What is Evidence-Based Acupuncture? A Comparative Review of Traditional Acupuncture and Korean Hand Acupuncture Therapy

Abstract

Background: Physicians and scientists strive for evidence-based acupuncture study, but this is not a simple task. There are many issues that arise when integrating acupuncture into practice and research. This is because research often does not demonstrate well-defined concepts of the role of acupuncture. Many studies also have virtually no diagnostic and therapeutic methods based on standardized principles and theories. Therefore, many controversies regarding the efficacy of acupuncture have been raised in the literature, which has caused confusion.Objective: This review highlights the importance of well-interpreted principles and theories that could be possible solutions for these issues. The circulation of Blood should be at the core of acupuncture study. Methods: The definition and roles of acupuncture and its principles and theories were investigated. Korean Hand Acupuncture Therapy (Koryo Hand Therapy, KHT), using thermography, transcranial Doppler imaging, and functional magnetic resonance imaging were studied. Anterior and posterior blood circulation of the brain were explored to discover the mechanisms underlying KHT. Conclusions: It is essential to investigate acupuncture closely, using scientific methods, to learn how and where it has been used so that this discipline can be integrated into modern medical treatment.