The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Sep 2006
Acupuncture needle sensations associated with De Qi: a classification based on experts' ratings.
Many English language words have been used to describe the acupuncture needle sensation known as de qi, words such as dull, aching, and spreading. However, there is little agreement on which actual words are acceptable as descriptors. In experimental trials of acupuncture in which the needle sensation is an important variable, a quantitative measure is needed to monitor and control for variability in de qi. ⋯ Data from experienced acupuncturists have been analyzed to provide two separate clusters of sensations associated with acupuncture needling: a de qi cluster and an acute pain cluster. In the design of experimental trials involving acupuncture needling, researchers will find these two clusters of sensations useful for monitoring and controlling for variation in needle sensation.
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J Altern Complement Med · Sep 2006
Training in and use of diagnostic techniques among CAM practitioners: an Australian study.
This study aimed to determine the extent to which complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners in Australia are trained in and use CAM and Western medical diagnostic techniques, and the influence this may have on their role as primary contact practitioners. ⋯ Despite the reported high frequency of training in and use of Western medical and CAM diagnostic techniques, 32% of respondents reported a lack of confidence in identifying patients requiring referral. This could compromise the safety of clients and the effectiveness of practice.
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J Altern Complement Med · Sep 2006
Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Controlled Clinical TrialInterventions and physician characteristics in a randomized multicenter trial of acupuncture in patients with low-back pain.
Descriptions of the interventions used in acupuncture studies are often incomplete. The aim of this paper is to describe participating trial physicians and interventions in a randomised trial of acupuncture for low back pain. ⋯ For most trial physicians, the semistandardized acupuncture strategy used in this trial was an acceptable compromise for an efficacy study. However, a relevant minority of participating trial physicians stated that they would have treated patients differently outside of the trial.