Table 3 Systematic reviews of clinical trials of acupuncture & acupressure in various conditions

Park 2000

tinnitus

sham, other

6 RCT

2 unblinded studies positive whereas 4

No evidence from rigorous RCT that

[48]

treatment

blinded studies showed no significant effects

acupuncture has specific effects in

of acupunct.

the treatment of tinnitus

Dobie 99 ^*

tinnitus

sham, other

6 RCT

No significant effects shown. Patients in

No specific conclusions for

[49]

treatment

cross-over studies tend to prefer

acupuncture drawn (generally: no

acupuncture

treatment well established)

Ernst 97 [50]

weight or

sham

4 RCT

Two studies positive effect mainly on

Claims that acupuncture reduces

appetite

appetite, two studies (better quality) negative

weight or appetite not based on well-

reduction

performed clinical trials

Ernst 96 [51]

stroke

no

5 RCT, 1

All trials suggest positive effects on

Evidence encouraging but not

rehabilitatio

treatment

CCT

functional recovery; numerous

compelling

n

(routine

methodological problems

only)

Harris 97

various

sham,

23 clinical

P6 acupressure effective for nausea, other

No clear conclusion beyond results

(only acu-

other, no

studies

research scarce and low quality

drawn

pressure)

treatment

[52]

Rosted 98

dentistry

sham,

15 RCT

Most studies with relevant methodological

The value of acupuncture as an

[53]

(mainly

other, no

problems. 11 of 15 trials with positive results

analgesic must be questioned due to

temporoma

treatment

problems in the trials. But the effect

ndibular

in temporomandibular dysfunction

dysfunction

and facial pain seems real

)