A Need for Needles

Acupuncture - Does it Really Work?

By Sarah G. Stonefoot, Clyde Freeman Herreid

Abstract

In this case study, students evaluate information about the use of acupuncture and consider the possibilities of alternative therapies while at the same time questioning their effectiveness. To complete the case, students collect information from Internet sources and journal publications from both a "pro" and "con" point of view, with an emphasis on carefully evaluating the credibility of the information they collect. The case would be suitable for introductory level courses in biology and science.

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Date Posted

06/28/2004

Overview

Objectives

To consider alternative medical therapies in general and acupuncture in particular.
To evaluate information and data to determine whether there is enough scientific evidence to conclude that acupuncture is an effective form of treatment.

Keywords

Acupuncture; alternative medicine; complementary medicine; pain management; electroacupuncture; qi; yin; yang; moxibustion; cupping; endorphin theory; gate-control theory; placebo effect; evidence based medicine; nervous system

Subject Headings

Biology (General)

Medicine (General)

Science (General)

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Scientific argumentation

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision, Discussion