“Sham” Acupuncture
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.