Acupuncture Reduces Effects on Pain, Neuropathy in HIV-Infected Individuals A common side-effect associated with HIV infection is peripheral neuropathy, a neurological disorder that can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the arms and legs. While several studies have examined the effect of acupuncture in the treatment of pain, virtually none have investigated acupuncture's ability to treat some types of neuropathy. A study published in a recent issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine has found that acupuncture can reduce pain and peripheral neuropathy in HIV-infected individuals, especially when treatment is directed at a patient's specific symptoms. In the study, 21 people infected with HIV were treated with acupuncture twice per week for five weeks, for a total of 10 sessions. During each session, patients were needled at between 10 and 15 locations. Standard points included Heart 7, Spleen 6, Kidney 3 and Pericardium 6; other points were stimulated depending on the patient's pattern of pain, sleep problems, or other health issues. Needles were manipulated briefly after insertion, then left in place for 30 to 45 minutes. To measure the effect of acupuncture, patients completed a pair of surveys on pain and neuropathy prior to the first session and at the conclusion of the last session. Results showed "significant reductions" in both pain and neuropathy at the end of the study. The average pretreatment pain score among patients was 20.9, with 18 individuals reporting a total pain score above 20. After the last acupuncture session, the average pain score had dropped to 11.8; only four patients reported a pain score above 20. Similarly, the average neuropathy score among patients prior to being treated with acupuncture was 31.1. By the end of the study, the average neuropathy score was 15.7. "The results of this study indicate that peripheral neuropathy and pain in HIV-infected individuals may be treated successfully through acupuncture directed at the individual's specific symptoms," the authors noted in their conclusion. "Future research should include a randomized, controlled trial of acupuncture for peripheral neuropathy directed at the subjects' individual symptomatology." Reference Phillips KD, Skelton WD, Hand GA. Effect of acupuncture administered in a group setting on pain and subjective peripheral neuropathy in persons with human immunodeficiency virus disease. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2004;10(3):449-455. Our source: www.acupuncturetoday.com Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.