Background
In modern pain therapy, a more integral view on the patient has become prevalent. Interdisciplinary approaches for diagnosis and treatment have become established, especially regarding patients suffering from chronic pain. Besides the application of conventional pain medicine, alternative therapy options are being implemented. Here, especially acupuncture has become important since it emphasizes the unity of body, mind, and soul.
Aim
The historical evolution of the integration of acupuncture into pain therapy as well as the scientific knowledge regarding this therapeutic approach will be explained.
Methods
Extant literature about the development of pain therapy, acupuncture techniques, as well as results of basic research was interpreted in the context of daily clinical practice.
Results
Considering the changes that pain therapy experienced over the last century, the integration of acupuncture into increasingly important interdisciplinary treatment approaches appears almost as a logical consequence. The bio-psycho-social model representing the basis of modern pain therapy emphasizes the interrelation of pain syndromes and purely physical factors, the patient’s life situation, and social background, in the same way as done in acupuncture therapy. In this context, the development of western acupuncture styles besides the traditional Chinese techniques is of special interest.
Discussion
The summary of the historical and scientific background of acupuncture and pain medicine reveals that interdisciplinary therapy and, especially the integral point of view represent relatively new approaches. Thus, further progress in the treatment of chronic pain patients can be expected.