this post was submitted on 20 Jul 2026
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The skepticism toward acupuncture is that not only the location where the needle is inserted doesn't matter. It doesn't matter if inserting needle at all, ie it's no better than sham acupuncture. This looks like the placebo effect.
A 2009 study found it's no better than poking patients gently with toothpicks. But still still conclude acupuncture is (more) effective. That's misleading. https://www.respectfulinsolence.com/2009/05/13/another-acupuncture-study-misinterpreted/
Would be curious to read if there was a review that does a deep dive in to see what today's best evidence show, given randomization and blinded controls.