Does Acupuncture Work?

Does Acupuncture Work?

Do you suffer from chronic pain? Maybe acupuncture is just what the doctor ordered. Millions of people say that acupuncture has alleviated their suffering and boosted their bodies, but others insist that it's more rooted in belief than scientific fact. Is acupuncture really the cure for what ails you, or does it only turn you into a human pincushion?

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Regarding Argument
Acupuncture Lacks a Plausible Mechanism
- From Steven Novella MD
No Side
By Steven Novella, MD - New England Skeptical Society

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  • thoughtcounts Z
    Good point

    Very well said. It's certainly not enough for acupuncture advocates to say, "Acupuncture works because I feel better now." There has to be a clearly articulated and substantiated way in which acupuncture causes them to feel better. There also have to be clear definitions rather than ever-moving goalposts for what constitutes proof of effectiveness.

    What does Bill Reddy think about the role of chi in acupuncture? Is his definition the same as yours?

    - thoughtcounts ZUS September 4, 2008 12:01PM

    Reply to this Recommend (0) Icon flag Side: No

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Regarding Objection
According to NIH, Acupuncture HAS Plausible Mechanisms
- From Bill Reddy
Yes Side
By Bill Reddy - American Association of Acupuncture...

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Regarding Response
Non Specific Effects Don't Count
- From Steven Novella MD
No Side
By Steven Novella, MD - New England Skeptical Society

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Spotlight

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  • Steven Novella MD
    Dr. Novella is an academic clinical neurologist at Yale University School of Medicine. He is the president and co-founder of the New England Skeptical Society.... More

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