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Acupuncture may have a positive impact on clinical pregnancy rate and live birth rate in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF), although the results are limited by the heterogeneity of the current evidence.
2023 Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine Pregnancy Benefit of Acupuncture on in vitro Fertilization: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Zhang H, Zhang C, Ma P, Sun C, Sun C, Liu X, et al.
Systematic Review IVF
This study aimed to assess the efficacy of acupuncture on embryo transfer in women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF). A total of 49 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 9422 women were analyzed. The results indicated that acupuncture had a significant positive impact on the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and live birth rate (LBR) compared to the control groups (odds ratio [OR]=1.65 for CPR, 1.34 for LBR). Subgroup analyses showed that traditional acupuncture was more beneficial for women aged < 35 years, those receiving ≥ 3 sessions, and those with lower baseline CPR rates in the control group. However, significant heterogeneity was observed among the studies. In conclusion, while there were some benefits of acupuncture in improving CPR and LBR in IVF, the results should be interpreted with caution due to the variability in the current evidence.
Acupuncture may have a significant effect on clinical pregnancy rates, independent of comparator group, when used in women who have had multiple previous IVF cycles, or where there was a low baseline pregnancy rate.
2019 Reproductive BioMedicine Online Acupuncture performed around the time of embryo transfer: a systematic review and meta-analysis Smith, C. A., Armour, M., Shewamene, Z., et al.
Systematic Review Embryo Transfer Female Fertility IVF
Evidence suggests acupuncture may be effective when compared with no adjunctive treatment, with increased clinical pregnancies and live births, but is not an efficacious treatment when compared with sham controls. Future research should focus on different dosing acupuncture regimens, and exploration of the components of acupuncture that are contributing to improved reproductive outcomes. Increased understanding of these components may have broader application to the care and treatment modalities provided to women undergoing IVF. Further exploration of the effects of acupuncture for women with poorer IVF outcomes is warranted.
Traditional Chinese Medicine provides a valuable, holistic approach to Parkinson's disease prevention and treatment, offering another angle besides Western medicinal practices.
2019 The Lancet Neurology Parkinson's disease in traditional Chinese medicine SongLi, WeidongLe
Review Article Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Parkinson's Disease Tian Ma Gou Teng decoction
The paper uses historical analysis to examine how Parkinson's disease-like symptoms were described and treated in ancient Chinese medical texts, with a focus on the theories of Yin-Yang imbalance and five-element theories, along with the use of various herbs, acupuncture and physical exercise. It draws from a range of historical periods, from as early as 425-221 BC up until the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD), discussing different traditional treatments like Zhenwu decoction, Gegen decoction, Jin Ya Wine, and Ding Zhen Pill.
In discussing the results, the paper synthesizes these historical treatments with modern practices, pointing out that many traditional remedies, now updated with contemporary knowledge, continue to be used in China. These include the renamed Ding Zhen Decoction, dietary therapies, acupuncture, moxibustion, Tai Chi, and Qigong. It was found that these approaches could improve both motor and non-motor symptoms for patients with Parkinson's disease. Many of the ingredients in these treatments have bioactive molecules which have shown therapeutic benefits. In addition to treatment, the study also emphasizes the value of early disease prevention in line with TCM's approach, noting that certain behaviors typical of the tradition such as tea-drinking and physical exercises have been observed to offer a preventive effect for Parkinson's patients.
Despite some indications of improved clinical pregnancy rates, the overall effectiveness of acupuncture as a treatment for couples with subfertility undergoing assisted reproduction therapy remains inconclusive and requires further high-quality research.
2018 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Effects of Acupuncture on the Outcomes of Assisted Reproductive Technology: An Overview of Systematic Reviews Xi, J., Chen, H., Peng, Z., et al.
Systematic Review Female Fertility IVF Stress
This abstract summarizes the findings of systematic reviews and meta-analyses assessing the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating couples with subfertility undergoing assisted reproduction therapy (ART). The review included eleven studies published between 2009 and 2017 and examined primary outcomes of live birth and clinical pregnancy, and secondary outcomes of ongoing pregnancy, miscarriage, and adverse events. The results suggest that acupuncture may improve the clinical pregnancy rate in ART patients. However, there was insufficient evidence to support its impact on live birth rate, ongoing pregnancy rates, or miscarriage, mainly due to the low quality of the included studies. The overall effectiveness of acupuncture in treating subfertility during ART remains uncertain, emphasizing the need for further high-quality research and well-reported trials.
Acupuncture improves the clinical pregnancy rate among women undergoing IVF and the IVF outcome results were significantly superior in the acupuncture group when acupuncture was conducted during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation.
2016 Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics Therapeutic effect of acupuncture on the outcomes of in vitro fertilization: a systematic review and meta-analysis Qian, Y., Xia, X.-R., Ochin, H., et al.
Systematic Review Female Fertility IVF
When the studies were restricted to Asian or non-Asian area patients, compared with traditional acupuncture and other methods, electrical acupuncture yielded better IVF outcomes. Optimal positive effects could be expected using acupuncture in IVF during controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, especially in Asian area. However, as a limitation of this review, most of the included studies did not mention the number of embryos transferred.
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