KMID : 1147720120050040141
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Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies 2012 Volume.5 No. 4 p.141 ~ p.147
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Acupuncture and the Emerging Evidence Base: Contrived Controversy and Rational Debate
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MacPherson Hugh
Hammerschlag Richard
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Abstract
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The rising incidence of chronic disease and stress-related illness in the West, coupled with an expanding awareness of the unwanted side effects of pharmaceutical treatment, has led to an increased utilization of acupuncture as a contemporary health care option. This increase in utilization, in turn, has paralleled a response to the call for evidence, with the result that acupuncture is now supported by a broad range of surveys of safety, clinical trials and basic science studies of physiologic action. The combined impact of these studies is linked to a growing acceptance of this traditional medical practice. The present review takes a wide-angle look at these three major areas of acupuncture research, namely: safety and the risks of serious adverse events; clinical efficacy and effectiveness; and physiologic action. We identify advances in knowledge and present a point counterpoint approach to controversial issues, with the aim of offering clarification if not a measure of resolution.
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KEYWORD
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acupuncture, effectiveness, efficacy, physiology, safety
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