[Research in alternative medicine. What is documented, and what is documentation?]
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language
A study of the literature describing research on alternative medicine showed that, in general, the research was of poor quality. Any clinical effect of kinesiology had not been documented. Only few studies on reflexology had been controlled. Several controlled studies on healing showed significant effect, mainly in patients with psychosomatic disorders, or when the patient had great faith in the healer. Acupuncture seems to be effective against nausea, in patients with chronic pain and in patients who have had stroke. The data do not support the claim that acupuncture is effective for asthma or addiction. In the case of homeopathy the evidence from clinical trials is positive but not sufficient to draw a definite conclusion, for example, is it better than placebo? The majority of studies seems to disregard the principle of homeopathy, i.e. that the treatment should be individualised. Even if the documented effect of alternative medicine is not convincing, the effect is favourable empirically and may in itself be sufficient to give practitioners of alternative medicine an authorization. The term "alternative medicine" should be replaced by "complementary medicine".
Key Findings: what this systematic review found
- ✓Research on alternative medicine in the literature was generally of poor quality.
- ✓Only few studies on reflexology had been controlled, leaving its effectiveness inadequately documented.
- ✓Acupuncture demonstrated effectiveness against nausea and in patients with chronic pain or stroke, but not for asthma or addiction.
- ✓Homeopathy evidence from clinical trials is positive but insufficient to determine whether effects exceed placebo response.
What This Means for You
If you're considering reflexology, know that only a few controlled studies exist and the evidence is not yet strong enough to confirm it works better than placebo.
What This Means for Practitioners
Reflexologists should recognize that the field needs more rigorous, controlled research to build credibility and should consider supporting or participating in well-designed clinical trials.
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
If you're considering reflexology, know that only a few controlled studies exist and the evidence is not yet strong enough to confirm it works better than placebo.
What did this study find?
Research on alternative medicine in the literature was generally of poor quality. Only few studies on reflexology had been controlled, leaving its effectiveness inadequately documented. Acupuncture demonstrated effectiveness against nausea and in patients with chronic pain or stroke, but not for asthma or addiction.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a systematic review and we rate its evidence limited. It was published in Tidsskrift for den Norske laegeforening : tidsskrift for praktisk medicin, ny raekke. This study is indexed here for context; it did not test reflexology itself.
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