Placebo Analgesia, Acupuncture and Sham Surgery
2011
Understanding Placebo Analgesia in Acupuncture and Sham Surgery
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Tao Liu, Cui-ping Yu
Primary Institution: University of Jilin
Hypothesis
Invasive procedures, such as surgery and acupuncture, are likely better than others in eliciting placebo analgesia.
Conclusion
Invasive procedures like acupuncture and sham surgery can produce clinically relevant placebo analgesia by manipulating sensory, cognitive, and emotional factors.
Supporting Evidence
- Placebo analgesia varies greatly across clinical and experimental contexts.
- Expectations for reduced pain trigger placebo analgesia.
- Sham surgery can be as effective as real procedures in improving pain.
Takeaway
This study shows that treatments like acupuncture can help reduce pain not just because of the needles, but also because of how people feel and think about the treatment.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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