special subjects
Acupuncture
Evidence and Uses for Acupuncture
Acupuncture research is inherently difficult to conduct. Blinding is challenging and so-called "sham" acupuncture often puts pressure on acupressure points, thereby creating a different treatment experience that may not be truly inert. In regions where acupuncture is more part of the culture, particularly in China, published acupuncture studies are more abundant and broader in scope. Results showing efficacy should be interpreted in light of the fact that interventions include the full schema of traditional Chinese medicine of which acupuncture is only a component. The World Health Organization (WHO) has helped with this clinical challenge by issuing alist of conditionsfor which they have deemed evidence of efficacy to be strong or available but for which additional study is recommended, including Symptoms of cancer therapy Depression Dysmenorrhea Pain Headache Hypertension Post-operative symptoms Some complications of pregnancy Stroke complications The WHO also provides a reference document with guidance for practicing acupuncture in a safe and effective manner (seeWHO benchmarks for the practice of acupuncture). 