Acupuncture trial at The Alfred

A trial to determine whether the ancient art of Chinese acupuncture has a place in western emergency medicine has begun at the Alfred Hospital.

The multi-centre trial, which started at the Northern Hospital, and also includes Epworth, is placing acupuncture squarely against pharmacological practices for the relief of acute pain.

The trial’s chief investigator and director of emergency services for Alfred Health De Villiers Smit said a third of the world’s population relied on acupuncture as the sole method of medical treatment.

‘While there’s some evidence that acupuncture can make a difference to those suffering post-surgical nausea, or chronic back pain, little has been published in relation to emergency medicine,’ Dr Smit said.

‘Anecdotal evidence suggests there has to be something in it but its efficacy in a western emergency department is yet to be satisfactorily measured.’

At The Alfred, patients presenting with three conditions are being enrolled into the trial – those with ankle sprains, acute back pain or acute migraine.

Participants are randomised into groups with some receiving acupuncture only.

Others are treated using standard pain relief (pharmacotherapy) or a combination of the two.

Dr Smit said there were many theories about how acupuncture might work as an analgesic but previous studies had indicated it promoted the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins into the body.

These acted as natural painkillers.

Chinese medicine practitioner Shefton Parker has joined The Alfred’s emergency department for the 18-month trial and is responsible for the delivery of the acupuncture treatments.

‘The Northern Hospital emergency department has been delivering acupuncture for a number of years and has enjoyed a positive response from both patients and staff,’ Mr Parker said.

The multi-centre trial is being funded by a $400,000 grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council.