Nippon Hinyokika Gakkai Zasshi. 1995 Oct; 86(10): 1514-9.

[Effect of acupuncture on the overactive bladder]

Kitakoji H, Terasaki T, Honjo H, Odahara Y, Ukimura O, Kojima M, Watanabe H.

Department of Meridians and Acupuncture Points, Mejii College of Oriental Medicine.

(BACKGROUND): We examined the effect of acupuncture for the overactive bladder. (METHODS): Eleven patients (9 males and 2 females) with the overactive bladder were treated with acupuncture. The age of the patients ranged from 51 to 82 years (mean 71 years). Nine patients complained of urge incontinence and 2 patients of urgency. Uninhibited contraction was observed in all patients before the acupuncture. A disposable needle (0.3 mm in diameter, 60 mm in length) was inserted into bilateral BL-33 points at the depth of 50 to 60 mm and was rotated for 10 minutes manually. The treatment was performed 4 to 12 (average 7 times). (RESULTS): Urge incontinence was controlled completely in 5 and partially in 2 of 9 patients. In 2 patients who complained urgency complete response was obtained after the treatment. Uninhibited contraction disappeared in 6 patients after the treatment. Acupuncture induced an increase of maximum bladder capacity and bladder compliance with statistical significance (p < 0.01 and p < 0.05), respectively. (CONCLUSION): Acupuncture at the BL-33 point was effective for controlling the overactive bladder.