SIG LEADERS:
Rick Harris; Simone Ormsby, Hongjin Li, Lixing Lao
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SAR’s Basic Science SIG was set up to bring together a group of SAR members that have a special interest in exploring basic scientific research evaluations of the mechanistic effects of acupuncture. Typical studies evaluated include clinical assessments incorporating biomechanistic outcomes, as well as research in animal models that explore needling and moxibustion effects; of which examples are published bi-monthly in the ‘SAR News Wire’. This ‘bottom-up’ research approach has the potential to provide quantifiable, and scientifically validated evidence to support the benefits of acupuncture, in a format that is understandable to the integrative health research community.
Why is this important? As clinicians, educators, researchers and allied health professionals, we’ve all been asked those difficult questions… “so does acupuncture really work?”, and “how does acupuncture work exactly”? Whilst these questions are still difficult to answer, more and more, basic scientific evaluations are providing additional evidence to support a broad range of potential beneficial effects to numerous bodily systems, including the neuro-immuno-endocrine system. By having knowledge of the outcomes of these evaluations, not only does it provide us with a better ability to more accurately answer these questions, it also has the potential to further elevate the international standing of acupuncture.
What are our aims moving forward? At the upcoming conference, we wish to reengage existing members, as well as attract new members, in order to discuss ideas around the potential aims and directions of the group moving forward. Possibilities for consideration include: regular bi-monthly get togethers to share findings from research articles of interest; collaboration on projects such as the setting up of a database of point specific effects, and the collation of mechanistic findings with respect to TEAM pattern differentiation and disease classifications. Other ideas are however also actively encouraged!
SAR Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are open to SAR members. To join this SIG and participate in group discussions and initiatives, join SAR and then join the SIG from within your member profile. In the "Your Website Functions" section, select "Interests." Select a SIG and click "Save." You will automatically be added to the associated online Discussion Forum and may also change discussion forum preferences from within your member profile.