Clinical applications of acupuncture: an overview of the evidence.

This presentation provides an overview of studies that are of sound methodological quality and that contribute to the understanding of acupuncture. It is difficult to design an appropriate control group for acupuncture because acupuncture is an invasive, physical modality. No single control group can answer all of the research questions. Therefore, many types of control groups, each with advantages and disadvantages, have been used, depending on the specific questions being asked. Examples are taken from the different categories of control groups (e.g., acupuncture versus standard medical care). A model for future acupuncture research, which is simultaneously comprehensive and cost effective, is described.