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Related Experiment Video

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Alternative Therapy for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Moving Cupping Along Meridians

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Published on: September 27, 2024

Complementary and alternative medicine: between evidence and absurdity.

¹Peninsula Medical School, Universities of Exter and Plymouth, Exter, United Kingdom. Edzard.Ernst@pms.ac.uk

Perspectives in Biology and Medicine

|April 28, 2009

Summary

This study examines complementary/alternative medicine (CAM), highlighting its widespread use and the need to apply evidence-based medicine (EBM) principles. It critiques the challenges in evaluating CAM and the risks of "integrated" medicine replacing EBM.

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Last Updated: Jun 23, 2026

Alternative Therapy for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Moving Cupping Along Meridians

Alternative Therapy for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Moving Cupping Along Meridians

Published on: September 27, 2024

Area of Science:

Integrative medicine
Evidence-based medicine
Complementary and alternative medicine

Background:

Complementary/alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly prevalent.
Public understanding of CAM is often shaped by misconceptions.
The integration of CAM into mainstream healthcare requires critical evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

To analyze the position of CAM within the framework of evidence-based medicine (EBM).
To identify obstacles in applying EBM principles to CAM.
To differentiate between evidence-based CAM and unsubstantiated claims.

Main Methods:

Literature review and critical analysis of CAM practices.
Case study using acupuncture to illustrate EBM application.
Discussion of the challenges in evaluating CAM efficacy and safety.

Main Results:

CAM's current standing is often between scientific evidence and unsubstantiated claims.
Applying EBM to CAM faces significant methodological and conceptual hurdles.
Acupuncture serves as an example of CAM with a body of existing evidence.

Conclusions:

EBM principles are essential for evaluating CAM to avoid misinformation.
Distinguishing between evidence-based CAM and absurdity is crucial for responsible healthcare.
The proposed "integrated" medicine may pose a risk if it deviates from EBM standards.