Comparisons between body needle acupuncture, auricular acupuncture, and auricular magnet therapy

Abstract

No known research has investigated patients' attitudes toward different acupuncture techniques, including those that require less training to administer and potentially could be made more widely available in order to meet the growing demand for acupuncture. The aim of this study was to determine attitudes toward and expectations regarding three different types of acupuncture. The cohort included all patients (n=114) who received acupuncture treatment at the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center between May 2012 and May 2014. The patients were mailed questionnaires. Patients who agreed to be contacted by phone also participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. The respondents to the mailed surveys (n=72) varied in their demographics and attitudes toward experiences with different types of acupuncture. Of these, a subset of respondents also completed semi-structured telephone interviews (n=45). Thematic analysis of the data revealed three key themes, including (1) perceived time commitment versus return on investment; (2) anxiety, pain, and fear of needles; and (3) the importance of the patient/clinician relationship. Findings showed that the quality of the patient/clinician relationship was a critical factor that shaped the respondents' attitudes toward the different treatment options and also influenced satisfaction with treatment. Patients who were disinclined toward needles and those who wanted longer-lasting pain relief were more likely to endorse auricular magnet therapy.