Perspectives on Integrative Medicine

Original Articles

Expectation and Perception of Satisfaction in Patients with Chronic or Acute Pain Treated with Acupuncture: A Secondary Analysis of 2 Randomized Controlled Trials: Vera Lucia Rasera Zotelli, Talita Bonato de Almeida, Ulysses de Toledo Monteiro, Victor Augusto Benedicto dos Santos, Maria Imaculada de Lima Montebelo, Maria da Luz Rosário de Sousa; Perspect Integr Med. 2026;5(2):97-107. Published online June 19, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2026.06.003

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
This study aimed to assess the influence of expectations on satisfaction and pain perception in individuals with chronic pain or acute pain who received acupuncture.
Methods
A secondary analysis of data from 2 randomized studies was performed. Study 1 included 40 patients with temporomandibular disorders and chronic pain who were assigned to either real or nonpenetrating (sham) acupuncture group. Study 2 involved 28 patients with pulpitis and acute pain, also randomized into a real or sham group. Expectations and satisfaction were assessed using the Likert scale, and pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
Results
For acupuncture treatment, expectations did not differ between chronic and acute pain (p = 0.097), but satisfaction was higher in individuals with acute pain [median (min-max): 3 (2-4)] compared with individuals with chronic pain [3 (0-4), p = 0.029]. The initial VAS score was greater in the acute pain [7.3 (5-10) versus chronic pain [5.5 (1-9), p = 0.020], whilst the final VAS score was similar [0.5 (0-10) vs. 1.5 (0-8), p = 0.959]. Pain reduction was larger for acute pain [5.3 (0.6-10)] compared with chronic pain [3 (0-7), p = 0.043]. In the placebo groups, expectations differed (higher expectations were observed in participants with chronic pain compared with acute pain; p = 0.034), but satisfaction did not (p = 0.559).
Conclusion
Patient expectations of acupuncture treatment influenced pain outcomes but not satisfaction. Acupuncture reduced pain in both chronic and acute conditions.

Anxiolytic Effect of Acupuncture Treatment for Anxiety Compared with Phytotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Brazil: Talita Bonato de Almeida, Maria Imaculada de Lima Montebelo, Godofredo Pignataro Neto, Maria da Luz Rosário de Sousa; Perspect Integr Med. 2026;5(1):43-51. Published online February 11, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2026.02.007

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF: Background
Anxiety is the most common psychological disturbance; therefore, safe, and effective therapeutic options are necessary for managing the associated symptoms. The aim of this study was to assess the anxiolytic effect of acupuncture, and phytotherapeutic Valerian officinalis in anxious patients.
Methods
The trial was a participant- and assessor-blinded, parallel clinical study with 64 anxious patients who were randomized into 4 study groups. All patients, upon attendance at the clinic, were asked to lie down and perform abdominal breathing. In total, the volunteers in Real Acupuncture Group received 5 sessions of acupuncture while those of the Placebo Acupuncture Group received no intervention. In total, the volunteers in Real Phytotherapy Group received 28 capsules of V. officinalis and the Placebo Phytotherapy Group, 28 inert capsules. Anxiety was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Ryodoraku and Bioelectrography were used for energy analysis.
Results
After 5 weeks, analysis of the Visual Analogue Scale scores, all groups achieved a statistically significant reduction in levels of anxiety and the Real Acupuncture showed a large effect. All groups showed a reduction in the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory score, with the sub-item, “State in Real Acupuncture” being important. Ryodoraku showed the electrical properties values of the skin and with Bioelectrography indicated generally low energy that decreased further following use of the therapies.
Conclusion
Acupuncture was effective in reducing patients' anxiety and had a larger effect size than V. officinalis, therefore it could be offered as an alternative treatment for anxiety management.

Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy and Photontherapy in Cervicobrachialgia: A Randomized Controlled Trial: Bianca dos Santos Bobadilha, Talita Bonato de Almeida, Maria Imaculada de Lima Montebello, Maria da Luz Rosário de Sousa; Perspect Integr Med. 2024;3(1):37-44. Published online February 22, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2024.02.005

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Graphical Abstract Abstract PDF

Background
Cervicobrachialgia is a painful condition commonly treated with medication and physiotherapy. The aim was to evaluate pain following electromagnetic and photontherapy, and examine patient energy profiles.
Methods
There were 48 patients experiencing pain [Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score ≥ 4] who were not receiving medication and physiotherapy and were randomized into Test Group (GT); electromagnetism using a Kenkobio device (intensity = 0.055 mT/frequency = 60 Hz) and photon therapy; a photon therapy blanket, and Placebo Group (GP); the Kenkobio device was turned off and the blanket was not used. Pain was assessed using the VAS, before, immediately after treatment, and the following day. Algometry was also carried out before and after the treatment to understand the pain threshold at bilateral acupoints GB20 and GB21. The energy profile was assessed using Ryodoraku measurements before and after the session.
Results
The GT achieved a greater reduction in pain the following day than GP. Both groups were equal for left GB20 and right GB21 points considering algometry and, after the intervention, a reduction in pain in the GT was noticed only in the left GB20 (CI [95%]: 0.09-0.99, p = 0.019). The average energy level was low and dropped further following treatment. Furthermore, energy from the Large Intestine Meridian tended towards balance in the GT compared with the GP [CI (95%): 0.58-15.75, p = 0.035]. No adverse effects were reported.
Conclusion
The combined use of electromagnetic and photontherapy were effective in reducing pain in patients and promoted energy rebalancing.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Anxiolytic Effect of Acupuncture Treatment for Anxiety Compared with Phytotherapy: A Randomized Clinical Trial in Brazil
Talita Bonato de Almeida, Maria Imaculada de Lima Montebelo, Godofredo Pignataro Neto, Maria da Luz Rosário de Sousa
Perspectives on Integrative Medicine.2026; 5(1): 43. CrossRef

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