Perceptions Of Acupuncture Research Articles

Practical or Cultural: American Medical Perceptions of Acupuncture from the Boom of the 1820s to ‘Acupuncture Fever’ of the 1970s

In the United States today, acupuncture and Chinese medicine are so connected that the terms are almost interchangeable. Yet, when acupuncture first came to prominence in the American medical community in the 1820s, it was seen as a European innovation and associated with physicians in Paris and London. In contrast to the cultural models of therapeutic action so prevalent today, medical manuals and textbooks of the nineteenth century tended to classify acupuncture as a form of “practical medicine,” an empirically effective technique without a definitive theoretical basis. This paper traces a genealogy of the different ways in which acupuncture has historically been recognized in the United States. Particular attention is paid to the period of “acupuncture fever” in the 1970s, the appearance of acupuncture in American medical texts in the late nineteenth century, and the initial wave of discourse around acupuncture in the 1820s. This paper demonstrates an ongoing historical tension between framing acupuncture in terms of a complex system of cultural concepts and framing it as a simple and practical therapy whose efficacy is most clearly felt in the space of the clinical encounter.

Perception of Acupuncture Compared with Biomedicine among Health Practitioners

Compared with biomedicine held by medical experts, perspectives on acupuncture may impact how the general populace uses acupuncture. Therefore, research on the opinions of medical professionals regarding acupuncture therapy is crucial. This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to September 2022 using a questionnaire. The study participants are doctors and nurses from three clinics in Bali province who had at least one year of working experience and were willing to be research respondents. Descriptive analysis and multiple logistic regression are used to determine the participants' perceptions and predictors of their perception. Of 155 participants, the majority (64%) have a positive perception of acupuncture compared with biomedicine. Participants with prior acupuncture usage were 9.01 times more likely than those without previous acupuncture use to have positive perceptions of acupuncture compared to biomedicine (Adj OR=9.01; 95% CI; p=0.001). The results of this study show that acupuncture is seen positively by health practitioners as an effective modality, has few side effects, and is supported by science. Health practitioners' perceptions are affected by their prior acupuncture experience. It is crucial to understand how medical professionals feel about acupuncture. Medical professionals' opinion impacts every patient's decision to seek therapy because one of their duties as specialists is to offer patients clinical judgment, information, and suggestions.

Midwifery Acupuncturists' Management of Antenatal Anxiety and Depression: Data from a Survey in Aotearoa (New Zealand).

The goal of this research was to explore how New Zealand midwifery acupuncturists manage mild-to-moderate antenatal anxiety and depression (AAD). A survey (Surveymonkey®) on midwives' perceptions of acupuncture for treating AAD was distributed late in 2019 to midwives who completed a Certificate in Midwifery Acupuncture. Data were collected on referrals and on acupuncture and complementary and alternative medicine use for AAD and associated symptoms of concern (SoC), such as low-back and pelvic pain (LBPP), sleep issues, stress, other pain, and pregnancy issues. Descriptive analysis was used to report data. Of 119 midwives, 66 responded (55.5%). For AAD and SoC, midwives mostly referred patients to general practitioners and counselors, and administered acupuncture themselves. Acupuncture was most accessed for LBPP (n = 38; 70.4%), sleep (n = 31; 57.4%), anxiety (n = 27; 50.0%); stress (n = 26; 48.1%), and other pain (n = 20, 37.0%). Massage was second most-accessed for LBPP (n = 36; 66.7%), sleep (n = 25; 46.3%), and stress (n = 24; 44.4%). For depression, treatments were herbs (n = 16; 29.6%), homeopathy (n = 14; 25.9%), and acupuncture and massage (both n = 13; 24.1%). Acupuncture was most used for other pregnancy issues: birth preparation (n = 44, 88.0%); assisted labor induction (n = 43; 86.0%): nausea and vomiting (n = 43; 86.0%); breech (n = 37; 74.0%); and headaches/migraines (n = 29; 58.0%). Acupuncture is commonly used by midwife acupuncturists in New Zealand to treat a range of pregnancy issues, including anxiety, SoC for AAD, and other pregnancy issues. Further research would be beneficial.

IVF, acupuncture and mental health: a qualitative study of perceptions and experiences of women participating in a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture during IVF treatment.

Infertility treatments such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF) are stressful and challenging to mental health and well-being. The use of alternative therapies adjunct to IVF treatment, such as acupuncture, is common and women hope to improve their chance of pregnancy and live birth. While many women engage in acupuncture adjunct to IVF in Australia, few qualitative studies of women’s motivations and experiences have been conducted in this field. A qualitative study was nested within a randomized controlled trial of acupuncture during IVF treatment in order to explore women’s perceptions of acupuncture, its effects in the context of IVF treatment, and how acupuncture is perceived in relation to the outcome of IVF. Fifty women randomized into both acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups were interviewed using a semi-structured format. In-depth interviews were transcribed, coded and categorized in a theoretical thematic analysis. Two primary themes emerged: ‘psychological benefit’ and ‘perceived influence of acupuncture on fertility/medical outcome’. Regardless of randomization, women in both groups described similar psychological effects suggesting that a placebo effect was present. They were not convinced that acupuncture could enhance their treatment outcome through biomedical pathways. Rather, they perceived that acupuncture or sham acupuncture gave them a psychological advantage through increased relaxation, reduced psychological stress, and enhanced well-being and self-efficacy. In conclusion, there are significant features associated with a placebo effect in acupuncture that might be exploited to provide psychological benefit for women undertaking IVF.

