However, I would caution that this is a bad idea. So, how can we decide whether acupuncture works or not? Some might argue that one just needs to try it and see for oneself. The combined effect of these phenomena is that the body of evidence supporting acupuncture is less than reliable. In addition, many acupuncture studies draw unwarrantedly positive conclusions on the basis of dodgy data. Several investigations have disclosed that, for a range of reasons, we should take these trials with a pinch of salt: they invariably report positive results, their results are often fabricated, and they are frequently generated by illegal paper-mills. The majority of all acupuncture studies originate from China. Yet, the question is, how reliable is this evidence? When trying to answer it, critical thinking is essential, and numerous caveats must be considered. It is therefore not difficult to find some evidence for even the most outlandish claims acupuncturists tend to make. Medline, the largest databank for medical papers currently lists more that 40,000 papers related to acupuncture. But where is the evidence for these claims? According to the traditional view, acupuncture is effective for virtually every condition affecting mankind, while ‘Western’ acupuncturists claim it works mostly for alleviating chronic pain. Both camps have in common that they are based on mere hypotheses trying to explain that acupuncture might work. Some therapists employ the traditional Chinese approach, while so-called ‘Western’ acupuncturists proudly claim to adhere to the principles of conventional medicine. Then there is body acupuncture, ear acupuncture, scalp acupuncture, and even tongue acupuncture. Acupuncture points can allegedly be ‘stimulated’ by sticking needles into the skin of a patient, by implanting tiny devices, by applying heat, electrical currents, ultrasound, pressure, bee-stings, injections, or light. The complexity starts with the fact that there is not one but many different forms of acupuncture. However, as so often in the realm of so-called alternative medicine (SCAM), things are not so simple. It has thus ‘stood the test of time’ and is beyond doubt or reproach… or at least, this is what its many enthusiasts tell us. Acupuncture is one of the oldest, most popular, and most-studied of all alternative therapies.
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