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Acupuncture

What is acupuncture for schizophrenia?

Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific acupoints by inserting needles into the skin. Laser acupuncture is essentially the same as needle acupuncture except that laser beams are used instead of needles. Electro-acupuncture uses a pair of needles attached to an electrical device that generates continuous electric pulses that pass from one needle to the other.

What is the evidence for acupuncture for schizophrenia?

Moderate quality evidence suggests general improvement in symptoms of schizophrenia with needle or electro-acupuncture in conjunction with or without, antipsychotic medications compared to antipsychotics alone. Low quality evidence is uncertain of the benefits of laser acupuncture. Review authors state that study quality is very low and all studies were conducted in China, so results may not be applicable to other populations.

September 2020

Last updated at: 2:19 pm, 15th February 2022
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Tags:  Acupuncture

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