ARRC* celebrated his 20th Symposium anniversary. The ARRC Conferences are perceived as one of the best research events in acupuncture, where the most importantant researchers meet.
- The opening speech was given by Hugh MacPherson who gave an overview of his own 20 years of involvement in acupuncture research. His PPT was created around a 10 learning step framework in which he sketched his own career. Never give up and design your studies as such that they to fulfill the needs of the communitiy were amongst those 10.
- Highlight of the day was the inspirational lecture of Robert Davis – Beyond Efficacy: Conducting and translating research for policy-makers considering acupuncture reimbursement in a small, rural US state. His lecture was also coloured by personal achievements in his attempt for recognition of the acupuncture profession. ( what he called was resembling a roller coaster: one step forward, half step back). Finally he reached in the state of Vermont recognition and support from the blue cross blue shield of Vermont. A Conference will be held in July 2019 in cooperation with the Society of Acupuncture Research.
Some pilot studies were presented:
- Lee Hullender Rubin: Acupuncture and TCM with IVF. Promising results for the elderly women (35-42yrs) with TCM during IVF assisted reproduction.
- Florian Beissner: A TCM-based psychotherapy with acupuncture for endometriosis. This pilot study showed a >50% decrease in painscores. It stresses the role of emotions in this condition.
On behalf of the ETCMA, JB held a 5 minutes presentation to set out the latest ETCMA news and stress the cooperation between ARRC and ETCMA.