Red flag for non free-handed style acupuncturists

[Guest guest]

Most of the non free-handed style acupuncturists will be soon out of

work if the general public is brainwashed that non-invasive

acupuncture (sham acupuncture) is more effective than invasive

acupuncture. I think there is a subtle conspiracy going on to

eliminate acupuncturists by those in driving seats. The issue here is

the arguments triggered by a recent acupuncture study stating that

placebo acupuncture (sham acupuncture) is more effective. I wish I

had the wisdom of Rooney of 60 Minutes to give something inspiring

but I cannot.

 

Medical (or any) research is done for purpose. Research should relate

to, reinforce, guide, inspire, and clinical efficacy. The reason I am

cynical about this research is it does not serve the purpose of doing

research.

 

I read the said ivf acupuncture research (done by WM doctors of HKU

in a teaching hospital in Hong Kong) in a local newspaper a few days

ago and paid no attention to it. I think it is of no significance. I

do not worry as most of our patients especially the senior adore the

sensation of acupuncture. In the (almond-shaped) eyes of Asians

especially Chinese, it is absurd that one cannot feel the

distention/sensation of undergoing acupuncture treatment.

 

I recall the discussion our acu phd class had in a pm session back in

Chengdu in 2003. We discussed sham acu methodology. We think that

only Eskimos (no offence) or pre civilized aboriginals will know

nothing about acupuncture and won't tell the differences between

being inserted or inserted in a fake way. As X¡¦mas is around the

corner, I will be more thrilled to get a sham acupuncture device as

gift than a latest model of ipod or mac computer.

 

However, HKU is one of the best in commonwealth (I am a alumni) and

the research is published in a formal journal. Its impact should not

be ignored and something needed to be done to counterbalance the

effect or the general public is brainwashed and favors non-invasive

acupuncture. It is not in favor of the acupuncture profession.

 

Moreover, I notice that my western acu patients have no favor for

strong sensation at all. They represent a vast no. in other

continents. It means sham acupuncture fits in the tube-needling

technique. It is almost painless and (the object undergoing sham

acupuncture may not notice the differences in control group).

Therefore, it is a dangerous trend if the general public is

continuously brainwashed with such messages.

 

Another crisis is the identity of acupuncturist. Acupuncture is a

subsidiary of Chinese medicine and should be done under the

theoretical guidance of tcm. Kath¡¦s recent post of Fox news on

¡¥western¡¦ v ¡¥Chinese¡¦ acupuncture highlighted the issue.

Acupuncture which deviated from tcm theory (nerve, muscle etc anatomy

approach may be as effective) is regarded as western acupuncture.

Without the benefit of CM and anyone can master the technique of tube

needling, what makes us a better healer than a western medicine

doctor, ND, chiropractor, nurse, or paramedic who acquires 100 hr of

acupuncture course but with some specific medical knowledge?

 

(lots needed to be discussed about the validity of research but not

now)

 

Regards

 

SUNG, Yuk-ming