More Research on Acupuncture for Chronic Prostatitis

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Previously, I have written about acupuncture and chronic pelvic pain syndrome and chronic prostatitis (CP/CPPS).  This condition causes chronic pain, urinary symptoms, and sexual dysfunction in men.  I use acupuncture very often to relieve these symptoms.

A number of small studies focusing on acupuncture for CP/CPPS have shown positive results.  I previously wrote about a study using electroacupuncture.  Today, I will tell you about another study that also showed acupuncture to  reduced pain, urinary symptoms, and improved overall quality of life (1).

The Study

A small pilot study was created using a standardized acupuncture treatment based upon traditional principles of TCM theory.  The basic idea is that when there is pain, there is an imbalance in the circulation of qi in the body. An old saying in Chinese medicine states,  “When there is no movement, there is pain.  When there is movement, there is no pain.”

They created a standardized acupuncture treatment by choosing points that are known to “move the qi and blood and relieve pain” .  The treatments were given twice a week for six weeks.

The results

After the treatment was finished, the men in the study had a decrease in pain, an increase in functioning, and improvement in overall quality of life.  This improvement remained for the 6 week followup.

It is important to see that acupuncture effects both the mind and the body.  CP/CPPS does not just cause pain, discomfort, and dysfunction, it also effects the emotional well being as well.  It causes anxiety, depression, and a major disruption in your life.

This reinforces what we have known for a long time- acupuncture has a holistic effect, benefiting both the mind and body.

What does this mean?

This study, and the others, show that acupuncture may have an effect on reducing pain and improving the lives of men with CP/CPPS.  This is a great approach for a pilot study. Larger studies are needed for stronger proof of acupuncture’s efficacy in this condition.

As the research into CP/CPPS develops, it would be exciting to examine an individualized treatment approach, which is how I and most other acupuncturists treat in our clinic.   Individualized treatment may provide more substantial, quicker, and are more resilient results than a standard treatment.

More than just acupuncture

Chinese medicine is more than just acupuncture.  It is a system of healing which includes many types of therapy.  The combination of therapies work in a synergistic manner for faster and long lasting relief. For example, in addition to acupuncture, I often use Chinese herbs, gua sha, acupressure, and cupping as well.

A relatively new approach to incorporating a realistic treatment in research is called the Whole Systems’ Approach.   In this type of research, acupuncturists are allowed to treat the patient using any aspect of TCM they would normally use in their own clinic, as opposed to using acupuncture alone. This has a stronger relationship to what happens in the real clinic and potentially is very exciting for clinicians and the research world.

A wonderful example of this is a study currently being run at the University of Arizona focusing on TCM for Tempomandibular Joint Dysfunction.

Read more on Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome:

• Acupuncture for Chronic Prostatitis and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
• Chronic Prostatitis Without an Infection
• Electroacupuncture works for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
• Acupuncture and the Mind Body Connection

1. Capodice JL, Jin Z, Bemis DL, et. al. A pilot study on acupuncture for lower urinary tract symptoms related to chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain. Chin Med. 2007 Feb 6;2:1.