] The US National Institutes of Health study concludes
] acupuncture is an effective complement to standard care.

It is nice that NIH is putting money into demonstrating that acupuncture works in a way that is acceptable to the western medical community: large trials, like the way we actually understand drugs. Too many scientists get hung up on the mystic and uncertain aspects of acupuncture, and ignore the evidence that it seems to work. We seem to be ok with not really knowing how drugs (Vioxx, Celebrex anyone) work, but make a stink when something whose explanation is "Qi energy forces" asks to be considered legit.

BBC NEWS | Health | Acupuncture 'works for arthritis'