Acupuncture Readiness Attitude Scale (ARAS): An Informal Screener for Patient Suitability for Acupuncture Treatment

Abstract

The Acupuncture Readiness Attitude (ARA) is a crucial component within the realm of acupuncture therapy. While the response expectancy of acupuncture - the anticipation of treatment effectiveness - is significant, the ARA plays a pivotal role. The ARA encompasses a patient’s willingness, openness, and readiness for acupuncture treatment, which can profoundly impact treatment outcomes. By prioritizing the ARA, acupuncture practitioners can enhance patient receptivity and ultimately contribute to the evolution of this ancient healing practice. This paper highlights the importance of considering the historical context in the development of acupuncture and stresses the requirement for a dedicated evaluator capable of assessing the ARA using an informal screener developed by the authors.