Acupuncture: physiological effect beyond the placebo effect

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.200933.1.10

Abstract

Not all action mechanisms of acupuncture are currently explained. This has created the false idea that its clinical results
are due mainly to the so-called placebo effect. The objectives of this survey had been to describe the physiological bases related to the
effect of acupuncture and to discuss placebo effect associated to it. In studies on acupuncture, there are many methodological difficulties
to do blind random controlled placebo-based clinical assays. Although there are many studies on its potential utility, several of
these obtained non conclusive results due to study design, sample size, the use of inadequate controls and other factors. In spite of this,
medical literature has produced enough data for we to be able to affirm that acupuncture acts through placebo effect-independent
physiological mechanisms. There is in favor of the value of acupuncture enough evidence for intensifying its use and to encourage more
studies of its physiological aspects and clinical potential.