Does Acupuncture Work?

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This argument shows very poor scientific reasoning. Arguments concerning mechanism of action and efficacy are mixed together in a confusing way. The lack of a plausible mechanism makes acupuncture very suspect, and raises the bar for an appropriate level of evidence before accepting acupuncture as a treatment. But the clinical evidence of acupuncture stands on its own – and is convincingly negative.

Bill Reddy gives us his anecdotal experience (combined with an argument from authority logical fallacy) and cherry-picked studies to support his claims for acupuncture effectiveness in fertility. However, systematic reviews of the evidence are negative. Most recently, this review of acupuncture for fertility rates following IVF was completely negative. (A systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture in in vitro fertilisation. BJOG. 2008 Sep;115(10):1203-13. Epub 2008 Jul 23.)

In response to this study, Paul Robin, the chairman of the Acupuncture Society, said:

“I’m really surprised by these findings. I’ve been treating people for 20 years and in my experience treatment does seem to improve their chances of becoming pregnant. This study has shown that there’s no proof that acupuncture can help - so that suggests that there should be lots more studies to examine the question. I’m convinced it can help.”

Robin shows the closed-mindedness of dedicated proponents. He is perplexed that the scientific evidence does not support his personal anecdotal experience, and concludes that therefore we need more evidence. Rather he should conclude that anecdotal experience is unreliable – something the scientific community has learned long ago.

Bill concludes with the argument that because there is a great deal of research going on there must be something to acupuncture, but this is a flawed argument ad populi. The research reflects cultural interest and belief, not necessarily scientific validity. If you actually review that research, as many have, it is clearly negative.