This is the first book to set out a full range of research strategies for evaluating the clinical practice of acupuncture. Leading acupuncturists and researchers with international reputations share their expertise. They illustrate their descriptions with practical examples of what has worked and what has not. It outlines many of the key challenges in the field. These challenges relate to the nature of acupuncture and the gap between current research evidence and the actual experiences of acupuncturists in the field. By focusing the chapters on key research questions, rather than methods, the book has a user-friendly feel. Each chapter is easily accessible with brief explanations of research designs as well as vignettes of relevant past research. The book is based on a deep understanding of acupuncture, with its inherent complexity in practice, whether based on traditional principles or more modern concepts. By incorporating a more sophisticated understanding of the field, this book details a range of strategies aiming to develop the evidence base with the utmost rigour. It is the first book on acupuncture research to take this unique view, integrating the very best of evidence-based medicine with a genuine sensitivity to the discipline of acupuncture, from its traditional and holistic roots to its more modern interpretations.

The technique of acupuncture is easily acquired although the evidence of efficacy remains subjective. Before the evidence can be sorted out through scientific explorations, confidence on efficacy can rely only on literature search and sharing of expert experiences.

This book allows readers to extend their practice by increasing their understanding of acupuncture and indicating where and how it will benefit their patients. Unlike many obscure acupuncture texts, this book makes the assimilation of knowledge of Chinese language and medical philosophies easy.

Comprehensively revised and expanded with vital new content, the second edition of Medical Acupuncture continues to explore the realistic integration of acupuncture into conventional medicine. Advocating the Western medical acupuncture approach (WMA), this science-based compendium provides the trained practitioner with all the latest research on the effectiveness of WMA and its associated mechanisms, techniques, clinical practice and evidence. Medical Acupuncture demonstrates a variety of needling techniques and clinical applications within the context of WMA and its evolution from traditional Chinese acupuncture using current knowledge of anatomy, physiology and pathology alongside the principles of evidence-based medicine. Split into seven sections the book begins by establishing the roots of WMA in the Introduction and then progresses on to describe the mechanisms of action in Section 2, including peripheral components of stimulation and evidence from neuroimaging. Sections 3 and 4 cover clinical approaches (eg, superficial needling, electroacupuncture, safety of acupuncture) and techniques related to acupuncture (TENS, laser therapy). Section 5 takes a closer look at the difficulties faced by trials and reviews while Section 6 goes on to showcase 21 clinical uses of WMA, ranging from chronic pain, mental health, obstetrics and primary care to sports medicine, respiratory conditions and neurology. The final reference section contains dermatome/myotome maps, meridian/channel charts and standard international nomenclature. - Comprehensive coverage of the scientific evidence and clinical application of acupuncture in medicine - Balances the genuine benefits of acupuncture against unfounded claims - Presents a wide range of treatable conditions from psychiatry and palliative care through to the pain clinic and veterinary medicine - Clinical points boxes highlight key knowledge and learning - Illustrated with over 130 drawings and photographs - Content restructure and overhaul with contributions from over 40 world leading experts - Individual chapters on the use of acupuncture for a wide range of medical conditions including gynaecology and infertility, cancer and palliative care, drug dependence, obesity, sports medicine, dentistry and veterinary practice - Updated with the latest scientific evidence - Expanded information on neuroanatomical and neurophysiological considerations in relation to the mechanisms of acupuncture

Required reading for professionals needing a contemporary overview of the wealth of research on acupuncture and moxibustion in cancer care, this survey includes opinions from key experts and is the first to examine in depth the latest scientific evidence.

Written by two leading experts in the field, Acupuncture in Neurological Conditions aims to improve patient care by combining Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) concepts of treatment. The language of TCM is uniquely combined with that of evidence-based clinical reasoning to provide an approach relevant to both acupuncture and physiotherapy clinical practice. All major types of neurological conditions encountered in clinical practical are examined. Chinese medical patterns relevant to the application of acupuncture are described, as well as key patterns of dysfunction based on a Western medical perspective. The place of acupuncture within the overall management of different neurological conditions is also discussed. Clinical reasoning options from both TCM and Western medical perspectives are provided, and illustrated by real cases from clinical practice forming a sound platform for true integrated medicine. - Fully evidence-based - Provides clinical reasoning options from TCM and Western medical perspectives - Illustrates clinical reasoning with real cases from clinical practice - Provides detailed examination of all major types of neurological conditions encountered in clinical practice.

This book offers pragmatic and clinically useful information for physicians seeking to integrate acupuncture into their medical practices. Beginning with the history and science of acupuncture. It is a guide through anatomy, physiology, pathology, examination and diagnosis, point location, and basic and advanced treatments. It includes proven techniques for treating musculoskeletal pain, migraines, gastrointestinal conditions, and substance abuse. The text also contains high quality photographs and illustrations for clear localization of channels and points. It is an ideal learning tool for practitioners looking to expand their practice or find a more versatile acupuncture approach.

Acupuncture has been practiced for more than 2500 years in the Western Pacific region and has become a global therapeutic method in recent decades. However, it was reported that acupuncturists differed by up to 25% in the acupuncture points they used, raising doubts and uncertainty regarding the efficacy and safety of acupuncture treatment, as well as causing difficulties in the fields of acupuncture research and education. Member States therefore increasingly began to demand standardization in acupuncture point locations. Responding to this request, the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office initiated a project to reach consensus on acupuncture point locations and thus convened 11 serial meetings resulting in these guidelines. This Standard acupuncture point locations in the Western Pacific Region stipulates the methodology for locating acupuncture points on the surface of the human body, as well as the locations of 361 acupuncture points. The Standard is applicable for teaching, research, clinical service, publication, and academic exchanges involving acupuncture.

Blending science and practice, this unique text and clinical manual simplifies acupuncture treatment for pain management and trauma rehabilitation for integration with conventional medical care.