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Original Article
- Anxiolytic Effect of Acupuncture Treatment for Anxiety Compared with Phytotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Brazil
- Talita Bonato de Almeida, Maria Imaculada de Lima Montebelo, Godofredo Pignataro Neto, Maria da Luz Rosário de Sousa
- Perspect Integr Med. 2026;5(1):43-51. Published online February 11, 2026
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2026.02.007
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- 14 Download
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Graphical Abstract
Abstract
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- Background
Anxiety is the most common psychological disturbance; therefore, safe, and effective therapeutic options are necessary for managing the associated symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the anxiolytic effect of acupuncture, and phytotherapeutic Valerian officinalis in anxious patients.
Methods
The trial was a participant- and assessor-blinded, parallel clinical study with 64 anxious patients who were randomized into 4 study groups. All patients, upon attendance at the clinic, were asked to lie down and perform abdominal breathing. In total, the volunteers in Real Acupuncture Group received 5 sessions of acupuncture while those of the Placebo Acupuncture Group received no intervention. In total, the volunteers in Real Phytotherapy Group received 28 capsules of V. officinalis and the Placebo Phytotherapy Group, 28 inert capsules. Anxiety was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Ryodoraku and Bioelectrography were used for energy analysis.
Results
After 5 weeks, analysis of the Visual Analogue Scale scores, all groups achieved a statistically significant reduction in levels of anxiety and the Real Acupuncture showed a large effect. All groups showed a reduction in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score, with the sub-item, “State in Real Acupuncture” being important. Ryodoraku showed the electrical properties values of the skin and with Bioelectrography indicated generally low energy that decreased further following use of the therapies.
Conclusion
Acupuncture was effective in reducing patients' anxiety and had a larger effect size than V. officinalis, therefore it could be offered as an alternative treatment for anxiety management.
Case Report
- Integrating Traditional East Asian Medicine Dietary and Herbal Therapies for Supporting Cancer Treatment and Survivorship in the West
- Michelle Loy, John K Chen
- Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(3):171-180. Published online October 22, 2025
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.10.006
- Correction in: Perspect Integr Med 2026;5(1):72
- 7,018 View
- 401 Download
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Graphical Abstract
Abstract
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- Traditional East Asian Medicine (TEAM) dietary and herbal therapies emphasize balance, nourishment, and resilience, and have long supported cancer care in Asia. In Western integrative oncology, these therapies are increasingly being used to manage side effects, enhance quality of life, and support survivorship. This retrospective study included patients to illustrate the integration of TEAM therapies in Western academic settings. Case 1, was an 84-year-old woman with Stage 4 bladder and kidney cancer who discontinued immunotherapy due to the side effects of treatment (dietary and herbal). A TEAM-informed dietary and herbal formulas plan was implemented alongside integrative group visits. Case 2, was a 65-year-old woman with metastatic breast cancer experiencing endocrine therapy-related insomnia. She was treated with Suan Zao Ren Tang and a comprehensive sleep support plan (dietary, herbal, and cancer-related medications - i.e letrozole, abemaciclib, and zoledronic acid). In Case 1, the patient gained 3.2 kg, her foot ulcers healed, sleep and mobility improved, and she transitioned from using a wheelchair to using walker. In Case 2, the patient reported improved sleep within weeks of using Suan Zao Ren Tang, she discontinued use after 4 months, and 2 months later, she had maintained restful sleep without recurrence of insomnia. Both patients experienced enhanced quality of life, and treatment adherence without adverse effects. These cases highlight the potential of personalized, culturally sensitive TEAM dietary and herbal therapies to support symptom management and survivorship in cancer care. Integrative approaches combining traditional and modern modalities can improve patient outcomes and quality of life, even in advanced stages of disease.
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