Effect of electro-acupuncture on chronic painful conditions in general medical practice--a 4 years' study

A total of 204 consecutive, recalcitrant painful conditions were treated by electroacupuncture and closely observed up to 4 years in a group medical practice in Australia. The majority (151 cases or 74%) had enjoyed significant pain reduction well beyond 3 months. The causes of failure in the remainders were analysed and discussed. The encouraging overall results led to a renewed call for this mode of therapy to be used more widely as an adjunct in family medicine.