https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18593 2026-04-12T04:58:09Z 2026-04-12T04:58:09Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/101548 2022-09-12T05:29:14Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: An evidence-based literature review : Masters dissertation in acupuncture and depression Abstract: Acupuncture which is a branch of the Traditional Chinese Medicine has been treating conditions related to emotional dysfunctions such as depression from time immemorial. Only recently depression became the subject of various studies based on randomized control trials formulas aimed to prove the efficacy of this mode of treatment. It was the objective of this overview to analyse some of these randomized control trials in order to evaluate various acupuncture treatment modalities and report the strengths and limits of such modalities. Although the search for such trials was extensive 21 randomized control trials were selected to be included in this overview. In reviewing these trials data was collected regarding subjects, intervention modalities, outcome measures and results. The heterogeneity of the studies reviewed was such that there was quite a big diversity in study populations, treatment interventions and the control arm used. The majority of the trials under consideration came out with a positive outcome reporting that acupuncture had significantly decreased the severity of depression. This overview however found out also that most of the trials presented certain limitations in the control aspect, in their overall quality and in the number of samples selected. In those trials were acupuncture was compared to antidepressants the results showed that both modalities had similar effects. The picture proved to be shadier in those trials were acupuncture was compared to control interventions. Notwithstanding this the reviewed trials can serve as an impetus for future researchers to embark on more research adopting better tools thus ensuring more reliable randomized control trials. Description: M.CHINESE MED.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18847 2020-04-20T14:09:50Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Acupuncture as a method of pain relief during labour Abstract: Acupuncture is being introduced in maternity care. It is used for analgesia, induction of labour, relaxation, unfavourable cervical dilatation and placental retention. This theory-based dissertation aims to explore the effectiveness of acupuncture for pain relief during labour and its safety. Moreover the objectives of this research are, to identify acupuncture points used for pain relief during labour, to learn whether acupuncture improves the birth experiences of labouring mothers, to learn about the effectiveness of acupuncture as pain relief, to identify whether there are any known side effects of acupuncture during childbirth, to learn whether acupuncture reduces the need for further pain relief, such as pethidine or epidural, and to explore the possible influences of acupuncture on the process of labour. An evidence-based literature review was carried out, in order to reach the aims and objectives of the study. Acupuncture is known as an effective pain relief during labour, it lessens the need for further pain relief such as epidural analgesia and enhances mothers’ birth experience. Acupuncture could be time consuming; however it is a simple and cheap method of analgesia. Most importantly it does not have any adverse effects on both the mother and baby, which makes it a preferred option on pharmaceutical pain relief, such as pethidine and epidural. Further research is required in this area. In fact, a proposal for a study trying to eliminate limitations experienced by previous researchers was designed. Recommendations for practice might include, that health care professionals should carry out acupuncture safely and recommend acupuncture for their mothers. Research shows that even though mothers knew about the benefits of acupuncture they did not ask for it themselves, but accepted it when offered by midwives. Recommendations for education include training courses for midwives and doctors on acupuncture treatment, as to carry out this treatment one should be qualified. Moreover, mothers should be given information regarding acupuncture during pregnancy, so they would be able to give informed consent during labour. Description: M.CHINESE MED.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18846 2017-08-02T10:23:59Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The effectiveness of acupuncture in non-specific chronic low back pain Abstract: Non-specific low back pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that has become a major health and economic problem (Hoy, et al., 2012). The pathophysiological causes of non-specific low back pain still remain unclear. At this point in time, there is still doubt about which intervention is the most effective at treating this condition (Musculoskeletal Health in Europe Report v5.0, 2012). Although some published studies are supporting the use of acupuncture as an alternative treatment modality for non-specific low back pain (Hutchinson, et al., 2012), many studies carried out prior 2006 reported that the specific effects of acupuncture were still unclear. Furthermore these studies reported that there were no significant differences between acupuncture and sham acupuncture, thus planting the idea that the effects of acupuncture could be a placebo effect. This was also the main reason why the European Guidelines for Management of Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain did not accept acupuncture as the sole treatment intervention for chronic low back pain (Hildebrandt, et al., 2006). The aim of this literature review study is to provide an update on the evidence of the effectiveness of acupuncture based on randomised controlled trials that have been published from the year 2006 till 2016. Through the use of the HyDi search engine, made accessible through the University of Malta, sixteen randomised controlled trials that met the criteria of this study were selected. Through the analysis and comparison of the studies selected for this literature review, acupuncture has been proven to be significantly more effective than no treatment and usual care in reducing pain and improving function. Furthermore, superficial acupuncture, which was considered as the ideal sham acupuncture in past studies, has been criticised by many studies as an improper sham intervention that may have interfered with the past studies. Description: M.CHINESE MED.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/18844 2017-10-10T09:08:18Z 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Treating anxiety with acupuncture Abstract: Aim: This literature review evaluates the efficacy of acupuncture therapy for problematic anxiety. Background: Anxiety is a universal emotional response to the subjective experience of stress. Intensity and duration are modulated by both individual and external factors and in everyday functioning, anxiety is normal, manageable and adaptive. Overestimation of risk or excess environmental pressure intensifies anxiety, altering its character to morbid, disabling and maladaptive through a range of neurological processes and distressing symptoms. Problematic anxiety affects around 15% of human beings and the impact on various domains, such as work and family, is enormous. Standard treatments often fail to completely redress the disorder due to partial efficacy, chronic residual symptoms, side-effects, poor patient compliance or relapse despite adequate compliance. It is thus worthwhile to consider innovative alternatives such as acupuncture, underpinned by millennia of accumulated knowledge and rapidly evolving research. Methodology: Searches were conducted on major databases. The references of systematic reviews and identified studies were examined. 25 randomised controlled trials published in English between 2001 and 2016 were selected. The revised Standards for Reporting Interventions in Clinical Trials of Acupuncture were used to critically evaluate the included studies. Findings: Results confirmed the outcomes of previous research. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for anxiety, comparable to other treatments. Significant variations in needling techniques, incomplete reporting of methodological details and the absence of double blinding emerged in a significant number of trials. Conclusions: The origin and character of acupuncture, in particular its holistic, creative and versatile approach to individual needs makes it an exceptional and safe treatment for anxiety. The same characteristics provide challenges to current research methods primarily due to a lack of standardised techniques and unreliable blinding procedures. New research should respect the nature of acupuncture and delve into the factors that instigate successful personalised treatment packages. Description: M.CHINESE MED.

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z