Acupuncture gets scientific
Monday March 16th, 2009
Acupuncture can be "firmly" grounded in science, according to British doctors who practise it.
Medical acupuncturists have defended their craft as their journal gained the backing of a mainstream published.
The journal Acupuncture in Medicine was relaunched last week after 27 years of publication by the British Medical Acupuncture Society.
Editor in chief Dr Adrian White said acupuncture was more than just Chinese mysticism.
He said: "In the past it was easy for doctors and scientists to dismiss acupuncture as highly implausible when its workings were couched in talk of chi and meridians. But it becomes very plausible when explained in terms of neurophysiology.
"Unfortunately, the scientific approach just isn't as sexy. Many people, including practitioners and the public, have held on to the traditional explanations."
Dr White called on practitioners not to cling to traditional approaches but to embrace new discoveries.
He said: "One of the major problems facing medical acupuncture is the preconceived notions both the public and healthcare professionals have of it.
"Points don't have any magical properties; they are simply convenient locations to needle."
He added: "The aim of Acupuncture in Medicine is to build up the evidence base for acupuncture's place in the modern health service.
"While it may not be a cure all, acupuncture does have a place, and is a relatively inexpensive approach to common conditions that can be difficult and often costly to treat."
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