Acupuncture for labor induction study -- resule: 75% effective
So I asked my acupuncturist at my visit yesterday if she knew of any Western studies about how effective it was for inducing labor. She said she didn't, especially because it is so hard to do a "placebo" for poking someone with needles, which always complicates acupuncture studies here.
Anyway, later yesterday, she read this and forwarded it to me:
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Date: June 05, 2007 06:47:54 PM EDT
To: willolevin
Subject: Coincidence
Saw this study in an e-newsletter this afternoon!
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Acupoint Stimulation Can Help Induce Labor
Acupuncture is being increasingly used in Western medical practice. The authors review the various applications of acupuncture during labor in this paper. This ancient therapeutic technique can be employed with a significant percentage of positive results to induce labor in post-term pregnancies, to strengthen uterine contractility and to favor cervical maturation.
The electrostimulating acupoints LI 4 Hegu and SP 6 Sanyinjiao is the most frequently used treatment in labor induction and in increasing the frequency and duration of uterine contractions. Moreover, the authors’ experience indicates that the BL 67 Zhiyin can be helpful in accelerating the dilation of the cervix: the treatment is effective in about 75% of patients.
The studies on the use of acupuncture to achieve pain relief and analgesia during labor are more controversial, mainly due to the great heterogeneity of applied treatments and some methodological biases. Nevertheless, the general evidence seems to be positive also for this application.
Allais, G., et al. Acupuncture in labor management. Minerva ginecologica 55(6): 503-10.
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: He's probably right that it would be more of a comedy than a porno situation, but, still, he should pretend he'd like to, right?!? Grr! 
