Research Seminar Series

To educate the public, the research department sponsors lectures on important topics and developments in acupuncture research.

All presentations are free and take place at NESA in classroom one. NESA alumni and faculty receive one free CAE for each talk, except as indicated below. The spring 2010 schedule is listed below.

Cost Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes of Acupuncture Treatment: Preliminary Report on a Three-Year Pilot Study with a Large Managed Care Organization in Boston

Beth Sommers, MPH, LicAc & Kristen Porter, MAc, LicAc

Monday, February 22 at 2:30 pm

250 patients were referred to receive acupuncture for one of five approved conditions: pain, headache, carpal tunnel syndrome, menopausal or menstrual symptoms, and chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. Up to 20 acupuncture treatments were provided to each individual with no required out-of-pocket payment. Our evaluation assesses clinical outcomes as well as economic indicators such as per-member-per-month cost outcomes, which reflect use of pharmaceuticals, hospitalizations, and emergency room visits.

Beth Sommers is Research Director, Pathways to Wellness/AIDS Care Project. Kristen Porter is with the Executive Office of Health & Human Services, Board of Medicine, Committee on Acupuncture and an Assistant Professor at NESA.

Use of Acupuncture in a Large Inner City Municipal Hospital: Results of a Patient Satisfaction Survey

Ellen Highfield, LicAc, DiplAc (NCCAOM)

Monday, March 15 at 2:30 pm

Yoga, Ayurveda and Weight Loss: State of the Research and Where Do We Go From Here?

Tosca Braun, RYT-200

Monday, March 22 at 2:30 pm

Obesity is one of the fastest growing health issues in the nation today. Recently, scientists have become interested in how CAM modalities, particularly yoga practice, can produce positive changes in overweight and obese individuals. While preliminary evidence is supportive, still more research is needed to understand how these ancient practices can support healthier living. Come learn why yoga and Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga practice, may be so effective, and directions for future research in the field.

Acupuncture with Relaxation Response: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Bei-Hung Chang, ScD

Monday, March 29 at 2:30 pm

Dr. Chang will present study findings from two randomized trials. One study compares acupuncture and the relaxation response for reducing craving and anwiety levels of homeless veterans recovering from substance use disorders. The other study evaluates the combined effects of acupuncture and the relaxation response for improving quality of life of HIV/AIDS patients.

Dr. Chang has been engaged in complementary and alternative medicine research in the area of mind-body-spirit connection and acupuncture for more than ten years. She initiated the innovative research of combining acupuncture and the relaxation response for disease management. Dr. Chang has received federal funding for conducting randomized controlled trials in this area of research.

Dr. Chang is Associate Professor in the Health Policy and Management Department, Boston University School of Public Health

Electrical Characterization of Acupuncture Points and Meridians

Jan Cutro

Monday, April 5 at 2:30 pm

An Overview of the Electrical Investigation of Acupuncture, Acupuncture Points and Acupuncture Meridians

Keith Spaulding

Monday, April 12 at 2:30 pm