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How large are the nonspecific effects of acupuncture? A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Author: LindeKlaus, MeissnerKarin, NiemannKarin, SchneiderAntonius

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.

Overview

While some studies show that acupuncture is more effective than no treatment or routine care, studies that compare acupuncture to a fake (sham) acupuncture often show small or no differences. This raises the question of how strong the non-specific effects of acupuncture are, meaning the effects that are not directly related to the needles themselves. This study aimed to determine the size of these non-specific effects associated with acupuncture.
Paper Details　
Original Abstract of the Article :
While several recent large randomized trials found clinically relevant effects of acupuncture over no treatment or routine care, blinded trials comparing acupuncture to sham interventions often reported only minor or no differences. This raises the question whether (sham) acupuncture is associated w...See full text at original site
Dr.Camel IconDr.Camel's Paper Summary Blogラクダ博士について

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://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3001416/

データ提供：米国国立医学図書館（NLM）

The Nonspecific Effects of Acupuncture

The world of alternative medicine is like a vast desert, filled with intriguing pathways to healing. This study explores the effectiveness of acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine technique, by investigating its nonspecific effects. These effects are those that go beyond the direct stimulation of specific acupuncture points and may involve psychological factors or placebo effects.

The researchers were curious about the size of these nonspecific effects, wanting to understand if they were like a small oasis in the desert, offering limited relief, or a grand and powerful source of healing. They conducted a meta-analysis, combining data from numerous randomized controlled trials that compared acupuncture to sham acupuncture or other interventions.

Their findings suggest that acupuncture might be associated with significant nonspecific effects, contributing to its potential therapeutic value.

Exploring the Oasis of Nonspecific Effects in Acupuncture

This meta-analysis sheds light on the significant role of nonspecific effects in acupuncture. It suggests that these effects, often overlooked, might be a key factor in acupuncture's therapeutic benefits. It's like discovering a hidden oasis in the desert, offering a surprising source of rejuvenation and healing.

The Power of Belief and Expectation

This research underscores the importance of the mind-body connection in healing. It reminds us that belief and expectation can play a significant role in the effectiveness of treatments. It's like understanding that the power of a desert mirage can be real if we believe in its existence.

Dr.Camel's Conclusion

This study offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between the mind and body in healing. It suggests that acupuncture's effectiveness may stem from a combination of specific and nonspecific effects, like a blend of desert herbs that create a powerful remedy. The research reminds us that the desert of healing is full of hidden wonders, waiting to be discovered.

Date :
  1. Date Completed 2011-03-01
  2. Date Revised 2022-04-08
Further Info :

Pubmed ID

21092261

DOI: Digital Object Identifier

PMC3001416

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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