Explanation to me by my physioterrorist for how acupuncture works from a Western perspective is simply causing a localized release of cortisol into an area to reduce inflammation. In fact, you can usually see if there is going to be a take by whether or not an inflammatory response occurs at the needle insertions. It also messes with pain gates along sensory nerves. I've had acupuncture used for many issues in the past with good results...and I'm a dedicated Western Medicine type guy. They provided near immediate relief of pain and helped speed healing of some of the injuries I've incurred over the years. Observationally, I've also seen the (often dramatic) results on post operative swelling on a number of my patients from arthroscopic surgery - not something easily achieved by placebo.
Something I've learned over the years - A SINGLE study means DIDDELEE SQUAT. I look at the source(s), who's sponsoring them, size of the cohorts, what the actual parameters of questions asked/answered were, how the stats are played with, etc. Just like that one paper all the anti-vaxers claim as proof positive that childhood vaccines cause autism, you have to look over the spectrum of stuff. You can find a bajillion studies of the same thing that prove opposite results from each other...just depends on how it's run and interpreted. BTW, placebo is good for about 1/3 of patients in any study - that much we all know. Doesn't account for the other large pile of people this treatment modality benefits.
:2c:
MM
