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 Read more

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.

fibromyalgia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging

    Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States

  • Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

    Charlestown, Massachusetts, 02129, United States