Positive Health Online

Abstract

CHERNYAK and SESSLER, Outcomes Research Institute and Department of Anesthesiology, University of Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA, have reviewed (120 references) perioperative acupuncture. Abstract: Acupuncture and related techniques are used more and more in conventional medical settings, and the number of patients willing to use these techniques is increasing. Despite more than 30 years of research, the exact mechanism of action and efficacy of acupuncture have not been established. Furthermore, most aspects of acupuncture have yet to be adequately tested. Therefore, considerable controversy remains about the role of acupuncture in clinical medicine. Acupuncture apparently does not reduce anaesthetic requirement by a clinically important amount. However, preoperative sedation seems to be a promising application of acupuncture. Acupuncture may be effective for postoperative pain relief but requires a high level of expertise by the practitioner. Acupuncture and related techniques can be used for treatment and prophylaxis of postoperative nausea and vomiting in routine clinical practice in combination with or as an alternative to conventional antiemetics when administered before the operation.

Background

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

References

Chernyak GV, Sessler DI. Perioperative acupuncture and related techniques. Anesthesiology 102 (5): 1031-1049, May 2005.

Comment

The acceptance of acupuncture has evolved within the past 25 years, as evidenced by the above 2 reviews.