Peninsula
Medical School, at the University of Exeter conducted research on 80 patients
who experienced headaches, muscle pain, extreme fatigue or joint and back pain
to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture on their ailments. The study, led
by Professor Andrew Gould, followed 80 adults who had consulted their general
practitioner eight or more times in the prior year for these various
unexplained symptoms. Half of the group received up to 12 sessions of
five-element acupuncture treatments during a six month period; the remainder
received no extra treatment.
The patients receiving
acupuncture reported improved well-being and scored higher on an individualized
health status questionnaire than the control group. They reported that their
acupuncture consultations became increasingly valuable and that the interactive
and holistic nature of the sessions gave them a sense that something positive
was being done about their condition.
Professor Andrew Gould said it
is important to offer patients other options when conventional medicine isn’t
working. “We don’t know how acupuncture is making a difference, but it seems to
be something to do with the treatment, rather than just a placebo or the
one-to-one care the patients are getting,” explained Gould. The study was the first of its kind in the
United Kingdom.
Source: The research results were published in The British Journal of General Practice.
Deborah Farley
is a licensed acupuncturist, naturopath and owner of the Acupuncture Clinic of
Richmond, in Richmond, Virginia. To learn more about improving your
health and wellness, visit www.debifarley.com or call 804.288.3927.
