Acupuncture Research: Strategies for Building an Evidence Base
edited by Hugh MacPherson, Richard Hammerschlag,
George Lewith and Rosa Schnyer

This is the first book to set out a full range of research strategies for evaluating the clinical practice of acupuncture.
Leading acupuncturists and researchers with international reputations share their expertise. They illustrate their descriptions with practical examples of what has worked and what has not.
The book outlines many of the key challenges in the field. These challenges relate to the nature of acupuncture and the gap between current research evidence and the actual experiences of acupuncturists in the field.
By focusing the chapters on key research questions, rather than methods, the book has a user-friendly feel. Each chapter is easily accessible with brief explanations of research designs as well as vignettes of relevant past research.
The book is based on a deep understanding of acupuncture, with its inherent complexity in practice, whether based on traditional principles or more modern concepts. By incorporating a more sophisticated understanding of the field, this book details a range of strategies aiming to develop the evidence base with the utmost rigour. It is the first book on acupuncture research to take this unique view, integrating the very best of evidence-based medicine with a genuine sensitivity to the discipline of acupuncture, from its traditional and holistic roots to its more modern interpretations.
From the Foreword:
Leading acupuncturists and researchers with international reputations share their expertise. They illustrate their descriptions with practical examples of what has worked and what has not.
The book outlines many of the key challenges in the field. These challenges relate to the nature of acupuncture and the gap between current research evidence and the actual experiences of acupuncturists in the field.
By focusing the chapters on key research questions, rather than methods, the book has a user-friendly feel. Each chapter is easily accessible with brief explanations of research designs as well as vignettes of relevant past research.
The book is based on a deep understanding of acupuncture, with its inherent complexity in practice, whether based on traditional principles or more modern concepts. By incorporating a more sophisticated understanding of the field, this book details a range of strategies aiming to develop the evidence base with the utmost rigour. It is the first book on acupuncture research to take this unique view, integrating the very best of evidence-based medicine with a genuine sensitivity to the discipline of acupuncture, from its traditional and holistic roots to its more modern interpretations.
From the Foreword:
'…The dialogue that Acupuncture Research initiates will clearly benefit all practitioners – East and West -- and has the potential to enrich both. Discoveries, new awareness and sensibility await the results of research and the give-and-take of opinions and perspectives. This volume only increases the debt of appreciation all readers already have for the bravery of these pioneering authors.’
Ted J. Kaptchuk, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
Editors: This book was edited by Hugh MacPherson, Senior Research Fellow, Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK; Richard Hammerschlag, Dean of Research, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, Portland, Oregon, USA; George Lewith, Reader and Honorary Consultant Physician, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; and N. Schnyer, Research Associate, Osher Institute, Harvard Medical School.
Review: "The book led me to reflect on my own research strategies and how I can contribute to this body of knowledge; it enthused me to generate research ideas for students, practitioner research, student clinic, and my own research areas." Dr Caroline Smith, AJACM, 2008; 3(2): 35.