Acupuncture may lower stroke risk in people with fibromyalgia
The risk of stroke in people with fibromyalgia may be reduced by acupuncture, says a large new study from Taiwan published in PLOS-ONE.
A total of 65,487 people with fibromyalgia received acupuncture, and the same number did not receive acupuncture.
People who had acupuncture were much less likely to have a stroke (4,216 people versus 6,849 people in the non-acupuncture group) even when taking into account age, sex, illnesses and medication use.
“Our study found that acupuncture might have a beneficial effect on reducing the risk of stroke in patients with fibromyalgia in Taiwan,” say the authors of the study, relaying that more studies are needed in the area.
How to choose an acupuncturist?
As acupuncturists have different levels of training, some achieve better results than others. However, three core organisations ensure their members have trained to a good level, so make sure the acupuncturist you are considering is a member of one of them:
- The British Acupuncture Council, visit www.acupuncture.org.uk or tel 020 8735 0400
- The British Medical Acupuncture Society, visit www.medical-acupuncture.co.uk or tel 01606 786782
- Acupuncture Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, visit www.aacp.org.uk or tel 01733 390007
Click here to read the original research.
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