A new multi-center study from China assessed the effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 72 patients were randomized to receive either real or sham acupuncture three times a week for 8 weeks.
Both groups received acupuncture treatment for 30 mins, at acupuncture points LU1, LU9, LI18, ST36, GB12, BL13, BL20, and BL23, while the placebo group received acupuncture needles without an "edge" that simulate feeling of acupuncture, but do not penetrate the skin.
The results showed that dyspnea test of 6-minute walking (one of the validated tests for assessing the severity of COPD) was significantly improved, as well as the quality of life in the acupuncture group versus the placebo group.