Billions around the world depend on acupuncture for their medical care, according to its

believers in the West.

It's ancient.

According to its believers in the West, it's been proven to treat and cure just about

anything, also according to its believers in the West.

But how much of what we think we know about acupuncture is true?

That's today on Skeptoid.

You're listening to Skeptoid.

I'm Craig Good from Skeptoid.com.

Acupuncture.

This ancient Chinese medical tradition stretches back over 3,000 years.

The wisdom of the ancients producing medically valid results even today.

As in antiquity, slender needles are inserted at precise meridian points on the body

and manipulated by a skilled practitioner.

Each acupuncture point relates to a specific organ or function in the body, and the practice

manipulates the body's energy or key to manage pain and treat a host of conditions, including

allergies, asthma, headaches, sciatica, insomnia, depression, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia,

constipation, and even sexual dysfunction.

Acupuncture is, in short, a venerable medical miracle.

Or is it?

Let's cast a skeptical eye at one of the most popular alternative medical modalities in

the modern world.

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