Acupuncture research: why do it?

Abstract: Many acupuncturists feel that research into acupuncture is valuable, but few become personally involved, partly because the results of empirical research are not seen as relevant to the actual practice Of acupuncture. However, questions and doubts may arise in clinical practice that can be resolved by research and these doubts may also lead to an involvement in research. The paper describes the author's personal assessment of the efficacy of acupuncture and the techniques employed in practice, and how the questions that arose led to an involvement in research. The paper argues for the relevant of research to the practice of all forms of complementary medicine. The author suggests that colleges of complementary medicine should become actively involved in research and that an introduction to research should be a component of all complementary medicine courses,

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