title: [Acupuncture-analgesia/anesthesia: placebo for physician and patient?].
abstract: Various non-pharmacological analgesic procedures are attracting interest as a means of treating chronic pain (acupuncture, transcutaneous nerve stimulation, dorsal column stimulation, subcortical stimulation). The gate-control theory and activation of endorphin mechanisms are discussed as explanatory hypotheses for the analgesic effect. The proof of analgesic action in addition to the ever-present placebo effect is difficult. However, in unconscious, superficially anesthetized patients undergoing hysterectomy an analgesic effect of electrostimulation has been demonstrated which resulted in a significant reduction in the need for additional anesthetics. Speculation regarding the future of this method is premature in view of many unanswered questions.
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000698:Analgesia; D002681:China; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D004723:Endorphins / Q000502:physiology; D005060:Europe; D006801:Humans; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D004723:Endorphins; D009609:Nitrous Oxide
vernacular_title: Akupunktur-Analgesie/Anästhesie: Placebo für Arzt und Patient?