CME Article: Perceptions of Acupuncture and Acupressure by Anesthesia Providers: A Quantitative Descriptive Study.

Background: Randomized controlled trials show that acupuncture and acupressure support anesthesia management by decreasing anxiety, opioid requirements, and treating post-operative nausea and vomiting. Acupuncture and acupressure have demonstrated clinical usefulness but have not yet diffused into mainstream anesthesia practice. To determine why, this study assessed U.S. anesthesia provider's perceptions of acupuncture and acupressure. Methods: After institutional review board approval, 96 anesthesiology departments stratified by geographic region (Northeast, South, West, and Midwest) and institution type (university medical centers, community hospitals, children's hospitals, and veterans affairs hospitals) were selected for participation in an anonymous, pretested, online survey. The target sample was 1728 providers, of whom 292 (54% anesthesiologists, 44% certified registered nurse anesthetists, 2% anesthesiologist assistants) responded, yielding an overall 17% response rate. Results: Spearman correlation coefficient revealed a statistically significant correlation between acupuncture and geographic region, with the West having the highest predisposition toward acupuncture use (rs = 0.159, p = 0.007). Women are more likely to use acupuncture than men (rs = -0.188; p = 0.002). A strong effect size exists between acupuncture and country of pre-anesthesia training (rs = 1.00; 95% CI = 1.08, 1.16). Some providers have used acupuncture (27%) and acupressure (18%) with positive outcomes; however, the majority have not used these modalities, but would consider using them (54%, SD = 1.44 ; acupressure: 60%, SD = 1.32). Seventy-six percent of respondents would like acupuncture education and 74% would like acupressure education (SDs of 0.43 and 0.44, respectively). Conclusions: While most of the U.S. anesthesia providers in this survey have not used these modalities, they nevertheless report a favorable perception of acupuncture/acupressure's role as part of an anesthetic. This study adds to the body of acupuncture and acupressure research by providing insight into anesthesia providers' perceptions of these alternative medicine modalities.

Participation in a randomised controlled trial of acupuncture as an adjunct to in vitro fertilisation: the views of study patients and acupuncturists

IntroductionAcupuncture is now emerging as a complementary medicine used in conjunction with in vitro fertilisation (IVF). The aim of this study was to examine participation in a randomised controlled trial of acupuncture as an adjunct to IVF from the perspective of women and study acupuncturists. MethodsDescriptive qualitative study using a survey and semi-structured in-depth interviews with study the women receiving acupuncture as part of the trial and acupuncturists. ResultsData was obtained from a convenience sample of 146 women and 17 acupuncturists. A number of themes emerged in relation to important features of the trial consultation and treatment sessions and why features were important to both women and acupuncturists. Features most valued by women were the physical and psychological benefits of acupuncture experienced during treatment encounters, information sharing and health advice, pain free treatment and the opportunity to participate in research. Acupuncturists assigned importance to providing a high standard of care through professional treatment and diagnosis, supporting and empowering women, developing positive therapeutic relationships and considering women’s perceptions of acupuncture, IVF and research. ConclusionsTrial participants’ and acupuncturists perceptions of trial participation were mostly positive, with the identified needs of women being complementarily matched by practitioners. Therapeutic relationships formed during trial participation seemed to transcend the artificial research setting and were reciprocal and receptive.

Attitudes toward acupuncture in Hong Kong

Purpose– This paper aims at describing and exploring how consumers perceive acupuncture as a medical treatment in relation to biomedicine.Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected through an online survey using quota sampling. The attitudes of 879 Hong Kong residents aged 20 or above were surveyed. Questions were generated from a previous focus group study.Findings– Factor analysis found that attitude toward acupuncture consisted of five underlying dimensions, including trust in biomedicine, risks versus benefits, cure and effectiveness, qualification and skills of acupuncturists, side effects and costs and severe aftereffects. Lack of trust in acupuncturists and perceived inferiority of acupuncture to biomedicine were the major barriers of public acceptance of acupuncture. Perceived strengths of acupuncture identified were not involving taking medicine, fewer side effects and being good for preventive care.Research limitations/implications– This study used a convenience sample recruited through personal networks, so the findings cannot automatically be generalized to the rest of the population.Practical implications– There is a need to build trust in the therapy and the reputation of acupuncturists through better communication of the profession’s qualification and accreditation system, as well as dissemination of clinical evidence on a long-term basis. Consumers need to be better educated about the sensations to be expected during acupuncture and the criteria for selecting an acupuncturist.Originality/value– This has been the first quantitative study focusing on Hong Kong consumers’ perceptions of acupuncture.

