J Urol. 1988 Sep; 140(3): 563-6.

Urodynamic studies in acupuncture for women with frequency, urgency and dysuria.

Chang PL.

Department of Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.

Urodynamic measurements were performed before and after acupuncture at 2 different points in 52 women who presented with frequency, urgency and dysuria. Measurements included cystometry, anal sphincter electromyography, urethral pressure profilometry and uroflowmetry. The results of this study showed a significant increase in maximum cystometric capacity and a decrease in peak urinary flow rate after acupuncture at the Sp. 6 point, which has traditionally been used for the treatment of urinary problems. During acupuncture at the Sp. 6 point there were periodic increases in intraurethral pressure at the distal urethra, which were measured with a microtip transducer. Acupuncture-induced detrusor inhibition and external sphincteric contractions were demonstrated. Clinically symptomatic improvement was noted in 22 of the 26 patients who were treated by acupuncture at the Sp. 6 point. Our studies indicated that acupuncture could be used as a simple and effective method to treat female patients with frequency, urgency and dysuria.