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?
Bill Reddy asserts that the WHO and NCCAM in 1983 have reviewed the evidence and support acupuncture as safe and effective for a number of medical conditions, but this assertion is simply wrong. Bill does not provide a specific reference or any quotes.
One reason to doubt the claim is that the NCCAM did not exist in 1983. It began its existence as the Office of Alternative Medicine in 1993.
The WHO had this to say about acupuncture in 2002 (see the link below for a full report ):
"Since the methodology of clinical research on acupuncture is still under debate, it is very difficult to evaluate acupuncture practice by any generally accepted measure."
and
"Only national health authorities can determine the diseases, symptoms and conditions for which acupuncture treatment can be recommended."
Finally, reviews of the acupuncture literature performed by scientists and academics, rather than political organizations, have consistently found that there is no compelling evidence that acupuncture is effective for any condition.
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