The placebo effects of acupuncture and moxibustion / 中国针灸

ABSTRACT

The role of placebo effect in acupuncture and moxibustion efficacy was explored. Through the analysis of multiple factors including trust, expectation, understanding, doctor-patient relationship and social cultural environment, etc. in the literature at home and abroad, it was found the placebo effects, including patient's cognition, expectation, attention, preference and communication with doctor as well as doctor's suggestion, expectation and indirect regulation of diagnosis and treatment environment on patient's psychology, were essential factors for acupuncture efficacy. Therefore, it was concluded that the placebo effect was an inseparable part of acupuncture efficacy.