Faculty Perception of and Resistance to Online Education in the Fields of Acupuncture, Chiropractic, and Massage Therapy

This paper reports findings of a research study undertaken to determine the attitudes and perceptions of acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy faculty with regard to online learning within their respective disciplines, and to determine how they might be persuaded to teach online. The study surveyed faculty teaching at schools in these three fields and followed up with additional interviews. The study results indicate that, in general, acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy faculty lack awareness of the capabilities of online education and the elements of good online learning. There is also a perception that what they teach cannot be taught online because of its kinesthetic requirements. The faculty hold this perception in spite of the success of medical science and related health care fields in the online environment, and they do not seem to separate the kinesthetic from the didactic. The present study indicates that faculty opinions about online instruction in this alternative type of education range from being willing to look at the potential of online education to outright dismissing it.

Is acupuncture an acceptable option in stroke rehabilitation? A survey of stroke patients

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality and stroke survivors make up the largest group of patients in rehabilitation. These individuals also have one of the longest lengths of stay in rehabilitation. It has been suggested that acupuncture may be beneficial in post-stroke rehabilitation and in this study we examine how stroke patients value acupuncture and their perceptions of acupuncture as a rehabilitation treatment option. A questionnaire was distributed to individuals undergoing post-stroke rehabilitation at three rehabilitation centers attached to hospitals in Toronto, Canada. Two hundred and seventy-three individuals completed the questionnaire with the respondent group comprising mainly males (62%) over 65 years of age (68%). Overall 29% had used acupuncture with 16% receiving acupuncture treatment for stroke related conditions. Almost all respondents (98%) wanted to know more about acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation and 87% would consider acupuncture as a treatment option. Few (8%) reported that they had advanced level knowledge about acupuncture, with most reporting a basic (48%) or intermediate (33%) level which recognized that acupuncture used fine needles to produce a therapeutic response. Those with prior acupuncture experience expected to pay more for treatment. The main factors influencing decisions to use acupuncture were practitioner competency (84%), cost (65%) and sterilization concerns (40%). This study demonstrates that there is willingness by patients attending conventional hospital-based rehabilitation centers to consider acupuncture in stroke rehabilitation and that lack of knowledge about this treatment is not a barrier to use.

Patient characteristics for outpatient acupuncture in Beijing, China.

This study quantifies and compares patient characteristics in outpatient acupuncture. Prospective primary source evidence was gathered at two prominent outpatient acupuncture clinics in Beijing, China (n = 563, n = 233). The most common condition was Bell's palsy, which represented 20.6% and 25.3% of total cases at the two clinics, respectively. The second most common condition was cerebrovascular accident (CVA) rehabilitation. These treatments represented 11.9% and 12.0% of treatments at the two clinics, respectively. Other trends at the clinics included the following: (1) neurologic complaints predominated; (2) doctors see a large number of patients per day; (3) the majority of patients overall were female; while (4) the majority of patients treated for CVAs rehabilitation were male. As cultural and socioeconomic differences in perceptions of acupuncture exist between peoples of different countries, this study also compared patient main complaints in China to available data on acupuncture patients seen in other parts of China, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. Except for the German clinic data, Western clinic acupuncturists saw more musculoskeletal complaints compared to China, where neurologic complaints predominated. Another significant difference between Asian and Western clinics was the number of patients seen per hour. While acupuncturists were reported to see 1.2 patients per hour in U. S. clinics, acupuncturists at the two Beijing, China, clinics saw 7.0 and 10.4 patients per hour, respectively. The main complaints seen in acupuncture outpatient clinics throughout the world likely result from a combination of inherent disease prevalence as well as patients' attitudes toward what acupuncture can treat successfully.

Clinical outcomes and patient perceptions of acupuncture and/or massage therapies in HIV-infected individuals

This paper uses an innovative methodology to evaluate clinical outcomes and patient perceptions of acupuncture and massage therapies in an HIV medical outpatient setting. Using a quasi-experimental retrospective case control design, treatment subjects were matched by intake date and CD4 count with non-treatment subjects. All subjects had equal opportunity to access HAART therapies and other standard treatments for HIV. There were three treatment groups: acupuncture-only ( n = 8), massage-only ( n = 34) and acupuncture-and-massage ( n = 21). Pre-treatment and post-treatment measures were compared within groups, and treatment and non-treatment group clinical outcomes were compared with each other. Using nonparametric statistical analysis, it was found that the means of the treatment groups' differences in pre- and post-CD4 counts showed improvement when compared with the non-treatment control group's pre- and post-CD4 counts. Treatment subjects were then interviewed and asked to rate their experiences of the therapies; the subjective experience was very positive. The reasons for these findings may be complex, including the possibility that some people may choose to manage their disease more aggressively, and may select a range of treatments. While no large claims are made for this study, these findings may be of interest both to clinicians and funders of acupuncture and/or massage therapies.