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?








This Study is Lousy
That may be true, but . . .
Great argument, this is such an exciting topic!
Dr. Novella, it would be great to get a list of the studies are referring to. Do you mean that every single one is either poorly designed or fails to show efficacy? Do you recommend that these studies stop, or just that certain acupuncture techniques should not be used unless they have shown efficacy?
Mr. Reddy, do you have a list of more than just one study that you think is not only well designed, but also shows efficacy in a certain condition?
From a layman's perspective, I believe Mr. Reddy is right about Dr. Novella's logic. To refute the statement "Clinical Trials show that Acupuncture Doesn't Work", only one study showing efficacy is required.
If you Dr. Novella means something else, then I suggest he restates.
Otherwise, the statement, "Clinical Trials Show that Pharmaceuticals Don't Work," is supported by compiling all the literature, where one finds the overwhelming majority of clinical trials examing pharmaceutical therapies fail to show significant efficacy.
I believe both of you, but I am not clear of the argument. I think this topic is well deserved and look forward to discussing it more!
- Captain Awesome
June 12, 2009 5:01PM
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