Has acupuncture or cupping been proven to work?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Identity
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Work
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the efficacy of acupuncture and cupping, with varying opinions on their effectiveness. Some participants argue that the benefits are largely due to the placebo effect and endorphin release, providing temporary relief rather than curing illnesses. Others contend that acupuncture has been shown to have long-lasting effects on certain chronic pain conditions, suggesting it activates the body's natural pain-relief systems. Critics highlight that studies often show no significant difference between real and sham acupuncture, indicating that perceived benefits may stem from placebo responses rather than any physiological changes. The conversation also touches on the historical context of traditional medicine, questioning the validity of ancient practices like acupuncture and the theories behind them, while acknowledging that some herbal remedies may have legitimate medicinal properties. Overall, the debate reflects a tension between traditional beliefs and modern scientific scrutiny, with calls for more rigorous research to substantiate claims made about these practices.
  • #31


I really get sick of the bad name herbal medicine gets. Most modern pharmaceuticals have herbal/natural roots. Yes we refine them and concentrate them, but that doesn't make the original substance worthless or a sham. If a plant was found tomorrow that could cure cancer when eaten it would be claimed as a sham right up until its refined form was patented.

As for the burden of proof and scams, sure nobody is going to make enough money on these things to pay for irrefutable studies. Sure there are scam artists out there who sell vitamins and make outrageous claims. There are also scam artists who sell pills for outrageous prices with the claim that they will fix everything. We call them pharmaceutical corporations.

As for acupuncture, I have no direct experience but I will admit the plausibility of a working connection. I still have no clue why my sinuses clear up when I do yoga, but it works. There are so many things we still don't know.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Acupuncture and the Placebo Effect
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Unofficial, broadcaster-specific World Cup sponsors
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
Vintage Cups: Find Your Unique Piece Today
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
998
Anyone notice that the World Cup ball is a Pyritohedron?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
I Has superdeterminism been proven recently?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Expressions of the form *full, e.g. cupful, bag full, screenfull
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
2018 [+2022 update] Football World Cup: Russia
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
5K
How Do Players Cheat in Chess?
  • · Replies 42 ·
2
Replies
42
Views
5K
Is Drinking Hot Tea from Plastic Cups Unsafe Due to Chemical Leaching?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Help needed on mass-energy equivalence
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
836