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Placebo effect of acupuncture on insomnia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Author: LiuChengyong, QinShan, WanQingyun, WangXiaoqiu, WuWenzhong, XiHanqing, XuLiang, ZhaoYanan, ZhengShiyu

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Overview

This research examined whether acupuncture for insomnia is truly effective or simply a placebo effect. By comparing real acupuncture to sham acupuncture (a fake treatment), the researchers performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine if acupuncture's benefits go beyond the power of suggestion.
Paper Details　
Original Abstract of the Article :
Acupuncture is a common alternative therapy for clinical treatment of insomnia. As the underlying mechanism is yet unclear, its efficacy is often considered as placebo effect. To clarify whether acupuncture treatment of insomnia is only due to its placebo effect, a systematic review and a meta-analy...See full text at original site
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ラクダ博士は、Health Journal が論文の内容を分かりやすく解説するために作成した架空のキャラクターです。
難解な医学論文を、専門知識のない方にも理解しやすいように、噛み砕いて説明することを目指しています。

* ラクダ博士による解説は、あくまで論文の要点をまとめたものであり、原論文の完全な代替となるものではありません。詳細な内容については、必ず原論文をご参照ください。
* ラクダ博士は架空のキャラクターであり、実際の医学研究者や医療従事者とは一切関係がありません。
* 解説の内容は Health Journal が独自に解釈・作成したものであり、原論文の著者または出版社の見解を反映するものではありません。


引用元：
https://doi.org/10.21037/apm.2019.11.15

データ提供：米国国立医学図書館（NLM）

Acupuncture for Insomnia: A Place for the Placebo Effect?

Insomnia is a pervasive problem, leaving many feeling like they're lost in a vast desert of sleeplessness. Acupuncture has emerged as a popular alternative therapy for insomnia, but its effectiveness remains a subject of debate. This study delves into the role of the placebo effect in acupuncture's treatment of insomnia, exploring whether acupuncture's effectiveness is solely due to its perceived benefits. Imagine a traveler in the desert, their thirst quenched by a refreshing oasis, only to realize it was a mirage all along. This study explores whether acupuncture's effectiveness is a similar illusion.

Acupuncture for Insomnia: Unveiling the Placebo Effect

The study, through a systematic review and meta-analysis, compared the effects of acupuncture with sham acupuncture in the treatment of insomnia. The results revealed a significant placebo effect in acupuncture treatment, suggesting that some of its effectiveness may be attributed to the patient's expectation of improvement rather than the acupuncture itself. It's like a traveler who finds a hidden spring in the desert, only to learn that it's not the spring itself that quenches their thirst, but their belief that it will.

Understanding the Placebo Effect in Acupuncture

This research underscores the complex interplay between the mind and body in managing health conditions. While the placebo effect may contribute to acupuncture's effectiveness, further research is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms of acupuncture and its true impact on insomnia. This study provides a valuable reminder that the mind can play a powerful role in healing, even if the mechanism isn't always fully understood.

Dr.Camel's Conclusion

This research offers a glimpse into the complex world of the placebo effect and its role in healing. While acupuncture may not solely rely on the placebo effect, its influence is undeniable. The desert of medical knowledge is vast, and the role of the mind in healing remains a fascinating and evolving field of study.

Date :
  1. Date Completed 2020-10-27
  2. Date Revised 2020-10-27
Further Info :

Pubmed ID

32005059

DOI: Digital Object Identifier

10.21037/apm.2019.11.15

SNS
PICO Info
in preparation
Languages

English

Positive IndicatorAn AI analysis index that serves as a benchmark for how positive the results of the study are. Note that it is a benchmark and requires careful interpretation and consideration of different perspectives.

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