Laser Acupuncture Alleviates Symptoms and Improves Quality of Life in Women with Overactive Bladder: A Double-Blind, Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Table 5
The reasons for the acupuncture points selection.
Acupoints (location)
The reasons for the acupuncture points selection
Possible mechanism
Reference
BL33 and BL34 (lumbar sacrum region)
The acupuncture points frequently used in LUTS are BL31 to BL35. They are located above the sacral foramen lie over the first to fourth sacral nerve roots, respectively. These acupuncture points correspond to the segmental innervation of bladder’s parasympathetic nerve. A RCT published in JAMA confirmed the effect of electroacupuncture involving the lumbosacral region for women with SUI.
According to TCM theory, OAB and LUTS are due to Zang-Fu organ imbalance of kidney, spleen, and liver. KI3 (kidney meridian) and SP6 (spleen meridian) are commonly used to adjust Yin-Yang balance in OAB and LUTS and have been included in several studies.
In TCM theory, bladder dysfunction is due to insufficiency of Yang Qi. Conception Vessel meridian is suggested as a treatment option as several studies used moxibustion or acupuncture on CV3, CV4, or CV6 to alleviate OAB and other LUTS.
GV20, one of the most important acupoints of the government vessel, is commonly used in neurology and psychiatry. Stimulation at GV20 will increase cerebral perfusion in the cerebral cortex, stabilize emotions, and reduce sympathetic activity in stress response. Studies have reported stimulating GV20 can lift fallen Yang Qi in accordance with TCM theory; therefore, we selected GV20 to calm emotions and lift patient’s Yang Qi.
Increasing the cerebral perfusion in the cerebral cortex for mood stabilization.
LUTS: lower urinary tract symptoms. RCT: randomized controlled trial. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association. SUI: Stress Urinary Incontinence. TCM: traditional Chinese medicine.
