Acupuncture analgesia in China

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pain Management
• Acupuncture Research

Background:

• A delegation of Canadian anaesthetists observed surgical and dental procedures using acupuncture analgesia in China.
• Acupuncture analgesia was utilized with varying confidence and techniques across different hospitals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To observe and evaluate the application and effectiveness of acupuncture analgesia in surgical and dental settings in China.
• To understand the techniques, patient preparation, and perceived outcomes of acupuncture analgesia.

Main Methods:

• Observation of 87 surgical and 19 dental operations utilizing acupuncture analgesia.
• Documentation of needling techniques (body, ear, nose, para-incisional), electrical stimulation use, and patient responses.
• Assessment of analgesia adequacy, post-operative effects, and surgeon/patient adaptation.

Main Results:

• Adequate analgesia was achieved in 80% of observed cases.
• Techniques varied, including body needling, ear needling, and para-incisional needles, with or without electrical stimulation.
• Post-operative analgesia was present, but challenges included inadequate visceral pain suppression and muscle relaxation.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture analgesia is considered a viable alternative to regional anesthesia in China, requiring patient cooperation and surgeon adaptation.
• Despite its effectiveness in many cases, limitations exist, suggesting a limited scope for its practice in the author's context.
• Further investigation into acupuncture analgesia is recommended for a better understanding of nervous system function.