The Acupuncture Poll question for August 2005 was:
In your opinion, is the randomized, controlled trial an appropriate format for measuring the effectiveness of acupuncture?
Results:
These results are based upon 79 responses. As this is a voluntary, non-scientific survey, caution should be used in generalizing the results. The following is a sample of the comments received in response to the poll, along with how that person voted:
No: With "sham acupuncture" often nearly as effective as "real acupuncture," we clearly need to use a method that is larger than the scientific method of separation of variables. Our medicine is inclusive, and not separable.
Yes: While a randomized, controlled trial may not be the only format, it is certainly the gold standard for medical research. If our methods work, then the results will be borne out by the studies. If not, then we have to eliminate ineffective treatment protocols and develop better ones.
No: This form of study requires a simple, singular object and is not accurate for multivariate testing. The real world is full of variables, so conclusions reached would be very limited. Pharmaceuticals do well in single-controlled studies, but watch out when they hit the market and cause a lot of pain, suffering, and more grief. There would be less side-effects if the testing model was more realistic.
No: "Sham" acupuncture could still have an effect on the body. It's not the same as a placebo.
Yes: I think the randomized treatment is important for acupuncture research. It is a basic rule in scientific research.
Think of your most difficult patient – the one you try to motivate and work so hard with to develop a realistic treatment plan with achievable and measurable goals. Week after week, you see this patient struggle, sinking deeper into hopelessness as their health and quality of life continue to worsen. What if there was something else you could do that could change their outlook and their life? The solution is as simple as an automated program.
To paraphrase the Tao de Jing; a bowl is useful because of the empty space. Recent anatomical research uncovered evidence for previously undescribed large-scale pathways that span organs, blood vessels and other connective tissue. These pathways are defined by what is known as the interstitial space between cells. The newer research provides evidence that these interstitial spaces actually make very large-scale networks between different types of tissue.
As a practitioner, if you're wondering why your social media efforts aren't working the way you had hoped, or if you're not using social media at all, use this article to get your social media marketing strategies (back) on track.
