Acupuncture for Interstitial Cystitis
Acupuncture provides an effective and safe option for people afflicted with IC, and as many of our interstitial cystitis patients know, acupuncture is extremely cost effective when compared to prescription drugs and other forms of therapy.
Interstitial Cystitis is an inflammatory syndrome that is correlated with irritation (and resultant inflammation) of the bladder wall. This inflammation often manifests itself in frequent urges to urinate and general discomfort and pain. Acupuncture is often a helpful tool in managing the pain.
Acupuncture can be added in safely to treatments prescribed or initiated by a urologist. Studies have been conducted that demonstrate acupuncture’s effectiveness in treating people with interstitial cystitis. A 2005 study done by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Oregon Health and Science University showed conclusive results from the treatments, as did a small scale study in men (who are afflicted much less often than women) conducted by the Mejii College of Oriental Medicine.