Kevin Coughlin MD Blog

A follower recently challenged all acupuncture as worthless. “Studies have shown that people get the same results when the needles are placed in ‘real’ points and in ’sham’ points”. He also cited a study done by Harvard, Duke and other famed medical centers which showed no benefit from acupuncture for a group of people with carpal tunnel syndrome. My response - there is no such thing as completely “sham” acupuncture. What is usually meant by this term is placing needles near acupuncture points - off the mark a little - or a lot! The fact is, though, that any time the skin is penetrated by an acupuncture needle there is an effect on the central nervous system. Bruce Pomeranz, PhD from the U of Toronto, among many others, has shown by research that acupuncture affects the endorphins, serotonins, and the autonomic (sympathetic, parasympathetic) nervous system.

In response to the followers other point: There are many studies which DO show benefits from acupuncture. The AAMA symposium highlighted many such studies - for several countries including the US, Germany, Mexico, Brazil and of course China.  I read a quote recently that said “We know how acupuncture really works. If you poke a needle in someone every time they complain - pretty soon they stop complaining”. Not sure if that is serious or a joke, but I do know that my days are filled with patients waiting for the needles to do positive things for them. There most common complaint is when the needles come out. They would like to keep them in longer.

April 22-25 I attended the national symposium of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture. This is the annual meeting for all MD acupuncturists in the US. It was outstanding. The speakers and workshops included researchers, and clinicians from some highly regarded institutions: Harvard, Johns Hopkins, U of California, Penn State and the Mayo Clinic. Acupuncture is being studied and used in cancer treatment, anesthesia, pain control, blood pressure control, among others.There were clearly 2 groups: Researchers - very important for validating acupuncture in the modern setting, and Clinicians, like me, treating real people with all types of issues. This is also important for the improvement of pain and well-being. I came back with several approaches and techniques which I am using.  My commitment to the practice of Medical Acupuncture has never been stronger.

Oh, and there have been 2 recent articles on acupuncture in the Wall Street Journal / Personal Journal section. The latest was June 1st reporting on the chemical mechanism of how acupuncture influences the human body through a particular metabolic pathway. Evidence continue to grow.