Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2004; 9: 34
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of acupuncture on the motor organ diseases and medical expenses of workers in a company where health promotion is a priority.
The subjects were workers from two companies engaged in the same kind of physical labour. The total number of employees in one company (control) was 627 and the number of employees in the other company was 241, of whom 117 received acupuncture once a week using the Meridian test. Patients received eight sessions of acupuncture using press tack for pain in the neck-shoulder, knee and lumbar regions. One week after eight sessions, the change in pain and mental condition (POMS test) was evaluated. In terms of acupuncture treatment, the number of visits to conventional hospitals and medical expenses was investigated.
After 8 weeks of our treatment, 83% of neck-shoulder pain cases, 77% of lumbar pain cases and 88% of knee pain cases were reduced by more than 50%. The results of the POMS test showed a significant decrease in tension, depression, anger, fatigue and mental confusion. In terms of acupuncture treatment, the number of visits to conventional hospitals decreased to about one half, average medical expenses were reduced to about 30% and these reductions continued for the next 3 months. On the other hand, the number of visits and medical expenses in the control company did not decrease.
Acupuncture treatment could benefit corporations where the health promotion of workers is an urgent priority.
The Seirin Corporation funded this study.
