North America-Based Studies

Randomized Clinical Trial of Facial Acupuncture with or without Body Acupuncture for Treatment of Melasma

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture treatments in treating facial melasma, contrasting treatments involving facial acupuncture with facial/body acupuncture.

Method: Women suffering from melasma were randomly assigned into: 1) facial acupuncture (n = 20); or 2) facial/body acupuncture (n = 21). Each group was given 2 sessions per week for 8 weeks.

Results: 95.2% and 90% of participants in facial/body and facial acupuncture, respectively, had decreased melasma areas, with a mean reduction area being 2.6 cm² and 2.4 cm², respectively. 66.7% (facial/body acupuncture) and 80.0% (facial acupuncture) of participants had lighter melasma pigmentation compared to their baselines.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26850796/

Effectiveness of Acupuncture Therapy on Improvement of Nasolabial Folds and Marionette Lines: A Retrospective Study

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of two distinct acupuncture techniques for facial rejuvenation in treating nasolabial folds and marionette lines.

Method: 100 beauty seekers who have received facial acupuncture cosmetic treatment in hospitals between June 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, were selected randomly and inquired.

Results: The study found significant improvements in the appearance of nasolabial folds and marionette lines, suggesting the efficacy of acupuncture therapy.

Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39175601/

These studies provide further evidence supporting the role of facial acupuncture in stimulating collagen production and improving skin elasticity.

[1]: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8559375/"Efficacy and safety of thread embedding acupuncture for facial expression muscles atrophy after peripheral facial paralysis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial - PMC"

[2]: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26850796/"Randomized clinical trial of facial acupuncture with or without body acupuncture for treatment of melasma - PubMed"

[3]: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39175601/"Effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on improvement of nasolabial folds and marionette lines: A retrospective study - PubMed"

Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) - HOT FLASHES

  • Study Design: A multicenter, randomized, controlled trial involving perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with average hot flash scores of 10 or higher.

  • Intervention: Participants received 12 sessions of acupuncture over 4 weeks, in addition to their usual care.

  • Results: The acupuncture group experienced a significant reduction in the average 24-hour hot flash score by 9.64 points compared to the control group. Additionally, improvements were noted in menopause-related symptoms as measured by the Menopause Rating Scale.

  • Conclusion: Acupuncture, when added to usual care, is associated with marked clinical improvement in hot flashes and menopause-related symptoms in perimenopausal or postmenopausal women.

  • Reference: pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.govncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+3pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go