[Reflections into the latent contradictions between the "placebo" concept and traditional Chinese medicine].

The correspondence of modern western medicine efficacy research basis and traditional Chinese medicine are discussed through analysis of differences in treatment pattern that modern western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine are based on. At the same time, the true meaning of "placebo" concept is re-analyzed and the latent contradiction of this concept when applied to traditional Chinese medicine studies is given in-depth reflection. It turns out that conflicts exist in treatment pattern between the two medicine theories and efficacy research basis of the two medicine theories lack correspondence. The "placebo" and "placebo effect" concepts have a different meaning when applied to traditional Chinese medicine. The "placebo" concept is applicable to just a small field of modern western medicine experimental studies. The research results and conclusions drawn from traditional Chinese medicine studies based on this concept should be given the necessary discretion and criticism.
PMID: 23713322