Study Finds Acupuncture Effective for Systemic Lupus Pain

Acupuncture can be an effective treatment for pain caused by systemic erythematosus lupus (SLE). These positive results were shown in the 2008 study 'Acupuncture for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A pilot study RCT feasibility and safety study' published in Lupus which assessed the safety and effectiveness of acupuncture as a means to treat pain associated with lupus.

The trial included 24 patients diagnosed with SLE who were randomly chosen to be given either standard acupuncture treatments, acupuncture treatments performed with a minimum of needles, or to remain on their existing treatment plan. The patients in the acupuncture group received a total of 10 sessions over a 5-6 week period.

At the end of the trial, 40% of the patients in both the standard acupuncture treatment group and the minimal needling group experienced an improvement in their pain levels of at least 30%. In contrast, the group that remained on their usual care plan reported no improvement in their pain levels. The study concluded that acupuncture is a valid, safe, and effective method to treat pain in patients with SLE.