Why is woo sold as "mainstream?"

[longship]

102. I don't use invasive procedures with zero benefit beyond placebo.

So, no. I have never had acupuncture, nor would I as long as the science says what it does.

1. It doesn't matter where you put the needles. (Oopsie! So much for meridians and Xi, the basis for acupuncture.)

2. It doesn't even matter if you put needles in. (Placebo acupuncture.)

The effects are the same.

The acupuncture literature is a bit of a mess because one is actually doing something, sticking fucking needles into your flesh. But when evaluating it, as with all science, one must take the literature as a whole. The best designed studies, with the best blinding, will be the most accurate. Large studies are better than small ones.

When one evaluates it as a whole one sees that acupuncture is an invasive procedure not without risks, that has no medical benefit beyond placebo. That alone condemns it.

For Christ sakes, if you are going to practice placebo medicine, stick with homeopathy. At least that doesn't stick needles into your flesh. You're only drinking water, or a bit of potable alcohol, neither of which will do you harm.

No invasive medical procedure is without risk. Any MD would be honest with you about that -- that's the standard of care. Ask your acupuncturist about the risks. If she says none, she's either ignorant or outright lying.

I appreciate your respectful responses.

Best regards.