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Ancient Remedies for Modern Lives

The large placebo effect observed in prior acupuncture trials presents a substantial challenge for interpretation of the efficacy of acupuncture. Researchers sought to evaluate the relationship between response expectancy, a key component of the placebo effect over time, and treatment outcome in real and sham electroacupuncture.  Conclusion: Expectations of positive outcomes may underlie the response to sham acupuncture, but not to electroacupuncture. Patients with low expectations for a positive outcome do better with electroacupuncture than sham acupuncture.

Read the study in the JNCI Monographs here.