Time Magazine Alternative Medicine Issue: Acupuncture IV

 

I thought this was an interesting way to evaluate recent literature compiled by Mark C. Lee from the Mayo Clinic.  Here is the 5 point scale the helpfulness of the acupuncture and the strength of the evidence
Pain Management: 5 for helpfulness, 5 for evidence for back pain, neck pain, arthritis pain, migraines, menstrual cramps, and carpal tunnel
Mental Health: 4 for helpfulness, 3 for evidence for anxiety, stress and insomnia but not so much for depression
Addiction: 3 for helpfulness, 3 for evidence  for auricular for cigarettes, alcohol and other drugs
Gastrointestinal Disorders: 5 for helpfulness, 4 for evidence for nausea and constipation
Respiratory Disorders: 2 for helfulness, 1 for evidence  sinusitis, sore throat, hay fever, common cold (Of course, since my own allergies went away with acupuncture, I dispute this evaluation, the problem with anecdotal evidence..)