title: Acupuncture in primary care.
abstract: Acupuncture, an ancient traditional Chinese medical therapy, is used widely around the world. When practiced by a certified provider, it is safe and patients often find it calming and relaxing. Animal and human studies have found a physiologic basis for acupuncture needling in that it affects the complex central and peripheral neurohormonal network. Although it is unclear whether acupuncture is beneficial over sham/placebo acupuncture, acupuncture care yields clinically relevant short- and long-term benefits for low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, chronic neck pain, and headache. The integration of acupuncture into a primary care setting also appears to be cost-effective. The practice of acupuncture in primary care requires rigorous training, financial discipline, and good communication skills. When done correctly, acupuncture is beneficial for both patients and providers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Pennsylvania, 2 Gates Building, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. maoj@uphs.upenn.edu
authors.forename: Jun J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Mao
authors.forename: Rahul
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kapur
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D002983:Clinical Competence; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006261:Headache / Q000628:therapy; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D055048:Integrative Medicine; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional; D009135:Muscular Diseases / Q000628:therapy; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000628:therapy; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000628:therapy; D059408:Pain Management