Interesting discussion here regarding the efficacy of acupuncture. Acupuncture, like an other treatment modality, will not be efficacious for everyone. Placebo effect works in all forms of treatment, including surgery. Denying people a solution for their disease and/or pain because you happen to not believe in a treatment is arrogant and self-centered. If surgery works for you then do it, if getting in a sauna works, then do that, if sticking needles in acupuncture points works, then...leave people alone to do what works for them. What people need to understand is that healing/cure is not only physiology, but also the interaction of the patient with the treatment modality and healer. All of medicine is placebo on some level because medicine is a form of symbolic influence. A white coat can "cause" hypertension. In fact the bigger the pill, the more placebo. A shot has more of a placebo than a pill, and a surgery has more of a placebo effect than a shot....only if it means something to the patient. Take non-westernized person who has never been to a doctor before and give a shot for a cold and they would think the doctor is a quack. Take that same person and take them to their traditional healer for their cold and they'll feel and get better. The mind, feelings, beliefs will always have an influence in healing. This is why people are so passionate about their particular medical beliefs. Just know that even empirical rationalists are using their pre-determined beliefs when going to the doctor.
Comment Reply
Interesting discussion here regarding the efficacy of acupuncture. Acupuncture, like an other treatment modality, will not be efficacious for everyone. Placebo effect works in all forms of treatment, including surgery. Denying people a solution for their disease and/or pain because you happen to not believe in a treatment is arrogant and self-centered. If surgery works for you then do it, if getting in a sauna works, then do that, if sticking needles in acupuncture points works, then...leave people alone to do what works for them. What people need to understand is that healing/cure is not only physiology, but also the interaction of the patient with the treatment modality and healer. All of medicine is placebo on some level because medicine is a form of symbolic influence. A white coat can "cause" hypertension. In fact the bigger the pill, the more placebo. A shot has more of a placebo than a pill, and a surgery has more of a placebo effect than a shot....only if it means something to the patient. Take non-westernized person who has never been to a doctor before and give a shot for a cold and they would think the doctor is a quack. Take that same person and take them to their traditional healer for their cold and they'll feel and get better. The mind, feelings, beliefs will always have an influence in healing. This is why people are so passionate about their particular medical beliefs. Just know that even empirical rationalists are using their pre-determined beliefs when going to the doctor.
February 9, 2010 - 5:12pmThis Comment
Reply