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Auriculotherapy fails to relieve chronic pain. A controlled crossover study.

Author: KatzJ, MelzackR

Clinical TrialA clinical trial is a planned study conducted on humans to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and treatment methods. It aims to explore the possibilities of new treatments and improve the health of patients.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Overview

Auriculotherapy, a technique involving stimulation of the outer ear, was not found to be effective in relieving chronic pain in a controlled study.
Paper Details　
Original Abstract of the Article :
Enthusiastic reports of the effectiveness of electrical stimulation of the outer ear for the relief of pain ("auriculotherapy") have led to increasing use of the procedure. In the present study, auriculotherapy was evaluated in 36 patients suffering from chronic pain, using a controlled crossover de...See full text at original site
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引用元：
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6363735

データ提供：米国国立医学図書館（NLM）

Auriculotherapy: A Myth Debunked?

Alternative therapies, such as auriculotherapy, have gained popularity in recent years. However, it is crucial to evaluate the scientific evidence behind these therapies to ensure they are safe and effective. This study examines the effectiveness of auriculotherapy for the relief of chronic pain. The authors conducted a controlled crossover study in patients suffering from chronic pain, comparing the effects of stimulating specific points on the outer ear with stimulating control points or no stimulation. The researchers carefully measured pain levels using the McGill Pain Questionnaire to assess the effectiveness of auriculotherapy.

Evaluating Alternative Therapies: A Need for Rigorous Research

The study's findings challenge the widely held belief that auriculotherapy is an effective treatment for chronic pain. The authors found no significant differences in pain relief scores between the auriculotherapy group, the control group, and the placebo group. These results suggest that auriculotherapy may not be a reliable or effective treatment for chronic pain. This study highlights the importance of rigorous scientific research in evaluating alternative therapies to ensure they are safe and effective for patients.

Critical Thinking and Evidence-Based Medicine: Guiding Healthcare Decisions

This research reinforces the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based medicine in making healthcare decisions. While alternative therapies may be appealing, it is essential to evaluate their effectiveness and safety through rigorous scientific investigation. Patients should consult with healthcare providers who are knowledgeable about evidence-based medicine and can provide informed guidance on treatment options.

Dr. Camel's Conclusion

This study reminds us that the desert of healthcare is full of mirages and false promises. While alternative therapies may seem alluring, it's crucial to rely on evidence-based medicine to make informed decisions about our health. This research encourages us to be discerning consumers of healthcare information and to seek evidence-based treatments that are supported by rigorous scientific studies.

Date :
  1. Date Completed 1984-03-23
  2. Date Revised 2016-10-17
Further Info :

Pubmed ID

6363735

DOI: Digital Object Identifier

6363735

Related Literature

Article Analysis
・Effective treatment of auriculotherapy
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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