Acupuncture in medicine : journal of the British Medical Acupuncture Society
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Risk factors associated with adverse events of acupuncture: a prospective study.
Mild adverse events (AEs) are common with acupuncture, but the risk factors remain unclear. A prospective study using a standardised AE assessment and acupuncture protocol was undertaken to address the question. ⋯ The prevalence of AEs was higher than usual, probably due to the low threshold in our definition of AEs and the systematic collection from the patients' perspective. Baseline variables were largely unable to predict AEs associated with acupuncture. Further studies should explore the roles of practitioners, patients' anxiety during treatment and patient-practitioner interactions.
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To investigate the effects and mechanisms of action of auricular electroacupuncture (AEA) on visceral pain induced by colorectal distension (CRD). ⋯ AEA can ameliorate CRD-induced visceral pain in rats, and increase mRNA expression of the 5-HT1a receptor peripherally (in the colon) and centrally (in the raphe nuclei), suggesting a serotonergic mechanism of action.