Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is the most common form of prostatitis.
Acupuncture for Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome is very effective.
Electro-acupuncture is important part of a successful treatment. The research shows that electroacupuncture works to relieve chronic pelvic pain in men (1).
Electroacupuncture and Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Electroacupuncture is when electric stimulation is attached to the acupuncture needles. It is generally used for pain relief.
This study is the first randomized study to show that electro-acupuncture reduces pain in men with CPPS. They used only six standard acupuncture points on the sacrum and buttock. There was also a placebo acupuncture group, in which the patients received acupuncture at non-acupuncture points. Lastly, they had a group that was instructed in relaxation techniques and used a sitz bath.
After 3 weeks the men with electro-acupuncture experienced a greater relief than the other two groups. After 6 weeks, the pain was nearly cut in half. There was also a reduction in prostaglandin E, an inflammatory marker, in the electroacupuncture group alone.
Customizing the Treatment
This research is great news for men with CPPS. These results support the use of acupuncture for relieving pain with CPPS. Hopefully, this will encourage men with CPPS to find help through acupuncture.
In my clinic I use individualized diagnosis and treatment which can better target the causes of the pain. We have to understand how the condition is affecting your pain, urination, sexual activity, digestion, and others. A complete medical history is important to see if there has been other types of chronic pain causing distress. The acupuncture treatment will be tailored specifically to what is going on with you. The goal is to reduce the trigger points and pain.
References
1. Lee SH, Lee BC.Electroacupuncture relieves pain in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: three-arm randomized trial. Urology. 2009 May;73(5):1036-41.
