2008/04/29 by Derek Pyne, Nicholas Shenker · 1 citation
Medicine · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · Neuroscience · #Acupuncture Treatment Research Studies #Myofascial pain diagnosis and treatment #Pain Management and Placebo Effect
paper · pdf · doi:10.1093/rheumatology/ken161
openalex publication_date 2008/04/29 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29
Acupuncture refers to the insertion of fine needles into the body at specific points for a therapeutic effect. The term comes from the Latin words 'acus' (needle) and 'punctura' (to puncture). The technique has been practiced in the Far East for at least 3000 yrs but it is only in the last 30 yrs that interest has developed in the West underpinned by increasing scientific research. One of the main uses of acupuncture has been to treat musculoskeletal pain and this article will review the evidence base and outline the main theories of mechanisms of action.