Guidelines For Clinical Research On Acupuncture

Sets out basic guiding principles for the design and conduct of clinical evaluations of acupuncture. Noting that knowledge about acupuncture remains largely confined to anecdotal experiences, the guidelines aim to encourage the use of systematic laboratory and clinical studies as a way of validating acupuncture, improving its acceptability to modern medicine, and thus extending its use as a simple, inexpensive, and effective therapeutic option. With this goal in mind, the book sets out guidelines that incorporate the established methods and procedures of scientific investigation, yet reflect the special nature of acupuncture as a discipline. The guidelines respond to both growing interest in the therapeutic applications of acupuncture and the need to validate these applications through the compilation of reliable and comparable clinical data.

The therapy of acupuncture has a long history. In its 2500 years of development a wealth of experience has been accumulated attesting to the wide range of diseases and conditions that can effectively be treated with its approach. In the past two decades there have been extensive studies on acupuncture and great efforts have been undertaken to conduct controlled clinical trials including the use of sham acupuncture or placebo acupuncture controls. This document is a brief review of the current literature on acupuncture practice which may provide information about the effectiveness of different aspects of acupuncture therapy. Since the methodology of clinical research on acupuncture is still under debate it is very difficult to evaluate acupuncture practice by any generally accepted measure. In this publication only the results of controlled clinical trials that were formally published through the year 1998 (and early 1999 for some journals) are collected and reviewed so that the conclusions may be generally accepted. In order to promote the appropriate use of acupuncture in those Member States where acupuncture has not been widely used this document is annexed with a brief abstract of each relevant reference for the assessment of acupuncture practice. The clinical conditions covered in the existing data are also included. It must be emphasized that the list of diseases symptoms or conditions covered in the publication is based on collected reports of clinical trials and so can serve only as a reference. Only national health authorities can determine the diseases symptoms and conditions for which acupuncture treatment can be recommended.

Acupuncture is rapidly moving out of the arena of "alternative" medicine, in large part because it is grounded more firmly than other alternative treatments in research. This book provides readers with the up-to-date information on the clinical bases of acupuncture.

At the 1998 Annual Representative Meeting of the BMA a resolution was passed that the Board of Science and Education should "investigate the scientific basis and efficacy of acupuncture and the quality of training and standards of competence in its practitioners''. This report summarizes literature sources and research on acupuncture, looks at safety aspects including the treatment's adverse effects, discusses education and training guidelines, presents results from a survey of UK GPs and suggests future developments for acupuncture, particularly its increased incorporation into the NHS. It will provide doctors, patients, researchers and purchasers of healthcare with information on this most widely used therapy of complementary and alternative medicine, enabling them to become more informed on the value of acupuncture and its likely place within the NHS.

With the unprecedented expansion of interest in acupuncture around the world, the need for a standard international nomenclature has become increasingly apparent. Practitioners and researchers every-where must speak a common language as they attempt to ascertain the clinical benefits of acupuncture and elucidate the underlying physiological mechanisms. This report records the consensus reached by a Who Scientific Group on a standard international acupunture nomenclature which met in Geneva from 30 October to 3 November 1989. Building on the proposals of expert meetings organized by the Who Regional Office for the Western Pacific since 1981, the Scientific Group agreed that the standard international nomenclature should comprise an alphanumeric code as well as the Han character names of meridians and acupuncture points, along with their transliterations into the Chinese phonetic alphabet (Pinyin) and their English translations. The experts went on to propose standard nomenclature for the 14 main meridians, the 361 classical acupuncture points, the 8 extra meridians and the 48 extra points, and for scalp acupuncture lines.

Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 2500 years in the Western Pacific region and has become a global therapeutic method in recent decades. However, it was reported that acupuncturists differed by up to 25% in the acupuncture points they used, raising doubts and uncertainty regarding the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment, as well as causing difficulties in the fields of acupuncture research and education. Member States therefore increasingly began to demand standardization in acupuncture point locations. Responding to this request, the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office initiated a project to reach consensus on acupuncture point locations and thus convened 11 serial meetings resulting in these guidelines. This Standard acupuncture point locations in the Western Pacific Region stipulates the methodology for locating acupuncture points on the surface of the human body, as well as the locations of 361 acupuncture points. The Standard is applicable for teaching, research, clinical service, publication, and academic exchanges involving acupuncture.

This is the first book to set out a full range of research strategies for evaluating the clinical practice of acupuncture. Leading acupuncturists and researchers with international reputations share their expertise. They illustrate their descriptions with practical examples of what has worked and what has not. It outlines many of the key challenges in the field. These challenges relate to the nature of acupuncture and the gap between current research evidence and the actual experiences of acupuncturists in the field. By focusing the chapters on key research questions, rather than methods, the book has a user-friendly feel. Each chapter is easily accessible with brief explanations of research designs as well as vignettes of relevant past research. The book is based on a deep understanding of acupuncture, with its inherent complexity in practice, whether based on traditional principles or more modern concepts. By incorporating a more sophisticated understanding of the field, this book details a range of strategies aiming to develop the evidence base with the utmost rigour. It is the first book on acupuncture research to take this unique view, integrating the very best of evidence-based medicine with a genuine sensitivity to the discipline of acupuncture, from its traditional and holistic roots to its more modern interpretations.

This groundbreaking book merges ancient wisdom and modern medicine, equipping practicing acupuncturists and medical professionals with validated scientific research while showcasing its historical efficacy. From low back pain to infertility, delve into ten prevalent conditions, unveiling the wide-ranging applications of acupuncture in daily clinical practice. Authored by experts who have lectured worldwide, this invaluable resource combines classical treatment protocols with contemporary scientific studies. Embraced by esteemed institutions like the World Health Organization and the National Institutes of Health, acupuncture’s potential is undeniable. Unlock new avenues for effective treatment, broaden your understanding, and bridge the gap between traditional Chinese medicine and Western approaches. As acupuncture gains acceptance and scientific validation, this book propels its integration into mainstream medicine, empowering practitioners and transforming patient care.