acupuncture. In: Stux G, Pomeranz B, eds. Acupuncture Textbook and Atlas. Heidelberg: Springer-Verlag; 1987:1-18.

Acupuncture and Tinnitus

American Data and Statistics

• Coles RR. Epidemiology of tinnitus: (1) prevalence. J Laryngol Otol 1984; 9: 7–15.
• Zoger S et al. Psychiatric disorders in tinnitus patients without severe hearing impairment: 24 month follow-up of patients at an audiological clinic. Audiology 2001; 40: 133–40.

Systematic reviews

• Park J et al. Efficacy of acupuncture as a treatment for tinnitus: a systematic review. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2000; 126: 489-92.

Controlled trials

• Tan KQ et al. Comparative study on therapeutic effects of acupuncture, Chinese herbs and Western medicine on nervous tinnitus [Chinese]. Zhongguo Zhenjiu 2007. 27: 249-51.
• Okada DM et al. Acupuncture for tinnitus immediate relief [Portuguese]. Revista Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia 2006. 72: 182-6.
• Azevedo RF et al. Impact of acupuncture on otoacoustic emissions in patients with tinnitus. Revista Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia 2007; 73: 599-607.
• Jackson A et al. Acupuncture for tinnitus: a series of six n = 1 controlled trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 2006; 14: 39-46.

Case series

• Shaladi AM et al. Auricular acupuncture plus antioxidants in the treatment of subjective tinnitus: A case series. Medical Acupuncture 2009; 21: 131-4.

Research on mechanisms for acupuncture

• Cheng CH et al. Endogenous Opiates in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius Mediate Electroacupuncture-induced Sleep Activities in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2009 Sep 3.
• Lee B et al. Effects of acupuncture on chronic corticosterone-induced depression-like behavior and expression of neuropeptide Y in the rats. Neuroscience Letters 2009; 453: 151-6.
• Komori M et al. Microcirculatory responses to acupuncture stimulation and phototherapy. Anesth Analg 2009; 108: 635-40.
• Zhou Q et al. The effect of electro-acupuncture on the imbalance between monoamine neurotransmitters and GABA in the CNS of rats with chronic emotional stress-induced anxiety. Int J Clin Acupunct 2008 ;17: 79-84.
• Kavoussi B, Ross BE. The neuroimmune basis of anti-inflammatory acupuncture. Integr Cancer Ther 2007;  6:  251-7.
• Zijlstra FJ et al. Anti-inflammatory actions of acupuncture. Mediators Inflamm 2003; 12: 59-69.

Acupuncture and Urinary Incontinence

American Data and Statistics

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1996: http://www.urologychannel.com/incontinence/index.shtml.

Research

• Hartmann KE et al. Treatment of overactive bladder in women. Evid Rep Technol Assess 2009; 187: 1-120.
• Thomas LH et al. Treatment of urinary incontinence after stroke in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008; 1: CD004462.
• Bower WF et al. Acupuncture for nocturnal enuresis in children: a systematic review and exploration of rationale. Neurourol Urodyn 2005; 24: 267-72.
• Tang CL et al. [Observation on therapeutic effect of dog-day acupuncture and moxibustion combined with pelvic floor muscle exercises for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2009; 29: 879-83.
• Engberg S et al. The efficacy of acupuncture in treating urge and mixed incontinence in women: a pilot study. J Wound Ostomy Continence Nurs 2009; 36: 661-70.
• Yi WM et al. [Effects of electroacupuncture on urinary bladder function after radical hysterectomy] Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2008; 28: 653-5.
• Kim JH et al. Randomized control trial of hand acupuncture for female stress urinary incontinence. Acupunct Electrother Res 2008; 33: 179-92.
• Liu ZS, Du Y. [Evaluation of the curative effect of electro acupuncture on post-apoplectic urinary incontinence](in Chinese). Zhen Jiu Tui Na Yi Xue 2008; 6/2: 97-8.
• Tian FS et al. [Study on acupuncture treatment of diabetic neurogenic bladder]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2007 Jul;27(7):485-7.
• Yun SP et al. Effects of moxibustion on the recovery of post-stroke urinary symptoms. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 2007; 35: 947-54.
• Emmons SL, Otto L. Acupuncture for overactive bladder: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 2005; 106: 138-43.
• Zhang CZ, Lu YQ. [Clinical observation on acupoint thread-embedding therapy plus functional exercise for treatment of stress urinary incontinence] (in Chinese). Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2004; 24/7: 457-8.