There is some evidence that acupuncture for overactive bladder (OAB) may reduce symptoms and improve people’s quality of life. However, this study is not conclusive.
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Still, acupuncture is generally safe and has few side effects. If a person with OAB wants to try acupuncture as a complementary therapy, there may be several benefits.
Read on to learn more about acupuncture for OAB, including its benefits and risks.
It is unclear whether acupuncture helps with OAB. Some people report finding it helpful for OAB symptoms, but there is limited scientific evidence to support this.
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Sham acupuncture involves inserting needles into the skin at non-traditional acupuncture points. Scientists use this as a comparison point to determine whether real acupuncture is superior.
The authors concluded that acupuncture may reduce the following symptoms:
However, they noted that the evidence was insufficient overall. A 2022 review of 15 clinical trials on the same topic was also inconclusive.
More high-quality research is needed to confirm whether acupuncture reliably works as a complementary treatment for OAB.
Electroacupuncture is a new form of acupuncture that uses electrical stimulation. Research on its effectiveness against OAB is still being conducted. So far, only a few case reports have focused on specific individuals.
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Another case report in 2021 showed similar positive results in a 32-year-old woman with OAB. However, individual case reports do not prove that a treatment is reliably effective in a large population. Further research is needed on electroacupuncture.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) experts believe that the human body has a network of energy pathways, or meridians. These meridians form a complex system through which life energy, or chi, flows.
Each meridian is associated with a specific organ, body system, or function. Acupuncturists use thin needles to insert needles into specific points with the aim of accessing and influencing Qi.
The bladder meridian has several acupuncture points that are important in OAB treatment.these
- Three Yin Exchange: Inside the lower leg, above the ankle bone.
- Fang Guangzhou: It is located at the base of the back, at the sacrum.
- Sirio: It is located at the base of the back, at the sacrum.
- Tycy: Near the Achilles tendon on the inside of the ankle.
- Shinshu: It’s in the middle of my back.
Although it is unclear whether acupuncture can help with OAB on an ongoing basis, there are some benefits that may help add acupuncture to your treatment plan. These include:
- Potential as an adjunctive therapy: Acupuncture can be used as a complementary therapy alongside conventional medical treatment. Research on this is still ongoing, but it may help increase the effectiveness of other interventions, such as drug therapy.
- Reduced need for medications: For people experiencing side effects from medications, acupuncture may be an alternative. Relieving symptoms may reduce the need for higher doses of the drug and minimize the risk of side effects.
- safety: Acupuncture is
generally safe When treatment is performed by a trained professional. The risk of side effects is also low. This means there is little risk for most people, even if it doesn’t work. - Overall happiness: Acupuncture aims to support the body’s natural healing mechanisms and promote overall health. Some people may find the sessions relaxing.
However, as with any medical intervention, individual experiences may vary. Therefore, it is important to discuss your specific health concerns and treatment goals with your doctor to determine the best treatment approach.
Acupuncture is usually a safe treatment when performed by a qualified practitioner. However, minor side effects may occur at the needle insertion site, including:
In some cases, a person may experience the following:
However, overall, side effects to acupuncture are rare.
If you want to try acupuncture for OAB, it is important to find a practitioner who has experience treating OAB or other urinary conditions. You can try the following:
- Looking for recommendations: Your doctor may be able to recommend or refer you to an acupuncturist who has experience treating OAB.
- Check out the acupuncture association: You can research professional associations and regulatory bodies that provide directories of qualified acupuncturists, such as the National Certification Board for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
- Verify credentials: It is important to check whether your acupuncturist is licensed, certified, and properly trained.
- Read the review: You may want to search for online reviews and testimonials from people who have had acupuncture treatment for OAB. These provide insight into the acupuncturist’s expertise and professionalism.
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Nevertheless, acupuncture is generally safe and has a low risk of causing serious side effects. If you have OAB and are thinking of trying it, it may be best to talk to your doctor about how it fits into your treatment plan.
