Overview

Acupuncture is a form of pain management that traces its origins to techniques developed in China many centuries ago. In its basic form, small needles are inserted into several trigger points along special areas of the body called meridians. These areas are important for stimulating the body's natural pain-killing mechanisms. Different trigger points are used, depending upon the type of pain being treated.

A newer form of acupuncture, called electro-acupuncture, uses similar principles, except that a weak electrical current is applied to the needles, to increase the body's response.

Acupuncture is a safe, painless technique that can be extremely effective in treating chronic pelvic pain. Several clinical studies have reported is use in a variety of pelvic pain conditions. These techniques play an important role in the comprehensive management of chronic pelvic pain.

References

White AR. A review of controlled trials of acupuncture for women's reproductive health care. J Fam Plann Reproduct Health Care 2003;29:233-6.

Chen R, Nickel JC. Acupuncture ameliorates symptoms in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome. Urology 2003;61:1156-9.

Elden H, Ladfors L, Olsen MF, Ostgaard H-C, Hagberg H. Effects of acupuncture and stabilizing exercises as adjunct to standard treatment in pregnant women with pelvic girdle pain: randomized single blind controlled trial. BMJ 2005;330(7494):76-81.