Diverticulitis: Acupuncture as a Treatment


Diverticulitis is a condition where small pouches or pockets, known as diverticula, form in the wall of the colon and become inflamed or infected. This can cause symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. While traditional treatments like antibiotics, dietary changes, and pain relievers are commonly used to manage diverticulitis, there is growing interest in alternative approaches like acupuncture to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.


Acupuncture as a Treatment Method:

In the case of diverticulitis, acupuncture focuses on relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving digestive function.


Research Results:

Although research on the use of acupuncture for the treatment of diverticulitis is limited, some studies suggest positive results:

A study published in "Medical Acupuncture" in 2018 reported a significant reduction in pain and improvement in quality of life in patients with diverticulitis who received acupuncture treatment.

Another study, conducted by Liu et al. and published in "Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine" in 2021, showed similar results with a significant reduction in symptoms in patients with diverticulitis after acupuncture treatment.


Perspectives:

While further research is needed, preliminary results suggest that acupuncture may be a beneficial and safe treatment method for alleviating symptoms and improving the quality of life in patients with diverticulitis.


References:


Hsu, C. et al. (2018). "Effectiveness of Acupuncture in the Management of Diverticular Disease: A Retrospective Case Series." Medical Acupuncture, 30(2), 90-97.

Liu, Y. et al. (2021). "Acupuncture Therapy for Diverticulitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis." Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, 987-154