"Acupuncture remains controversial because scientific studies have not yet fully explained how it functions within a Western medical framework."
Actually it is controversial because multiple Western scientific studies have not shown that it actually works any better than sham acupuncture. As a Western doctor I am open to any modality that helps my patients, but modern practice is based on the principle of Evidence-based Medicine, and there just isn't any hard evidence for acupuncture (in addition to the fact that the theory is somewhat fanciful [see also chiropractor]).
Having said that, if your brother has satisfied clients, he should certainly continue to treat them!
I had never heard the quote "It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has" before (attributed to Hippocrates or otherwise). Love the idea, so did a little digging -- more like fell down a rabbit hole -- and found this:
In my position at the VA I work with Complementary and Integrative Health providers including acupuncturists. I’ve heard countless success stories, including Veterans with chronic pain finding relief from needles in the ear (Battlefield Acupuncture). I also hear from the skeptical physicians. While there’s significant evidence for its efficacy, I also wonder about the role of non-specific factors, such as the benefit of another person touching and caring for you. Like energy medicine, the success rates don’t make intuitive sense...but they’re real. We also know the placebo effect is startlingly powerful, and that may play a role. Regardless, I’m an advocate for its effectiveness even without knowing the mechanism. Great overview Bryan!
Acupuncture was one of the stops I made along the path of trying to addressing degenerative disk disease, neither better nor worse than the others. Eventually, a wise surgeon suggested to me that if I could just be patient, the natural stiffening that came with age might resolve my pain without further intervention. By god, he was right! I aged out of back pain. Another really cool Tao-related book is called “Getting Right with Tao” by Ron Hogan. It’s a totally westernized rendition, but it really spoke to me, opening the door for me to grasp more literal translations. You might like it Bryan. And that video! Loved it.
I’m so intrigued by acupuncture. I’m terrified of needles being inserted into me however. The benefits, and my curiosity, may outweigh my fear though... Only time will tell.
"Acupuncture remains controversial because scientific studies have not yet fully explained how it functions within a Western medical framework."
Actually it is controversial because multiple Western scientific studies have not shown that it actually works any better than sham acupuncture. As a Western doctor I am open to any modality that helps my patients, but modern practice is based on the principle of Evidence-based Medicine, and there just isn't any hard evidence for acupuncture (in addition to the fact that the theory is somewhat fanciful [see also chiropractor]).
Having said that, if your brother has satisfied clients, he should certainly continue to treat them!
I had never heard the quote "It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has" before (attributed to Hippocrates or otherwise). Love the idea, so did a little digging -- more like fell down a rabbit hole -- and found this:
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2019/07/20/patient/#:~:text=Parry%2C%20of%20Bath%2C%20said%20two,Parry%20said%20it.
In my position at the VA I work with Complementary and Integrative Health providers including acupuncturists. I’ve heard countless success stories, including Veterans with chronic pain finding relief from needles in the ear (Battlefield Acupuncture). I also hear from the skeptical physicians. While there’s significant evidence for its efficacy, I also wonder about the role of non-specific factors, such as the benefit of another person touching and caring for you. Like energy medicine, the success rates don’t make intuitive sense...but they’re real. We also know the placebo effect is startlingly powerful, and that may play a role. Regardless, I’m an advocate for its effectiveness even without knowing the mechanism. Great overview Bryan!
Acupuncture was one of the stops I made along the path of trying to addressing degenerative disk disease, neither better nor worse than the others. Eventually, a wise surgeon suggested to me that if I could just be patient, the natural stiffening that came with age might resolve my pain without further intervention. By god, he was right! I aged out of back pain. Another really cool Tao-related book is called “Getting Right with Tao” by Ron Hogan. It’s a totally westernized rendition, but it really spoke to me, opening the door for me to grasp more literal translations. You might like it Bryan. And that video! Loved it.
Every time I hop on the Bus, there are hidden elements of a 30 year Time Machine!
I wish I was never such a great lyricist…I was hoping that version was merely a figment of my imagination
Now those are some good tunes!
I’m so intrigued by acupuncture. I’m terrified of needles being inserted into me however. The benefits, and my curiosity, may outweigh my fear though... Only time will tell.