Once again, there is no difference between acupuncture and placebo

Toothpicks are also treatedAlexey Tymoshenko, GZT.RU 

American doctors have found that it is not necessary to accurately hit the prescribed points with a needle to relieve lower back pain. And you don't need to pierce the skin either – the effect will still be there.

The journal Archives of Internal Medicine published a study of physicians from several American clinics. In particular, employees of the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda and the Center for Medical Research in Seattle participated in the work.

In the course of research, data have been obtained that raise the question of exactly how acupuncture actually works. Doctors have found that in some cases the effect can be achieved, even if you use an ordinary toothpick instead of a needle, which only tingles, and does not pierce the skin. At the same time, scientists emphasize that the effectiveness of acupuncture (acupuncture) they have no doubts.

The study was conducted on 638 adult patients. All of them complained of lower back pain and underwent treatment for seven weeks. After that, doctors called their patients three times – two months, six months and a year later. Doctors were interested in their condition. The data obtained allowed doctors to assess how long-term the effect of the treatment was. The results were unexpected.

The group in which medical methods of treatment were used showed the worst results. Doctors managed to achieve only partial relief of symptoms. The effect of acupuncture was more pronounced: lower back pain was less bothered by those who underwent acupuncture.

At the same time, even those patients who were treated with toothpicks instead of needles were cured. These patients received a "fake course": a toothpick was installed instead of a needle inside a special guide tube. At the same time, the doctors did not pierce her skin, but only pricked her. Moreover, toothpicks did not prick the points that are supposed to be according to the rules of acupuncture.

There were no differences between the group of patients to whom the course of acupuncture was selected individually, and those to whom needles were placed according to the standard procedure. Scientists have not yet offered a definitive explanation for the discovered phenomenon.  

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru/18.05.2009