Effect of Acupuncture on Acupoint Stomach 36 (ST36) in Pain Management of Osteoarthritis Knee芒聙聯A Pilot Study
*Corresponding Author:Received Date: Nov 21, 2023 / Published Date: Jun 10, 2025
Citation: Jhivyaa BA, Renjish M, Subha MJ, Dhas RJ, Priyanka G (2025) Effect of Acupuncture on Acupoint Stomach 36 (ST36) in Pain Management of Osteoarthritis Knee鈥揂 Pilot Study. J Tradit Med Clin Natur 14: 498.
Copyright: © 2025 Jhivyaa BA, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Abstract
Background: Osteoarthritis of the knee joint is a most common type of joint disease. Acupuncture is one of the most important traditional and ancient therapeutic techniques. Zusanli (ST36) is an important acupuncture point; used for treating pain.
Objectives: The present study is to know the effect of acupuncture on single point ST36 is effective in treating patients with KOA.
Methods: About 60 subjects were randomly assigned aged between 33-85 years who were diagnosed with primary knee osteoarthritis. The intensity of the knee pain was recorded by using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Needling ST 36 point with manual stimulation for 45 minutes for 10 days brings the most significant result in relieving pain.
Results: The result shows that after applying the “t” test, we are to compare between the pre and post score of pain. Before the treatment, the mean pain level recorded by the patients was 6.1 ± 0.15. After ST36 single needle acupuncture for ten days, the mean pain level was 2.23 ± 0.14. Pain reduction was very significant.
Conclusion: Evidence-based studies support the effectiveness of acupuncture on the point that ST36 is applicable as a non-pharmacological method for controlling pain in OA knees. The current study supports the research hypothesis that needling on the point ST36 can be easily implemented to reduce pain and increases the range of motion, thereby improving the activities of daily living. On the basis of the findings of the studies reviewed, acupuncture should be considered a viable adjunct or an alternative treatment of knee pain associated with osteoarthritis of the knee.
