Medizinische Universität Graz Austria/Österreich - Forschungsportal - Medical University of Graz
Gewählte Publikation:
Hötzinger, S.
Acupuncture and Science
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Graz Medical University; 2016. pp.
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- Autor*innen der Med Uni Graz:
- Betreuer*innen:
- Trutnovsky Gerda
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- Abstract:
- From a scientific view, verum-acupuncture studies (the acupuncture needle penetrates the skin) compared to "sham-acupuncture non-penetrating studies (the acupuncture needle do not penetrates the skin) shows no better effect. The difference between verum- and placebo-effects are zero. In „non-acupuncture points studies" (the subjects are treated on non acupuncture points) the verum effects are between 0-10%. But logical, these effects are most likely attributed to the no blinding of the therapist. Of all the indications which were examined in the context of this thesis only PONV showing a positive verum effect. Therefore, apart from PONV, no noteworthy verum effect can be assumed in acupuncture. Acupuncture in this form as it is applied nowadays is a very effective placebo (for most patients) and sometimes more effective than the conventional standard treatment. From a scientific perspective it is quite clear that acupuncture as applied today is almost exclusively based on placebo effects. Is acupuncture therefore comparable with pure placebo treatments like homeopathy? Not really, because in the field of acupuncture there is also some evidence of real verum effects. But a much better scientific basis in this area would be necessary and old thought patterns, as they have proved to be wrong (and there are many), have to discard.