Acupuncture/ pressure

Does it matter where the acupuncture needles are placed?

Probably not, according to this study by researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.

First, the details.

  • 12 acupuncture vs sham acupuncture studies were reviewed.
  • A variety of conditions were treated.

And, the results.

  • Half of the studies had positive results and demonstrated acupoint specificity.
  • Among 6 studies (total of 985 people) there was no significant difference between treatments.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “This review did not demonstrate the existence of acupoint specificity.”

Last year, The World Health Organization attempted to address the issue of acupoint specificity. More on that is here and here.

2/11/10 21:05 JR