The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Nov 2006
Variability in the diagnosis and point selection for persons with frequent headache by traditional Chinese medicine acupuncturists.
The aim of this study was to compare Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pattern diagnosis and acupuncture point selection for persons with frequent headache, as ascribed by three highly trained, licensed acupuncturists. ⋯ Headache is a heterogeneous condition represented by a wide variety of TCM diagnoses. There is variability among acupuncturists in the diagnosis of TCM patterns and the selection of acupuncture points for needling. These data suggest, however, that most persons with frequent headache appear to have liver Yang and Qi disharmonies for which needling of Liver 3, Large Intestine 4, and/or Governing Vessel 20 may be appropriate. Further research is needed to determine the extent to which variability in the diagnosis or acupuncture point selection among acupuncturists affects clinical outcomes.
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J Altern Complement Med · Nov 2006
Beyond needling--therapeutic processes in acupuncture care: a qualitative study nested within a low-back pain trial.
In the medical and scientific literature, there is a dearth of reports about how acupuncturists work and deliver care in practice. An informed characterization of the treatment process is needed to support the appropriate design of evaluative studies in acupuncture. ⋯ This study suggests that acupuncture care for patients with chronic conditions such as low back pain is likely to be a complex intervention that utilizes a number of patient-centered strategies to elicit longterm therapeutic benefits. Research designed to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture as it is practiced in the UK needs to accommodate the full range of therapeutic goals and related treatment processes.
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J Altern Complement Med · Oct 2006
ReviewSystematic review of the efficacy of meditation techniques as treatments for medical illness.
Meditative techniques are sought frequently by patients coping with medical and psychological problems. Because of their increasingly widespread appeal and use, and the potential for use as medical therapies, a concise and thorough review of the current state of scientific knowledge of these practices as medical interventions was conducted. ⋯ The results support the safety and potential efficacy of meditative practices for treating certain illnesses, particularly in nonpsychotic mood and anxiety disorders. Clear and reproducible evidence supporting efficacy from large, methodologically sound studies is lacking.
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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.