The journal of the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture with acupuncture research articles, reviews, abstracts and case studies.      
             
     

Medical Acupuncture
A Journal For Physicians By Physicians

Spring / Summer 2000- Volume 12 / Number 1
"Aurum Nostrum Non Est Aurum Vulgi"

     
     
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

To the Editor: Re: "Acupuncture Treatment of Bell's Palsy: A Case Report," by Dr David Sniezek, Medical Acupuncture, Fall/Winter 1998/1999 (Vol. 10/No. 2).
Dr Sniezek seems to think of case severity and its dramatic improvement as proving the merits of acupuncture. Hence, the need for double-blind studies given the vested interest.
The "blindness" element comprises patient's "blindness" and acupuncturist's "blindness."
1) Patient Blindness
A patient who is pricked knows he is being pricked. Hence the need for needling acupuncture and non-acupuncture points.
2) Acupuncturist Blindness
Practitioners' bias led to the need for practitioner blindness in testing new drugs. The majority of acupuncture articles lack acupuncturists' blindness. A technician can be trained to apply the needles. Even then, the technician soon becomes biased and we are back to square one.
The ideal acupuncture methodology has three samples of data gathering:
1) Control: no needling
2) Control: needling non-acupuncture point(s)
3) Experiment: needling acupuncture point(s)
- Ong Hin, MBBS, MS
Pahang, Malaysia

The Author's Reply: I am delighted that my article evoked some research interest in the area of acupuncture and Bell's palsy. Dr. Hin's comments about inherent problems with acupuncture research in Bell's palsy actually apply to all acupuncture research. Scientists faced these same obstacles when attempting to study and validate manipulation therapy for various conditions. Despite these difficulties, valuable information can be gained by well-conceived research. I appreciate Dr. Hin's comments and hope that more interest will lead to further study.
- David Sniezek, DC, MD
Washington, DC

To the Editor: The last issue is beautiful. Layouts are very nicely done, the cover is great, the articles are very nicely edited. Kudos and my best to you.
- Russ Erickson, MD
Pleasant Hill, CA


(Editor's Note: We welcome and encourage your letters, e-mails, phone calls, and all correspondence to this column.)

 



     
     

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