Effects of Genuine vs Sham Acupuncture and Communication Type on Relaxation

acupuncture was administered (sharp needles diameter 0.25 x length 40 mm) bilaterally to the acupuncture point pericardium six (PC6) between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpii radialis at two body-inches (one body-inch approximately 1.5 cm) proximal to the wrist at 0.5 body-inch depth. The therapists manually manipulated the needles three times per treatment by rotating, thrusting or lifting the needles. When the participant reported a sense of numbness or soreness and the therapist noted a minimal muscular contraction around the needle.

"sham acupuncture was administrated (blunt needles diameter 0.25 x length 40 mm) bilaterally to a non-acupuncture point four body-inch proximal and one body-inch radial from the PC6 point, with the telescopic non-penetrating Park´s sham needle \[20\]. Park's credible needle looks identical to a real needle but glides upward into its handle, giving an illusion of penetration. A marking tube, identical for both acupuncture types, held the sham needle in place. The therapists manipulated the needles a few seconds three times per session until the needles touched the skin, but no needle sensation occurred, and then lifted the needles up from the skin."

"During the acupuncture treatment the therapist conveyed, at least three out of several positive statements, such as: Many acupuncture studies have shown excellent results concerning relaxation effects, Brain imaging studies show that acupuncture treatments affect areas that affect pulse, blood-pressure and muscle tension."

"During the acupuncture treatment the therapists conveyed, at least three out of several neutral statements, such as: During treatment you will just lie down and rest and I will not talk so much to you, We don´t really know if acupuncture is a good method for relaxation effects; thus we need to perform this study,"