Analgesic Effects of Acupuncture on the Pain of Ice Water: A Double-Blind Study

Anderson, D.G.

Jamieson, J.L.

Man, S.C.

Canadian journal of psychology

1974

28(2)

239-244

RCT

Pain

Rct

Healthy Subjects

Anesthesia and Analgesia

Acu Versus > 1 Control

TCM Acupuncture Style

Fixed Acupuncture Protocol

Restricted Modalities, Acupuncture Only

Sham Control

Penetrating Sham

Standard Needling Depth

Near Verum Acupoint Control

No Treatment Control

Analgesic effects of acupuncture were demonstrated under double blind conditions. Thirty female subjects were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture condition or one of two placebo conditions, and then tested on the same standardized pain task (immersion of hand in ice water). The acupuncture group's pain ratings were sig-nificantly lower than the ratings of the placebo groups. These results support the position that acupuncture analgesia has a physiological basis, and is not simply due to suggestion.

Date of Input: 4/2/2015; Date Modified: 5/7/2015; Availability: --In File--; Priority: Normal; Anesthesia and Analgesia; 1. Lakehead University 2. Victoria Hospital, Winnipeg

Healthy Subjects

<1/WK

30

1 Day