More Tooth Fairy Science: Acupuncture does not improve in vitro fertilization success rates

[hlthe2b]

3. There is a real chasm in Acupuncture--those who train in western medicine & are evidence based

and discount the totally unproven "energy channel" Eastern philosophy, versus those who focus on a largely mistranslated and thus totally misunderstood Eastern "energy meridian" type approach from ancient Chinese practices. This is not to criticize Chinese practice, but those who have promoted what now very clearly appears to be early mistranslation of Chinese writings and notions.

The former can point to good evidence for AP and e-stim/AP intervention for pain with respect to acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions, especially osteoarthritis, suppression of nausea in some conditions and some initial evidence for a few other conditions. That acupuncture needling (and e-stim) can result in the release of endorphins and other active compounds is well documented. Thus, these indications are areas for which insurance often will pay and many European medical systems (e.g., Germany) will preferentially chose an AP course over other medical or surgical interventions.

Unfortunately, the value of AP is severely compromised by those who move from an evidence based approach to conjecture and, yes, "woo".