The placebo effect also applies to acupuncture. According to a recent study, patients who do not believe in its effectiveness are less likely to benefit from it.
Would acupuncturists benefit from a placebo effect? According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pain, believing in the effectiveness of this alternative medicine helps improve pain control. Conversely, lack of faith can interfere with treatment.
485 people participated in this research carried out at the University of Southampton (United Kingdom). They all suffered from back pain and decided to go to the acupuncturist. Questionnaires were offered to them before the start of the sessions, at two weeks, three months and then six months of treatment.
“The analysis shows that psychological factors are strongly associated with disabilities related to low back pain,” said Dr. Felicity Bishop, who conducted the study. Indeed, participants who saw their pain in a more positive way and thought they controlled it felt less handicapped.
See pain more positively
The perception of pain also influences the success of acupuncture. “People who start out with low hopes for acupuncture, who think it probably won’t help them, are more likely to not benefit from it as they are treated,” says Dr. Felicity Bishop. “When patients see their pain more positively, they end up feeling less handicap. Specifically, they suffer less disability as treatment progresses. To improve treatment, the researchers conclude, acupuncturists should encourage patients to view their pain more positively.
This study relaunches a long-term debate in alternative medicine, and particularly acupuncture. “The placebo effect would be the most plausible mechanism of action”, according to the latest opinion of the National Academy of Medicine. Studies have indeed suggested that patients’ “faith” in acupuncture greatly influences its effectiveness.
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