Writing Acupuncture Case Reports: Theory and Practice

For centuries, case reports have been written to capture the realities of clinical practice. However, in recent years, with the advent of evidence-based medicine, case report writing has languished. Prioritizing evidence of large-scale clinical trials but neglecting insights gleaned from the clinical practice of traditional acupuncture may hold back its potential to address the needs of individual patients.

Writing Acupuncture Case Reports: Theory and Practice discusses the importance of writing acupuncture case reports for education, research, and practice. In addition to providing a step-by-step guide to writing a rigorous case report, this book outlines the benefits of case reports that extend beyond simply recording unusual clinical situations or warning of adverse effects.

Writing Acupuncture Case Reports: Theory and Practice shows how case reports can be used to individualize effective treatment based on traditional theory, demonstrate a particular approach to acupuncture, or illustrate ways to collaborate in integrative practice. A close look at case reports reveals them to be an overlooked yet valuable source of evidence for patient-centered care that can still greatly advance the practice of acupuncture.

Edward Chiu, LAc., DAOM has been teaching acupuncture case report writing for over ten years as a faculty member at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine (OCOM). He earned his undergraduate degree in biology at Harvard University with graduate coursework in science education. After earning his Master's in Acupuncture from the New England School of Acupuncture and his Doctorate in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (DAOM) from OCOM, he spent time in apprenticeships studying acupuncture in Taiwan and has also been involved in acupuncture research studies in the US at both Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Arizona. He has also served on the faculty at the National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), Yo San University of TCM, and the Academy of Chinese Culture and Health Sciences (ACCHS). With over two decades of private practice experience, he represents the third generation in his family to follow in the tradition of practicing Chinese medicine. From his experience teaching case report writing, he has authored the book Writing Acupuncture Case Reports: Theory and Practice, with additional resources for case writing at www.acupuncturecasereports.org.