Acupuncture's pain relief tied to brain synchrony between patient and practitioner
NCT ID NCT02908022
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looks at how the brains of fibromyalgia patients and their acupuncturists work together during electroacupuncture treatment. Using special MRI scans that record both people at once, researchers hope to see if matching brain activity leads to better pain relief. The goal is to understand the social and psychological aspects of acupuncture, not to test a new drug or cure.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
electroacupuncture
What this could lead to
If successful, this could help explain how the patient-clinician interaction enhances acupuncture's pain-relieving effects.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study focused on brain mechanisms, not a treatment trial. Results may not lead to new therapies or apply to all patients.
Disclaimer
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the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging
Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States
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Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States