Table 3 Brief characteristics of the three acupuncture studies for CP/CPPS.

Chen et al. 2003

n = 12

IIIA/B

Set 1: BL10,23,28,40, KI 10 K1, BL67-Bilateral

Set 2: CV3, 4, M-CA-17, SP 6 + 5 hz e-stim

Set 3: B:23, BL54, BL35

Three sets of points given alternately twice/week over 6 weeks. 20 minute treatment*

Honjo et al. 2004

n = 10

IIIB

BL 33-Bilateral

Single point applied bilaterally over 4 weeks. 10 minute treatment*

Capodice et al. 2007

n = 10

IIIA/B

GB 41, LR 3, LI 4, SJ 5, SP 8, SP 6-Bilateral Shen men, kidney, liver, lung, spleen and one auricle

Twice/week full body and auricular acupuncture over 6 weeks. 20–25 minute treatment (needles in situ)+