1st June: Brazilian study suggests that acupuncture can improve anxiety in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

A small randomised controlled study involving 43 patients has just published its results suggesting that acupuncture could be helpful in improving anxiety in women undergoing in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment. 

The study, conducted in Brazil, involved giving patients 4 treatments, conducted over 4 weeks as once weekly sessions.  In the treatment group, acupuncture was given at 5 acupuncture points, commonly used in clinical practice to relieve anxiety and to support various aspects of the IVF treatment.  In the control group, acupuncture was given in areas near to acupuncture points, but which are not recognised as 'true' acupuncture points. 

The results of the study suggest that acupuncture, in a 4-week period, significantly reduces anxiety levels when compared with a 'sham' acupuncture treatment.  The authors recommend that 'further evidence should be sought as to whether acupuncture might be a complementary option for patients undergoing IVF'.

Access to the summary abstract of the article can be found via the BMJ link below:

 http://aim.bmj.com/content/early/2012/04/11/acupmed-2011-010064.short?rss=1