More surgical "woo." Gynecological surgeons added this procedure to their repertoire

[pnwmom]

116. Yes, it has been shown to be more effective in many studies. And since it is so much safer than

drugs such as opioids, it is well worth trying -- according to reputable scientific researchers, who do not consider it "woo."

http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Mens_Health_Watch/2013/April/is-acupuncture-for-you

Science has put acupuncture to the test on a wide variety of conditions, including chronic pain. The results have been mixed. But a recent study in Archives of Internal Medicine added to the evidence that acupuncture provides real relief from common forms of pain.

The researchers pooled the results of 29 past studies involving nearly 18,000 participants. Overall, acupuncture relieved pain by about 50%, which is comparable to the relief that many people get from conventional care, such as pain medication. That means that if a man rated his pain at the start as 60 on a scale zero to 100, acupuncture dropped it to 30, compared with people who did not have acupuncture.

The study is not the last word on the issue, but it is one of the best quality studies to date and has made an impression. "The question here is whether acupuncture is worthwhile to try," says Dr. Donald Levy, medical director of the Osher Clinical Center at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital, where doctors combine conventional and alternative medical approaches. "I think there is evidence to support that recommendation."