|
KMID : 1147720120050040141
|
|
Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies
2012 Volume.5 No. 4 p.141 ~ p.147
|
|
|
Acupuncture and the Emerging Evidence Base: Contrived Controversy and Rational Debate
|
|
MacPherson Hugh
Hammerschlag Richard
|
|
|
Abstract
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
KEYWORD
|
|
|
acupuncture, effectiveness, efficacy, physiology, safety
|
|
|
FullTexts / Linksout information
|
|
|
|
|
Listed journal information
|
|
|