Physiological and Psychological Healing through CAM

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese technique for curing various chronic pains. It has also been used as anesthesia for surgery and for curing postoperative nausea.

Using South University Online Library, search the article, “A randomized trial comparing acupuncture, simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain.”

On the basis of your research and understanding of the topic, summarize your thoughts and answer to the following questions:

• The study concludes that both real acupuncture and sham acupuncture are more effective than usual care for chronic back pain. This could be due to either the physiological stimulus provided by acupuncture needling or certain nonspecific effects, such as the therapist’s conviction and the patient’s enthusiasm for the treatment. Do you think that this study supports a combined model of treatment where both physical and psychological stimuli are used to cure chronic back pain? Why or why not?
• What are the shortcomings of this study? Would conducting more studies, such as the current investigation, add to your understanding and the efficacy of acupuncture for chronic back pain?
• Even in the absence of support for acupuncture, how does this article contribute to the study of CAM and our understanding of CAM research practices?
• What is your opinion on the modality discussed in the article? Do you see any outstanding benefits or detractions from the therapy’s use in contemporary wellness environments?

Combine your responses in a Microsoft Word document. Your responses should be 4-pages long.

Support your responses with reasoning and examples.

Cite any sources in APA format.

Reference:

Cherkin, D. C., Sherman, K. J., Avins, A. L., Erro, J. H., Ichikawa, L., Barlow,
           W. E., . . . Deyo, R. A. (2009). A randomized trial comparing acupuncture,
           simulated acupuncture, and usual care for chronic low back pain. Archives
           of Internal Medicine, 169(9), 858–866. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.
           nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2832641/pdf/nihms164975.pdf