Acupuncture Research: Strategies for Establishing an Evidence Base

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.

"This book is relevant to those who require an overview of the many aspects of acupuncture research as well as those who wishe to explore the complexitites of ‘evidence’ and the risks and benefits of a scientific approach in depth. In conclusion, it is a timely book and essential reading for all those involved in acupuncture research." David Mayor, Dragons Tale

"There is something for every acupuncturist in this book. For practitioners looking to improve their own clinical practice, examples of research are provided that may inspire you to contribute to patient-cantered research. For students and educational institutions this books will provide a valuable resource. It will also encourage those interested in initiating a career in research. To the educationalist it offers practical examples and guidelines on how acupuncture schools can make a significant contribution to acupuncture research by undertaking important preliminary studies. To the experienced researcher the book provides a valuable resource, providing an overview of acupuncture research." Australian Journal of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine. 2008, Volume 3, Issue 3 "The books will certainly be a valuable reference for researchers who are looking for a current overview of the state of acupuncture research. It will perhaps be even more valuable for teachers, students and practitioners of acupuncture, as it provides a clear roadmap to the many different techniques and perspectives necessary to take an idea born in the clinic and develop it into a coherent research theme that will be of value to the profession as a whole." Journal of Chinese Medicine, Number 86, February 2008

"The publication of Acupuncture Research confronts the key issues that arise in the evaluation of the clinical practice of Acupuncture...This landmark text responds to the critics of Chinese Medicine who accuse us of a return to superstition and unreason." Network Review, Winter 2008

"Acupuncture Research is welcome not only because it ofers such easy reading while engaging the reader's total interest, but also because it manages to offer the struggling clinician, eager to make sense of acupuncture intervention and clinical effectiveness, a lifeline." AACP, 2008