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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
04:50

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain

Published on: May 16, 2025

Acupuncture for systemic lupus erythematosus: a pilot RCT feasibility and safety study.

C M Greco1, A H Kao, K Maksimowicz-McKinnon

  • 1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. grecocm@upmc.edu

Lupus
|November 26, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Acupuncture is a feasible and safe treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, showing similar pain improvement to minimal needling. This study explored its benefits for SLE pain and fatigue.

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Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Clinical Trials

Background:

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by pain and fatigue.
  • Investigating complementary therapies like acupuncture is crucial for managing SLE symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the feasibility and safety of studying acupuncture in SLE patients.
  • To pilot a standardized acupuncture protocol for reducing pain and fatigue in SLE.
  • To explore potential benefits of acupuncture compared to minimal needling and usual care.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 24 SLE patients assigned to acupuncture, minimal needling, or usual care.
  • 10 sessions of treatment were administered, with assessments for pain, fatigue, and disease activity.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain
04:50

Preliminary Study on Acupuncture Combined with Grain-sized Moxibustion for Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis with Finger Joint Pain

Published on: May 16, 2025

  • Safety was monitored throughout the study.

    • Main Results:

    • Acupuncture and minimal needling were found to be feasible and safe, with no serious adverse events.
    • 40% of patients receiving acupuncture or minimal needling showed significant pain improvement, unlike the usual care group.
    • Benefits for pain reduction were comparable between acupuncture and minimal needling.

    Conclusions:

    • A ten-session acupuncture protocol is feasible and safe for patients with SLE.
    • Acupuncture and minimal needling demonstrated similar benefits in pain reduction for SLE patients.
    • Further research may be warranted to explore the specific mechanisms and long-term effects.