1995 Volume 86 Issue 10 Pages 1514-1519
(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 (0.3mm in diameter, 60mm in length) was inserted into bilateral BL-33 points at the depth of 50 to 60mm 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 uregency 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.
