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Researching acupuncture in a scientific way is not straightforward. Many scientists believe the 'randomized placebo controlled trial' is the only acceptable evidence for medicine of any kind. When it comes to pharmacutical drugs, this isn't a big problem - patients are given either the real medicine, or a placebo version that has no physiological effects. Neither the patient nor the person giving the medicine knows whether it is real or not, and therefore with a large enough sample size (number of patients), firm conclusions can be drawn about the efficacy of the drug.

However, when it comes to acupuncture, how do you apply a placebo needle? One attempt to provide a placebo control is to neelde some patients at 'real' acupuncture points, and others in places not considered as 'real' according to the text books. The problem with this is that putting needles anywhere has measurable physiological effects such as hormone release, and therefore cannot be considered a truly inert placebo. Another method is to use retractible needles that look as though they are going into the skin but don't. However, the skin is still stimulated with pressure, which again has potetntial therapeutic effects, and it is debatable whether patients really would be unaware whether the needles had penetrated their skin or not. In my opinion, these trials do not represent a fair comparison - i.e. the 'placebo' group often shows positive results as well as the 'real' group - and therefore acupuncture is wrongly dismissed by some as a placebo treatment.

Unfortunately, many positive trials which simply compare a course of acupuncture with other treatments are not taken seriously by the medical establishment, because they don't include a placebo.

However, dispite these issues, there is a growing body of evidence that is demonstrating the powerful effects of acupuncture. The ARRC (Acupuncture Research Resource Centre) was established by the British Acupuncure council to collect data, and generate new research. They provide fact sheets and review papers covering the conditions listed below. The intention is to provide an accurate and unbiased summary of current research, and how acupuncture may be beneficial.

Migraine and headache, stroke, arthritis, gynaecology, menopause, asthma, depression and anxiety, obstetrics, sports injuries, infertility, allergies, impotence, prostate disorders.

Please don't hesitate to contact me to discuss whether acupuncture may be helpful for you.

You should always consult your GP if you have any concerns about your health.

Copyright 2010 Tom Kennedy | Acupuncture Bristol | Tuina Bristol