Do you suffer from chronic pain? Maybe acupuncture is just what the doctor ordered. Millions of people say that acupuncture has alleviated their suffering and boosted their bodies, but others insist that it's more rooted in belief than scientific fact. Is acupuncture really the cure for what ails you, or does it only turn you into a human pincushion?
Please select the category that most closely reflects your concern about this content,
so that we can review it and determine whether it violates Civility 101 or isn't
appropriate for some other reason.
Abusing this feature is also a violation of Civility 101.
Explanation:
Great argument, this is such an exciting topic!
Dr. Novella, it would be great to get a list of the studies are referring to. Do you mean that every single one is either poorly designed or fails to show efficacy? Do you recommend that these studies stop, or just that certain acupuncture techniques should not be used unless they have shown efficacy?
Mr. Reddy, do you have a list of more than just one study that you think is not only well designed, but also shows efficacy in a certain condition?
From a layman's perspective, I believe Mr. Reddy is right about Dr. Novella's logic. To refute the statement "Clinical Trials show that Acupuncture Doesn't Work", only one study showing efficacy is required.
If you Dr. Novella means something else, then I suggest he restates.
Otherwise, the statement, "Clinical Trials Show that Pharmaceuticals Don't Work," is supported by compiling all the literature, where one finds the overwhelming majority of clinical trials examing pharmaceutical therapies fail to show significant efficacy.
I believe both of you, but I am not clear of the argument. I think this topic is well deserved and look forward to discussing it more!
- Captain Awesome
June 12, 2009 5:01PM
Reply to this
Recommend
(0)
Side: Uncommitted
4
1
2
0
1
1
1
1
2
0
0
0
1
0
Biweekly updates on new debates and experts
Please check your email to confirm your subscription.
© 2008 Opposing Views, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Opposing Views, Inc. is not responsible for the content posted on this website. Please view full disclaimer under Terms
Undeniable Evidence of Acupuncture and Knee Osteoarthritis
- From Bill Reddy
By Bill Reddy - American Association of Acupuncture...
Thank You for your Comment
We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Just a chemist
I am just a chemist; but I could see major flaws in the AIM publication. I was going to point them out; but, when I went to do so- I saw Dr. Novella beat me to it.
Mr. Reddy, you really need to learn what constitutes high-quality evidence. Then, please cite something that supports acupuncture. Keep in mind, one success will not ratify the whole enterprise.
- JJM
September 12, 2008 10:38AM
Reply to this Recommend (0)
Side: No
Thank You for your Comment
We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
NICE
In the UK, NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) recently evaluated the totality of the trial data on acupuncture for knee osteoarthritis. Their bottom line was negative and they recommended against using it. NICE has no axe to grind. They advise the UK government which would be delighted to save money on treatment if acupuncture was truely evidence-based.
- Edzard Ernst
September 15, 2008 3:38AM
Reply to this Recommend (0)
Side: Uncommitted
Thank You for your Comment
We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.
Deniable Evidance.
The controlled placebo effect accounts for more than 3/4 of the total effect of acupuncture in this study. (And I am being generous and EXCLUDING weeks 4 and 8 when the differences between the control and experimental groups were not significant.) While the results are statistically significant, it is unarguable that the patients came in contact with people who knew which treatment the patients were receiving. Any information which may break the blind of the study would produce an 'enhanced' placebo effect by convincing patients they are receiving the 'real' treatment.
A study which could more rigorously preserves the experimental blind would be much more persuasive.
- Matthew Ackerman September 19, 2008 11:26AM
Reply to this Recommend (0)
Side: No
Thank You for your Comment
We review all comments before they're posted. For more on our comment policy, please see our FAQ.