Acupuncture in 2020: where do we go?

Recent studies in renowned medical centers have shown the importance of acupuncture as a cornerstone of Integrative Medicine. Therefore this ICMART-Congress 2011 focuses on selected topics regarding the strengths and opportunities, as well as weaknesses and threats of acupuncture treatment in this modern world.
The detailed programme is now available.
We hope acupuncture experts from of the whole world will gather in the Netherlands to present their experience on the chosen topics. After each topic there will be an opportunity for a discussion and brainstorm session where input of all participants will be of high importance in the final conclusion.

The aim of this ICMART Congress 2011 is to postulate a strategy of acupuncture research in the upcoming 10 years. This will allow us to make clear where acupuncture stands in the beginning of a new millennium and what will be the goals for the future. You find the outlines of the scientific programme here.

Strengths of Acupuncture: a call for clinical evidence

Acupuncture in pain management

Acupuncture for oncology related symptoms

Acupuncture for reducing stress and anxiety

Weakness of Acupuncture: a call for solutions and applications

Methodological issues in acupuncture research
Acupuncture and the placebo-effect studies
Acupuncture and point specificity studies
Little research on non-TCM acupuncture

Opportunities of Acupuncture: in search of public service and technical improvement

Cost effectiveness studies of acupuncture
Patient satisfaction studies of acupuncture
Specializations in disease and acupuncture
Studies on novel techniques in acupuncture

Threats for Acupuncture: anwers to perceived threats

Specific techniques (dry needling) into other disciplines
Old, aged philosophy
Dilution by non-scientific treatments

Future Perspective on Acupuncture: which paths to take

Directions of future research
Future clinical implications/practice
Political strategies and lobbying
Acupuncture education for medical students

Three or 4 abstracts will be presented in the parallel sessions in 60 minutes. Then 15 minutes of discussion will be held to explore the latest understanding on the specific topic.