Chronic cystitis (Irritative bladder syndrome)
Chronic or recurrent cystitis is a common and distressing problem, mainly affecting women. It can result in the need to pass water urgently, frequently and often painfully. It can also make the sufferer have to get up at night several times to visit the bathroom to pass water. At its worst it can cause urinary incontinence.
There is little research into acupuncture's effect on cystitis, but there is evidence that acupuncture may help relieve the symptoms of this distressing condition.1 Acupuncture appears to be just as effective as one of the most common drug treatments for this condition but with less side-effects.2
A course of 1-2 treatments a week for 4-6 weeks should be sufficient to judge whether acupuncture is likely to help any individual.
1Aune A, Alraek T, LiHua H, Baerheim A. Acupuncture in the prophylaxis of recurrent lower urinary tract infection in adult women. Scandinavian Journal of Primary health Care 1998; 16(1): 37-39.
2 Kelleher CJ, Filshie J, Burton G, Khullar V, Cardozo LD. Acupuncture and the treatment of Irritative bladder symptoms. Acupuncture in Medicine 1994; 12(1): 9-12.
There is little research into acupuncture's effect on cystitis, but there is evidence that acupuncture may help relieve the symptoms of this distressing condition.1 Acupuncture appears to be just as effective as one of the most common drug treatments for this condition but with less side-effects.2
A course of 1-2 treatments a week for 4-6 weeks should be sufficient to judge whether acupuncture is likely to help any individual.
1Aune A, Alraek T, LiHua H, Baerheim A. Acupuncture in the prophylaxis of recurrent lower urinary tract infection in adult women. Scandinavian Journal of Primary health Care 1998; 16(1): 37-39.
2 Kelleher CJ, Filshie J, Burton G, Khullar V, Cardozo LD. Acupuncture and the treatment of Irritative bladder symptoms. Acupuncture in Medicine 1994; 12(1): 9-12.