Training Videos - A 16-Year Retrospective Clinical Analysis
Presented by: Duncan Lawler Duration: 40 minutes
This retrospective clinical audit analyses 26,738 acupuncture sessions conducted between 2009 and 2025 across a rural Irish physiotherapy-acupuncture practice.
The study aimed to identify patient traits associated with strong therapeutic response. Two key predictors emerged: sensitivity to smell and red hair. Of 3,570 patients, 29% reported olfactory sensitivity and 32% had red hair. Notably, 93% of red-haired patients were sensitive to needling, and 83% were sensitive to smell. These traits correlated with heightened "De Qi" sensation and faster clinical improvement, suggesting a neurophysiological predisposition to acupuncture responsiveness.
The audit also revealed that clinician fatigue significantly increased adverse events, emphasizing the importance of workload management. Treatment protocols were adapted for sensitive patients—using smaller needles, reduced retention time, and avoiding electro-acupuncture.
The findings align with emerging research on the MC1R gene’s role in pain perception and the influence of cholecystokinin (CCK) in modulating acupuncture analgesia.
This audit underscores the value of personalized acupuncture approaches informed by sensory and genetic profiles.
Future directions include developing screening tools and tailored protocols to optimise outcomes. The study highlights how long-term clinical observation, combined with scientific inquiry, can refine therapeutic strategies and enhance patient care.