Is Acupuncture only a Placebo Effect?

Acupuncture research in North America does not hold up to its’ centuries of use in China. While acupuncture is used widely, even in hospital settings within China, the translation and application here in Canada remained delayed. Alberta has regulated acupuncture for many years, however research and development face many challenges. Interest across the world is driving more attention and study in acupuncture. In 2017, the Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd commissioned a review of studies, titled “The Acupuncture Evidence Project” (https://www.asacu.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Acupuncture-Evidence-Project-The.pdf) . It a literature review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses related to acupuncture and categorized finding according to results that were strong, moderate, weak/unclear, or little/none. The review included 122 conditions, and found strong benefits for migraine prevention, headaches, post-operation and chronic low back pain, allergic rhinitis, knee osteoarthritis, and nausea/vomiting related to chemo or post-operation, and potential positive effect for nearly 40 other conditions. Areas or weaknesses due to lack of evidence, cost-effectiveness, and safety were also reviewed, giving direction to further research.

Individual studies identified how acupuncture affected the patient, whether through inflammatory markers, improved healing time or circulation, or modulating pain. Other studies used subjective findings, such as intensity of pain, range of motion, and quality of life. Overall, this literature review was very exciting for practitioners, public and researchers alike.

Reference: McDonald J, Janz S. The Acupuncture Evidence Project: A Comparative Literature Review (Revised edition). Brisbane: Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd; 2017. http://www.acupuncture.org.au.