Out of respect to National PTSD Awareness Day today’s post will examine a possible role for acupuncture in treating PTSD.

A group of researchers in Korea and the U.S. performed a systematic review of the published studies regarding acupuncture for PTSD. After eliminating several studies whose design did not meet criteria, researchers looked at four randomized controlled trials and one uncontrolled clinical trial. Study participants were from the U.S. and China.

After studying these particular clinical trials the researchers concluded that the evidence in support of acupuncture to treat PTSD was encouraging. They also felt that additional well designed studies in this area would be helpful.

PTSD can be a challenging condition to treat. It would great if new and novel treatments were available. Perhaps in the future some well designed clinical trials will provide a definitive answer as to acupuncture’s effectiveness to treat PTSD.

(Source- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2013, Article ID 615857)

This blog is a review of medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.